Driver shortage continues to be an issue made worse by the year-end holidays. Hope the new year brings in the much needed respite.
In what is deemed a decade of India, let’s start 2023 by ticking all the boxes to secure growth in the business end of the fiscal. This calls for immunity from evil forces! Be it recession, inflation, supply-chain bottlenecks, geopolitical tensions or the looming threat of another Covid wave. The IMF Chief cautioned the world that a third of the economy will be weighed down by a recession. She called it a “tougher” year with the US, EU and China economies expected to slow down. The beacon of hope for India is however the individual performance of each of the eight core industries and their sustenance on a YoY basis. The first issue of 2023 while taking this into account looks at the industry trends crucial for businesses to align with. We look at the business of fuel bowsers and how it’s graduated from High-Speed Diesel (HSD) reselling and Doorstep Diesel Delivery (DDD) to mobile EV charging backed by IoT. On the other end of the spectrum, we also visited one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of farm equipment from Hoshiarpur, Punjab to look at the latest advancements made in tractor production. It’s a must-read for those fond of manufacturing quant! You must also watch out for expert columns on why freight costs and inflation are refusing to ease; the world of hyper local delivery and technology. Driver shortage continues to be an issue made worse by the year-end holidays. Imagine a bus driver driving for 16 hours straight, and putting in the labour of periodic maintenance and unforeseen downtimes on road with no assistance. Hope the new year brings in the much needed respite.
Ashish Bhatia ashish@atashishbhatia.com a.bhatia@nextgenpublishing.net
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Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) drew attention to the concept of battery swapping as having being developed to address challenges. The policy is claimed to promote various technologies and business models that would ensure lower up front costs, minimal downtime, and lower space requirements for charging the batteries. Deemed critical for growth in penetration of electric vehicles in the country. In a
written reply to the Lok Sabha, he pointed to the policy creating a framework for greater inter operability while protecting the innovation potential of
the ecosystem. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has formed a committee under the ETD51 committee to formulate standards for the form factor, namely the size and dimensions of the battery, communication protocols, connectors, and inter operability, he informed. These standards are being developed to enable effective, efficient, reliable, safe, and customer-friendly implementation of batteryswapping infrastructure.
The Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ashwini Kumar Choubey recently referred to the updated NDC submitted to UNFCCC in August 2022 as per which India stands committed to reducing the emissions intensity of its GDP by four per cent by 2030, from the 2005 level. India has set out to achieve about 50 per cent cumulative electric power installed capacity from
non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030 with the help of the transfer of technology and low-cost international finance including from Green Climate Fund. Hailed as a step in the direction of the
long-term goal of reaching net zero by 2070, India has prepared and submitted a separate framework document titled ‘India’s Long-term Low Carbon Development Strategy’ to the secretariat of the UNFCCC in November 2022. The National Solar Mission under the NAPCC is one of the key initiatives to promote sustainable growth while addressing India’s energy security.
MoRTH formulated a multipronged strategy to address the issue of road safety based on education, engineering (both roads and vehicles), enforcement and emergency care. High priority is accorded to the identification and rectification of black spots (accident-prone spots) on NH with delegation to Regional Officers for technical approval of the detailed estimates for rectification of
identified black spots. In another initiative, the electronic Detailed Accident Report (e-DAR) project has been initiated to establish a central repository for reporting, management and analysis of road accident data across the country. All frontfacing seats in vehicles of the M1 category, manufactured on and after October 01’ 2022, be provided with three-point seat belts. Anti-Lock Braking
System (ABS) for certain classes of L [Motor vehicles with less than four wheels and including a Quadricycle], M [Motor vehicles with at least four wheels used for carrying passengers] and N [Motor vehicles with at least four wheels used for carrying goods which may also carry persons in addition to goods, subject to conditions stipulated in BIS standards] categories.
To commercialise cutting-edge technologies contributing to the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat, the Technology Development Board (TDB), a statutory body under the Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India has extended support to M/s Planys Technologies Pvt. Ltd., an IIT Madras incubated start-up based in Chennai for commercialisation of Remote Operated Vehicles
(ROVs) essential to inspection and monitoring of ports and terminals, process industry plants and civil structures. TDB has pledged to support Rs.1.5 crore out of Rs.3.6 crore of the total project cost. This deep tech start-up aims to develop cuttingedge robotics and a sophisticated AI-enabled digital analytic platform for an extensive implementation across the
The FASTag solution allows the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai to scale up its Multilevel Car Parking (MLCP). All travellers, greeters, and visitors who park their cars at the T2 terminal and arrive at
Inspection-Maintenance-Repair (IMR) industry. The company has now diversified into other potential areas of remote services and maintenance of ports, ships, refineries, and oil tankers based on new technology using Nondestructive technology. This will make the overall inspection cost-effective, safer and three times faster than traditional methods.
the airport to drop off or receive passengers or just for meetings will now have access to this upgraded parking system. For the convenience of those using the FASTag option, CSMIA has set up a dedicated lane at both the entry and exit points.
Tata Motors announced its partnership with IndusInd Bank. Under this partnership, the authorised passenger EV dealers will be offered an exclusive EV dealer financing solution. As part of this programme, IndusInd Bank will offer authorised Tata Motors passenger EV dealers additional inventory funding at competitive rates. This extra funding for inventory would go above and beyond the dealers’ ICE finance cap with a 60-75 days repayment window. Additionally, IndusInd Bank will provide
dealers with an additional limit that is available twice a year to accommodate periods of high demand. Commenting on the rollout of this finance scheme
Aasif Malbari, Chief Financial Officer, of Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd. and Director, of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd. said, “We are positive that through this tie-up, we will make EVs more accessible and the buying process, a seamless and a memorable experience for our customers.” The “Green Financing” will boost sustainability.
Tata Motors signed an MoU for the delivery of 5000 XPRES-T EVs with Everest Fleet Pvt. Ltd. The company handed over 100 cars to commemorate this feat looked upon as a transition to sustainable transportation.
Ramesh Dorairajan, Senior General Manager, Network Management and EV Sales, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicle Ltd. said, “With enhanced safety, fast charging solution, a premium interior theme, and dynamic performance at an affordable price, the XPRES-T EV has created a new benchmark in India’s EV fleet segment with a market share of more than 90 per cent.
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd (M&M) announced a Rs.10,000 crore investment in electric vehicles. Approved under the Maharashtra government’s industrial promotion scheme for electric vehicles. In its regulatory filing, the company stated that it will invest through
its subsidiary over seven-eight years time frame. This would be for the establishment of a manufacturing facility, as well as the development and production of its ‘Born Electric Vehicles’. Rajesh Jejurikar, Executive Director, of Auto and Farm Sectors, at M&M, stated,
Dandera Ventures announced the appointment of KS Johar as Director - Manufacturing. To monitor the production and manufacturing facilities, he will leverage his nearly four decades of experience across automotive manufacturing and other business functions. He previously worked as
Senior Operations and Production Leader at Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. (MSIL), where he was instrumental in assisting the company for achieving market dominance in the automobile sector through low cost, world class products. Sarth Jain, Founder of Dandera Ventures
“The Government’s focus on ease-of-doing-business and progressive policies, together with Mahindra’s investment, will act as a catalyst for Maharashtra to become India’s EV hub, attracting further Indian and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).”
said, “We are truly excited to welcome KS Johar to the Dandera family and look forward to him building a formidable and world-class manufacturing and operations infrastructure for Dandera, as we prepare to bring to market an industry-leading portfolio of commercial EVs.”
The Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT) awarded the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR) certification to EKA, for its 2.5-tonne GVM electric Light Commercial Vehicle (e-LCV). The CMVR certification was presented by K.V.R.K. Prasad, Director, Central Institute of Road Transport, to the company’s research, design, and homologation team. Giving it an early mover advantage, the company has completed all of the required functional and safety testing and approvals as prerequisites and critical steps for the company to
begin product trials and sales in the coming months. The company was expected to begin
production of the e-LCV in Pune, Maharashtra at the end of 2022.
EKA Mobility and NuPort Robotics, a Canadian autonomous trucking company, have partnered for the first deployment of Level 2 (L2) autonomy with ADAS features for an ebus in India. This enables NuPort to incorporate progressive L2 autonomy as well as Artificial Intelligence (AI) for ebuses on Indian roads. Over the next few years, the technology is expected to be deployed on 5,000 buses.
Ola Electric will enter the commercial vehicle market with the release of three and four-wheeled Electric Small Commercial Vehicles (eSCVs) as per reports. A senior Ola executive is said to have confirmed
the development and stated that the company will launch introductory products in both segments (three-wheeler and fourwheeler eSCVs) in 2023. The “sweet spot,” according to the
Ola executive, is between one and three tonnes, where it will initially focus on both segments of eSCVs that are eligible for government subsidies under the FAME II scheme.
CNH Industrial India announced the appointment of Narinder Mittal as Country Manager & Managing Director of CNH Industrial (India) Pvt. Ltd., to lead its Indian and SAARC Agriculture businesses. The appointment will be effective January 01, 2023. Mittal succeeds the veteran Raunak Varma. He joins the global construction business unit and will focus on special projects with Stefano
Pampalone, President, of Construction CNH Industrial. He
Isuzu Motors India has established its presence in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) by launching two new touch points. The first one ‘Kulwant Automobiles’ is located in Sehora, and the second ‘Midland Automobiles’ is located in Baramulla. The two are approximately 320 kms apart, covering the vast land of J&K. Both Authorised Service Centre (ASC) facilities were officially inaugurated by the company’s senior management including from Kulwant Automobiles and Midland Automobiles.
Commenting on the occasion, Capt. Shankar Srinivas, Vice President – Service & Customer Relations, External Affairs & PR said, “We are constantly ramping up our service offering across the
brings in an extensive experience, most recently as Vice President of Industrial Operations, at APAC. He joined the company in 2016 as the Executive Director of India Manufacturing Operations and was later promoted to Vice President of AMEA (Asia, Middle East, and Africa) with responsibility for Manufacturing Operations in China, India, Russia, Turkey, ANZ and Uzbekistan in 2020.
country to be closer to our customers. ‘Customer delight’ is at the core of our service operations and we work towards enhancing their experience throughout with the support of our network partners.”
Honda Power Pack Energy India Private Limited (HEID), Honda Motor Co., Ltd.’s subsidiary for battery swap service, and Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), a joint venture of Government India and the Government of Karnataka, announced the launch of Honda e: swap services at BMRCL Metro stations. HEID was established in November 2021 to begin battery swap
service in India, beginning with electric auto rickshaws. HEID’s battery swap service will allow rickshaw drivers to stop by the nearest battery stations, set up across selected cities, and swap out discharged batteries (Honda Mobile Power Pack e:) for fully charged ones. This partnership would accelerate the penetration of e-mobility in the last and fastmile connectivity and contribute to a cleaner and greener future.
HEID’s vision is to create the largest battery-swapping station network by setting up more than 70 stations in Bengaluru by July 2023. President and CMD, of Honda Power Pack Energy India, Kiyoshi Ito said, “Partnering with BMRCL in setting up the Honda e: Swap station network would provide the comfort of cleaner and greener first and last mile connectivity to metro users.”
Anjali Pandey has been designated as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Cummins Group in India. The former Vice President, Engine and Components Business, Cummins India in her new role would further the partnership with Cummins customers on their energy transition journey toward de carbonisation, positioning Cummins India as the global manufacturing hub. This is expected to strengthen the reputation of the group as a leading technology solutions provider. The appointment comes
at a time when Cummins Group in India is taking a novel approach and investing in innovative future solutions to achieve zero emissions by 2050. Commenting on the appointment, Ashwath Ram, Managing Director, Cummins India, said, “I am excited for her as she takes over as the COO for Cummins Group in India. I am grateful to have the support of an experienced leader like her to help me advance our company’s growth and de carbonisation agenda and make it real for our business, people, and communities.”
Log9 Materials has recently announced it has received Automotive Industry Standards (AIS) 156 (Rev 3, Ph 1) certification for its RapidX 8000 battery pack. It was specially designed in keeping with the requirements identified for the electric three-wheeler
segment crucial for last-mile logistics. The certification was obtained as a culmination of rigorous, safety testing conducted by the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT). Commenting on the certification, Dr Akshay Singhal, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, of Log9 Materials said, “We treat the certification as a validation of our
technology that we stay deeply invested in. And we also sincerely appreciate their efforts towards ensuring every EV on the Indian road is safe.” Notably, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Government of India, had introduced the AIS-156 standards in the aftermath of several instances of batteryrelated fire mishaps.
Apollo Tyres has inaugurated an Advanced Tyre Testing facility at its Global R&D Centre, Asia in Chennai, India. The new facility will help to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the product development cycle for passenger vehicles and two-wheeler tyres, including electric vehicle tyres. The customdesigned Flat-trac machine and Anechoic Chamber are key features of the Advanced Test facility, which will characterise the performance of tyre dynamics and acoustics. Speaking at the inauguration, Daniele Lorenzetti, Chief Technology Officer, Apollo Tyres Ltd., said “ We will be able
to fine-tune the performance of our products by simulating closely to real-world conditions using this facility. This is aligned with Apollo Tyres’ 2026 vision, of which Technology is a key pillar.” The Flat-trac machine,
which is a key component of Advanced Tyre Testing, is used to characterise handling parameters and tyre models, measuring force and moment (F&M) properties of tyres, as per the vehicle’s improved dynamics.
Volvo Trucks has added to its EV mix. The company has introduced rigid versions of its heavy electric trucks, the Volvo FH, FM, and FMX. Aimed at making it easier for transportation companies in urban and regional areas to adopt electric, the new heavy rigid trucks can be designed for
superstructures for a wide range of specialised transport assignments, including and not limited to goods distribution, refuse collection, and construction work courtesy the high degree of modularity and configuration options. Roger Alm, President of Volvo Trucks, said, “Customers can choose the
Van Hool T comes in as a successor of the popular Van Hool T8, T9, and TX generations. The new Van Hool T coach will set the tone for the Van Hool brand for the next ten years as per reports. Van Hool T is a new product line that complements the existing portfolio of luxury coaches, the EX and TDX series. The manufacturer is currently previewing the entire line of T Alicron, T Acron, and T Astron single-deckers. The new development is guided by four major themes: aerodynamics, design, comfort, and safety. To enhance safety, the company is falling back on the Shield+ safety programme supported by Mobileye. Turn assist, pedestrian collision warning, speed limitation
, traffic sign recognition, highway monitoring, and turn signal reminders are just a few of the features available. PACCAR-DAF provides engines of the Euro 6
DAF introduced an Electric Hydraulic Steering (EHS) system on 6x2 tractors and rigid vehicles with a steered pusher axle. The mechanical variant is replaced by DAF’s new EHS system. The system continuously calculates the optimal steering angle for the steered pusher axle based on speed and wheelbase, guaranteeing precise steering. The turning circle
of the tractor and rigid chassis models have been further reduced by 12 per cent. At speeds of over 45 kmph, the pusher axle is said to lock itself in the straight-ahead position, guaranteeing maximum vehicle stability. The redesigned suspension, guide and lift of the new electric-hydraulically steered pusher axle adds to the driver’s comfort as per company claims.
exact battery capacity they need for their assignments, and by not carrying more batteries onboard than needed, the payload can increase.” The new variants will go into production in the first quarter of 2023. Volvo Trucks is targeting for half of its global truck sales to be electric by 2030.
NG generation (11 and 13 litres). The Van Hool T is available with automated manual gearboxes (ZF TraXon) or automatic gearboxes (ZF EcoLife and Allison).
The new system is available for the entire new generation of DAFs. An electronicallycontrolled steering pump unit replaces the two steering arms and the auxiliary drop arm, resulting in a 30 kg weight reduction. Because of the reduced friction, the new EHS system is also claimed to enhance fuel efficiency by 0.3 per cent.
The Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) vehicle manufacturing and distribution subsidiary in Thailand, Toyota Motor Thailand Co., Ltd. (TMT), celebrated its 60th anniversary in Bangkok, Thailand. TMC President Akio Toyoda san revealed that the official launch of a few products is more than a year away. The all-new IMV 0 concept, as well as the Hilux Revo
BEV concept will form the basis. Commenting on the launch, Akio Toyoda san said, “I think BEVs
are just going to take longer to become mainstream than the media would like us to believe. And frankly, BEVs are not the only way to achieve the world’s carbon neutrality goals. Personally, I would rather pursue every option, not just one options such as emission-free synthetic fuels and hydrogen. I still believe Hydrogen is as promising a technology for our future as BEV.”
Rivian and Apex Clean Energy have announced the signing of a power purchase agreement (PPA) for 50 megawatts (MW) of electricity from Rivian’s proposed Goose Creek Wind farm in Piatt County, Illinois, Chicago. The agreement, Rivian’s first largescale procurement, supports the company’s long-term vision of enabling high-impact renewable
energy projects that reduce the company’s carbon footprint while also benefiting customers, communities, and the electrical grid. With this purchase and other renewable energy sources and on-site generation, Rivian will be able to power up to 75 per cent of its Normal, Illinois, plant operations with carbon-free energy on an hourly basis. The
PPA will also help the company meet its goal of using 100 per cent renewable energy to power its Rivian Adventure Network and Waypoints charging. This is Rivian’s first major renewable energy purchase, and it is a critical investment in Illinois, supporting homegrown jobs, economic development, tax revenues, and clean energy in the Prairie State.
The Berlin Fire Department intends to reduce CO2 emissions from its fleet by investing in electric fire fighting and rescue vehicle (eLHFs). The order includes four Revolutionary Technology (RT) models specially configured for Berlin as eLHF, which the fire
department codeveloped and realised in a multi- year innovation partnership with Rosenbauer. Following a successful 13 month trial involving three fire stations, in which 90 per cent of the nearly 1,400 deployments were “electric-only,” the Berlin fire department made its decision. During trial operation, approximately 10 metric tonnes of CO2 equivalents were saved when compared to a dieselpowered fire fighting vehicle, and savings of up to 16 metric tonnes or more of CO2 equivalents per vehicle. Goals include making Berlin carbon-neutral by 2045 at and ensuring that the state administration to which the fire departments also belong, is largely carbon-neutral by 2030.
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Toyota Innova is synonymous with comfortable and roomy road trips in the tours and travel circle. Prateek Pardeshi highlights the USPs of the one-up HyCross and its calling.
The Toyota MPVs are the flag bearers for the ferrying capacity, comfort and the legroom! They bridge the distance to luxury in the tours and travels segment with ease. Operators customise it further to make it their own. From the erstwhile bull bars to the luggage racks to the modern rooftop luggage carriers to the motor homes they’ve tried it all. The Innova is no wonder the flag bearer for Toyota Kirloskar Motors (TKM) in India. So much so, ask a driver and he will give you his own take on the series of Innova iterations (G1-G4) and how
the yesteryear Innova differs from the recent Crysta on counts that matter. This is a 17-year journey of the Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) that has left his mark and continues to evolve. It traces its roots back to the Qualis (quailty+service), essentially the ‘Kijang’ of the global market.
Launched at an ex-showroom price of Rs.18.30 lakh for the G 7S variant, the new Innova HyCross goes up to Rs.28.97 lakh for the top variant. An anticipated launch earlier this year, it had fleet operator RC Patil of Om Sai Fleet Management sit up and take notice
too. He owns 22 Innovas with two owned and 20 leased by his company. Open to upgrading for better offerings, his first impression hints at his perception of it as an aspiration. For a fleet operator, the Total Cost of Operations (TCO) holds the highest significance over superficial inclusions, unlike a retail private customer. Understandably as he has a higher running at ~ 300500 kms per day and ~9,000-15,000 kms per month. With more than one million customers like Sharma in India alone and 2.6 million around the globe since 2004, TKM hopes to have got it right with wellthought-out considerations in the HyCross.
The sixth generation MPV (HyCross) comes with a high set
of expectations as it’s a new launch after the last BSVI Crysta was rolled out in 2020. According to Hideki Mizuma, Chief Engineer, Innova, Toyota, the manufacturer considers it to be a key launch aimed at aligning with the net zero carbon emissions objectives by 2050. For net zero emission, alternative power trains are a must. The HyCross offers a mix of petrol and hybrid power trains. The hybrids have generated interest among the tour operating circles going by the first reactions. Toyota claimed, a full tank HyCross can cover 1000 kms in comparison to 600 km on the Crysta diesel variant. Commenting on the new launch, Masakazu Yoshimura, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, of Toyota Kirloskar Motor mentioned, “We are confident that the new Innova HyCross will carry forward the brand legacy and take customer delight to a new high.” For fleet operators, it is also noteworthy that the diesel Innova will continue to be sold in the coming months. If they are right away convinced, they can opt for the HyCross as a yellow plate option, and flaunt a green badge if the company introduces a pure EV variant in the future. A week prior to the India launch, Innova HyCross made its debut in the Indonesian market under the brand name ‘Innova Zenix’ hinting at commonality and global applicability.
With fuel costs amounting to the most in TCO considerations, the 21 kmpl fuel efficiency ought to live up to its expectation. In a few months, by April 2023, the OEM will also roll out the RDE-compliant HyCross which could play a key factor in sales performance over the next quarter. A crucial factor here is the price hike and high on road costs compared to cheaper alternatives. The company informed of the
Hideki Mizuma, Chief Engineer, Innova, Toyota; Masakazu Yoshimura, Managing director & Chief Executive Officer, Toyota Kirloskar Motor; late Vikram Kirloskar, Vice Chairman, Toyota Kirloskar Motor; Tadashi Asazuma, Executive Vice President, Toyota Kirloskar Motor at the HyCross launch in Mumbai.
Diesel Crysta halted on account of over bookings and one will have to see how this plays out with the operators.
wHAT’s NEw?
The HyCross doesn’t disappoint! It has the bells and whistles one expects from it. A few hints of Crysta make way into its architecture. Be it the huge grille or the headlamp cluster. A major shift is the monocoque chassis from the previous generation ladder frame architecture. With the new design language Hideki Mizuma, Chief Engineer, Innova, informed of a 200 kg weight reduction attained.
The tour operators could be impressed by the utilities like an electronic parking brake, the inclusion of a panoramic sunroof, and the 10-inch touch infotainment system on the HyCross. LED auto headlamps are also assisted with auto high beam function. No more aftermarket inclusions, perhaps!
To enhance drive ability, the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), 2.0-Litre, four-cylinder BSVI engine produces a max power
output of 183.45 hp (186 PS) mated to the Toyota Hybrid System (THS) and e-drive transmission which is claimed to offer swifter gear shifts.
The vehicle also comes with the option of a TNGA 2.0 Litre four-cylinder gasoline engine mated to a direct shift CVT in select grades delivering an output of 171.62 hp (174 PS). That it is governed by the first-in-itsclass paddle shifter will impress operators. The luxury offered is premium in class. The operators will have access to the second row equipped with electronicOttoman seats that include a calve support. For driver comfort, the front seats are ventilated, and airconditioned (dual zone, front and rear zone), and offer a retractable sunshade, electronic inner rear view mirror , and an electricassisted fifth door.
The safety features include the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) which is a bouquet of Dynamic Radar, Cruise Control, Lane Trace Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitor, and Pre-Collision System. The HyCross also complies with the
air bag mandate for the M category vehicles (up to eight seats) with six SRS air bags and offers Rear Disc Brakes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) Hill Start Assist, Auto Hold, and Antilock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBDfor additional peace of mind.
Earlier the petrol Innova had a claimed average of 10.83 kmpl in the automatic variant and 9.89 kmpl on the manual variant. While the Innova Crysta Diesel boasts of a fuel economy of 14.29 kmpl for the 2.8-litre, six-speed automatic transmission variant and 15.10 kmpl for the 2.4-litre, five-speed manual variant. (As per ARAI claims).In comparison, the new HyCross has a claimed average of 21 kmpl. In real-world conditions, it may vary but is a marked improvement over the predecessors. It could help tours and travels operators leapfrog on several counts. This will come at a price.
After the Treo, Mahindra Electric is banking on the last-mile cargo solution in Zor Grand. Deepti Thore looks at the product diversification strategy.
Mahindra Electric Mobility Ltd. (MEML) has diversified its last mile cargo delivery portfolio with the addition of the Mahindra Zor Grand. According to Suman Mishra, Chief Executive Officer at MEML, the last-mile delivery and logistics segment has witnessed a need for premium and high-quality electric vehicles to enable reliable and cost-effective cargo transportation. To meet this demand effectively, the company is banking on the Zor Grand.
“It offers a power-packed performance and enables us and our stakeholders to meet their sustainability goals,” commented
Mishra at the launch. The Zor Grand is priced at Rs.3.60 Lakh (Ex-showroom Bengaluru - Please check the updated price list*), and known to have populated the order book by over ~15,000 bookings including from institutional customers. This is courtesy a strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with sister company Mahindra Logistics Ltd. and external stakeholders like Magenta EV Solutions, MoEVing, EVnow, Yelo EV, and Zyngo. Mishra credited the strong in-house competencies in the areas of battery, motor and telematics backed by rigorous validation and experience of putting over 50,000 plus electric
three-wheelers on road. In Q2FY23 highest-ever quarterly sales of e-3Ws at 10,000 units plus were recorded. MEML is also striving to offer better after-sales service across India through over 800 touch points. The vehicle is offered with a warranty of three years or 80,000 kilometres.
At first glAnCe
Built with a strong metal body, a weatherproof design with cabin doors, the Zor Grand comes in an attractive package. It boasts of a modern design, and can be had in attractive colour options that lends it a trendy look. The three-wheeler features a three-side opening cargo tray for ease of loading and
@deeptiT9l5N
Volume m3 140 cu. ft. (dV) 170 cu. ft. (dV+) NA 170 cu. ft.
l x w x H (mm) 3425 x 1505 x 2295 3475 x 1590 x 2490 3425 x 1460 x 1755 3426 x 1590 x 1755
wheelbase (mm) 2200
Ground clearance (mm) 180
Vehicle kerb weight (kg) 580 598 492 474
Vehicle GVw (kg) 998
Cargo Tray size-inside dimensions (l x w x H) (mm) NA NA 1828 x 1397 x 278 1931 x 1563 x NA
dV box size- inside dimensions- (l x w x H) (mm) 1864 x 1444 x 1488 1904 x 1545 x 1649 NA NA
Flat bed size- Outside dimensions-( l x w x H) (mm) NA NA NA 1931 x 1563 x NA
unloading operations. The six-feet long loading tray and OE-fitted 140/170 cu. ft. delivery box enables a 506 kg payload carrying capacity for the pickup variant and 418 kg and 400 kg capacity in the DV and DV+ variants respectively aimed at making operations profitable.
teChnologiCAlly AdVAnCed
Compared to the Treo Zor, the Zor Grand offers a higher range, higher battery warranty, is bigger, has a large OE-fitted delivery box. Equipped with the cloud-based NEMO, a connected vehicle platform, the Zor Grand is claimed to offer a better endto-end fleet management and operational efficiency. It also offers geo-location and geo-fencing with a complete lowdown on the driver performance management. The vehicle is equipped with a digital instrument cluster that shows the State of Charge (SoC), range, speedometer, battery health indicator and has tell-tale lights. Fitted with an advanced 12 kW
Lithium-ion battery that can be fully charged in under four hours, it offers an instant 50 Nm torque and a 100 km range. The battery comes with a five years or 1.50 lakh kilometres warranty. MEML has attempted to make the charging experience akin to that of a mobile. The battery pack powers the dust and waterproof IP-67 rated motor and governed by Over The Air (OTA) updates. It
offers a best-in-class grade ability of 11.5 degree. As compared to the diesel vehicles Zor Grand is claimed to help operators save up to rupees six lakh over a five years period. In the portfolio, sales of the Treo touched an all-time high. With the addition of the Zor Grand, MEML has further strengthened its portfolio that now has the line up of the Treo Zor, Zor DV and Zor FB launched in 2021.
In an industry talk session, Vijay Vashist, Associate Vice President - BDM at Safexpress Pvt. Ltd. spoke to Ashish Bhatia on the logistics industry preparing for the road ahead despite no signs of freight costs and inflation easing for the sector.
Q. What is the significance of the 62nd SIAM Annual session and the industry gathering under one roof?
A. For us in the logistics sector, physicality matters a lot especially when industry issues are taken up so actively. The pandemic marred fiscal had their share of challenges and we rose to support the customers to the best of our ability. If you look at both the automotive and components manufacturing industry, we as logistics players are the backbone of this supply chain. We have partnered ACMA, for instance, for nearly a decade now. We have reached out to this large pool of which many are manufacturers and always supported them be it thick or thin.
Q. What is your assessment of the industry sentiment with the uptick after the pandemic-induced slump?
A. The pandemic brought along learnings with it and the industry is performing better than we initially anticipated.
Q. Having pioneered the out sourced logistics model, how has the logistics sector evolved in your opinion?
A. From our experience, we have out sourced
first-mile, mid-mile and last-mile logistics. We have a very asset lean model from that perspective. With nearly 10,000 people working for us of which only 2,000 are on rolls. Outsourcing is inherent in our DNA. While we don’t own a single truck in our fleet, on the warehouse front, with growth projected, yes you need warehouses for Third-Party Logistics (3PL) and then you need it for the transshipments. In that space, everyone is opening their facility. In the near term, we are going to inaugurate up to four warehouses pan India. So business is booming.
Q. How has business been impacted by government initiatives like the Gati Shakti programme and the evolving hub and spoke model?
A. After the Goods and Services Tax (GST) roll out, a lot of transparency seeped into the business. With the industry valued at rupees eight to nine lakh crore, the organised players account for Rs.10,000 to Rs.12,000 crore worth of business. This means, there is an immense opportunity waiting to be tapped when it comes to evolving businesses that have an even greater degree of transparency built into them.
Q. Your take on logistics costs of shipping
In a people-centrIc Industry lIke ours, we don’t see InflatIon easIng drastIcally. fuel, cost of human resources, on-road costs and cost of trucks for that matter are all on an upward trajectory.@atashishbhatia
components witnessing a drastic reduction of 50 per cent? Is the logistics inflation equation as whole impacting operating margins of this segment?
A. I beg to differ there. It also depends on the point-to-point consideration when calculating these costs. If you break it down to on-road logistics, and third-party logistics, it’s a small component of the supply chain. If you look at the raw material reaching the end-consumer, this would start from the point where the finished goods land at the warehouse for further distribution. There, is no cost reduction in my opinion barring the benefits that can be accumulated from scaling up operations for economies of scale to kick into operations. The impact of inflation was particularly challenging during the pandemic. Despite the pressures, we did not let go of our employees. In a people-centric industry like ours, we don’t see inflation easing drastically. Fuel, cost of human resources, on-road costs and cost of trucks for that matter are all on an upward trajectory.
Q. What is your assessment of freight costs in the domestic market?
A. Domestic freight costs are not hinting at a downward trend. The costs had shot up during the pandemic and freight costs internationally would have eased up. It is yet to have a ripple
effect on the domestic market.
Q. What is your assessment of the growth and efficiency of rail versus road freight transportation?
A. We are yet to experience the efficiencies of rail transportation as a company while we are trying to understand that model of transportation deeply. So far we haven’t come across an option where the integration is a multi- modal barrier and I feel the transparency, agility, and speed of transport are among the factors that are not native to rail transportation. For us, road transportation continues to be a major focus segment with a per centage of air freight handling included.
Q. What are the growth and challenge areas for Safexpress and the logistics industry as a whole?
A. For growth opportunities, the sky is the limit. It rests on the fact as our Chairman puts it, you can get as much business as you can handle. Trained manpower is among the biggest challenges the industry faces today. Upskilling is a key focus area. Then there are challenges relating to topography, the transition of rules therein, and the fluctuation of regional demand that often leads to our trucks having to return on long routes, unladen. The ideal scenario would be for states to consume and produce proportionately.
In 2020, Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMC) like Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (HPCL), and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL) got together and conveyed that they were not into offering home delivery of petrol and CNG to customers. Neither did they offer Doorstep Diesel Delivery (DDD). Here, the delivery to individual vehicles like two-wheelers, three-wheelers,
four-wheelers and commercial vehicles was not permitted either. DDD was however permitted for stationary equipment, machinery and heavy vehicles. They could be at specific customer sites, dedicated industrial zones, mines, construction sites and or suited to agricultural machinery etc. The point was that these vehicles could not make their way to the fuelling station and thus it presented an opportunity. With only PESCO-licensed mobile dispensers allowed to carry out
the High Speed Diesel (HSD) reselling, between the period July 01, 2019, and August 31, 2020, as per a Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas statistic, an estimated 78 TKL of HSD was delivered.
Repos Energy India Pvt. Ltd., an early mover, leveraged this. The startup founded in 2017, company set out to marry IoT and its state-of-the-art fuel bowsers built on locally procured Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) chassis. The journey that began with the first order completion
The High Speed Diesel (HSD) and Doorstep Diesel Delivery (DDD) models continue to evolve. Prateek Pardeshi looks at the Repos Energy India facility as a core building block.
(l-r) repos customers, Jalaj Gupta- business Head Commercial Vehicles at Mahindra Group; Veejay Nakra-President Automotive division & Member of Group Executive board, M&M ltd.; Chetan walunj, Co-founder, of repos Energy
project of three Repos Mobile Petrol Pumps (RMPP) for Tata Motors has today the company building on multiple chassis in different configurations. Chetan Walunj, Co-Founder, of Repos Energy said, “While the entire world is moving towards making things easily accessible by going mobile, the DDD in India has eased the way fuel was being delivered in the country. We
want to reach each and every corner of India and revolutionise the distribution of all kinds of energy in future.” To build upon this vision, the company, in 2022 also tied up with Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. under which it signed on to build fuel bowsers on ICV platforms like the Furio 7.
In a press conference, Walunj informed of the company producing three variants of
the RMPP: 3000 series on the Furio 7 platform, 4000 and 6000 series on the Furio 11. Back then (mid-2022), the base variant was priced at Rs.20 lakh going up to Rs.26 lakh for the higher variants. As per its M&M MoU, the company was to supply 50 trucks up till March 2022. The company informed Walunj then, had a cumulative order book of 3000 units (March 2022). Halfway through 2022, it is claimed to have sold up to 1500 vehicles. The order pipeline included an order of 100 trucks on Tata platforms like the Ultra. The fuel bowser unit USPs includes features like double dispensing units, a Power Take-Off (PTO) unit, smart fuel level sensors, a brake interlock mechanism, remote throttle, intelligent geo-fencing, and easy-to-use Repos App, claimed by Aditi Bhosale Walunj, Co-founder at the company. Repos was recently also named
the ‘National Startup’ in the IoT sub sector. Metering fuel apart from petrol pump dispensers was never possible, as many fleet operators experienced fuel cost discrepancies.
During our visit to the Chakan facility, work was underway on multiple fuel bowser configurations. The facility is divided into three sections: Alpha, Beta, and Gamma. At Alpha, the bodywork takes place. It is here that the inlets and outlets for the designated fuel including the tanks fabricated and made installation ready. The special purpose vehicle is also equipped with safety cones, and fire extinguishers etc owing to the nature of application. A ladder facilitates quick inspection too. The tanks are fabricated and mounted by Repos, and quality
Clockwise: Safety Equipments, fuel tank fabrication, final testing, hose pipes, and crash bar installation.
checks are performed near the welds. The testing happens in three areas of leaks, calibration and final rollout. Crash bars are installed. These are rolled into the Beta section, to carry out the installation of major aggregates such as the fuel tank, fuel pump, and fuel hoses. In the Gamma section, the fuel dispensing trial is undertaken. It is crucial for IoT controller integration, programming and automation ahead of the pre-dispatch inspection being carried out.
Given its capabilities of embedded software, the company hopes to stand out from the competition. This competition stems primarily from local fabricators and bodybuilders and new entrants like Fuel Buddy. Opined Walunj that its biggest distinguishing factor is its embedded software capabilities in addition to the bodybuilding prowess that assures a fit and
finish desired by the market. Until now Repos has worked on building these special application vehicles on various Class-B truck chassis sourced from multiple OEMs including from Ashok Leyland, VE Commercial Vehicles, BharatBenz, and SML Isuzu.
For fleet operators, the fuel accounts for the highest outflow in their cost of operations. Apart from fuel, there are no factors that are controllable. In the case of fuel, the biggest vulnerability is pilferage and adulteration. Repos customers can internally track these metric using the Repose Petroleum Datum (RPD). The company leverages three apps: Repos Energy, Repos Owner and Repos Petrol pump. Claimed to have developed these inhouse, the company requires this Datum (to hold bulk fuel) to
be supported with prerequisite infrastructure at the recipient’s end. This entails building a concrete cement base preferably, and a roof to avoid direct sunlight. At an estimated rupees four-five lakh, the company has been able to get the project off ground with units sold in east India as well as Maharashtra. As of February 2022, Repos has sold around 78 units. VRL logistics is a customer.
This is a third-generation Datum, started in 2017. The idea of launching mobile petroleum trucks started from the Datum itself. The production of Datum was later halted to start working on the fuel bowsers. At Prawaas last year, the company also showcased the ‘credit system’ through the Repos platform. With critics voicing their dissent over the entire petroleum business being deprived of data and clarity on consumption, the Repos Datum was deemed a step in the direction of introducing transparency. It can give out crucial metric like fuel consumption patterns, and assetwise consumption for example.
The company with its business model has ensured quicker TATs and faster deployment of vehicles on-road. Previously, the buyer of a fuel bowser would procure a chassis of his or her preferred OEM from an authorised dealer. The chassis would make way to the Repos facility entailing a 15-20 day period and another 30 days for the special application vehicle to be built. It entailed another 45 days for the vehicle to be delivered making it a ~ three months (95 days) cycle. It was found to lead to tangible losses like customer finances (costlier conversion compared
to a fully-built fuel bowser) For customers such as BPCL, and IOCL, today, Repos is claimed to take only three-four days to apply livery, and the vehicles can be dispatched. The government is also working on a few smaller capacity fuel browsers such as 1000-2000 litre which seem to be in great demand. At Repos, the focus is on quantity, distance and time which the algorithm takes charge of and the company charges a convenience fee for this. For lower quantities, the convenience fees are inversely proportional making them higher. The Ratan Tata backed, bootstrap company is hoping the fresh infusion of funds could be diverted to product expansion and for alternative gas businesses led by its R&D. Earlier in May 2022, Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, led a pre-series A round of funding for Repos Energy, which was followed by undisclosed investors. The newly raised funds amount to ~ Rs.560 million and are a mix of both equity and debt. The company assures a ~ 20 per cent
of gross margin, revenue sharing model and a breakeven point of 10-12 months.
After tasting success with DDD, Repos has set its sight on products dependent on mobile EV charging stations. It hopes to apply the business model to free up charging real estate with similar mobile units. The largest consumer of diesel today is the B2B segment, which consumes about 70-75 per cent of the fuel and they will eventually move, opined Walunj. Repos is also known to be working on CNG and battery swapping based solutions, which might roll out at the start of FY2023 (planned for the end of FY22). For EV, Repos has already signed MoU with Urja Biosystem Pvt. Ltd. for mobile distribution of clean EV power through second-life batteries. The official rollout is yet to take place. For CNG, the company has factored in major aggregates for mobile dispensing that include the gaskets, compressor and the dispenser itself.
In an industry talk session, Chetan Walunj, Co-Founder of Repos Energy Pvt. Ltd., shared key insights on the energy distribution trends with Prateek Pardeshi.
Q. What would be the average life span of a fuel bowser?
A. The average life span would be around 10 years for these special-purpose vehicles. After their life, refurbishment is also possible.
Q. What major challenges could new entrants encounter? Are there high entrant barriers to the business?
A. It’s not higher, but I would say it is structured. The new entrant has to be registered with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). Once he or she is registered they have to file a tender with any of the OEMs and then he or she can start the business.
Q. What is the next big development in dispensing technology?
A. In the dispensing technology, it will be all AI-ML driven. We went to a fuelling station and asked for a fill of 100-200 litres of fuel. In the days to come, the dispenser will identify your vehicle and based on predictive data calculate the amount of fuel required for the fill with the amount required to be tendered.
Q. What happens if the fuel browser itself runs out of fuel?
A. No, it cannot use that same fuel.
Q. How have you reduced pilferage and tampering in general?
A. The tampering case encountered previously was because the barrel level was based on a calculation methodology. Our system has a metering unit and a leveller, hence the inlet and outlet are controlled, and that’s the reason there
is no scope for such instances.
Q. How is Repos dealing with dead stock? How has government intervention on the subject matter helped?
A. For dead stock we have an Automatic Tank Gauge (ATG), the fuel tank can be completely emptied using patented technology. A fuel entrepreneur has to invest in infrastructure. However, in the business of selling fuel, to buy it from any of the OMCs there is no investment required and at the same time, they stand to benefit from the additional safety layer in the form of the fuel entrepreneur. When an OMC invests in a petrol pump they have to invest at least 70-80 per cent of capital up front and 20 per cent is from the dealer. So without investment, they have opened up a revenue channel.
Q. Will the drive for mobile charging units at Repos be fuelled by cleaner alternatives?
A. For future aspects, the vehicles will be greener like the CNG platforms over the near- to mediumterm horizon.
The recent BorgWarner developments are centred around emobility. These are fastpaced developments. From inaugurating new plants to bagging new orders to new acquisitions to the delivery of critical components, the company has also worked on building a robust infrastructure. In India, the company inaugurated a new plant in Thiruvallur District near Chennai. Most recently, the company at its sites celebrated the production of ten lakh Inverters at the Suzhou facility and the 1.35 crore Viper power switches at the Singapore facility. It also won the contract for the delivery of battery systems for electric commercial vehicle systems. The company secured the contract for two additional high-voltage coolant heater technology wins. The company also acquired Rhombus Energy Solutions. It then went on to build the supporting infrastructure for fastcharging stations in Italy. Such comprehensive and wide ranging efforts meant the company instilled
confidence in its customers. It secure the second Integrated Drive Module Award with the Hyundai Motor Company, for example.
BorgWarner inaugurated a new plant in the Thiruvallur district near Chennai, India in September 2022. The added capacity with a total expanse of 83,600 sq. ft. brings in manufacturing and assembling capabilities with additional warehouse space to cater to the order book. Planned to be near its existing facility, the new plant is expected to help increase production efficiency and further strengthen the company’s dominance in the region. “The current expansion was necessary. We needed the extra space to meet our increasing customer demand in India as a major local manufacturer,” said Pei Wang, Vice President and General Manager of Asia, BorgWarner Morse Systems . He explained that the need to have two plants in the
BorgWarner is taking a holistic approach to emobility. Ashish Bhatia checks on the latest in creating a pull for its offerings.
@atashishbhatia
same vicinity stemmed from the need to optimise logistics and improve the supply chain. At the new facility, the focus is on the assembly of BorgWarner’s high-performance engine control and Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) systems. The latter is claimed to optimise efficiency and contribute to emission reductions in the ICE range of vehicles. This is in line with the larger vision of contributing to sustainable mobility. The plant besides catering to the demand from India will also be a hub for the entire Asian market. It is a step in the direction of enhancing localised sourcing and a highdegree, localised manufacturing setup crucial to building a competitive edge in the Indian market.
It’s raining milestones at BorgWarner across two production facilities. The Suzhou facility produced its 10,00,000th inverter. The Singapore facility produced its 13,500,000th Viper power switch. These milestones
are deemed to have underscored BorgWarner’s strong capabilities in innovation and production in line with the ‘Charging Forward’ strategy aimed at driving the trend of electrification in the global automotive industry. “We are proud of these milestones that our facilities have achieved. This emphasises the superior performance and premium quality that our e-drive products deliver and showcases our
employees’ teamwork and professionalism,” stated Dr Stefan Demmerle, President and General Manager, BorgWarner PowerDrive Systems. “Moving forward, we will continue to invest in innovation and development for new highvalue product technologies, optimal production processes, and satisfied customers,” he mentioned. The Singapore facility began producing small batches of the first-generation Viper power switches in 2014. The Suzhou facility has produced more than 1 million inverters since September 2017 when it rolled off its line the very first inverter. A testimony to realising economies of scale. The success is known to have instilled the confidence to launch the Suzhou Plant Phase II and expand the inverter production capacity. This capacity enhancement makes the facility BorgWarner’s secondlargest Viper production site around the globe (the Singapore site being the largest).
The inverters are said to be unique given their application of silicon carbide power switch to an 800V platform using the patented Viper dual-sided
coolingtechnology. The enhanced cooling as a result aids the power switch in the reducing the use of silicon carbide materials. The company claims, it has helped deliver improved performance and system efficiency compared to conventional silicon-based inverters. The focus is on developing inverter products featuring higher performance, reliability, and scalability with a strong value proposition.
The iDM146 integrated Drive Module (iDM) got selected by Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) to power an additional A-segment EV platform. The production is scheduled to commence in the third quarter of 2024 (Q3-2024). As per Dr
Stefan Demmerle, President and General Manager, BorgWarner PowerDrive Systems, the new business is a result of the advanced iDM technology. It makes use of an Interior Permanent Magnet (IPM) electric motor of 146mm stator outer diameter equipped with High Voltage Hairpin (HVH)
technology claimed to offer a high power density and efficiency. Suited to 400V systems, it is claimed to churn out a peak power output of 135kW, with the modular design making it possible to tweak power and torque output for custom requirements. Besides the technology, the order win can also be attributed to its prior iDM win with HMC on another A-segment electric vehicle besides a long-standing relationship shared by the two companies.
“Our partnership with the Hyundai Motor Company spans two decades, and we’re delighted to continue our relationship by supplying our latest technology for the company’s newest electrification project,” said Dr Demmerle. “Our iDM proved an ideal fit for the electric propulsion system during our first EV collaboration, and we look forward to contributing industryleading electrification solutions to assist the company in meeting its future sustainability goals,” he elaborated.
The company also bagged business with a global auto maker and one Chinese auto maker for its advanced HighVoltage Coolant Heater (HVCH)
BorgWarnerIntegrated Drive Module.technology. The 800V HVCH is said to complement the existing 400V coolant heater. It features enhanced electronics and is claimed to be a reliable design. “We are honoured to supply our innovative heater technology to these two major auto makers, further supporting our commitment to meeting the latest clean mobility trends,” averred Joe Fadool, President and General Manager, BorgWarner Emissions, Thermal and Turbo Systems. The extensive range of advanced battery and cabin heater systems is deemed critical to improving the battery-operated range as it is claimed to keep the battery temperature at an optimal level thereby offering an ideal interior climate for passenger comfort. In addition, they allow comfortable cabin temperatures to be generated in a short amount of time enabling a better driving and passenger experience. The coolant heaters feature a compact modular design with reduced packaging size and weight. By offering consistent
temperature distribution inside the battery pack and its cells, these heaters can be used for improving battery energy performance in EVs and HEVs. With high thermal power density and a fast response time due to their low thermal mass, these heaters also extend pure electric driving range as they use less power from the battery. In the HVCH, the latest Thick Film Element (TFE) technology is known to have been used. It is to deliver a high degree of flexibility in terms of the dimension and size of the heating elements. Developed to meet the demand for high-performance systems vulnerable to heating up, the
HVCH heating elements are immersed in coolant to aid an efficient heat transfer. These are suited to applications with supply voltages between 250 and 800 volts, with a power range of three to 10 kW. The new EV models equipped with the 800V and 400V HVCH can be expected to go into production by the end of 2023 and early 2024, respectively. In another significant development, BorgWarner showcased its commercial vehicle electrification portfolio at IAA Transportation 2022 in Hanover, Germany. Dr Paul Farrell, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, and Harry Husted, Chief Technology Officer drew attention to the ‘Charging Forward’ business strategy with the electric Commercial Vehicle (e-CV) innovations. The new lineup signifies the streamlining electrification of commercial vehicles. At BorgWarner, it encompasses electric propulsion including battery systems, electric motors, integrated drive modules, power electronics, and thermal management solutions. The company also showcased the high-energy flat battery system said to feature what the company refers to as a novel flat module architecture. With a less than 120 mm height, it can adapt to the underbody architectures of electrified Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) and buses. A
new modular high-voltage e-Fan system can be combined with both existing cooling fans or new customised fan designs in order to achieve the highest level of efficiency and the lowest noise output. The heavy-duty electric motor works in combination with an inverter is to provide a continuous output of 40kW between 550V and 850V to cool components such as the fuel cell, traction motor, electric brake, or the battery pack in batteryelectric or fuel-cell commercial vehicles as per company claims. It is specifically designed to offer reliable long-term operation
in extreme conditions. Medium- and Heavy-Duty Trucks (MDT) and offhighway applications are claimed to already have been made available to customers. Others are being subjected to customisations.
BorgWarner acquired Rhombus Energy Solutions of San Diego, California. The new acquisition gives the company access to Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) and Underwriters Laboratory-certified charging. The latter is known to supply the patented technology to EV OEMs, including Proterra, and charging and grid service providers. Notably, the estimated enterprise value of up to USD 185 million in this transaction is said to have been funded primarily with cash balances. While USD 130 million was delivered at closing, USD 55 million could be paid in the form of contingent payments over a three-year time span. “The technology that Rhombus brings expands BorgWarner’s electric vehicle portfolio in North America and complements our existing European charging business. This transaction supports our Charging Forward strategy and strengthens our electric vehicle positioning as we look to power the entire propulsion system from the grid to wheels,” states Frédéric Lissalde, President and CEO of BorgWarner. “As a supplier to the automotive and commercial
vehicle markets, we are not only delivering innovative technology for electric drivetrains, but we are also focused on supporting certain key elements of the infrastructure for electric mobility, including charging,” he emphasised.
The company has installed the first units of a new fast-charging station. The Iperion-120 is known to have been installed by the Italian service provider Route220. The DC device is claimed to benefit both users and operators alike with its fast-charge options, and ease of use. It is claimed to be compatible, versatile and offer longevity. “We are very pleased to see our fast-charging solution in operation,” said Davide Girelli, Vice President and General Manager, BorgWarner Morse Systems. The DC fast-charger, Iperion-120, is equipped for various applications to meet the different demands of charging station operators, transport companies, and other utilities. It is capable of charging one car very quickly at 120 kW or charging two vehicles in parallel at a peak power of 60 kW each with high efficiency levels and optimal load management. It boasts of an output voltage up to 900V and can charge 800V BEVs. It can also double up for power requirements of next generation of batteries. Compliant with standard European charging protocols it brings in standardisation on different types of vehicles and plug configurations. The company assures an average life span of 10-years on the charging station with withstanding capabilities of temperatures between (-) 30-50-degrees Celsius and up to 4,000 m altitude. It also offers a low TCO.
One of the largest tractor plant is in Hoshiyarpur, Punjab. Sumesh Soman visited the Sonalika Tractors shopfloor to get a sense of the new manufacturing advancements and operational peaks.
Sonalika brand of International Tractors Ltd. (ITL) in the month of October 2022 clocked a delivery of 20,000 tractors which was its highest-ever wholesale dispatch. It also marked 16 per cent sales growth on a Y-O-Y basis compared to a seven per cent growth in Total Industry Volume (TIV) for the same period. Raman Mittal, Joint Managing Director, Sonalika Group, said, “We feel very proud to have attained yet another milestone last October with our
ever-highest deliveries of 20,000 that helped us register a 16 per cent billing growth more than double the established seven per
cent industry growth.” “Such a performance is extraordinary for us as we planned for a target and we achieved it 100 per cent. Every team member across verticals put their best foot forward for an extraordinary drive until the very last day,” he expressed. The plant that the company has in Hoshiyarpur is instrumental in achieving such benchmarks on a recurring basis.
At the 125-acre plant, the shopfloor account for 14 acres alone. The visit to the shopfloor helped ascertained the scale
of operations. It is capable of producing 750 tractors on a daily basis. That translates to pushing out one tractor every two minutes in a three-shift cycle if one were to take into consideration an eight-hour production shift. That amounts to 22,500 tractors monthly and an estimated 2.7-3 lakh tractors annually. Inaugurated in 2017 at the hands of Punjab Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh, Mittal drew attention to the scale of operations and has brought in much cheer in the crucial, last festive season. “Our strategies and business realignment initiatives have resulted in a magnificent festive season for us in FY23. We shall continue to launch new exciting products that will exponentially increase farmer productivity and income for years to come.”
The manufacturing facility produces key components like the crankcase, transmission case, clutch housing, brake housing, and axle housings to name a few. The machinery used to test and build these components are again
a healthy mix of both domestic and imported equipment from companies like Mazak, DMG Mori, BFW Machines, and Jyoti. Sonalika ITL, according to Mittal, enjoys a 25 per cent export market share which translates to every fourth tractor exported being a Sonalika. The company recently recorded a sale of one lakh tractors in a time span of eight months helping it set an internal best record. This includes a vivid 11.2 per cent YTD growth recorded during Apr-Nov’22 higher than the industry average of 8.8 per cent on a YTD basis. Not a one-off, Sonalika ITL has been clocking one lakh tractor sales for the last six years now, from FY2018-23. Mittal attributed the feat and consistency to a deep market understanding and an impeccable farmer connection.
“From aiming for 50,000 tractor sales at one time to clocking one lakh tractor sales consistently for the last six years, it is a testimony of us delivering on our promises,” he asserted.
In September 2022, the plant attained a benchmark of manufacturing 15,563 tractors which chalked another milestone in the production history of the facility. The state-of-the-art, largest tractor manufacturing plant has high levels of automation. It is integrated with robotic welding, laser cutting, gear shop and paint shop terminals that work in tandem to feed the main assembly line. The tyres and pumps are the only ancillary components known to be out sourced by the company. Everything else is claimed to be built under one roof and that is quite the feat! The company procures its tyres from tyre OEMs like MRF, BKT and Goodyear to name a few.
The components terminal of the facility is capable of pushing out 420 fenders in the eight-hour shift.
It’s the in-house facilities that allow for this distinction. For instance, the transmission line at the facility is capable of pushing out 220 transmissions in one shift, and there are three shifts in a routine day. This can be tweaked according to the supply and demand dynamics of the market. The components terminal of the facility is capable of pushing out 420 fenders in the eight-hour shift. There is a segregated facility that is responsible for manufacturing 250 numbers of plastic components
and these parts have their separate gauges to perform independent quality checks. The paint shop at the plant also benefits from automation. Robots are tasked with the paint job on the chassis; it optimises paint consumption while also reaching all the concealed crevasses on the chassis. The robot scans the model code on the chassis and detects the path of its travel while it sprays the paint. These robots are also used to load parts on machines in a bid to reduce manual
intervention and increase Turn Around Time (TAT).
Additionally, fasteners of all critical joints are torqued through multi- spindle DC tools and in turn generate the data on a common server for analysis and recording. All fluid dispensing units are centrally connected and dispense metered quantities of fluid based on the model code of tractors sensed by them. The tractors are equipped with the ‘Skysmart’ system powered by the ‘Sonalika Tiger’ application for real-time location tracking of the tractor in the field and for promptly supporting farmers in their service needs.
The quality gates at the facility generate an ‘e-travel card’ that serves as a digital dashboard for the tractor and bears crucial metadata. This ‘e-travel card’ is meant to be referred to by the field team for regular updates on the production cycle. These digital gates are further connected to monitors on the assembly line. Defects captured during any of the inspection stages or PDI are promptly relayed to these screens and tag the personnel directly accountable for instant feedback. The system is designed to
Sheet metal pressed by the pressing machinesPressed and ready fenders for assembly, workers taking a break from their shift, Automated gear manufacturing shopfloor.
generate data for defect analysis and corrective actions. It is made possible by digitally assigning and engraving a chassis number that also carries the model code of that variant along with a bar code for ready reference across the multiple assembly stages including and not limited to engine, transmission, sheet metal parts, fuel tank, rear and front
tyre assembly, radiator, steering, hydraulics, seat, headlights, and the wiring harnesses.
All the ‘in-process’ and final product test rigs, conveyors and measuring equipment generate data which can be viewed on a real-time basis, analysed and archived for future reference. Scanners installed on all the line stages make it possible to scan the model code and display the part codes among other metadata, key to fitting the components on the particular line stage for a particular variant. Back flushing (confirmation of production and consumption of related parts) is digitally done at different stages by all the production units.
In the same vein as the digital footprint across the plant, a digital manufacturing system at the plant links the skill matrix of the workforce to a biometrics attendance system. This Sonalika Production System (SPS) automatically deputes workers on various line stages based on their skills at the beginning of the shifts. It is further linked to multiple quality gates where the captured defects are directly displayed to the concerned person responsible. These quality gates detect defects and also confirm adherence to specifications as mandated by the R&D unit.
Of the opinion that the farmers are slowly but steadily,
coming around the wave of farm mechanisation as the right way forward if one were to attain higher productivity and assure oneself of a consistent income in the existing agricultural ecosystem. Mittal quipped that product upgrades today were no longer limited to the festive and it has been possible to considerably decrease the product replacement cycle as well. “We are thankful to all our customers for their trust and will make sure that we keep delivering on our commitments for farmers across the world,” he stated.
The manufacturing prowess at Sonalika ITL is backed by a strong R&D unit. It has allowed the company to offer a wide range of tractors, ranging from 20120hp with over 70 variants in the mix. The R&D at the integrated tractor facility is manned by a 300-member staff that conducts studies and helps in developing products that are both affordable and durable according to Mittal. With over 1.4 million customers and a strong footprint in over 120 countries across the globe, Sonalika is banking on its products: Tiger, Sikander, Mahabali, Chhatrapati, Maharaja and Smart Harvester to name a few. The company also has the ‘Tiger Electric’ at a price tag of rupees six lakh to help it stand out and meet the needs of evolution. To introduce a layer of transparency, Mittal pointed at the publicly available price range of its entire portfolio in an “unparalleled” move. “Farmers today are progressive and remain well informed, thanks to the rapidly growing digitalisation. Prices play a crucial role in simplifying the decision matrix for a tractor purchase but for ages, transparency on prices have remained one of the few challenges in the tractor industry.”
Logistics today is about adaption and innovation. Post-pandemic, the logistics sector has transformed. The urgency and need brought on by the pandemic have changed consumer behaviour and commerce forever. The change in variables for logistics led to the retail sector becoming more focused on hyperlocal. Due to increased isolation, the demand for hyperlocal deliveries skyrocketed and continues to grow at a massive pace. Post-pandemic, as well, as seam-less hyperlocal deliveries are the need of the hour with businesses looking to
invest in the sector to make it robust and rapid. With increased rapid delivery demand for food, personal care and even healthcare products, both large and small corporations, incumbent business owners and local vendors are shifting towards Q-commerce and E-commerce platforms further catapulting the growth of hyperlocal. This will continue to grow and shape the market at a steady pace. Here are eight trends expected to be witnessed.
VehiCle ConneCtiVity ViA hAndshAkes Hyperlocal is all about convenience and this convenience
heavily depends on optimised shipping. In hyperlocal, there are multiple modes of transportation involved. E-bikes have almost completely replaced fuel-powered two-wheelers. The EVs not only provide a cost-effective solution for logistics but also on fronts like vehicle connectivity. E-commerce is now using three-wheelers for the first mile and mid-mile. These EVs are helping companies ace the rapid inter-city movement of goods, making logistics more efficient and sustainable. These connected vehicles allow for a handshake model of delivery wherein the three-wheelers bring a majority of goods to a sorting
Rahul Mehra, Co-Founder at Roadcast talks about trends in the hyper-local delivery space for 2023.
rahul Mehra
centre or a micro warehouse and from there e-bikes complete the last-mile delivery. One bike picks a particular order from the starting point and delivers to a certain point from where the other e-bike picks it up and completes the last-mile delivery like in a relay. This is called the hand-shake delivery model. By removing bigger vehicles from the last-mile and hyperlocal equation, high cost of logistics can be removed from the picture. So using technology, logistics can bifurcate the delivery model and optimise it via connected vehicles.
People are increasingly looking for fresh produce and one-ofa-kind experiences. Hyperlocal has grown to accommodate not just nonperishable goods but also perishable commodities like groceries, meat, dairy, etc. This is possible only with the technological advancement in the logistics sector including vehicles. Logistics now has provisions for temperature and humidity monitoring among other
key metric. This is especially crucial for meat delivery and augmenting the farm-to-table concept.
Hyperlocal ensures that fresh goods are delivered to the customer. This ‘fresh’ feat is only possible with advanced technology like temperature sensing and humidity moderation to name a few.
With reduced time lines, it is also essential to keep the riders safe. For the same, tech advancements ensure that the vehicles are enhanced with tech that allows monitoring of the driver behaviour also. Installing Internet of Things (IoT) which collects data about speed, traffic rules, and even video cameras helps in ensuring that all rules are followed and that the riders are safe and sound.
STANdArdISATION OF PrOduCTS INCludING PErISHAblE PrOduCTS
Product standardisation is paramount when it comes to the growth of hyperlocal. It
is not only cost-effective but also provides customers with a carefree purchase experience. With product standardisation and logistics that support fresh goods delivery, there is a guarantee that the product upholds a preset standard for quality. This standard applies to perishable products as well like eggs, dairy and meat industry especially for ordering on Q-commerce platforms. Standardisation makes it easier for consumers to order these perishable products online and for logistics as well to follow a certain norm and include tech in vehicles that helps achieve the same like temperature monitoring etc. Meat and dairy, for instance, in the entire delivery process need to have a certain environment to stay fresh. These variables are different for different perishable goods and tech in vehicle connectivity helps in achieving the same. For hyperlocal to grow, standardisation especially for perishable items and products with a lower shelf life will provide a major incentive for growth.
Technological advancements like AI, blockchain and big data provide an impetus for retailers to hop onto the hyperlocal bandwagon. Deliveries will continue to be speedier while keeping the shopping experience warm and familiar with that of visiting neighbourhood stores. The way forward to ace hyperlocal is intelligent SaaS platforms. The coordination between, multi- point picks ups and places of delivery while acing end-to-end visibility is only possible with SaaS. The increase in Hyperlocal will be accelerated with more technological advancements in SaaS, making it more cost and time-efficient.
Brought on by the pandemic, the consumer now demands
exceptional services which include rapid and seamless deliveries as well. This increase in demand for reduced time lines calls for technology innovation, especially in the logistics and automotive sectors. Elevated by the change in consumer and supplier demands who are looking to speed up the process, technological advancements will deal with increasing the frequency of deliveries while recusing costs, bringing about technological advancements in automation, augmented reality, data collection, visibility and AI application.
Coordinating between multiple suppliers, multi- pick-up points, and various delivery streams can often lead to inefficiencies if handled incorrectly. Advancements in supply chain management and
AI-powered logistics are one of the key trends in the hyperlocal space. They are identifying and computing variables zeroing in on the most efficient shipping methods including streamlining first-mile, micro warehousing, sorting centres, and mid-mile delivery for example while minimising costs will be crucial for hyperlocal.
The commerce sector depends on connectivity and mobility. From large-scale retailers to local vendors. Everyone today has shifted online, especially with the availability of user-friendly AI interfaces for merchants and one-click online payment portals. These tools have helped even neighbourhood vendors connect directly with the customer. The consumers are looking to explore, especially the paddock-to-plate concept. This could be offered by small, medium or large companies because now enhanced route planning to plan daily deliveries, considering various variables like traffic, rider availability, time, tracking live status, and direct connectivity with the delivery executive taken care of by AI-powered logistics interfaces. This increased reach has allowed consumers to connect with these businesses and explore farm-totable brands and help them grow at an exponential pace.
Hyperlocal has truly revolutionised the commerce sector. It brings an array of products to the consumer’s doorstep at a time convenient to them. Hyperlocal has been beneficial for both established businesses and neighbourhood vendors and in the coming future, these key trends will shape the hyperlocal sector. ...........................................................
Rahul Mehra, Co-Founder at Roadcast talks about trends in the hyper-local delivery space for 2023. The assessment and views expressed by him are personal.
Auto Expo – 2023 Components is Asia’s largest automotive show jointly organised by the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).
The 2023 Auto Expo Component Show is driven by Technovation; it serves as a global hub for innovation and cutting-edge technology. The event is essential in exhibiting the most recent innovations in automotive components for cars, trucks, electric vehicles, bearings, garage equipment, and spare parts in many markets. However, due to difficulties caused by the Covid-19 epidemic, the biennial automotive expo did not take place in 2022. The expo is now prepared to resume in January 2023 after a brief hiatus.
It is anticipated that innovative and advanced technologies in the components sector, in both greener and cleaner energy-saving formats, would be unveiled at the next Auto Expo 2023 - Components. Here is the important event information you should be aware of before the Auto Expo 2023 Components begins.
Au TO E XPO 2023 - C OMPONENTS V EN u E With a strong concentration on automobiles (Auto
Expo 2023— Vehicles) and auto components (Auto Expo 2023 - Components), the Auto Expo is now held at two different locations The India Expo Mart in Greater Noida will once again serve as the location for the Auto Expo - The Motor Show. At Pragati Maidan in New Delhi, there will be an Auto Expo - Components event.
Auto Expo 2023 – Components Date and Time The Auto Expo - Components show is slated to take place from January 12 through January 15, 2023. Business visitor hours are 1000–1800 on January 12–14 and 1000–1300 on January 15, while General Public hours are 1330–1700 on January 15, 2023. Entry to the exhibition halls closes every day 30 minutes before closing time, while entry to the event venue closes one hour before closing.
Au TO E XPO 2023 – C OMPONENTS : H Ow TO GET THE r E Pragati Maidan in New Delhi has excellent access to the metro and roads. The distance between
the domestic and international airport and Pragati Maidan is 18 kilometres and 23 kilometres, respectively. There are several gates for entering Pragati Maidan, and shuttle services are free at all of the entrances. Gate #10 for direct admission is about a 5-minute walk from the Pragati Maidan Metro Station.
The automotive component industry is anticipated to introduce a wide range of innovations at the Auto Expo 2023 - Components, as well as cutting-edge technologies in automobile, truck, two-wheeler, and three-wheeler segments.
The Electric Vehicle category of the Auto Expo will also include some extremely intriguing and cutting-edge innovations. Along with the REA Pavilion, a focused pavilion has been planned for ACMA innovation, ACMA Safer Drive, Bearing, Garage Equipment, EV Components, and Start-ups. At the event, more than 800 exhibitors display the technology and services they have to offer this market.
The Auto Expo Components event has always included interactive forums as a key component. In contrast to earlier editions, a conference has been planned together with a buyer-seller meet up and matchmaking activities to maximise the event from a commercial perspective.
National pavilions are built for France, Germany, Japan, Poland, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and many others to display global technology and innovation in the automotive sector.
a W ar DS 2023
After 13 successful editions, Commercial Vehicle magazine, the voice of the Indian CV industry, is gearing up to bring you the 14th edition of awards. These awards are dedicated to the stakeholders of the commercial vehicle industry. Apollo Tyres continues to be a strong pillar of support. Like in past editions, the awards will recognise the efforts of the entire CV ecosystem. Everyone has played their part in industry’s upturn and must be credited for their significant contribution.
Celebrating the performance of OEMs and ancillary manufacturers, it is our endeavour to commemorate the operational excellence demonstrated by fleet operators and dealers too. They have played a vital role in the cyclical upturn and dealt with pressure on operating margins to counteract inflationary trends wherever possible. The Month-over-Month sequential improvement led by the M&HCVs has given a ray of hope. The industry is reaching the FY19 peak of over one million units. At
hoshang Bilimoria, founder & Mentor, next gen Publishing Pvt. ltd. satish sharma, President - APMeA, Apollo tyres ltd.
the same time, there is cautious optimism owing to global cues that include a tightening of monetary policy to combat rising inflation owing to several factors including geo-political trade dynamics. This has had a direct bearing on fuel and gas prices. The supply-chain bottlenecks led by chips shortage and the high cost of logistics domestically have added to the set of challenges. The industry will look to gain an advantage from the tailwinds helping it propel itself in the desired direction though. The glass is half full! impetus on localisation is expected to hold it in good stead with over Rs.18,500 crore committed from the auto components suppliers alone. OEMs are not holding back either from a long-term perspective.
The industry has also taken a big leap in terms of commercialising technologies queued up in the pipeline owing to the Covid-19-induced delays. Today the end consumer has the problem of plenty while making a decision and that is a good space to be in. From BEVs to gas-based options including LNG for the long haul. Marking the arrival of a technologically advanced and greener generation of higher utility and profit-oriented CVs, the CV industry is marching ahead with capex cycles easing. Covid-19
continues to hover in a more benign state with countries keeping their guard for an unforeseen eventuality.
Research Partner Associate Sponsor Supporting Partner Pantone 201C Even China with its strict ‘zero-Covid’ policy has been forced to lower its guard. The automotive industry CV Man Of The Yearhas learnt to live with uncertainty and cope better, the world over. In India, policy interventions led by the Centre continue to drive the industry dynamics. Heading into the roll out of the phase two of the Bharat Stage VI and the revisit to stringent implementation of onroad safety practices are welcome
moves. The market for used CVs and service-led business models are also contributing to the mix with both the central and state governments keen to play their part in giving shape to healthier competition.
Electric three-wheelers with higher payload carrying capacity continue to be lapped up by the e-commerce
segment that has pledged to turn their fleets greener. With new entrants thinking bigger and taking bold steps, traditional automotive players have their task cut out. There is no dearth of action.
A jury made up of experts internal and external to CV magazine will evaluate products and companies and arrive at winners for all categories except those involving fleet operators. Application forms for both fleet and non-fleet categories of awards may be found in the magazine from the December 2022 issue onwards, in print and on our website commercialvehicle.in.
You may also scan the QR code for ready access and mail it across.
It is after three whole years that we are returning to our physical format with the industry set to gather under one roof like the good old times. If the onset of Covid-19 forced us to host the awards virtually, yet successfully, for two straight years on the trot, last year paved the way for inperson meets with the respective OEMs in a welcome change. This year, we hope to return to our grand format. We expect to host a galaxy of CV OEMs, ancillary makers and fleet operators at the awards this year and back it up with a hybrid format using a digital stream. The awards will be held in February-March 2023. Watch this space for more details on the same!
Scan here to watch the highlights of the 2022 edition of the Awards as we prepare to host you again.
The evaluation process comprises the following steps:
1. All the prospective candidates or their sponsors will fill in the ‘Nomination / Application Form’
2. All the applicants will be given a self-assessment form with the required guidelines. They will carry out a self-assessment and submit it to CV / Metric.
3. Metric will study and compile all the self-assessment forms.
4. Metric will visit the top 10 applicants in each category of applicants to understand the merits of the self evaluation done by the applicants.
5. Top performers will then be decided based on their self-assessment and independent assessment carried out by Metric using the BQF model for Journey of Excellence.
British Quality Foundation (BQF) has been established by the British Government and large industrial and service organisations in the private sector. BQF has had a long and successful record of grooming over 20,000 organisations on a Journey of
Excellence. The entire process will be under the active participation of experts trained by BQF.
Metric Consultancy Ltd. (Metric) is the exclusive national partner of BQF in India. Metric is not new to the automotive sector and is regarded as a premier research, training and consultancy firm. During its own journey of excellence spanning two decades, Metric has pioneered a number of initiatives starting with first-time formal training of automotive dealers’ staff, monitoring individual dealers’ service delivery using CSI methodology, initial quality survey for two-wheelers in India, direct marketing of mopeds and scooters and professionalising the automotive aftermarket.
To be successful, organisations need to establish appropriate management systems. The Excellence Model is a practical tool to help organisations do this by measuring where they are on the path
to excellence; helping them understand the gaps, and then stimulating solutions. The Excellence Model is a non-prescriptive framework that recognises that there are many approaches to achieving sustainable excellence.
The core part of the assessment framework will be the famous RADAR approach which examines applicants’ Results, the soundness of the Approach taken to achieve the results, the rigour with which the approach is Deployed and if systematic Assessment and Review is an integral part of the management process to capture and institutionalise leanings on a continuous basis.
Organisations are evaluated, based on seven criteria. The marks allocated for each criterion are indicated in brackets against it.
Business Excellence is a nonprescriptive philosophy that recognises there are many approaches to achieving sustainable excellence. Hence the assessment framework will endeavour to ascertain if the applicant organisation holds the following fundamental beliefs which underpin all the Excellence Models.
Jammu Udhampur Highway, Jammu, India
Jammu Udhampur Highway, Jammu, India
Jammu Udhampur Highway, Jammu, India
