Hero Honda has made a winning start to the New Year bagging three NDTV Bike Awards at the NDTV Car India & Bike India Awards Night. CBZ X-Treme, with 150 CC engine, and best-in-class features, won two of the most prestigious bike awards – NDTV Bike of the Year award - 150 CC category and NDTV Bike of the Year award – Overall category. The Car & Bike-Bike Technology of the Year award was also bagged by Hero Honda for its Glamour FI, India’s first fuel injection technology bike. 

Accepting the awards, Pawan Munjal, Managing Director and CEO, Hero Honda Motors Ltd., said, “We are delighted to get the NDTV Profit Car and Bike Awards. We take it as an acknowledgement of Hero Honda’s excellent overall performance during the year in terms of products, sales, customer care, innovation and profitability. It is our mission to strive for synergy between technology, systems and human resources, to produce products and services that meet the quality, performance and price aspirations of our customers. While doing so, we maintain the highest standards of ethics and societal responsibilities. CBZ X-Treme & Glamour FI, keeping up Hero Honda’s tradition of innovation, are a result of extensive market research and customer feedback and has been specially developed for the true connoisseurs of style and performance. The real winners of the award are the Hero Honda R&D team and the Hero Honda loyalists who made this dream come true for us.”

Afzal Motors (Pvt.) Limited of Pakistan has commissioned a new truck and bus assembly plant in Karachi to assemble heavy-duty trucks of Tata Daewoo Commercial Vehicle Co. Ltd, South Korea (TDCV), as per a technical assistance agreement signed between the two companies. 

Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shaukat Aziz, inaugurated the plant, in the presence of senior management of TDCV and Afzal Motors. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Aziz said the tie-up between an international manufacturer like TDCV and Afzal Motors would boost the efficiency of the transportation sector of the country. 

The plant, which has a capacity to produce 3,000 vehicles a year, will assemble heavy-duty trucks of TDCV and also buses from the Daewoo Bus Company, South Korea. Afzal Motors has already begun sourcing KD sets of TDCV trucks. In 2007-08, TDCV trucks are expected to garner a market share of about 30% in Pakistan. 

TDCV, which is a 100% subsidiary of Tata Motors, is the second largest manufacturer of heavy-duty trucks in South Korea , with a modern manufacturing facility at Gunsan. It is also the largest exporter of heavy-duty trucks from South Korea, accounting for about two-thirds of the export of such vehicles from the country. In 2005-06, TDCV posted a turnover of Rs.1584 crores, a growth of 34.5%, and a profit of Rs.58 crores, a growth of 160%.

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and PSA Peugeot Citroën have announced that they have signed an agreement under which Mitsubishi Motors will be supplied with diesel engines by PSA Peugeot Citroën in a new collaborative agreement. Under this agreement, PSA Peugeot Citroën will start supplying Mitsubishi Motors with its state-of-the-art 2.2l common-rail, direct-injection diesel engine from mid 2007. This engine will also be fitted with a PSA Peugeot Citroën patented particulate filter to deliver outstanding environmental performance. 

Mitsubishi is to introduce its new SUV model, the Outlander in Europe this month, and towards the end of 2007, will add a new diesel version powered by the 2.2l PSA Peugeot Citroën diesel engine. The Peugeot 4007 and Citroën C-Crosser will benefit from this 2.2l engine upon their commercial launch, i.e. mid- 2007. In July 2005, the two companies decided to join forces and work on a SUV-type 4WD vehicle for PSA Peugeot Citroën based on a new platform already under development at MMC. This new agreement, which was not in the original scheme of the partnership, means that the two companies extend their operational ties into the field of component supply. This highlights the good relationship of the two groups. Mitsubishi Motors and PSA Peugeot Citroën will pursue their cooperation strategy in "win-win" areas.

TAL Manufacturing Solutions Ltd. (TAL), the wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Motors, showcased its new range of next generation machines – the Vertical Machining Centres – at IMTEX 2007, and announced technical collaboration with Europe's leading machine tools majors – Heller GmbH of Germany and Maus Spa of Italy. 

The launch of the new generation machines – Vertimach Series – V40, V400 LAPC – by TAL is designed to meet the requirements of the growing component machining industries in India. These indigenously developed multi-purpose machines will reduce overall cycle time, hence not only will it be cost effective but also eliminate the need of using several machines to complete a task. This new range of machines is robust and rigid and will provide greater accuracy, thus offering the finest quality product. These machines will manufacture light to heavy components for the automotive sector. 

Heller is one of the most reputed and renowned Machine Tool companies in the world specialising in high- end machining solutions, machining centres and flexible manufacturing systems. The collaboration with Heller will bring in competitively priced machines, than hitherto available. The production of the machines and its aggregates will be done at TAL facilities in Pune in a phased manner . 

TAL is also entering into collaboration with MAUS, a Carraro Group Company, to bring high-end cost effective Vertical Turning Centres to the Indian market. Vertical Turning Centres are widely used in the automotive, aerospace, bearings and energy and off-shore equipments, among others.

DaimlerChrysler India, in collaboration with Government Polytechnic Pune, has inaugurated the Automotive Mechatronics Center, a state of the art facility designed to train engineers on latest technologies in automotive engineering. Dr. Wilfred Aulbur Managing Director and CEO of DaimlerChrysler India inaugurated the centre along with NB Pasalkar, Director of Technical Education, Maharashtra. 

The Advanced Diploma in Automotive Mechatronics course is a step to offer ready-to-market talent pool to support the growing needs of the Indian automotive market. With over 1.4 million cars added to Indian roads in 2006, India is the 4th largest car market in Asia. The automobile industry provides direct employment to over 4,50,000 persons and indirect employment to over 10 million people in India. With growing number of cars on roads and increasing technologies in modern automobiles, there is an urgent need for automotive engineers with knowledge of technologically advanced, modern engines. The need for specialized automotive technicians is also expected to escalate: an estimated 2,50,000 to 3,00,000 trained manpower will be required in the authorised network within next 5 years. 

The course provides aspiring engineers with quality education and hands-on experience on the most sophisticated automotive technology at par with global standards. The course content and methodology is unique and is based on self-reliant learning and team concept to ensure extended retention of knowledge and further up gradation.

Innovation and technology – these are the two key factors that can improve India’s global competitive ranking in the automobile sector. This is what President A P J Abdul Kalam had to say while inaugurating the four-day symposium on international automotive technology (SIAT) at the Automotive Research Institute of India (ARAI) on January 17, 2007. “The nation’s economic development is powered by competitiveness, which in turn is backed by factors like knowledge, technology and innovation and resource investment, among others,” he stated. Referring to the Global Competitiveness Report 2005-06, the president pointed out that in terms of growth competitive index, Switzerland is ranked first, Singapore fifth and the United States sixth. India is ranked 43rd and China 54th. “Our growth is yet to pick up,” he said. Growth competitiveness is determined b the innovative ability of an organisation, he added. This innovation arises from institutional initiative and R&D productivity of the firm, shaped by policies and nature of local institutions. 

Expressing satisfaction at the 17 per cent growth of the automobile sector, Dr Kalam said there are problem areas like atmospheric pollution and safety of vehicles and passengers that need to be addressed immediately. “Although our automobile business accounts for a business volume of US$ 45 billion, it definitely has potential to grow much more through both Indian and international manufacturers, who have established huge facilities in the country,” he stated. “We have to work towards increasing the business volume to US$ 200 billion by 2016, with an export component of at least US$ 50 billion which is currently only about US$ 3-4 billion,” he added. One of the major technological concerns today is that the US$ 45-billion dollar automotive business consumes US$ 35 billion in foreign exchange for procurement of crude oil. “We need to address both the problems and the research has to focus on developing alternative fuels, which will find a solution for both,” he observed. 

Dr Kalam also expressed serious concern over the increasing number of accidents on Indian roads and said it necessitates important action by researchers and engineers for promoting vehicle safety. “As per a WHO report, each year, road accidents take away lives of 1.2 million people. India accounts for about 10 per cent of road accident fatalities world wide,” he said, referring to another survey, which states that India loses around Rs 55,000 crores annually due to road accidents. “Although Indian cars have seat belts and collapsible steering column as standard features, we need vehicles which should be protected against various impacts like front, rear, side, offset and car-to-car,” he said. 

For preventing accidents in the night, Dr Kalam suggested that research on adaptive front lighting, bent head light system and indirect vision devices like cameras in areas where the driver cannot see, be undertaken. “Research is also required to design electronic stability control for safe driving under adverse climatic conditions like snow, rain and fog,” he added.

Mahindra & Mahindra has announced a price revision for its highly successful vehicles, the Scorpio and Bolero. The price hike in case of Scorpio is expected to be between Rs. 3000 to Rs. 13,000 across the range including the highly successful CRDe variants. In the case of Bolero, the hike will range from Rs. 5600 to Rs. 6500 across all variants. The new pricing for Scorpio & Bolero would be applicable from last week of January 2007, said a press release.

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) will set up a world-class plant in Maharashtra to manufacture commercial trucks through its joint venture with US-based truck major International Truck and Engine Corp. This JV will produce medium and heavy commercial vehicles, which would be designed and developed with in-house capabilities. 

A memorandum of understanding to the effect was signed V K Jairath, Secretary (Industries), Government of Maharashtra and Dr Pawan Goenka, President - Automotive Sector, M&M, in the presence of Chief Minister, Vilasrao Deshmukh. Other dignitaries included Minister of Industry, Ashok Chavan, Chairman of the Mahindra Group. Keshub Mahindra, Director of Mahindra International John Lamoureux, M&M Vice Chairman & Managing Director Anand Mahindra and the Counsel General of US Michael Owen. 

Production is expected to commence in two years, and the initial plant capacity is pegged at 2,50,000 vehicles per annum. The factory will have the capacity to produce a wide range of commercial vehicles, and will include cab assembly, vehicle assembly, and a paint shop. The vehicles will have 90 per cent local content from the start due to the strong availability of quality parts and materials from Indian suppliers. 

Dr Pawan Goenka described the development as a milestone for the Mahindras and its partners, adding that the project marked his company’s entry into a very important automotive segment. He also expressed confidence that Maharashtra, with its wide and talented pool of skilled manpower, quality infrastructure and a mature supplier base, would set a new benchmark for automotive manufacturing.

In a celebratory beginning to the year, Honda Siel Cars India Ltd has bagged 17 awards in various categories, including several awards for the Civic and CR-V. 

Honda Civic, which has already won 46 international awards, stood out as the unanimous favourite winning 9 awards in India including 2 ‘Car of the Year’ awards. It was adjudged the ‘Car of the Year’ by CNBC TV-18 Autocar Auto Awards 2007 and NDTV Profit Car & Bike Awards 2007. The car also made a clean sweep of the ‘Viewers’ Choice’ award bagging the NDTV, CNBC and Aaj Tak Viewers’ Choice awards. 

The Honda CR-V, launched in India in November 2006, was adjudged the ‘SUV of the Year’ by NDTV Profit Car & Bike and Overdrive and also won the ‘Best Driver’s Car’ award by CNBC TV-18 Autocar Auto Awards. 

HSCI won ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ by CNBC TV–18 Autocar which recognises Honda’s excellent overall performance during the year- in terms of product innovation, sales, and customer care. 

Additionally, Accord, CR-V and City won the TNS Total Customer Satisfaction Study – 2006 in their respective segments. HSCI was also adjudged winner of the ‘NDTV CNB-AAA PR & Communications Team of the Year’.

In a move that will “re-position competition and create a true limousine at affordable prices” Tata Motors has rolled out the Indigo XL, India's first long wheelbase stretch limousine. Speaking at the launch, Ratan N. Tata, Chairman, Tata Motors, said: "The Indigo XL creates its own niche. While the pricing defines the reference competitive models, there is actually no car that competes with the Indigo XL in terms of interior space, features and benefits that it offers except in the premium segment. As with our earlier offerings, we are hopeful that with its launch, the Indigo XL will re-position competition and create a true limousine at affordable prices".

With a wheelbase of 2650 mm – extended by 200 mm over the current sedan – the Indigo XL increases internal space and creates legroom, usually seen in the super luxury segment. The 6-way powered front seats with lumbar support and a separate rear air conditioner with independent controls are also a first for any car, in this segment. Made from the finest of European leather, the seats are designed to optimise passenger comfort, and the rear seats have central armrest with cup-holders. Ride quality is comfortable due to a 3-link rear suspension. 

Among the host of features in the car are DVD-based 4-speaker integrated entertainment system with headrest-mounted twin LCD screens, car phone with blue-tooth connectivity, 12V socket in the rear console, and chiller compartment in the glove box. 

Available in Royal Burgundy, Ivory White, Arctic Silver and Carbon Black colour options, the car sports new front and rear bumpers, new twin reflector clear head lamps with an amber top, round front fog lamps, prominent clear lens tail lamps with a tinge of orange, and electrically operated outer rear-view mirrors with integrated turn indicator lamps. Chrome embellishments adorn the body – from the satin painted grille to the trunk, including the rub rail and the scruff plates. The 9-spoke, 14-inch alloy wheels ride on tubeless tyres. 

The Indigo XL comes with a choice of two new advanced 1.4 litre engines - the refined 16 valve Twin Cam petrol version churning out 101 PS, and the silent, high torque 70 PS DICOR (common rail) diesel version.

The re-energising story of Escorts, manufacturer of tractors, railway equipment and auto suspension products, continued unabated in Q1 with a remarkable turnaround in financial performance for the first quarter ended (FY October 06- September 2007) with a sharp rise in Sales and the attendant positive EBIDTA. 

According to a press release, the company has posted a 59 per cent rise in turnover at Rs.518 crores as compared to Rs.326 crores in the quarter ended December 2006. 

Government support to emerging and innovative farm practices across the country and strong export demand have provided a boost to the agri-business and an opportunity for Escorts' growth. Consequently, PBIDTA is at Rs.27.68 crores representing a positive swing of 84% as compared to Rs.15.04 crores in corresponding quarter previous year.

 The company has recorded a cash profit of Rs.9.5 crores during the quarter as compared to cash loss of Rs.6.55 crores in the same period of previous year. However, the profit after tax is negative at Rs.3.04 crores compared to profit of Rs.2.92 crores, same period previous year which was primarily due to reversal of certain tax provisions in the corresponding quarter last year.

Maruti is all set to launch the diesel Swift soon, claim industry sources. Maruti is also said to have taken a selected group of motoring media on a short drive of the Swift diesel recently. The car, which is already sold in many markets of Europe, including the UK, features a 1.3-litre common-rail turbo diesel engine built at the new plant that Maruti set up at Manesar, Haryana, with an initial capacity of 100,000, which will go up to 250,000 cars per year by 2009. The 1.3-litre engine, which is referred to as DDiS in the Suzuki circles, is also known as 1.3 Fiat JTD engine. Selected as Engine of the Year in Europe in 2005, the 1.3-litre engine was co-developed by Fiat and General Motors and was named as jet turbo diesel (JTD). The Fiat, GM collaboration is no longer active but the technology has managed to come through to Maruti via Suzuki, in which GM had a stake until very recently. Other than powering the diesel Swift in India, the engines built at Manesar, claim industry sources, will be imported to the Suzuki facility at Hungary.

Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI) has selected Rajasthan as the state for locating its second car plant in India. A Letter of Intent to this effect was exchanged between HSCI and the Rajasthan government recently.

HSCI has been in discussion with several states for the new plant, but eventually selected Rajasthan because of its proximity to Honda’s biggest market (North and East account for about 45% of total HSCI sales), as well as logistics advantages and managerial convenience.

The plant will manufacture Honda’s small car in the Indian market and will have an initial capacity of 50,000 units per annum. HSCI is seeking an area of 500 to 700 acres for the plant and is in discussion with the Rajasthan government to shortlist suitable locations in the State.

Apart from the manufacturing unit, the new plant will also have a Suppliers’ Park, which will house Honda’s network of ancillary units. The project will be the first of its kind for Rajasthan and will lead to industrialisation of the state with both upstream and downstream investments as well as large-scale employment generation.

In a statement, Masahiro Takedagawa, President & CEO, Honda Siel Cars India said, "Honda has always been a good corporate citizen globally and has contributed to the societies it has operated in. We will bring the same corporate culture to the state of Rajasthan. We will contribute to the industrial development of the state and enhance employment opportunities through several avenues."

Singapore Aero Engine Services Private Limited (SAESL) has successfully completed the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of its 500th Rolls-Royce Trent engine, 18 months ahead of schedule. This milestone also marks the completion of SAESL’s fifth year of operations and the expansion of the business to over 550 employees, 90 per cent of whom are Singaporeans or Permanent Residents.

SAESL, a S$185 million (US$109 million) joint venture between SIA Engineering Company, Rolls-Royce and Hong Kong Aero Engine Services Limited (HAESL), began operations in 2001 as a Trent Centre of Excellence, specialising in servicing and overhauling the successful family of Rolls-Royce Trent aero engines, namely the Trent 500, 700 and 800 which power the A340, A330 and Boeing 777 respectively.

The 500th engine successfully overhauled by SAESL is a Trent 800 engine for Singapore Airlines. SAESL is also the first MRO facility worldwide to include the Trent 900 engine as part of its service offering. The engine model will be the latest member of the family to enter service when it powers the new Singapore Airlines Airbus A380.

Strategically located near Singapore Changi Airport, SAESL's 18,500 sqm facility has been instrumental in providing support to an international customer base of airlines such as Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic Airlines, Emirates, Thai Airways, Malaysian Airlines and Garuda.

In a statement, John Horsburgh, CEO of SAESL said, "Growing from a company with an initial strength of less than 70 in 2001, SAESL has achieved exponential growth over the past five years. We have far exceeded expectations and performance targets, most notably achieving a sales turnover in excess of US$400 million in 2006, a five-fold increase from 2002. This accomplishment was made possible because of the strong support of our clients and the commitment and dedication of the SAESL team. Looking forward, we are expecting to complete another one thousand engines within the next four years, given the popularity of the Rolls-Royce Trent family of engines."

Intertek will conduct a free 60-minute webinar on “The Fundamentals of Buzz Squeak & Rattle Testing.” The focus will be on BSR test set-ups, fixturing and measurements, and will include information on various OEM BSR standards, including the GM14011 standard. The webinar will be held on February 27 at 10 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

This webinar will discuss: Fixturing for BSR vs Durability testing, Objective vs Subjective Measurements, Types of Objective Measurements (Microphone Measurements), and Automotive OEM standards - GM14011 Specifics

The webinar is aimed at OEM and Supplier engineers involved in interior trim products, Vehicle System Integrators, and anyone concerned with warranty issues related to squeak, rattle, or suspension issues

Please register in advance at www.intertek-etlsemko.com/bsrregistration, e-mail cyndi.lucky@ intertek.com or call 800-888-3787 and ask for "BSR Webinar Registration".

In other news, Intertek recently installed an MB Dynamics Energizer low-noise vibration system at the Detroit facility which has a patented flexure design and full 3-axis system, exclusively designed for squeak and rattle testing. This system tests instrument panels (IPs) and consoles, cockpits, seats, seat belt retractors, HVAC assemblies, vent registers, airbag modules, clusters, steering column assemblies, radios, and audio equipment. It is recommended for testing to the GMW7293 component and sub-system squeak and rattle specification.