The Power Behind Jaguar's Stunning CX 75 was Uncovered by Their Open Innovation Experts - IXC UK

BIRMINGHAM, England, November 8, 2010 - Since the 1950s, the automotive industry has dabbled with gas turbine
engines for vehicles because the technology is simpler, requires fewer parts,
can run on a variety of fuels - including natural gas and bio-fuels - and,
most importantly, is a low emission power source. However, until the
unveiling of the C-X75 at the recent Paris Motor Show it seemed that they
would never be a match for the internal combustion engine.

Jaguar had recognised the technology had strong potential as a
complementary technology for their electric vehicle research, and asked Open
Innovation experts the InnovationXchange network (IXC UK) to find
manufacturers of novel gas turbines small enough to be used in a car - micro
gas turbines.

IXC UK set to work interrogating their networks to find suitable
companies around the globe. However, ultimately the solution was found to be
close to home in the form of a small Staffordshire-based company called
Bladon Jets.

IXC UK's Innovation Intermediaries recognised that Bladon's innovative
patented technology offered unique advantages and arranged a confidential
meeting between the start-up and the automotive legend, ensuring a "safe"
environment for a full discussion. It was immediately clear that there was a
strong "fit" - both in terms of technology and culture, and compelling
reasons to work together.

The meeting helped Bladon Jets accelerate past the milestones set out in
their business plan by a good 12 months, and Jaguar had finally found the
technology they were looking for, giving them the magic combination of power,
reduced weight and lower emissions.

However, there were further barriers to cross: Bladon Jets' turbines
could achieve speeds of up to 80,000 rpm, but they needed a manufacturer of
equally high speed generators make the micro-jet turbine a practical option.

SR Drives were already known to IXC's network and, due diligence
complete, IXC recommended them as a strong candidate.

This three-part consortium received a seven-figure sum from the
Technology Strategy Board to help develop the world's first commercially
viable and environmentally friendly gas-turbine-driven car.

This led to the unveiling of much lauded Jaguar's C-X75, and to
investment in Bladon Jets by Jaguar's parent company, the Tata Group.

Helped by companies like IXC UK, Open Innovation is clearly alive and
well and pushing - sometimes accelerating - companies past new horizons.

www.ixc-uk.com

    Howard Farbrother PhD MBA
    IXC Intermediary
    t: +44(0)121-414-8777 (head office)
    e: news@ixc-uk.com

Howard Farbrother PhD MBA: IXC Intermediary, t: +44(0)121-414-8777 (head office), e: news at ixc-uk.com