CATEGORIES

NO ONE SIZE FITS ALL – OBJECTIVE VIEW OF FUTURE ENERGY NEEDS

In its endeavour to be the powertrain supplier of choice, Cummins, the global power and technology leader, is working on developing a broad portfolio of technology capabilities so that it is able to offer its customers the right technology suited to their specific markets. In India during the Auto Expo in February this year, the Cummins leadership team made it clear that the US-headquartered company is focused on adding that critical piece of value leveraging on the deep understanding it has built over a century of its existence.

Focusing On Facilitating Faster Led Adoption

The LED lighting market has grown significantly over the last few years and is expected to witness rapid technology adoption. Lumax Industries Ltd has substantially contributed to this growth trajectory. We recently got an opportunity to visit the company’s Bawal plant in Haryana to understand the production of lighting modules as well as the various advancements currently undertaken at the facility.

Market Shares Of Various Power Trains Scenarios Till 2030

Everyone is talking about electric vehicles, but nobody can foresee how the markets for battery powered, fuel-cell and combustion-engine vehicles will develop. Which overall CO2 scenario will emerge from which mix of the various options between now and 2030? The Institute of Vehicle Concepts at the German Aerospace Center (DLR Stuttgart) has developed the simulation model “Vector 21”, which makes it possible to evaluate individual technologies in the overall context of a passenger car fleet and the technical, social and political framework conditions. It is thus possible to run through scenarios that can be modelled afresh when the parameters change or are updated. The DLR describes two particular scenarios in this article.

Volvo XC60 - Premium SUV With Goodies From A Segment Above

Volvo Auto India has had a very good year in the country this year, especially in terms of the number of new models launched. The automaker began the year by launching its S60 Polestar performance sedan in April, followed by the V90 Cross country station wagon in July. It ended this year’s launch schedule with the introduction of the second-generation XC60 SUV for the model year 2018. The premium SUV was launched at a price of Rs 55.9 lakh, ex-showroom, in the ‘Inscription’ variant that includes the Tech Pack consisting of all top-end features.

Excon 2017 Sees Smart Technologies Enabling Infrastructure Of The Future

The ninth edition of the largest construction equipment and construction technology exhibition in South Asia, EXCON recently concluded in Bangalore. This edition of EXCON focussed on the theme of ‘Smart Technologies: Fuelling the Next Generation Infra.’ We take stock of the developments in this sector, and highlight some of the prime introductions.

Bosch Looks to Enhance Competitiveness With Industry 4.0

Bosch, the global technology and solutions provider, is betting big on connected industry or Industry 4.0 to enhance and bring about a revolutionary change in the way work is done in a manufacturing set-up. Riding strong on this belief, Bosch is set to implement Industry 4.0 in all 15 of its manufacturing facilities in India.Auto Tech Review was recently invited to Bosch’s Chakan plant near Pune to see how the company has man aged to enhance competitiveness in manufacturing, and drive efficiency in its production.

Need For Machine Learning Based Simulator Approach To ADAS Validation

The global ADAS market is growing at a rapid pace and is expected to reach $ 60 bn by 2020 at a CAGR of 23 %, according to a report by Allied Market Research [1] with Europe and North America being the key geographies driving this growth. In order to make way for this rapid growth, investments are being made by various constituents of the value chain such as silicon vendors, OEMs, and sensor manufacturers along others to capture a pie of this market. This is resulting in innovations in chip design, artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning, radar, and computer vision-based solutions, which are key to realising vehicle autonomy.

Turbocharging, Supercharging To Help With Engine Downsizing, Emissions Compliance

Due to increasingly stringent emissions norms and the need for improved fuel efficiency, one option that auto motive OEMs are increasingly going in for is engine downsizing. Fewer cylinders and smaller engine capacities help OEMs reduce emissions and achieve better fuel economy. However, to ensure that smaller engines are still able to deliver the kind of power and performance that customers expect, manufacturers often use forced induction – turbocharging, supercharging or even both. Here, we take a look at some of the latest advancements in forced induction and their implications for manufacturers, suppliers and customers.

Efficient Batteries, Better BMS Needed For Future E2ws

Between 2013 to 2016, the global market for electric scooters and motorcycles grew at an average CAGR of around 3.3 %, going from $ 7,800 mn to $ 8,600 mn in that period. Due to the numerous challenges – the weight disadvantage that current batteries have, limited range, inadequate charging infrastructure and slow buyer acceptance – growth has indeed been slow. However, globally, government authorities are now beginning to push hard on promoting electric mobility, which is expected to increase the pace of high-quality battery-powered two wheelers in the near future. Analysts expect the global market for electric two-wheelers to reach the $ 10,000 million mark by 2021. Here, we take a look at the state of existing e-2W tech and possible future directions.

Vero: Offering Software Solutions For Automotive Manufacturing

Given increasingly demanding requirements, the complexity of software powering automotive products and solutions is increasing every year.

ZF Showcases Safety, Electrification, ADAS Tech

ZF Friedrichshafen AG, more commonly known as the ZF Group or even just ZF, is a leading supplier of automotive components worldwide. With its headquarters based in Friedrichshafen, Germany, the company has been present in India since the early-1980s. Over the last decade, with its numerous global tie-ups, acquisitions and takeovers, ZF has become a force to reckon with in the automotive industry and currently has 230 production locations in 40 countries. With its expertise in a wide range of automotive applications – including transmissions, steering systems, chassis and driveline technology, suspension systems, braking systems, safety components and driver assistance systems – ZF works closely with leading automotive OEMs as a valuable technology partner.

Japanese Excellence With Indian Production Expertise

The Indian automotive scenario has been witnessing one of the world’s fastest growth trajectories, and over the years, carmakers have gone ahead to not only meet domestic demand, but also turn India into a global manufacturing hub for automobiles. Honda Cars India Limited (HCIL) has been in the Indian automobile market for almost two decades and its range of product offerings bear testimony to its commitment to, and deep-rooted un derstanding of, the unique customer requirements in India. We had the opportunity to visit the Tapukara plant of HCIL located in Rajasthan and witness some the company’s modern, contemporary production techniques, with a variety of cars being manufactured under one roof.

Jeep Compass - A Delight On - & Off - Road

The 2017 Jeep Compass has been newly built ground up. The American manufacturer’s first locally produced product looks like a baby Grand Cherokee, and is based on the ‘compact wide’ architecture that underpins the smaller Jeep Renegade. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Jeep’s parent company, knows well that its success in the Indian market weighs heavily on how the Compass fares in the market. We drove the Compass during the early monsoon showers in Goa – just the right time and place to experience an off-roader. Did we come back impressed? Read on.

Aeris | Enhancing The Role Of Iot In Connected Vehicles

The push towards advanced connected car technology and autonomous cars is gaining momentum, with safety and passenger engagement being the top priorities. To this end, the Internet of Things (IoT) has been a potent tool in offering solutions that ensure an efficient ecosystem for vehicles of the future. Aeris is a mobile virtual network operator in the US, which provides machine-to-machine connectivity.

New Tool Chain For Virtual Brake Control System Validation

Validation of brake control systems is becoming increasingly supported by simulations executed on test benches. Performance and test speed are largely determined by the degree of automation of the tool chain used. Elektronische Fahrwerksysteme GmbH (EFS) shows how it has moved to fully automated test execution and the replacement of its entire tool chain in ongoing operation of ESC testing.

E-Power, Autonomous Driving Take Centre Stage At Tokyo

Wild, over-the-top concepts cars, exotic design studies, cutting-edge technologies that may never see the light of day, and more glitz and glamour than you’d see in Hollywood – for years, that’s what the biennial Tokyo Motor Show (TMS) has been all about. The 45th edition of TMS concluded in the last week of October this year and its tagline of ‘Beyond the Motor’ provided more than a hint of what to expect. Sure, the glitz, glamour and exotica was all there and accounted for, but this year, the TMS also mirrored the automotive industry itself, which is currently in a state of flux, undergoing massive changes.

Sanand Takes The Lead With Making The New 'Dragon' Engine

Ford India was established in the country as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Company in 1995, and set up its first local plant in Chennai. The company experienced good growth over the years, and to address in creasing demand it later set up its second manufacturing facility at Sanand in Gujarat. Ford has invested over $ 2 bn in India to expand its manufacturing facilities and dealership footprint to meet rapidly rising demand in this country, which remains one of the fastest-growing auto markets worldwide.

What's New in the Honda City 2017?

The iconic Honda City, for long Honda Car India’s flagship model in the country, has received a midlife upgrade, primarily to add vigour to its persona. The new City 2017 gets no mechanical changes, but there are significant changes made both to the exteriors and interiors to bring about freshness in to the product, which of late has lost market share to newer introductions in the market. We take a look at the major changes the Japanese manufacturer has brought into the popular midsize sedan.

cutting-edge tech defines iconic japanese supercar

starting with its introduction in the late-1960s, the nissan skyline gtr in its various avatars, has been the first japanese high-performance car to achieve cult status globally and a huge fan following worldwide. unlike some over-the-top european supercars, the gtr has humbler sedan origins, but over the years it has evolved into a fearsome high performance coupe that’s been dubbed ‘godzilla’ by the motoring press. the skyline gtr had its first production run from 1969 to 1973, and the name was then revived in 1989, with production ending in 2002. nissan brought the gtr back to life in 2007, though the company decided to drop the ‘skyline’ name, sticking with just ‘gtr.’ the earlier model’s inline-six was also replaced by a twin-turbo v6 and many other detailed technical changes were made to this seminal japanese supercar. the latest, 2017-spec model of the gtr was recently launched in india, with a price tag of close to rs 2.0 crore. here we take a closer look at some of the car’s underlying technologies that make it such an awe-inspiring performance car.

'Robust Design And Cost Efficiency Drive Market Requirements'

Thermal management plays an important role in maintaining optimum temperature for critical auto components, which ensures longevity over a period of time. Hanon Climate Systems India Pvt Ltd has been providing energy management solutions to auto OEMs, for their powertrain requirements. Auto Tech Review recently met Amit Gupta (R), MD, HCSIPL, & Hanon Systems and Kunal Ahuja (L), Deputy MD, Hanon Climate Systems, to discuss the current need to meet emission norms and economy standards, urged by an ever-increasing demand for quality adherence.

Rear Axle System With Multifunctional Variability

A new rear axle system should rival the traditional multi-link rear suspension and short-long arm rear axle designs with regard to the performance required. A modular rear axle that combines high expectations of the chassis with active steering and an electric traction module for simple application to different versions? ZF shows with the modular rear axle system for passenger cars how that works.

Electronic Locking Differential For Better Traction

Performance alone has not shaped the driveline configurations of today or likely those of tomorrow. Ongoing technology advancements place a higher premium on communication band width and collaboration of systems. Eaton developed the IntelliTrac electronically managed locking differential to expand vehicle dynamics and traction in today’s obstacle laden design environment.

Aerodynamics, Key To Enhancing 2W Performance

When we think of the key parameters that contribute towards enhancing a two-wheeler’s performance and efficiency, we often tend to think of increasing the engine’s power output and/or reducing the vehicle’s weight. Those two factors are critical, of course, but another very important factor – especially when it comes to bigger, faster two-wheelers – is aerodynamics. As speeds increase, the vast majority of the engine’s power is spent in overcoming wind resistance, and with improved aerodynamics, OEMs benefit from higher performance levels combined with improved fuel economy. Here, we take a closer look at how motorcycle aerodynamics work, and the key factors that affect its efficacy.

EVs, Hybrids Or IC Engines - What's Most Suited For India

Like the solar boom five years back, electric vehicles are causing a similar disruption to day in the auto industry globally. India is at the cusp of deciding its future and it is important for everyone to get a 360° perspective of what it means and what would work for our nation. This research paper by Feed back Consulting is an attempt to put all these perspectives in place and make a call on what would work for India. Excerpts:

Redesigned, Feature-Packed New Verna Is A VFM Proposition

When it was launched in India back in mid-2011, the ‘fluidic’ Verna (RB Series) was quite a dramatic departure from its rather nondescript predecessor. With its extroverted design flourishes, the fluidic Verna polarised opinion, with some people loving its over-the-top styling and some going with the belief that it was just too over the top. The car initially did well but later fell prey to the onslaught mounted by the new Honda City and Maruti Ciaz. Now, though, Hyundai has launched the new, 5th generation Verna that’s fully equipped to take on all comers in its segment. We had an opportunity to drive the car extensively and here’s our take on the vehicle.

Future Mobility - Branding & Marketing Challenges for OEMs

At the recently held SIAM Annual Conclave I sat through a presentation by a gentleman of the World Economic Forum about the 4th industrial revolution, pressing the case for autonomous vehicles across the world.

High-End Polymers Key to Meet OEMs Weight Reduction Targets

As part of its commitment to the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals, Covestro, the Leverkusen-based materials manufacturer, announced an ambitious sustainability target to reduce its specific CO2 emissions per tonne of product by 50 %, based on a base line of 2005 in April this year. Towards that goal, the company has also been taking significant steps in the Indian market. We recently met up with Ajay Durrani, Country President, India and Managing Director – Indian Sub-Continent, Covestro for a detailed understanding of the company’s approach towards polymers and chemistry in general.

Accessible Performance With Advanced Electronics

With close to 300,000 units of the Monster having been sold since its launch in 1993, there have been many iterations of the bike over the last two decades. Currently, the Monster family comprises two models – the Monster 821 and its bigger sibling, the Monster 1200. here, we take a look at the suite of technologies underlying the Monster 821, which also make it an excellent sportsbike.

Overlapping Technologies Lead to Disruption

Held in January every year in Las Vegas, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is widely known to showcase leading consumer electronics technologies from across the globe. However, for the past few editions, the show has had a large presence of, and participation from, the automotive industry. The message is twofold – technologies that once belonged largely in the home environment have now entered the automotive domain as well, and cars are now more about electronics (entertainment, navigation, connectivity, sound & display and so on..) and technology than ever before.

Brake-by-Wire, AEB is the Way Forward for Braking Tech

With relentless advances in automotive technology, cars are now more powerful and faster than ever before. In this scenario, braking technology is also being advanced to keep up with upgrades in power and performance. OEMs and suppliers are working on a host of braking hardware, electronics/ software systems, which ensure that cars stop as hard as they go. Here, we will take a look at some of the most important developments in the area of automotive braking technology and understand future directions for this critical area in automotive R&D.