Bosch Security Systems formally launched Electro-Voice (EV) in India, by showcasing EV’s comprehensive range of amplifiers, loudspeakers and microphones for the Professional Audio market. This road show was held at the PHD CCI auditorium in New Delhi. 

EV was previously owned by Telex Communications Inc., USA, a leading manufacturer and supplier of professional audio, wireless, life safety and communication equipment. The company was also home to the other well-known brands Dynacord, Midas, KlarkTeknik, RTS and Telex. Their systems are installed in a wide range of applications such as stadiums, airports and major infrastructure projects where customers are increasingly asking for turnkey solutions combined with security systems. Telex Communications Inc. and its brands moved under the Bosch umbrella in 2006. 

"As a Bosch brand, EV has access to boundless resources. Bosch is a recognised leader of technology with whom EV shares a business philosophy based upon engineering excellence, quality without compromise, brand integrity and long-term growth. Bosch’s wealth of resources and expertise brings almost limitless potential to the world of EV R&D. The synergies are countless,” said Dhiraj Wali, Vice President, Bosch Security Systems, India. 

Throughout its 81-year history, EV has maintained a strong belief in customer orientation and has invested heavily in research and development. This has moulded EV’s solid reputation for producing high quality professional audio products at competitive prices. 

"EV has raised the bar with breakthrough technologies, designs and products such as the Variable-D® microphones, the hum-bucking coil, home high-fidelity loudspeaker components, constant-directivity horns, noise-canceling microphones, pro-sound loudspeakers with Ring-Mode Decoupling (RMD™) and Manifold Technology® for concert-sound loudspeaker systems with very high output ability yet relatively compact size," said Christian Glueck, Business Line Manager – ElectroVoice, USA. 

Bosch has already demonstrated a considerable financial commitment to the EV brand, cementing the common goals that brought them together. Multi-million dollar investments in EV factories in the US and Germany have set new industry standards for pro audio manufacturing, while streamlining the global supply chain and improving product quality. 

With Bosch’s resources behind it, EV continues to grow steadily and aims to further strengthen its position in the professional audio market.

Volkswagen has launched the Jetta in India. Assembled locally at Volkswagen Group’s plant in Aurangabad, the car is available in three variants and two engine versions – Jetta 1.6-litre direct-injection petrol engine with a 5-speed manual gearbox, 1.9-litre, 105bhp pumpe duse turbo-diesel engine (also found on the Skoda Laura) and the option of 5-speed manual transmission or 6-speed DSG automatic transmission. 

Available in eye-catching colours, the Jetta is made from kits brought in from Mexico where the car is built keeping in mind the US market, where the Jetta sells the most. The launch of the Jetta in India is part of VWs top down strategy, which also involves the launch of a small car based on the Polo platform in 2010. This car would be made locally at VW's Chakan facility, which is running about a year ahead of schedule, according to Joerg Mueller, President and MD Volkswagen Group India. 

Speaking at the launch of the Jetta, Mueller said the group would be manufacturing the Skoda Fabia at Chakan from 2009. Coming back to the Jetta, the Comfortline model comes well equipped with leather seats, a multifunctional leather wrapped steering wheel, centre armrests and side airbags – including in the rear – as well as the ESP electronic stabilisation program. Also standard are high-end RCD 500 audio system with 10 loudspeakers and CD changer, an alarm system, “Coming & Leaving home” lighting function, automatically dimming inside rear view mirror and cruise control. 

The price (ex-showroom Delhi) of the Jetta 1.6 Petrol Trendline is Rs 12.97 lakh and the 1.9 Diesel Trendline is Rs 14.22 lakh. The top of the line 1.9 Diesel Comfortline with DSG Automatic transmission is priced at Rs 16.67 lakh.

The 4th Partmart & Autocare Expo is scheduled from February 23-26, 2009 at BIEC, Bangalore.2009. The Indian automotive industry has emerged as one of India’s fastest growing, specialised manufacturing sector, and truly a globally competitive one. After sales service has a significant role in this growth, as India is price sensitive market where vehicle life expectancy is much higher than developed nations. Despite a global slowdown, the Indian car market has grown by 12.2 per cent in 2007-08. 

Keeping the tremendous potential of Indian Automotive aftermarket and services industry in mind, Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) jointly with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) will be organising this event as a concurrent show with 18th International Engineering & Technology Fair (IETF-2009) from February 2009 at BIEC, Bangalore. 

A conference on issues with regard to Automotive Aftermarket; a Service Head Conclave to deliberate on the key issues related to services being provided to the end customer; and Asli-Naqli – a campaign to educate masses on the dangers of the fake parts, are part of the expo. 

The fair provides an excellent opportunity to the automotive aftermarket players in the country as well as in the Asian Region for accessing the rapidly growing Indian automotive aftermarket space. 

Exhibitor profile: companies/firms dealing in: auto electronics, accessories, alternate fuel conversion kits, audio and infotainment equipment, auto garage and service equipment, auto insurance and finance, automotive component/parts, batteries and auto electrical, car care products, fuel and lubricants, logistics, paints, tubes and tyres, upholstery, etc.

German automotive systems supplier, Continental has commissioned its new electronic manufacturing facility and R&D centre near Electronic City, Bommasandra, Bangalore. With a total investment of Rs. 220 Crores, the new facility will develop and produce electronic components for the booming auto electronic market in India. 

The development would primarily focus on three areas—chassis and safety, powertrain and interior. The plant would manufacture instrument clusters for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and two-wheelers, immobilizers, engine management systems for diesel and gasoline engines, electronic control units for power assisted steering and body control units. 

Situated on a land space of about 18,000 sq m with about 15,000 sq m of total built up area, the plant includes a total of three surface mounting technology lines, four pre-assembly cells and sixteen back end cells. Built to accommodate 400 employees in the office area and 400 engineers in the R&D centre, the new facility, with its manufacturing facilities, technical labs and offices, has been built in line with Continental's global standards.

Hyundai Motor India has introduced the new, Kappa engine in its i10. The Kappa engine is a in-line, four-cylinder, 1.2-litre engine that has started production at Hyundai's new engine and transmission plant within the Sriperumbudur facility. The new plant has been built with an investment of over US$ 250 million and has a capacity of 250,000 units per annum. 

Speaking at the roll out, H S Lheem, managing director of Hyundai (India) said, “Efficiencies in fuel consumption and environment are the prerogatives for any automobile manufacturer. And Hyundai, as a conscientious global corporate citizen, prioritises these with continuous innovation in technology and design. Our new Kappa engine is the best in class today, with more power, less fuel consumption and a lower CO2 and overall emissions”. 

Delivering greater operational efficiency in terms of both fuel consumption and emissions, the new Kappa engine employs an aluminium block and two overhead cams that drive 16-valves. 

Governed by a 32-bit microprocessor, the Kappa engine delivers 80PS at 5200 rpm and 11.4 Kgm of maximum torque at 4000 rpm. It is is Euro 5 ready and emits only 119g/km of CO2, which according to sources at Hyundai India, is the lowest for this class of cars. 

Available with an automatic transmission, the new Kappa engine was developed over a period of 48 months and at a cost of US$ 421 million. The project harnessed all of Hyundai's engineering know-how and is expected to raise the bar in terms of power, performance, fuel efficiency and environment and uses some cutting edge technology like offset crank and light weight engine material to enhance performance. 

While the 1.1-litre Epsilon engine will continue to power the Hyundai Santro and I10, the i10 with the new Kappa engine will be launched in three variants--Magna, Sportz and the Asta. Positioned as top end variants, these would feature sunroof, 2-Din audio system, a unique red pack for the Sportz interiors and safety features like anti-lock braking system (ABS) and dual airbags. 

Porsche Cars India has appointed Rod Wallace as its new Managing Director. He will be responsible for overseeing the company's initiatives and operations in the growing Indian automobile market in his capacity as the managing director. 

Having worked with Porsche in the UK, Middle East and South Africa, Rod has now moved to India. His previous assignment was with Porsche South Africa where, for three and a half years, he was responsible for creating the team that quadrupled the sales and revenue of the company using his knowledge, expertise, prowess and excellent management skills.