Automotive
Auto Tech Review
Future Of Automotive Transmission Technology – An Indian Perspective
The automotive technology space is awash with commentaries, speculations and observations on trends in automotive transmissions, as the automotive world is predicted to witness significant disruption.
3 min |
July 2019
Auto Tech Review
Overlapping Technologies Lead to Disruption
Held in January every year in Las Vegas, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is widely known to showcase leading consumer electronics technologies from across the globe. However, for the past few editions, the show has had a large presence of, and participation from, the automotive industry. The message is twofold – technologies that once belonged largely in the home environment have now entered the automotive domain as well, and cars are now more about electronics (entertainment, navigation, connectivity, sound & display and so on..) and technology than ever before.
6 min |
February 2017
Auto Tech Review
Brake-by-Wire, AEB is the Way Forward for Braking Tech
With relentless advances in automotive technology, cars are now more powerful and faster than ever before. In this scenario, braking technology is also being advanced to keep up with upgrades in power and performance. OEMs and suppliers are working on a host of braking hardware, electronics/ software systems, which ensure that cars stop as hard as they go. Here, we will take a look at some of the most important developments in the area of automotive braking technology and understand future directions for this critical area in automotive R&D.
7 min |
February 2017
Auto Tech Review
BMW Chennai Plant Completes 11 Years; Focuses On Skilling, Overall Growth
Since its entry into the market, German luxury carmaker BMW has been successfully operating in India, building a strong base of loyal customers and reach. The company’s manufacturing facility in Chennai has now completed 11 years. To commemorate the occasion, BMW launched its SKILL NEXT initiative. In this feature, we take stock of the company’s journey in India, a market where it is keen to establish itself as a leader in luxury car space.
4 min |
May 2018
Auto Tech Review
New Engine, Transmission On Freestyle Pack A Punch
The newest Ford in town – the Freestyle – is what the company calls a compact utility vehicle or CUV. Based on the Figo platform, Ford India claims the Freestyle is an almost entirely new product. And it is new in many aspects – it’s a new body style for Ford, it gets a new engine and a new transmission too. The company invited us to drive the Freestyle from Jaipur to the Sambhar Salt Lake, India’s largest inland salt lake in Rajasthan recently. We delve under the hood of the new Ford Freestyle.
5 min |
May 2018
Auto Tech Review
Academia-industry Collaboration: Imperative For The Fast-changing Automobile Industry
The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Competitiveness Index 2017-2018, which puts India at 40th place in a list of 138 nations, also ranks us at 26th on the index of industry-university collaboration on R&D. China is at number 28, while Switzerland, US, Israel, and Finland occupy the top four ranks. According to the Centre for Technology, Innovation and Economic Research (CTIER), “Industry-Academia research collaborations in India are dismally low, as indicated by collaboration output statistics. Collaboration in patenting is 0.4 % of the total volume of patents in India…”
5 min |
May 2018
Auto Tech Review
CVF 2018 Deliberates On Relevant Industry Subjects
The third edition of Commercial Vehicle Forum (CVF) was recently held in Pune, where speakers deliberated on various subjects around the truck, bus and transport industry.
2 min |
May 2018
Auto Tech Review
HMSI - Riding The Two-wheeler Growth Wave
Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt Ltd (HMSI) has been steadily moving up the sales charts and gaining ground in the scooter as well as in the motorcycle segments.
3 min |
May 2018
Auto Tech Review
NBC Bearings | Focus On Innovation For Sustained Growth
Jaipur-headquartered National Engineering Industries Limited, better known as NBC Bearings, has carved out a very strong reputation over the past several decades as a leading bearings manufacturer and exporter. Founded in 1946, NBC Bearings produces over 150 mn bearings each year in more than 1,000 sizes. The biggest share of revenues (60 %) comes from the automotive sector, with the rest being contributed by the railway and industrial sectors. We recently met Rohit Saboo, President & CEO, National Engineering Industries to get an update on the company’s business.
3 min |
May 2018
Auto Tech Review
DICV I Achieving BS IV Standards With SCR Technology
Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) has been in the country for about half a decade, and has been offering trucks and buses across various categories in India. The company markets its two brands – Mercedes-Benz and BharatBenz in the country, and also exports its BharatBenz trucks as FUSO branded trucks to 15 countries.
3 min |
May 2017
Auto Tech Review
BASF- Spearheading Advancements In Materials Development
The use of speciality chemicals in the automotive industry has kept pace with growing requirements of light weighting and emissions reduction. Global trends have warranted the increased use of advanced polymers, which helps carmakers achieve international quality standards. BASF has been a leading solutions provider for speciality materials and chemical solutions for the automotive sector. ATR met Prabir Das, Business Director, Performance Materials-South Asia, BASF, to discuss the innovation witnessed by the materials development industry for automobiles.
3 min |
May 2017
Auto Tech Review
FAG- Engineering Advancements In Transmission Technology
Automotive bearings are used for a variety of applications including wheel hubs, engine, interior applications and transmission modules.
4 min |
May 2017
Auto Tech Review
Integerated Product Design Development Is The Key To Success
Siemens is a leading software solutions provider to many carmakers around the world and has also been present in India for more than two decades. Auto Tech Review met Robert Haubrock, Senior Vice President, NX Product Lifecycle Management, Siemens, to discuss the intricacies of software development for automobiles. Haubrock says that, for software companies, doing well in the market will depend on the successful amalgamation of electrical and mechanical capabilities
6 min |
May 2017
Auto Tech Review
Iot To Bring Disruptive Changes To Automotive Industry
The Internet of Things, or IoT. It’s a term that we hear often these days from automotive engineers and industry professionals. And while it sounds a bit mysterious and maybe even mildly intimidating, IoT isn’t exactly rocket science. What it is, simply, is a network of physical devices (for example, smartphones, smart TVs, smart watches and, yes, the modern day automobile) with embedded sensors that can collect data, and Internet connectivity for receiving and transmitting data in various digital formats. So what exactly is IoT in the automotive context, and why are engineers saying that it will completely revolutionise the way cars are built, and the ways in which people interact with their cars? Let’s find out.
6 min |
May 2017
Auto Tech Review
Open Service Platforms For The Smart Car
The project experience collected by FEV shows that the Open Service Cloud has the potential to drive open in novation, independent of the underlying platform and vehicle brand. For the idea and concept generation, it can make sense to adapt modern operation models from other industries.
9 min |
May 2017
Auto Tech Review
A Diverse Attitude
Automotive Electronics (AE) has aided higher safety, enormous connectivity, better cabin comfort, lower emissions and improved drivability. AE content has been increasing steadily over the years, and it is projected to further increase by double percentage points year-on-year due to electric and hybrid mobility, autonomous and connected transportation, super-connectivity and stricter carbon footprint norms.
2 min |
May 2017
Auto Tech Review
Video Injection Methods in a Real-world Vehicle for Increasing Test Efficiency
For the testing of camera-based driver assistance systems under real conditions, simulation methods can contribute to increased test efficiency. IPG Automotive presents the potential of video injection methods in real components based on the Video Interface Box.
8 min |
August 2016
Auto Tech Review
Developing Effective ABS & CBS Is a Key Task for Our R&d Centre
Since its entry into the Indian market in 1985, Yamaha Motor Company has had mixed success. The company in India has undergone a few changes in its holding structure, and has had a renewed focus since Mitsui & Co, Ltd entered into an agreement with YMC to become a joint-investor in India Yamaha Motor Private Limited (IYM) in 2008. Critical to that strategy is the establishment of the Yamaha Motor Research & Development India Pvt Ltd (YMRI). We caught up with Yasuo Ishihara, Managing Director, YMRI for a chat regarding the company’s second R&D facility, which has recently been set-up in Chennai, its R&D initiatives and product development plans for the Indian market.
6 min |
September 2016
Auto Tech Review
What's Needed To Push For E2W Peneration In India
Two-wheeler vehicles, due to their comparatively lower costs and easy manoeuvrability in clogged traffic conditions, are extremely popular in India, China and other South East Asian nations. The ever enhancing market of two-wheelers in India is set for exponential growth in the future. The extensive popularity of two wheelers combined with an immediate need felt across the country to focus on sustainable energy resources seems to be the ideal scenario to nurture an electric vehicle culture in the country, with special emphasis on electric two-wheelers (e2w).
5 min |
April 2017
Auto Tech Review
Maruti Ups The ANTE With 1 L Boosterjet Engine On Baleno RS
In the 16 months since its launch in India, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno has had a lot going for it. It created a lot of excitement and somewhat redefined the premium compact hatchback segment in the Indian market. And sales of close to 150,000 cars during this period tell us how popular the Baleno is. Even as consumers continue to make a beeline for the Baleno, the company has upped the game in the segment by introducing the performance-oriented Baleno RS, powered by a new 1 l Boosterjet direct injection turbo engine.
4 min |
April 2017
Auto Tech Review
M&M Expanding Its Horizon In Electronics
Mahindra & Mahindra is soon rolling out a technology package to its XUV 500 customers aimed at helping them optimise their driving pattern and stay connected with the world they live in. This pack essentially has five components – Ecosense, Android Auto, Multi-Colour Lounge Lighting, E-Call and Connected Apps – all developed in-house at Mahindra’s “temple of innovation” – the Mahindra Research Valley. We take a deep dive into the new developments on offer.
6 min |
April 2017
Auto Tech Review
More Than Transmitting
Recent data shows that about 4 % of cars in the US are with manual transmissions, but in the rest of the world 80 % of the powertrains have manual transmissions. This is an interesting backdrop in light of the stricter CO2 and fuel economy regulations. Remarkably, the average tail pipe emissions of new cars have declined by 22 % since 2005.
2 min |
April 2017
Auto Tech Review
Safety, Innovation, Key Driving Factors At ACMA Automechanika
A key highlight of the show was the state of the automotive component sector in India, which, post demonetisation, has undergone major restructuring causing disruption in many allied industries. In line with this, ACMA organised a national seminar on preparing the aftermarket for a digital economy, which focused on e-retailing and the scope of mobile wallets within the auto components value chain.
3 min |
April 2017
Auto Tech Review
'Robust Design And Cost Efficiency Drive Market Requirements'
Thermal management plays an important role in maintaining optimum temperature for critical auto components, which ensures longevity over a period of time. Hanon Climate Systems India Pvt Ltd has been providing energy management solutions to auto OEMs, for their powertrain requirements. Auto Tech Review recently met Amit Gupta (R), MD, HCSIPL, & Hanon Systems and Kunal Ahuja (L), Deputy MD, Hanon Climate Systems, to discuss the current need to meet emission norms and economy standards, urged by an ever-increasing demand for quality adherence.
7 min |
September 2017
Auto Tech Review
Rear Axle System With Multifunctional Variability
A new rear axle system should rival the traditional multi-link rear suspension and short-long arm rear axle designs with regard to the performance required. A modular rear axle that combines high expectations of the chassis with active steering and an electric traction module for simple application to different versions? ZF shows with the modular rear axle system for passenger cars how that works.
7 min |
September 2017
Auto Tech Review
Electronic Locking Differential For Better Traction
Performance alone has not shaped the driveline configurations of today or likely those of tomorrow. Ongoing technology advancements place a higher premium on communication band width and collaboration of systems. Eaton developed the IntelliTrac electronically managed locking differential to expand vehicle dynamics and traction in today’s obstacle laden design environment.
7 min |
September 2017
Auto Tech Review
Aerodynamics, Key To Enhancing 2W Performance
When we think of the key parameters that contribute towards enhancing a two-wheeler’s performance and efficiency, we often tend to think of increasing the engine’s power output and/or reducing the vehicle’s weight. Those two factors are critical, of course, but another very important factor – especially when it comes to bigger, faster two-wheelers – is aerodynamics. As speeds increase, the vast majority of the engine’s power is spent in overcoming wind resistance, and with improved aerodynamics, OEMs benefit from higher performance levels combined with improved fuel economy. Here, we take a closer look at how motorcycle aerodynamics work, and the key factors that affect its efficacy.
7 min |
September 2017
Auto Tech Review
EVs, Hybrids Or IC Engines - What's Most Suited For India
Like the solar boom five years back, electric vehicles are causing a similar disruption to day in the auto industry globally. India is at the cusp of deciding its future and it is important for everyone to get a 360° perspective of what it means and what would work for our nation. This research paper by Feed back Consulting is an attempt to put all these perspectives in place and make a call on what would work for India. Excerpts:
8 min |
September 2017
Auto Tech Review
Redesigned, Feature-Packed New Verna Is A VFM Proposition
When it was launched in India back in mid-2011, the ‘fluidic’ Verna (RB Series) was quite a dramatic departure from its rather nondescript predecessor. With its extroverted design flourishes, the fluidic Verna polarised opinion, with some people loving its over-the-top styling and some going with the belief that it was just too over the top. The car initially did well but later fell prey to the onslaught mounted by the new Honda City and Maruti Ciaz. Now, though, Hyundai has launched the new, 5th generation Verna that’s fully equipped to take on all comers in its segment. We had an opportunity to drive the car extensively and here’s our take on the vehicle.
6 min |
September 2017
Auto Tech Review
Future Mobility - Branding & Marketing Challenges for OEMs
At the recently held SIAM Annual Conclave I sat through a presentation by a gentleman of the World Economic Forum about the 4th industrial revolution, pressing the case for autonomous vehicles across the world.
5 min |