Horiba Automotive Test Systems, a Japan-based supplier in the fields of engine, driveline, brake and emissions test systems, has agreed to acquire FuelCon, a German manufacturer of R&D and end-of-line test beds and turnkey solutions for EV battery and fuel cell applications.

For the Horiba group, this acquisition represents a move to increase its presence in the vehicle electrification market, and will allow it to provide a comprehensive suite of test and development solutions across battery and fuel cell life cycles. For FuelCon, which works with OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers and research laboratories, joining the Horiba group will allow it to respond to the need for increasingly complex development and validation solutions, and to harness Horiba’s extensive international network.

“We are witnessing the continued electrification of transport with a mix of pure EV and complex hybrid solutions,” said Horiba Executive VP Dr. George Gillespie. “Horiba needed to find a suitable industry leader who offered a range of technical solutions that complement our existing automotive test systems business and our position of global leadership in emissions measurement. In FuelCon we have found the perfect partner.”

“With FuelCon’s range of products and their applications expertise, we will now be able to offer an increasingly comprehensive suite of test and validation solutions for a full range of automotive propulsion technologies moving from combustion engines to electrified powertrains,” said Horiba Europe COO Robert Plank. “By bringing FuelCon into the Horiba group of companies and developing their Magdeburg [Germany] facility as our global center of competence for fuel cell and battery test systems, we take another step in future-proofing our automotive business.”

Source: Horiba Automotive Test Systems