Auto Monitor - 1-15 June 2011

Auto Monitorwww.automonitor.co.in1-15 June 2011Vol. 11 No. 10 40 Pages ` 50

I N D I A ’ S N O . 1 M A G A Z I N E F O R A U T O M O T I V E N E W S , V I E W S & A N A LY S I S

NEWS IN BRIEFHMSI to set up third facility in Karnataka

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) plans to set up its third

facility near Bangalore in Karnataka to be operational by 2013 with an annual capacity of around 1.2 million units.

HMSI is currently setting up its second facility in the Tapukara Industrial Area in Rajasthan, which is around 90 km from Delhi and set to become operational by July with an annual production capacity of 0.6 million units.

It has redrawn plans in order to double the annual production capacity of the second facility to 1.2 million units by March 2012. The capacity expansion plan will increase HMSI’s total annual production capacity to four mil-lion units, including 1.6 million units at the fi rst plant, 1.2 million units at the second plant and 1.2 million units at the third plant, preparing HMSI for further and rapid growth of the market.

HMSI’s sales have grown with the 2010 sales of around 1.5 million units (up 40 percent) achieving a record high for ten consecutive years.

‘WE HAVE LEARNT TO NOT BE COMPLACENT... ’

INTERVIEW

Pg 08Kevin J Quinlan, VP, Powertrain and GM, Gas Engine Management Systems, Delphi Pg 14

EXPANSION: TO DO OR NOT TO DO

AUTOPINION

Nabeel A Khan New Delhi

Swedish heavy truck and bus maker Scania plans to strengthen its presence in

India by setting up an assem-bly plant in Bangalore, besides introducing heavy haulage truck and city and inter-city luxury buses soon.

The company, which has been selling mining trucks in the coun-try in partnership with L&T since 2007, has recently formed an Indian subsidiary called Scania Commercial Vehicles India, and will hire 100 people as it gears up to start assembling heavy haul-age trucks by next year.

‘India is a strategically impor-tant market and we will set up a regional product centre at Bangalore for assembling heavy haulage trucks and city and inter-city luxury buses,’ Scania Commercial Vehicles India, Managing Director, Henrik Fagrenius said. It will start test-

ing heavy haulage trucks and luxury buses for city and inter-city in India by September this year. Fagrenius also added that it will import engines and other components for heavy haulage truck and buses from Europe, while the body will be assembled in India. The company is also considering the possibility of collaborating with an Indian part-ner. He elaborated that in order to be successful; the company

will implement t he g loba l business and product module in India. The company also insisted that it will bring the same product in India without any change.

Scania can consid-er a complete manufacturing unit if the total annual sales is

between 8,000 to 10,000 units. However, the company did not disclose the investment plan, ‘We have not fi nalised invest-ments on the assembly plant; we expect to operationalise it by next year and about 100 people will be employed.’ Fagrenius said. He asserted that having an assembly plant in place is a fundamental requirement for boosting of sales of vehicles and engines.

In the next fi ve years, Scania is looking at assembling and selling 2,000 trucks, 1,000 buses and 1,500 engines for industrial and marine applications in India from the new plant. Since its onset in 2007, the company has sold about 600 mining trucks in India. Its heavy trucks are in the range of 220 horse power to 730 horse power and it will decide which one to bring in India after the tests. However, Scania is open to continue its association with L&T as its distribution partner for the heavy haulage trucks and luxury buses.

‘For Scania, L&T will con-tinue to play an important role especially for sales and serv-ice in the Indian construction equipment market. Our own presence in the country will also strengthen L&T’s position, since the company’s Scania customers will benefi t from a larger range of models, shorter delivery times and higher service availability,’ Fagrenius maintained.

Shambhavi Anand Jaipur

Jaipur based automotive l ig ht i ng ma nu fact u rer, Autolite, is expanding its

base not just within the country but also outside. The `115 crore company is setting up a new assembly plant in the Chinese city of Shanghai. It also is in dialogue with a two-wheeler manufacturer in order to foray into the new segment.

‘We are setting up a plant in a new location in Shanghai. The construction is already in progress and we hope production will commence from November this year,’ Director, Autolite, Adrash Mahipal Gupta told Auto Monitor. The plant will be cater-ing to the requirements of the aftermarket across the world.

With the commencement of the Shanghai plant, it will enter into the new product range for the aftermarket. ‘We have not been much into the luxury segment. In the new Chinese plant, we will be manufacturing lighting parts for various models of Mercedes and BMW,’ Gupta informed. The

products will be fi rst supplied to the aftermarket and then to the manufacturers.

The company which is bet-ter known by the trade name, Autopal, aims to touch the turn over target of `20 crore from their China plant in the fi rst year and `45 crore in the second year of operation. Autolite chose China to set up its manufactur-ing unit as the cost of production is extremely low in the country. Most of the processes like pro-duction of lamps and moulds will be outsourced and will only be assembled at their Shanghai plant. The designs and technolo-

gy will be provided by the Indian company to its suppliers.

Being a major supplier to Tata Motors, the company was also invited by the government Jharkhand to set up a shop there. But the plan has not mate-rialised yet. It already has two manufacturing units in Jaipur, Rajasthan, one dedicated for each, head lamp and the other for halogen lamp, in addition to some ancillary units. Its plant in Pantnagar, Uttaranchal is dedi-cated to Tata Motors.

Autolite mainly produces head lamps, work lamps, LED lamps, fog lamps, turn signal lamps,

halogen bulbs mainly for four-wheelers. It is planning to foray into the two-wheeler seg-ment. The company is in dialogue with a two-wheeler manufac-turer and might start supplying to them if the deal is fi nalised. It has also tied up with a Korean company for this project. The Korean partner supplies mod-ules of LED lights to the

Indian company. Due to the non-disclosure agreement, the names of the two companies could not be revealed.

The lighting manufacturer is also eyeing some acquisition in the western part of India. Shipping to around 80 countries, it earns 32 percent of the total rev-enue from exports. Exports have declined due to the increased domestic demand. Its major clients include Tata Motors, Mahindra and Mahindra, Bajaj Auto, Eicher, Swaraj Mazda, Ashok Leyland among others. It is targeting a turnover of `155 crore in FY12.

Autolite builds plant in China; enters two-wheeler

Scania to set up plant in Bangalore

Scania Commercial Vehicles India, Managing Director

DATA MONITORDomestic Top 5 PV-makers

Sector Apr-10 Apr-11 Change

MSIL 80,034 87,144 8.88%

HMIL 28,501 31,636 11.00%

TML 25,766 27,274 5.85%

M&M ^ 13,487 17,162 27.25%

GMI 10,547 10,021 -4.99%

Domestic Top 5 2W-makers


HHML 362,390 504,477 39.21%

BAL 188,021 195,971 4.23%

TVS 125,471 141,572 12.83%

HMSI 99,480 131,669 32.36%

IYM 16,861 25,817 53.12%

Domestic Top 5 CV-makers


TML 28,297 32,851 16.09%

M&M 8,502 7,835 -7.85%

ALL 5,990 4,832 -19.33%

VECV Eicher

2,903 3,353 15.50%

FML 1,278 1,431 11.97%

* Source: SIAM/ ** Excluding exports/ *** all sub segments considered/ ^ excluding MRPL

Particulars w/o BI with BI

Cost of components 60 60

Excise Duty @10% 6 0

Value Add 40 40

Total 106 100

Excise Duty @10% 10.6 10

Net Benefi t 4.6 10

Adarsh Mahipal Gupta, Director, Autolite India Autolite India

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CONTENTS

THE OTHER SIDE

GLOBAL WATCHVolvo testing smartphones for workshop efficiency 31 Volvo IT is currently collaborating with Volvo Trucks to test the way consumer electronics can be used to streamline work at service workshops

Ford develops heart rate monitoring seat 32Ford engineers have developed a car seat that can monitor a driver’s heartbeat, opening another door to health, convenience and even life-saving potential

Ford transfers fuel-tank business to France’s Plastic Omnium 34Ford is transferring ownership of its fuel-tank production to Inergy Automotive Systems as the automaker exits its parts businesses

US unveils new fuel economy labels, drops grades 34US revamped fuel economy labels including new ratings for electric vehicles but dropped a proposal to assign ‘A+’ through ‘D’ grades for vehicle efficiency

TK Ramesh, Chief Executive Officer, Micromatic Machine Tools A mechanical engineer and an MBA, TK Ramesh has over 29 years of experience in marketing and management of capital equipments in domestic and international markets

CORPORATENisshinbo technology tweaks RBL’s quality, productivity 06The Tiruchirapalli plant of Rane Brake Linings is gearing up to make brake linings for heavy commercial vehicles

‘Our focus is on profitable growth’: Endurance 12Endurance Technologies plans to expand its product base with technology as the main stay and invest in both product design and process technologies

Rajasthan emerging as hot choice for industry 16The first edition of the Automotive Conclave 2011 was attended by more than 130 delegates to explore the investment opportunities in Rajasthan and set up shop in the state

ICAT offers polarised lighting system solution for vehicles 17In a bid to address one of the potential causes of road accidents, ICAT has worked on a polarised head lighting system for all vehicle categories

Halonix to supply to Honda; enter Middle East 18Halonix is in the process of ramping up its capacity in order to meet the rising demand from the domestic and export markets in addition to bagging orders for Honda’s small cars

Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 announced in India 18Lack of accountable agencies and proper legislation are the main reasons for the increasing number of accidental deaths according to the Decade of Action for Road Safety initiative

Jamna Auto Industries banks on expansion, innovation 25Jamna Auto Industries is following a ‘strategy’ of innovation and expansion to continue its strong position as a supplier of leaf springs and suspension components

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Auto Monitor6CORPORATECORPORATE

1 - 15 June 2011

The Tiruchirapalli plant of Rane Brake Linings (RBL) is gearing up to make brake

linings for heavy commercial vehicles soon. Since being com-missioned in 2008, the plant has been manufacturing disc pads for passenger cars and supplies to most of the vehicle manufac-turers in the country. The plant is also in the process of adding disc pad capacities to meet the increas-ing demand from its passenger car customers and also to support and expand its product portfolio.

RBL has set an ambitious plan to record `500 crore by fi scal 2014. It registered `302 as turn-over in 2010-11 with about nine percent of the revenue coming from exports. It has set a target of `395 crore for the current fi scal.

At present, the Tiruchirapalli plant of RBL has an installed capac-ity to make seven lakh disk brake pads per month and it is planning to add the capacity by about 50 percent. This is to primarily cater to the increasing demand from its customers. It may be noted that the passenger vehicle segment grew at close to 25 percent last year. And the trend continues in

the fi rst two months of this fi scal. Therefore capacity expansion for any company is inevitable.

RBL Tiruchirapalli is now creating capacities to make two lakh brake linings per month. Eventually it will be manufactur-ing about six lakh pieces in three years. This plant contributed `55.5 crore to RBL in 2010-11 and it hopes to increase its contribu-tion to `94 crore this year.

RBL has manufacturing facil-ities in Chennai, Hyderabad, Puducherry and Tiruchirapalli and the company is Tier II to sever-al OEMs including Maruti Suzuki, Ford India, GM India, Hyundai Motor India, Tata Motors, Toyota Kirloskar, Ashok Leyland, Eicher and Force Motors. Besides, the com-pany is also catering to aftermarket through seven wholesale distribu-tors and over 20,000 dealers in the country. It exports to aftermarket in several countries in Europe, Middle East and SAARC nations and few OEMs in Germany.

The specialty of the Tiruchirapalli plant is that the entire design of the manufactur-ing process and layout are based on the technology of its partner company Nisshinbo of Japan. The Japanese company has 20 percent stake in RBL.

The Vice President (TQM & Operations) of RBL Tiruchirapalli, D Bheemsingh Melchisedec told Auto Monitor that the support from Nisshinbo has been on three counts—R&D, marketing coordination and support in terms of engineering and manufacturing rocesses.

For R&D, the Japanese company has been sup-porting RBL in terms of formulation technology management, testing and validation in addition to use of green/ eco-friend-ly materials. With respect to marketing, Nisshinbo extends its support in iden-tifying customer requirements, exchanging information on vehicle programmes and communication with customers. The global com-pany has also been assisting RBL’s Tiruchirapalli plant in selection of equipment and in deployment of manufacturing process tech-nologies. Presently, more than 25 percent of the plant, situated in Sethurapatti village, about 30 km south of the city, is covered with greenery and close to 200 peo-ple work in the plant that runs three shifts.

Elaborating on the manu-facturing process, Melchisedec said the company has a unique process of logging in the entire cycle—from the receipt of the raw material untill the fi nal product is dispatched to the cus-tomers. It uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) exten-sively and the PLC controllers hold the key in every stage of operation. The manufactur-

ing process consists of mixing, pre-forming, curing, heat treat-ment, back-plate preparation, adhesive coating, baking, grind-ing, scorching, fi nal inspection and packaging. Deployment of RFID helps the company not only to validate the grade of the ingredients but also to match the relevant process parame-ters before the commencement of every operation in the man-ufacturing line. For every formulation, the entire process including the total number of raw materials, weight/ quantity and the process parametres such as temperature, time and pres-sure, is predetermined by the process computer.

All the critical parameters are monitored online and the whole operation is performed in a con-trolled atmosphere to ensure quality. In addition, all the machines are hooked to the server enabling to monitor the perform-ance of each and every machine / process from anywhere in the world. The company has deployed several poke-yokes insuring fl aw-less operation and the machine will automatically stop fl ashing a warning in the unlikely event of any non-conformity of opera-tions. These initiatives help the company to attain 99.8 percent uptime for all the machines, while ensuring quality products at sin-gle-digit ppm levels.

Auto Batching SystemThe mixing process is carried

out in a controlled environ-

ment and the equipment has been customised and developed indigenously. The annuncia-tion system ensures continuous interaction between machine and team member and inter-facing auto batching trolley and mixer ascertains that right ingre-dients are loaded in the mixing machine and tuned to the right process. At the end of the batch-ing operation, a report on the mixture of ingredients is gener-ated to securing the input and the output weights are tallied. The whole operation is designed by RBL, which is treasured by its partner Nisshinbo.

Plate Preparation Preparing the back plate of

the disc pad is vital as it ensures proper adhesive coating, fi x-ing the friction material and also helps maintain mechani-cal properties. Auto loading and unloading mechanism guaran-tees that the process runs with minimal manpower. One of the highlights of the system is the online phosphating, which while eliminating human inter-vention, also ensures higher productivity and fl awless proc-ess. The machine is built with several interdependant mech-anisms to enable the system to run as per specifi cation eventu-ally churning out distortion-free back plates.

Curing ProcessCure presses have been built

indigenously with the support of Japanese technology. All the operations have been supported with user-friendly visual aids and online monitoring facilities for better control and easier trouble shooting. It has two stage grind-ing operations to achieve better surface fi nish and parallelism. In order to reduce the tool set up time, the company has a unique ‘easy tool setup’ mechanism that is developed in house. The maximum time taken between the last piece produced of one model and the fi rst piece pro-duced of another model is less than eight minutes. Besides, the plant has special dust suction system since friction materials generate lot of dust during man-ufacturing process.

Yet another specialty of the process is the unique scorching operation, which ensures bet-ter green-braking performance. Green-braking is the perform-ance of brakes when applied for the fi rst time in a vehicle. Overall, the Tiruchirapalli plant of RBL has about 60 to 70 percent high-er productivity than the industry standards due to Nisshinbo way of manufacturing operations.

T Murrali Tiruchirapalli

Nisshinbo technology tweaks RBL’s quality, productivityThe Tiruchirapalli plant to augment capacities for disc pads and brake linings

CORPORATECORPORATE

PS Rao, President, Rane Brake Lining

Could you tell us about the capacity expansion plans for the disc brake pads and the invest-ments that it envisages?

We are planning to expand our existing product lines by about 50 percent with an investment of about `15 crore.

What is the roadmap for brake linings? Would you be recruiting people to man the new manufacturing lines?

We are getting into manu-facturing of brake lining from this year onwards with an ini-tial capacity of 1.5 million pieces per annum. Like brake disc pads, we will be manufacturing asbes-tos-free brake linings. Further

expansion will depend on the market conditions. We will be recruiting about 80 people as we go along.

Who will be your customers for brake lining and what percent-age of sales will it contribute to RBL Tiruchirapalli in the fi rst full year of operation?

The brake linings will be supplied mainly to our exist-ing customers. The brake lining manufacturing lines will con-tribute about 10 to 15 percent to the revenue of this plant.

Curing line in process Finishing line

Auto Monitor8 1 - 15 June 2011

INTERVIEWINTERVIEW

How is the powertrain busi-ness organised and what does it mean from your customers’ perspective?

Powertrain business compris-es systems and components for engine management technology. Apart from powertrain division, there are other divisions includ-ing the electronics and safety division, thermal division and the aftermarket division. These are sharply focused business ver-ticals which have their respective facilities and management struc-tures and work in tandem to help our customers achieve their objectives. The Powertrain division is around $1.7 billion globally and is expected to touch around $2.5 billion over the next three to four years based on committed and expected business. We would have to commit investments in different regions as per cus-tomer needs to ensure that this target is surpassed given the growth of the automotive sector in emerging mar-kets including India. The market in China is

currently around $450 million and contributes a major share of the revenue and will become the largest contributor in terms of sales surpassing US market in couple of years. The one thing that we have learnt from our bankruptcy proceedings and emergence from it is that one cannot take one’s position in the market for granted and even a sin-gle product or solution can make a big difference in a market and

change fortunes. We have learnt to not be complacent in our approach and this is evident from the fact that GM constitutes around 17 to 18 percent of our glo-bal revenues as opposed to more than 85-90 percent around a dec-ade ago.

What is the overall product introduction and customisation strategy of powertrain division for Delphi globally?

We need to localise in mar-kets with sufficient volumes and that holds true globally. We generally look to manufacture products that have synergy and local advantage. Product syner-gy essentially implies products that are common between gaso-line and diesel systems. As we expand our presence in a mar-ket for both petrol and diesel fuel injection systems, we can evalu-ate opportunities for synergy in manufacturing, sales, marketing and product development. But currently as the market dynam-ics stand, we are expecting our manufacturing footprint to grow faster and bigger in China even as we grow our engineering cen-tre in India from current 600 odd skilled employees to more than 850 over the next year or so.

What in your view is the tech-nology roadmap for gasoline engines and how will that affect your business?

Our expectation is the custom-ers move from MPFI (Multi Point

Fuel Injection) sys-

tems to Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) to Stratifi ed Spray Injection (SSI) depending on emission regulations, cost imperatives and market demand in different regions from customers’ per-spective. Many of the current regulations including Euro IV and equivalent emission norms can be met by MPFI but as the norms get tighter we are likely to see the move along the technol-ogy ladder to GDI and SSI.

Any OEM can reaffi rm that stricter emission norms can be met through various combina-tions of injection technologies, weight reduction, increased efficiency of existing engine architecture and so on. SSI is an expensive technology and may not fi nd much favour in a cost-sensitive market like India.

How are you tackling this sit-uation in a market like India?

We intend to introduce SSI technology without piezo, unlike most advanced SSI injection technologies in the market today. This is likely to reduce the cost for OEMs by upto 50 percent and gives almost 80 percent of the benefi ts of a typical SSI system. We are expecting a major shift to this ‘affordable’ technology even as many of the customers may have to shift to SSI due to strin-gent emission norms in coming years. We are working with vari-ous OEMs on this technology and there is enormous benefi t that we can offer to customers.

Is this technology likely to be a closed loop one?

We would like to sell the tech-nology as a complete system to our customers but it is not a closed loop technology. We would offer supporting technologies and products to competing injection technology and likewise cus-tomers would be able to buy any control unit and electronics for our injection technology as they fi nd suitable.

Given the market dynamics in India in the

passenger car segment, what is your strategy to win business?

We w il l seek to of fer customisat ion and work actively with

OEMs to offer the most suit-able technology at the most optimum cost to enable them to be efficient and cut time to market.

What are your plans for the two-wheeler segment in India?

We intend to offer solutions that can help tackle emission and provide fuel effi ciency benefi ts to customers in two-wheeler seg-ment. We are offering solutions to tackle evaporative emission, which is likely to become a major concern area in cities and towns with high vehicular population. We offer canisters to tackle this evaporative emission and are expecting more awareness in this area. We also offer fuel pumps for compact cars and these can be modified for two-wheeler segment and we are expecting major demand for these pumps as well. Eventually, we expect most emission standards that are currently applicable to four -wheeler segment to be appli-cable for two-wheeler segment as well and that will open major opportunities for us.

What is your expectation on the growth of four-wheeler and two-wheeler segment in India?

We have to be present and endevour to grow in an economy growing at around eight to nine percent per annum. Such a pace of growth will inevitability lead to higher standards of living and lead to migration of large number of two-wheeler customers to shift to four-wheelers and expand personal mobility. This trend of migration from two-wheelers to four-wheelers will provide a major benefi t to us.

What is the prospect for fuel injection parts and products that Delphi offers in India?

Apart from canisters, we are expecting a major demand for fuel delivery modules as these offer less friction in the pump and are more environ-ment friendly. Moreover, we are developing ‘smart’ canisters that could find application in advanced gasoline and hybrid systems. We are also looking to grow our business in engine electronics including engine controller and transmission controllers. We are also looking to grow our coils business and are evaluating several other products and solutions for the Indian market.

‘We have learnt to not be complacent... ’Even as it struggles to catch up with its German competitor in diesel and gasoline injection systems, Delphi is looking to have a larger footprint in engineering and advanced gasoline systems and products in India. In an exclusive interaction with Auto Monitor, Vice President, Powertrain and General Manager, Gas Engine Management Systems, Delphi, Kevin J Quinlan speaks on the evolving technology roadmap for gasoline fuel systems and Delphi’s prospect in India in gasoline injection system business.

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Apart from powertrain division,there are other divisions includ-ing the electronics and safetydivision, thermal division andthe aftermarket division. These are sharply focused business ver-ticals which have their respectivefacilities and management struc-tures and work in tandem to helpour customers achieve their objectives. The Powertraindivision is around $1.7 billionglobally and is expected totouch around $2.5 billion over the next three to four yearsbased on committed and expected business. We would have to commit investments in different regions as per cus-tomer needs to ensure that this target is surpassed given thegrowth of the automotivesector in emerging mar-kets including India. The market in China is

market for granted and even a sin-gle product or solution can makea big difference in a market and

line and diesel systems. As weexpand our presence in a mar-ket for both petrol and diesel fuelinjection systems, we can evalu-ate opportunities for synergy inmanufacturing, sales, marketing and product development. Butcurrently as the market dynam-ics stand, we are expecting ourmanufacturing footprint to grow faster and bigger in China evenas we grow our engineering cen-tre in India from current 600 oddskilled employees to more than850 over the next year or so.

What in your view is the tech-nology roadmap for gasolineengines and how will that affectyour business?

Our expectation is the custom-ers move from MPFI (Multi Point

Fuel Injection) sys-

not fi nsensiti

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We technomost technoThis isfor OEgives benefi We arethis ‘aas mahave tgent eyears. ous OEthere ican of

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One thing that we have learnt from our bankruptcy is that

one cannot take one’s position in the market

for granted. Even a single product can

change fortunes. We have learnt to not

be complacent and this is evident as GM constitutes around 17 percent of our global revenues compared to more than 85-90 percent around a

decade ago

EDITORIALEDITORIAL

Are subsidies subjective?

Reports are doing the rounds that there is a likelihood of an increase in the price of diesel after the recent hike in petrol price by `fi ve. However, threats from differ-

ent political quarters and a few trade bodies including the All India Motor Transport Congress, the representative body of truckers in the country, had put the brakes on the govern-ment’s intention. While the petrol price increase has hit the consumers hard, the oil refi ning and marketing companies lament about still losing due to under recoveries, since only half of the losses are shared by the consumers with the recent petrol price revision. These companies arrive at a fi gure for under recoveries based on the difference between the retail price and its trade parity price, which are notional since they do not import petrol and diesel.

The government claims that it gives subsidy for diesel, kerosene and cooking gas and the losses—though notion-al—incurred by the oil refi ning and marketing companies are largely offset by the government in the form of bonds etc. Recently, the subsidy has been raised from 33.3 percent to 38.7 percent. The whole process seems to be chousing the aam admi since a subsidy, by defi nition, is the differ-ential paid by the government when a product is sold at a price less than the production cost. In the case of petroleum products, the production cost is kept close to the heart of the companies involved and the losses attributed by them are religiously accepted by the government.

Secondly, the country’s hydrocarbons pricing policy per se has been causing enough confusions and only favours the government to attribute petroleum products as ‘politically sensitive’ and play around with that. Is the subsidy sensible? Take for instance the excise duty on all other kinds of energy sources such as coal, gas etc, which is between fi ve and 14 percent, while the same for petrol is 16 percent plus `23 per litre as fl at rate ad-valorem, and in the case of diesel, it is 16 percent plus `seven as fl at rate ad-valorem.

Besides, the state governments levy around 30 percent as sales tax, making petrol and diesel as highly taxed commodi-ties amongst the different sources of energy in the country.

On top of this, the vehicles are also highly taxed making the personal mobility a costly affair. According to the tariff book, the differential between the two fuels is `17, which the gov-ernment calls as subsidy. Why should these fuels be taxed heavily and given back as subsidies? Can the concession given in the excise duty be called a subsidy and what’s the benefi t for the common man in the cumbersome procedure? The government should address pricing issues by having a uniform excise duty and allow the refi ners to handle it.

Not happy with the Logan that was launched along with the Mahindras, Renault India has scripted an aggressive prod-uct strategy beginning with the launch of its debutante model Fluence. It will be interesting to see how the new comer will address the burgeoning market as it has enough learning occurrences with Logan.

The two-wheeler segment in the country is getting more vibrant by the day as the players are planning to launch a slew of models this year. Alongside, the companies are also expanding capacity. Even before the offi cial inauguration of its second plant in Tapukara in Rajasthan, Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI) has revealed its plan for its third plant, which will be set up in Narasapura near Bangalore. The company had launched its fi rst two wheeler—Activa about a decade ago in Bangalore, since the city had the largest population of gearless scooters. It is still one of the largest markets and perhaps, this is the reason for HMSI to set up its third facility in Karnataka.

In this issue, you will fi nd some interesting articles on Rajasthan’s initiative of inviting investments from the auto sector, Delphi, Endurance Technologies and Scania. Wishing you much reading pleasure. Do send us your feedback.

IMAGE of the fortnight

Auto Monitor

Send in your feedback and comments to: The Editor AUTO MONITOR, Infomedia 18 Ltd, 6th Floor, Kannammai Bldg, 611, Anna Salai, Chennai - 600 006. Ph: +91 44 3986 4200. Email: [email protected]

FORTNIGHT’S QUOTES

Bob Carter, Toyota Group Vice President for US

‘If I had twice as many Priuses, we’d be selling twice as many’

Dan Akerson, GM, CEO on treasury’s exit

‘They will tell us when they are getting out’

Paul Mascarenas, Ford Chief Technical Officer

‘We need a better world, not just better transportation’

‘European market for our conventional products was very strong and we continue to see a huge traction now’

Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director, Bajaj Auto on the new Pulsar

‘Let’s see if its worthy of being called a super bike’

After an abortive tryst with a sedan in the Indian mar-ket in alliance with Mahindra & Mahindra, the French carmaker makes its solo entry with the launch of its lux-ury sedan Fluence, with both petrol and diesel options, priced between `12.99 lakh and `14.40 lakh (ex-show-room Delhi).

This will be the fi rst Renault branded car to have been assembled in India at its Chennai plant. The petrol vari-ant of Fluence will come with a two litre engine while the diesel option will be powered by a 1.5 litre engine. A man-ual six-speed gearbox for the diesel variant and an advanced six-speed CVT transmission for the petrol option comes as standard with the new Fluence.

Renault to in-Fluence India

T. Murrali [email protected]

Baba Kalyani, Chairman, Bharat Forge

Sudhir Rao, Dy MD, Len Curran, VP, Marketing & Sales and Marc Nassif, MD, Renault India at the launch

Editorial TeamEditor T. MurraliPrincipal Correspondent Abhishek ParekhSenior CorrespondentNabeel A KhanCorrespondentsShambhavi Anand, Bhargav TS, Akmal Rahman BSenior Copy EditorNandita Rohit KapadiaContributing Editors Sirish ChandranBertrand D’Souza

Design & PhotographyChief Photographer Mexy XavierPhotographerNeha Mithbawkar, Joshua NavalkarAsst. Art Director Varuna NaikSenior Designer Mahesh TalkarScanning & Colour Correction Ravikumar Potdar, Ravi Salian, Sanjay ShelarProduction Team Dnyaneshwar Goythale, Vikas Bobhate, Pravin Koyande


1 - 15 June 2011

Au r a n g a b a d b a s e d Endurance Technologies plans to expand its prod-

uct base with technology as the main stay and invest in both product design and process tech-nologies. This is perhaps due to customers’ expectations in terms of value added and value engi-neering solutions, and faster product development on a ‘fi rst time right’ basis.

In an exclusive interview, Managing Director, Endurance Technologies, Anurang Jain told Auto Monitor that the com-pany sees growth coming from all the four segments, due to emergence of the auto industry.

However, these segments require large investments in research and development and plant and machineries. Currently the com-pany operates in four segments such as aluminium castings, suspension, transmission (clutch assembly and CVTs) and brakes.

The company had fi led a Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India last September. This will provide a part exit to the private equity partner Standard Chartered Private Equity (Mauritius) II. The primary objec-tives of the issue are to repay debts of `411 crore and spend `50 crore on capital expenditure and capi-tal equipment.

Endurance Technologies has been a full service provider for the auto industry—it designs,

develops, tests and manufac-tures auto components based on the specifi c requirements of its customers. ‘Unless we have the knowledge and the capability to design, it will not be possible to develop components and grow profi tably. We had already devel-oped f lywheel housing for a leading Indian CV manufactur-er that gave a weight reduction of close to three kilos. Though both the castings were alumini-um, the process was different, as it changed from ‘gravity’ to ‘high pressure’ die cast’, he pointed out. Besides, it is focusing on critical aluminium castings, which will be supplied in fully fi nished con-dition. It is also concentrating on exports as the company believes that this will allow it to establish

new relationships with the OEMs in India and increasing the sales of its Indian operations.

Proprietary products are those that are designed and developed by Endurance, while castings are made as per the design specifi ca-tions of the OEMs. Asked where the company sees the growth coming from, he said, ‘Our focus is on profi table growth. Though the volume growth will come due to positive performance of the auto industry, we will choose to be where we see higher prof-it. We have been adopting this strategy for the last two years and will continue in the future too. We have taken up business that has given higher profi ts. We have also taken up business where we see economies of scale giving better profi ts.’

With aluminium emerging as a preferred metal for automo-tive manufacturing as a result of stricter emission norms and the need for lighter vehicles, the company believes that it is well-positioned to take advantage of this growing market, he said.

Seeking his views on the profi tability of the company’s aftermarket division that deals with only proprietary products, he said, ‘Of course we see a great

potential not only in India but also exports, since most of our clients are in countries like Africa and South America that are grow-ing economies. That is why we see potential in both the segments.’

Endurance Technologies has 16 manufacturing plants located in the major automotive manu-facturing hubs of the country such as Aurangabad, Pune, Manesar, Pantnagar and Chennai. It has three plants overseas—two in Germany

and one in Italy. Endurance has fi ve R&D centres—for brakes, cast-ing, transmission and suspension for two and three wheelers, and suspension for passenger vehicle (through a joint venture compa-ny—Endurance Magneti Marelli Shock Absorbers (India) in Pune. Despite the research centres being equipped fully, the compa-ny plans to continue the legacy to focus more on new product devel-opment. For instance, Endurance

had tied up with WP Suspension of Austria GmbH, to make high per-formance suspension components including inverted front forks and mono shock absorbers for use in motorcycles.

Currently, 95 people are working in the R&D centres. The company will also focus on process technologies to enhance the reliability and quality of its products. This makes tremen-dous sense for its customers, as it will help reduce customer com-plaints, warranty claims, and also enhance customer satisfac-tion levels signifi cantly.

Asked how Endurance could manage investing in R&D when the margins are becoming thin-ner, he said the environment has been competitive for a long time. However, the customers do not look at the price alone. They also look at the cost of qual-ity, customer complaints and warranties, the ability of Tier I companies in investing for them, and delivering new products at the shortest possible intervals. No customer would shift for only price benefi ts. The philos-ophy of suppliers’ expectations has changed over the years, he said.

T Murrali Aurangabad

‘Our focus is on profi table growth’: EnduranceCORPORATECORPORATE

Anurang Jain, MD, Endurance Technologies

The company operates in four segments such as aluminium castings, suspension, transmission (clutch assembly & CVTs) & brakes

Endurance makes propriety products that are designed and developed inhouse


AUTOPINIONAUTOPINION

The Auto Sector has been in the vanguard for availing the fi scal benefi ts granted by

government in the form of exemp-tion from central excise duty and income tax for units set up in the states of Himachal Pradesh (HP) and Uttaranchal (UC). The sec-tor comprising the auto majors and their ancillaries have set up facilities in a major way. While fi s-cal benefi ts are certainly a reason to move into exempt zones, the auto sector faces peculiar chal-lenges. This article examines the challenges and also examines the durability of the fi scal benefi ts at this point of time.

Few auto majors have estab-lished facilities for manufacture of vehicles in HP/ UC. However, not all their vendors have set up facilities. While this absence of backward integration does not impact the direct tax exemp-tion, it does impact the indirect tax exemption substantially. Any supply of components from states other than HP / UC would entail charge of excise duty by the vendors. The excise duty charged would be a cost and will directly impact the bottom line. Only if the vendors too locate in same area, would the excise duty exemption be available to the vendors. This would make the exemption to the vehicle manufacturer complete. Else, the exemption would only be restricted to the value added in the state of HP / UC. The lack of backward integration would make the exemption less attrac-tive. Any expansion that does not factor in integrated mother plant-vendor model is likely to suffer from ineffi ciencies in claiming the excise duty benefi ts.

Apart from effi ciency of the tax exemption, it is necessary that the following factors are evalu-ated before expansion could be decided: • Integration of suppliers • Inbound logistics cost• Location of markets • Outbound logistics costWhile there are both qualitative and quantitative aspects to the decision to expand in Himachal Pradesh / Uttaranchal, contro-versies surrounding the fi scal benefi ts need to be factored in. A brief backdrop of the fi scal ben-efi ts would set the canvass for the discussion in the present article.

The benefi ts allowed are both for setting up new units or for substantial expansion of existing units engaged in the manufacture goods, except the ones in the neg-ative list. These benefi ts date back to 2003. The direct and indirect tax benefi ts have been granted by way of a specifi c section 80-IC of the Income Tax Act, 1961 and by Notifi cation No. 50 of 2003 Central Excise dated 10 June, 2003. While the direct tax exemption is current, the excise exemption window closed on 31 March, 2010. This window has been apparent-ly opened by the Central Board of Excise and Customs recently. Before we discuss the window, an examination of the notifi cation would be relevant.

Duty Exemption The exemption from excise

duty was available to: (i) new industrial unit set up in the notifi ed areas commencing com-mercial production between 7 January, 2003 and 31 March, 2010 (specifi ed period) (ii) industrial units existing before 7 January, 2003 that have undertaken expan-

sion of capacity by more than 25 percent of the installed capacity during the specifi ed period.

The tenor of the notifi cation was that the exemption would be available to units that have been set up or expanded substantial-ly before the cut-off date, ie 31 March, 2010. However, the availa-bility of the excise exemption after the cut-off date was in doubt in the following scenarios: (i) The unit starts producing new products from the same plant and machin-ery (ii) The unit installs new plant and machinery and produces the same product (iii) The unit installs new plant and machinery and produces new products.

The Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) Circular No 939/29/2010-CX S. No. 102/2/2010-CX-3 dated 22 December, 2010 has clarifi ed the issue and had also opened a win-dow of opportunities for units located in Himachal Pradesh and Uttranchal. The circular has clarifi ed that the notifi cation does not bar on any addition/modifi cation to the plant and machinery or production of new products after the cut-off date for claiming the benefi t of exemp-tion. The circular has clarifi ed that exemption would continue for all the three scenarios dis-cussed above.

Thus, it is now clear that a unit can expand post 31 March, 2010 and avail the benefi ts of the exemption for the expansion. However, the period of exemp-tion would remain 10 years only from the date of initial availment. Is it so? Is the clarifi cation in the circular fool proof? Are there no pitfalls in the path of expansion following this clarifi cation? It is an open question if a circular can relax a condition of a notifi cation. While the revenue department can challenge the circular on its own accord, it is reasona-ble to expect that it is not likely. However, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) could and may.

The Promissory EstoppelAll the units that are pro-

posing to expand and claim the benefi t of the relaxation should note that there is always a danger of the CAG raising this issue. An easier way out of this is to repre-sent to the government right now to amend the notifi cation instead of clarifying its intent through a circular so that the long arms of audit would not question the wisdom of the government in granting the exemption. Considering the inertia and the ennui pervading in the legisla-tive branch of the government, it may be presumptuous to expect the government to move and act on this. If and when the issue is raised, the assessee should be prepared for a long and hard grind to establish their claim for the exemption. The only rescue that is available to them is the princi-

ple of Promissory Estoppel.‘Promissory Estoppel’, as an

equitable principle that enables the courts to compel parties to perform the promises made. Section 115 of the Indian Evidence Act enshrines this principle and is a refl ection of legislative intent to enforce such retracted promis-es. A review of the decisions of the Supreme Court in the context of this principle would throw light on the ability of industry to rely on this principle to compel per-formance by the government.

The Hon’ble Supreme Court of India dealt with this question in the case of Motilal Padampat Sugar Mills, 118 I.T.R. 326. The

issue before the court then was ‘How far and to what extent is the state bound by the doctrine of promissory estoppel’. The c ou r t w a s required to a ssess t he legality of the withdrawal of exemption

by the state of Uttar Pradesh wherein the sugar mill was assured of sales tax exemption for three years upon establish-ment of a ‘vanaspati plant’ by the government.

The Hon’ble Apex Court declared categorically that the state government was bound by the doctrine of promissory estop-pel and therefore the exemption promised was duly restored back to the aggrieved sugar mill. Since the decision in Motilal Padampat, a lot of water has fl own and the courts have not always been too impressed by the argument that government should not change the exemptions granted in the light of the changed economic scenari-os. In a number of instances, the Hon’ble Supreme Court itself has declared the inapplicability of the doctrine in tax matters: Larsen & Toubro, 2005 (191) E.L.T. 39 (S.C.) reflects its changing attitude. Even more telling is the observa-tion of the Supreme Court in RC Tobacco, 2005 (188) E.L.T. 129 (S.C.) where it has categorically expressed the view that the power of the parliament/government to withdraw exemption is plenary and no embargo can be placed on it on basis of promissory estop-pel. The court has in many other occasions had held that the ‘The plea of estoppel is not available against the state in the exercise of its legislative or statutory func-tions.’ Jit Ram Shiv Kumar v State of Haryana (3 S.C.R. 689).

Tax DeductionThe inescapable conclusion is

that it always may not be possible to rely on the doctrine of prom-issory estoppel to compel the government to restore the ben-efi ts. While the benefi ts under indirect taxes remain murkier and is open to doubt and inter-pretational issues, the scenario in direct taxes appears salubri-ous. The deduction under Section 80-IC of the Income-tax Act, 1961 is available on the profi ts derived from products other than restrict-ed products manufactured by an undertaking that commences production between 7 January, 2003 and 31 March, 2012. The deduction is available on the profi ts for a period of 10 years; 100 percent deduction in the fi rst fi ve

years and 30 percent for the next fi ve years. ‘Substantial expan-sion’ means increase in value of plant and machinery by at least 50 percent of the book value with-out considering depreciation for any year.

The moot point is whether an existing unit already enjoy-ing the exemption is entitled to a fresh period of 10 years in case it carries out substantial expansion for the profi ts accruing from such expanded capacity. The assump-tion is that the expansion can be identifi ed as a separate viable unit, although located within the same premises of the exist-ing unit, and also manufactures or produces either same products as produced by the existing unit or distinct commercially identifi -able products.

The Supreme Court in Textile Machinery Corporation. v. CIT (1977) 107 ITR 195 (SC) had held that if an undertaking produces certain products which are, by themselves, identifiable units being marketable commodities and the undertaking can exist even after the cessation of the principal business of the assessee, it cannot be anything but a new and separate industrial under-taking to qualify for appropriate exemption under section 15C of the erstwhile Indian Income-tax Act, 1922.

If it could be contended and should it be accepted that the expansion ought to be treated as a new and separate undertak-ing, it is possible to argue that the benefi ts of tax holiday of fresh 10 years over and above the holi-day already being enjoyed by the existing undertaking should be available to the new under-taking formed by substantial expansions albeit in the same premises. To take this argument, it is important to establish that the expanded capacity would exist even after cessation of pro-duction in the existing unit. The above position has not yet been tested in the courts of law. It is also important to note that to claim this deduction, book keeping needs to be separate to determin-ing the profi ts attributable to the undertakings separately apart from certain other conditions.

The deadline of 31 March, 2012 is critical for availing the benefi ts under the Income Tax Act since the production should commence before this deadline. Else, this win-dow of opportunity would close as the Direct Taxes Code (DTC) Bill available in public domain does not have any provisions cor-responding to Section 80-IC for extending area based incentives. The unexpired holiday is likely to continue in the DTC regime too. The industry need to be conscious of uncertainties surrounding the fi scal incentives as well as the qualitative aspects before decid-ing on expansion.

(Contributed by Niranjan JV, Associate Director and VP Manikandan, Senior Manager, Tax & Regulatory Services, PwC India. Views expressed are personal)

Expansion: To do or not to do

VP Manikandan, Senior Manager, Tax & Regulatory Services, PwC India

Particulars w/o BI with BI

Cost of components 60 60

Excise Duty @10% 6 0

Value Add 40 40

Total 106 100

Excise Duty @10% 10.6 10

Net Benefi t 4.6 10

The example presented in the table would illustrate the tax benefits with and without backward integration.

BI (Backward Integration)

Niranjan JV, Associate Director, PwC India

Auto Monitor16EVENTEVENT

1 - 15 June 2011

The first edition of the Automotive Conclave 2011 was attended by more

than 130 delegates to explore the investment opportunities in Rajasthan and set up shop in the state. Owing to the success of the Conclave, a proposal for a special package for the auto-

motive industry in Rajasthan was announced by Additional Chief Secretary, Rajasthan Government, CK Mathew.

‘The automotive industry is a visible symbol of growth in any country and also refl ects the fun-damentals of economic growth. Japan and the US are prime exam-ples of phenomenal automobile growth. The automotive sector growth led the way for growth of other sectors too. India’s auto-motive sector is steadily growing and would refl ect the general economic growth and robust-ness,’ Mathew said.

An Auto HubThe event which was joint-

ly organised by Rajasthan State Industrial Development & Investment Corporation (RIICO) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), was the fi rst sector specifi c Conclave organised in the state in order to attract manufacturing compa-nies (automotive, in this case) and create manufacturing hub like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Delhi.

The two-day event which commenced on 12 May, 2011 at the SMS Convention had around 20 exhibitors from all over the country showcasing their latest products on the first day. It was attended by the officials of the Rajasthan gov-ernment, Senior Vice-President and Director of General Affairs, Honda Siel Cars India, Raman Kumar Sharma who also rep-resented Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Managing Director and CEO, Shriram Piston, AK Taneja who is also Past President A ut om ot i v e C om p one nt Manufacturers Associat ion (ACMA), Director, FICCI Gyan Prakash, MD RIICO, Rajendra Bhanawat, Chief Executive, Tata Strategic Management Group, RR Bhinge among others.

The Vision On the fi rst day of the event,

there were fi ve technical sessions during which, the companies which already have a base in

Rajasthan talked about their expe-rience in the state. The rep-resentatives of the government discussed t he manufacturing- friendly policies of the state. On the second day visit to industrial sites in Neemrana, Bh iwad i a nd Tapukara region was organised. Representatives of around 30 auto-motive component manufacturers vis-ited these sites.

‘The conclave intends to trans-form Rajasthan from a largely agrarian economy to a manufacturing economy. The state government is trying to create a supporting infra-structure for manufacturing companies. Automotive industry being one of the most promising and fast growing industries is very important for us. We want more and more OEMs to set foot here,’ Chief Secretary, Rajasthan Government, S Ahmed said while inaugurating the event.

Aligning SopsIn the past one

year, Rajasthan government has given sops like implementa-tion of Rajasthan Industr ia l a nd Investment Promotion Policy 2010, enactment of R aja st h a n Enterprises Single Point Enabling and Clearance Act, simplification and rationalisation of regulatory mecha-nisms and setting up of Udyogik Salahakar Samiti (Industrial Advisory Council) among others, in order to create an

infrastructure for manufactur-ing companies, the automotive industry is a major focus. Since the implementation of the sin-gle window system, projects worth over `30,000 crore are in the pipeline.

With these sops, the state is expecting to become the next automotive hub. The presence of Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI) and Honda Scooters India has acted as a catalyst in the development of a small automotive zone in the Tapukara region. Automotive

component makers like Shriram Piston also have a manufacturing unit in Bhiwadi.

W hile the proximity of the state to the northern and western markets of India, availability of cheaper land, strife-free labour environment, vast mineral resources and investor-friendly attitude of the state government are the factors that can lead to the development of the Neemrana, Bhiwadi and Tapukara regions as the auto-motive hub of the state.

Rajasthan emerging as hot choice for industry Shambhavi Anand

Rajasthan

Rajendra Bhanawat, Managing Director, Rajasthan State Industrial Development & Investment Corporation (RIICO)

What are the advantages that Rajasthan can offer over other states to automotive companies?

There are several advantages that Rajasthan has over other states. Proximity to the automotive hubs in Delhi and NCR region and Gujarat can offer a great advantage. Secondly, the law and order and the power situation in the state is better as compared to other states. Availability of land at com-

petitive prices can reduce the initial investment to a great extend. We have created an auto components zone in the Bhiwadi region; we are trying to create another automotive zone in DMIC. One of the very important fac-tors that can lure the companies is the entrepreneurial friendly attitude of the government. Also, Delhi Mumbai Freight Corridor (DMFC) offers better connectivity.

Apart from Neemrana, Bhiwadi and Tapukara, are you planning to develop more industrial areas especially automo-tive zones?

New land acquisition in the DMFC area is going on. We have already acquired 1937.70 acre in Ghilot, near Neemrana and some more land for other sectors in the same region. Acquisition of land near Tapukada, Khushkeda, Chopanki, Bhiwadi, is under progress. There will be special zones dedicated for automotive companies in these areas.

How soon will you be able to hand over plots in these areas?

As soon as the acquisition is over, we will get the environmental clearance. The land should be ready for hand over by Diwali or may be within six months.

Sunil Arora, Principal Secretary, Department of Industries, State Enterprises & NRI, Government of Rajasthan

Why is Rajasthan paying so much atten-tion to the automotive sector?

India is the seventh largest vehicle manufacturer in the world. The vehicle production in India is expected to grow three fold from the 2009 fi gures by 2020. It is a labour intensive industry and can gen-erate employment in the state. We want to reap the benefi ts of this sector.

The state is inviting automotive industries

to set shop in Rajasthan. Do you think it is prepared? What do you think are the chal-lenges which Rajasthan needs to address?

The state already has automobile man-ufacturers like Honda, Ashok Leyland and component makers like Shriram Pistons here. There are several other component makers also. We defi nitely can handle more manufacturing companies.

Our main challenge is to make young people of Rajasthan employable so that there is no shortage of manpower at any level in the state.

What is the state doing to overcome the challenge?

First of all, industries themselves are trying to impart training to people and develop a resource pool for themselves. RIICO is also developing a series of skill centres to create talent reserve for compa-nies. The state government has agreed to give land at cheaper rates and do the hand-holding in constructing buildings for the skill centres. An amount of ̀ fi ve crore has been allotted for this purpose.

Mahindra and Mahindra in collabo-ration with RIICO has set up incubation centres in Mahindra World City, Jaipur. The government is giving a lot of fi nancial assistance; banks are giving loans to set up these incubation centres.

The Rajasthan Advantage: • Strategic location:

Proximity to automotive hubs in Delhi, NCR and Gujarat

• Presence of 1483 km Delhi Mumbai Freight Corridor: 39 percent falls in Rajasthan

• Availability of land: total number of industrial area under development is 321; 150kms on both sides of DMIC will be developed

• Land available for housing, educational institutions

• Special focus to automo-tive sector: 40 plots have been planned for the auto sector in Pathredi (Bhiwadi region)

• Friendly entrepreneurial policies like Rajasthan Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy 2010, Rajasthan Enterprises Single Point Enabling and Clearance Act, simplifi ca-tion and rationalisation of regulatory mecha-nisms and setting up of Udyogik Salahakar Samiti (Industrial Advisory Council)

• Reliable power supply• Nearness to the largest

market—North India• Availability of raw

materials • Existing automotive zone

with leading companies like Honda, Amtek, Ashok Leyland, Federal Mogul, Hi-Tech Gears, Shriram Pistons

A panel discussion at the Automotive Conclave

Participants at the seminar

Auto Monitor 17CORPORATECORPORATE

1 - 15 June 2011

In a bid to address one of the potential causes of road acci-dents, ICAT has worked on

a polarised head lighting sys-tem for all vehicle categories. The lighting system works on a simple polariser and analyser to defl ect glare on the coming vehicle without reducing the overall road visibility. The pro-posed system, if implemented in a suffi ciently larger way, can aid in better on road visibility and reduce the chances of blinding glare from oncoming vehicles for a driver, which could poten-tially lead to loss of visibility and cause accidents.

‘We are hoping to get feedback from OEMs and even regulators on the proposed lighting sys-tem on its practicality and mode of implementation, if found effective. The system, when implemented on a larger canvas encompassing a large number of vehicles, could help in better on road visibility. But quicker implementation may only be possible when such a system is made mandatory as a safety fea-ture on vehicles,’ said Project Leader, International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT), Dr Madhusudan Joshi during a late evening demonstration at Vehicle Research & Development E st abl i sh ment ’s ( V R DE ) Ahmednagar centre in presence of several top offi cials from gov-ernment and OEMs.

Joshi added that several mod-els of head lighting systems from Scandinavian and European countries were taken into con-sideration for understanding the headlight visibility issues in on-road vehicles. Moreover, a system to address the problem needed to be commercially viable without affecting road visibility com-pared with existing system. India is one of the few countries to have a very large number of two and three-wheeler population and any lighting system needed to address these vehicle categories as well unlike the traffi c scenario in developed countries.

The demonstration was a part of a government initiated R&D project on road safety with an objective of reducing the glare from the vehicle headlights and also to improve the road visibil-ity. The motivation behind the study was the fatalities on roads during night, particularly due to headlight glare and low visibili-ty. The demonstration at VRDE’s Ahmednagar centre included all vehicle categories except three-wheelers.

‘The initiative appears to be in the right direction though effec-tiveness has to be demonstrated in the real life environment with lighting systems that is permit-ted by regulation in India. ICAT has tried to address a major issue concerning road accidents in India,’ said General Manager (Electrical & Electronics), Engineering Research Centre, Tata Motors, GK Binani, who was part of the OEM dignitaries present for the demonstration.

‘We need to have better evalu-ation in real life situations to get more clarity on vehicular and driver safety issues before we address these issues through a regulatory mode. This demonstra-tion is a step in the right direction from that perspective,’ said Joint Secretary, Department of Heavy

Industries, Government of India, Ambuj Sharma during the dem-onstration. He added that DHI is also looking at regulations per-taining to end-of-life vehicle and HEV in order to address the future issues pertaining to growing vehicle population on road and

rapidly evolving vehicle technol-ogies. This is especially important as vehicle ownership has already climbed from three vehicles per 1000 people to around seven cur-rently and is set to grow to around 30 vehicles per 1000 people by 2016-17, Sharma added.

ICAT is based out of Manesar, in Haryana. It is a division of the NATRiP Implementation Society (NATIS), an apex body set up for implementation of the Indian Government’s National Automotive Testing and R&D Infrastructure Project (NATRiP).

It provides a wide range of tech-nical services to the automotive industry in India. It is equipped to provide homologation and cer-tifi cation of all vehicles that are to be rolled out on Indian roads to ensure their reliability, durability, compliance with the regulato-ry norms and eventually works towards the development of the Indian automobile industry. The registered body is presently investing around `500 crore to expand its facilities and provide better automotive testing facili-ties. The new facilities would include a fatigue laboratory, pas-sive safety laboratory, and vehicle test tracks. ICAT would be a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH). ICAT is now fully operational with complete homologations handled for many domestic OEs as well as component manufacturers.

Abhishek Parekh Ahmednagar

ICAT offers lighting system solution for vehiclesCORPORATECORPORATE

Vehicles flagged off at VRDE’s test trackA polarised lamp


1 - 15 June 2011

After facing capacity con-straints due to the slowing down of the markets, one

of the largest producers of auto-motive halogen lamps, Halonix is in the process of ramping up its capacity in order to meet the rising demand from the domes-tic as well as the export markets. The company has bagged orders for Honda small cars. It is also planning to explore new export destinations for its products.

‘We have received the orders for the small cars of Honda and we have commenced sup-ply,’ General Manager (GM, Marketing), Halonix, Manish Chaturvedi said. Due to the non-disclosure agreement with the OEM, he did not divulge fur-ther details. ‘In last two years we faced capacity constraints but now things are better and we are planning to expand. Currently we produce 85 million units. We are in the process of increas-ing our capacity by 40 percent.

This will require an investment of around `40 crore,’ Chaturvedi added. The two main products which will be produced in a larger quantity are H4—one of the most widely used lamps are the dual fi lament lamps which are generally used in four wheel-ers and Commercial Vehicles (CV) and H7–used in combina-tion with other lamps for high end vehicles.

The company which has a market share of 20 percent glo-bally is a major supplier to all the leading OEMs as well as the after-market. It has four plants; three in Noida and one in Dehradun and has no plans to set up any new plants. It saw a growth of 39 percent on the OEM front and 18 percent in the aftermarket in FY11.

In the aftermarket, Halonix is planning to tap new export opportunities as well as introduce products. ‘We will be introducing our products H4 and HS1, which is a head lamp to the Middle Eastern countries. The exports to these markets will start this year,’

Chaturvedi said. HS1 is dual fi la-ment lamp used in two wheelers.

Talking about the oppor-tunities in the Middle Eastern countries he said that the demand in countries like Iran and Dubai are increasing by as much as 30 percent. There has also been a shift in the preference of these nations. Earlier China was their preferred choice but due to the

increasing qual-ity consciousness they now prefer India. Currently it exports products worth `128 crore.

Ha lon i x is counting on its competitiveness in terms of pricing and also its fl ex-ibility like that of the private label-ling business. It plans to enter the market with fi la-ment lamps for four wheelers.

The compa-ny intends to

increase its export to the glo-bal aftermarket by 30 percent. It expects the growth in the Indian aftermarket to be to the tune of 47 percent. It will also introduce new products espe-cially head lamps to the domestic aftermarket also.

With a presence in almost 70 countries, Halonix exports to North America, South Asian

region and the SAARC region. Last year, it acquired the business and assets of its dis-tributors Luxlite and Trifa in Europe to have active control over their existing business. Its share of the European market is 56 percent of its total exports. South America will be its next destination after Middle East as it sees opportunities in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina.

On the OEM front, apart from Honda, Halonix has recently started supplying the relevant products to Toyota and Honda. It has also added Renault and Fiat to its client list recently. Among its new clients is Magnetti Marelli. Hella and Bosch.

The company will also sup-ply its products to Federal Moghul most probably from July 2011. In the coming years, the company plans to focus on the two wheeler segment as it fore-sees immense growth there. It aims to grow at the rate of 23 percent which is five percent more than the projected indus-try growth.

Lack of accountable agen-cies and proper legislation are the main reasons for the

increasing number of acciden-tal deaths, the extended panel argued during the launch of Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 in New Delhi on May 11. The United Nation (UN) gen-eral assembly has announced this in its over 100 member nations on the same day.

‘Traffi c management is yet to be defi ned, as well as the role and responsibility of the manage-ment agencies. With overlapping responsibilities, no agency is made accountable for unsafe roads. With almost no scientifi c accidents’ investigation being conducted, the factual caus-es and consequences of road accidents are not known and remedial measures are there-fore arbitrary,’ President IRTE, Dr Rohit Baluja said.

According to the Indian Road Traffic Education (IRTE), the road fatalities has been increas-ing annually by 5.3 percent and the current number stands at 1.27 million deaths annually which will increase to 1.90 lakh deaths by 2020 if the corrective meas-ures are not taken.

The other major concern cited by the panel was the rising number of two-wheelers like bikes and scooters. Of the total number of registered vehicles in 2004 (72 million), two wheelers alone accounted for 71 percent, accord-ing to a note by IRTE. The recent data released by surface transport ministry for 2009 shows 22.4 per-cent of accidents and about 20.2 percent of road accident injuries were caused by two-wheelers. Two-wheelers were behind 15.7 percent of the road accidents. Sources in the ministry said the action plan to reduce the casual-ties by 50 percent by 2020 would be launched on May 25.

Post-crash management was regarded as another area of con-cern. According to International Road Federation (IRF), Indian road crashes causes an annual estimated social loss of about `75,000 crore annually. The event also represented by trade body—Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).

The IRTE president also put across a proposal to SIAM seek-ing contribution of $2 from its members on selling of each car to support the cause. In its commit-ment to the Decade of Action for Road Safety, IRTE has set up the College of Traffi c Management in NCR.

Home secretary, Government of India, GK Pillai in a letter written to IRTE said, ‘It would be our endeavour to bring down the number of fatalities in road accidents as well as incidence of road accidents by 50 per-cent by the end of the decade.’ Elaborating further on respon-sibility for the accidents caused, Dr Rohit Baluja said, ‘We pro-pose that the nodal ministry of Road Transport and Highway, Government of India should make a commitment based on the recommendation made by the Commission for Global Road Safety to reduce the burden of road crashes, serious injuries and fatalities by an overall 50

percent to a maximum of 95,000 within the Decade of Action 2011-2020.’

UN has set up a goal of the decade, endorsed by more than 100 governments at its General Assembly, to ‘stabilise and then reduce’ global road fatalities by 2020. The UN General Assembly has described road crashes as a ‘major health problem… a board range of social and economic con-sequences which, if unaddressed may affect the sustainable development of countries and hinder progress towards the Millennium Development Goals’, UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon was quoted as saying in a note by IRTTE.

Shambhavi Anand New Delhi

Our Bureau New Delhi

Halonix to supply to Honda; enter Middle East

Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 announced in India

CORPORATECORPORATE

H4 & H7 lamps

Panel discussion in progress over road safety

Participants at the discussion Signature campaign for commitment towards road safety

Bosch Electrical Drives India to set up manufacturing facility at Chennai

Bosch Electrical Drives India, a JV between Bosch and Igarshi Motors, is set-

ting up a plant in Chennai. The plant will manufacture wiper systems, engine cooling fan mod-ules, HVAC blowers and window lift drives products with an investment of `37 crore. It is expected to be functional by the end of 2012. The facil-ity will cater to the growing needs of the domestic market. Bosch Electrical Drives India at present employs around 200 persons. With the opening of the new plant, it is expected that nearly 350 more people will be recruited over a period of three years.

Tata Toyo, Japan’s TRAD to set up R&D centre in Pune

Tata Toyo Radiators (Tata Toyo), a JV between Tata AutoComp Systems, TRAD

Japan and Mitsubishi Metals has signed an MoU to set up Research & Development (R&D) centre in Pune. Tata Toyo manufactures aluminium radiators, inter-cool-ers, heater cores and exhaust gas recharge systems. The key cus-tomers include Ashok Leyland, Fiat, Force Motors, John Deere, M&M, Mahindra-Navistar, Man Force and Tata Motors amongst others.

TRAD Japan is a leading manufacturer of heat exchang-ers with presence in the US, Italy, Czech Republic, China, Thailand, Indonesia, Russia besides Japan and India. It sup-plies systems and products for passenger cars, heavy com-mercial vehicles, building ACs, construction machinery and two- wheelers.

Our Bureau New Delhi

96.32%

13.83%

10.89%

232.01%

7.63%

57.24%

4920.83%

80.08%

503.76%

89.61%

370.79%

13.18%


ANALYSISANALYSIS

Passenger Vehicles

Passenger Cars

OEMs 2010-11 2011-12

BMW 272 534

Fiat 1,800 2,049

Ford 7,226 7,105

GM 8,904 7,941

HM 769 415

HSCI 3,507 1,990

HMIL 28,501 31,604

MR 303 1,006

MSIL 68,668 73,905

Merc 297 467

Nissan 24 1,205

Skoda 1,285 2,314

Tata 19,762 19,544

TKM 904 5,458

Audi 154 292

VW 1,486 6,996

Total 143,862 162,825

MPV

OEMs 2010-11 2011-12

Force 0 33

M&M 0 999

Maruti 10,654 13,022

Tata 2,664 4,244

Total 13,318 18,298

Commercial Vehicles Two-Wheelers

LCVs (PC+GC)

OEMs 2010-11 2011-12

ALL 40 26

Force 1,278 1,431

HM 50 33

M&M 8,417 7,835

MNAL - 737

Piaggio 903 777

Swaraj 449 232

Tata 15,140 18,916

VECV - Eicher

649 824

Total 26,926 30,811

3-Wheelers (PC+GC)

OEMs 2010-11 2011-12

Atul 1,190 1,722

Bajaj 11,540 12,916

Force 76 -

M&M 3,048 4,411

Piaggio 14,488 12,868

Scooters 758 1,021

TVS 2,044 850

Total 33,144 33,788

M&HCVs (PC+GC)

OEMs 2010-11 2011-12

ALL 5,950 4,806

AMW 413 718

JCBL - -

Daimler* 15 11

MNAL - 204

Merc Benz

Swaraj 272 110

Tata 13,157 13,935

VECV - Eicher

2,254 2,529

VECV - Volvo

58 28

Volvo Buses

32 50

M&M 85 -

Total 22,236 22,391

Scooter/Scooterettees

OEMs 2010-11 2011-12

BAL 27 -

HHML 23,682 35,079

HMSI 41,462 74,432

M&M 2W

9,009 9,539

SMIL 18,893 23,540

TVS 25,159 32,464

Total 118,232 175,054

Mopeds/Electric

OEMs 2010-11 2011-12

TVS 51,304 59,351

Electrotherm* - NA

Total 51,304 59,351

Motorcycles/StepThroughs

OEMs 2010-11 2011-12

BAL 187,994 195,971

HHML 338,708 469,398

HMSI 58,018 57,237

IYM 16,861 25,817

M&M 2W

- -

RE 3,673 5,889

SMIL 1,834 5,449

TVS 49,008 49,804

Total 656,096 809,565

* Data not available since August 2008 onwards

UV

OEMs 2010-11 2011-12

BMW 35 246

Force 215 258

Ford 283 214

GM 1,643 2,080

HM 126 126

HSCI 71 22

HMIL - 32

ICML 54 24

M&M 13,184 15,157

MSIL 712 217

Merc 24 70

Nissan 23 2

Skoda - 132

Tata 3,340 3,486

TKM 5,099 4,223

VW Audi 111 188

VW 3 4

Total 24,923 26,481

-35.00%

-48.33%

-34.00%

11.97%

0.00%

24.94%

26.96%48.13%

14.43%79.52%

5.88%

24.60%

4.24%

38.58%

-1.35%

53.12%

-

-

-

-

-

60.33%

197.11%

1.62%

15.68%

0.00%

23.39%

29.04%

48.06%

-100.00%

_

-

-

-

-

0.00%

_

_

0.00%

5.91%

12.20%

-19.23%

73.85%

-59.56%

-51.72%

-100.00%56.25%

0.70%

_

-69.01%

20.00%

26.60%

00.00%

00.00%

59.31%

37.39%

-24.38%

44.71%

11.92%

-100.00%

-58.41%

44.72%

11.18%

34.70%

1.94%

-46.03%

-10.82%

-1.67%

-13.95%

-6.91%

The Passenger Car segment grew by 13.18 percent, while the utility vehicles grew by 6.25 percent and Multi-Purpose Vehicles grew by 37.39 percent in this period in April 2011.

Nissan led the Passenger Car segment with a growth of around 4,920.83 percent from 24 units to touch 1,205 units last fi scal, as compared to the previous period. BMW notched up highest percentage growth in UV segment to touch 246 units compared to 35 units in the same month in the previ-ous year, marking a growth of 602.86 percent.

The overall Commercial Vehicles segment registered a growth of 8.22 percent in April 2011 as compared to the same month last year to touch 53,202 units. Medium & Heavy Commercial Vehicles (M&HCVs) sales were relatively fl at at 22,391 units com-pared to 22,236 units. The Light Commercial Vehicles segment grew at 14.43 percent to touch 30,811 units in April this year, compared to 26,926 units in the same month last year.

Three-wheeler sales were fl at at 33,788 units in April com-pared to 33,144 units in April last year. While passenger carriers were down by 2.11 percent in April 2011, the Goods Carriers reg-istered growth of 16.62 percent.

VECV-Eicher registered the highest growth in the LCV seg-ment to touch 824 units. AMW notched up a growth of 73.85 percent to touch 718 units in April this year as compared 413 units in the same month last year.

Two-wheelers witnessed a growth of 26.44 percent in April 2011 registering 1,043,970 units against 825,632 units during the same period in the previous fi scal. Mopeds, Motorcycles and Scooters grew by 15.68 percent, 23.39 percent and 48.06 percent respectively.

Motorcycle sales grew to 809,565 units in April as com pared to 656,096 units in corresponding month in the previ-ous fi scal. In the Motorcycles segment, Suzuki Motorcycles’ sales were up by 197.11 percent in April, while Bajaj Auto’s sales were fl at at 195,971 units in April compared to 187,994 units in same month last year.

In the Scooter segment, the sales of HMSI grew by 79.52 percent while TVS Motor sales grew by 29.04 percent.

Hero Honda reported its best sales for April at 504,477 units, registering a jump of 39.21 percent over the same month last year. Bajaj Auto witnessed 4.23 percent growth in its April sales at 195,971 units against the same month in the previous fi scal.

TVS Motor Company reported total domestic two-wheeler sales of 141,619 units in April 2011 registering a growth of 12.87 percent. India Yamaha Motors registered the highest growth in domestic two-wheelers sales at around 53.12 per-cent to touch 25,817 units in April.

-43.26%

-1.10%

602.86%

-

-0.00%

14.97%

4.37%

69.37%

33.33%

6.25%

-55.56%

-69.52%

-91.30%

-17.18%

191.67%

_-

22.23%

15.68%

Auto Monitor 23

Over the last decade India has emerged as a manu-facturing hub for many

global automotive companies. In 2010, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu ranked India as offering the second best global manufac-turing platform in the world, above traditional manufactur-ing countries such as the U.S., Germany, and Japan. With a number of companies invest-ing heavily in setting up state of the art manufacturing plants they are also looking at automa-tion as one of their core concepts to increase effi ciency and reduce operating cost. Traditionally an automobile has several vital parts which are all assembled on a moving conveyer line and getting the right parts at the right time in the building proc-ess is vital to meet set targets. For this purpose all parts being assembled need to be barcod-ed where vital information can be saved.

Conventional barcodes used are not capable of saving a lot of information and to store addition-al information in smaller spaces, companies have developed two-dimensional alternatives. One of these, called Data Matrix, adopt-ed as a standard, places square or round cells in a rectangular pattern. This symbology allows users to store information such as manufacturer, part number, lot number, and serial number on virtually any component, sub-assembly, or fi nished good. For example, up to 50 characters can be stored in a 3mm square.

Reading these sophisticated barcodes is essential to syn-chronize the entire production process and Cognex offers a range of machine vision systems which are capable of read-ing such barcoding systems.The DataMan 500 seriesfrom Cognex is optimized especially for DPM code readingapplica-tions and can readboth 1D and 2D codes.On the other hand the high performance Cognex DataMan 500 X fi xed-mount barcode reader is powered by a proprietary vision chip tech-nology, Cognex VSoC™ (Vision System on a Chip), providing unmatched barcode reading and ease of use not found in other image-based or laser systems available today. This product which is specially designed for the automotive industry is capable of reading barcodes at twice the speed of other readers and is so easy to use, and reads codes so well, that it doesn’t have to be positioned optimal-ly to achieve high read rates. In fact it is so fast that VSoC tech-nology enables DataMan 500 to offer unprecedented speeds on 1-D barcode reading with up to 90 decodes per second and ultrafast image acquisition with auto-exposure, at up to 1,000 frames per second.

Innovative Automation was one company which benefi ted by installing DataMan 500 to their production process. The com-pany was contracted by one of their long-standing customers, a world leader in electrome-chanical actuators and emission control devices, to design and build an assembly line to pro-duce a new actuator. This unit is a critical engine component

hence traceability of the assem-bly process operations as well as the fi nal testing operations was imperative. Parts were passed by hand from station to station in the assembly system used in this application. The assem-bly system also included a four-station dial-ma-chine in which parts were indexed between stat ions. Innovat ive Automation utilized a con-cept of marking a 2D Data Matrix code on the plastic hous-ing of the part that was read at each assembly and test opera-tion. A Cognex In-Sight® 5110 vision system was used at the fi rst

assembly station to verify that the 2D Data Matrix code quali-ty was suffi cient to be read at all subsequent machine stations.

At each subsequent assembly station, the code was read by a Cognex DataMan® 100 industri-al ID reader, a very economical

system that reads 2D Data Matrix codes at high rates of speed. The ID reader would send a signal to the PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) database to indi-cate that the operation had been

completed. Tests were also performed at many sta-

tions using vision system sensors, and the results are also added to the

PLC database. If all pre-vious operations had been

successfully completed, the part status was considered valid for the station and test operation would be allowed to proceed. This eliminated the possibility that a rejected part would fi nd

its way back onto the machine and inadvertently be shipped to a customer. The assembly sys-tem exceeded the customer’s expectations by economical-ly meeting part traceability requirements including track-ing part status throughout the assembly process.

Machine vision systems today have become an imperative part of a company’s production proc-ess and solutions such as Cognex’s DataMan 500 offer manufac-turers’ unmatched quality and reliability in reading highly com-plex barcodes thereby reducing machine downtime and increas-ing operating effi ciency.

1 - 15 June 2011

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1 - 15 June 2011

International automotive supplier Continental recom-mends car manufacturers

worldwide to the consistent use of direct measuring technology in their new car models to ensure that vehicle tyres are always infl ated to an optimum level. This recommendation is owed to steadily rising requirements to tyre pressure measurement. It also refl ects the signifi cant potential of direct measuring technology, making it possible to exploit the greater contribution to CO2 reduction.

About TPMSLooking at the total system

benefi ts of direct Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) technology, Member of the Executive Board of Continental AG and Head of the Interior division, Helmut Matschi said, ‘Direct tyre pressure monitor-ing is a showcase of how many benefi ts a vehicle manufacturer and driver can harvest when the technology choice is made taking the whole system into account. Direct measuring technology is superior in speed and accuracy on an immediate function level. But when you look at the addi-tional driving safety and comfort that can be created on the system level if using sensors inside the tyre, this builds a strong case for direct pressure measurement.’

‘Direct’ Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems are based on a sensor inside each tyre to collect fast, direct and accurate readings of the air pressure and tempera-ture at any time, under any road condition, and at any driving speed. Instead of actively measur-ing the air pressure, the indirect systems calculate it, based on information from the wheel speed sensors. According to Continental, this indirect principle will not be suffi cient to ensure the intended fuel economy levels and is there-fore not capable enough to help to meet the European CO2 targets.

Why TPMSTo reduce CO2 emissions,

TPMS becomes mandatory in more and more countries.

In addition to the existing pas-senger vehicle legislation in the US, now, Phase 1 of tyre pressure monitoring will be mandatory in the European Union (EU) as of 2012 and in Korea in 2013. The

Phase 1 was a fi rst step to help car drivers to reduce fuel con-sumption. A European Phase 2 is planned to ensure that the over-all plan to reduce CO2 emissions and to raise the safety level is followed by using all reasonable available measures. The drive behind both phases of the legis-lation is to improve the status of properly infl ated tyres and thus vehicle safety, reduced fuel con-sumption and emissions. While this is good news, the fi nal benefi t to the driver may differ depend-ing on the type of tyre pressure monitoring technology fi tted in their car. Why is this so? Statistics reveal that most tyre failures, for instance, are caused by a slow, gradual, and thus unnoticed loss of air. Direct systems can recog-nise gradual pressure loss with faster reaction time and higher precision. Direct tyre pressure measurement reveals that prob-lem quickly because it can work with much tighter thresholds.

Giving the driver critical, accu-rate tyre information enables the driver to react in a timely man-ner. By taking corrective action quickly, the vehicle safety is increased because proper tyre infl ation ensures optimal vehi-cle handling and helps to keep tyre rolling resistance down. This directly translates into reduced fuel consumption and maximi-sation of the tyre’s life.

Better Potential The Continental Tyre Pressure

Monitoring System improves the quality of driver information but it can also be used to increase driv-ing safety and comfort beyond ‘just’ ensuring proper inf la-tion. Once each tyre is equipped with a sensor, the information on infl ation can be made avail-able to driver assistance systems via networking. In combination with a Continental app named the Filling Assistant, the tyre sen-sor can contact the driver’s smart

phone to communicate the cur-rent pressure level—irrespective of the fi lling station equipment’s precision. Further, Continental’s next generation intelligent tyre modules go the next step by delivering information about the instantaneous distortion of the rolling tyre. Within a sensor fusion approach this can be used, for example, to detect the early stages of aquaplaning.

Continental is in a perfect position to drive this technology as the company has the combined expertise of a leading automotive electronics supplier and a lead-ing tyre manufacturer. ‘Already today, tyres are high-perform-ance and high-tech products‘, said Vice President of Tyre Line Development of Continental’s Passenger and Light Truck divi-sion, Dr Burkhard Wies. He continued, ‘Fitting tyres with sensors takes the functional scope and the contribution of tyres with correct air pressure to driving safety and to reducing rolling resistance plus emissions to a whole new level. With the perspective of adding other func-tionalities like detecting the load on each wheel, further enhance-ments of safety are possible by combining this information with vehicle control systems.’ Continental will be ready for series production with the fi rst passenger cars tyres with the tyre module mounted inside the tyre in 2013.

Building on 10 years of expe-rience with developing and making direct tyre pressure sensors, Andreas Wolf, Head of Continental’s Business Unit Body & Security, confi rmed, ‘Looking back on 10 years of develop-ment and manufacturing of tyre pressure sensor hardware and algorithms our bottom line is very clear. It will take direct sys-tems to meet the future CO2 and safety targets and to make valu-able new functions such as the Filling Assistant available to driv-ers—Continental’s technology path underpins this vision.’

ProfileWith sales of Euro 26 billion

in 2010, Continental is among the leading automotive sup-pliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for powertrains and chassis, instrumentation,

infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tyres and technical elastomers, Continental contrib-utes to enhanced driving safety and global climate protection. Continental is also a competent partner in networked automobile communication. Continental currently employs approximately 150,000 people in 46 countries.

The Automotive Group with its three divisions Chassis & Safety (sales of approximately Euro5.8 billion in 2010, 30,000 employees), Powertrain (sales of approximately Euro 4.7 billion in 2010, 27,000 employees) and Interior (sales of approximately Euro 5.5 billion in 2010, 30,000 employees) achieved sales of approximately Euro 16 billion in 2010. The group is present in more than 170 locations worldwide. As a partner of the automotive and commercial vehicle industry, it develops and produces innova-tive products and systems for a modern automotive future, in which cars provide individual mobility and driving pleasure consistent with driving safety, environmental responsibility and cost-effi ciency.

The Chassis & Safety Division develops and produces elec-tronic and hydraulic brake and chassis control systems, sensors, driver assistance systems, air-bag electronics and sensorics, washer systems and electronic air suspension systems. Its core competence is the integration of active and passive driving safety into ContiGuard.

The Powertrain Division inte-grates innovative and effi cient system solutions for vehicle powertrains. The comprehen-sive range of products includes gasoline and diesel injection systems, engine management, transmission control, including sensors and actuators, as well as fuel-supply systems and compo-nents and systems for hybrid and electric drives.

Information management is at the very heart of the Interior Division, which provides a range of products that includes instru-ment clusters and multifunctional displays, control units, electronic car-entry systems, tyre-monitor-ing systems, radios, multimedia and navigation systems, climate control systems, telematics solutions and cockpit modules and systems.

Fullerton India is look-ing to build up a portfolio of around `1,000 crore in

commercial vehicle loans in the current fi scal, primarily targeting fl eet owners with fi ve to fi fteen trucks. It current outstanding portfolio size comprises around `300 crore in commercial vehicle loans and around `500 crore in two-wheeler loans. The compa-ny is also looking to have a major presence in construction equip-ment fi nancing business.

‘We are looking for an entry strategy in market niches for asset fi nancing and are hoping to build up a sizeable portfolio of more than `1,500 to `2,000 crore over the next few years,’ said Senior Vice President and Head ABF, Fullerton India, Pratap Singh. He

added that the company does not intend to expand its consumer fi nancing (car fi nancing) busi-ness on its own but is keen to tie-up with another player includ-ing commercial banks in order to help in sourcing the loans for the partner. The expertise and skill sets required in consumer fi nanc-ing is different from CV fi nancing

and does not play out to Fullerton’s advantage. The company con-tinues to be a major player in the two-wheeler fi nancing business with around 12,000 to 15,000 units fi nanced every month.

It is looking to join hands with major banks for sourcing assets from them on commission or any other arrangement. Such an arrangement is likely to help the company develop necessary expertise in credit evaluation and have larger footprint in mass market auto fi nancing business.

‘It is advisable to do business as a standalone vertical when there is requirement for a high level of customer interaction and assess-ing credit worthiness and quick decision making. We have built up that capability over a period of time,’ he added. ‘We are look-ing to fi nance fl eet owners with a fl eet size of around 5 to 15 trucks

as trucking industry consolidates and more fuel effi cient models are introduced in the country across tonnage categories,’ according to Singh. Achieving the growth in disbursements is critical for any bank or fi nance company in order to have suffi cient leeway with OEMs during tough times as OEMs consider passing subven-tions or discounts to customers thereby sharing the burden of loss with fi nanciers having large portfolios.

One of the major challeng-es that the company is facing is the shortage of talented man-power to maintain business growth. Singh, himself an auto industry veteran having spent around eight years with Eicher Motors earlier in his career, is expecting another major infl ux of talented managers from auto-mobile industry coming to auto

fi nance business joining banks and NBFCs.

Fullerton India Credit Company is one of the leading non-banking fi nancial companies with presence in personal fi nance, two-wheeler fi nance, fi nance to micro, small and medium enter-prises and microfi nance. It has set up 34 exclusive branches across the country for servicing commercial vehicle customers in over fi fty cities. In the CV fi nanc-ing business, it addresses the needs of fi rst time vehicle buyers to small road transport opera-tors and large fl eet operators. It manages customer relationships directly without any interme-diaries and offers longer tenure loans of up to fi ve years. It has more presence in more than 380 locations across the country and has disbursed over `5,000 crore to customers.

Our Bureau Pune

Continental focuses on tyre pressure monitoring systems

Fullerton India targeting `1,000 crore disbursal for CVs

CORPORATECORPORATE

Pratap Singh, Senior VP, Fullerton India

The TPMS improves the quality of driver information and can be used to increase driving safety

The sensors inside the tires collect fast, accurate readings of the pressure and temperature


1 - 15 June 2011

Jamna Auto Industries (JAI) is following a ‘strategy’ of innovation, expansion and

increase in profi t margin, in order to continue its strong position as a supplier of leaf springs and sus-pension components. Apart from setting up two new plants near Chennai recently, it is planning to build its second assembly plant in Jamshedpur and an automotive testing centre within its newly proposed facility for manufactur-ing of suspension components at Pillaipakkam near Chennai.

The new leaf spring assem-bly plant would be set up in Jamshedpur in order to accom-modate the expected increase in demand following Tata Motors’ plans of shifting the majority of its heavy vehicles manufacturing units there.

The other two new plants of JAI will come up in Hosur and Pillaipakkam; the former will be used for manufacturing springs, while the latter plant will pro-duce lift axles, bogey suspension and air suspensions apart from housing the testing centre. The leaf spring manufacturer has acquired a leading position as a supplier with introduction of parabolic springs in 1998.

‘In terms of parabolic springs, we hold over 90 percent of mar-ket share and while 70 percent of total leaf spring market in India. We started with small passen-ger vehicles but in 2009, we have introduced parabolic springs in HCVs also,’ Vice President, Business Development and R&D, Jamna Auto Industries, Sunil Laroiya said.

The new plant in Hosur is a greenfi eld, spread across seven acre and has cost `55 crore. The plant will have over 90 percent automation and it has invested a substantial amount on importing most of the critical equipment from Japan and Germany. The plant will have an initial capac-ity of 36,000 metric tonne per annum. As of now, it produces 1.5 lakh metric tonne of springs which is expected to touch `two lakh metric tonne after the Hosur plant goes into full production mode by April 2012.

JAI asserts that the imple-mentation of parabolic springs have helped in bringing down the cost and weight and also increased the life cycle of the products by double. Its assem-bly plant in Lucknow having an annual capacity of 18,000 metric tonne has gone into operations from this month. The custom-er’s list of JAI includes Daimler India, Renault-Nissan, Leyland-Nissan and Ashok Leyland, Tata Motors among others.

New Suspension Line

JAI has recently formed a tech-nical collaboration with Ridewell Suspension of USA to produce air suspension and lift axles. It has acquired eight acre in Pillaipakkam and will be invest-ing `25 crore in this plant. It will produce 2,000 units/month in the fi rst phase and will be ramped up to 4,000 units/month in the sec-ond phase.

The greenfield plant in Pillaipakkam will manufacture air suspension, bogey suspension and lift axles in technical collabo-ration with Ridewell Corporation, a leading suspension manufac-turers in the US. Commercial

production from here is expected to commence from July 2011.The prototypes developed are under-going trial.

Considered as the second larg-est spring manufacturers in the world, JAI had recorded a consol-idated sales turnover of around `661 crore and profi t after tax of `11 crore for the fi nancial year 2009-10. It expects to grow by 25 percent in the next year. In the current fi nancial year 2010-11, the company recorded a con-solidated turnover of `986 crore and profi t after tax of `37 crore. It expects to grow by 25 percent in the next year.

It has developed an air sus-pension system for all major OEM’s in India; commercial sup-ply shall commence within this fi nancial year. JAI has developed a lift axle system for commercial vehicles; supplies are expected to

start from September this year. It is also planning to add an array of new suspension products. ‘We have plans to add more suspen-sion products in 12 to 24 months but as of now we can not disclose any details,’ Sunil Laroiya said.

New testing centreFollowing its pursuit of tech-

nological innovation, JAI is setting up a new automotive test-ing centre at its upcoming plant at Pillaipakkam. So far it has been investing `eight to 10 crore every year at its existing R&D centre in Chennai where it is able to develop 15 new products every month and some of them also go into production.

By setting up the new testing centre, it hopes to improve the quality of its products by mani-fold. Initially, the testing centre will be used only for internal pur-

poses but in the future, they will offer testing service to other man-ufacturers also. The new centre will have an array of testing facil-ities which will include metrology, size, strength, life and chemistry.

JAI had around 10 percent of total revenue coming from exports in 2006-07 that went down to one or two percent in the following years. The compa-

ny said that it discontinued the export to a few companies due to increase in the demand from the domestic market. It has been exporting springs to Ford Motors in Europe, GM in USA, and UD Trucks in Japan. ‘We hope that once the new plant in Hosur is up and running, we will take the exports to the same level’, Sunil Laroiya pointed out.


Jamna Auto banks on expansion, innovationCORPORATECORPORATE

Sunil Laroiya, VP, Business Development & R&D, Jamna Auto Industries Lift Axle produced by Jamna Auto


1 - 15 June 2011

Ashok Leyland has reported sales of `11,118 crore for the year 2010-2011; it is for

the fi rst time that the turnover of the 64-year old company has crossed the `10,000 crore mark. This is due launch of new vehicles and increase of sales in domestic and export markets.

Managing Director of Ashok Leyland, Vinod K Dasari, said ‘It was a watershed year for Ashok Leyland with produc-tion hitting an all time high with the highest domestic and export volumes. The compa-ny will increase its number of products during the year by launching 746 products.’ While domestic volumes jumped 45 percent to 83,800 vehicles from 57,947 units, exports surged by

72 percent to 10,306 numbers (5,979 vehicles).

The company registered a rise of 54 percent in its sales turnover at `11,117.71 crore

against `7,244.71 crore in the previous financial year. The net profit has risen by 49 percent to `631.30 crore from `423.67 crore.

Ashok Leyland is also planning to invest around ̀ 1,000 crore this fi scal on its own operations as well as on its joint ventures. Chief Financial Offi cer, K Sridharan said, ‘Our capex for this year will be between `800-1,000 crore. The investments will be equally spread between our own operations and in joint ventures. The fund for this expansions will be utilised from internal resources as well as debt funds to the tune of `500 crore.’

Commenting on upcoming plans, Dasari said, ‘The cur-rent year is going to be a year of growth and consolidation for Ashok Leyland in quest of our vision to be among the global top ten in trucks and top fi ve in buses. The launch of Dost from the Ashok Leyland-Nissan table will make the

company a full range CV player,’ he added.

On the exports front, the com-pany has presence in SAARC markets and will be targeting growing markets like Asia, Africa and CIS.

Order for 290 buses from Bangladesh

Ashok Leyland has bagged an order for 290 fully-built double decker buses from Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) worth around $23.3 million. The year 2010-11 saw the company’s export num-bers zoom by 72 percent to touch 10,306 units, in which Bangladesh had a signifi cant contribution. Over the years, more than 9,500 vehicles (of different models) have been exported through Ashok Leyland’s sole dealer of over two decades, Ifad Autos.

Our Bureau Chennai

Ashok Leyland sales crosses `10,000 crore

CORPORATECORPORATE

K Sridharan, CFO and Vinod K Dasari MD, Ashok Leyland

Tyrexpo India 2011 to be held in Chennai

Visitors to the fi rst Tyrexpo India 2011 exhibition in Chennai will experience

a fascinating and commercially valuable insight into the dynam-ics of the Indian tyre market. Organised by ECI International, the expo will be held in Chennai Trade Centre between 5 and 7 July this year.

‘The emergence of India as a major player in the glo-bal tyre market has created enormous interest among inter-national manufacturers and suppliers,’ said, Rowena Suthers of ECI International.

Prior to Tyrexpo India, there has been little opportunity for interested parties to meet a broad cross section of suppliers at a sin-gle event. However, by bringing together a dedicated, trade-only exhibition, ‘we can offer a fasci-nating, closeup insight into the market. I’ve no doubt that will prove to be of great interest and commercial value to any organi-sation looking to do business in India,’ she added.

Ahead of the expo in July, ECI witnessed a surge of domes-tic and international business confi rming their participation, including tyre manufacturers, suppliers and distributors of tyres, rubber, machinery, services and equipment.


1 - 15 June 2011

Sweden based Alignment Systems AB, one of the world’s leading manufac-

turers of equipment for repair and inspection of damaged vehicles, is planning to expand its network of distributors in India for both it’s subsidiaries—Car-O-Liner AB and Josam AB. In continuing with this endeavour, it has signed ARO Equipments (ARO) of Delhi as its new distributor in the northern part for Car-O-Liner and will be announcing its new distributor who would be catering to eastern India shortly.

Car-O-Liner focuses on cars and light trucks while Josam covers heavy-duty vehicles. The crash equipment manufacturer entered India with Car-O-Liner around ten years ago and so far has been able to install its prod-uct at 450 workshops through its two distributors.

New Alignments‘Looking at the increase in the

premium segment, we expect that it will translate into more business opportunities for us. We hope to install wheel align-ment systems at 50 workshops in the next three years,’ Country Manager, Alignment Systems, Jasvinder Singh told Auto Monitor. Madhu’s Garage Equipment is another distributor for the com-pany which caters to the south Indian Market. Before partnering

with ARO, it had collaborated with Rai Automotive as its distributor in the north which gave a good business but the partnership was withdrawn recently.

The company claims that its equipment provides a total qual-ity solution based upon the most effi cient methods for repairing and measuring damaged vehicle bodies and frames. It offers colli-sion repair benches with anchors where the hydraulic puller is used to bring the damaged posi-tion into right shape, unlike the use of traditional methods of heating and hammering which damages the metal and raises safety concern.

The Swedish manufacturer claims to have got a satisfactory but ‘not as desired business’ in terms of Car-O-liner, as it has been able to penetrate into only a mod-est number of OEMs. Recently, it has installed equipment at Honda workshops in Delhi and NCR. ‘We think there are two major reasons as to why we have not been able to get the desired result in India—fi rstly because there is still lack of awareness about the prod-ucts and secondly, the start up cost is a little high for installing complete range of crash repair equipment which is close to `one crore,’ Singh pointed.

Car-O-Liner along with ARO Equipment is also setting up a new training centre at the Gurgaon (NCR) workshop of the ARO. This centre will pro-vide complete training to all the

workshop engineers and tech-nicians who have bought the equipment so that they can effi -ciently use the technology. It is also talking to a number of tyre manufacturers to supply them mobile alignment system and it has already clinched a couple of orders for the same.

Destination IndiaJosam entered India around

four years ago, but has not

been able to penetrate much in the market. The company has one distributor in India, and that is Mumbai based Tribotech. Josam expresses satisfac-tion over the business earned in terms of wheel alignment. Presently, it is looking for a part-ner who could help them in getting good business for cabin and chassis straightener. The company had installed its fi rst cabin straightener system at the

Volvo workshop in Bengaluru a few months ago. The company is talking to a number of OEMs for equipment like the frame straightener and chassis straight-ener. It is also hopeful that in the near future, the major hubs of heavy vehicles like Hyderabad, Nagpur, and other mining areas in India will encourage OEMs to open work-shops near them which would also increase their business.

Electromags Automotive Products (EAPL), one of the largest slip-ring manu-

facturers in India is entering the electronic component segment to become a Tier I supplier. Under the aegis of the Electromags group of

companies, EAPL manufactures slip-rings, diesel cut-off sole-noids, transmission switches and starter motor parts. Currently, it produces around seven million slip-rings per annum.

‘We intend to expand our product portfolio by introduc-ing few sensors, Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and other

electronic components that are in demand. We have been man-ufacturing more than 1,200 products and supplying to 35 countries for past 24 years.’ said Technical Advisor, EAPL, R Ravi in recent interaction with Auto Monitor.

The company, which was formed 31 years ago by fi rst

generat ion ent repreneurs, has notched up a turnover of `92 crore last year, marking a growth of 30 percent. This year, it is targeting a growth of 35 percent from the sale of new prod-ucts by foraying into the export market. Initially, it manufac-tured two wheeler parts, starter motors, alternators and diesel fuel injection parts from three different locations in Chennai. After 2006, they were merged to form EAPL. ‘We are also plan-ning to setup a new plant which will primarily cater to electronic products’ he said. The location is yet to be decided.

EAPL has created a dedicated manufacturing line in addition to the fi xtures and process equip-ment being designed in-house, to cater to OEM needs. It has set up moulding and turning operations that were hitherto outsourced and installed two state-of-the-art injection-moulding machines—its core competen-cy being moulding. Moreover, the company has devoted lines for each customer to ensure consistent quality.

The ma nufacturer has been supplying switches and magnetic valves to Wabco-TVS, Bosch, Standyne, diesel solenoids to Delphi-TVS and mechanical/pressures switch-es to Mahindra and Mahindra. Ravi added, ‘Every vehicle that is running in India will have at least one product manufac-tured by EAPL.’

Over the last few years, the company has increased capacity through productiv-ity improvements and low cost automation. It has increased its capacity according to cus-tomer requirements, a nd that is the reason it contin-ues to be the single source for major customers.

The company’s fully integrat-ed production facility forms its core strength in manufacturing, coupled with a strong engineer-ing setup which has enhanced the effectiveness of the company in domestic and export markets. It also manufactures compo-nents for white goods and ATM manufacturers like Whirlpool and NCR Corporation.


Akmal Rahman B Chennai

Car-O-Liner partners with ARO as new distributor

Electromag to manufacture electronic components

CORPORATECORPORATE

Crash repair by Car-O-Liner

Wheel alignment by Josam Remote PC floor by Josam Cab straightener by Josam

Solenoids, transmission switches by EAPLR Ravi, Technical Advisor, EAPL


1 - 15 June 2011

World Auto Steel announced the results of a three-year pro-

gramme to develop fully engineered, steel-intensive designs for electrifi ed vehicles that reduce greenhouse gas emis-sions over their entire life cycle recently. The FutureSteelVehicle (FSV) features steel body struc-ture designs that reduce the mass by 35 percent over a benchmark vehicle and reduce total life cycle emissions by nearly 70 percent. This is accomplished while meet-ing, a broad list of global safety and durability requirements, while avoiding high-cost penal-ties for the mass reduction.

’FutureSteelVehicle taps into the best attributes of steel—its design fl exibility, its strength and formability, its low manufacturing emissions and its comparative low cost,’ said Director, WorldAutoSteel, Cees ten Broek. ‘Through FutureSteelVehicle’s develop-ment a broad bandwidth of steel applications have been pro-duced that can be used to reduce life cycle emissions for any type of automobile.’

A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach to emissions assists automakers in evalu-ating and reducing the total energy consumed and the life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of their products. Regulations that consider only the vehicle use phase through tailpipe emis-sions can encourage the use of low-density, greenhouse gas-intensive materials that may, in some applications, provide lighter weight components that improve fuel economy and tail-pipe emissions. However, this may have the unintended conse-quence of increasing greenhouse gas emissions during the vehi-cle’s total life cycle.

‘Achievement of such aggressive weight reduction accomplished with advanced steels and design optimisation will set a new standard for vehi-cle design approaches for the future,’ said ten Broek. ’Key to our Phase 2 evaluations of dif-ferent structural options is a life cycle assessment based on the University of California at Santa Barbara (UCSB) Greenhouse Gas Materials Comparison Model,’ explained ten Broek. ‘FSV reduc-es emissions in anticipation of future legislation and require-ments around the world. The steel industry as a whole feels the responsibility to lead the way in demonstrating the use of steel and life cycle assessment to reduce the vehicle carbon footprint.’

FSV concepts are very effi -cient and very light weight. FSV’s concept weighs 188 kg and reduces mass by 35 percent over a baseline ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) body struc-ture adjusted for a battery electric powertrain and year 2020 regula-tory requirements.

It is noteworthy that, based on the new steels’ lightweight-ing capabilities, steel is the only material to achieve reductions in all life cycle phases. As the automotive industry’s efforts to reduce carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions increasingly move towards more advanced powertrains and fuel sources, material production will account for a much larger percentage of total life cycle emissions.

The FSV programme is the most recent addition to the glo-

bal steel industry’s series of initiatives offering steel solu-tions to the challenges facing automakers around the world to increase the fuel effi ciency of

automobiles, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while improv-ing safety, performance and maintaining affordability.

‘With a sharp focus on

car manufacturers’ future envi-ronmental requirements, a very powerful material portfo-lio and a unique optimisation methodology, the Future Steel

Vehicle programme has all the right ingredients to be a mainstream hit,’ said ten Broek. ‘Through Future Steel Vehicle, the steel indus-try around the globe has the opportunit y to adva nce t hei r ma rket posit ions in automotive.’

TECHNOLOGYTECHNOLOGY

FSV provides low carbon footprint vehicle options

Advanced high-strength steels combined with

electrified powertrains reduce weight,

emissions, improve safety without cost

compromise

Auto Monitor 31

Volvo IT is currently col-laborating with Volvo Trucks to test the way

consumer electronics can be used to streamline work at serv-ice workshops. Mechanics are given access to service instruc-tions from a smartphone,

thereby saving time and enhanc-ing quality.

Need Of The HourPresently working to enhance

the quality and efficiency of its aftersales service, Volvo Trucks is testing one method that involves the use of smart-phones—a consumer-based technolog y—at workshops. ‘Smartphones are userfriendly devices that can assist our tech-nicians at work, while offering our customers better support,’ said Senior Vice President, Quality and Technical Support at Volvo Trucks, Bengt Persson.

Today, the service technicians’ need for new skills and informa-tion is constantly increasing, as new technology develops and more truck models are released onto the market. As trucks’ chas-sis are also unique, it is impossible for technicians to know every-thing about every vehicle.

The AdvantagesVolvo IT can see several

advantages to using technolo-gies that are mainly aimed at the consumer market in new areas. ‘Firstly, consumer products are produced in larger volumes, resulting in a signifi cantly lower price than industrial made-to-order devices. Secondly, users already have prior knowledge of the way this technology works and are therefore more likely to embrace it as a new way of work-ing,’ stated Project Manager at Volvo IT, Kerstin Hanson.

With this new concept, which was developed in collaboration between Volvo IT, Volvo Trucks and Volvo Parts, the chassis’ unique instructions will be eas-ily accessible on a technician’s very own smartphone. The information can be delivered either as text or through images and animation. The benefi ts are numerous: For example, the ani-mation will allow instructions to cross language barriers, with obvious benefi ts for a compa-ny such as Volvo Trucks, which has workshops in more than 140 countries. As smartphones are mobile and easy to carry, they will also make it easier for tech-nicians to be updated with the latest information as they work.

The ConceptThe concept is based on

using mobile smartphones to provide technicians with serv-ice instructions, which are in the form of either text, or imag-es and animation. The advantages

of using smartphones are numer-ous. One advantage is the ability of images and animation to overcome language barriers. Mobile smart-phones also offer technicians easy access to the most up-to-date serv-ice instructions

‘It’s great that new technol-

ogies can be used to improve and develop our work,’ stated service technician at the Volvo Truck Shop in Gothenburg, Mattias Roos, who has tested the application. ‘The concept is ver y t ime eff icient and extremely userfriendly.’

Last spring, tests were conducted among service techni-cians in China and Sweden, with both reporting positive results. Now Volvo Trucks and Volvo IT are continuing their work to further develop and customise the application.

‘The use of smartphones in service centres is an interest-ing solution, which will improve effi ciency and ensure the qual-ity of our aftersales services. We therefore have great hopes of launching the concept in the near future,’ said Bengt Persson.

1 - 15 June 2011

Volvo testing smartphones for workshop effi ciencyGLOBAL WATCHGLOBAL WATCH

The instructions on the smartphone show technicians what needs to be done. At the same time, it is easy for them to have the smartphone handy while working

Bengt Persson, Senior VP, Quality & Technical Support, Volvo Trucks

‘This is our Bible or telephone book,’ Mattias Roos, Service Technician

Kerstin Hanson, Project Manager, Volvo IT


1 - 15 June 2011

Ford engineers have devel-oped a car seat that can monitor a driver’s heart-

beat, opening another door to health, convenience and even life-saving potential.

A joint project undertaken by experts from Ford’s European Research and Innovation Centre in Aachen, Germany and Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen University, the seat uses six special embedded sensors to detect electrical impulses gener-ated by the heart.

Stated Ford European Research and Innovation Centre medical officer, Dr Achim Lindner, ‘Although currently still a research project, the heart rate monitor technology devel-oped by Ford and RWTH Aachen University could prove to be a critical breakthrough for Ford

drivers, and not just in terms of the ability to monitor the hearts of those known to be at risk.’

As always in medicine, the earlier a condi-tion is detected, the easier it is to treat and this technolo-gy even has the potential to be instrumental in diagnosing conditions driv-ers were previously unaware they had. Data collected by the sensors, for example, could be analysed by medical experts or onboard computer software. Possibilities therefore abound, notes Lindner, from linking to

remote medical services and Ford vehicle safety systems to even providing real-time health information and alerts of immi-nent cardiovascular issues such as a heart attack.

The heart rate monitor seat is the latest addition in the

Ford research portfolio of pos-sible in-car health and wellness solutions aimed at helping people with chronic illnesses or medical disorders manage their condition while on the go. Ford also announced research into how it is leveraging Ford

Sync and its ability to connect devices via Bluetooth, access cloud-based internet ser v-ices and control smartphone apps to develop industry-first voice-controlled in-car con-nections to an array of health aids from glucose monitoring devices, diabetes management services, asthma management tools and web-based allergen alert solutions.

The seat sensor technology under development could ini-tially be of most benefit to drivers known to have heart condi-tions—primarily those in more mature age groups, a globally growing population. According to the US Census Bureau, the number of Americans 65 and older is projected to more than double by 2050, reaching some 88.5 million. Predictions in Europe suggest a growing trend as well, with the over-65 popula-tion reaching nearly 23 percent by 2025 and 30 percent by 2050. ‘With increasing life expect-ancy meaning higher numbers of people and therefore drivers at risk of heart diseases, the ability to monitor hearts at the wheel could offer massive ben-efits in terms of health and road safety, both for the user and the wider public,’ said RWTH Aachen University Professor Steffen Leonhardt, who orig-inally proposed taking the university’s work with contact-less infant heart monitoring to Ford. ‘The car is an obvious choice; it’s a place where occu-pants spend long periods sitting in a rather calm position and a place that’s increasingly less physically demanding, mak-ing it the ideal environment to measure heart activity.’

Initial Testing Working with RWTH Aachen

University, Ford developed the six-sensor system positioned on the surface of the seat backrest. The unobtrusive electrodes have been specially designed to be able to detect the electronic signature of the heart through clothing. ‘The sensors use a specially designed system and carefully researched materials to be able to give a good signal without contact on the skin. We are still fi ne-tuning their oper-ation to work with some materials; certain types of synthetic fabric and lamb’s wool can cause elec-trical interference that upsets the signal, but we can achieve a strong signal through 10 layers of cotton,’ Lindner said.

In stationary testing, 90 to 95 percent of the subjects proved to be compatible and on-road testing of the Ford heart rate monitoring seat proved it was possible to achieve highly accu-rate readings for up to 98 percent of the time spent behind the wheel, even at this early stage of development.

Ford develops heart rate monitoring seatGLOBAL WATCHGLOBAL WATCH

The sensor data can be analysed on the computer by doctors The sensor motor seat


1 - 15 June 2011

ADVERTISERS’ LISTADVERTISERS’ LIST

PRODUCT INDEXPRODUCT INDEX

Pg No. ............ Advertiser ............................................................................................ Tel ............................................................................E-mail ......................................................................................... Website

6 .................... Auroral Sinter Metals Co., Ltd. ............................................................ +886-37-542-988 .....................................................sh69032.tw@msa.hinet.net ....................................................... www.auroral-sinter.com.tw

30 .................. Auto World Expo 2011......................................................................... +91-9884096806 .....................................................info@bmexhibitions.com .......................................................... www.bmexhibitions.com

27...................Baker Gauges India Pvt Ltd ................................................................. +91-20-66093800 ....................................................rgs@bakergauges.com ............................................................... www.bakergauges.com

23 .................. Cognex Singapore INC ......................................................................... +91-80-40224118 ....................................................sales.in@cognex.com ................................................................ www. cognex.com

31 ................... Electronica Hitech Machines Pvt Ltd .................................................. +91-20-30435400 ....................................................sss@electronicahitech.com ....................................................... www.electronicahitech.com

4,35 ................ Engineering Expo ................................................................................ +91-9819552270 ......................................................engexpo@infomedia18.in .......................................................... www.engg-expo.com

25................... Forging Machinery Manufacturing Co ................................................ +91-161-5011755 .....................................................info@nkhammers.com .............................................................. www.nkhhammers.com

29 ..................G W Precision Tools India Pvt Ltd ....................................................... +91-80-40431252 ....................................................info@gwindia.in ........................................................................ www.gwindia.in

BIC .................Guhring India Private Limited ............................................................ +91-80-40322500 ....................................................info@guhring.in ........................................................................ www.guhring.in

3 ....................Haas Automation India Pvt Ltd .......................................................... +91-22-27742181 .....................................................indiasales@haascnc.com ........................................................... www.haascnc.com

9 ....................Havells India Ltd. ................................................................................ +1800-11-0303 .........................................................marketing@havells.com ............................................................ www.havells.com

8 .................... IGUS India Pvt Ltd ............................................................................... +91-80-39127800 [email protected] ............................................................................... www.igus.in

26................... Induss Expo 2011 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... www.induss.co.in

17 ................... ISMT Limited ....................................................................................... +91-20-66024901 ....................................................sachin.joshi@ismt.co.in ............................................................. www.ismt.com

19 ................... Jyoti CNC Automation Pvt. Ltd. ........................................................... +91-2827-287081 .....................................................info@jyoti.co.in .......................................................................... www.jyoti.co.in

FIC..................Kamal Envirotech................................................................................ +91-124-4367305 .....................................................enquiry@kamalcedsolution.com .............................................. www.kamalenvirotechgroup.com

20,21 .............Mahindra Navistar Automotives Ltd. .................................................. +1800-200-3600 .......................................................................................................................................................... www.mahindranavistar.com

1,BC ...............Micromatic Machine Tools .................................................................. +91-80-41492285 ....................................................mmtblr@acemicromatic.com .................................................... www.acemicromatic.com

13 ................... Padmini VNA Mechatronics Pvt. Ltd................................................... +91-124-3207398 .....................................................sales@padminiengg.com ........................................................... www.padminivna.com

12 ................... Perfect Oil Seals & I.P.R. ..................................................................... +91-20-30687701 ....................................................sales@posil.co.in ....................................................................... www.posil.co.in

5 .................... Siemens Ltd. .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. www.siemens.com/automotive-excellence

11 ................... Small Industries Development Bank Of India .................................... +1800-22-6753 .....................................................cibcell@sidbi.in .................................................................. www.sidbi.in

12 ................... Sreelakshmi Traders ........................................................................... +91-44-24343343.....................................................sreelakshmitraders@gmail.com ................................................ www.sreelakshmitraders.com

7 .................... Tata Motors Ltd. .................................................................................. +91-22-66561866.....................................................charu.gulati@tatamotors.com .................................................. www.tatamotors.com

15 ................... Yamazaki Mazak India Pvt Ltd. .......................................................... +91-2137-668800 ....................................................sudhir_patankar@mazakindia.com .......................................... www.mazak.com

Product ............................................................ pg no.

2d/3d laser cutting ....................................................................... 31

5c indexers ................................................................................... 3

Acc. Padel sensor assy. ................................................................. 13

Air gauges ..................................................................................... 27

Auto mation mfrs ......................................................................... 3

Auto World Expo 2011 .................................................................. 30

Automobile parts.......................................................................... 6

BC .................................................................................................. 13

Bearings ........................................................................................ 8

Billet shearing machines .............................................................. 25

Buses............................................................................................. 7

C frame power press ..................................................................... 25

Cable carriers................................................................................ 8

Cable connectors .......................................................................... 8

Ced/ktl coatings ............................................................................ FIC

Chains ........................................................................................... 8

CNC ............................................................................................... 19

CNC hmcs ...................................................................................... 19

CNC lathe ...................................................................................... 3

CNC lathes ..................................................................................... 1

CNC machines ............................................................................... 19

CNC oval turning centers .............................................................. 19

CNC turn mill centers .................................................................... 19

CNC turning center ....................................................................... 19

CNC vertical machining center ..................................................... 19

CNC/vmc machines ....................................................................... 15

Commercial vehicles ..................................................................... 7,20,21

Connectors .................................................................................... 8

Controlgear ................................................................................... 9

Countersinks ................................................................................. BIC

Crimping machine ........................................................................ 31

Cylindrical grinders ...................................................................... 1

Diamond tools .............................................................................. BIC

Drilling tools ................................................................................. BIC

E-coatings solutions ..................................................................... FIC

Egr valve ....................................................................................... 13

Electronic control unit.................................................................. 13

Exhibition - Engineering Expo ...................................................... 4,35

Financial assistance schemes for msmes ..................................... 11

Forging press ................................................................................ 25

Friction drop hammers ................................................................ 25

Friction screw press ...................................................................... 25

Gun drills ...................................................................................... BIC

H frame power press .................................................................... 25

Hammers ...................................................................................... 25

Hmc horizontal spindle ................................................................ 3

Hollow bars................................................................................... 17

Horizontal CNC machines ............................................................. 19

Horizontal machining center ....................................................... 19

Induss Expo 2011 .......................................................................... 26

Metal cutting tools ....................................................................... 29

Milling cutters ............................................................................... BIC

Modular tooling system ................................................................ BIC

‘O’ rings ......................................................................................... 12

Oil seals......................................................................................... 12

Powder matallergy products ........................................................ 6

Power chucking cylinders............................................................. 1

Profi le bending machine .............................................................. 31

Reamers ........................................................................................ BIC

Rotary tables ................................................................................ 3

Self adhesive tapes ....................................................................... 12

Solid carbide drills ........................................................................ 29

Solid carbide drills with ic ............................................................ 29

Solid carbide mills ........................................................................ 29

Solid carbide reamers .................................................................. 29

Solid carbide reamers with ic ....................................................... 29

Solid carbide special drills ........................................................... 29

Solid carbide special mills ............................................................ 29

Solid carbide special reamers ...................................................... 29

Special gauging ............................................................................. 27

Special micrometers ..................................................................... 27

Special thread gauges................................................................... 27

Stainless steel gear parts .............................................................. 6

Taps ............................................................................................... BIC

Tefl on oil seals .............................................................................. 12

Transmission gears ....................................................................... 6

Tube bending machine ................................................................. 31

Turret punch press ....................................................................... 31

Turrets .......................................................................................... 1

Vaccum pump ............................................................................... 13

Valve stem seals ............................................................................ 12

Ventilators .................................................................................... 12

Vertical line series ........................................................................ 19

Vertical machining centers ........................................................... 1

Vision sensors and surface inspection systems ........................... 23

Vision software ............................................................................. 23

Vision systems .............................................................................. 23

Vmc vertical machines ................................................................. 3

Vmc-linear series .......................................................................... 19

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Auto Monitor34GLOBAL WATCHGLOBAL WATCH

1 - 15 June 2011

GLOBAL WATCHGLOBAL WATCH

Toyota: US Prius supply to recover to about 70 percent Toyota expects US sup-

ply of its top- selling Prius to recover to about 70 per-cent of normal next month after output was dis-rupted by Japan’s record earthquake. Toyota’s US unit should get at least 36,000 Prius cars to sell in June, July and August, or about 12,000 a month. Increasing supply would help Toyota take advan-tage of rising demand for the gasoline- electric

model amid higher fuel prices. Toyota said early this year, it might set a US sales record for the Prius, before the 9-magnitude earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan dam-aging parts factories and power plants, disrupting auto production and leaving US dealers with little or no inventory.

Nissan, Mitsubishi to build small carsNissan and Mitsubishi signed an agreement to establish an equal venture to devel-

op mini vehicles for the Japanese market. The accord builds on the automakers’ plans

to expand their cooperation in certain vehicle segments to increase their economies of scale. As part of the deal, Nissan has agreed to supply a light van and a wagon to Mitsubishi in Japan. The mini vehicle venture will develop models for a major segment of the Japanese market— tiny cars with 660 cc engines that benefi t from preferential tax treatment. In April, 77,000 mini vehicles were sold in Japan, accounting for 41 percent of auto sales totalling 186,000 units. Vice President, Global Forecasting, IHS Automotive, Michael Robinet said the two automakers are seeking to increase economies of scale and share costs. Nissan is part of the Renault Nissan Alliance, which includes South Korea’s Samsung Motors and Dacia of Romania as members and counts Germany’s Daimler AG among its partners.

Ford to build first transmission plant in ChinaFord says a Chinese joint venture will spend $350 million to build the company’s

fi rst transmission plant for the world’s largest auto market, according to a report in the Associated Press. The company says the factory in Chongqing will be able to build 400,000 six-speed automatic transmissions. It will make them for Changan Ford Mazda Automobile, the Chinese JV. Ford also is building a $500 million engine plant in Chongqing that will open in two years.

Honda recalls 2012 Civic for fuel line defect

Honda says it’s recalling more than 1,000 new Honda Civics in the US because they could leak fuel, according to a report in the Associated Press. The 2012 Civic went on sale earlier this spring. The recall affects 1,156 cars, many of which haven’t even been sold yet. Honda said the Civic’s fuel line could leak because of a manufacturing error.

International auto round-up

ASIA

GM creating low-cost, eco-friendly productionGM hopes to get more savings

out of its small car factory here by getting lean and green accord-ing to a report in the The Detroit News. The Detroit automaker has spent about $600 million to over-haul the 4.3 million-square-foot plant, where two new small cars will begin production this fall—the Chevrolet Sonic, successor to the Korean-built Aveo, and the Buick Verano. The retooled factory will reopen as a leaner, more agile operation, using about one-third of the factory fl oor pre-viously used, GM offi cials say. It will have more effi cient workspaces, in-house suppliers and more foreign-made parts. GM has outfi tted it with some eco-friendly upgrades as well, including better lighting and a new paint shop that uses about half the energy per vehicle as the one it replaced. The factory will employ about 1,600 people once it’s fully operational, including about 1,400 hourly workers.

GM gets $10 million tax break for Warren tech facilityGM won $10 million in tax incentives from the state to build a new information tech-

nology facility at its Warren Tech Centre. The $130 million project—expected to create about 25 permanent jobs—will add on to the Cadillac Building on the campus and occupy about 30 acres of land located along Van Dyke Avenue. The new jobs will pay an average of $44 an hour, according to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The state’s Michigan Economic Growth Authority board approved the brownfi eld tax credit valued at $10 million along with several other projects seeking state tax aid. GM also said last November that it plans to add about 1,000 engineers over the next two years to work on electric and hybrid technologies.

Demand for fuel efficiency sparks Volt production riseGM is boosting production of

its electric Chevrolet Volt, accord-ing to a report in The Detroit News. The Detroit automaker will build 1,000 more Volts than planned this year—about 16,000 in total—and increase production to 60,000 cars in 2012, up from the 45,000 previously targeted. GM offi cials said they’re upping production—long expected—to meet strong demand for the battery-powered car, which comes with a back-up gas engine. With gas prices hovering around $4 a gallon, GM and other automakers are eager to capitalise on the car-buying public’s new lust for fuel effi ciency. GM has sold about 1,700 volts, including 493 last month, according to tracking fi rm AutoData Corp.

US unveils new fuel economy labels, drops gradesThe Obama administration unveiled revamped fuel economy labels including

new ratings for electric vehicles, but dropped a proposal to assign ‘A+’ through ‘D’ grades for vehicle efficiency. The new labels—required by a 2007 energy law and jointly revised by the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration—will take effect with the 2013 model year. The new label retains the traditional focus on miles per gallon and annual fuel costs, while updating the overall design and adding required new comparison information on fuel economy and emissions. The new labels have some new features, including a QR Code that will allow users of smartphones to access online informa-tion about how various models compare on fuel economy. The rule also finalises new labels for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids to convert the use of electricity to a miles per gallon equivalent—and to allow users to compare charging costs to gasoline use.

AMERICA EUROPEFord transfers fuel-tank business to France’s Plastic Omnium

Ford is transferring ownership of its fuel-tank production to Inergy Automotive Systems, a unit of France’s Plastic Omnium SA, as the automaker exits its parts busi-nesses, according to Bloomberg. The fuel tanks are built in a factory in Milan that will be closed by 2013 and replaced by a $30 million plant that Inergy will build in south-east Michigan. The Paris-based company is paying nothing for the business. The Milan plant was one of fi ve remaining plants of the 17 that Ford took back in the 2005 bailout of its former parts subsidiary Visteon. Ford will close an Indianapolis steering-parts factory within 12 months and has three other former Visteon plants for sale. Plastic Omnium will offer jobs to 240 of the Milan plant’s workers. The plant employs about 500 workers. Plastic Omnium is at least the second buyer that emerged for the fuel-tank operations.

BMW’s Klatten holds VW at bay with blocking stake in carbon fibre maker

BMW board mem-ber Susanne Klatten has bought a blocking minor-ity stake in SGL Group to keep Volkswagen at bay in a tussle over infl uence at the carbon fi bre special-ist. SGL said that Klatten raised her stake in the com-pany, via her investment vehicle Skion, to 27.3 per-cent and aimed to lift it to about 29 percent over the next 12 months, up from 22 percent previously. In February, VW surprised stock markets by acquiring an 8.18 percent stake in SGL, a German manufacturer of carbon products, though it said it would not raise its stake to more than 10 percent. SGL entered into a co-operation on lightweight carbon parts for BMW’s new i3 electric car. Klatten, a member of the Quandt family, holds a 12.6 percent stake in BMW, while her family, which is BMW’s biggest shareholder, holds 46 percent of the company’s shares. VW’s premium-car unit Audi is working together with German industrial conglomerate Voith to develop carbon fi bre reinforced components for its cars. Voith is SGL’s third-largest shareholder with a stake of about 5 percent.

Daimler must face claims over Argentina ‘Dirty War’ worker kidnappingsDaimler may face a US lawsuit alleging its Argentine Mercedes-Benz unit collabo-

rated with state security forces to kill and torture workers during the so-called Dirty War 35 years ago, an appeals court ruled. Some of the plaintiffs are former employees of Mercedes-Benz Argentina who were allegedly kidnapped, detained or tortured. Plaintiffs also include relatives of workers who disappeared and are presumed to have been mur-dered during the Dirty War, which began in 1976 when the military overthrew the government of President Isabel Peron. The lawsuit claims Mercedes-Benz collaborated with Argentina’s military to brutally punish Argentine workers it viewed as union agita-tors, the ruling said. Recently, a three-judge appeals court panel in San Francisco ruled that the parent company could be sued in California because the US unit of Mercedes-Benz was the German company’s agent.

JCI aims to end battery venture with France’s SaftJohnson Controls took the fi rst steps to dissolve its joint venture with French battery

producer Saft Groupe, due to a ‘fundamental disagreement’ about the direction and scope of the fi ve year relationship, but Saft said it would fi ght the move. Johnson Controls said it wanted to widen the partnership to have more fl exibility and access to alterna-tive technologies. Saft said it could consider ‘some adjustments’ to the joint venture, but would stop short of expanding the partnership to lithium-ion markets where Saft has a strong presence. Johnson Controls fi led in Delaware’s Court of Chancery to end the partnership in order to pursue other technologies outside the company’s agreement with Saft to produce advanced lithium-ion batteries. The joint venture was established in 2006 to develop, produce and sell lithium-ion batteries for hybrid and electric vehi-cles. The companies have a battery plant in Holland, Michigan, where cell production is slated to begin this summer.

I Passenger Vehicles (PVs) A : Passengers Cars - Upto 5 Seats Micro: Seats Upto-4, Length Normally <3200 mm, Body Style-Hatchback, Engine Displacement Normally upto 0.8 Litre Regular: Tata Motors Ltd (Nano) 2,840 9,635 2,840 9,635 3,525 10,012 3,525 10,012 1 498 1 498Total 2,840 9,635 2,840 9,635 3,525 10,012 3,525 10,012 1 498 1 498Micro: Seats Upto-5, Length Normally <3600 mm, Body Style-Hatchback, Engine Displacement Normally upto 1.0 Litre Regular: General Motors India Pvt Ltd (Spark) 3,986 4,006 3,986 4,006 3,503 3,887 3,503 3,887 4 2 4 2Hyundai Motors India Ltd(Santro) 10,251 11,775 10,251 11,775 7,442 8,133 7,442 8,133 2,371 3,529 2,371 3,529Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (M800, Alto,Wagon R,A-Star) 49,565 63,186 49,565 63,186 35,925 41,744 35,925 41,744 12,177 8,426 12,177 8,426Total 63,802 78,967 63,802 78,967 46,870 53,764 46,870 53,764 14,552 11,957 14,552 11,957Compact: Seats Upto-5, Length Normally 3600-4000 mm, Body Style-Sedan/Estate/Hatch/Notchback, Engine Displacement Normally upto 1.4 Litre Regular: Fiat India Automobiles Pvt Ltd (Palio, Grande Punto) 743 1,314 743 1,314 840 1,239 840 1,239 221 151 221 151Ford india Pvt Ltd (Figo ) 5,869 8,488 5,869 8,488 6,030 6,013 6,030 6,013 0 1,090 0 1,090General Motors India Pvt Ltd (Beat, U-VA) 5,678 4,057 5,678 4,057 4,348 2,592 4,348 2,592 33 12 33 12Honda Siel Cars India ltd (Jazz) 300 30 300 30 338 112 338 112 1 0 1 0Hyundai Motors India Ltd(Getz, i10, i20) 38,740 37,091 38,740 37,091 17,708 20,483 17,708 20,483 18,538 14,634 18,538 14,634Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (Swift, Ritz, Estilo) 24,421 21,939 24,421 21,939 22,749 18,227 22,749 18,227 749 1,373 749 1,373Nissan Motor India Pvt Ltd (Micra) 0 9,460 0 9,460 0 1,198 0 1,198 0 9,431 0 9,431SkodaAuto india p.ltd ( Fabia ) 0 1,938 0 1,938 478 1,561 478 1,561 0 0 0 0Tata Motors Ltd (Indica,Indica Vista, Indigo CS) 16,502 10,525 16,502 10,525 12,310 7,971 12,310 7,971 365 486 365 486Volkswagen India Pvt Ltd (Polo) NA 4,202 0 4,202 901 3,755 901 3,755 0 0 0 0Total 92,253 99,044 92,253 99,044 65,702 63,151 65,702 63,151 19,907 27,177 19,907 27,177Super Compact: Seats Upto-5, Length Normally 4000-4250 mm, Body Style-Sedan/Estate/Hatch/Notchback, Engine Displacement Normally upto 1.6 Litre Regular: Hyundai Motors India Ltd (Accent) 2,940 3,862 2,940 3,862 1,468 1,114 1,468 1,114 2,610 2,259 2,610 2,259Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd (Verito) 535 992 535 992 303 1,006 303 1,006 150 0 150 0Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (Dzire) 8,796 11,679 8,796 11,679 8,586 11,797 8,586 11,797 11 20 11 20Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt Ltd (Etios-Sedan) 0 4,254 0 4,254 0 4,657 0 4,657 0 0 0 0Specialty: Volkswagen India Pvt Ltd (Beetle) 0 0 0 0 92 16 92 16 0 0 0 0Total 12,271 20,787 12,271 20,787 10,449 18,590 10,449 18,590 2,771 2,279 2,771 2,279Mid-Size: Seats Upto-5, Length Normally 4250-4500 mm, Body Style-Sedan/Estate/Hatch/Notchback, Engine Displacement Normally upto 1.6 Litre Regular: Ford India Pvt Ltd (Ford ikon,Fiesta Classic) 1,337 1,474 1,337 1,474 1,196 1,092 1,196 1,092 172 77 172 77General Motors India Pvt Ltd (Aveo) 651 21 651 21 299 155 299 155 16 7 16 7Hindustan Motors Ltd (Lancer,Cedia) 105 12 105 12 123 12 123 12 0 0 0 0Honda Siel Cars India Ltd (City) 3,467 2,812 3,467 2,812 2,787 1,542 2,787 1,542 1 0 1 0Hyundai Motors India Ltd (Verna) 2,099 1,810 2,099 1,810 1,865 1,854 1,865 1,854 0 0 0 0Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (SX4) 1,518 2,332 1,518 2,332 1,408 2,102 1,408 2,102 0 0 0 0Tata Motors Ltd (Indigo Marina, Indigo XL, Manza) 1,104 1,563 1,104 1,563 3,927 1,561 3,927 1,561 58 57 58 57Volkswagen India Pvt Ltd (Vento) NA 4,014 0 4,014 0 2,866 0 2,866 0 0 0 0Specialty: Hindustan Motors Ltd (Ambassador) 665 443 665 443 646 395 646 395 0 0 0 0Total 10,946 14,481 10,946 14,481 12,251 11,579 12,251 11,579 247 141 247 141Executive: Seats Upto-5, Length Normally 4500-4700 mm, Body Style-Sedan/Estate/Hatch/Notchback, Engine Displacement Normally upto 2.0 Litre Regular: Fiat India Automobiles Pvt Ltd (Linea) 839 825 839 825 960 810 960 810 1 15 1 15General Motors India Pvt Ltd (Optra, Cruze) 793 1,372 793 1,372 754 1,307 754 1,307 0 8 0 8Hindustan Motors Ltd (Cedia sports) 0 6 0 6 0 8 0 8 0 0 0 0Honda Siel Cars India Ltd (Civic) 0 480 0 480 188 253 188 253 0 0 0 0Hyundai Motors India Ltd (Elantra) 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (Kizashi) 0 0 0 0 0 35 0 35 0 0 0 0Skoda Auto India Pvt Ltd (Laura) 0 680 0 680 564 421 564 421 0 0 0 0Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt Ltd (Corolla ) 860 747 860 747 851 776 851 776 0 0 0 0Volkswagen India Pvt Ltd (Jetta) NA 52 0 52 384 162 384 162 0 0 0 0Specialty: BMW india pvt Ltd ( 3 Series) 334 84 334 84 133 240 133 240 0 0 0 0Mercedes-Benz India Pvt Ltd (C-Class) 173 297 173 297 147 253 147 253 0 0 0 0Volkswagen - Audi (A4) 0 0 0 0 84 199 84 199 0 0 0 0Total 2,999 4,543 2,999 4,543 4,066 4,464 4,066 4,464 1 23 1 23Premium: Seats Upto-5, Length Normally 4700-5000 mm, Body Style-Sedan/Estate/Hatch/Notchback, Engine Displacement Normally upto 3.0 Litre Regular: BMW india pvt Ltd (Gran Turismo) 0 0 0 0 33 5 33 5 0 0 0 0Honda Siel Cars India Ltd ( Accord ) 0 208 0 208 194 83 194 83 0 0 0 0Hyundai Motors India Ltd ( Sonata ) 15 20 15 20 17 20 17 20 0 0 0 0Nissan Motor India Pvt Ltd (Teana) 0 0 0 0 24 7 24 7 0 0 0 0Skoda Auto India Pvt Ltd (Superb) 0 395 0 395 243 332 243 332 0 0 0 0Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt Ltd (Camry ) 0 0 0 0 32 25 32 25 0 0 0 0Volkswagen India Pvt Ltd (Passat) NA 180 0 180 109 196 109 196 0 0 0 0Specialty: BMW india pvt Ltd ( 5 Series) 6 384 6 384 72 255 72 255 0 0 0 0Mercedes-Benz India Pvt Ltd (E-Class) 136 164 136 164 125 178 125 178 0 0 0 0Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt Ltd (Prius ) 0 0 0 0 21 0 21 0 0 0 0 0Volkswagen - Audi (A6) 0 0 0 0 66 54 66 54 0 0 0 0Total 157 1,351 157 1,351 936 1,155 936 1,155 0 0 0 0Luxury: Seats Upto-5, Length Normally Over 5000 mm, Body Style-Sedan/Estate/Hatch/Notchback, Engine Displacement Normally upto 5.0 Litre Regular: Mercedes-Benz India Pvt Ltd ( S-Class) 46 48 46 48 22 28 22 28 0 0 0 0Volkswagen - Audi (A8) 0 0 0 0 4 39 4 39 0 0 0 0Volkswagen India Pvt Ltd (Phaeton) 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0Specialty: BMW india pvt Ltd (7 Series ) 0 0 0 0 27 32 27 32 0 0 0 0Total 46 48 46 48 53 100 53 100 0 0 0 0Coupe: Roadster - 2 Doors; 2/4 seater, retractable/firm roof Regular: Mercedes-Benz India Pvt Ltd (E-Coupe, E-Cabrio, CLS, SLK) 0 0 0 0 3 6 3 6 0 0 0 0Specialty: BMW india pvt Ltd (6 Series, Z4) 0 0 0 0 7 2 7 2 0 0 0 0Total 0 0 0 0 10 8 10 8 0 0 0 0Exotics: Upto 5 Seats, Price >Rs. 1 Crore Mercedes-Benz India pvt. Ltd (SLS AMG) 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 0Total 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 0Total Passenger Car 185,314 228,856 185,314 228,856 143,862 162,825 143,862 162,825 37,479 42,075 37,479 42,075B: Utility Vehicles (Uvs) B: Utility Vehicles / Sports Utillty Vehicles; 2x4 or 4x4 offroad capability; Generally ladder on frame; 2 box ; 5 seats or more but upto 10 Seats UV1: Length<4400 mm, Price Upto Rs. 15 Lakh Force Motors Ltd (Trax) 244 312 244 312 215 258 215 258 0 0 0 0Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd (Bolero, ST) 6,577 7,765 6,577 7,765 6,322 7,428 6,322 7,428 78 95 78 95Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (Gypsy) 872 937 872 937 708 210 708 210 0 3 0 3Tata Motors Ltd (Sumo,) 1,510 1,462 1,510 1,462 1,879 1,839 1,879 1,839 21 12 21 12Total 9,203 10,476 9,203 10,476 9,124 9,735 9,124 9,735 99 110 99 110UV2: Length<4400 - 4700 mm, Price Upto Rs. 15 Lakh General Motors India Pvt Ltd (Tavera) 1,541 1,923 1,541 1,923 1,528 1,908 1,528 1,908 1 0 1 0International Cars & Motors Ltd (Rhino) 75 22 75 22 54 24 54 24 0 0 0 0Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd (Scorpio, Bolero, HT, Xylo) 7,030 8,425 7,030 8,425 6,862 7,729 6,862 7,729 252 254 252 254Tata Motors Ltd (Sumo Grande, Safari) 1,889 1,343 1,889 1,343 1,456 1,349 1,456 1,349 6 15 6 15Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt Ltd (Innova) 4,187 3,429 4,187 3,429 4,135 3,464 4,135 3,464 0 0 0 0Total 14,722 15,142 14,722 15,142 14,035 14,474 14,035 14,474 259 269 259 269UV3: Length>4700 mm, Price Upto Rs. 15 Lakh Tata Motors Ltd (Aria, Xenon) 16 245 16 245 5 298 5 298 0 0 0 0Total 16 245 16 245 5 298 5 298 0 0 0 0UV4: Price Between Rs. 15 to 25Lakh BMW india Pvt Ltd (X1) 0 278 0 278 0 215 0 215 0 0 0 0Ford India Pvt Ltd (Endeavour) 262 255 262 255 283 214 283 214 0 0 0 0General Motors India Pvt Ltd (Captiva) 0 0 0 0 115 172 115 172 0 0 0 0Hindustan Motors Ltd (Pajero, Outlander) 128 131 128 131 121 116 121 116 0 0 0 0Honda Siel Cars India Ltd (CRV) 0 0 0 0 71 22 71 22 0 0 0 0Hyundai Motors India Ltd (Santa Fe) 0 0 0 0 0 32 0 32 0 0 0 0Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (Vitara) 0 0 0 0 4 7 4 7 0 0 0 0Nissan Motor India Pvt Ltd (X-Trail) 0 0 0 0 23 2 23 2 0 0 0 0Skoda Auto India Pvt Ltd (Yeti) NA 300 0 300 0 132 0 132 0 0 0 0Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt Ltd (Fortuner) 946 722 946 722 922 739 922 739 0 0 0 0Total 1,336 1,686 1,336 1,686 1,539 1,651 1,539 1,651 0 0 0 0UV5: Price > Rs. 25Lakh BMW india Pvt Ltd (X3, X5, X6) 0 0 0 0 35 31 35 31 0 0 0 0Hindustan Motors Ltd (Mentero, EVOx (Ten) 5 10 5 10 5 10 5 10 0 0 0 0Mercedes-Benz India pvt. Ltd (M Class, GL Class, R Class, G class) 0 0 0 0 24 70 24 70 0 0 0 0Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt Ltd (LC,Prado) 0 0 0 0 42 20 42 20 0 0 0 0Volkswagen - Audi (Q5,Q7) 0 0 0 0 111 188 111 188 0 0 0 0Volkswagen India Pvt Ltd (Touareg) 0 0 0 0 3 4 3 4 0 0 0 0Total 5 10 5 10 220 323 220 323 0 0 0 0Total Utillity Vehicles (Uvs) 25,282 27,559 25,282 27,559 24,923 26,481 24,923 26,481 358 379 358 379C: Vans; Generally 1 or 1.5 box; seats upto 5 to 10 V1: Hard tops mainly used for personal transport, Price Upto Rs. 10 Lakh Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (Omini,Ecco) 11,346 13,222 11,346 13,222 10,654 13,022 10,654 13,022 87 189 87 189Tata Motors Ltd (Venture) 0 507 0 507 0 357 0 357 0 0 0 0Total 11,346 13,729 11,346 13,729 10,654 13,379 10,654 13,379 87 189 87 189V2: Soft tops mainly used as Maxi Cabs, Price Upto Rs. 10 Lakh Force Motors Ltd (Trip) 0 5 0 5 0 33 0 33 0 0 0 0Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd (Gio, Maxximo Mini Van) 0 997 0 997 0 999 0 999 0 0 0 0Tata Motors Ltd (Magic, lris) 3,017 4,489 3,017 4,489 2,664 3,887 2,664 3,887 0 84 0 84Total 3,017 5,491 3,017 5,491 2,664 4,919 2,664 4,919 0 84 0 84Total Vans 14,363 19,220 14,363 19,220 13,318 18,298 13,318 18,298 87 273 87 273Total Passenger Vehicles (PVs) 224,959 275,635 224,959 275,635 182,103 207,604 182,103 207,604 37,924 42,727 37,924 42,727II Commercial Vehicles (CVs) M&HCVs A: Passenger Carriers A1: Max. Mass exceeding 7-5 tonnes but not exceeding 12 tonnes (M3(B1)) (b): No. of seats including driver exceeding 13 (M3(B2)) Ashok Leyland Ltd 183 331 183 331 96 127 96 127 27 9 27 9Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd 51 0 51 0 85 0 85 0 2 0 2 0Mahindra Navistar Automotives Ltd 0 4 0 4 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0Tata Motors Ltd 545 405 545 405 769 317 769 317 23 25 23 25VE CVs - Eicher 232 231 232 231 258 251 258 251 29 22 29 22Total A1 1,011 971 1,011 971 1,208 696 1,208 696 81 56 81 56A2: Max. Mass exceeding 12 but no exceeding 16.2 tonnes (M3(C)) (b): No. of seats including driver exceeding 13 (M3(C2)) Ashok Leyland Ltd 1,453 1,350 1,453 1,350 1,080 978 1,080 978 245 246 245 246JCBL Ltd 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0SML Isuzu Ltd 2 8 2 8 6 2 6 2 0 0 0 0Tata Motors Ltd 1,429 945 1,429 945 1,002 929 1,002 929 228 128 228 128VE CVs - Eicher 16 21 16 21 9 12 9 12 0 0 0 0Volvo Buses India Pvt Ltd 20 11 20 11 18 12 18 12 0 0 0 0Total A2 2,920 2,335 2,920 2,335 2,115 1,933 2,115 1,933 473 374 473 374A3: No. of seats including exceeding 13 and max. mass exceeding 16.2 tonnes (M3(D)) Passenger Carrier (D) Volvo Buses India Pvt Ltd 16 40 16 40 14 38 14 38 0 0 0 0Total A3 16 40 16 40 14 38 14 38 0 0 0 0Total M&HCVs(passenger carriers) 3,947 3,346 3,947 3,346 3,337 2,667 3,337 2,667 554 430 554 430M&HCVs B: Goods Carriers (c) Max Mass exceeding 7.5 tonnes but not exceeding 10 tons Ashok Leyland Ltd 40 48 40 48 44 37 44 37 18 8 18 8SML Isuzu Ltd 237 229 237 229 211 57 211 57 0 0 0 0Tata Motors Ltd 477 560 477 560 571 673 571 673 28 45 28 45VE CVs - Eicher 800 758 800 758 774 734 774 734 28 8 28 8Total 1,554 1,595 1,554 1,595 1,600 1,501 1,600 1,501 74 61 74 61(d) Max. Mass Exceeding 10 tons but not exceeding 12 tons Ashok Leyland Ltd 207 230 207 230 138 162 138 162 0 5 0 5SML Isuzu Ltd 74 107 74 107 55 51 55 51 0 2 0 2Tata Motors Ltd 1,080 1,101 1,080 1,101 1,294 1,322 1,294 1,322 65 88 65 88VE CVs - Eicher 858 1,204 858 1,204 880 1,019 880 1,019 14 18 14 18Total 2,219 2,642 2,219 2,642 2,367 2,554 2,367 2,554 79 113 79 113

Source: SIAM

Category Segment/Subsegment Manufacturer. Production Domestic Sales Exports

For the month of Cumulative For the month of Cumulative For the month of Cumulative

April April-April April April-April April April-April

2010 2011 10-11 11-12 2010 2011 10-11 11-12 2010 2011 10-11 11-12


SIAM DATASIAM DATAFLASH REPORT (MEDIA) REPORT II

Total B 3,773 4,237 3,773 4,237 3,967 4,055 3,967 4,055 153 174 153 174B2: Max Mass exceeding 16.2 tonnes (N3(A)) (a) Max. mass exceeding 12 tonnes but not exceeding 16.2 tonnes (N3(A1)) Ashok Leyland Ltd 1,511 2,326 1,511 2,326 1,180 1,081 1,180 1,081 157 320 157 320Tata Motors Ltd 3,827 4,586 3,827 4,586 2,845 2,264 2,845 2,264 255 310 255 310VE CVs - Eicher 267 500 267 500 173 337 173 337 44 97 44 97Total B2 5,605 7,412 5,605 7,412 4,198 3,682 4,198 3,682 456 727 456 727B3: Max Mass exceeding 16.2 tonnes-Rigid Vehicles (N3(B1)) (a) Max. mass exceeding 16.2 tonnes but not exceeding 25 tonnes Ashok Leyland Ltd 2,001 1,172 2,001 1,172 2,135 965 2,135 965 0 58 0 58Asia Motor Works Ltd 308 583 308 583 343 603 343 603 0 0 0 0Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd 12 0 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Mahindra Navistar Automotives Ltd 0 101 0 101 0 63 0 63 0 0 0 0Tata Motors Ltd 4,397 4,622 4,397 4,622 4,170 3,896 4,170 3,896 220 91 220 91VE CVs - Eicher 105 100 105 100 85 81 85 81 1 0 1 0Total 6,823 6,578 6,823 6,578 6,733 5,608 6,733 5,608 221 149 221 149(b) Max. mass exceeding 25 tonnes Ashok Leyland Ltd 671 1,655 671 1,655 600 936 600 936 0 0 0 0Asia Motor Works Ltd 4 26 4 26 3 29 3 29 0 0 0 0Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Pvt Ltd 40 31 40 31 15 11 15 11 0 0 0 0Mahindra Navistar Automotives Ltd 0 96 0 96 0 121 0 121 0 0 0 0Tata Motors Ltd 2,619 4,808 2,619 4,808 1,406 3,073 1,406 3,073 1 9 1 9VE CVs - Eicher 67 92 67 92 69 77 69 77 0 0 0 0VE CVs - Volvo 72 60 72 60 53 20 53 20 0 0 0 0Total 3,473 6,768 3,473 6,768 2,146 4,267 2,146 4,267 1 9 1 9Total B3 10,296 13,346 10,296 13,346 8,879 9,875 8,879 9,875 222 158 222 158B4: Max. Mass exceeding 16.2 tonnes-Haulage Tractor (Tractor-Semi Traller/Traller)(N3(B2)) (a) Max. Mass exceeding 16.2 tonnes but not exceeding 26.4 tonnes Ashok Leyland Ltd 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 52 0 52 0Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 52 0 52 0(b) Max. mass exceeding 26.4 tonnes but not exceeding 35.2 tonnes Ashok Leyland Ltd 287 284 287 284 249 203 249 203 0 13 0 13Tata Motors Ltd 0 0 0 0 396 708 396 708 0 0 0 0Total 287 284 287 284 645 911 645 911 0 13 0 13(c) Mass exceeding 35.2 tonnes but not exceeding 40 tonnes Asia Motor Works Ltd 38 83 38 83 51 83 51 83 0 0 0 0Mahindra Navistar Automotives Ltd 0 4 0 4 0 19 0 19 0 0 0 0Total 38 87 38 87 51 102 51 102 0 0 0 0(d) Max. mass exceeding 40 tonnes but not exceeding 49 tonnes Ashok Leyland Ltd 182 139 182 139 212 158 212 158 0 0 0 0Asia Motor Works Ltd 24 20 24 20 16 3 16 3 0 0 0 0Tata Motors Ltd 0 19 0 19 704 753 704 753 0 0 0 0VE CVs - Eicher 8 32 8 32 6 18 6 18 0 0 0 0Total 214 210 214 210 938 932 938 932 0 0 0 0(e) Max. mass exceeding 49 tonnes and Above Ashok Leyland Ltd 360 336 360 336 216 159 216 159 0 0 0 0VE CVs - Volvo 5 11 5 11 5 8 5 8 0 0 0 0Total 365 347 365 347 221 167 221 167 0 0 0 0Total B4 904 928 904 928 1,855 2,112 1,855 2,112 52 13 52 13Total M&HCVs (Goods Carriers) 20,578 25,923 20,578 25,923 18,899 19,724 18,899 19,724 883 1,072 883 1,072Total M&HCVs 24,525 29,269 24,525 29,269 22,236 22,391 22,236 22,391 1,437 1,502 1,437 1,502LCVs A: Passenger Carriers A1: Max. Mass upto 5 tonnes (a): No. of seats including driver exceeding 13 (M2(A1)) Force Motors Ltd 354 464 354 464 340 415 340 415 0 0 0 0Tata Motors Ltd 100 65 100 65 308 113 308 113 0 0 0 0Total 454 529 454 529 648 528 648 528 0 0 0 0(a): No. of seats including driver exceeding 13 (M2(A2)) Force Motors Ltd 600 758 600 758 510 707 510 707 20 5 20 5Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd 311 0 311 0 215 0 215 0 0 0 0 0Mahindra Navistar Automotives Ltd 0 180 0 180 0 164 0 164 0 0 0 0Tata Motors Ltd 239 456 239 456 467 290 467 290 0 9 0 9Total 1,150 1,394 1,150 1,394 1,192 1,161 1,192 1,161 20 14 20 14Total A1 1,604 1,923 1,604 1,923 1,840 1,689 1,840 1,689 20 14 20 14A2: Max. Mass exceeding 5 tonnes but not exceeding 7-5 tonnes (M3(A)) (a): No. of seats including driver exceeding 9 but not exceeding 13 (M3(A1)) SML Isuzu Ltd 324 116 324 116 226 62 226 62 0 0 0 0Total 324 116 324 116 226 62 226 62 0 0 0 0(b): No. of seats including driver exceeding 13 (M3(A2)) Ashok Leyland Ltd 91 150 91 150 40 26 40 26 11 52 11 52Force Motors Ltd 36 12 36 12 15 8 15 8 0 0 0 0Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd 80 0 80 0 88 0 88 0 2 0 2 0Mahindra Navistar Automotives Ltd 0 185 0 185 0 188 0 188 0 0 0 0SML Isuzu Ltd 195 420 195 420 176 153 176 153 2 3 2 3Tata Motors Ltd 1,328 1,359 1,328 1,359 1,837 856 1,837 856 114 226 114 226VE CVs - Eicher 367 356 367 356 259 339 259 339 1 25 1 25Total 2,097 2,482 2,097 2,482 2,415 1,570 2,415 1,570 130 306 130 306Total A2 2,421 2,598 2,421 2,598 2,641 1,632 2,641 1,632 130 306 130 306Total LCVs (Passenger Carriers) 4,025 4,521 4,025 4,521 4,481 3,321 4,481 3,321 150 320 150 320LCVs B: Goods Carriers (a) Max. Mass not exceeding 2 tons-Mini Truck Segment Force Motors Ltd 268 597 268 597 127 162 127 162 0 0 0 0Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd 3,213 5,620 3,213 5,620 2,828 4,459 2,828 4,459 99 150 99 150Piaggio Vehicles Pvt.Ltd 1,008 830 1,008 830 903 777 903 777 0 0 0 0Tata Motors Ltd 11,267 17,235 11,267 17,235 9,061 13,936 9,061 13,936 1,326 1,538 1,326 1,538Total 15,756 24,282 15,756 24,282 12,919 19,334 12,919 19,334 1,425 1,688 1,425 1,688(b) Max. Mass not exceeding 2 but no exceeding 3.5 tons-Pick Ups Force Motors Ltd 208 110 208 110 191 63 191 63 0 0 0 0Hindustan Motors Ltd 50 48 50 48 50 33 50 33 0 20 0 20Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd 5,503 4,599 5,503 4,599 4,814 3,376 4,814 3,376 302 874 302 874Tata Motors Ltd 1,431 1,871 1,431 1,871 1,151 1,513 1,151 1,513 168 167 168 167Total 7,192 6,628 7,192 6,628 6,206 4,985 6,206 4,985 470 1,061 470 1,061(a) Max Mass exceeding 3.5 tons but not exceeding 6 tonnes Force Motors Ltd 106 70 106 70 95 76 95 76 0 0 0 0Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd 504 0 504 0 458 0 458 0 51 30 51 30Mahindra Navistar Automotives Ltd 0 331 0 331 0 371 0 371 0 0 0 0SML Isuzu Ltd 0 3 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Tata Motors Ltd 1,936 2,451 1,936 2,451 1,974 1,796 1,974 1,796 213 367 213 367VE CVs - Eicher 350 400 350 400 254 419 254 419 10 10 10 10Total 2,896 3,255 2,896 3,255 2,781 2,662 2,781 2,662 274 407 274 407(b) Max Mass exceeding 6 tons but not exceeding 7.5 tonnes Ashok Leyland Ltd 24 0 24 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd 14 0 14 0 14 0 14 0 0 0 0 0Mahindra Navistar Automotives Ltd 0 14 0 14 0 14 0 14 0 0 0 0SML Isuzu Ltd 78 63 78 63 47 17 47 17 40 20 40 20Tata Motors Ltd 762 921 762 921 342 412 342 412 46 112 46 112VE CVs - Eicher 157 223 157 223 136 66 136 66 15 136 15 136Total 1,035 1,221 1,035 1,221 539 509 539 509 101 268 101 268Total LCVs (Goods Carriers) 26,879 35,386 26,879 35,386 22,445 27,490 22,445 27,490 2,270 3,424 2,270 3,424Total LCVs 30,904 39,907 30,904 39,907 26,926 30,811 26,926 30,811 2,420 3,744 2,420 3,744Total Commercial Vehicles 55,429 69,176 55,429 69,176 49,162 53,202 49,162 53,202 3,857 5,246 3,857 5,246IV Two Wheelers A: Scooter/Scooterettee : Wheel size less than or equal to 12” A1: Engine Capacity less than 75cc Mahindra Two Wheelers Ltd 2,020 231 2,020 231 1,063 311 1,063 311 0 0 0 0TVS Motor Company Ltd 2,019 1,506 2,019 1,506 1,644 1,454 1,644 1,454 0 0 0 0Total 4,039 1,737 4,039 1,737 2,707 1,765 2,707 1,765 0 0 0 0A2: Engine Capacity 75cc and above but less than 125cc Bajaj Auto Ltd 0 0 0 0 27 0 27 0 0 0 0 0Hero Honda Motors Ltd 24,928 37,705 24,928 37,705 23,682 35,079 23,682 35,079 1,568 2,688 1,568 2,688Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (Pvt) Ltd 74,555 76,892 74,555 76,892 41,462 74,432 41,462 74,432 1,210 677 1,210 677Mahindra Two Wheelers Ltd 11,316 13,413 11,316 13,413 7,946 9,228 7,946 9,228 118 88 118 88Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt Ltd 18,958 23,674 18,958 23,674 18,893 23,540 18,893 23,540 0 44 0 44TVS Motor Company Ltd 27,555 39,710 27,555 39,710 23,515 31,010 23,515 31,010 1,701 2,610 1,701 2,610Total 157,312 191,394 157,312 191,394 115,525 173,289 115,525 173,289 4,597 6,107 4,597 6,107Total Scooter/Scooterettee 161,351 193,131 161,351 193,131 118,232 175,054 118,232 175,054 4,597 6,107 4,597 6,107B: Motor cycles/Step-Throughs : Big Wheel size more than 12” B2: Engine Capacity 75cc and above but less than 125cc Bajaj Auto Ltd 175,618 173,714 175,618 173,714 108,266 99,897 108,266 99,897 57,654 93,770 57,654 93,770Hero Honda Motors Ltd 342,671 454,117 342,671 454,117 315,146 446,721 315,146 446,721 6,654 9,354 6,654 9,354Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (Pvt) Ltd 21,953 18,407 21,953 18,407 20,915 14,291 20,915 14,291 0 2,100 0 2,100India Yamaha Motor Pvt Ltd 5,382 5,397 5,382 5,397 6,445 4,225 6,445 4,225 1,246 832 1,246 832Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt Ltd 1,703 5,937 1,703 5,937 1,834 5,449 1,834 5,449 44 320 44 320TVS Motor Company Ltd 48,139 44,529 48,139 44,529 40,511 37,834 40,511 37,834 10,680 12,029 10,680 12,029Total 595,466 702,101 595,466 702,101 493,117 608,417 493,117 608,417 76,278 118,405 76,278 118,405B3: Engine Capacity 125cc and above but less than 250cc Bajaj Auto Ltd 95,955 123,361 95,955 123,361 79,728 96,074 79,728 96,074 30,447 32,494 30,447 32,494Hero Honda Motors Ltd 24,298 25,661 24,298 25,661 23,562 22,677 23,562 22,677 1,040 580 1,040 580Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (Pvt) Ltd 47,276 46,061 47,276 46,061 37,103 41,995 37,103 41,995 6,134 2,195 6,134 2,195India Yamaha Motor Pvt Ltd 14,700 33,624 14,700 33,624 10,410 21,585 10,410 21,585 6,853 7,827 6,853 7,827TVS Motor Company Ltd 16,907 20,379 16,907 20,379 8,497 11,970 8,497 11,970 6,312 7,740 6,312 7,740Total 199,136 249,086 199,136 249,086 159,300 194,301 159,300 194,301 50,786 50,836 50,786 50,836B4: Engine capacity 250cc and above Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (Pvt) Ltd 0 900 0 900 0 951 0 951 0 0 0 0India Yamaha Motor Pvt Ltd 0 0 0 0 6 7 6 7 0 0 0 0Royal Enfield (Unit of Eicher Ltd) 3,964 6,304 3,964 6,304 3,673 5,889 3,673 5,889 272 334 272 334Total 3,964 7,204 3,964 7,204 3,679 6,847 3,679 6,847 272 334 272 334Total Motor Cycles/Step-Throughs 798,566 958,391 798,566 958,391 656,096 809,565 656,096 809,565 127,336 169,575 127,336 169,575C: Mopeds: Engine capacity less than 75cc & with fixed transmission, big wheelsize>12” Engine Capacity<75cc Mopeds TVS Motor Company Ltd 52,025 59,400 52,025 59,400 51,304 59,351 51,304 59,351 525 185 525 185Total 52,025 59,400 52,025 59,400 51,304 59,351 51,304 59,351 525 185 525 185Total Mopeds 52,025 59,400 52,025 59,400 51,304 59,351 51,304 59,351 525 185 525 185Total Two Wheelers 1,011,942 1,210,922 1,011,942 1,210,922 825,632 1,043,970 825,632 1,043,970 132,458 175,867 132,458 175,867III Three Wheelers A: Passenger Carriers A1:No. of seats including driver not exceeding 4 & Max.Mass not exceeding 1 tonnes Atul Auto Limited 464 809 464 809 477 740 477 740 0 20 0 20Bajaj Auto Ltd 34,976 41,704 34,976 41,704 11,226 12,391 11,226 12,391 25,810 32,158 25,810 32,158Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd 2,300 4,012 2,300 4,012 2,020 2,917 2,020 2,917 70 202 70 202Piaggio Vehicles Pvt.Ltd 11,811 10,318 11,811 10,318 9,799 8,049 9,799 8,049 920 1,998 920 1,998Scooters india Ltd 328 389 328 389 223 262 223 262 0 0 0 0TVS Motor Company Ltd 2,577 3,905 2,577 3,905 2,044 850 2,044 850 439 2,711 439 2,711Total 52,456 61,137 52,456 61,137 25,789 25,209 25,789 25,209 27,239 37,089 27,239 37,089A2: No.of seats including Driver exceeding 4 but not exceeding 7 & Max.Mass exceeding 1.5 tonnes Force Motors Ltd 0 29 0 29 14 0 14 0 0 42 0 42Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Scooters india Ltd 146 234 146 234 164 209 164 209 0 0 0 0Total 146 263 146 263 178 209 178 209 0 42 0 42Total Passenger Carrier 52,602 61,400 52,602 61,400 25,967 25,418 25,967 25,418 27,239 37,131 27,239 37,131B: Goods Carriers B1: Max.mass not exceeding 1 tonnes Atul Auto Limited 716 1,036 716 1,036 713 982 713 982 0 0 0 0Bajaj Auto Ltd 450 666 450 666 314 525 314 525 0 0 0 0Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd 994 1,505 994 1,505 1,028 975 1,028 975 0 136 0 136Piaggio Vehicles Pvt.Ltd 4,775 5,038 4,775 5,038 4,689 4,819 4,689 4,819 65 127 65 127Scooters india Ltd 328 499 328 499 226 337 226 337 0 0 0 0Total 7,263 8,744 7,263 8,744 6,970 7,638 6,970 7,638 65 263 65 263B2: Others Force Motors Ltd 15 0 15 0 62 0 62 0 0 0 0 0Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd 0 535 0 535 0 519 0 519 0 0 0 0Scooters india Ltd 144 263 144 263 145 213 145 213 0 0 0 0Total 159 798 159 798 207 732 207 732 0 0 0 0Total Goods Carrier 7,422 9,542 7,422 9,542 7,177 8,370 7,177 8,370 65 263 65 263Total Three Wheelers 60,024 70,942 60,024 70,942 33,144 33,788 33,144 33,788 27,304 37,394 27,304 37,394Grand Total of all Categories 1,352,354 1,626,675 1,352,354 1,626,675 1,090,041 1,338,564 1,090,041 1,338,564 201,543 261,234 201,543 261,234

Category Segment/Subsegment Manufacturer. Production Domestic Sales Exports

For the month of Cumulative For the month of Cumulative For the month of Cumulative

April April-April April April-April April April-April

2010 2011 10-11 11-12 2010 2011 10-11 11-12 2010 2011 10-11 11-12

Auto Monitor 371 - 15 June 2011

SIAM DATASIAM DATA


THE OTHER SIDETHE OTHER SIDE

Getting PersonalWith TK Ramesh, Chief Executive Offi cer, Micromatic Machine Tools

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TK Ramesh has completed his Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) from BMS College of engineering, Bangalore in fi rst class distinction in 1981. He went on to pursue a postgraduate diploma in Business Administration from Bangalore University in 1984.

Today, as the CEO of Micromatic Machine Tools (Ace Micromatic Group), Bangalore, TK Ramesh has the backing of over 29 years of experience in marketing and management of capital equipment mar-keting (Machine Tools CNC Lathes Machining Centre, Cylindrical Grinders) in domestic and internation-al markets. As the business head, he oversees and directs all the activities of the company including the P&L responsibility. What’s more, he has con-tributed in several capacities towards building a competent machine tool marketing organisation from a modest turnover of `35 lakh in 1984-85 to a turnover exceeding `750 crore in 2010-11 and turn-ing Ace Micromatic into the largest machine tool group in India.

He is married with two sons. Ramesh is also a trainer in Leadership Development Camps and enjoys keeping abreast about the latest developments in information technology. He is keenly interested in trekking and camping and in the con-servation of fl ora and fauna.

In Person If not in the manufacturing/machine tool industry, where would

you be?I would have defi nitely been in the wildlife/IFS forestry services; the wild outdoors energises me

What car do you drive? What do you dream of driving?I drive a Honda City which is value for money and fuel effi cient; I dream of an all-terrain SUV that can take me on wildlife safaris

Your most recent indulgence?A Montblanc signature fountain pen and pencil set

What are you currently reading?‘Management Ethics’ by Norman Bowie

What is TK Ramesh doing when not talking about the industry?Spending time with family and friends, reading, listening to music—clas-sic rock, carnatic, fi lmy…

Outdoor activity you would miss offi ce for...Trekking, camping, wild outdoors with friends and family

Where did you go for your last holiday?Nagarhole tiger reserve

You get angry when…People say I do not get angry easily, but it annoys me when people are not true to themselves

What is the one thing you would like to change about you?I think all of us are continuously changing physically mentally socially etc, so nothing specifi c

Best thing to have happened to you…The best thing is the enriching human ecosystem that is continuously happening to me… a wonderful wife and two sons… friends… family… colleagues…

My first sighting of a tiger in the wild was in 1987. The eight of us (including two expectant mothers: my wife and another friend’s wife) were huddled together in an Ambassador car on a hot mid-summer morning and we were driving around the dusty forest tracks in Bhadra wildlife sanctuary hoping-against-hope to spot just about any wildlife. When out of the blue, a tigress came out of the shrubs and majesti-cally walked across the track into another set of bushes. It was a magical mystical few minutes etched permanently in my mind.

An experience I won’t forget…

capital equipment mar-es Machining Centre, ic and internation-d, he oversees and ompany including more, he has con-owards building a eting organisationakh in 1984-85 to a n 2010-11 and turn-est machine tool

Ramesh iselopment

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ested in he con-

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Regn. No. MH/MR/WEST/20/2009-2011. RNI No. MAHENG/2000/11414 WPP Licence No: MR/Tech/WPP-269/WEST/09-11 Licenced to post without pre-payment at Mumbai patrika channel sorting office G.P.O. Mumbai 400 001.Date Of Mailing: 1st & 2nd Fortnightly Issue. Date Of Publication: 28th of Every Month

Auto Monitor - 1-15 June 2011

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Transcript of Auto Monitor - 1-15 June 2011