Ricardo Plc engages in the provision of engineering, technical, environmental, and strategic consultancy services. It operates through the following segments: Energy and Environment (EE), Rail, Automotive and Industrial-Established, Automotive and Industrial-Emerging, Defense, and Performance Products (PP). The EE segment offers environmental consultancy services to customers across the world. The Rail segment includes two separate operations: a consultancy unit that provides technical advice and engineering services, and a separately operated entity, Ricardo Certification, that performs accredited assurance services. The Automotive and Industrial-Established segment focuses on the engineering, strategic consulting, and design, development and testing services, focused on the design, building and testing of conventional powertrains. The Automotive and Industrial-Emerging segment refers to the power electronic systems and propulsion systems, software and digital technologies. The Defense segment consists of engineering services, software and products to customers in the US defence market, aimed at protecting life and improving the operation, maintenance and support of complex systems. The PP segment assembles and develops niche, components, prototypes and complex products, including engines, transmissions, and other precision and performance critical products. The company was founded by Harry Ricardo in 1915 and is headquartered in Shoreham-by-Sea, the United Kingdom.