Ricardo boosted by military demands

AUTOMOTIVE consultancy firm Ricardo has predicted a "solid performance" in 2006 after events in Iraq boosted demand for new military vehicle designs. Despite being hit by a slowdown in the European car market, the firm, based in Sussex, said a resurgence in the American military market had provided it with a "more balanced business". Ricardo offers engineering solutions and business strategies to commercial, military and private automotive companies around the world.

Chief executive Dave Shemmans said it was trading in line with expectations because of demand in "next generation" military vehicles from North America.