| Mahindra Tractors Implements Bharat IIIA Norms |
| Mahindra & Mahindra’s Farm Equipment Sector (FES) has introduced a range of tractor brands with the Bharat (Trem) Stage IIIA emission norms compliant engines. Firdt tratctor company to do so in India according to sources close to M&M, the BSIIIA emission norms are in alignment with the European Stage III A norms and are applicable based on the HP category of tractors. The new emission norms have been enforced to create an eco-friendly environment by reducing vehicle pollution.
Currently, the Bharat (TREM) Stage IIIA emission norms are applicable in domestic market. From 1st October, 2010, Bharat (TREM) Stage IIIA norms will be applicable for engines that fall in less than 50hp Category. The subject norm is equivalent to Euro Stage III A.
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| Diesel Corolla |
| Toyota Kirloskar Motors has introduced a diesel variant of the Corolla. Called Corolla Altis Diesel, the car features a newly developed 1.4-litre in-line, 4-cylinder D-4D Common Rail Diesel Engine that generates a peak power of 88.4 PS and a peak torque of 205 Nm. Toyota’s D-4D technology also used in the Innova, Fortuner, Prado and Land Cruiser 200 has earned a reputation the world-over for its high quality, durability and reliability. The D-4D engine in the Corolla Altis is complemented by a 6-speed manual transmission − a ‘first-in-segment’ offering − to provide flat torque that would mean lesser gear shifting, leading to better fuel efficiency.
The Corolla Altis diesel gets a differentiating sporty mesh grille, better aerodynamic characteristics, and the lowest NVH and best ground clearance in its segment. The Corolla Altis diesel comes in three manual transmission grades D-4D J, D-4D G and D-4D GL with competitive price tags between Rs.10,95,000 lakhs and Rs.13,75,000 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi.
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| Nissan in China gets dry separation from Dürr |
German company Dürr is the general contractor in building a new paint shop for bumpers at the Nissan, Huadu facility in southern China. The contract awarded by Dong Feng Nissan is a further demonstration of Dürr’s well established position in the Chinese market and is, in fact, the second bumper paint line for Dürr at that location.
Dürr is responsible for the planning through the installation and commissioning for this line. The highlight is the EcoDryScrubber, the new system for dry separation of wet paint overspray. This is already the 25th application of the EcoDryScrubber. The dry separation system from Dürr has already come into operation in 12 paint shops on four continents. Nissan is also convinced of the benefits of this simple and robust technology in terms of its energy efficiency, cost savings and environmental friendliness.
In Huadu, twelve Dürr type EcoRP L033 painting robots provide paint application in three zones: primer, base coat and clear coat. The paint spraying is done with the EcoBell2 HX rotation atomizer. Nissan is minimising its ecological footprint with exhaust air purification from Dürr. The regenerative thermal oxidation (RTO) used here is characterized by superior clean gas values with minimal use of primary energy and low operating costs.
Nissan awarded this third painting line for bumpers in Huadu to Dürr based on good experiences with the second line. The line is designed for a production volume of 240,000 sets of bumpers per year. The plant should start operations in October 2011. With this expansion of its manufacturing Nissan is accommodating the Chinese market’s growing demand.
Dürr is a mechanical and plant engineering group that holds leading positions in the world market in its areas of operation. It generates about 80% of its sales in business with the automotive industry. It furthermore supplies the aircraft, machinery, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries with innovative production and environmental technology. The Dürr Group operates in the market with two divisions. The Paint and Assembly Systems division supplies production and painting technology, especially for car bodies. Machinery and systems from the Measuring and Process Systems division are used in engine and transmission manufacturing and in final vehicle assembly, among other areas.
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| More Power to the Pulsar 135 |
| Bajaj Auto has introduced a powerful version of its Pulsar 135. Called the Pulsar 135 LS, the motorcycle appears sportier than the conventional model, and is laced with a half chain cover and an O-ring sealed chain for lower maintenance. The motorcycle is priced at Rs. 53,000/- ex-showroom Delhi.
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| Chevrolet Launches CNG Aveo |
| General Motors India has launched the CNG version of its Chevrolet Aveo mid-size sedan. A bi-fuel vehicle with a full-size petrol tank, the Aveo CNG offers approximately 57 percent lower than a similar vehicle powered by petrol and 25 percent lower than a similar vehicle powered by diesel. Under normal driving conditions, the Aveo CNG has a range of 180 to 200 kilometres on a full tank of CNG and is BS IV compliant according to President and Managing Director Karl Slym.
Equipped with next-generation computer-controlled CNG injection technology from Italy, the Aveo CNG incorporates CNG injectors, selector switch, modified wiring and suspension. The body is reinforced to carry the additional mass of the cylinder. Also, to ensure utmost reliability, the 1.4-litre VGIS (Variable Geometry Intake System) petrol engine employs hardened valve seats and anodized pistons.
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| Shell Helix Offers a Driving Day with Ferrari |
Shell Lubricants for the third consecutive year gives a golden opportunity to its consumers to visit Maranello (Italy), the home of Ferrari with Shell Helix Motor Oils. The offer is available to few of those who buy a pack of Shell Helix Ultra (4L) or Shell Helix HX5 (3L/3.5L), and will get the chance to race around Ferrari’s famous test track, experience the exhilaration of a Ferrari road car, and go behind the scenes at the home of Ferrari with Shell Helix.
A select group of winners will be flown to the famous town of Maranello, home to Ferrari, in November 2010 to take part in an exclusive driving day with Ferrari. A two day event, the winners will get an exclusive look behind the scenes of the Ferrari GT factory where Shell engineers work hand-in-hand with their counterparts at Ferrari to develop the latest engine lubricants that help to clean and protect the engine of each car that drives off the production line.
The lucky winners will also get a tour of the Sporting Department where the team makes the world-famous Formula One cars.
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| Micra from Nissan |
Nissan Motor India has launched the Micra small car in India. Slotted in the B-segment, the car, measuring 3780mm in length, 1665mm in width and 1530mm in height, and flaunting a above average wheelbase of 2450mm has been fine-tuned to meet the different tastes and needs of customers in both developed markets and emerging markets like India, the Micra is termed as reliable, stylish, safe and eco-friendly according to sources at Nissan.
While efforts by Nissan’s Global Production Engineering Centre make the (fourth generation) Micra the lightest (at 905kgs for XE) in its segment without sacrificing sturdiness, the balance between weight and sturdiness was achieved in numerous ways by reducing number of components and using newer manufacturing and material processing techniques. One of the three models based on the V-Platform by Nissan, the Micra is expected to address the need of a roomy, compact and light weight automobile that was designed for global application and deep localisation in mind.
Designed and tested in Japan and manufactured locally in India at Renault-Nissan alliance's brand new plant near Chennai set up with an investment of Rs. 4500 crores, the Micra, other than India is expected to be made at five locations acros sthe world, and is thus Nissan's global car that would also be sold in advanced markets such as Europe, Middle East, and Africa among other countries. Featuring intelligent key plus immobilizer, a push-button engine start-stop system and electric foldable mirror, a unique feature is the intelligent multi-display meter, which supplies drivers with real time fuel economy information, cruising range and outside temperature. The driver power window is fitted with ‘one touch up/down’ feature along with a pinch guard. Special attention has been paid to use of materials on the instrumental panel by using Micro-grain technology.
This reduces the plasticky feeling and improves productivity by ensuring quality and finish for visual and tactile appeal. Safety is dialed-in by a structure that contains sophisticated crumple zones and a highly reinforced body shell.
All the variants are equipped with a driver airbag. The top-end variant is equipped with driver and front passenger airbag, anti-lock braking system, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist. Power comes from an all-new HR12, 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine with DOHC. Power is rated at 76ps @ 6000 rpm, while torque output is 104Nm @ 4000 rpm. Transmission is a 5-speed manual unit with wide gear coverage. The Micra is priced at a highly competitive Rs3.98 lakhs ex-showroom Delhi, for the base model.
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| Powerful Punto from Fiat |
| Fiat India has launched a powerful version of its Grande Punto. The car is powered by a 1.3-litre Multijet diesel engine that propduces 90bhp instead of the earlier 76bhp. The increase in power was helped by installing a variable geometry turbocharger. Torque has gone up to 209Nm, and without sacrificing efficiency.
Featuring dual stage airbags, ABS with EBD, auto climate control, Blue & Me technology and integrated CD/MP3 player with USB, alloy wheels with the widest tyres (in the category), chrome plated door handles, swanky red stitching on the seats, and a host of other exciting and new age features, the 90bhp Punto is priced at Rs 6.79 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi). For those who want added individuality, Fiat offers a a special accessory pack for the new car.
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| Volkswagen Unveils the Vento |
| Volkswagen has unvceiled the Vento sedan in India. Based on the Polo platform, the Vento is made alongside the Polo and Fabia at Volkswagen's plant at Chakan near Pune. The car, available in petrol and diesel, is powered by a 1.6 litre petrol engine with an output of 105 PS @ 5250 rpm and a Torque of 153NM @ 3800 rpm. The diesel variant is also equipped with the 1.6 litre engine with an output of 105 PS @ 4400 rpm and a Torque of 250 NM @ 1500-2500 rpm. Available in two trim levels including Trendline and Highline, the petrol variant is paired with a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic gear box and the diesel variant is paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox.
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| Continental‘s Start-stop Systems for Ultra-compact Cars |
To help achieve quick and efficient reductions in consumption and therefore also pollution emissions, Continental offers affordable start-stop systems for ultra-compact cars. The strategy, backed by booming sales of compact cars in developing markets like India, is expected to play n important role in shaping these global megatrends of environmental and low-cost vehicles. The Interior division of the German supplier has developed a new control unit for this purpose. The control unit makes it possible for vehicle manufacturers to offer even models in the ultra-compact category with an automatic start-stop system within very short development time. When the vehicle is at a standstill, for example in a traffic jam or at traffic lights, the engine is automatically switched off and then restarted within a few fractions of a second when the driver wants to move off again. As a result, Continental expects everyday fuel consumption in major cities to be reduced by as much as 15 percent.
At the core of the affordable start-stop systems is the new engine start-stop (ESS) control unit which groups together all the relevant functions. It is based on the Basic Function Controller presented in May 2008, and makes it possible to switch off the engine automatically even in cars that do not have elaborate engine control units or data networks. To do this, all that is needed is the start-stop control unit itself, an intelligent battery sensor (IBS) as well as a signal from the clutch and gearbox to ensure that the engine is only switched off when idling and is restarted in just a few fractions of a second when the clutch pedal is pressed. For vehicles with convenience electronics that draw power.
Continental also offers a DC/DC converter in order to balancing voltage dips from occurring when the engine is started: infotainment systems such as the radio, satellite navigation or instrumentation can therefore continue to operate without disruptions. One particular advantage of the Continental solution is its short development time. All relevant functions are combined in a single control unit, so there is no need to modify the engine ECU or gearbox ECU. This reduces complexity and makes it possible to start series production sooner.
The new control unit is going to enter series production in 2010 at its first Asian vehicle manufacturer. As well as the speed and flexibility of adaptation, Continental can provide the expertise for corresponding display systems, because of its position as a leading company in automotive instrumentation. Practical experience has shown that start-stop systems can achieve their full savings potential especially when the driver is informed quickly and clearly about the operating phases that are involved.
Despite the fact that the new ESS control unit can be adapted to different vehicle models at short notice, and has been designed above all for use in cars in the lower price segments, the driver will not notice any difference between it and comparable systems in higher category models: the levels of comfort, functional reliability and the potential for fuel savings are identical. Therefore, the engine start-stop control unit from Continental is not just for developing countries. After all, the new system from Continental can also be quickly and cost-effectively integrated into compact cars or low-cost, large volume models from vehicle manufacturers in Europe and the USA.
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| New FlexPower from Banner Engineering |
A combination of low-power sensors, long-lasting batteries, solar panels and wireless I/O devices from Banner Engineering allows wireless operation of a wide range of applications. The new FlexPower system supports years of reliable monitoring and control functions in difficult to wire situations. The no-wire solution is designed for applications where wired power is either not available or impractical. Power is generated by lithium D cell batteries or a solar collector and rechargeable battery combination that requires an average of only two hours of sunlight per day to power a 4-20ma loop. FlexPower provides reliable, autonomous power sufficient to operate a wide range of sensors and the remote node of Banner’s DX80 industrial wireless network.
Applications for wireless sensing and control include agriculture (irrigation control), to monitor temperature of motor bearings, to monitor steam power plant valve temperatures, pump and flow control, perimeter guarding, tank level monitoring, rotating machinery for auto and other industries, landfill leachate pump counting, material handling, Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) control, vehicle detection and more. By powering both sensing and communication functions, the modules eliminate need for any wiring to the installation.
The DX80 Wireless Network includes up to 56 remote nodes connecting to a central gateway. The gateway provides Modbus connectivity to PLC or other control units. Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) technology and Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) control architecture combine to ensure reliable data delivery within the unlicensed Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band. Additional data radio units can be installed as repeaters to extend transmission range up to 3 km per radio hop using 2.4GHz DX80 devices.
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| Aggreko Charges Up Amara Raja Batteries |
| Aggreko has provided an 11 MW power package for Amara Raja Batteries Limited (ARBL) to ensure continued production during a series of scheduled power outages. ARBL faced 15 days of power losses from the grid between March and May. As one of the largest battery manufacturers on the Indian oceanic rim, 15 days of production losses would have made a significant negative impact on profits. In addition, the threat of additional unplanned outages meant that ARBL required immediate emergency stand-by power that would be available 24/7.
In 2009, ARBL had contracted four rental power companies to supply 10 MW of power during similar power outages, of which 4 MW was supplied by Aggreko. In February 2010, ARBL put out a tender to find a sole supplier for an 11 MW rental power package. Based upon the excellent service Aggreko had provided in 2009, ARBL awarded Aggreko the exclusive contract to supply 11 MW of power to three of ARBL’s business units. Aggreko’s rapid response capability was proven when the project was installed and commissioned within just six days of the contract award. The installation of the turn-key power package provided ARBL with a continuous power supply during the scheduled power outages and ensured that the company was able to sustain production levels.
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| Mercedes Benz Expands Footprint in Kolkata |
| Mercedes Benz has opened a new, hi-tech dealership in Kolkatta. Called Interkrafts, the dealer has a showroom spread across an area of over 6700 sq. ft. Created with an with an investment of Rs1.5 crores, the dealership offers drive-in valet service, luxurious customer lounge, Cafe Mercedes along a wide range of vehicles on display. The accessories and wheel configurator, engaging audio-visual presentation, boutique collection and special play area for children are further highlights of the new facility. To offer enriched purchase and ownership experience, Interkrafts has 33 dedicated and trained personnel to cater to sales, after-sales and service in Kolkata. Spread across an area of over 7000 sq. ft., the workshop was set up with an investment of approximately Rs 1 Crore.
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| NAG Guide to Solving Optimisation Problems |
| Worldwide automotive engineers involved in powertrain, fuel system and hybrid re-designs can get easy to follow step-by-step instructions on how to select the best-suited local or global optimization routines, from the Numerical Algorithms Group (NAG) Library, by making use of the Decision Trees for optimization. NAG, a not-for-profit numerical software development organization, devotes significant R&D resources to continually advance methods for solving optimization problems and similar computational challenges. The NAG Decision Trees are part of the documentation for one of the most rigorously tested and documented sets of optimization routines and other mathematical and statistical algorithms in the world, collected into the Numerical Algorithms Group Library. The NAG Library of routines, including the optimization chapters, can be called from diverse environments such as C++, Fortran, MATLAB and R.
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| Volkswagen 1.4-L Engine Bags Intl Award |
| Volkswagen’s outstanding 1.4-litre TSI Twincharger engine has secured overall honors at the International Engine of the Year Awards 2010. The powerful yet diminutive engine, which won the overall Awards’ title for the first time last year, boasts almost 180bhp despite its small capacity, thanks to the intelligent use of both a turbocharger and a supercharger.
The engine is now a popular choice for customers across much of the VW model range, including the Golf, Scirocco, Eos and Tiguan ranges; it is also found in the Seat Ibiza Cupra derivative. Of the 66 new engines to come to market over the past year, it was Fiat’s 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo engine that impressed the judging panel the most, the unit being named New Engine of the Year 2010. This innovative Italian powerplant, which uses an extremely advanced valvetrain to boost performance and yet save fuel, is currently used to great effect in the Alfa Romeo Mito and Giulietta ranges.
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| Certification Course on Automotive Painting |
Automobiles are becoming more complex and more expensive; therefore, consumers are demanding longer life from automobiles to offset this higher cost. It becomes important for automobile manufacturers and its ancillaries to increase the level of corrosion resistance of component systems of new automobiles. Paints and powder coatings play a significant role in protecting valuable products from corrosion. Significant savings in cost and increase in life of the product can be achieved with right selection of paints and coatings.
To create awareness about corrosion protection through paints and powder coatings and to enlighten working professionals in the automotive Industry with the insights of paints and powder coatings, CII – L M Thapar Centre for Competitiveness is organising 3 Days Certification training course on “ Paints and Powder Coatings” from July 19-21, 2010 in Pune.
(For registration and other details, contact: Ms Anju Mehra, CII – L M Thapar Centre For Competitiveness. Mobile: 098187-07687).
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| Audi Begins Assembly of Q5 in India |
Audi has started assembly of the Q5 model in Aurangabad. In the future, up to 1,500 units of the Q5 will run off the assembly line each year for the Indian market. The sporty SUV is the third Audi model after the A4 and A6 to be produced in India, increasing the production volume of the company with the four rings in India this year to more than 2,400 units, compared with 732 vehicles in the preceding year. Altogether Audi has produced around 2,000 cars in India since the start of production in September 2007. By 2015 up to 6,000 units will be rolling off the line each year.
“The production of the Q5 is part of our long-term growth strategy in India,” says Frank Dreves, Audi Board Member for Production: “The Indian market for automobiles will grow very rapidly, and the Q5 is the right automobile at the right time.” Final assembly of the Audi Q5 takes place in five work cycles on two assembly lines alongside the A4 and A6 at the Volkswagen Group’s Aurangabad plant.
Last year also saw Audi significantly expand its line-up of engines for the models produced at the Aurangabad site: The Audi A6 sedan has been available with a 3.0 TFSI gasoline engine since March 2009, and before then customers could already choose between the 2.8 FSI, the 2.7 TDI and the 3.0 TDI. In July, an entry-level version of the A4 sedan with a 1.8 litre TFSI engine was introduced. It rounds out the previous engine line-up, which for the A4 also includes a 2.0 TDI and a 2.0 TFSI unit. Audi is currently offering the Q5 with a 2.0 TFSI and the 3.0 TDI engines. Further efficient engines will follow shortly.
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| TKAP to Produce Engines and Transmissions for Toyota Etios |
Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has announced that Toyota Kirloskar Auto Parts Pvt Ltd (TKAP) – a joint venture between Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), Toyota Industries and Kirloskar Group – will produce engines and transmissions for the Toyota Etios. The Etios concept was showcased early this year at the Delhi Auto Expo. The Etios will be produced in TKM’s second plant, with an initial capacity of 70,000 units. The production of the vehicle, developed exclusively for the Indian market, is scheduled to begin in late 2010.
At TKAP, approximately 100,000 engines will be produced per year starting in the third quarter of 2012 and approximately 240,000 transmissions per year starting in early 2013. The new production at the plant represents an investment of approximately Rs 5 billion. The plant will employ approximately 500 new employees.
TKAP currently produces manual transmissions for the "Fortuner" manufactured in India, Thailand and Argentina. It also produces axles and propeller shafts for the "Innova", manufactured in India. Production of engines and transmissions for the Etios will further localize parts production.
Commenting on the occasion Mr Nakagawa, MD, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “The Etios has been designed specifically for the Indian market. The domestic production of engines and transmission will enable us to provide the best quality product, at a competitive price. India plays a vital role in Toyota's global expansion plans and this development marks another step towards Toyota's growth in India.”
Mr Hisashi Suzuki, MD, Toyota Kirloskar Auto Parts said, “Though TKAP is currently more of a global source for R-type manual transmissions, with the addition of these two new products, we will contribute more towards employment of local labour, develop local suppliers, showcase India and Karnataka in particular and above all delight our valuable customers in India.”
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| Kinetic Signs JV with Italian Design Firm |
Kinetic Communications, Pune-based Kinetic Group’s unit specialising in engineering services, and FGTecnopolo, a leading architectural and engineering services group of Italy, announced their decision to form a 50-50 joint venture (JV) which will focus on a spectrum of infrastructure-related products and services, including design, architectural and detailed engineering services for large infrastructure projects. A press release stated that the JV will combine the strength of FGTs international design expertise with a locally set up engineering centre in Pune and operate in the name of Kinetic FGTecnopolo. The new company will cater to opportunities in India as well as support the global operations of FGTecnopolo.
“The JV is aimed at expanding Kinetic’s presence in the infrastructure sector in India as it will offer a lot of opportunities in the years to come,” Kinetic FGTecnopolo’s director Sulajja Firodia Motwani told the media. While FGTecnopolo will provide expertise in the design and development of projects, the execution will be handled by engineers at the JV’s Pune centre. The projects, which the JV will address, would include urban infrastructure such as special economic zones, urban townships, transportation projects such as airports, seaports, railway stations and other public or private works in the area of infrastructure, retail or hospitality. The company will further expand scope of its work to launch other products and services related to infrastructure, including traffic management systems and LED solutions for lighting through the technology tie up, the press release said.
According to Motwani, the opportunities in this sector are manifold since India is on an unprecedented path of progress. “Over the next ten years there will be tremendous growth in the infrastructure, construction, retail and hospitality industry. The current infrastructure and construction industry value in India is at USD 114.9 billion. The Kinetic Group already has a presence in both engineering and design areas with its engineering centre at KCL and in infrastructure products segment through its JV with Hyundai for elevators and moving technologies. We would like to leverage the available expertise and relationships in the market and design infrastructure and combine the same with FGTecnopolos’ world class strengths,” she added.
“The Indian infrastructure segment has witnessed robust growth over the past decade and by joining our complementary forces we have created synergies to tap the mushrooming Indian market. Kinetic FGTecnopolo will demonstrate a new business model and offer value-added services to its customers,” said Stefano De Marchis, Chairman, FGT Advisors and Director, FGT India. The JV will have a paid-up capital of Rs 1 crore.
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| Toyota Fortuner Bookings Restart |
| Toyota Kirloskar Motor has re-opened bookings for the Fortuner from July 1, 2010. Toyota had stopped the bookings from early this year to clear the backlog. Launched in August 2009, the Fortuner has sold more than 8500 units with a commanding market share of more than 60% in the mid SUV segment. To meet the high demand, the company has increased the production of the Fortuner to more than 950 units per month from the initial 500 units per month.
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