World Machine Tool Makers Converge In Bengaluru
RNI No. MAHENG.2015/64732
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Vol.No.1 Issue No 10 March 2016 | US$ 20 `200
AUTO PARTS ASIA | March 2016
Changing Landscape Of Safety In
RNI No. MAHENG.2015/64732
Automotive Industry
Mathew Boland
Axalta To Popularise 3–Wet Waterborne Coating Process
AVTEC Gears Up To Support India’s Development Programmes Nancy Lockhart
Prabhakar Kadapa
Vol No 1 | Issue No 10 | March 2016
ISSUE
IN THIS
14
10
AVTEC Gears Up To Support India’s Development Programmes
Raymond Leduc To Lead Volvo Bus Business In US, Canada
CORPORATE
People
20
COVER STORY
- Changing Landscape Of Safety In Automotive Industry
6
IMPRESSIONS
7 EDITORIAL 8 TRAILBLAZING TRENDS - Emission and Efficiency
10 PEOPLE
- Raymond Leduc To Lead Volvo Bus Business In US, Canada - Laubert To Head Daimler Legal Department - Yoichiro Ueno To Head Honda Cars India - Tom Frake To Head Caterpillar’s Consolidated New Division - Stephan Winkelmann To Be New CEO Of quattro GmbH
14 CORPORATE
- Igus Provides Solutions To Improve Machine Uptime - AVTEC Gears Up To Support India’s Development Programmes
30 SPECIAL REPORT
- Renesas Electronics Working For Today And Tomorrow Of Automotive Industry - AxaltaTo Popularise 3–Wet Waterborne Coating Process
2 | AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016
30
63
- Renesas Electronics Working For Today And Tomorrow Of Automotive Industry
- World-class Automotive Test Facilities Opened At ICAT
SPECIAL REPORT
GLEANINGS India
FEATURES
59 PREVIEW - Automotive Testing Expo India 2016 - An Unrivalled Opportunity For Networking - Exhibitors From 60 Countries To Join Automechanika Dubai - INAPA 2016 In Jakarta, To Have Sectoral Shows
64 GLEANINGS International
40
EVENT
- Auto Expo 2016 Matches Industry Trend - Innovation Dominates Auto Expo Components Show 2016 - World Machine Tool Makers Converge In Bengaluru
- Porsche Builds Brave New world Championship Engine - Daimler Honours Ten Suppliers With 2015 Supplier Award - Range Rover Helps Unveil New Virgin Galactic SpaceShip Two - GKN Showcases New Electric Torque Vectoring Technology - Nissan Motor Presents `Intelligent Parking Chair’ - SEAT, Samsung, SAP Join To Develop ‘Connected Car’ Of The Future - Rolls-Royce, China Yuchai Joint VentureTo Produce MTU Engines In China - LG, Intel To Develop 5G Telematics For Smart Cars - Volvo To Launch Keyless Car - TI Automotive Acquires Millennium Industries - AT&T, Audi Expand Connected Car Link
74 76
CALENDAR OF EVENTS AUTO LAUGH
- Of Talisman And Travel
Cover Photo Courtesy: Bosch: ‘Connected industry (industry 4.0) – flexible factories and production.’ AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016 | 3
READERS’ LETTERS
IMPRESSIONS
Online Edition
Auto Laugh
I am getting AutoParts Asia regularly. It’s nice. I have been going through your online edition as well. Are the stories appearing in the print edition exclusive? I have seen in the past the stories appeared in the print edition also appear in the online edition. Off late it is not. Have you changed your policy?
I have been following up this magazine, especially the Auto Laugh column on the last page. How do you get all these information – it’s amazing. After reading through the magazine the last page really adds some fun. The cartoon or the sketch goes well with the stuff. Paul Hughes, New Delhi.
Nicholas Perry, Jakarta.
We Welcome Your Comments We will bring to you every month AutoParts Asia magazine with the latest news and trends in Indian, Asian and global automotive industry. We present them in the way we think is the best. But you may think differently. Your different perspective may be a stepping stone to our ambitious target of achieving superior quality in content and style of presentation. We want to make every edition better than the previous one. You can help us in this task by writing to us your evaluation, appreciation, comments, and suggestions. Kindly mention your full address and phone number. Our e-mail address is: tm@abm.net.in You may visit www.autopartsasia.in for instant updates on the automotive industry developments.
6 | AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016
T
he Union Budget 2016-2017 of the seventh largest economy of the world, India, presented by the Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley, evoked mixed response from the industry. The long term impact appears to be positive. The first impression of the automotive industry associations is that the Budget focus is more on rural and infrastructure development than on industry whose hopes were mostly dashed. The automotive sector was hoping several sops to ramp up growth that began, at least in some segments, in 2015. The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) had asked for cut in excise duty on large cars and SUVs to 20 percent from the current rates of up to 30 percent, and an incentive scheme for scrapping old vehicles. The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA), the apex body for the Indian auto component industry, was expecting early implementation of GST, and a favourable and stable policy environment to increase turnover of the domestic auto sector, in tune with the targets of the Automotive Mission Plan 2026, to $ 200 billion from $ 38.5 billion, and exports to $ 80-100 billion from $ 11.2 billion. However, the Finance Bill has to be viewed at a larger perspective. The emphasis on agricultural sector and the allocation of Rs 221,000 crore for infrastructure development and the target of laying 10,000 km of road in 2016-17 can boost sales of vehicles, especially the commercial vehicles, two-wheelers and tractors. The move to levy an extra one percent tax on purchase of luxury cars and one percent infrastructure cess on small, petrol, LPG,CNG cars while 2.5 to four percent on diesel and SUV’s having higher engine capacity may not have much impact on sales as some sections of the industry fear. The changing landscape, with an overall focus on rural development, may spur gradual growth of the automotive industry. The Cover Story of this issue is: ‘Changing landscape of safety in automotive industry.’ The story unravels the safety perspectives of the OEMs, component manufacturers, the National Safety Council and safety solution providers. This edition has some interesting stories on companies like Igus and Avtec that explain how they are leveraging technology to provide solutions to their respective customers, and on the collaborations of ICT companies like LG, AT&T and Samsung with Volvo, Rolls Royce and others to roll out smart cars. You will also see detailed reports on IMTEX 2016 and the Auto Expo – both Motor Show and the Components Show. Hope you will find this issue interesting. Wish you Happy Reading.
E DIT OR IAL
Changing Landscape
Kurian Abraham Editor-in-Chief Editor-in-Chief: Kurian Abraham | Chief Executive Officer: John S Powath | Editor: Murrali Thalor | Associate Editor: KS Nayar Executive Editor: P Raghav Varma | Assistant Editors: Prof T N Kalamani, A Saj Mathews, P Venugopal | Correspondent: Sharad P Matade
March 2016 | Vol. 1 | Issue No. 10
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Regd/Marketing Office: Asian Business Media LLP : 501/502, Imperial Plaza, Corner of 27th & 30th Road, Near Nilgiri Garden, Bandra (W), Mumbai - 400 050, INDIA Phone: +91-22-2640-0829, 2640-0735, Fax: +91-22-2641-1894 Email: mail@abm.net.in, asp@abm.net.in Editorial /Marketing Offices: KOCHI: #39/3993- B7, Ground Floor, Vantage Point, V.R.M. Road, Ravipuram, Kochi-682016, INDIA, Email: mail@abm. net.in, Tel: +91 484-2356284, +91 484-4016284. CHENNAI: # 22/37, 1st Floor, Karpaga Vinayagar Koil Street, Alandur, Chennai - 600 016 INDIA, Phone: +91-44-42641425,+91-9841274461,+91 9940172323, Email: deva@abm.net.in, tm@abm.net.in, DELHI: Anil Nair Email: lugenterprises@ gmail.com +91-9810525069 Vice Presidents (Marketing): Antony Powath (asp@abm.net.in), Vijay Kurian Abraham (vj@abm.net.in) | Head-Marketing: R C Devakumar (deva@ abm.net.in) | Asst. Marketing Managers: Anil Panicker, Praveen Manchal. US Correspondent: Dr Louis P Rumao, 621 Lockmoore Court, Rochester Hills, Michigan +1 48307-4229, Tel: +1 248 747 7201, Email: louis.rumao@ yahoo.com | China: Ella Liu (Liu Ting)/Terry Yin (Yin Tian), China United Rubber (Group) Corporation, Beijing, Tel +86-13911580967, +86-10-5377 9793, Fax: +86-10-5377 9608, E-mail:liut@chrubber.com, expo@chrubber.com | South America: Ms. Carina Bini Fernandes, Atman Filmes e Criacoes, SCLN 215, Bloco B, Sala 114, Asa Norte – Brasilia – DF, Brazil, CEP 70874–520, Tel: +55 61 3033 8007, +55 6181497800 (Brasil), +91 9895555281 (India), E mail: carina.bini@gmail.com European Representative: John Stone, 73 Chaney Road, Wivenhoe Essex, CO79RR, England. Sapphire Media, Tel: +44 (0) 1206 822320, Mob: + 44 7769 675232, Email: john.stone@sapphire-media.co.uk | Australia: Jacob Cherian, Ausker Pacific Pty. Ltd., Suite 1, 1401 Burke Road, East Kew Vic 3102, Melbourne Australia, Tel: +61 3 9859 8922, Email:ausker@auskergroup.com.au | Japan: Shinichi Kato, Shinichi Kato Office Co., Ltd., 11-7 Nihonbashikabutochou, Chuoku, Tokyo 103-0026, Japan. Tel: +81 3-5645-8670, Fax: +81 3-5645-8671, Email: shinichi.kato@rubberstation.com South East Asia: A. Divakaran A.D. Nair, 33, Jalan PJU 1A/43F, Ara Damansara, Petaling Jaya, 47301 Selangor, Malaysia. Tel: +60 3 78454608, Mobile: +60 12 3985357, Email: aaps_avico@yahoo.com | Thailand: Ms Somruetai Patana-anek (Mott), Managing Director, Busgum Co. Ltd., 1093/115, 21st Floor, Central City Tower, Bangna-Trad Road (K.M.3), Bangna, Bangkok 10260, Thailand, Tel: +66-2-3993946, 399-4374, 399-3896, Mob: +66-1-8429105, Email: mott@busgum.com | Sri Lanka: P P Perera, No.20, 4th Cross Lane, Borupana Road, Ratmalana, Sri Lanka. Tel: +94 11 4863529, Mob: +94 772 972571, Email: ppperera1946@gmail.com |Middle East: Dubai, UAE - Markose Chenthitta, Email: 101@hotmail.com & Varghese Philip, Tel: +971 4 2276825, Mob: +971 50 7480984, Email: vp39386@gmail.com
AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016 | 7
TRAILBLAZING TRENDS
Emission and Efficiency
I
mproved fuel economy and emission control compliance have become the essential features of the new vehicles, components or systems showcased in any international exhibition. It may be the impact of the 2015 Paris Climate Conference (COP21) directive to control emissions. In the US, the industry is required to meet a fleet average fuel economy of 54.5mpg by 2025. In Europe emission regulations demand new cars to achieve a fleet average of 95g CO2/km by 2021 (phased in from 2020). Therefore, the automotive industry is being pressurised more than ever before to make cleaner vehicles. At the recently-concluded Auto Expo, both Motor Show and Components Show in New Delhi, the commercial vehicles blazed the trail with path-breaking innovations. Ashok Leyland’s Hybus, said to be India’s first non-plug-in hybrid bus with ultra-capacitors, is a combo of innovation, driveability and aesthetics. Ultra-capacitors have the ability to withstand frequent charge and discharge cycles without degradation, making them about five times more durable than lithium-ion batteries. A diesel genset charges the vehicle, while ultra-capacitors, which can run till the end of the life of the vehicle, provide the 400 volt 150 kW electric motor to deliver 3,600 Nm torque. Besides, it is augmented with regenerative braking. Ashok Leyland’s 4940 truck is powered by Euro 6 Neptune engine, which can deliver 400 HP
8 | AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016
power with 1600 Nm torque. The electronically-controlled common rail fuel injection system enables to achieve wider flat torque to improve driveability. The Exhaust After Treatment System (EATS) reduces emissions and delivers improved fuel efficiency with minimum Adblue consumption. Besides, the Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC), full-flow Diesel Particulate Filter (PF), and the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) unit help meet stringent emission norms. Tata Motors displayed the futureready products such as the last mile Magic Iris Ziva, propelled by Hydrogen based Fuel-Cell technologies and the Tata Starbus Hybrid, the world’s first commercially produced CNG Hybrid Bus. The Fuelsmart technology introduced by Mahindra in its HCV truck ‘BLAZO’ achieves better fuel efficiency. While global OEMs have been trying on technologies like cylinder de-activation to address torque-on-demand characteristics, Mahindra has achieved it with the CRDe engine coupled with three drive modes - turbo, heavy and light, giving the driver the option to choose on the basis of the load and road conditions.
By T Murrali Oil (HVO) as an alternative fuel. HVO is a biodiesel fuel which comes from waste materials such as waste fat, used cooking oil and also oil from crop plants. The engines that meet Euro VI emission norms are designed as standard to make use of the new HVO fuel.
Composites Composites are replacing even aluminium. Not only the cost of material but the process involved in manufacturing also matters. A typical aluminium body panel may need up to six dies while the same component when made in composites or plastics needs only one mould. Already a few companies are making safety critical and load bearing parts such as rear axle transmission crossbeam with composites. The trend will continue, much faster than earlier.
ICT-Auto Alliance
HVO Fuel
Yet another trendy concept is the alliances amongst the telecom and software companies with components manufacturers and vehicle makers. LG Electronics (LG) and Intel are collaborating to develop and pilot 5G-based telematics technology. AT&T is continuing to bring high-speed Internet to Audi. Along with Porsche Cars North America, AT&T is bringing high-speed Internet to select 2017 models in the US. It will benefit the end-users with wireless connectivity on its 4G LTE network in certain 2017 Porsche Macan, Boxster and 911 models.
In Europe, Mercedes-Benz Trucks was recently granted approval for the use of Hydro-treated Vegetable
Innovations will continue . . . . See you next month with more trailblazing trends.
Goodyear has presented an innovative tyre that generates electricity while running. Still in concept stage, the tyre works on the principle of converting thermal energy into electricity.
PEOPLE
Raymond Leduc To Lead Volvo Bus Business In US, Canada
APA Bureau
R
aymond Leduc is appointed President of Nova Bus and Prevost, both part of the Volvo Group, and will be responsible for Nova Bus, Prevost and Volvo bus brands in Canada and the US. Located in Saint-Eustache, Quebec, Canada, he will lead the team behind these three brands. “I am delighted to welcome Leduc to our North America organisation. He represents a valuable addition to our team and I have full confidence that his experience, customer focus and leadership will significantly benefit the continued success of our three brands in North America,”Ralph Acs, Senior Vice- President, Volvo Buses, Business Region Americas, said. “Joining the Nova Bus and Prevost team is truly exciting for me as I firmly believe that the bus industry offers ideal transit solutions to the economic, social, and environmental challenges faced by evergrowing cities,” Leduc said. He brings to Volvo extensive experience, with over 30 years in various leadership positions, in international companies such as Bell Helicopter and IBM Canada. 10 | AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016
Laubert To Head Daimler Legal Department APA Bureau
T
homas Laubert (43) will become the new Head of the Daimler AG Legal Department effective March 1, 2016. He will take over the position from Renata JungoBrüngger, the Board of Management member responsible for Integrity and Legal Affairs since January 1, 2016. Laubert is currently Daimler AG’s Associate General Counsel globally responsible for criminal law, public law and antitrust law as well as the antitrust compliance programme. After working for three years as a lawyer at Deloitte, he joined Daimler
AG in April 2004. He was involved in the investigations of violations of the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and the settlement negotiations with the relevant authorities. In 2012, he was put in charge of the Legal Regulatory Compliance department with responsibility for aligning with the compliance monitor appointed by the US authorities. Previously, he worked for three years as the NAFTA Legal Coordinator in the US. Laubert studied law and received a PhD at Ruprecht-Karls- University in Heidelberg.
Yoichiro Ueno To Head Honda Cars India APA Bureau
Y
oichiro Ueno will be the new President and CEO of Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL) with effect from April 1, 2016 consequent to the recent management changes in the Honda Motor Company. He will take over from Katsushi Inoue, who has been elevated to the position of Operating Officer of Honda Motor Co., Ltd, becoming the Chief Operating Officer for Regional Operations (Europe region) and President and Director, Honda Motor Europe Ltd. During his tenure in India, Inoue led several initiatives in the field of digitisation to enhance customer experience and bring in operational efficiencies at the company and dealership level. The 3rd Generation Honda Jazz was successfully launched in India and the company also
witnessed significant expansion in its dealer network during this period. Ueno has been the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Honda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., since January 2011. He was previously the Assistant Vice- President of Automobile Sales of American Honda Motor Co. Inc., where he was involved in the overall planning and coordination of sales and marketing in the US market. Ueno has been associated with Honda Motor Co., Ltd. for over 30 years and has vast experience in the automobile industry, having served in markets outside Japan like New Zealand and Thailand, and worked with overseas divisions and countries such as Asia and Oceania, China and North America.
PEOPLE
Tom Frake To Head Caterpillar’s Consolidated New Division APA Bureau
C
aterpillar has announced that Steve Niehaus, currently Vice President with responsibility for the Electric Power Division (EPD), is retiring after 27 years of service. Following Niehaus’ retirement, the company will consolidate the Electric Power and Marine & Petroleum Power Divisions (MPPD) into the new Electric Power, Marine and O&G Division (EPMOG), led by current MPPD Vice President Tom Frake. “Much of Steve’s career has been spent in marketing and commercial engines, and in his most recent position, he has provided critical leadership in strengthening and aggressively growing Caterpillar’s electric power business,” said Jim
Umpleby, Caterpillar Group President with responsibility for Energy and Transportation. “He has lived all over the world helping our customers and employees develop and grow – from Saudia Arabia to Brazil to Singapore and throughout the United States. I’m grateful to Steve for his many contributions to Caterpillar and wish him well in retirement.” Frake, a 30-year veteran of Caterpillar, has a broad marketing and product background. He has led MPPD since 2012, which provides a solid foundation for the newly formed EPMOG. “We continue to focus on our
customers’ success with leading and innovative products, services and solutions, while also reducing costs in this challenging environment,” said Caterpillar Chairman & CEO Doug Oberhelman. “Consolidating these energy operations along with the recently announced integration of two divisions within Customer & Dealer Support will bring efficiencies and a streamlined leadership team. With these changes, we will have reduced executive leadership by 13 percent since 2013.”
Stephan Winkelmann To Be New CEO Of quattro GmbH APA Bureau
S
tephan Winkelmann, from March 15, 2016, will be the new CEO of quattro GmbH, a 100-percent subsidiary of AUDI AG, which produces and distributes the high performance R and RS models. Winkelmann was President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. since January 1, 2005. Heinz Hollerweger, the current Head of quattro GmbH, is to retire after almost 40 years of successful work for Audi. “With his experience in Lamborghini for more than eleven years, Winkelmann will be a key contributor to the further growth of quattro GmbH,” Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, said. 12 | AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016
quattro GmbH includes the Audi Sport brand with customer motorsport, the development and distribution of the R and RS models, the accessories of the Audi Sport collection and the car-customising services of Audi exclusive. In the future, the Audi Sport brand is to be positioned more clearly. As CEO of Lamborghini, Winkelmann was responsible for substantial investment in the future of the company since 2005. He developed Lamborghini into one of the world’s leading manufacturers of super sports cars. In 2015, the brand with the raging bull achieved a new record with deliveries of 3,245 units. Lamborghini is also a pioneer in the field of automotive lightweight construction and in the development of innovative carbonfibre technologies.
In May 2014, Winkelmann was presented by President of Italy Giorgio Napolitano with the Grand Cross, the country’s highest order of merit, for his achievements as CEO of one of the most important Italian companies. Before Winkelmann became CEO of Lamborghini in 2005, he was the Board of Management Chairman of Fiat Auto Austria, Switzerland and Germany. Winkelmann succeeds Hollerweger who will be retiring. “Heinz Hollerweger has been one of the catalysts for Audi’s path into electric mobility,” Stefan Knirsch, Board of Management Member for Technical Development at AUDI AG, said. “He also contributed decisively to the success and expansion of quattro GmbH.” The Audi subsidiary’s sales increased 13 percent in 2015 to more than 17,000 units.
CORPORATE
Igus Provides Solutions To Improve Machine Uptime By T Murrali The Bangalore-based polymer bearings major, Igus India Private Limited, is planning to focus aggressively on flexible cabling solutions while maintaining its attention on its plastic bearings and chains portfolios. With the manufacturing industry, especially the automotive segment, gaining momentum, the need to enhance productivity and to minimise the downtime of machines and robots has been increasing. Since cable fault is the most common cause for machine or robot failure, the industry is looking for a hasslefree and cost-effective solution. Cables in energy chains or connected to robots need special characteristics to function flawlessly for a long period in spite of the several complicated movement cycles, high speeds, high rates of acceleration and challenging ambience. It is this demand that made Igus India to focus on flexible cable solutions. The Igus chain-flex product lines, ranging from control cables, servo cables, motor cables and robot cables to bus cables, data cables, encoder cables and fibre-optic cables, help the manufacturing industry face these challenges.
Cables For Robots
Antony P Kurian
14 | AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016
The COO of Igus India, Antony P Kurian,told AutoParts Asiathat, “our cable management solutions for robotic applications are well-appreciated by the Indian manufacturers. India has robots in all the automotive plants for welding and other applications. We have robotic cables that can take twisting movements, especially in axles. We have designed special cables for this, as the movements and operations in the automotive industry are very fast. Cable failure is the biggest
problem for the maintenance staff. Introduction of our robotic cables, which last three to four times more than those available in the market, is a big relief for them. Down time is reduced drastically.” Igus India does not make static cables that are used in vehicle architecture. “All our cables are flexible, meant for flexible applications, wherever the machine elements are moving. However, we have very small chains in automobiles for door movement, hinge movement etc. The sliding door and hinge movements in vehicles in India are very limited. Nevertheless, the company has been supplying small chains in small quantity for doors and seat tracks”.
Polymer Bearings The automotive industry is one of the largest users of polymer bearings. This is because these bearings are corrosion-resistant, lighter and reduce noise levels. Unlike metal bearings, they do not require lubrication and therefore, are maintenancefree. “Compared to metal, our polymer bearings are highly wear-resistant, fuel-efficient and 20 to 30 percent cheaper than otheravailable solutions in the market,” Kurian said. The key driving force for vehicle makers to look for polymer bearings is light-weighting and cost reduction. These attributes helped the company grow stronger in the Indian automotive market. “We are present in every automobile model in the country,” he said. Now more than 300 parts numbers in polymer bearings are used in several vehicle categories in the country. The company supplies to several customers including Bajaj Auto,
Chains For Automation
less. In terms of width we have from 20mm up to 700mm and it is done by changing the crossbar. Height-wise we can go up to 320mm inner height; earlier we had up to 112mm height and now it is extended to 162mm. We have introduced chains with inner height of 320mm. Now we have the guiding-trough system that was earlier in metal but now we are doing it in polymers. We have also introduced corrugated tubes that can bend in different directions. The reinforcement helps make it sturdy while supporting the needs of machine tools,” Kurian said.
Igus India is also into chains required for automation systems. The company provides solutions to all kinds of applications. On the chains for the industrial applications Kurian said these are mainly very big. “Our range is from the smallest to the biggest chains in the world. We make a huge range because we want to give the exact solution to the customer. The cheapest solution that works is the best solution. That is why we have so many varieties, to give the customer exactly what he needs – not an inch more, not an inch
Igus has an assembly facility in Whitefield, Bengaluru. Currently it has a 30,000sq ft plant and office space of around 10,000sq ft. Here the products, sourced from Germany, are assembled with some parts procured locally to suit the local customers. On the possibilities of commencing manufacturing operations, he said, “We have the manufacturing licence but we basically do the assembly part and the majority of the metal parts are sourced locally. The carriers for long travel applications require a metal supporting system which we source
Eicher, Ford India, General Motors, Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki, Tafe and TVS Motor. Igus India has more than 150 projects on bearing applications under testing lines with customers across the country. In the automotive space, it takes one or two years to get an entry for every application. This is because of the long- drawn process with testing, validation, certification etc. However, once validated, the customers take it for longer duration, he said.
locally. We have a dedicated vendor for this who works only for us; we buy the raw material and he does the job work and we ensure high quality control. We also manufacture a lot of linear guide systems indigenously; basic raw material is from Germany but the formation is done by us.” On the possibilities of plant expansion he said since the company has been growing by 20-30 percent every year, “we will build and add capacity as and when required.”
After-sales Support On the after-sales support, Kurian said, “Our field people are in every nook and corner of the country. The project installation staff travels across the country based on requirement. They have been trained in Germany. In field sales we have about 55 personnel and seven for installation alone. They travel abroad also as we do offer installation support outside the country. About exports he said, the company has been exporting to Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. For other countries it is done through dealerships.
Kumar V of ATS Elgi, which used lubrication-free plastic plain bearings from Igus in its car-wash systems. The Silver Award was given to Sudhan Chandrasekaran, Tuscano Equipment and the Bronze Award to Mihir Garware of SRG Machines. A Special Recognition Prize was awarded to ATS Elgifor its innovative approach. The prizes were given by Kurian.
Mahesh Kumar V of ATS Elgi receiving Manus Gold Award from Antony P Kurian, COO Igus India. Deepak Paul, National Sales Manager of Igus India is also seen.
Igus Presents Manus Award Igus India presented the Manus 2015 award at its booth in the recentlyconcluded Auto Expo Components Show 2016. The Manus awards highlight interesting applications with the use of plasticplain bearings that are characterised by technical and
economic efficiency as well as the developer’s creativity and enterprise. More than 70 submissions for the 2015 Manus came from India alone. It is a record. The Gold Award went to Mahesh
ATS Elgi was selected for its unique system that washes car underbodies. It automatically recognises the length of the vehicle and travels along it independently. Cleaning is by means of two high-pressure jets from rotating nozzles. For the nozzles to be able to rotate reliably, they have to be able to withstand dirt and water permanently. Conventional metal bearings failed after only a few washes. The downtime of the washing equipment was reduced after the designer began to use sturdy iglidur P plain bearings from Igus in the rotating joints.
AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016 | 15
CORPORATE
AVTEC Gears Up To Support India’s Development Programmes
By T Murrali
A
VTEC Ltd., a C K Birla group company,which manufactures powertrain and precisionengineered products, is following the megatrends in the infrastructure sector in India and developing products for the OEMs at its own R&D facilities and at its partners elsewhere. “Smart cities are coming, metros and monorails are going to come in every city in India in a big way. For the big OEMs in this we are developing a gear box for both global and India requirement. It’s for rapid transport or mobility solution. Similarly airports in the country are modernising today. It is going to give us lot of opportunities. For material handling within the airport many changes are happening like tarmac tractors. We are ready to supply the tractor with gearbox and axle,” Prabhakar Kadapa, Managing Director and CEO, AVTEC Ltd., told AutoParts Asia.
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AVTEC designs and manufactures engines, transmissions and highprecision components including the 5Cs (cylinder heads, cylinder blocks, crankshafts, camshafts, connecting rods) and transmission gears for automotive, off-highway, agriculture and Railway industry. The company has an in-house tech centre at Hosur, R&D facilities at Hosur and Pithampur, and stateof-the-art manufacturing facilities at Hosur, Chennai, and Pithampur. Its global R&D and manufacturing footprint includes face gear and innovative drive systems through the Switzerland-based subsidiary, ASSAG. The company serves some of the best-known domestic and global automotive and off-highway companies and global OEMs such as Allison, BEML, Caterpillar, Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Renault-Nissan, Tata-Jaguar and several other established brands. “We have advanced product
planning. We track the developments happening in the industry and accordingly bring in the right products. Some of our partners already have those kinds of products. The good thing is that we can bring them here and do a lot of customisation for the market and take it forward”, he said. At the recently-concluded Auto Expo-Components, AVTEC displayed advanced engines and transmissions.
Engines AVTEC has displayed a plethora of engines and the feather in its cap is the BS VI diesel and petrol engines. The diesel engine that the company showcased was with a cast iron body and aluminium cylinder head. “It is a dual one. We have mastered the methodology of low cost for the mid-size volume. We are capable of manufacturing need-based variants. Our assembly line is semi-automatic but at the quality gating stations
on the constitution of the engine; the electronic feedback systems are very high in this. The engine management system (EMS) is much more powerful as it has to check everything. Therefore, the challenges are many including the placement of the injector in the cylinder head so that uniform dispersion takes place. All these have been refined from Euro-4 to Euro-6, he said.
Prabhakar Kadapa
we need to have all kinds of technologies available. At non-quality gating stations we use trained manpower to the extent possible to bring down the cost,”Kadapa said. TheBS VI gasoline engine on display was a 3-cylinder engine, less than 1.2 litres, an injected one with turbocharger, delivering very high horse power (HP) with a fuel economy of 35kmpl. “That’s why we have chosen this product but we have to do a lot of work before it is introduced in India. We have to work with the OEMs because an engine can be standalone sometimes but when it has to be integrated into a vehicle we need to know a lot about that vehicle’s performance. All this will take time as this is a new requirement coming in the
market”, he said. On the development of the engine and manging to test it when the country does not have Euro 6 fuel, Kadapa said, Typically, the engines are made in families because engine reliability and establishment is very complex, time and money consuming. So an engine designer creates a platform which can be extended depending on emission norms. In the DW family that we have, the DW10 starts from Euro-4 we have extended up to Euro-6. The Euro6 need some of the finer technologies and electronics. From the turbo charging point of view the two-stage is for lower emissions and capability. Variable is better but it all depends
On testing the engine he said, importing of Euro 6 fuel is not an issue. “What is important is that if India is going to gear up on a pilot level across the country, I feel more challenges will happen now. In a one-year time frame we will be able to make this product on the shop floor and we can deliver by doing customisation
for selected customers. This is because we have already begun localisation of parts for this 2-litre engine for a different application. This is only an upgradation since we are already engine manufacturers. AVTEC has also displayed a 4.2 litre engine, a Euro-4 equivalent, whose speciality is off-highway material handling equipment where the norms are still lower. It can deliver high torque for the given rpm. It was designed from scratch by the company, he said.
Components AVTECdisplayed some of the components the company exports. “In the transmission or gear market, customers are asking not for a DIN-8 class, they want DIN-7 or DIN-6 even in the
CORPORATE passenger cars,to reduce noise, vibration and harshness. For this we have to invest heavily and adopt different technologies in gear manufacturing. In the last 18 months we have acquired new equipment to manufacture in a volume fashion for closed tolerance gears. We also have a number of global patents for gear manufacturing. Our Switzerlandbased subsidiary ASSAG has got a global patent for a technology which gives a ‘variable pressure angle’ of the gear, face gear technology. Slowly these are being adopted into automotive transmissions”, he said. The company has begun manufacturing face gear in India and has started exports putting the face gear technology into automotive gearboxes. It is under testing for passenger vehicles also. It may be recalled that AVTEC has shifted its manufacturing facility from the Netherlands to India. The company has a design, protobuilding and assembly centre in Switzerland and a manufacturing operations in the Netherlands. As it felt that the standalone operations in the Netherlands is not cost effective and grow further, it has shifted the plant to Hosur in India. There is nothing to repent and Kadapa said that the cost of manufacturing was about 40 percent less in India. “We want to do it for two OEMs for different applications because the face gear is a power transfer unit that replaces the conventional gears. Bevel gears need different settings to get better performance. This is a backlashless gear that doesn’t require any settings. So with lesser skills and lesser parts we will be able to achieve the contact pattern between the parts and deliver the output. For OEMs the cost of manufacturing and assembly time will come down. The overall cost in India will be better. It goes as a component and is assembled at the OEM’s facilities. Validation and testing take lot of time in gear manufacture; if you start today you see the end result in the marketplace after two years”,
18 | AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016
Kadapa said. AVTEC is applying this form of technology to machine tools, speciality gear boxesand robotics. The application and design will be different but the basic geometry of the gearing will be the same. This will be a cost-effective technology for manufacturing in India. The company is making gear components for DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) also though in India, most of the market is for manual transmissions.
Exports About 12 percent of AVTEC’s revenue is from exports. The company wants to increase it to 20-25 per cent in the next three years. It is not exporting much of aggregates. “We do some for off-highway. For on-highway automotives we don’t do the aggregates today. We don’t have much opportunity here but we do have a great opportunity in the component space. When the aggregate is very bulky, the cost advantage may not be much on shipping it out. Moreover, the European OEMs have huge inbuilt capacities. They don’t want someone else to manufacture. But they have to invest huge capital regularly for components, so that is an area where we can bring in good quality at reasonable cost. We see a big opportunity here”, Kadapa said. Atits Hosur plant, AVTEC has created a new block completely for components. “The speciality is that they make components at the best cost. For components, you have to be brutal in your cost otherwise logistics will add on to it. Since we have to compete with China we have to play to our strengths to produce best-in-quality with reliability, consistency and on-time delivery with no negotiation on the schedule”, he said. AVTEC has third party warehouses in the US for the just-in-time supplies to its customers daily. This is to avoid costly airfreight. “We are now ready to grow our overseas market. If the reaction time is good then the best business is export”, the AVTEC Managing Director said.
COVER STORY
Changing Landscape
Automotive 20 | AutoPartsAsia | MARCH 2016
Industry
Photo Courtesy: Anand Automotive
Of Safety In
By T Murrali
AutoPartsAsia | MARCH 2016 | 21
COVER STORY
Safety is one aspect of life largely neglected until an accident. This is more so with almost every industrial sector. The debate on the distinction between injury and accident has been continuing as it depends on differing perceptions. Along with the evolution of the manufacturing industry in the world, industrial safety gained importance. Several proactive, precautionary and multifaceted safety initiatives are undertaken now. The Cover Story unravels the safety perspective of the OEMs, component manufacturers, the National Safety Council and safety solution providers. It also explains the need for precautionary steps, man and machine interface, education and training and community participation for safe industries.
T
he National Safety Council of the US reports that nearly 11 American workers die everyday on the job. In the developing countries like India the figure will be three to five times more. Workplace fatalities, injuries, and illnesses cost companies billions of dollars every year. In its 2012 Workplace Safety Index, Liberty Mutual estimated that employers paid almost $1 billion every week in workers’ compensation costs for the most disabling workplace injuries and illnesses in 2010. Workplace injuries 22 | AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016
Mock Drill at Hyundai Motor India Plant
and illnesses amounted to more than $62 billion in direct US workers’ compensation costs in 2013. Nearly 50 workers are injured every day of the work week. Workplace injuries will cost society $128 billion this year. Indirect costs of injuries may be 20 times more. These costs include: training and compensating replacement workers; repairing damaged property; accident investigation and implementation of corrective action; scheduling delays and lost productivity; administrative and legal expenses; low employee morale and increased absenteeism;
poor customer and community relations. Regardless of who pays for the immediate costs of employee injuries, ultimately companies pay either in the form of higher insurance premiums or passed-on costs to the consumer, if insurance premiums are inadequate. Conversely, when there are less accidents, worker productivity and morale improve and society as a whole saves substantial amount of money. The need for hospitals, medical professionals and
rehabilitation facilities will also be less. Irrespective of the size of the organisation and type of business – from factories, offices, shop floors to construction sites, employers who show that they care for the safety and security of their employees can see improved morale, increased productivity and enhanced profitability.
Automotive Industry Automotive and auto parts manufacturing, with high physical demands and challenging work
environment, pose many hazards for workers. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has found that workers in this sector have higher rates of injury and illness than in most other industries. However, the National Safety council of India considers that the automotive industry has less accidents than in other industries like petroleum, chemical and construction. Automotive industry workers also have to do physically demanding jobs and they are exposed to dangerous machinery and fast-paced assembly
lines. Among the common types of injuries suffered by automotive workers are: repetitive motion injury, falls, overexertion, heavy lifting, struck by object, slips or trips, getting caught in machinery, and falls from heights. AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016 | 23
COVER STORY A serious injury can force an employee to be out of work for weeks or months. A catastrophic injury such as amputation of a hand or foot or a serious third-degree burn may make an employee permanently disabled requiring rehabilitation.
OEM Perspective Most of the OEMs in the automotive industry take safety as a mandatory obligation and not as an optional action. According to Senthil Kumar RM, Deputy General Manager, Health & Safety, Hyundai Motor India, “of late there have been many positive changes in the concept of industrial safety. The employeeemployer relationship depends on the employees’ perception of how safe they are. Most of the issues that come up from the shopfloor to the management, are related to the health and safety of the employees. Safety is more than a statutory requirement. It is crucial to the company’s survival and success. This change
Senthil Kumar RM
is consolidated by the reach of the social media. The management also is proactive and looks at all issues to make necessary corrections”. Safety initiatives have their impact on industrial relations and productivity, he said. “If there was a problem on the shop floor, it could affect the production line. The management would be forced to take preventive measures before the problem affected production or the assembly line”, he said. In order to ensure better safety in its plant, Hyundai Motor India has a unique kind of employee participation, Kumar said.“We have a robust safety structure here at every level; safety is seen as a movement in this factory. Recently we selected 76 24 | AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016
safety ambassadors who were given specific roles and sent to every shop. Now they are open to any safety issue put up to them and serve as a bridge between the workers and the management. The ambassadors work on small safety projects and implement them in the respective shops. The workers own the safety system here; they are responsible for any malfunction and ensure that it is rectified. With such unique initiatives on the safety front, Hyundai Motor India, has won the Best Safety Award from Hyundai Motor Corporation in 2011. It has also won EHS award from CII four times in addition to a few other awards.
Safety Of Labourers, Vendors Hyundai Motor India has many initiatives for the safety of the casual labourers working under contractors in its premises. Kumar said: “It is a much neglected area. The floating population of casual labourers do the non-routine activities where the chances of accidents are high. We do not know the track record of the labourer, his behaviour and skill sets. Therefore, the challenge is higher than in any other area. They are always under time pressure to complete the task and put the line back in operation. We have safety officers to take care of these people”. Hyundai India has special programmes for the tier-2&3 vendor companies, whose safety officers may not be qualified enough for their job. These officers are invited to the Hyundai plant for training and to share its best practices with them. “We also share different experiences across the vendor companies through a forum that we have established. We have a separate team for this that also makes a safety audit for the vendors. We understand that the supply chain has to be kept live because any problem there will have an implication here and could affect our production target”, Kumar said.
Precautionary Measures The talk of safety itself is a precautionary measure. Unless an accident happens one will not know how to devise a safety feature. Several studies on accident analysis, as opposed to injury analysis, stress
Mock Drill at Hyundai Motor India Plant
on preventive measures rather than protective measures According to Kumar, there are various stages –reactive, corrective, predictive, and generative. “Right now we are all in the predictive stage. If something happens in one of our plants (we have 34 factories in 10 countries), it is immediately shared with all other locations to take corrective action. There is a cell that acts as a coordinator among these 34 plants. This way we share best practices and near-misses. Guidelines are formulated for any new machinery that is put in operation and basic safety requirements are designed as a manual. This ensures safety systems are in place and operational.
Importance Of Training Safety involves men and machines and it is necessary to manage both to achieve fool-proof operations. Creating a culture of workplace safety begins with a well-trained
owing to our collaborations with some of the biggest brands in the automotive components space. Asked if this will not be an overengineered standard, Kakkar said, “I don’t think so. Expenditure will be high if you do it as one-offs, not if you do it as a budget YoY. The focus of the top management has always been ‘safety first’.
workforce. “We at Hyundai focus a lot on safety training which has to be a mix of many things. We give the basic awareness to the employee and capture the near- misses for which the person concerned is held responsible. He is then given counselling for behavioural correction. Our company, right from the MD to the supervisor, has safety as a key performance indicator. Roughly one fifth of the performance is earmarked for safety, which will impact the worker’s career profile. Some disciplinary action is also taken on a person who fails in his responsibility. This is how we build a culture of awareness by educating them and checking on the lapses. It is a continuous process,” Kumar said.
Role of Families Is there a role for the family members of the workforce in propagating safety? Kumar said safety is not limited to the company’s campus.
Mock Drill at Hyundai Motor India Plant
“Once in three months we go to the employees’ colony, call the housewives, tell them about LPG safety and teach them what to do when a fire breaks out; how they should operate a fire extinguisher. We also tell them about road safety, the need to wear helmets for both the driver and the pillion rider. The family is the area where we want to enlarge our focus; in time they also become a part of our safety movement. Next, we want to cover the neighbouring villages as part of our CSR. An effective safety management system reduces the risk of workplace incidents, injuries and fatalities through data-driven measurements and improvements. It involves engaging people and working in partnership to make safety a shared responsibility, recognising the value of cross-level teamwork.
Auto Components Speaking from the automotive components supplier’s perspective, Rajesh Kakkar, Senior Vice-President, Excellence in Manufacturing & Environment, Health and Safety, Anand Automotive Group, said: “If you say business is 90 percent people then you have to take care of all aspects of the people. In our company,environment, health and safety (EHS) are inter-related and all of them are under one head. We have designed and published the Anand Group’s EHS standards, which are far more stringent than the regulatory requirements. We have access to the best practices in India and abroad
Talking on the unique safety systems of Anand Automotive, Kakkar said that the group practiced 3 Ss Safety, Segregate and Set. All the plants have safety drills, pollution certification of the cars and trucks entering the company premises, checks for helmets, seat belts etc. The group makes some of the machines in-house even for safety- related equipment. The TSG (Technical Services Group) attached to each company conceptualises the machines. For new machines, it usually gives the specifications and gets them from outside.
Rajesh Kakkar
Improvements are done at the inhouse workshops, he said. Most SMEs are isolated from the OEMs and big industries. These companies must ensure that their supply chain remains intact, safe and strong. The chain is as strong as the weakest link; any problem in the supply chain, particularly in the Justin-time system, can stop the entire vehicle production. In order to sustain the supply chain, safety and health of the employees at every level are to be taken care of, Kakkar said.
Man – Machine Interface “If the machine itself is safe, man cannot commit a life-threatening or fatal mistake”, Kakkar said. “Our first company came up in 1961. We AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016 | 25
COVER STORY
have old equipment and old habits of people. If our old workers do not use personal protection equipment (PPE), we can only counsel them, talk to them repeatedly and sometimes speak to their families. Unionised plants have this as a major challenge”. Anand Group insists on its contractors who build the factory to follow safety norms and make the workers use safety gears. There is a separate contract on safety where all check points like workers having to wear helmets, use the harness, etc. are checked. There is so much of awareness now that even the supervisors question about it. “These are things done always, we do not wait for accidents to happen”. Safety is a continuous process, and the Anand Group has been monitoring accidents with more emphasis, during the last two years, especially focussing on the ‘nearmisses.’ People are being sensitised that study of near-misses is very important to prevent accidents. They are now coming forward very proactively to report them”. “We have check sheets for what to check on safety when a new machine is ordered. When machine trial is to be made both technical and safety personnel go to make respective checks. Only when both are satisfied is the machine dispatched. Then there are daily, weekly and monthly checks 26 | AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016
done by different levels of people. Empowerment is with the operator; he will operate the machine only if all the safety parameters in his daily check sheet are working”, Kakkar said. The Hyundai official said that his company has been focusing on behavioural safety. “The safety device is provided for the protection of an employee. It will be effective only if he uses it or operates it effectively and properly according to the safety procedure. Sometimes one person may choose to deviate from the prescribed procedure; he may bypass the safety device to meet production pressures. This inadequate interface between man and machine is where the problem can occur.”
National Safety Council In India only four types of Industries have dedicated rules and regulations on safety.According to the Director General of National Safety Council of India, V B Sant,“Only these four sectors - factories, construction, ports and mines- have safety laws and regulations. They are covered, respectively, by the Factories Act, Building and Other Constructions Workers Act, Dock Workers Safety, Health & Welfare Act, and the Mines Act. Safety and Health Act is applicable to all sectors in the developed countries. In the US there is OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Act), in the UK it is HSC (Health & Safety
Act). A few Asian countries also have their Safety & Health Acts; the only exception is India”. The trend is changing in India also, though it is not visible, Sant said. Some sectors like Banking and Information Technology are taking safety measures, but they do not publicise them. Off late hospitals and malls also have safety systems. “We have to increase the awareness and make safety norms more and more applicable; public awareness is also increasing now. Businesses have to take adequate steps to make their offices and work places safe”, he said. Asked about the common pitfalls among the manufacturing companies in India, Sant said many companies do not have standard Safe Operating Procedures. For one-time work it might be okay but for repetitive work there should be,even if not documented, at least a safety system procedure. “If an accident happens we always blame the individual concerned. The world over, 80 percent of accidents are attributed to the person. Most often, the reporting and recording of an accident is not authentic; the investigation is also shoddy. Basically, education and training is lacking.”
Need Of Education For safety, Sant said, the basic problem was lack of knowledge about the correct steps to be taken.
“Unfortunately safety is not part of our culture. We are not safety- conscious as we are not told about it from our childhood. In other countries like the US they talk about safety right from the kindergarten. They begin by teaching children how to cross the road.Therefore, it is necessary to get into education and awareness,” he said. Every organisation needs to have systems and procedures for safety. Most of the time workers are not aware of risks. Every worker should know the hazards in his job and the necessary precautions to be taken. To get quality output organisations will have to highlight safety aspects to the employees. A good manager should be able to educate his staff and make them comply with all safety requirements. According to Sant, in 90 percent cases one can anticipate accidents. There are methods and techniques for hazard identification or risk assessment. This should be part of the college syllabus. The Ministry of Labour has issued certain guidelines to the HRD Ministry to include safetyrelated topics in Engineering and other professional colleges. UGC has asked the universities to include safety as an integral part of certain courses. National Safety Council of India has started an ‘Accelerator Learning Programme in Safety’ for Godrej & Boyce to improve safety on the shopfloor. The 25-day capsule has relevant inputs equivalent to a diploma course in safety. “We go twice a week to their plant to conduct
the programme. The participants will produce a report on the outcome – how much saving and productivity increase has been achieved and how many accidents have been avoided. This is the fifth batch that is going on, every year we do one batch,” Sant said.
Cost Of Safety Cost plays a vital role in safety preparedness. It may not impact OEMs and Tier-1s. The Tier-2 and 3 companies are vulnerable. However, without an effective value chain from the Tier-3 upwards to the OEMs, the vehicle may not come out of the assembly line. For the Anand Group, safety is inbuilt in all accessible units; the machine quotation will include all safety costs. This is part of the whole business process in the group. Kakkar believes that safety should never be looked at from the cost point of view. “Our safety hierarchy follows a logical stepby-step approach. Our approach is elimination first and then substitution; if something is harmful, substitute it. Then engineering control, administrative control and, lastly, PPE like gloves, goggles, earplugs, etc as the lowest effective way of safety. The safety symbols on a machine come fifth in our hierarchy. If your whole business runs with these safety issues there is no need for an additional budget for safety,” he said. Sant said, it was essential to educate the SMEs on the benefits of safety to mitigate the cost impact. “It has been established that if you invest in safety, in the long-run, it will pay off. A study undertaken by The International Social Security Association in 19 countries, including India, in which the National Safety Council participated, has found that “in India if you invest one rupee in prevention efforts, 2.1 rupees will come back to you”. The study was able to establish that “there is some benefit from expenditure on safety.Benefit beyond the cost.” “Ensuring safety did not involve large amount of money. Low-cost solutions are available, but you have to go to the right people”, Sant said.
Safety Solutions Vimal Manchanda
Most of the companies have basic ERP. The need of the hour is to have a system that can give better visibility
and more productivity eventually enhancing safety. Samvardhana Motherson Group is involved in offering solutions to improve safety and productivity. The Group caters to several industrial segments with 40 percent of the revenue coming from automotive. In India the company has offered its services to companies like Ford India for its just-in-sequence systems Vimal Manchanda, Vice President, Business Development, Motherson Sumi Infoteh& Designs Limited, saidthat “to connect the shopfloor to the top floor (top management) the communication through paper in shop floor has been digitised. The production set-up time is minimised by making the machines / robots communicate with their counterparts. The company is also working smart devices for efficiency and safety improvement aided by wearable devices”. The company was developing interactive modules to make learning easier for the workforce. “For instance, when a new component is developed, to be assembled at the mass production line, the workers have to be trained with a physical part. In order to be safe and effective the company is looking at offering training through 3D interactive option,” he said. However, the need for practical training cannot be eliminated. Manchanda said,“the new methodology will take care of about 80 percent of the training, which itself is a significant saving. The company has deployed this system in a few places including one in Hungary. The company is also working on ‘Predictive Quality’ which will help predict the defect even before it reaches the assembly or work station. This will prevent unnecessary value addition in the assembly chain”. Elaborating the system, he said, “each part has its own parameters including that of the raw material; similarly each machine has its own process parameters and the trend of itsbehaviour ever since it was commissioned. All these information will help the system predict the quality levels of the part being manufactured. In simple terms, it is nothing but identifying the root cause. This is still in the concept stage”. AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016 | 27
COVER STORY
INTERACTION
Automation makes automotive industry safer Established in1966 by the Union Ministry of Labour as an independent, voluntary, non-political society, National Safety Council of India, has wide range of activities like awareness campaigns, education and training. In an exclusive interview to T Murrali of AutoParts Asia, V B Sant, Director General of the Council, explained its various activities for safety. Edited Excerpts: Q.What is the structure of the National Safety Council? Sant: The National Safety council (NSC) is a tripartite organisation.The Board of Governors has members nominated by the government of India, from the employers’ organisations and national trade unions. It is a membership-based organisation. Now there are 8700 members, of this 5900 are corporate members. Q.What are your major activities? Sant: We have a wide range of activities. We do awareness campaigns like National Safety Day, Road Safety awareness week, Fire Services Week and Environment Day. We go to industries and train people at their site. We publish 28 | AutoPartsAsia | MARCH 2016
magazines and newsletters and the quarterly Industrial Safety Chronicle. We also produce films, eight so far. We design posters, 150 relating to safety in English and Hind. We also print books, handbooks, pocket guides, leaflets and pamphlets on safety related matters. We provide all sorts of Consultancy Services: Safety audit, risk assessment, hazards identification, preparation of emergency plans, mock drills, safety reports, preparation of safety manuals, etc. In 2014 we introduced a safety rating system to certify safety levels for companies. So far we have done rating for four plants. Q. Anything specific for automotive industry? Sant: Except for Mahindra&Mahindra
we have not done much for automotives. We are training the M & M suppliers in safety and safety auditing. Major developments in technology and safety are taking place in automotive, oil and natural gas and nuclear industries. Most of the automation is in automotive plants. These are all intrinsically safe; there is less interference from humans. Accidents in the automotive industry are less than in other industries.They are more in petroleum, chemical and construction sectors. Q: You have rated a power station, a pipeline, a petroleum plant and a manufacturers association. Is rating optional and voluntary or mandatory?
Sant: Yes, NSC is promoting voluntary initiatives on the part of companies. We have no power to tell anybody what to do and what not to do. We do not have the power to enter their premises; only on their invitation we go. But I am happy to say that demand for us is increasing. Q: Have you ever asked the government to make rating mandatory? Sant: Rating is the future of safety. It might take two to 10 years depending on the economy and government intentions. Inspection has to go. Q: What benefits does a rated company get? Sant: Rating cannot be onetime. What financial institutions are doing is give a rating to the product, may be a bond issue or IPO. Similarly, I am giving a rating to the site, say an automobile unit or ancillary unit. This rating establishes the status as of today – it is not forever, not the past or future. It establishes where I am today. My benchmark is 100 percent. Rating gives an indication to the user, the plant or the company, where, and how much, they have to improve. They have to keep on improving. Rating also establishes the brand image of the organisation. It gives an indication to the enforcement agency at which level the plant is. This will help financial institutions in funding the company as well as insurance companies in deciding the insurance premium for the plant. Of course, it will totally depend on the market conditions, market acceptability and the government initiatives. It will definitely happen. Q: What role does the government play in enforcing safety parameters? Sant: One big weakness in the Indian environment is lack of enforcement. Our enforcement agencies are not strict, they compromise. Even the penalties do not serve as a deterrent, they are not high enough. If it is high then probably people will take it seriously.
360 Deg. Machine Guarding For Core Building Machines at one of the plants of Anand Automotive Group
AutoPartsAsia | MARCH 2016 | 29
SPECIAL REPORT
Renesas Electronics Working For Today And Tomorrow Of Automotive Industry By T Murrali
Kenji Akai
Amrit Vivekanand
30 | AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016
Renesas Electronics India Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of Renesas Electronics Singapore Pte., organised the second edition of ‘DevCon India’ in Bangalore recently. The two-day conference focused on embedded technologies that provide system engineers an opportunity to view, study and experience the company’s latest devices and technologies, including microcontrollers, analog power devices, and system solutions. The deliberations were focused on topics like automotive, motor control, human machine interface, computer architecture, power, operating systems, connectivity, security and industrial automation technologies. The conference, with special focus on automotives, demonstrated solutions for fully-autonomous vehicles also. The sessions were designed to introduce Renesas’ enhanced capabilities and embedded technologies to help improve fuel economy, safety features, and enhanced entertainment and communication capabilities. Sunil Dhar, President of Renesas Electronics India, said: “India is a home of 600 million millennials and yet counting. These millennials are impatient, digital as well as value and expe-
rience seekers. We will create products and solutions for their future requirements. DevCon offered an excellent platform to exhibit and discuss solutions for the present and future of India.” The event showcased also smart communication solutions, focusing on connectivity through Bluetooth technology, image processing solutions and capacitive touch-based user interfaces. A concurrent exhibition demonstrated over 50 solutions and innovations from Renesas and its partners for the today and tomorrow of the automotive industry. Kenji Akai, Automotive Sales Division – Automotive Marketing Division, Renesas Electronics Singapore, and Amrit Vivekanand, Vice President, Automotive Unit, Renesas Electronics America,shared with AutoParts Asia their views on the electronics invasion in the fast evolving automotive industry and the role of Renesas in this. Edited excerpts:-
Q: What is the objective of conducting a second edition of DevCon and how do you see its evolution from the first edition in 2013? Akai: This time we targeted both the automotive and non-automotive industries. The participants have nearly doubled. The lessons learnt from the last event are that the customers and engineering partners in India would like to have more and more knowledge on advanced systems and technologies. This has been slotted in to our lectures andthat is why we have more participants than in 2013. Q: What positive signals do you get from this edition? Akai: We are in touch with our customers and trying to meet their expectations. They want to see what we can offer in the market
not only in terms of technology but as a complete solution. We have implemented this as a content of information on the solutions we offer; that is basically the nature of this market, which differentiates itself from the other global markets we dealwith. Q: Though software development is very active in India, when it comes to the final product that you supply, the country is still not in the picture. Also, in terms of application, everything happens elsewhere. In this case how Renesas will enable the India market? Akai: For the automotive industry in India there are two aspects – the fourwheelers and the two-wheelers. For four-wheelers I would agree with you, though there are exceptions. Twowheelers are a huge market in India and the real development for this is done here. It is locally developed
with the R&D happening in India; but for markets in Europe and Japan we are doing it outside India. However, we have global players in the US who utilise the software development in India that we source. That is the support we get from India. Vivekanand: Tier-1s may take design decisions elsewhere but they do the development here. The foreign car makers also need to understand the domestic Indian manufacturers and this is an opportunity to do that – to showcase all our capability to them. Also, many of the technical development teams are here, that can be sourced by makers in the US and other countries. Reverse engineering happens here, even for global Tier-1s. Q: Automotive companies follow certain megatrends like connected cars, going green, etc which pave the way for companies like yours. AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016 | 31
SPECIAL REPORT
The Consumer Electronic Show (CES) in Las Vegas attracted more vehicle manufacturers last year. What are the megatrends that you follow? Vivekanand: There are a few things we are seeing in the industry. There is Tier-1 consolidation, they are buying one another. We are seeing Tier-1s buying third parties; tremendous amount of buying is happening. This leads to the issue as to how the OEMs differentiate them from one another. In some cases they use CES as a forum for differentiation. In the industry we are seeing more HMI –human machine interface, more graphics, more screens etc. Functional safety field operation is another big trend as also reprogramming (of modules) and re-flashing of cars, and updation of software and security. This has many implications on vehicle architecture. If you look longer, 10-15 years out, the fundamental vehicle electronics architecture has to change because now it is distributed from a function standpoint and not from a control standpoint. At some point the control will have to be distributed and some of the functions centralised. Q: Can you elaborate a bit? Vivekanand: Right now, there are small issues all over the car but there are massive gateways to make central decisions. Going forward, we don’t want one single point of failure anymore so the control mechanism has to be distributed and intercommunicated; there can’t be one ECU making all the major decisions for the car. On the downside, you don’t want to have 300 ECUs on the car either. What will happen as more features get added? You want to consolidate the functions somehow, with small intelligent sensors handling things. 32 | AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016
This will take 10-15 years but it will completely redefine how architecture should look. We will have to go from functional safety to field operation as an industry. Right now from a cost perspective there is only one thing that does anything. And that is parallel computing where one can handover to the other in no time at all. It will be seamless, without any stoppage. The intra-vehicle networking will be much faster. It has to go from CAN (Control Area Network) to FDR (Fast Data Rate), which is five to 25 times faster than CAN. Soon it will go to Ethernet, which by definition is not deterministic. Q: Would cabling be an issue then? How about optic fibre? Vivekanand: Now you need not do the big shielded pairs, you need to do thin wire, twisted pair cabless. It is necessary to have deterministic Ethernet where it lands up. We haven’t seen optic fibre yet, maybe later. At some point you are going to need intense amounts of data in the car which will have to be moved around fast. Right now the industry is looking at deterministic Ethernet. It can be put into production by 2020. Q: Coming to the invasion of electronics, as every model has it, where do you see growth coming for companies like yours? Security is going to be one of the key drivers for you; what are the other drivers and the challenges you will have to face? Vivekanand: For a company like ours security is something we have done forever, it is our sweet spot. Other things we have done forever are functional safety, reliable operation and so on. That is something our competition doesn’t do. In a vehicle we had two types of safety; the
traditional one of chassis safety, power train safety, etc. Then there was infotainment. We play in both these places. Today it is a combination of both. We do the stuff with a lot of communication, with more flash, more memory, and more computing requirements. What Renesas traditionally has been good at is low power consumption. A few years ago 100 MHz was great, now 200 plus is typical. We are quoting 400 for 2020. The other one is memory flash size. It is increasing tremendously; 6-8 Meg is not unusual in one chip. Ten years ago 128 Kb was probably enough. By early 20s it would be 16 Meg per chip. A lot of this is happening because of corner cases and diagnostics, so software is going to be massive. Another thing we see is that the algorithms we run were closed functional ones; now it is all numerical analysis. So the more computing you do the better your answers are i.e. more throughputs without limit. You have to get them as accurate as the precision of the computer. Now there is a lot of linear algebra and matrix math and everything. That is the other big trend we are seeing. In the case of powertrain, this directly relates to fuel economy. Q: I see this happening in other industries also but how do you work on this in the automotive industry? Vivekanand: We fundamentally supply to Tier-1s globally. We engage Tier-1s, OEMs, third parties (to develop software, tools etc), industrial consortiums, industry trade groups like AUTOSAR, GENIVI and many others; we have to be on the Standards Committees etc. Q: OEMs are getting a new breed of suppliers in the Tier-1 and Tier-2 space. How do you see the
SPECIAL REPORT association evolving? Vivekanand: Yes, we work as you mentioned, we work also with the new OEMs like Faraday Future in Silicon Valley. There is really no issue with connection there, it is very similar to the connection we have with our OEMs. They are looking at advanced projects, concepts, next generation ideas, methods to differentiate, real engineering work, all similar. We work with the OEMs to help them define what is possible; we can give them an answer pretty quickly. This is where we think we can meet their needs. Q: OEMs also talk about the time to market. They are pulled apart by shorter lead times, more variety for a fixed volume and cost. How does Renesas play a role in supporting them? Vivekanand: We try to provide OEMs with a lot of reference designs that can do a lot of work upfront. In several cases they do a lot of software themselves and we help them do this before they pick a Tier-1. Many times it is the Tier-1 selection that holds up everything. We have started to build vehicle-ready prototypes, for software development, so OEMs can do it themselves. For example, in instrument cluster we work with the OEM studios directly to validate what they want. There is no duplication or repetition; we provide a BSP (Basic Software Package), basically the fundamental infrastructure. We work with third parties to do pre-integration. We do all these to support your first point, the time to market. The second point is linked to standardisation and software flexibility. We have to offer scalability which means that from low-end to
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high-end they should be able to migrate their software. We should have the same form factors of the chip sets. We try to make it printcompatible wherever possible. We actually build little boards with the memory all plugged in together and provide that as one block. Q: Obsolescence is very high; by the time you bring out something new people expect more. So how do you plan to manage your inventory? Vivekanand: What you are talking about is customers migrating to the next generation. It is not very easy for them to migrate because a lot of investment goes into using a chipset and it goes through four to five years of production. OEMs and Tier-1s have to be very careful in what they pick. Once they pick they really stay with them for a while, in that product line and family. Part of the anxiety you may see is in the selection process. Q: Coming to EVs and Hybrids,
what kind of solutions can you offer them? Vivekanand: Here again we have comprehensive offerings. In the EV space, if you look at the drivetrain, it is about converting energy from the battery to the motor. We offer microcontroller chips (MCU) that basically run the algorithms and make determinations on the motor. We offer gate drivers and IGBTs (InsulatedGate Bipolar Transistors). We have tremendous market share in the EV space as Japan is a big market. It is the same for the Hybrids; lot of the base software is the same; it is standardised. We try to make the software very compatible from an infrastructure standpoint. It is only the specific application software that tends to be a little different. Q: A lot of acquisitions and collaborations are happening now among vehicle manufacturers and software developers and others. How do you view this trend? Vivekanand: The Tier-1s are consolidating and buying third party companies. I think the OEMs are now wondering how to differentiate them and how to establish a brand value, because you want to feel different. They are purchasing companies themselves to establish some edge over the others. They are also talking to a lot of us in the Tier-2 space on how to differentiate, how far they can push the envelope. I think it will go through these cycles. Now that consolidation has happened and they are acquiring, there is space for more third party companies. It opens up spaces for others to get acquired; I think it is healthy, it is good.
SPECIAL REPORT
Axalta To Popularise 3–Wet
Waterborne Coating Process
By T Murrali
A Mathew Boland
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xalta Coating Systems, a leading global coatings company, thinks that the 3-wet waterborne process, which now is the second in popularity and utility, will be the largest used consolidated coating process by 2018. “The 3-wet waterborne is going to be a waterborne primer layer, an ambient flash, two coats of a base coat and a dehydration oven where all the water is driven out of the primer base coat layers, a clear coat application and a unique oven bake,” Mathew Boland, Product Director, and Nancy Lockhart, Color Marketing Manager, Axalta Coatings Systems, told AutoParts Asia. Axalta Coating Systems is dedicated solely to the development, manufacture and sale of liquid and powder coatings. Headquartered in Philadelphia, Axalta manages its business in five regions
servicing North America, Latin America (including Mexico), China, East and South Asia, and Europe, Middle East and Africa. Automotive market like to keep the functionality of the primer layer not taking it out. They still find an advantage in being able to smooth out rough substrates having some kind of primer functional wear and also for giving a layer of film that gives UV opacity to protect the environment. In the 1980s in the US, the automakers had tried to remove primer before and were not able to protect against the UV light. Primerless systems requires much more control of films thickness and not all customers will have the ability to do it. In order to introduce the 3-wet waterborne process, Axalta will work
both directly and indirectly with the paint booth manufacturers. The challenge that all paint makers have in the consolidated process is that every auto maker has his own idea of what that footprint is going to look like. “Our challenge is to develop waterborne systems that can work in a variety of flash conditions and formulate coatings that can work in all those conditions”, said Nancy Lockhart. Almost all the customers of Axalta, except one, have a strategy around a consolidated process, mainly around a 3-wet waterborne. For some customers, the primary choice today in consolidated processes is to go with a primer-less system. Others are more focused on a 3-wet solventborne. The 3-wet waterborne is not exclusive for all customers though it is the present day trend. By 2018 most of the paint lines will go to 3-wet waterborne. However, there may be some OEMs that have selected a different consolidated process in their strategy. “We have been using 3-wet waterborne since 2009-10, the solvent-borne from 2008 and the primer-less system from 2008-09”, they said.
Two Trends Now there are two trends that go beyond this. One is to take these consolidated processes and make them equal in terms of appearance, performance and robustness to a conventional paint system. The advantage of a baked primer system is that it enables spraying over substrates, metals or plastics of varying levels of roughness. In a
consolidated process where layers of paint is applied, wet on wet, the ability to dampen out the rough texture of the substrate below becomes challenging. The best appearance can be achieved with a conventional solvent-borne primer that is baked and then coated with a waterborne base coat, in a two layer. A baked layer still gives the best uniformity. We have to close that gap so that we get the same level of appearance and final finish with the consolidated process; we want to get to a point where we get all the energy savings of a consolidated process and compromise zero in terms of final finish and appearance. The second trend is that the consolidated processes are lowering the overall baked temperatures. It is being driven by light weighting and alternate substrates like plastics or carbon fibre. These materials cannot tolerate the same level of baked temperatures that steel can. There is an energy saving when the temperature of the ovens is brought down from 285 C to below 200; that’s another driver.
Reducing VOCs The consolidated processes help also to reduce VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). “Every region in the world has a different list of solvents they think are the most harmful to the environment and humans. So we have to ensure that when we remake our paint for these areas, they do not include these solvents. We should be able to formulate for any part of the world,” said Boland. The different specifications are
Nancy Lockhart
mainly for the automotive, not for aviation paints as they have different standards. Volumes also are bigger. The environmental impact is a major concern. The area that will need a lot of attention is China because it already has big challenges with pollution. Many of the Axalta technologies for environmental protection and energy saving are watched in China as it is very strict on liquid paint VOCs.China regulations apply very high tax on the OEM and the paint maker if they do not achieve the standards it is looking for.
Transportaion Transportation is divided into two sections: Light vehicles like cars and small trucks and CVs like heavy duty trucks, rail, bus, HD trucks, and recreational vehicles. “We are proud to say that in each of these markets we are either the leader or co-leader. We are the number one supplier to HD trucks and bus segments.
AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016 | 37
SPECIAL REPORT
In the industrial market we are the number two global supplier to the electrical installation sector and the number one supplier for refinished products, in the aftermarket. We have more than 1,800 patents which is still growing; we serve 37 OEMs in the light vehicle sector across the globe – Volkswagen, Ford, GM, Honda, Chrysler, Daimler – 79 vehicle badges”. “Colour has been very neutral in the last 10 years but based on past data we see that there will be a change and colour preference will come back. Earlier, green was a very popular colour but today you can hardly sell a green car, so perceptions do change”, said Lockhart.
Colour Trends Axalta has identified several drivers to a colour trend forecasting. Many of them are from outside sources discernible over a long period. They said five years ago many of the products coming in the luxury market were gold and there was a large influence of having that changeover in the specialty market. “Today, when you go into an interior design community you see many of the common fixtures gold and that is accepted. How that relates to paint is we started formulating our colours and warming up the palette a little, using a little more gold flake in paints”, Lockhart said. Axalta has a global team that comes out with trend forecasts. The coating company has mainly four themes like shades of pale, very much influenced by Europe and Japan. These are very clean, modern colours with a lot of titanium dioxide that give them a very opaque finish. The next one is electric brightness influenced by North America and China. South America and India also have pockets of these colours. Red was picking up in colour popularity last year – 9% in the world and 12% in North America. 38 | AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016
“We do two things from this. One, we are not going to take a coating to market that has not been tested for at least two years. Secondly, the designers are working nearly 4-5 years into the future to develop the next colour for their vehicle lines; we have to be aligned with the designer’s colour space. So trend analysis is a very critical test for us. Many of our offers of coatings do not need a white primer; that is a cost saving for our customers. Whites require a special primer but that doesn’t cost the customer much. In the luxury market black is the number one colour”, Lockhart said.
Light-weighting Axalta does not have any specific technology for light-weighting. However, coatings help light weighting by cutting down different substrates. Another option is the ability to achieve the same film properties at lower total film thickness. An important impact of the consolidated processes is that while starting the stack-up of multiple layers, wet-on-wet, the film thickness has to be reduced to help the drying process. “Thus we are removing weight while still maintaining the functionality of the coatings. Weight reduction may be small per vehicle but when you see the entire production of the OEM it would be significant. In a typical pickup truck the weight reduction would be about 10 percent of the weight of the paint used”, Boland said. Liquid coatings are lighter than powder coatings where thicker levels of powder has to be sprayed to get the same level of chip resistance and the same properties. The lightweighting efforts are nullified by all the extras in the vehicle like computers, sensors, electronic components, airbags etc. Another reason the OEMs are looking at Axalta for paint solutions in light weighting is that today components like bumpers, handles, rear view mirrors etc. are painted outside, either in the shop, somewhere else or with another supplier and then assembled all together.
They could handle different types of plastic on the same vehicle if there is a coating that can cure at lower temperatures. Another solution would be that the vehicle could be painted in one place, using the same coating over all components, instead of assembling separate parts painted by others. “Of course the question to be addressed is can we paint all these parts in one place? That would help us because we can reduce complexity in our supply chain and reduce colour match issues”, Lockhart said.
Brilliant Blue Axalta has recently announced its North American Automotive Colour of the Year for 2016 – Brilliant Blue. The new colour is a mid-shade blue that has both depth and vividness with slight turquoise highlights. It is made with the company’s high Chroma Vermeera technology using a multi-layer process to achieve both an intense blue colour and a unique sparkle effect. The colour experts of the company selected Brilliant Blue for a number of reasons. According to the company’s Global Automotive 2015 Colour Popularity Report, blue increased in popularity to a total of eight percent of 2015 light vehicle sales in North America due to increased use on sport utility and compact utility vehicles. From a worldwide view, blue remained steady while other rich colours declined and white, black and grey increased in popularity. The annual report, now in its 63rd consecutive year, highlights automotive colour choices around the world. Historically, Axalta colour trend research shows blue has been a top choice in North America. Blue was the number one colour from 1957-1959 (pastel blues) and was the leader in 1988 (darker green shade blues). Brilliant Blue is Axalta’s second North American Automotive Colour of the Year, following the inaugural Radiant Red.
EVENT
Auto Expo 2016 Matches Industry Trend APA Bureau
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he recently-concluded 13th edition of the Auto Expo Motor Show reflected the mood or the performance of the auto industry during the first three quarters of the 2015-16 financial year. This period witnessed a mixed trend. The twowheelers wereflat, the passenger car grew marginally while the commercial vehicles, especially the medium and heavy segment, witnessed impressive growth of over 35 percent. Aligning with the growth trend were the exhibits. While there were hectic action at the stalls of the commercial
vehicle players, the other segments that generally steal the limelight,presented a lacklustre performace. In general, the India Expo Mart in Greater Noida was bustling with activity from February 5 to 9, 2016. There were over 65 exhibits compared to the 55 in the previous edition.The indoor exhibition space was up from 67,000 sq.m to 73,000 sq.m. Six large halls with an additional carpet area of 37,240 sq.mwere built with air-conditioning and adequate power supply cabling. The venue previously had only eight permanent halls.
The Motor Show witnessed participation from almost all key vehicle manufacturers such as Ashok Leyland, Audi India, BMW India, Datsun, Fiat India, Ford India, General Motors, Honda Cars India, Hyundai Motor India, Isuzu Motors India, Jaguar Land Rover, Mahindra & Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki India, Mercedes-Benz India, Nissan Motor India, Renault India, Scania Commercial Vehicles India, SML Isuzu, Tata Motors, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, VE Commercial Vehicles, Volkswagen India etc. In the two-wheeler segment the participants included Hero MotoCorp, India Yamaha, Mahindra Two- wheelers, Piaggio Vehicles, Suzuki Motorcycle India, Triumph Motorcycles India and TVS Motor Company. Apart from the above brands, there were some new entrants like Abarth, BMW Motorrad, Jeep, DSK Benelli, Polaris, Indian Motorcycle, etc. However, a few companies including Bajaj Auto, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), Royal Enfield and Harley Davidson kept away from the show. The event had participation from the makers of high-end Bicycles, Tyres and Tubes, Fuel Companies, Automotive Design and Technology, Engineering and IT for Automobile Companies, Institutions, Universities, Auto Insurance Companies, and Media, Auto Portals and Publications.
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Launches It was mentioned that there will be more than 85 launches at the expo. The new launches or global premiere was much less in passenger vehicles and twowheelers than in the previous years. There were only introduction of a new variant or facelift with new engine, transmission options or a redefined version of the existing vehicles. However, the commercial vehicle pavilions presentedpathbreaking technologies.
Passenger Vehicles The noticeable change in passenger vehicle launches was in the vehicle segment itself. The event witnessed more SUVs and crossovers than the regular sedans and compacts, matching the consumer preference. The passenger vehicles’ performance during the first quarter was predominantly driven by the new models. The dominance of compact SUVs was evident in the launches during the past 18 months. The exhibits reflected this trend. Manufacturers like Honda showcased BR-V, Hyundai HND-14 Carlino concept, Maruti SuzukiBrezza and Tata Motors Nexon. Renault Duster was presented with a new AMT gearbox. Among the crossover hatchbacks were Maruti Suzuki’sIgnis and Chevrolet’s Beat Active.
Rover SVAutobiography, MercedesBenz G500 4x4 and Mahindra XUV Aero – a concept car that clearly shows Mahindra’s prowess in designing new vehicles. The highlight of the high-end SUVs was the announcement of Jeep’sIndia entry. The company showed its first two models: Wrangler Unlimited and Grand Cherokee. In the utility vehicle segment, Toyota Kirloskar stole the limelight with its InnovaCrysta, which had a few engine options. For sedans, Volkswagen presented the Polo-based Ameo and Tata Motors Kite 5, a sedan version of the soon-to-be-launched Zica hatchback. Chevrolet had the sedan version of NextGen Beat, the Essentia.
In the luxury sedan segment Audi showcased the India-bound latest A4, Jaguar launched the XE and showed the XF while BMW introduced its luxurious all-new 7-series. Leading the array of performance cars was the Audi R8 V10 Plus, which is powered by a 610bhp 5.2-litre V10 engine and priced at about Rs 2.47 crore. The presence of Nissan GT-R gave the enthusiasts an indication to the availability of the car during this year. However, the crowd puller at the show was the Ford Mustang, which will be made available in India in the next few months.From the motorsport segment Mahindra unveiled its revised Formula E race car. With environment and sustainability getting to centre-stage, the room
In the premium SUV segment were Hyundai Tucson, Volkswagen Tiguan and Nissan X-Trail. Besides, there were BMW X1 and Mercedes new GLC. The new models in the ultraluxury SUV segment included Range AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016 | 41
EVENT for electric vehicles and hybrids has been getting larger and it had several exhibits like the new generation Toyota Prius, Mahindra eVerito, and e2o Reva. Apart from the focussed segments, the vehicle makers displayed some of their offerings. Hyundai’s stall had Genesis; Isuzu displayed its second-generation D-Max. Renault announced variants of KWID - 1.0 Litre SCe, Easy-R and concepts such as Climber and Racer; Fiat displayed a few models including the Puntobased crossover while Mahindra presented the SsangYong Tivoli
during this year. The new entrants to the show were BMW Motorrad and Benelli. The BMW India booth had G310R motorcycle, S1000RR, S1000XR, R1200GS and R nineT. Benelli introduced four new motorcycles. It would launch some of the models in the country in the coming months. The models included BX250, Tornado Naked T-135, Tornado 300 and TRK 502. The company unveiled also the ABS versions of the Benelli TNT 600i and TNT 600GT, and showcased the fullyaccessorised version of the Benelli TNT 25 and the Benelli Tornado 1130.
launched Apache RTR 200 4V, the new Victor and the made-in-Indonesia Dazz DFI. Piaggio India showcased the Aprilia SR 150, Aprilia RSV4 RF and the Aprilia Tuono V4. The Piaggio Group presented to the Indian customersthe Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber, V9 Roamer, Moto GuzziAudace and the Moto Guzzi Eldorado. The Group introduced also the Vespa 946 Armani 125 and the Vespa GTS 300 along with the existing Vespa SXL 150, VXL 150 and the Vespa 125 range. Indian Motorcycle displayed its new Blue Diamond Indian Roadmaster and the Pearl White Indian Chief Classic. It showcased also the existing models including the Indian Chief Dark Horse, Indian Chief Vintage, Indian Chieftain and the Indian Scout. Mahindra Two Wheelers introduced two concepts of the Mahindra Mojo – the adventure version and the scrambler interpretation. The company displayed a large number of accessories, self-developed and from third party, on three custom-painted Mojos. It displayed also Gusto 125 and the electric bike GenZe. The Mahindra Racing division unveiled the 2016 Mahindra Moto3 race bike. The Mahindra-owned brand displayed three of its scooters, Peugeot Speedfight 4, Peugeot Django and Peugeot Metropolis 400i RS. They would come to the market shortly.
Pravin Shah, President & Chief Executive (Automotive), Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, Anand Mahindra, Chairman Mahindra Group and Dr Pawan Goenka, Executive Director Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd at the unveiling of XUV Aero
crossover. Datsun unveiled the GoCross concept. Maruti showcased the Ignis concept and Baleno RS.
Two-Wheelers Among the two-wheelers introduced at the expo, Honda’s Navi was disruptive. Inspired by its monkey two-wheeler (a combination of scooter and motorcycle) Navi is based on the Activa platform to offer comfort and convenience of a scooter and capabilities of a motorcycle. Pricedat Rs 39,500 (ex-showroom, Delhi), the vehicle was conceptualised, designed and developed entirely in India. HMSI unveiled also its second selfdeveloped concept named the CX-02. The booth also had on display Matt Grey colour option for the CB Unicorn 160, the 2016 Dream Neo, CD 110 Dream Deluxe, CB Unicorn and Africa Twin, which will be locally assembled 42 | AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016
Among all the mass-segment twowheeler makers, Hero MotoCorp and TVS Motor Company showcased some of their future concepts. These included Hero SplendoriSmart 110 and TVS Motors’ Akula 310 Racing Concept, TVS X21 Concept Racer and the TVS ENTORQ21 Scooter Concept. Hero had four major unveils at the Expo in the presence of their brand ambassador and Bollywood star, Ranbir Kapoor. The other models were the Hero Xtreme 200S, Hero XF3R concept and Hero Duet-E. The two-wheeler manufacturer presented also the facelifts of its existing models such as Splendor Pro, Glamour, Passion Pro, Xtreme Sports, Karizma, Karizma ZMR, Maestro Edge and has the Duet.In addition to the concepts TVS showcased the recently-
Suzuki Motorcycle India showcased the 2016 Access 125 and Gixxer SF with Fuel-Injected engine. It displayed the two dirt bikes, RM-Z250 and RMX450Z, and its two ATVs, launched last year, the Ozark 250 and the QuadSport Z400. Yamaha India launched MT-09, Cygnus Ray-ZR, Fascino X Special Edition and NMax scooter – a popular two-wheeler in Indonesia. The existing models likeSaluto, Alpha, FZ Version 2.0, SZ-RR Version 2.0, R15, R15S, R3 and Yamaha VMAX were also on display.
Commercial Vehicles Almost all the participants in the commercial vehicle segment launched innovative products. Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, launched its new SIGNA range of Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicles - the SIGNA 4923.S tractor, the SIGNA
EVENT 3118.T multi-axle truck and the SIGNA 2518.K tipper. It unveiled also ULTRA 1518, an all-new production-ready variant. Besides, the company displayed the future- ready products such as the last mile Magic Iris Ziva, propelled by Hydrogen based Fuel-Cell technologies, the Tata Starbus Hybrid, the world’s first commercially produced CNG Hybrid Bus, and ACE MEGA XL. Ashok Leyland unveiled four all-new next-generation technology products.. Besides, it displayed a variant of Dost. The new products included 4940 Euro 6 truck (having only one 10th of NOx and particulate matter compared to the Euro 3 norms), HYBUS, the country’s first non-plug-in hybrid bus. Since it is designed for urban transport with start-stop cycles, the company deployed Ultracapacitors that provide the diesel motor with the necessary power to move. Ashok Leyland launched also GURU, an ICV segment having the highest payload capability in its segment. The fourth product was Sunshine, the next generation school bus built on the premise of safety and comfort for children. To ensure utmost safety of the occupants, the company has gone beyond the basic regulatory requirements by making it rollover-complaint and frontal crash-protected. It also incorporates i-ALERT, state-of-the-art tracking software, through which parents can monitor their child’s travel. Eicher Trucks and Buses, part of VE Commercial Vehicles, launched Eicher Live, an advanced Telematics solution for the commercial vehicle industry.Eicher Live is trucking intelligence that drives profitable fleet management, by monitoring their movement, fuel consumption and maintenance needs. It is available as a company installed system in the 44 | AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016
ProSeries range of trucks and buses. Eichershowcased also seven products and comprehensive customer solutions. The models included Pro 6037, a 37T haulage truck, Skyline Pro School Bus (a hybrid school Bus developed and manufactured at the VECV Pithampur plant in Indore), Skyline AC sleeper coach (with 28 passenger berth, water closet etc), Pro 8049 HD haulage truck, Pro 6025T HD tipper, Pro 3016 and Pro 1049 in the LMD segment. JBM Auto introduced ECOLIFE, an electric bus, under a joint venture with Poland based Solaris Bus and Coach SA. According to the company the vehicle is India’s first bus running on a hundred per cent electric power. The bus, designed for city commute, will be deriving its power from lithium batteries. The vehicle is capable of running for 150 kms to 200 kms on a single charge. Mahindra Trucks announced the launch of its new HCV truck series, ‘BLAZO’ with Fuelsmart Technology backed by improved mileage and service guarantee. The BLAZO series included haulage, tractor trailer, and tipper vehicles, and introduced for the first time, the CRDe engine coupled with multi drive mode features. The Multimode feature will have three modes – Turbo, Heavy and Light, and the driver can switch to any to suit the load and road conditions. Mahindra Trucks announced a superior mileage guarantee on the BLAZO truck, tipper and tractor trailer series and a 48hour back-on-road breakdown service guarantee. Scania launched its Citywide bus, which, the company claimed,was India’s first biofuel-powered commercial bus. It is compatible with all commercially available biofuels and complies with Bharat Stage 4, Euro 5, and Euro 6.
Ecolife
EVENT
Innovation Dominates Auto Expo Components Show 2016 APA Bureau
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he recently-concluded 13th edition of the Auto Expo Components Show in India focused on innovation, not only in products but also in the presentation of the show itself. In tune with the trend, the expo had an Innovation Pavilion for products designed and developed in India and validated by global customers from Tier -1 companies and OEMs. The four-day event saw more than 1,600 exhibitors from over 46 | AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016
20 countries. From a spread of 45,000 sq.m in 2014 to the entire PragatiMaidan of 80,000 sq.m this year, the Auto Expo - Components Show has come a long way. It has been growing bigger with each passing edition.Inaugurated by the Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Anant G Geete, the Components Expo offered the participants and visitors a platform for interactions among the OEMs, the component
manufacturers, the aftermarket distributors, the decision-makers, the industry professionals and other stakeholders. The present edition of the Components Show was better with dedicated pavilions for bearings and garage equipment, showcasing latest automotive technologies, solutions, systems and services and live demonstrations of advanced technologies. Spread across 18 halls, the event witnessed
ACMA President Arvind Balaji
participation from close to 1,000 domestic players and 600 international companies. Eight exclusive international pavilions from China, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea and the UK added to the glamour of the show. The Components Expo 2016 with the theme, ‘Mobility for All’, highlighted safety, production efficiency, emission control, security and electric mobility. It provided an ideal platform to the industry across the automotive spectrum for business meetings and networking. In order to encourage an innovationdriven mindset among the youth, ‘Passion for Innovation’, a contest for Engineering Students, was organised on the sidelines of the event. The show had the AsliNaqli Pavilion to fight counterfeit parts and to ask the vehicle owners to buy only genuine parts. An initiative by ACMA, it had 13 participating companies showcasing the genuine and counterfeit products. This helped the visitors to distinguish between the two and learn about the damages the fake parts could cause. Some companies offered complete anti-counterfeiting solutions, including packaging technologies to protect the brand. There was an IPR Cell at this Pavilion to protect the Intellectual Property Rights of exhibiting companies from the display of counterfeits or imitations in violation of their IPR. Any aggrieved party could approach the Cell to seek advice for action against an infringing
exhibitor.
Innovation The auto component industry has been making conscious efforts to graduate from Build to Print to Creation of Intellectual Property. The Innovation pavilion displayed components that were designed, developed and validated in India. The primary objective of this pavilion was to showcase the product development prowess of the component sector and to strengthen the automotive value chain in the country. Arvind Balaji, President, ACMA, said, “as an extension to the Union Government’s ‘Make in India’ programme, we stressed on making quality products
and developing innovative technologies in India. This was the theme for all the programmes of ACMA. Everything that we did focused on quality and technology”. Generally India is looked at as a low-cost destination. Many Tier-1 and Tier-2 companies have been developing technology products in India for 20 to 30 years. Several of them have R&D programmes. But often their efforts were sidelined. “Therefore, we decided that all those ACMA members who have innovative products should get together and showcase them in an exclusive pavilion for the visitors to witness the capability of the Indian industry,” he said. AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016 | 47
EVENT oil pumps. It has been supplying this component since three years. The present monthly supply is about 15,000 units. Sundram Fasteners displayed another innovative product – Integrated oil and water pump on a single front cover for small car engines. Both the pumps are independent parts of the engine and are driven by the crankshaft. In this design, oil pump is driven by the crankshaft in the traditional manner while water pump is driven by the balancer shaft, instead of a normal front-drive system. This avoids slippage to the water pump which normally happens in belt-driven engines.
Lucas- TVS At the Innovation Pavilion the Chennai-based Lucas- TVS displayed several innovative products. The company has developed SGM Starter Motor for passenger vehicles. It is 1.3 kg less than the conventional motor. The 60-mm frame size compact design motor has permanent magnet field and epi-cyclic gear train and replaces the direct drive starter motor, which is around 3.7kgs.
The combo unit improves efficiency and eliminates hub and pulley arrangement in the water pump. It is cost- effective, space-saving and reduces weight up to 30 percent. Another product Sundram Fasteners Sundram Fasteners has developed on display was the fork shift used in integrated oil and water pump with manual transmissions. The uniqueness chain guard. Typically, water pumps of this sintered part (fork shift) is that the component’s chemical composition and oil pumps are individual parts and mechanical properties are graded and these are fitted to the engine according to the functions of various locations of the part.
compressor motor has been built as an eco-friendly product with no heavy metals.
Brakes India Brakes India displayed electro-magnetic retarder, which works as an auxiliary brake. The non-contact eddy current brake draws power from the vehicle battery to produce the required magnetic field for braking. It activates at the touch of the brake pedal and reduces dependency on service brake up to 85 percent. Due to powerful and gradual deceleration, vehicle jerk and uneven ride is controlled ensuring better safety. The company currently supplies this to bus manufacturers.
Lucas-TVS, the largest supplier of starter motors for two-wheelers in the country, has developed a new starter motor with two-pole permanent magnet with offset reduction drive arrangement. Its centrifugal mechanism helps avoid premature ejection while the roller clutch protects from over-run condition. Another innovation from the company was the alternator for bus. The compact- sized alternator with higher power to weight ratio – 500W/kg - has a sealed brush box to protect from water splash and dust ingress. The miniature slip rings and high-temperature bearings ensure longer life while the single chip regulator and hightemperature rectifier diodes and insulation for copper wire offer higher reliability. The company also displayed its innovation in wiper systems and twin compressor motor. The wiper system comes with compact integral motor and linkage system for improved tandem wiper pattern ensuring better visibility. The unit has been built in snow clutch for circuit protection. The twin 48 | AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016
Jamna Auto Industries
separately on the engine block for cooling. With the integrated unit developed by the company, the customers get benefited by way of simplified work in the engine assembly line. In addition to water/ oil pumps, the company has given a provision for belt-tensioner and oil filter also. With a suitable front layout, the company claims, the design can be extended to all engines with crankshaft-driven
Leaf springs are primarily used in suspension system to absorb lateral loads, brake / driving torque and shock loads in commercial vehicles. Materials with maximum strength and minimum modules of elasticity in the longitudinal direction are the most suitable materials for leaf spring. The suspension leaf spring is one of the potential items for weight reduction in automobiles and accounts for up to 20 percent of the unsprung weight. However, weight reduction can only be achieved by deploying alternate material, design optimisation and manufacturing processes. This has been the impetus for Jamna Auto Industries to develop leaf spring made of composites, which features a
taper-semi inline chrome ring. The chrome plating addresses the wear issue while the bottom salvage removes excess oil.
India Nippon Electricals
strength-to-weight ratio of up to five times greater than steel counterpart. The composite springs are up to 75 percent lighter than steel, corrosion resistant and three to four times more durable than steel. Besides, these are capable of absorbing 50 percent more vibration eventually improving ride quality. The company has developed these springs for Tata Motors’ utility vehicles.
India Nippon Electricals Limited has developed a ‘smart regulator’ with an inbuilt micro-controller to check constantly the battery charge. When engine runs at idle speed or when the vehicle is not moving, the unit diverts a portion of the power going
Shriram Pistons Making prototypes as quickly as possible is crucial to minimisethe time to market for any new project
to headlamp, to charge the battery, maintaining the electrical balance. It goes to big bikes in Japan. The second product on display was ‘Split Integral Unit’ – a combination of ignition and transistor control unit. Also on display was ‘Smart Regulator Rectifier’ – which has the potential to convert expensive three-phase system to cost-effective single phase system. The system is already working in a few models of Kawasaki Motorcycles.
by manufacturing and welding togethermultiple parts.Sansera made this part through the forging process. The challenge is in making the steel alloy to flow in multiple directions as a branch from the main boss (part). Besides, the extrusion length to thickness ratio is very high. The simulation expertise acquired by the company over a period of time enabled it to forge these complex gear shifter forks with lesser iterations. The cost targets were also met, while the strength of the part enhanced significantly. The company displayed also connecting rod which is made by combining two features of material and processes. It has used medium carbon steel, which is generally not friendly for fracturing but the company has made it by changing the process parameters including reducing the process temperature up to minus 80 degree centigrade. Generally used in high performance bikes, it has resulted in about 30 percent cost savings.
Wheels India Wheels India presented forged aluminium wheels which are 40 to 50 percent lighter than their steel
Sansera Engineering and this is even more important for critical components like pistons. With conventional technology the lead time for developing a piston is 10 to 12 weeks. Shriram Pistons has developed a methodology, using five-axis milling machine and other allied processes that has cut the development time to less than two weeks. Besides, the tooling cost will be one tenth of the conventional method. Similarly the company has developed a unique piston ring. Typically the piston rings have twin objectives – durability and low oil consumption and there is always a trade-off between the two. The new technology developed by the company deploys
Substitution of sheet metal with forgings has given an edge for the Bangalore-based Sansera
counterparts. They reduce weight in un-sprung mass of the vehicle to around 18 to 20 percent in net as wheel and tyre assembly. Reduction in weight of the steering system through wheel weight reduction lowers the driver fatigue and has significant fuel-saving advantages.
Engineering. Gear shifter fork is generally made of sheet metal
As a thumb rule, reduction in mass of the vehicle by 100 kg leads to increase in fuel mileage up to three percent. The company is supplying to OEMs in Europe and it is in talks AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016 | 49
EVENT with vehicle makers in India.
Sona Koyo Driving off-highway vehicle is a stressful job as the torque demand in steering goes up to 60Nm. To address this issue,Sona Koyo has developed an innovative steering system – Electric Power Assist Module (EPAM).
Yet another interesting product from the company was exterior mirror, especially for commercial vehicles. In the conventional mirror there is visibility of two lanes only, which will create potential risk of side collision during lane changing at high speeds. The innovation by the company lies in the position and the shape of the glass plate to make visible not only the third lane but also reduce the blind spot significantly. The company displayed low effort gear shifting mechanism, developed for Revotron engine, to minimisedriver fatigue.
AliconCastalloy
The unit which consists of torque sensor, electronic control unit, motor and reduction gear mechanism, provides steering assistance to the driver who needs to put only 4Nm torque. Currently the company is exporting to John Deer in the US.
For light weighting and fuel efficiency improvement of battle tanks, AliconCastalloy has developed aluminium rim wheels for Arjun battle tanks. This conversion reduces the weight of the tank by about 950 kg and increases speed to 75kmph from 40kmph earlier. It also increases fuel efficiency. About 126 battle tanks have been refurbished with these innovative wheels.
Tata Autocomp Systems As part of its initiative to reduce weight, Tata Autocomp Systems has developed a host of products, some of them were displayed at the Innovation Pavilion. The company provides light weight air vent in different configurations with aluminium chrome for aesthetic feel. The dual material –rubber and plasticmoulding helps improve haptics. In exterior cabin parts, fenders and bumpers, the company could achieve a weight reduction by 35 kg against steel of 88 kg. Besides, it has improved the crash worthiness.
The company has also developed aluminium ventilator as an import-substitute. The ventilator, made through low-pressure diecast process, also improves the performance to 4,000 rpm from 2,500 rpm of the imported part. It has received the first order of 85 wheels. According to the company sources, the government has saved about Rs 1,800 crore on imports of these components.
Garage Equipment At the Auto Expo Components 2016, Puducherry-based Manatec introduced two models of Jumbo 3D Super Wheel Aligner for multiaxle vehicles, and 3D wheel aligner with in-built lift. These space-saving and user-friendly equipmentare in good demand by the automotive service segment. The company has also introduced a new tyre pressure monitoring gauge. The unit can be 50 | AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016
used for all kinds of four wheelers up to LCVs and for tubeless tyres. The pressure data can be beamed on to the wind shield as the display unit that works on solar power is placed on the dashboard. The battery in the unit which works on radio frequency can last for about five years. The company plans to develop similar unit for tubedtyres also. The Managing Director of Manatec, M Kalaiichelvan, told AutoParts Asia that the validation of Jumbo 3D was going on and the same would be commercialisedwithin two months. “As this is one of its kind in the world, we plan to take this to major shows pertaining to buses and trucks. We are also planning to introduce the same to vehicle manufacturers to be deployed at the end-of-the-line in the assembly operations, since this can save lot of time. In the conventional method, it takes about two hours to align a truck with five axles. With Jumbo 3D the same can be done in half the time,” he said. In addition, the service cost of the equipment will drop drastically due to elimination of electronics from wheels. Companies like Volvo, Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland and Eicher have evinced interest in this product, he said. The Bangalore-based Madhus Garage Equipments Private Limited displayed a new brand – Filcar of Italy - that makes extraction system for fumes, dust and exhaust gas. The company has announced its foray into painting system by establishing a tie-up with Blowtherm Paint Booths. Madhus introduced Texa onboard Diagnostic Tools, which currently has over 80 percent of the coverage on Indian cars. The company also introduced 3D wheel aligner form Hunter with 2-camera system. According to the company, this is the fastest wheel aligner system with process time of up to 90 seconds against the industry average of three to four minutes.
Going Green The Chennai-headquartered Amalgamations Group presented its product portfolio with a theme to continue its journey on the path of reducing pollution and resource conservation through technology. The group banks on its precision engineering solutions and its passion for innovation and excellence. Ram Venkataramani, Managing
EVENT Director, IP Rings, a member of the Amalgamations Group, said the company has developed a methodology to monitor the equipment availability, efficiency, performance, quality and to improve up on these parameters. Called MAQX, this can be done remotely through a smart phone. “We are planning to deploy this concept across all the group manufacturing facilities.”
to six percent. That’s a direct costsaving, not only costs but capex also. Now, when somebody asks for a new machine you can check in your mobile phone and tell him that he is running at, say 60 percent OEE; he should be able to improve it to 80 percent, and only then will we consider a new machine. This enables the top management to cut capex and not make unnecessary investments”, he said.
Asked if this can help in remote diagnostics, he said, “this cannot perform but many of the new equipment today come with that feature. For example, when we buy presses from Switzerland for our forging, the service personnel can sit in Switzerland and fix a technical problem over here by linking up to the machine. Some equipment are equipped with this, some are not. Our product doesn’t do that; it purely monitors the efficiency of the equipment. You can see if it is running okay or not okay and take corrective
Anand Automotive came in full force by displaying products from all the companies in its fold. The exhibits included powertrain parts such as cylinder head cover, piston rings, gasket, bearings, heat shield, air intake manifold, propeller shafts, axles and synchronisers. There were other components like shock absorbers, radiators, intercoolers, visco fans, emission control systems and brake systems. However, the head-turner at its stall was the ‘Lion’, symbol of the ‘Make in
items were the wiring harnesses made of aluminium wires, front end polymer modules, integrated bumper cover modules, fully equipped cockpits and door trims with multiple options of door trim finishes. Yet another interesting exhibit was the state-of-the-art Camera Monitoring System to replace exterior mirrors enabling greater comfort and safety in traffic. The group also showcased a few wearable devices to enhance productivity. Other new product ranges added to this year’s exhibition were sintered metal parts, shock absorbers, highend surface finish aesthetic and engineering profiles and moulded parts made of thermoplastics and hybrid components made of metal and plastic and also aluminium diecast parts. Varroc Group displayed powertrain components, plastic moulded parts, painted parts, electrical and electronic assemblies, elastomers and several parts from its lighting division. The main attractions of the booth were the automotive lighting products like the tail lamps of Dodge and Land Rover and the headlamp assembly of Bently. Endurance Technologies displayed a range of products including aluminium die-cast parts, suspension for two and three- wheelers, transmission, clutches and CVTs, braking systems and others. Rane Group showcased a range of products including airbags, seatbelt systems, electric power steering, manual steering gears/ linkages, suspension components, hydraulic products, engine valves / guides / tappets, brake linings, disc pads, clutch facings and high-pressure diecast products.
action – make a call or whatever”. He said that “there are some features that whenever the machine is down, a SMS goes out automatically to the maintenance department. Previously the data used to get aggregated and analysed once a day or once a week by the managers; now that it is available online, you are able to react much quicker. I would say our OEE has improved by at least five 52 | AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016
India’ campaign, which was fabricated with the products made by Anand Automotive. This was a favourite spot for people to take selfies. Samvardhana Motherson Group showcased technology advancement across its various verticals with special focus on light-weighting, volume reduction, complexity management, alternate raw material and processes. Among the displayed
Some of the other big names that participated in the Components Show were: Avtec, BorgWarner, Carl Bechem Lubricants, Delphi– TVS, Denso International, Eaton Industrial Systems, Elofic, G S Auto International, Igus India, Stork Rubber Products, Hi Tech Gears, MagnetiMarelli Shock Absorbers, Mann and Hummel, Pricol, Rane Group, Roots, Sandhar Technologies, Sankar Sealing System, Suprajit Engineering, Talbros, TrelleborgVibracoustics, Turbo Energy and the companies from the TVS group.
EVENT
World Machine Tool Makers Converge In Bengaluru
IMTMA Aims To Be Among Top Five Global Producers APA Bureau
I
MTEX FORMING 2016, an event for the Indian Metal Forming Industry and the apex exhibition of South and South-East Asia, showcased the latest trends in metal forming machine tools, processes and technologiesin India and other countries at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) for seven days from January 21, 2016. The event was organised by the Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers
Association (IMTMA).Tooltech 2016, was another concurrent event at the same venue for dies and moulds, forming tools, machine tool accessories, metrology and CAD/ CAM. The exhibition was inaugurated by Jamshyd NGodrej, Chairman, Godrej & BoyceMfg, Co., and Chairman IMTEX 2016, along with Parakramsinh G Jadeja, President, IMTMA. The event attracted more
than 70 trade delegations from various manufacturing industries and exhibitors from 23 countries with four country partners: China, Germany, Taiwan and Japan. There were over 50,000 business visitors. “Machine tool is an important contributor to India’s economy and therefore investment in machine tool industry has direct bearing on the overall economy”, Godrej said. IMTMA would double the size of BIEC
AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016 | 53
EVENT with world class facilities to accommodate more companies in the future IMTEX shows, he said. “Several policy initiatives of the government have created positive sentiment and helped the machine tool industry move ahead on its growth path. India is set to become a global player and our target is to be among the top five players in productionby 2020,”Jadeja said. He also informed that IMTMA in partnership with the government of India would create an R & D facility at IIT Chennai dedicated to machine tools and establish a technology fund for that.
INTERACTION
Focus On Skills,
Innovation
At the inaugural ceremony the Minister for Large and Medium Industries & Tourism, Government of Karnataka, RV Deshpande said, the machine tool industry has a bright future and that the mantra of Karnataka is to invent in the state as, “the future of the country is going to be built here.” He urged to improve quality with the world becoming global village wherein competition, quality and customer satisfaction have become vital pointers. Vishvajit Sahay, Joint Secretary, Department of Heavy Industries, Government of India, said with the government’s focus on Make in India, the ministry is working with the machine tool industry with the primary focus on introducing new technologies in this sector. “We are also launching schemes that will revolve around technology, skilled labour and related issues. We are also working with the Government of Karnataka to set up a machine tool part in Tumkur.” Dr VK Saraswat, Member, NITI Aayog, said, the goal of Make in India programme is to get from where the country is, to a much higher level. Funding is key for R&D in innovation technologies. He urged the need to set up more research centres in the country. The event had a dedicated i2 Pavilion which provided an opportunity for the Indian Academic and R&D Institutions to showcase their capabilities in the metal working field. Professors and R&D experts working on machine tools and manufacturing projects made presentations. As a part of its initiative to impart knowledge about the machine tool industry to the young engineers, IMTMA organised ‘Connect’. Students from both mechanical and electrical engineering streams couldgather more knowledge about the opportunities for them in the manufacturing industry. 54 | AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016
P G Jadeja, President -IMTMA
Q: As President what is your immediate priority? Jadeja: The immediate priorityfor the next two years isskill development and R&D projects. There will be research and development projects for all our 500 members to try to bridge the gap between imports and local production. The other focus area is skill development in the manufacturing sector. IMTMA has a lot of expertise in this. For the last couple of years we have been doing a number of training programmes which I would like to elevate to a multiple, large-scale initiative. Q: According to the Gardner Business India Survey, India stands 16th in production and 10th in consumption. What would IMTMA do to move up in these rankings? Jadeja: IMTMA is interacting with the government to export our products and to create a brand
In an exclusive interaction with AutoParts Asia, Parakramsinh G. Jadeja, President, IMTMA, said as president his priority was skill development and innovation through R &D in the context of the need for working in a very flexible manufacturing system. The excerpts: image for our members. We have identified seven countries including Turkey, Indonesia and many in Europe. Theywill bethe focus markets for the next five to seven years. India has good mass production capability which should be utilised well. This will certainly benefit all our members. Q: That will take you to which level from 16th? Jadeja: If the GDP grows continuously each year for the next five years by eight to 8.5 percent, we will growby 15 percent. Our target is to be among the top five players in productionby 2020. Q: What is the key learning for the machine tool industry from the present slowdown? Jadeja: The important learning is that today we have to work more and more on a flexible manufacturing system. Machine tool builders have to work on a flexible basis with their customers.
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EVENT
If tomorrow the automotive industry is down and aero space is doing well then we have to focus on that industry. We should be able to switch over our manufacturing capability quickly to a different industry if it is so required. We should try to be linear when spikes appear. Q: Last year Roland Berger Strategy Consultants came out with a study for ACMA which says the machine tool industry can grow 14 percent CAGR till 2020. Do you see any scope for this? Jadeja: Yes, there are more conservative numbers on this. They have built up some relativity with GDP numbers. The government moves on ‘Make in India’, Smart cities, Digital India etc, will help increase manufacturing. Today manufacturing is 15 percent in the total economy package. They want to increase it to 25 percent by 2020. So it will be a large chunk for us, a great opportunity.
56 | AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016
Q: The medium to long-term bull curve for the machine tool industry has already started. There is also an upswing in the capital equipment side from last September. What is the status now? How do you see the momentum? Jadeja: It is gradually growing. In terms of production we were on a peak from September. Today we have crossed 11-12 in numbers which is good because we have gone over Rs 4,300 crore in manufacturing. That is good news. We are very focused on the recently unveiled Automotive Mission Plan (AMP). We are working very closely with ‘Make in India’ etc and R&D for a clean environment. We have gone down to details on how much valves, pumps, machine capacity, size etc are required for all our members. There are visionary people sitting in IMTMA who have done their homework 18 months ago, right from Ganga cleaning to Railway requirements. Q: What are the driving forces for the machine tool industry in India? Jadeja: Infrastructure spending and
‘Make in India’ are the biggest driving forces for us. We have everything here so we have to create infrastructure. Q: Do you face any roadblock? Jadeja: This country will not grow if we cannot maintain growth by 7.5 to eight percent. Anything less than this will be negative for us. That is why we are asking our manufacturers to concentrate also on exports, expand their wings to cover the world. Q: What has happened to the IMTMA’s plan to set up a Technology development centre or Product development centre in Chennai? Jadeja: The Union Government has approved it, and it has started functioning. This is a special incubation centre which will do new research on R&D projects with institutes like IIT Chennai and academia. Six companies and 12 projects have been identified. Q: Your short-term and long-term plans for IMTMA? Jadeja: Long-term is clear: We would like to be among the top five producers worldwide. For the shortterm we are working on skills and innovation.
INTERACTION
Remove Roadblocks For
Speedy Growth
In an exclusive interaction with AutoParts Asia, Jamshyd N Godrej, Chairman, Godrej & Boyce Mfg Company, and Chairman IMTEX 2016, said: “You have got to do things on the ground to change the way things are done. Otherwise you will not see that benefit happening�.The excerpts:Q: What are the opportunities for IMTMA to increase production and be a leading global player? Goderej: The machine tool industry is really a function of the overall demand of the economy. The export market also is dependent on the growth in industrial goods and manufacturing globally. We have to understand better the needs of the customers. If you know what they are looking for, you can produce machines according to that, otherwise there can be a mismatch. By moving away from general machines to specific purpose machines (SPMs), you can go to the next level and increase your production. Q: From general manufacturing, the
Jamshyd N Godrej
automotive industry has moved to SPMs. Now people are looking at combinations of machines that can produce a family of products so that their cost can be optimised. So what is the next level? Goderej: SPMs are good for doing a family of parts but if there is a complete change of model then that SPM has to be revamped. It all depends on what quantities you are trying to bill. Also, the concept of mass customisation is very much alive today, so you have to actually figure out how you can make flexible machines which can take care of future requirements without a massive changeover in tooling. Q: How can the auto component
industrytackle the ups and downs in demand for their products? Goderej: Nobody can have capacities for peak demand. So when peak demand comes you are obviously going to have extended delivery times. The opposite is true when there is no demand. The auto component manufacturers know that it is not something they can ramp up. Nobody can pre-produce in the auto industry. This is a complex industry where people develop platforms, and develop on the platforms. My feeling is that in the future the emphasis is going to be more on fuel efficiency, emissions, vehicle size and the built-in safety features using sensors. These are the sort of things that add value to
AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016 | 57
EVENT the product, not so much the vehicle itself. A lot of things around the vehicle are also critical and important. Q: To achieve this people go in for light weighting, replacing metal with fibre, aluminium, plastics etc. Is this a concern for the machine tool industry? Goderej: All technology changes cause concern for every industry, not just the machine tool industry. Technology change is a fact of life and things are going to get disrupted as a result of that. Just a little while ago there were hardly any smart phones, today everybody can afford one. Q: While disruptive technologies are inevitable, what are the positives that will fuel growth of this industry? Goderej: The positive trends clearly are that the life of the equipment will be made longer, which is good
from the resource point of view. You have to look at the overall economy rather than just one sector. The other concept is pay-for-use. It can change people’s behaviour. Today, many youngsters don’t want to get a driving licence because they feel ‘why should we own a car when we can pay for using a taxi.’ These types of shifts in preferences are definitely going to affect manufacturing to a large extent. Q: Will the economic changes in China benefit the Indian machine tool makers? Goderej: Yes, China is the largest economy on the basis of purchasing power. The US economy maybe much larger but you have to look at the purchasing power. China went ahead of demand and created excess capacities. An advantage for China is that it can close down the inefficient units and the old plants. In the next cycle of demand China will be in a
great position since it will largely have efficient factories to cater to it. China may be going through some pain now but it is a result of the excess of the past.The other interesting thing about China is that it is going in for acquisitions all over the world and looking at global economies, global brands and global production systems. In India also when the pain was there we made all those changes. Today industrial growth has not picked up, and if the government does not change quickly in terms of ease of doing business and remove all the regulations that are completely out of date or unnecessary, you are not going to see entrepreneurship develop. It is all very well to talk of ‘Start-up India’ but the fact of the matter is you have got to do things on the ground to change the way things are done, otherwise you will not see that benefit happening.
P Ramadas Gets 7th IMTMA - Premier Outstanding Entrepreneur Award The 7th IMTMA - Premier Outstanding Entrepreneur Award in memory of Vinod Doshi, was bestowed on P Ramadas, Vice President of IMTMA and Managing Director, ACE Manufacturing Systems. The award was conferred on him for his contribution to the growth of machine tool industry in India by developing indigenous technologies. Ramadas obtained his Engineering degree from KREC
58 | AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016
Suratkal and M Tech from IIT Chennai. He joined Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT) in 1973. He was a member of the team which designed the first NC lathe in India and bagged the first “Best Design award” at IMTEX 1979 for his design of Slant Bed CNC lathe. During his stints in HMT, Widia Tools, Kirloskar and AMS he has designed hundreds of Machine Tools, repeatedly and consistently bagging the awards for Best Design in almost every IMTEX exhibition. .
PREVIEW
Automotive Testing Expo India 2016 To Be Bigger, Better
V
APA Bureau
ehicle manufacturers throughout the world will be able to see the latest component and complete vehicle test and development technologies and services at what is shaping up to be the biggest and best automotive testing trade fair in India, TheAutomotive Testing Expo 2016. It is India’s only automotive test, evaluation and quality engineering trade show. To be held in Chennai, India, from April 20 to 22, 2016, the Automotive Testing Expo offers to the exhibitors and visitors an unrivalled opportunity to network with like-minded engineers, R&D chiefsand with close to 120 exhibitors from over 13 countries. Whether for simulation, NVH analysis, engine/ emissions testing, vehicle dynamics evaluation or materials development, the tools and expertise to assist the development programmes will be at the Chennai Trade Centre, the venue of this international exhibition.
its range of innovative testing devices for automotive cooling and heating mechanisms. A new standard in vibration testing will be set at Automotive Testing Expo India when IMV (booth 2066) debuts its high-performance A-series vibration test system. The A-series system increases the relative excitation force when compared with conventional shakers.
Product, Technology Debuts
Elsewhere on the show floor, and a must-see attraction for ECU developers, ETAS (booth 3144) will display its new desktop version of its LABCAR testing system, which enables developers to test ECU configurations in early development phases. Meanwhile, FARO Business Technologies (booth 3071) will showcase a range of industry-leading computer-aided measurement devices and software, including portable equipment that permits high-precision 3D measurement and comparison of parts and compound structures within production and quality assurance processes.
The visitors interested in dense spray evaluation technology should stop by En’Urga’s booth (2002) where company representatives will be sharing details about its latest product, the SETXvue x-ray tomography system. Designed to be the only commercial non-intrusive diagnostics tool that can explore the structure of optically dense sprays, the innovative SETXvue system provides scientists and automotive engineers with an effective tool to probe the near injector regions of GDI and diesel sprays. The research, design and manufacturing specialist, Shanghai Satake Cool-Heat and Control Technique, (booth 4102) will highlight
Other product debuts will include Intrepid Control Systems’ (booth 2026) neoVI FIRE 2, the company’s newest all-in-one CAN FD, LIN, DoIP, XCP/CCP network interface, standalone gateway, and datalogger, which includes revolutionary features not found in any of today’s vehicle network tools; and MTS Systems’ (booth 3096) SilentFlo 515 HPU family of high-performance hydraulic power generation units, which are specially designed to reduce energy waste while being up to eight percent more energy efficient than previous SilentFlo models.
Also, Pro2 Automotive Engineering (booth 4066), a supplier of professional driver services, bringing
technological understanding to OEMs for customer events and engineer development, will tell visitors about its new, Chennai-based subsidiary, Pro2 Engineering India, which offers project-based engineering support such as benchmarking, in-market testing, and subjective/objective assessment expertise and engineer training programmes.
Tech Demo Automotive Testing Expo India will feature a highly focused Technology Demonstration Area, located in the main exhibition hall. Over the course of the three days, the Technology Demonstration Area will feature highly technical presentationstyle workshops from some of the world’s leading automotive testing experts. There will be technology demonstrations covering cuttingedge testing techniques, principles and formulas. The Technology Demonstration Area is free-toattend for all visitors and is the ideal opportunity to learn and discuss the very latest and next generation automotive testing technology, tools and techniques. The demonstration topics include: Using fatigue damage spectrum for accelerated testing with correlation to end-use environment; Utilisation of combined X-ray and optical extinction tomography for planar drop size estimation in fuel injectors and urea dosers; Priorities in an Agile development environment; Understanding and using load cells and torque sensors with today’s test and data acquisition systems; and Advanced target setting for chassis development. NB: Photo from previous edition and used for representational purpose only. AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016 | 59
PREVIEW
Exhibitors From 60 Countries To Join Automechanika Dubai APA Bureau
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he maintenance service market for cars, buses and trucks in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is expected to grow six to eight percent annually to reach US$1.2 billion by 2020. Its maintenance market was valued at US$844 million in 2015, up from US$790 million in 2013, analysts Frost & Sullivan said in a report released ahead of the specialist trade exhibition, Automechanika Dubai 2016, from May 8 to 10 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. There are 670,000 vehicles plying in Abu Dhabi, of which 90 per cent are cars. Consequently the car segment – including taxis, rental cars, leasing, and private cars – is the largest contributor to the Emirate’s booming maintenance service market. “Posting a 45 per cent rise in the number of registered vehicles between 2009 and 2014, Abu Dhabi is a key market for local and international automotive aftermarket players,” Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East, organiser of Automechanika Dubai, said. “The market has a lot of room for further growth, particularly in an expanding economy, fuelled in part by tourism and infrastructure investments. “This is also reflected in the growth of Abu Dhabi trade visitors to Automechanika Dubai, which in the last three years alone has increased 33 per cent,” he said.
as figures released by Dubai Customs show the Emirate’s trade for auto parts and accessories was valued at US$12 billion in 2014, 10 percent more than in 2013. That figure includes imports of auto parts, accessories, tyres, and engine components worth US$7 billion, while exports and re-exports were worth US$5 billion, reinforcing Dubai’s premier status as a major liaison between Asian, European and North American manufacturing countries and consuming regional markets.
Core Product Groups The 14th edition of Automechanika Dubai will focus on the six core product groups of Parts and Components; Electronics and Systems, Repair and Maintenance; Tyres and Batteries; Car Wash, Care and Reconditioning; and Accessories and Customising. The annual exhibition regularly attracts some of the world’s biggest automotive aftermarket players, including Midwest Truck & Auto Parts, the USA’s largest manufacturer and distributor of aftermarket heavy-duty replacement parts. Orlando Serna, Vice-President of International Sales at Midwest Truck & Auto Parts, said the company will be looking to grow its customer base in the region with its expanded product line servicing the major Japanese brands such as Isuzu, Mitsubishi and Hino.
Automechanika Dubai is the Middle East and Africa’s largest trade and networking fair for the automotive aftermarket. The three-day event targets the growing regional demand for auto parts, services, accessories, tyres, batteries and auto components.
“Our presence is fairly new in the Middle East and African region,” Serna said. “Our goal is to bring our expertise, our commitment to quality and continual improvement to the wider region’s automotive aftermarket in the same fashion that we provide our current customers in the US and worldwide.”
The increasing global interest comes
UAE-based Central Trading Company
60 | AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016
(CTC), is a regular exhibitor at Automechanika Dubai, and will represent its entire range of more than 25 world-renowned automotive aftermarket brands this year, including the launch of its Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyre. Mohammed Aqel, General Manager of CTC, said they will also showcase No-H2O, a waterless car washing solution from Ireland that’s the only product certified for use on Airbus and Boeing commercial aircraft in addition to trucks, vehicles, boats, buses and motorcycles. “No-H2O uses no water in comparison to traditional car washes that waste an incredible amount of 132 litres of water,” said Aqel. “NoH2O is made from a scratch-free formula which emulsifies the dirt particles, leaving behind a polished finish unlike any other car wash product available.” Over 2,000 exhibitors from 60 countries will participate in Automechanika Dubai 2016. The exhibition is expected to attract more than 30,000 visitors from 134 countries. Its global appeal will be underlined by the presence of 21 country pavilions and 38 international trade associations, while 88 per cent of the exhibitors, and more than half of the visitors are expected to come from outside of the UAE. Automechanika Dubai 2016 returns with its popular Truck Competence initiative, where more than 900 exhibitors will showcase their products dedicated to the entire value chain in the truck sector, from truck parts and accessories, to workshop equipment, body repairs and care. It will also feature the popular Automechanika Academy – a series of seminars and workshops given by leading experts and prominent industry figures.
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PREVIEW
INAPA 2016 In Jakarta To Have Sectoral Shows
APA Bureau
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NAPA 2016, the 8th Indonesia International Auto Parts, Accessories and Equip Exhibition,recognised as the most influential automotive show in ASEAN and a professional show of choice for auto parts and accessories suppliers, is scheduled to take place from March 29 to April 1, 2016 at the Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo), Kemayoran, Jakarta,Indonesia. Being organised by PT Global Expo Management Indonesia (PT GEM Indonesia), it will be the largest international trade show for automotive industry in ASEAN. The exhibition will put up bigger and better quality as Indonesia’s unparallel one-stop for the automotive aftermarket in 2016. The event will have five concurrent and independent expositions: Tyre & Rubber Indonesia, INABIKE, IIBT, Con-Mine and Forklift Indonesia. Like last year, INAPA 2016 also will be presented in conjunction with IIBT 2016, INABIKE 2016, Tyre & Rubber Indonesia 2016 and INAFASTENER 2016. INAPA 2015, during the four days of the exhibition, had welcomed 1,002 companies from 19 countries and 10 International Pavilions (Indonesia, China, Korea, Taiwan, India, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Japan and Turkey) across the different sectors of the show with visitors from over 28 countries. “Not that the entire show is concentrated on the automotive industry alone; we have decided to have every section reflect the name 62 | AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016
it stands for”, Baki Lee, Director, PT Gem Indonesia, said. “Organising shows within show is primarily to enable visitors to choose and spend more time at the booths of their choice as they would want to meet the target suppliers”, he said.
Large Market Indonesia is the third largest consumer of motor vehicles in the developing countries after China and India. With over 20 million cars and 50 million scooters it is the major market in the ASEAN region. Vehicle growth is considered as a vital component of industrial development in Indonesia. The country is the production base of several global automotive companies and the entry point to the ASEAN market. It is also the centre of global trade exhibitions and conferences. INAPA has been having about 20 percent CAGR since its start. About half of the segments that participate in the show grow by 50 percent. Every edition brings in some change in the product portfolio. The show has dedicated sections for bi-cycles, auto components, tyres and other related parts.
Opportunity For India There were 11 companies from India in the expo last year. They included India Transport Portal, Luthra Industrial Corporation, Superking Manufacturer, Supra Industries and Synthesis Winding Technologies. China had the largest contingent
with more than 290 companies while the host country Indonesia had 125 exhibitors. According to Lee the Indian participation was less mainly because “the focus of Indian companies are OEMs and getting into this segment in Indonesia is difficult due to the large presence of Japanese manufacturers. I know it is difficult for the OEM segment as Indonesia has only a few vehicle manufacturers”. Indonesia has about 300 auto components manufacturing companies. Over 80 percent of them are Japanese. Indonesia has a population of about 240 million. Though Thailand’s population is less, the vehicle production volumes are higher. For a consumption level of about 60 percent in Indonesia, Thailand has thrice the numbers of component manufacturers. The aftermarket is huge in Indonesia and India can make better use of it. PT Gem Indonesia is keen to promote its brand in India by associating with its partner companies and the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA). Lee said the Indian auto component manufacturers are better in quality than other mass manufacturers. Currently about 90 percent of automotive aftermarket products in Indonesia are from China. “I think Indian companies must utilise this opportunity”, he said. NB: Photos used are from INAPA 2015.
GLEANINGS - India
World-class Automotive Test Facilities Opened At ICAT APA Bureau
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arious world-class test facilities were opened recently at the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT), at Manesar in Gurgaon district of Haryana.“I would like to congratulate ICATfor the successful installation and commissioning of the various test facilities to cater to the present and future requirements of the Indian automotive Industry”, the Union Minister forHeavy Industries and Public Enterprises,Anant G Geete, said. The Minister was inaugurating the new state of the art and modern test facilities at ICAT installed under the National Automotive Testing and R & D infrastructure Project (NATRiP) at a cost of Rs930 crorein line with the vision of the Automotive Mission Plan 2016.Natripwas approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in July 2005. ICAT was set up in 2006 and is the first of the new world- class centres under NATRiP. He said the facilities at ICAT would help the industry undertake technology development at costs much less thananywhere else in the world. “These facilities are setup by the Government to provide the essential impetus to the Indian automotive industry to drive to a position from where it will be able to cater to the ever-challenging and increasing indigenous and global demands,” the Minister said. ICAToffers an opportunity to the automotive manufacturers to develop, validate and test the products and technologies which will help address the challenges faced by the industry in terms of stringent emission norms, increasing concern regarding
the emission levels, depleting conventional energy resources and the ever- increasing customer expectations. The Government of India has recognised ICAT as one of the accredited ‘type approval and homologation’ agencies under Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR) 126. It has also been recognised by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) as Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (SIRO), by BIS for Tyre Testing and safety glasses, and by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for emission and noise testing of generator sets.
ICAT Lab Facilities ICAT as a comprehensive technical partner of the automotive industry undertakes the Homologation and Certification as per Indian regulations and testing as per various Indian and global regulations for all class of vehicles. It also takes up developmental projects and automotive R&D Projects. The new laboratory facilities at ICAT include PowertrainLaboratory, which consists of engine dynamometers, chassis dynamometers and emission analyzers with climatic simulation capabilities; Computer Aided Design/ Engineering (CAD/CAE) laboratory which has the capability for virtual design and development of systems, components of automobiles in the area of powertrain, body, chassis, fatigue, fluid dynamics, NVH, crash etc.; and Infotronics Laboratory, which is an advanced automotive electronics facility to develop, test, evaluate and validate electronic control units used in vehicles for various applications like engine management system,
chassis management (ABS, ESP etc.) systems etc.
NATRiP Spurs Modernisation The Minister said NATRiP has helped the setting up of worldclass automotive testing and R&D infrastructure in the country to deepen manufacturing, encourage localised R&D, boost exports, converge India’s unparalleled strengths in IT and electronics with automotive engineering sectors, and to place India in the$6 trillion global automotive business. NATRiP has facilitated introduction of automotive safety, emission and performance standards in the country which are at par with global standards and fast catching up with the best standards across the globe to ensure seamless integration of Indian automotive industry with the global industry.
Investment Destination India is emerging as the preferred choice of destination for automotive players across the globe. With the `Make In India’ initiative of the government, India is looked at by all the major global automotive manufacturers as the destination of future, the Union Minister said. He said that the automotive industry would change drastically due to energy and CO2 discussion, interconnection and automation. “This results in new requirements on drivetrains and transmissions with regard to efficiency, comfort, dynamics and safety, which in turn lead to a large variety of competing drive and transmission concepts and to a previously unknown wave of innovations for components and assemblies”. AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016 | 63
GLEANINGS - International
Porsche Builds Brave, New World Championship Engine APA Bureau
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or the first time, Porsche is showing images of the heart of its Le Mans-winning Porsche 919 Hybrid LMP1 race car – the combustion engine. The world championship engine with a capacity of only two litres is the most efficient combustion engine Porsche has built so far. It is highly remarkable for its compact design and it also became a trendsetter: The new four-cylinder turbo engine for the Porsche 718 Boxster picks up technology and know-how from the racing power pack. This applies, for example, to the space between the cylinders, the short stroke and the central direct fuel injection. Alexander Hitzinger, the Technical Director responsible for the 919, said: “Right from the beginning we had a brave concept, but it was also the right concept. This is paying off now.” As with every Porsche, the 919 Hybrid is being developed in Weissach at the Porsche Research and Development centre. Especially when it comes to the powertrain, Hitzinger’s crew works very closely with the engineers
from production cars. “They support us significantly in the areas of combustion development and fuelmixture generation,” he said. Despite all its affinities, the 919 fourcylinder isn’t a flat engine like the new turbo generation for the 718 Boxster, as instead it has a 90 degree V angle. The small powerhouse, with which Porsche took its 17thoverall win at the Le Mans 24 Hours last year, had over 500 hp during last season. However, for 2016 the regulations require a lower amount of energy from the fuel used per lap and have reduced the fuel flow for all the prototypes. For the Porsche race engine, this results in a loss of eight per cent of fuel and, therefore, output which now translates into a figure of less than 500 hp. Together with the electrical energy from the two recovery systems (brake energy from the front axle and exhaust energy), which serve the e-machine on the front axle, the overall power system of the Porsche 919 Hybrid is about 900 hp. The regulations for the top segment of the WEC (class 1 Le Mans prototypes, LMP1) require manufacturers to use hybrid drive systems. They also establish a direct link between the sporting performance of the prototypes and their energy efficiency. This means that a large amount of energy from recovery systems may be used. However, this entails a proportional reduction in the permitted amount of fuel
64 | AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016
per lap. The WEC gives engineers a great degree of freedom in terms of the hybrid drive concepts that may be employed. The teams can choose between diesel and petrol engines, naturally-aspirated or turbocharged engines, various cylinder displacements, and one or two energy recovery systems. This set-up puts the focus on innovations that will have a huge impact on future production sports cars – and this was actually the main reason why Porsche decided to return to the world of top level motor racing. Back in 2014, the company entered the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) with the most innovative drivetrain concept on the entire grid: A turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine to drive the rear axle, an exhaust energy recovery system, the latest lithiumion battery technology for energy storage to serve the electric motor on the front axle, and complex hybrid management. With this, Porsche set new standards in the most technically demanding motor sport world championship. In 2015, which was only the second year of competition, the Porsche Team was rewarded with successes: A one-two result at the Le Mans 24 Hours and the Manufacturers’ and Drivers’ World Endurance Championship titles. The Porsche 919 Hybrid engine will be on display at race events, exhibitions andin the Porsche Museum at StuttgartZuffenhausen.
GLEANINGS - International
Ten Companies Win 2015 Daimler Supplier Award APA Bureau
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aimler AG has honoured ten suppliers for their outstanding performance in the past financial year with the 2015 Daimler Supplier Award. In front of an audience of around 450 invited guests from the supplier industry, the coveted prizes in the categories of Quality, Partnership and Innovation were awarded at the Mercedes-Benz Branch in Stuttgart for the eighth time. Performance is measured in terms of quality, cost, delivery reliability and innovative strength. In his welcome address, Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, underscored the special importance of the close collaboration between Daimler and its suppliers: “In the digital era we need a culture that consistently promotes innovation. This is the only way we can make optimal use of the opportunities offered by digitisation. This applies in equal measure for us at Daimler as well as for the partnerships with our suppliers.” The partnership between Daimler and its suppliers is based on trust and open communication. That also includes the observance of sustainable business practices, which is intended to create incentives for suppliers to improve on a continuous basis in existing and new markets. The trophies developed by the Daimler design unit were presented by members of the Daimler Board of Management and the heads of Procurement. Professor Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler for Group Development and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development, presented the `Special Award’ to Preh
GmbH for the touch-sensitive Touch Control Buttons in the new E-Class. The following are the winners of the 2015 Daimler Supplier Award in the procurement units of Passenger Cars, Commercial Vehicles, and NonProduction Materials, under different Categories:Mercedes-Benz Cars Procurement and Supplier Quality Hyundam Ind. Co., Ltd. (Category: Quality) awarded for top manufacturing standards and excellent processes in the development and production of fuel supply modules and fuel pumps. Nominated: MA S.r.l.; GERHARDI Kunststofftechnik GmbH Albert HandtmannMetallgusswerk GmbH & Co. KG (Category: Partnership) awarded for longstanding successful collaboration in the area of die-cast components. Nominated: Webasto SE; SK Innovation Co., Ltd. Novem Car Interior Design GmbH (Category: Innovation) awarded for cooperative development of innovative trim part surfaces in the interior. Nominated: HellaKGaAHueck& Co.; HufHülsbeck&Fürst GmbH & Co. KG
Nominated: Tianrun Crankshaft Co., Ltd.; National Engineering Industries Ltd. IBIDEN Co., Ltd. (Category: Innovation) awarded as technology leader in the product and process development of state-of-the-art diesel particle filters for high-end truck applications. Nominated: Robert Bosch Automotive Steering GmbH; E-Leather Ltd International Procurement Services Gebr. Heller Maschinenfabrik GmbH (Category: Quality) awarded for supporting Daimler for further development and industrialization of the innovative Nanoslide® barrel surface, a thermal injection process which enables a significant reduction in the friction and wear between the piston assembly and the cylinder barrel in the engine. Nominated: DISPLAY INTERNATIONAL Schwendinger GmbH & Co. KG; Hakuhodo Inc. Merkley+Partners Inc. (Category: Partnership) awarded for the longstanding partnership implementation of marketing campaigns for Mercedes-Benz in den USA. Nominated: Drees & Sommer AG; IBM Corporation
Global Procurement Trucks and Buses Axalta Coating Systems (Category: Quality) awarded for supply with top quality painting materials.
KUKA Roboter GmbH (Category: Innovation) awarded for joint development of a certified standard for man-machine interactions in production.
Nominated: EgeEndüstriveTicaret A.Ş.; Banner GmbH
Nominated: Kristl, Seibt& Co. GmbH; diconium GmbH
ContiTech Mobile Fluid Systems (Category: Partnership) awarded as global and reliable partner in the supply of cables and hoses for the Heavy Duty Platform Engines Program.
Special Award Preh GmbH awarded for the innovative operating concept of touch-sensitive touch control buttons in the multifunctional steering wheel. AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016 | 65
GLEANINGS - International
SEAT, Samsung, SAP Join To Develop ‘Connected Car’ Of The Future APA Bureau
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EAT, Samsung Electronics and SAP SE have created a technological alliance to develop future projects for the connected car.SEAT and Samsung had concluded earlier an agreement on initial technology solutions that are currently featured in some SEAT models. This agreement is strengthened by including SAP, the world leader in enterprise applications, business networks and the Internet of Things (IoT). “Samsung’s partnership with SEAT and SAP signals our commitment to developing innovative solutions for the next level of the connected car,” Injong Rhee, Executive VicePresident and Head of R&D, Software and Services, Mobile Communications Business at Samsung, said. “Samsung is focused on bringing the latest cutting-edge mobile technology to the driving experience,” he said. According to the SEAT Executive Committee President, Luca de Meo, “for SEAT, connectivity is a key factor. This technological alliance with Samsung and SAP strengthens SEAT’s aim of becoming a reference in the field of connectivityand implement new mobility ecosystems business.” “Delivering a scalable and global IoT solution for the urban parking challenge requires collaboration from market innovators such as SEAT, Samsung and SAP,” Bernd Leukert, member of the Executive Board of SAP SE, Products & Innovation, said. “By leveraging standard integration through SAP Vehicles Network (SVN) and SAP HANA Cloud Platform for IoT, SEAT has access to a global parking inventory of connected ‘on-street’ and ‘offstreet’ parking, whereby user can secure payments via Samsung Pay and enjoy more seamless integration with numerous parking back-end systems,” he said.
Always Connected The aim of this alliance is to keep users safe and connected while on the road. The R&D teams of SEAT, Samsung and SAP have joined to present several future connected car concepts. These include: An app that lets a user reserve a parking spot and enables him to pay for the service without leaving the car 66 | AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016
Following the success of the Samsung Pay platform in South Korea and the US, Samsung’s simple, secure mobile payment service is expected to reach the European market shortly. In Q4 2015 SAP launched SVN in the US and Europe with Samsung Pay as a launch partner focusing vehicles-centric services such as Connected Parking and Connected Fuelling. Under this premise, SEAT, Samsung and SAP have developed a future concept that can be accessed with the SEAT ConnectApp. The plan is for this app to enable users to reserve a parking space from any location through fingerprint recognition, navigate the driver to the location and automatically raise the access gate when the car approaches. When the driver exits the carpark, payment is planned to be made directly from the app without leaving the car. This futuristic concept is the result of a joint collaboration with car park operator Saba, SVN members (such as EasyPark) and Mobile World Capital. In addition, this connected car experience also forms part of the “Mobile Ready” initiative, a showcase of innovative experiences in a real city context to highlight mobile technology benefits to citizens, industry and public institutions, supported by the Mobile World Capital Barcelona.
Digital Key Sharing SEAT and Samsung had presented an evolution of the Digital Key proposal, which was a solution for locking and unlocking the doors, turning on the air conditioning and opening and closing the windows remotely, from a smartphone or wearable. The latest innovative solution is a function that can be accessed in future in a SEAT car, whereby authorisation can be given for another person to share the car without the need to transfer possession of a key, even if both people are in different locations. The function consists of issuing a completely secure authorisation to another person to share the car by transferring a virtual copy of the car’s digital key to the other person’s smartphone or mobile device for a duplicate key at one’s fingertips.A time limit can be set on the duplicate of the digital key. When it expires, the sharing capability ends.
GLEANINGS - International
Range Rover Helps Unveil New Virgin Galactic SpaceShip Two
APA Bureau
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he Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson unveiled the Virgin Galactic’s new SpaceShipTwo at a special reveal and naming ceremony at theMojave Air and Space Port base in California, USA, with the help of a Land Rover. A Range Rover Autobiography, the pinnacle of premium SUV luxury, took centre stage at the global reveal, towing out the new SpaceShipTwo, officially christened VSS Unity, in front of the world media, special guests and a group of Virgin Galactic’s ‘Future Astronauts.’ Guests at the unveiling ceremony, including Virgin Galactic’s stakeholders, VIP guests and Future Astronaut customers, watched on as Sir Richard arrived in the Range Rover and the new SpaceShipTwo made its global debut. The event also marked the special official naming moment of the new SpaceShipTwo, with Stephen Hawking announcing the name VSS Unity via a specially recorded message. Announced in April 2014, the towout of VSS Unity by a Range Rover Autobiography marks the latest milestone in the partnership between the two pioneering brands; a partnership based on a strong British heritage and a true spirit of adventure,
but underpinned by a desire to push the boundaries of technical innovation. A fleet of Land Rover vehicles currently provides valuable support for the Virgin Galactic team at its base in Mojave, and will be an important part of its commercial operations for future astronauts at Spaceport America in New Mexico Stephen Attenborough, Commercial Director at Virgin Galactic said, “Since our partnership began in April 2014, Land Rover has become an integral part of the team’s day to day operating environment in Mojave. Therefore it was fitting that the Range Rover Autobiography took a role in today’s events as our new SpaceShipTwo, Unity, made its global debut. We’re looking forward to more collaboration across the business including STEM programmes as well as engineering, design and product initiatives.” Mark Cameron, Global Brand Experience Director at Land Rover, said: “This is a significant milestone for Virgin Galactic, and we are proud to be part of it. Helping the team unveil the new SpaceShipTwo not only reflects our supporting role in the Virgin Galactic programme, but it was also an impressive display of the Range Rover’s towing capability. But
we have partnered with Virgin Galactic for many more reasons than simply providing and promoting a fantastic range of SUVs. We share the same long-term vision to invest in innovative design and technology to help us go further and achieve more. Not simply to enable mankind to explore, but to develop this partnership to inspire others. From our tens of thousands of employees and customers to schools and colleges, motivating more young people to pursue careers in engineering, science and technology - and explore new ways of travelling for future generations. This is a very special match of brands based around a shared vision.” Both Land Rover and Virgin Galactic run significant and highly regarded community relations and STEM education programmes, which encourage young people to aspire to a future in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The year 2015 marked the 21st anniversary of the Range Rover Autobiography, the pinnacle of the Range Rover model line-up. Across two decades Autobiography has denoted the ultimate combination of Land Rover design, capability and luxury, adapting with changing customer tastes and preferences to remain a benchmark in the premium SUV market. AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016 | 67
GLEANINGS - International
GKN Showcases New Electric Torque Vectoring Technology APA Bureau
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KN Automotive is showcasing to automakers the ‘eTwinster’ technology, part of a range of new hybrid electric technologies, at its Wintertest facility proving ground in Arjeplog, Northern Sweden. The eTwinster is a plug-in hybrid
module that makes it simpler for vehicle platforms to offer electric all-wheel drive and torque vectoring. The driveline combines eAxle technologies proven in the Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine, Porsche 918 Spyder and BMW i8 plug-in hybrids
and the twin-clutch torque vectoring technology that features in the Ford Focus RS and Range Rover Evoque. Vehicle dynamics experts are testdriving the technology in a premium SUV prototype. In the vehicle, a 60kW, 240Nm electric motor drives an electric axle with a transmission ratio of 1:10. A dual-clutch Twinster system then vectors the resulting 2,400Nm of torque between the rear wheels, significantly improving dynamic response and handling. GKN Automotive President of Technology, Peter Moelgg, said: “GKN is the industry leader in eAxle technology with all our core eAxle and torque vectoring technologies now in production and proven expertise in integrating complete driveline systems. We have been building the momentum towards electric torque vectoring for some time. We believe our prototype torque-vectoring eAxle system represents the next step forward for the industry, a production-ready way to create higher performance hybrids that are more rewarding to drive.”
By 2025, GKN forecasts that 40-50 percent of vehicles will have some level of electrification, with a greater proportion hybrids’ power delivered from the electric motor. The eTwinster could be programmed and integrated into a vehicle platform for production within the next three years. The eTwinster is part of a range of new eDrive technologies that GKN is developing to help shift the balance of power from engines to batteries in the next decade. Current mass-production vehicle platforms can only draw around 30 percent of their energy from a battery. GKN expects small, powerful, torquevectoring electric axles could deliver 60-70 percent of the power in future vehicles. GKN has a history of developing innovations that make vehicles more responsive, controllable and efficient. The company has evolved in the last five years from being the world’s largest supplier of constant velocity joints and lightweight driveshafts into a leader in intelligent hybrid and allwheel drive systems.
Nissan Motor Presents `Intelligent Parking Chair’ APA Bureau
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issan Motor Co Ltd has launched the first ‘Intelligent Parking Chair,’ a concept inspired by its intelligent park assist technology that allows drivers to easily park their vehicles using automatic steering. It is a unique chair that automatically moves to a set position. The chair includes a roller to move automatically 360 degrees paired with a system that indicates the target position. Four cameras placed on the room’s ceiling generate a bird’seye view to transmit wirelessly the chair’s position and its route to the destination. With this innovation in office technology, Japanese businessmen 68 | AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016
are now freed from the troublesome task of arranging chairs. This technology is already adopted in the X-Trail Hybrid and other Nissan vehicles. The Intelligent Parking Chair is a promotional project that materialises Nissan’s corporate vision of “enriching people’s lives through technology”. It was produced in collaboration with the award-winning creative team BIRDMAN. This concept aims at increasing knowledge around the latest technology adopted by Nissan vehicles, while showing how this is slowly changing people’s daily life. According to a company press
release, the ‘Intelligent Parking Chair’ was inspired by Nissan’s latest intelligent park assist technology. The base `Bird’s-eye view’ and `Automatic Movement’ concepts are also introduced in the Intelligent Parking Chair.
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GLEANINGS - International
Rolls-Royce, China Yuchai Joint Venture To Produce MTU Engines In China APA Bureau
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TU Friedrichshafen GmbH (MTU), a subsidiary of RollsRoyce Power Systems, and China Yuchai International Limited’s main operating subsidiary, Guangxi Yuchai Machinery Company Ltd. (GYMCL), will set up a 50:50 joint venture to produce MTU diesel engines in China. Each party will invest 75 million RMB (around 10.5 million Euro) in the joint venture to be based at GYMCL’s primary manufacturing facilities in Yulin City in Guangxi Province, south China. The joint venture is expected to begin production in 2017. It will produce MTU Series 4000 diesel engines compliant with China Tier-3 emission standards with power outputs ranging from 1400 to 3490 kW, primarily for the Chinese off-highway market, in particular for power generation and oil & gas applications.
The joint venture will open up new growth opportunities for both partners, particularly in China and Asia. It will enable better access to the Chinese market for the MTU Series 4000 diesel engines, via the extensive sales and service network operated by GYMCL. GYMCL will be able to offer its customers technologically advanced engines that have a proven record on the global market. The joint venture engines will be marketed by GYMCL and MTU Suzhou within China and by MTU and its subsidiaries exclusively outside China. From 2020, the sales
territory of GYMCL will be extended to selected countries in South East Asia such as Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia. After a ramp-up phase of three to five years, the scope of the joint venture might be extended to research and development activities as well as potentially direct sales from the joint venture to the customer.
LG, Intel To Develop 5G Telematics For Smart Cars APA Bureau
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G Electronics (LG) and Intel are collaborating to develop and pilot 5G-based telematics technology, the next generation of wireless technology for cars. LG and Intel will utilise research and development expertise and leadership from both companies to be first in the market with 5G-ready solutions. LG is among the first companies to supply telematics products that rely on LTE connectivity instead of older 2G or 3G-based networks. 5G telematics delivers data more than 33 times faster than 4G LTE with latency expected to drop to about one tenth of current speeds. Software can be updated at high speeds through OTA (Over The Air) networks while videos and other multimedia content will see faster downloads through the car’s infotainment systems. 70 | AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016
Powered by V2X (Vehicle to Everything) technology, 5G’s dramatically reduced latency is possible even when cars are travelling at high speeds. Communication from vehicle to vehicle, vehicle to infrastructure or vehicle to pedestrian through 5G can help prevent accidents for a safer driving experience.
and 29.9 percent in 2015, according to Strategy Analytics.
By bringing together its potent mobile communications technology with the insight of its vehicle components division, LG has made significant strides to solidify its telematics leadership in the smart car industry. LG is the exclusive supplier of vehicle telematics for GM’s 4G LTE OnStar telematics system which has helped LG take the top position in automotive telematics with a market share of 30.1 percent in 2013, 30.3 percent in 2014
“LG is an important vehicle component supplier for the joint research and development of 5G telematics”, Aicha Evans, Corporate Vice-President and General Manager of the Intel Communication and Devices Group, said. “We believe the combination of LG connectivity leadership and Intel expertise in connected cars, sensor fusion and distributed deep learning will deliver innovative 5G technology for the car”.
“By working closely with Intel we hope to build upon our leadership with LG’s next generation of 5G telematics products,” Kim Jin-yong, President of LG Electronics’ Vehicle Components In-Vehicle Infotainment Business Unit, said.
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GLEANINGS - International
Volvo To Launch Keyless Car APA Bureau
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or decades, drivers have been accustomed to accessing and driving cars with physical keys; but no longer. In a ground-breaking move for the automotive industry, Volvo Cars plans to offer cars without keys from 2017. Volvo customers will be offered an application for their mobile phones to replace the physical key with a digital key. The innovative Bluetooth-enabled digital key technology will offer them more flexibilityto use and share cars in entirely newways. The new Volvo app enables the digital key on the customer’s mobile phone to do everything a physical key currently does - locking or unlocking the doors or the boot and starting the engine. This new technology will also offer customers the possibility to receive more than one digital key on their app allowing them to access different Volvo cars in different locations, according to their changing mobility needs. Using the app people could potentially book and pay for a rental car anywhere in the world and have
the digital car key delivered to their phone immediately. On arrival a customer could simply locate the rental car via GPS, unlock it and drive away, avoiding those frustrating queues at airports or railway stations car rental desks.
Easy To Share Volvo Cars’ digital key means that sharing a car will become both simple and convenient. Volvo owners will be able to send their digital key to other people via their mobile phones so that they can also use the car, this may be family members, friends or co-workers in a company.
“At Volvo we are not interested in technology for the sake of technology. New technology has to make our customers’ lives easier and save them time. Mobility needs are evolving and so are our customers’ expectation to access cars in an uncomplicated way,” Henrik Green, Vice President Product Strategy & Vehicle Line Management at Volvo Cars, said. “Our innovative digital key technology has the potential to change completely how a Volvo car can be accessed and shared. Instead of lying idle in a parking lot for the entire day, cars could be used more often and efficiently by anybody the owner wishes.”
TI Automotive Acquires Millennium Industries APA Bureau
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I Automotive, a leading global supplier of advanced automotive fluid carrying and delivery systems, has acquired Millennium Industries Corporation, an Indiana-based producer of powertrain products for the automotive industry. The move strengthens TI Automotive’s current powertrain portfolio, which includes gasoline direct-injection lines and rails, diesel fuel lines and turbocharger cooling lines for passenger cars and light trucks. “Adding Millennium’s successful powertrain products, operations and technical expertise increases 72 | AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016
our ability to do what we do best – develop and manufacture technology that helps improve fuel economy and performance, while reducing emissions,” Bill Kozyra, Chairman, CEO and president, TI Automotive, said. “It expands our global reach within the rapidly growing powertrain field,” he said. “Becoming part of TI Automotive is a perfect fit for our customers and the Millennium team members, as it creates new opportunities for both the parties with a truly global powertrain supplier,” Gary Vollmar, President, Millennium Industries Corporation, said.
TI Automotive will retain the 150,000 sqft Millennium manufacturing facility in Ligonier, Indiana, together with its approximately 500 employees which will strengthen TI Automotive’s technical and manufacturing capabilities. “This is another positive step in what has been an exciting and dynamic time for TI Automotive,” Kozyra said. Global automotive manufacturers turn to TI Automotive to develop and produce industry-leading automotive fluid systems technology. With 25,000 employees the company operates from more than 125 locations in 29 countries.
GLEANINGS - International
AT&T, Audi Expand Connected Car Link APA Bureau
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T&T is continuing to bring high-speed Internet to Audi vehicles in North America as part of an expanded multi-year agreement. The integration of next-generation technology will help deliver many new features to the Audi connect system in select 2017 and 2018 models. Since 2014, AT&T has provided Audi cars with connectivity for Audi connect® and Wi-Fi. Under this new agreement, Audi will be providing next-generation technology, featuring new safety, security and infotainment features, such as remote lock and unlock, stolen vehicle locator, online roadside assistance and service requests over the AT&T network. Audi connect is a platform for infotainment and connectivity designed to enhance the enjoyment of the ride for Audi drivers and passengers. With the fastest and most convenient access to the most current navigation and real-time information and entertainment available, Audi connect offers services ranging from
picture navigation to enhanced social media and mobile app integration, and access to up to 7,000 Internet broadcast stations. The Generation-2 further brings peace of mind through emergency and roadside assistance services and the ability to access and monitor the vehicle from a compatible smartphone or smart watch app. “We are thrilled to continue our longstanding relationship with Audi and to provide next-generation technology to a number of their car models,” Chris Penrose, senior vice-president, Internet of Things, AT&T Business Solutions, said. “This technology improves the driving experience by providing a whole new suite of services to Audi customers.” They can share data among phones, tablets and their vehicles with AT&T Mobile Share Value or stand-alone plan. “Together Audi and AT&T are working to deliver the most comprehensive
suite of applications and services to the vehicle,” Pom Malhotra, General Manger, Connected Vehicles, Audi of America, said. “As we see with our homes and mobile devices, reliable and robust highspeed connectivity is a necessity for the vehicle.”
Pact With Porsche AT&T and Porsche Cars North America, Inc., are bringing highspeed Internet to select 2017 models in the US as part of a new multi-year agreement. AT&T will offer wireless connectivity on its 4G LTE network in certain 2017 Porsche Macan, Boxster and 911 models. Porsche’s Connect Plus services, powered by AT&T, are either standard or an available option on a number of models and will include a Wi-Fi hot spot, navigation, news and weather alerts and other infotainment services. Customers will be able to connect up to 5 devices to the hot spot. “Porsche’s technologies have advanced performance and spurred improved innovations within the automotive industry,” Chris Penrose said. “Our work with Porsche will continue that innovative tradition and deliver a connected experience in their cars for drivers and passengers.” Porsche customers can take advantage of Connect Plus services with a standalone plan. Existing AT&T customers can easily share data among phones, tablets and their vehicles with Mobile Share Value or purchase a separate standalone plan. The cost for connecting Porsche vehicles equipped with Connect Plus to an existing Mobile Share Value plan is a $10 access charge a month. AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016 | 73
CALENDAR
Automotive R&D Trends Hotel Hilton, Chennai 7th March 2016 Confederation of Indian Industry, Chennai +91 9840948053 E-mail:k.s.johnson@cii.in www.cii.in 86th International Motor Show, Geneva, 1 - 13 March 2016 Exhibition Center, PALEXPO, Case Postale 112, CH 1218 Le Grand-Saconnex Comité Permanent du Salon International de l’Automobile www.salon-auto.ch, Tel: + 41 22 761 11 11 The 37th Bangkok International Motor Show, Thailand, 21 March 2016 - 03 April 2016 Challenger Hall 1-3, Impact Muang Thong Thani The Thai Automotive Industry Association, Tel: +66 2 229 4310 5th Annual India Commercial Vehicle Summit Four Points by Sheraton Pune 7-8 April 2016 Noppen Communications alans@noppen.com.cn Automechanika Istanbul 7-10 April 2016 TUYAP Fair, Convention and Congress Centre, Beylikdüzü / Büyükçekmece in Istanbul, Turkey Hannover Fairs Turkey A.Ş. Tel +90 212 296 26 26 can.berki@turkey.messefrankfurt. com www.automechanika-istanbul. tr.messefrankfurt.com ExpoINA PAACE Automechanika Mexico City 13-15 April, 2016 Messe Frankfurt, Inc. Telephone +1 770.984.8016 Automotive Testing Expo 2016 India 20-22 April, 2016 UKIP Media & Events Ltd Chennai Trade Centre, Nandambakkam, Chennai, India Renata Lengui renata.lengui@ukipme.com http://www.testing-expokorea.com/ english/
74 | AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016
Secutech Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai 21-23 April 2016 Asian Business Exhibitions & Communications + 91 22-42863700 info@abec.asia www.abac.asia Lagos Motor Fair Lagos, Nigeria 28 April – 04 May 2016 Exhibitions India Group Ph:011-4279 5000 Email: amanpreets@eigroup.in www.comnetexhibitions.com Automechanika Dubai 8 – 10 May, 2016 Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Dubai Messe Frankfurt Middle East bilikozen@uae.messefrankfurt.com Telephone: +971 4 389 45 00 www.automechanikadubai.com AAITF (Auto Aftermarket and Industry Trade Fair Jakarta, Indonesia 21 – 23 May, 2016 Comnet Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd +91 11 4279 5000 Email: amanpreets@eigroup.in www.comnetexhibitions.com AAITF (Auto Aftermarket and Industry Trade Fair) Mexico City, Mexico 1 – 3 June, 2016 Comnet Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd +91 11 4279 5000 Email: amanpreets@eigroup.in www.comnetexhibitions.com Automechanika Birmingham 7 - 9 June, 2016 NEC Birmingham, United Kingdom Forest Exhibitions Ltd info@uk.messefrankfurt.com Telephone: +44 (0) 1483 483 984 http://www.automechanikabirmingham.com Asian Machine Tool Exhibition Pragati Maidan, New Delhi 8-11 July 2016 Reed Triune Exhibitions Pvt Ltd 0124 - 477 4444 Info@triuneexhibitions.com www.reedexpo.in Truck Trailer & Tyre Expo, India, 6-8 August 2016 Codissia Trade Fair Complex, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.
Media Day Marketing, www. trucktrailerntyreexpo.com Tel Phone : +919342185915/9341473494 E-mail : tttexpo@gmail.com MIMS Automechanika Moscow 22-25 August 2016 Expocentre, Moscow, Russia Marketing Director. Technical fairs. Tel + 7 495 649 87 75 ext 124 nadezhda.fomina@russia. messefrankfurt.com Moscow International Auto Show – MIAS, Russia, 24 Aug - 04 Sept 2016 Exhibition Center, Crocus Centre Association of the Russian Automakers (OAR), www.oar-info.ru, Telephone: + 7 495 620 4580 – 620 4578 Automechanika Frankfurt 13 - 17 Sep, 2016 Frankfurt am Main Messe Frankfurt GmbH, automechanika@messefrankfurt.com Telephone: +49 69 75 75-0 www.messefrankfurt.com Automechanika Buenos Aires 9 – 12 November 2016 La Rural Trade Centre, Buenos Aires, Argentina Indexport Messe Frankfurt SA Phone: +54 11 4514 1400 E-mail: automechanika@argentina. messefrankfurt.com, www. automechanika.com.ar
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Los Angeles Auto Show 2016, USA, 15 November - 27 November 2016 Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 South Figueroa Street, LOS ANGELES, CA 90015 Los Angeles Auto Show www.laautoshow.com/, Tel: +1 310 444 1850
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Auto Serve 2016, India, 18 – 20 November 2016 Chenai Trade Centre, Chennai. Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), www.cii.in Tel: +91-44-42444555
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18th Oman Motor Show Omen International Exhibition Center, Muscat, Oman 7-10 December 2016 Comnet Exhibitions Pvt LTd +91 11 4279 5000 E-mail:amanpreets@eigroup.in www.comnetexhibtions.com
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AUTO LAUGH
Of Talisman And Travel
A
frequent traveller gets a lot of pleasure and benefits from travel. In the process, he comes across many travel superstitions around
John S Powath He lives out of a suitcase. He keeps pace with the growing global footprint of Asian Business Media publications. John has a sense of humour whether engaging in business in Kuala Lumpur or Shanghai, Panama City or Akron. His anecdotal comments keep readers and executives in good humour
the world. Whether on a bike, car, train or aircraft, travel throws up many surprises and anxieties. Even the world’s most powerful leaders, like the US President Barak Obama, carry some lucky charms while travelling. The other day in an interview Obama disclosed that he used to carry a statuette of Hindu god Hanuman in his pocket along with rosary beads that Pope Francis had given him, a little Buddha gifted by a monk, a lucky metal poker chip from a bike etc. He said carrying these keepsakes remind him of all the people whom he had met along the way since he first ran for office more than a decade ago. Travelling triggers a certain amount of worry and anxiety about safety. Some people always wear the same outfit, some throw salt over their shoulders, and others keep a lucky charm as Obama does. Catholics carry rosary to keep the plane from falling out of the sky. Many Westerners are terrified of the day Friday the 13th and scrupulously avoid travelling on that day. The day phobia is not confined to Catholics or Westerners. In some Asian countries, even Tuesdays are considered bad. Let us admit all of us have some travel superstitions. In fact globe trotters have an arsenal of superstitions they pack with them every time they travel. You would have noticed that on Air China flights, there is no row 4. This is because in Chinese perception, the word for ‘four’ sounds
76 | AutoParts Asia | MARCH 2016
similar to the word ‘death’. No one wants to sit in a death row! So, many Chinese carriers go from row three to five. According to the Serbian custom, spilling water behind a person going on a trip brings them luck and ensures that everything ends happily. Italians are reluctant to start a trip on the 17th. They consider ‘17’ the most unlucky number because it means, when translated to Roman numerals, ‘I have lived’. If you’ve lived means you’re ready to die! In Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is considered good luck to pack a clove of garlic in the suitcase. This is done to ensure that you encounter no setbacks at border crossings.
Next time you set off on a journey, just think about what you do or carry, consciously or otherwise to ensure a safe journey. If you believe that protection is ‘guaranteed’ by carrying a keepsake, why should you require travel insurance at all? However, it is wise to insure against theft of expensive cars and bikes as in these days, all the high-end cars and bikes have very expensive fittings. No wonder auto parts business is thriving the world over. This will continue as the population of car- and bike-crazy guys keeps increasing daily. If they have an option between their wives and the cars or bikes, guess what they would chose ....keep guessing...
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