HORSE Powertrain Limited is set to make a bold leap in the automotive manufacturing landscape with its latest investment at the Curitiba plant in Brazil. In a strategic move to localise supply chains and boost production efficiency, the company will introduce a state-of-the-art cylinder head production line using the highly efficient gravity-casting process. This €32.8 million investment underlines HORSE’s commitment to innovative, low-emission powertrain technologies and the sustainable future of automotive manufacturing.
The new facility will focus on casting aluminium cylinder heads for HORSE’s turbo flex fuel HR10 and HR13 engines, which are tailored specifically for the South American market. These engines, running on both gasoline and ethanol, are designed to meet the growing demand for flex fuel vehicles in Latin America. Production is expected to begin by the end of 2024, with the new line reaching full capacity by October 2026. Once operational, the Curitiba plant will produce 210,000 cylinder heads annually and create 60 new jobs.
Energy-Efficient Gravity Casting: A First for HORSE
Curitiba’s new production line will pioneer HORSE’s global adoption of gravity casting for cylinder heads. Unlike traditional methods, gravity casting allows for the creation of parts with superior mechanical and material performance, enhancing the overall efficiency of the engines. Antonio Vaz, Chief Process Engineering Officer at HORSE, highlighted the significance of this process, saying:
“By investing over €30 million in cylinder head production at Curitiba, we’re further localising the supply chain for some of our most valuable engines for the South American market. This new line also pioneers some of the most energy-efficient casting methods in the industry, with zero waste to landfill. It signals our commitment to South America and to next-generation processes at scale.”
One of the key innovations at the facility will be its zero-waste policy. The use of sustainably sourced inorganic sand in the gravity-casting process ensures that all production waste can be re-processed and recycled, eliminating the need for landfill. This commitment to sustainability aligns with HORSE’s broader environmental goals, making the Curitiba plant a model for future automotive production.
Localising Engine Production for the South American Market
The new facility will produce cylinder heads for HORSE’s HR10 and HR13 turbo petrol engines, both of which are integral to the company’s strategy in Latin America. These engines boast advanced features such as delta-shaped cylinder heads that improve thermal management, lower the engine’s centre of gravity, and enhance turbo response. Exhaust manifolds are cast directly into the head, enabling faster acceleration and superior low-speed torque—attributes particularly prized in the flex fuel market.
The Curitiba plant will play a pivotal role in the local production of these engines, ensuring that key components such as cylinder heads are sourced and manufactured domestically. This marks a significant step in HORSE’s efforts to streamline its supply chain and reduce reliance on imported parts.
Wesley Palma, Operations Director at HORSE Curitiba, spoke about the broader implications of this investment:
“This investment recognises Brazil’s ever-growing importance to HORSE and the global automotive industry. Building on our previous investments to produce the HR10 engine in Brazil, this new initiative will further localise production for both our HR10 and HR13 engines with domestically cast cylinder heads. This will help us streamline our supply chain and further reinforce Brazil’s role as a critical hub for automotive innovation.”
Strengthening HORSE’s Global Leadership in Powertrain Innovation
With its 17 plants and five R&D centres around the world, HORSE Powertrain Limited has built a reputation as a leader in high-performance, low-emission powertrain solutions. The company’s latest investment in Curitiba not only reinforces its commitment to sustainability but also highlights the importance of Brazil as a key player in the future of automotive manufacturing.
As HORSE continues to push the boundaries of powertrain innovation, its focus on energy-efficient, sustainable production methods positions it at the forefront of the industry’s transformation. The investment in Curitiba is a testament to the company’s vision of combining cutting-edge technology with localised manufacturing to meet the growing demand for flex fuel vehicles in South America.
With the new gravity-casting line set to be fully operational by 2026, HORSE is well-positioned to solidify its leadership in the automotive market, driving both innovation and environmental responsibility in equal measure.
