European Passenger Car CEOs Express Resolve to Cut Carbon Emissions 

At Frankfurt IAA 2007, the CEOs of the main European car manufacturers jointly expressed the industry's determination to further reduce CO2 emissions from cars. They reinforced their call on EU governments to embrace a cost-effective integrated approach towards cars and CO2, which would result in larger environmental gains and safeguard investments and employment in Europe. "The EU objective to bring carbon emissions from cars down to 120 grammes per kilometre is achievable through an Integrated Approach and we fully support that route", said Sergio Marchionne, president of the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) and CEO of FIAT. 

The key elements of such a comprehensive approach are improved car technology, infrastructure changes, a more efficient driving style, CO2-related taxation and the greater use of biofuels. The European automakers have invested extensively in CO2-cutting technologies over the past decade in response to rising concern about carbon emissions. More than 50 innovations were introduced since 1995 and many others are entering the markets today or will be ready in the near future. The innovations cover a wide variety of areas, such as engines and transmission, alternative fuel technologies, light-weight materials and aerodynamics.

Honeywell sees Major Growth Opportunity in Boosting Small Diesel Engines 

Honeywell announced at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show that in the next two years its Turbo business would be launching 11 small diesel turbo applications with eight global car manufacturers, taking advantage of the tremendous growth opportunity in the small diesel engine segment. 

Sales of small diesel engines worldwide, considered those below 1.7L in engine displacement, are expected to double from four million to close to eight million in the next five years, according to a forecast by Honeywell Turbo Technologies. And in Europe, small diesel engines are expected to increase their share among all diesel engines produced from 33 per cent to 55 per cent within the next five years. "Honeywell is uniquely positioned to take advantage of this tremendous growth because of our strong expertise in diesel turbocharging," said Olivier Rabiller, vice president, customer management, passenger vehicles at Honeywell Turbo Technologies. "And the significant benefits we enjoy in terms of scale and global presence both in engineering and manufacturing will translate into better support for our customers wherever they are based." 

Honeywell pioneered variable geometry technology for large diesel, and has now completed the adaptation of its third generation VNT to small diesel engines. The growth trends for small diesel engines cover both developed economies and emerging markets, but are driven by different factors, according to Olivier Rabiller. "In developed economies, turbocharging is increasingly adopted as an effective way of lowering CO2 emissions while continuing to meet the customers' need for great performance and driveability, whereas in emerging markets, high fuel prices mean that car buyers tend to pay greater attention to a vehicle's fuel economy. As a result, there is a shift from small gasoline engines to small diesel engines," Olivier Rabiller added. 

Paragon from Up Close 

At Frankfurt, supplier Paragon presented its current passenger compartment innovations. Paragon develops comprehensive concepts, which make driving as pleasant and comfortable as possible. The Paragon Artega GT penned by former Aston designer-turned coachbuilder and industrial stylist Henrik Fisker attracted good attention. Paragon supplies air-conditioning systems, instrumentation and other components to the auto industry and has incorporated all its knowledge in the Artega. 

The interaction between paragon and Artega revealed an entirely new quality at the IAA 2007. Supplier of air quality sensors, paragon has developed a holistic air improvement concept in the course of continual development which recognizes the negative impacts on air quality and actively eliminates these factors to enhance the comfort and health of the passengers. The Headunit integra operating concept, at the other end, combines reduced complexity with supreme functionality. Aside from the simple connection to external mobile devices, the integrated system also allows the control of diverse on-board functions (air conditioner, navigation system and entertainment components). 

Regarding styling and illumination, the Headunit integra offers virtually free design possibilities. The unique digital/analog instrument from paragon provides highly sophisticated technology in a distinctive design, ideally integrating both analog and digital components. Says CEO Klaus Dieter Frers, "Get to know the interactive product world of paragon and convince yourself of the entire range of our automotive solutions". 

HOERBIGER at the IAA 2007 

Three companies under the HOERBIGER Group umbrella displayed their might at Frankfurt. HOERBIGER ValveTEC GmbH presented hydrogen injection technology for use in internal combustion engines developed within the scope of the European HylCE research project. In total, eleven partners contributed to the HylCE (Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine) research project. The stated goal was to optimize the combustion process for hydrogen in internal combustion engines. 

HOERBIGER ValveTEC developed cryogenic injection valves for the external mixture formation using cryogenic hydrogen as well as direct injection valves for different pressure ranges. The hydrogen, which is stored in the liquid state at a temperature of minus 250 degrees Celsius, is changed to the gaseous state by a heat exchanger. In the case of cryogenic mixture formation, it is injected in the inlet port, still in the cryogenic state. In the case of direct injection, hydrogen stored in a pressure tank is injected directly into the engine's combustion chamber in metered quantities. Both methods were developed for passenger car and city bus applications. The valve developed by HOERBIGER ValveTEC in the scope of the HyICE project can reliably meter hydrogen even at extremely low temperatures. In addition to the cryogenic operation, the valves must also operate flawlessly and without leakage at ambient temperatures and even at temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Celsius. The high-pressure injectors are equipped with solenoids, which ensure precise hydrogen injection for an opening duration of 0.5 milliseconds. To control the injectors, a universal valve booster was developed by HOERBIGER Elektronik GmbH in Ammerbuch, Germany. 

In the field of combustion technology, in the future HOERBIGER plans to intensively use its market position as an innovative technology group and its injection system know-how to advance the further development of diesel and gas engine management systems for the global market. For this purpose, in March 2007 HOERBIGER acquired the Swedish engineering company Mecel Engine Systems AB in Åmål as part of a share deal and integrated it in the Group as HOERBIGER Control Systems AB. HOERBIGER Control Systems is a technology leader for engine controls and related sensors. The company was key in the introduction of fully integrated, modular engine management systems and has a very strong track record in complex development projects. In addition, HOERBIGER Control Systems maintains close ties to the academic engine control community at various universities and colleges and continuously advances the state of the art. HOERBIGER ValveTEC also displayed innovative performance control systems for conventional engines and fuel cell drives. 

HOERBIGER Antriebstechnik GmbH presented its most recent innovation-new components for dual-clutch transmissions, including clutch, synchronizers, actuators and controls. In addition, the company exhibited a modular system equipped with HOERBIGER clutch disc sets for active torque distribution in the intelligent drive train. Having production plants in plants in Germany, the United States, Canada, China and India, the company focused on two equivalent clutches that enables free position selection of the individual gears. The separate lubrication of the two clutch disc sets enables minimized drag torque. In addition to maximum controllability and high power density, this new dual clutch has optimized installation space requirements. 

HOERBIGER Automotive Komfortsysteme GmbH has developed new components for hydraulic softtop and hardtop drives as well as programmable drives for trunk lids and tailgates. Ergonomically correct seating positions and comfort provided by massage functions as well as individually adjustable seat contour settings will be the highlights of the trade show among pneumatic multi-contour seats. 

Climate Control with ECO-ACTM for Climate Protection 

Audi TT climate control by BHTC

The Lippstadt-based climate comfort company, Behr-Hella Thermocontrol GmbH (BHTC), has developed an air conditioning control system with a genuine energy-saving function. The new ECO-ACTM - feature makes it possible to continue to operate the functions required for safe driving and climate comfort while maintaining a moderately controlled climate - and still save energy: using the ECO-ACTM button, the maximum power level of the compressor with the highest energy consumption can be controlled without switching off the automatic control of the air-conditioning system. BHTC once again is setting new standards in environmental protection and design. 

"We are arguing for a rethink in terms of the requirements for climate control systems", says Norbert Gruber, CEO of BHTC. "Systems are still being rated by how fast they reach the desired temperature. This requires maximum power, which means high energy consumption, and that is not what we need today. In contrast, we have developed a system with which it is possible to provide the climate inside the car that is needed at all times for safe driving and travel comfort, and yet achieves significant energy savings", managing director, Friedrich Waldeyer explains. 

At the IAA 2007, the engineers from Lippstadt demonstrated a way to reduce CO2 emissions by increasing energy efficiency. At IAA, BHTC also demonstrated its all-round competence in ease of operation and interior comfort with various materials, material combinations and innovative control elements for climate control panels that in each case match the individual character of specific cars: a selection of different, high-quality materials for the Audi TT and R8, a modern, snazzy look for the Smart Fortwo or the elegant, ergonomic effect created for the Mercedes Sprinter - all BHTC control panels offer intuitive operation - in other words, they are easy to use and enable safe driving. 

High-quality finished surfaces, clear functionality, attractive soft-touch elements, excellent illumination and individualized acoustics - BHTC has mastered the fine art of blending surfaces, shapes, material properties, coating techniques and technical performance characteristics of the materials and combines this with its competence in climate control. At the same time, the company covers the entire area of application-from private car to commercial vehicle, sporty to elegant, low-cost, high-volume model to luxury limousine. 

GETRAG Combines Efficiency with Driving Pleasure 

At the IAA2007 GETRAG Corporate Group presented the latest developments in the Getrag PowerShift product portfolio under the banner "Ecology needs Dual Power". Getrag presented dual-clutch transmissions with dry and wet clutches, and also hybrid transmissions based on Powershift technology portfolio. 

Getrag is probably the first manufacturer worldwide to show a hybrid concept design based on a dry dual-clutch transmission where a dry dual-clutch transmission linked to an electric rear axle. In addition, design concepts and solutions for electric axles are being presented, combining the advantages of hybrid drives and all-wheel drive systems in a particularly cost-effective manner with weight reductions. 

According to sources at Getrag, PowerShift transmissions are particularly suitable for hybridisation since they are built for enhanced efficiency and with a large range of transmission ratios. The power outputs and torques of the electrical units can be adapted to specific design targets without any need to modify the basic transmission. The electrical components can be combined with a variety of basic transmissions. The commercial risk with this form of hybridisation is lower for both the OEM and the supplier since the basic transmission can also be used in the vehicle without hybridisation. Hybridised Getrag PowerShift transmissions and axles will be ready for market from 2010 onwards. 

Based on orders received the worldwide production volume of Getrag PowerShift transmissions will increase to 2 million per annum by 2014. In 2007 the wet dual-clutch transmission will be introduced into the world market. Ford and Volvo will be the first with this technology in the European market. Production of the dry dual clutch transmission is due to start in 2009. 

Contitech Unveils New Developments at IAA 2007 

Günter Vogt (right) and Axel Thelemann of Benecke-Kaliko design surfaces for vehicle interiors 

German systems supplier Contitech highlighted the new technological developments at Frankfurt. The ContiTech Power Transmission Group offers two innovations developed for special engine applications-the Conti Oil Runner timing belt that can be used in oily surroundings in place of a chain drive and the Conti Unipower Tough Grip V-ribbed belt that functions reliably even when other belt drive components are misaligned. The ContiTech Fluid Technology division displayed a hose for using CO2 that no longer needs corrugated stainless steel tubing to form a barrier layer as it did in the past. A polymer barrier layer inside the hose keeps permeation to a minimum. 

"The hose is much more flexible than the previous solution, and makes tighter bending radii possible", says Mike Eismann, director of research and development for air conditioner systems at ContiTech Fluid Technology. The Benecke-Kaliko arm displayed two-tone plastic solutions and more. Benecke-Kaliko develops and produces surface materials for instrument panels, door trim and seats. It was entrusted with the task of developing a two-tone PVC foam laminate for the new 5 Series model by BMW and Johnson Controls, which it successfully achieved by using the latest sequencing and control systems so that the lamination of two separate films that is joined at a later stage is as sharp and clean as possible. For Audi A5, Benecke-Kaliko opted for a different solution that employs Benoac's oil technology.

Japanese automaker Isuzu Motors will set up a Rs 3 billion ($74 million) facility in Punjab for manufacturing buses and trucks. Isuzu Motors chairman Toshinori Ida made the announcement after deliberations with chief minister Parkash Singh Badal. The company will initially invest Rs 3 billion in the project and roll out 12,000 buses and trucks in the first year itself. At its full capacity, the plant will roll out 24,000 buses and trucks annually. 

The Isuzu announcement has come just a week after German automobile giant DaimlerChrysler announced its tie-up with Jalandhar-based coach manufacturer Sutlej Motors for manufacturing Mercedes buses in India. Isuzu will tie up with Punjab-based light commercial vehicle manufacturer Swaraj Mazda for its further expansion in the state. Luxury buses with the Isuzu chassis will be manufactured at Swaraj Mazda's facility. 

"Punjab in terms of area and population is not a big state but on the strength of its work culture, spirit of entrepreneurship, environment and high literacy level, it ranks among top states of the country," Badal said after the talks. "It is well connected with other parts of the country through roads, railways and air links," he added.

Commemorating 10 years of Honda Cars in India, Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI) has launched the 10th Anniversary Edition Honda City ZX. The car, City ZX V-TEC, comes with a host of safety and luxury features, such as a G-Con body, ABS, SRS Airbags and plush leather interiors. HSCI has made several value-additions to the City ZX, which is an excellent combination of distinctive styling, interior comfort, fuel-efficiency and great performance. The 10th Anniversary Edition also comes in two new colours. The City ZX V-TEC joins the fleet of Honda models that are E-10 (10% ethanol blended with gasoline) ready. 

Speaking at the launch, Masahiro Takedagawa, president and CEO, Honda Siel Cars India, said, "We have had a highly successful 10 years in India. Buoyed by the customer response, we are now preparing for the second phase of our growth and will be expanding our production and dealer capacities. As we augment our product portfolio, we will extend our presence into second tier towns and cities." "As a corporate, our future strategy is to focus on three basic principles – safety, environment and energy conservation", said Takedagawa.

Maruti signed a MoU with the Government of Gujarat, to set up, manage and run The Gujarat Regional Automobile Training Institute (to be referred as GUJRATI) at Gajadara village of Waghodia in Vadodara district. It is the first-of-its-kind initiative in the country. The institute will not only provide driving training to tribal youth, but also offer automobile technical training to them. 

In this initiative, the Development Support Agency of Gujarat shall provide the infrastructural support and Maruti shall manage and run the institute. Maruti will provide technical expertise, guidance and all services at the institute. Several other state governments, such as Haryana, Punjab, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Chattisgarh and West Bengal have also approached Maruti to set up driving training institutes in their states. The company has already signed an MoU with the Government of Haryana for setting up two driving training institutes at Rohtak and Bahadurgarh

Godrej Aadhaar, the agri services-cum-retail initiative of Godrej Agrovet Ltd. (GAVL), has tied up with Eicher Motors to showcase and market Eicher vehicles through Godrej Aadhaar outlets across nine locations in Maharashtra, Gujarat and Punjab. Both the companies plan to extend this service to all the Aadhaar outlets in the coming months. 

As of now the tie-up covers Mancher, Alephata, Ranjini, Umbraj and Sangli in Maharashta; Asodhar and Umreth in Gujarat and in Punjab the service is available in Samrala and Doraha. Godrej Agrovet Ltd. belongs to the Rs. 7500 Cr Godrej Group, and is a leader in the Indian agricultural sector with a large presence in cattle, poultry and aqua feeds, and innovative agricultural inputs. 

With a turnover of over Rs. 960 Cr, the company employs more than 1600 employees and has over 40 manufacturing and processing facilities across India. Godrej Agrovet is a market leader in animal feeds, innovative agri products & oil palm development in India. Godrej Aadhaar is the rural retailing venture of Godrej Agrovet.

Er. Ashok Kumar Gupta, Chairman, Crane-Bel group, with the trophy

Well-known machine tools manufacturing company, Crane-Bel, has been awarded the National Award – 2006, the Outstanding Award for the Best Quality Machine Tool Manufacturer in India. The prestigious National Awards have been instituted by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India and conferred by the Prime Minister of India, Dr Manmohan Singh. 

Crane-Bel, a multi-faceted, customer oriented, ISO 9001:2000 certified company, is part of an established business group engaged in the manufacturing of quality machine tool and hydraulics' business for more than three decades. The Group enjoys a coveted position in the market due to its technological expertise, commitments, competitiveness and quality consciousness. Among its technology partners/channel partners are Eaton, being a global group in the fields of fluid power products, including Vickers. 

The company’s core competence segments are broaching machines, hydraulic presses, hydraulic cylinders, power-packs, accumulators, filter-transfer units, hydraulic systems, component and accessorise. The thrust user segments are automotive, aviation, defence, earth moving, engineering industries, machine tools, mining, power, rolling mill machinery, sugar mills machinery and steel plants. (Crane-Bel International P Limited, Ghaziabad. Contact e-mail: ashok@crane-bel.com)

After announcing the DTS-Si engine with swirl induction technology, Bajaj has introduced the XCD 125 DTS-Si motorcycle. The XCD 125 DTS-Si offers an unprecedented combination of 150cc features, 125cc performance and 100cc mileage. At 109 kpl, the 125cc motorcycle, according to Bajaj sources, is the most fuel efficient motorcycle in the country. This has been achieved through the Digital Twin Spark Swirl Induction (DTS-Si) technology developed by Bajaj Auto R&D, add sources. 

With the XCD 125, Bajaj expects customers to move up from the traditional 100cc products to a superior product. S. Sridhar, CEO-2 Wheelers Bajaj Auto, said,” We are very excited with the launch of XCD 125 DTS-Si as it offers a huge opportunity to upgrade the 100 cc customers with a bike which offers the best of all worlds – 150 cc features, 125 cc performance and 100 cc mileage. We are going to change the rules of the game with the launch of this new platform by offering customers a much superior value proposition than the currently overpriced and under performing 100 cc products”. 

The XCD 125 DTS-Si will be produced at the company’s Waluj (Aurangabad) plant initially. Subsequently, the company plans to roll out part of the production from the new Pantnagar plant. The company plans to sell 20,000 units in September 2007 and 50,000 units by November 2007.

Ashok Leyland and Nissan Motor Co signed a Heads of Agreement (HoA) for the formation of three joint venture companies supporting the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) business recently. This first stage of the partnership between the companies will include the development, manufacture and co-operation for distribution of LCV products under both the Ashok Leyland and Nissan brands. These are subject to various corporate and statutory approvals from both sides. 

The three joint venture companies detailed in the HoA are to cover the following business areas, Vehicle Manufacturing Company (with exclusive rights to manufacture LCV products in India for both the partners, the manufacturing facilities of which will be located in India and majority owned by Ashok Leyland. In the medium term, production volume (for Indian and export markets) is expected to be above 100,000 units annually), Powertrain Manufacturing Company (responsible for the manufacture and assembly of engines and other drivetrain components to be fitted in the LCV products and for exports. Manufacturing will be located in India and the company will be majority owned by Nissan) and a Technology Development Company (responsible for the development of LCV products and related powertrains, destined for the Indian and identified emerging markets. This JV company will be owned 50:50 by the two partners. The products developed will be sold under both the Ashok Leyland and Nissan brands). 

In addition, the two partners are also studying co-operation in the area of sales and distribution. This includes providing access for Nissan to Ashok Leyland’s dealer network in India and for Ashok Leyland to use Nissan dealer networks in identified export markets outside India. Following the signing of the HoA, both companies will now embark on a detailed feasibility study covering all proposed areas of cooperation. This study will lead to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding and the subsequent formation of the legal partnership. This study is expected to conclude by October 2007.

The Rs 4,500 million Gujarat-based Sintex Industries has announced that it is acquiring the automotive product business of Haryana-based Bright Brothers in an all-cash deal valued at Rs 1.49 billion. The company in a communication to the National Stock Exchange (NSE) said the acquisition was being made by Bright Autoplastic Pvt Ltd, a downstream subsidiary of Sintex Offshore Holdings, the Netherlands, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Netherlands Sintex Offshore Holdings, which in turn is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sintex Industries Ltd based in Kalol, Gujarat. Sintex operates in two business segments: textiles and plastics. 

The products of the textiles division include wool tops, cotton yarn, acrylic yarn, viscose yarn, various blended yarns and fabrics and fishing nets. Plastic products include water tanks, doors, windows and prefab sections and shelters. Bright Brothers Ltd has operations in Chennai, Pune, Pithampur and Nashik. The company has a strong presence in automotive components, which includes various parts like fenders, seat bases, radiator grills and auto bumps, besides instrument panels, interior parts, consoles and trims. 

The company also produces components for the consumer durable industry as well as materials handling equipment. Some of the leading clients of Bright brothers include Maruti Udyog Limited, Tata Motors, Hyundai, Mahindra and Mahindra, Honda and Kinetic Engineering. Tushar Naik, company secretary and general manager, finance, Bright Brothers Ltd, told reporters that by deciding to hive off the automobile products decision, the company has unlocked value at the right time. He said the auto component industry as a whole is doing fine but margins are declining fast. "Those who bought our products as original equipment wanted component-makers to reduce prices under the pressure of the competitive environment they faced. This put a squeeze on our finances and severely restricted our capacity to enhance manufacturing capacity and match their ever-growing demands," Naik said