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 Leading automotive supplier Visteon Corporation is one of the contribu-tors to the Tata Nano. Visteon supplies supplies the audio system that can be outfitted by the dealer, as well as a lightweight air intake manifold designed to offer quiet performance for the 2-cylinder Nano.
The Nano’s innovative audio system is based on Visteon’s well-received “Tiger” radio platform and was developed jointly by the Visteon Technical Service Center in Chennai, India, and the Visteon China Technical Center in Shanghai, China. Helping to reduce development time while providing flexibility that allows audio features to be scaled to different applications, the audio system on the Nano features a customized bezel with a highly integrated human machine interface (HMI) and an innovative mounting system to meet the vehicle’s unique requirements. The accessory audio system provides a range of in-car audio entertainment solutions and comes with customized speakers and a radio antenna. Four variants of the audio system are available to meet different needs of Nano owners – from AM/FM radio with auxiliary input to a more sophisticated system including CD player, USB port and Bluetooth wireless technology capability.
The Bluetooth feature allows the driver to wirelessly connect a mobile phone for in-vehicle, hands-free communication and to stream music directly from the mobile phone to the vehicle audio system. The system’s auxiliary and USB ports allow the user to connect a USB flash drive or MP3 player for use in the vehicle. Visteon partnered with Nippon Audiotronix, a well-known company in the Indian automotive audio market, for marketing, sales, distribution and service support of the Tata-branded audio system throughout India. The audio system is currently available to order at Tata Motors dealerships across India.
 Visteon also supplies the Nano’s engine air intake manifold, designed to evenly distribute the fuel-air combustion mixture to each intake port in the cylinder head. The air intake manifold, which is made from a plastic material, was engineered by TACO Visteon Engineering (TVEC) and is manufactured by Tata Visteon Automotive (TVAP), both joint ventures between Visteon and Tata AutoComp Systems Limited. Using plastic instead of traditional aluminum in the air intake manifold generates a 35 percent weight reduction. Comparatively, this product yields superior performance by ensuring consistent air delivery to the engine. The acoustic performance is also improved with lower inlet orifice noise, vehicle interior noise and vehicle ‘drive-by’ noise levels.
Sums up Steve Meszaros, president of Visteon’s electronics and interiors groups, “We are proud to support Tata’s breakthrough initiative to offer the most affordable vehicle in the world. In supporting the Nano, we applied our expertise in supplying the low-cost and small car segments while leveraging our extensive global footprint to exceed our customers’ expectation.”
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