A global comparison of the conventional production system with the MDI concept, based on the same amount of vehicles manufactured annually, provides the following results when the MDI’s concept is used:
- 1/3 of the land surface is necessary.
- 1/4 of a conventional assembly factory.
- 1/5 of the total investment.
- 30% more employees necessary.
Important dates in MDI:
| 1996 |
Compressed Air engines (1st generation) |
| 1998 |
First cars (Green Taxi) |
| 1999 |
“MDIs Industrial concept” |
| 2000 |
Move to CARROS |
| 2001 |
Dual-energy technology - “stop and go” piston |
| 2002 |
Presentation of the MiniCATs at the‘Mondial de l’auto’ |
| 2003 |
New thermodynamic cycle (active chamber) |
| 2005 |
Creation of the “cold combustion” cycle. |
| 2006 |
Move to the model plant in CARROS |
| 2007 |
Signature of the TATA Motors agreement – Development of the OneCATS |
| 2008 |
New mdi.lu website and Renaming of CATs to FlowAir |
| 2008 |
Development of the AirPod, OneFlowAir and preparation of the Model factory |
| 2009 |
Launching of the AirPod |
| 2010 |
Launching of the OneFlowAir |
Background
MDI is a project initiated and directed by Guy Negre the CEO of the company. This mechanical engineer started his career with research on engines’ efficiency.
Among his numerous creations, we particularly remember a rotary distribution device for a R8 GORDINI which produced 152 HP at 11 000 rpm, his light aircraft engines (SACMA) and also the development of a 3.5 liter W 12 engine, for Formula 1 races in the 80s. Throughout his career Guy Negre, has designed nearly one hundred engines.
Having in mind the protection of the planet, Guy Negre has then concentrated his efforts towards the development of zero pollution engines and created MDI in 1991.
The aims of this company are to promote and develop ecological energies; conceive and produce non-pollutant vehicles and systems.
Its study office develops new technologies and innovative production methods.
MDI is the owner of numerous patents pertaining to the improvement of its compressed air engines and their technical environment; these patents are protected in 127 countries.
Fifty engineers and technicians work on the compressed air vehicles with the support of TATA Motors, the exclusive licensee for MDI’s technologies in India since 2007.
The agreement provides that TATA will support the technologies final development and optimization for their use in India.
In the rest of the world MDI follows its business model, i.e. the sales of zone licenses and turnkey factories for the manufacturing and commercialization of its products.
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