Aftermarket - August 2012

INDIA’S FIRST MAGAZINE FOR THE AUTOMOTIVE AFTERMARKET

52 Pages `50

Vol. 2 No. 2 August 2012

News

Bosch

Insight & Outlook

INTERVIEW

Market Forecast: Reading the tyre marks AN Ravichandran, Fenner (India) Brought to you by

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EDITORIAL Replacement Culture SERVICING a car is trickier than one can imagine. Not only is the owner grappling with issues like costs, service quality, turnaround time but there is also, at times, deficiency of trust. The latter issue arises due to the peculiarity of the car servicing market and it needs to be addressed.

A recent meeting with the head of motor insurance at a leading insurer called for some introspection. The insurance company rued the prevailing culture of replacement of parts or systems as opposed to repairing them. The clear indication is towards the tendency of the authorised service stations to push for parts replacement (and thereby push for its sale) given the restricted availability of genuine parts outside the authorised service channel for most car makers. It leads to a belief that the authorised service station is short changing the car owner by insisting on replacements when repairs could serve the purpose. There is no doubt that the situation is leading to motor insurance turning into a losing proposition for insurance companies and hence the concern. But the customer may also be losing out on choices.

The issue of restricted availability of spares is not a pressing one for commercial vehicles and two-wheelers. Most of these vehicles are serviced outside the authorised service channels even now and that will likely be the case in the future as well.

According to some industry estimates, the passenger car service market itself is anywhere close to `15,000-`20,000 crore and growing. OEM-authorised and local garages take up around equal share of the market with authorised networks having an upper hand.

Multi-brand service stations are still at a nascent stage and have yet to make their presence felt in a major way. In developed markets, multi-brand service stations are dominant. This structure provides choice to end customers as well as comfort for insurance players.

OEMs have traditionally restricted the sale of genuine parts for passenger vehicles outside their authorised service network. The issue did not attract much attention in the early part of last decade when many car makers were in the process of establishing their service networks.

Moreover, extended warranties thrown in with the sale ensured that customers returned to the authorised service stations even after the expiry of free service period.

Over the last decade, factors like growing car sales and population coupled with presence of multi-party garages and insurance players are changing the landscape. It is no more just about granting more choices to customers for car servicing and making genuine spares available more widely. It is also about fairness.

Do send us your feedback.

Comments can be sent to abhishek.parekh@network18publishing.com

AUGUST 2012 AFTERMARKET

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NEWS

CONTENTS NEWS

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10 GCPL smells `110 crore revenue in car perfumes 12 Bosch launches new range of washers 13 TVS Automobile Solutions to have pan-India presence 14 Mahindra opens First Choice service centre in Hyderabad

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COVER STORY 14 Next Level The service equipment business is heading for the next stage of its evolution with specialised products and renewed focus on aftersales service 14

Taking Stock On the eve of the first anniversary, we turn our focus on the forces shaping the aftermarket, its present status and attempt

IN CONVERSATION

to foresee the future.

32 Shingo Ikeuchi, GM, Pioneer India feels that with more organised players entering the used car sales segment, it has great potential in the Indian market INDIA’S FIRST MAGAZINE FOR THE AUTOMOTIVE AFTERMARKET

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News

Bosch

Insight & Outlook

Brought to you by

SPECIAL REPORT 17 Vision & InITIative

SPECIAL REPORT 28 Smart tech in sports bike makes green print

INTERVIEW

Market Forecast: Reading the tyre marks AN Ravichandran, Fenner (India)

Auto Monitor

Cover Design Mahesh Talkar Uttam Rane

AUGUST 2012 AFTERMARKET

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Image Courtesy: BU Bhandhari, Pune

52 Pages `50

Vol. 2 No. 2 August 2012

FOUNDER & EDITOR, NETWORK 18 Raghav Bahl PRESIDENT & EDITORIAL DIRECTOR, TV 18 Senthil Chengalvarayan EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Vishnu Mathur, Director General, SIAM Vinnie Mehta, Executive Director, ACMA SP Shah, Director General, FADA EDITORIAL TEAM Abhishek Parekh, Features Editor Nandita Rohit Kapadia, Senior Copy Editor SENIOR CORRESPONDENT Nabeel A Khan CORRESPONDENTS Bhargav TS ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR Varuna Naik SENIOR DESIGNERS Uttam Rane, Mahesh Talkar CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER Mexy Xavier PHOTOGRAPHERS Neha Mithbawkar, Senior Photographer Joshua Navalkar BUSINESS CONTROLLERS Akshata Rane, Lovey Fernandes, Surekha Karmarkar, Deepak Bhatia, Ashish Kukreti, Shwetha ME, Jayashree N, Sugandha Kulkarni, Shefali Mahant

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NEWS

GCPL smells `110 crore revenue in car perfumes Our Bureau

MUMBAI-based FMCG major, Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL) recently announced its foray into the air care category. Christened ‘aer’, the products will be available across major cities in the country.

The company estimates the current car perfumes business size at `300 crore and hopes that the segment will grow at around 40 percent annually for the next couple of years. The total market size could touch `580 crore over the next two to three years.

“We hope to have around 20 percent market share in the car perfume segment,” Executive Vice President, Marketing & Sales, GCPL, Sunil Kataria told Aftermarket.

The 20 percent market would translate into a turnover of around `110 crore.

Godrej previously sold car perfume ‘Ambi Pur’ in collaboration with Sara Lee. GCPL will also explore exporting aer production to other markets. The company claims to be already a market leader in Indonesia has little investment in product development and manufacture and major investment that is 80 percent will go into marketing. The premium segment will be the target customers. aer will be available in three variants— cool surf blue, petal crush pink and fresh lush green. These variants are a blend of sweet-scented essential oils and fragrant solvents resulting in a refreshing experience. The product is a combination of high functionality and break out aesthetics, which is bound to provide a mesmerising experience for consumers.

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Nisa Godrej, President, Human Capital & Innovation at the launch of aer, GCPL’s air care brand

Announcing the launch of aer, President Human Capital and Innovation, Godrej Group, Nisaba Godrej said, “aer is not a spelling mistake. aer is a range of designful and delightful air care products with simple, intuitive, functional delights—an experience we believe people would love.”

In the car freshener segment, aer car fresheners will be available in two formats—dashboard perfume and diffuser. Consumers can place the car perfume bottle on the dashboard or in the cupholder.

The diffuser fits easily into the car blower or AC Vent with an on and off button. This button allows consumers to adjust the fragrance according to

their individual preference. In the home care segment, aer will be available in an aerosol format. The diffuser will be priced at `225 with a trial offer, the dashboard perfume at `299 and the aerosol can at `110.

Kataria said, “aer is an outcome of intense market research, consumer insights and design led innovation. We are confident that consumers will lap up the aer experience.” aer will be launched with an extensive 360 degree communication campaign, beginning with a delightful new television commercial. In addition, aer will also be supported by an innovative digital media promotion and on ground consumer initiatives.

NEWS

BOSCH launches new range of washers Our Bureau

BANGALORE-based Bosch Power Tools has launched its high performance range of professional High Pressure Washers (HPW) in India. The complete range of professional HPWs in India targeted at the automotive, contract cleaning, construction, service and repair sectors. According to the company, the high flow rate and powerful pressure together combine in significantly reducing the water consumption when compared to the traditional beltdriven pressure washers. These tools are engineered to remove stubborn dirt and can perform in the most rugged environments.

Bosch Power Tools Professional High Pressure Washer Product Range

This is the first professional highpressure washer range introduced by Bosch. This range has been designed specifically to cater for the requirements of heavy-duty users in the toughest Indian terrain— Graeme Stokoe, Head, Business Development, OCE The company’s Vice President, Vijay Pandey said, “These tools will further strengthen our edge in India and are designed to cater to the ever growing automotive, commercial vehicle, construction, public transport, public area and service and repair industries.”

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The launch of the professional HPW range sees Bosch Lawn and Garden enter a new product category with the newly formed outdoor cleaning equipment business unit. The organised cleaning segment in India is growing at a rapid pace and stands at around `250 crore of which, the HPW segment constitutes 20 percent. Within this around 40 percent of users are estimated to be ‘Do It Yourself ’ (DIY) and remaining are professional cleaners.

Speaking about the growth and development of Bosch Lawn and Garden, Head, Business Development, OCE, Graeme Stokoe said, “This is the first professional high-pressure washer range introduced by Bosch. The emerging market growth in Asia-Pacific provides ample opportunity for this range. This range has been designed specifically to

The HPW segment constitutes 20 percent.

Within this 40 percent of users are estimated to be ‘Do It Yourself’ and 60 percent professional cater for the requirements of heavy-duty users in the toughest Indian terrain. We are continuing to expand our range and introduce more advanced products.”

Bosch plans to introduce the new products in a phased manner, which will be made available through a network of over 600 Bosch authorised dealers and channel partners across 150 cities.

The HPW range will be available across India and priced between `40,000 and `100,000.

NEWS

TVS Automobile Solutions to have pan-India presence Bhargav TS

CHENNAI-based TVS Automobile Solutions Ltd, a TVS & Sons Group company, has forayed into the eastern and western markets with an aim to have a pan-India presence by this yearend. Towards this, the company has tied up with Kolkata-based Rajgarhia group and formed a new joint venture company— TVS Rajgarhia Automobile Solutions. The JV company has been formed to expand the multi-brand car services business of TVS Automobile Solutions in Kolkata and for the other markets of West Bengal.

TVS Rajgarhia Automobile Solutions is the first company to start multi-brand car service business in the Kolkata region. Since the multi-brand car servicing is a fast growing business model in India, the JV would enable TVS Rajgarhia Automobile Solutions to undertake all repair and service works for all brands of post warranty cars with TVS Quality service at affordable cost.

With the formation of joint venture, TVS will provide the service expertise and train the people on quality service, timely delivery, procurement of quality service products, customer care activities. Rajgarhia group will manage the day-today operational activities and work in tandem with TVS in marketing campaigns to woo the customers.

President, TVS Automobile Solutions Ltd, R Srivatchan said, “We are happy to partner with Rajgarhia Group in Kolkata, which has the local connect in automobile market.

The multi-brand car servicing business of MyTVS has doubled its network in the last one year and we will continue to expand our network in other states as well. With MyTVS business expertise and Rajgarhia’s market knowledge coming together, it will be a significant game changer for aftermarket car servicing business in Kolkata region.”

Rajgarhia group has been in the business of hire purchase and vehicle finance since 1983 and has an in-depth knowledge and understanding of auto customers in the Kolkata region. It is expected that the Rajgarhia group will add value in terms of customer base and market understanding. The company is the largest private financier of Ambassador cars in Kolkata.

Director, Rajgarhia Automobile Solutions, Ashish Rajgarhia said, “It’s a great privilege to partner with a company like MyTVS for multi-brand car service business in West Bengal

R Srivatchan, President of TVS Automobile Solutions Ltd

region. Our aspiration to expand our business from vehicle financing to reach the larger segment has come true today and I am sure this will be a stepping stone of success for our business. We would strive to do well in our business under the able guidance of MyTVS experts in managing the business.”

In a bid to expand its Multi-brand car servicing business, the company has been ramping-up its service outlets aggressively to meet the growing business model and customer requirements.

TASL operates its businesses through its own and franchisee outlets. It currently has 30 outlets and about 40 franchisee outlets in Tamilnadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

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NEWS

Mahindra opens its second First Choice service centre in Hyderabad Our Bureau

IN order to strengthen its footprint in Hyderabad, Mahindra First Choice Services Ltd (MFCSL) has launched its second workshop at Chandanagar. The workshop is spread over 26,000 sq ft and boasts of a shop floor consisting of 12 bays for mechanical work and three bays in the bodyshop section, with a capacity to service 800 cars of various brands per month.

After inaugurating the new service centre, Mahindra & Mahindra’s President (Group HR & After-Market) and Member of the Group Executive Board, Rajeev Dubey said, “We are delighted to launch our second workshop in Hyderabad. As the leader in the multibrand car workshop business in India, we are constantly endeavouring to provide customers with services that would provide them with greater value and

MFCSL inaugurated its first Technical Training Centre (TTC) in Balanagar, Hyderabad. With this training centre, it aims to address the shortage of technical manpower in vehicle servicing segment by creating a trained army of multi-brand car service technicians

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Rajeev Dubey, M&M’s President (Group HR & Aftermarket) and Member of the Group Executive Board

convenience. This workshop is one step in that direction. It will function as a onestop-shop for any brand of car, which needs to be serviced or repaired. This is part of our strategy to address the aftermarket requirements of the entire category of car owners, irrespective of the brand that they own.”

In addition to the new workshop, the company also inaugurated its first Technical Training Centre (TTC), which is located at Balanagar. As car ownership increases in India, there is a shortage of trained personnel to service vehicles. With this TTC, MFCSL aims to fill this gap by creating a trained

army of multi-brand car service technicians. The centre will not only provide training but will also help technicians upgrade their skills on a regular basis to enable them to keep pace with changes in technology. As the business grows, the company will look at opening more such centres across the country.

Hyderabad has a car population of around to four lakh. MFCSL believes that the servicing needs of this population are not being met by existing players in the market and hence, this presents the company with a good opportunity for entry in this market.

NEWS

Smaller sensor for greater vision of safety systems Our Bureau

A new vision sensor has been developed

by Denso that is 50 percent smaller than the company’s existing sensor. The new sensor is used in active safety systems with Automatic High Beam (AHB) Control Systems and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) Systems. In addition, it can perform at a higher operating temperature compared to the previous model.

developed a low-processing load and high-performance algorithm, which only requires a high-temperature resistant, general-purpose microcomputer as opposed to image-processing integrated circuits (ICs), which are generally required for vision sensors for both LDW system and AHB system.

Eliminating these ICs allowed the sensor size to be reduced, which also allowed for an increase in the maximum operating temperature.

How It Works Vision sensors are mounted on the upper edge of the windshield near the rear view mirror. In addition, for the new sensor to better operate in hotter climates and regions, the company also needed to focus on increasing the sensor’s maximum operating temperature.

To resolve the two challenges, Denso

Global Launches The sensor is equipped with a full-colour camera as opposed to a monochrome camera, which allows the LDW System to detect lane lines markings in various colours around the world. This also allows the AHB Control systems to easily distinguish

Denso will make the new sensor available for a greater number of vehicle models. In an effort to realise an accident-free automotive society, it has developed and commercialised both passive and active safety technologies to protect vehicle occupants, as well as to prevent traffic accidents the tail lights of the vehicle ahead from other light sources. It is available as a factory option for the Lexus ES, which is launched in China recently, and also in North America, Russia, the Middle East, as well as other regions of the world.

The company has developed and commercialised both passive and active safety technologies to protect vehicle occupants, as well as to prevent traffic accidents.

HMIL elects Rakesh Srivastava to head sales and marketing, Arvind Saxena exits HYUNDAI MOTOR INDIA LTD (HMIL) has announced that Rakesh Srivastava Vice-PresidentNational Sales at Hyundai Motor India Ltd, will now be heading both the

Srivastava is an IIM-A alumnus and has over 24 years of experience. His past assignments include Goodlass Nerolac Paints and GTC Industries.

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Rakesh Srivastava

sales and marketing functions at HMIL. Srivastava joined the organisation in April this year from Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. He is an IIM-A alumnus and has over 24 years of experience. His past assignments include Goodlass Nerolac Paints and GTC Industries.

On the other hand, Director Marketing and Sales at Hyundai Motor India, Arvind Saxena has resigned from the company’s services, after a sevenyear stint. Prior joining HMIL, Arvind Saxena had served at Maruti Suzuki.

SPECIAL REPORT

Visi n & InITIative Bhargav TS

INDUSTRIAL Training Institutes (ITIs) are the backbone of vocational education in India providing the skilled workforce to the manufacturing sector.

However, over the years, a number of issues have developed in these ITIs including rigid training structure, inadequately trained vocational instructors, lack of modern equipment and machinery and weak linkage with the industry. These deficiencies created a mismatch between the trained manpower produced by the ITIs and the requirements of the industry. In order to reduce these gaps, Maruti Suzuki India has adopted ten ITIs across India as part of its programme to make the state-run ITI into a Centre of Excellence.

The reason for adopting the ITI was focussed on sprucing up infrastructure, curriculum enrichment, training the trainers and enhancing employability.

Maruti Suzuki India is also considering adopting another 40 state-run technical institutes to create a bespoke labour pool for its service centres and manufacturing facilities.

After adopting the technical institutions, Maruti Suzuki aims to focus on boosting the physical infrastructure in the campus, provide tools and machinery for training, modify course content to bring it in sync with industry requirements, and training faculty to update its knowledge base. Even though a specific count is hard to determine, generally placements from regular training institutes are lower than this.

The industry lobbies that have helped facilitate the adoption feel that ITIs have now improved by a great measure.

Asked about the main purpose of

adopting the ITIs, Maruti Suzuki’s Executive Director, Rajesh Uppal replied, “Industrial Training Institutes have been set up in the country to meet future requirements of skilled manpower.

It is estimated that the Indian auto industry alone may need more than 25 million skilled resources by the end of this decade. Also, it is in line with the scorching growth witnessed by the sector in recent years (CAGR of over 14 percent in the last five years), which implies more trained hands to meet the requirements of the sector at a faster pace.”

He further added that the biggest drawback in India has been aging buildings, outdated course curriculum and training methods or infrastructure available at these institutions. While the industry has been growing rapidly in terms of technology employed, modern mechanisation and production techniques for mass scale production, there has been no change in technical talent building to go hand-in-hand with the requirement and skill levels for the fast changing industrial culture and manufacturing techniques. This has not only affected the industry by leaving

a huge gap between availability and requirement of skilled manpower, it has also impacted the employability of those who have attended these institutions.

As the industry grows further and the requirement for skilled manpower increases, this issue becomes even more critical to be addressed effectively by the government and the industry together.

Centres Of Excellence Looking at the seriousness of the situation, Maruti Suzuki has adopted to bring about important changes and convert as “Centers of Excellence” (CoE) to train the young technicians to work with the latest manufacturing technologies.

Out of the ten ITIs, two are exclusively for women at Jhajjar and Gurgaon in Haryana. These ITIs are under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode.

The company is keen to develop these ITIs as CoEs. In fact, some of the earliest ones such as the one at Gurgaon and Rohtak are seen as ‘role models’ by the newer ITIs and the government. To strengthen its efforts, Maruti Suzuki has a dedicated department, which is

AUGUST 2012 AFTERMARKET

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SPECIAL REPORT

by the company’s vendor partners, dealer partners in their workshops and some also join other manufacturers.

The company’s effort is to ensure that students who pass out from here have high employability quotient.

Industrial Exposure

ITI students receive industry exposure through periodic facility visits and special mentoring sessions undertaken by employees

headed by an experienced manager or an equivalent rank officer. This dedicated team is in-charge of upgrading the ITIs under the MSIL fold, as benchmark institutions for vocational training in the country.

Other than the course curriculum prescribed by DGET(Directorate General of Employment & Training), Maruti Suzuki is imparting training to enhance the overall capability and personality of students such as computer training, english speaking course, soft skills such as—discipline, safety and how to face interviews. In addition, the students are trained in reputed Japanese management practices like 5S, 3G, and 3K. At another level, Maruti Suzuki employees share their technical know-how with students under the volunteering programme. The first model ITI was adopted in 2005-2006 at Gurgaon. The objective here was to work along with the government to improve the quality of education being imparted at the institute. The focus was also on taking the education to the next level and preparing the youth for their future professional path.

Speaking about the recently adopted ITI in Chennai, Uppal said, “The ITI situated in Ambattur near Chennai is the biggest ITI in the state. The association is only three months old. Like other ITIs

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we have set up an ambitious institute development plan. This includes looking at all infrastructures and aligning them to the latest industry needs. We have initiated training programmes for the trainers or instructors here. We will scale up our efforts in following years.”

Faculty Development Programmes As a part of faculty development programme, the company has proposed to train the staff on important “Life Skills” and “Industrial Work Culture”. Initial training covers on soft skills like attitude, communication and interpersonal relationships. The programme was organised for all the teaching and non -teaching staff of ITI in December 2011.

Asked about the investments made for this programme, Uppla said, “Instead of looking at investments, let’s look at the complete picture to gauge its importance.

For any ITI that the company adopts the company first draws an Institute Development Plan through a dedicated body. An IMC committee has been set up, which is steered by a senior member at Maruti Suzuki. All deliberations on the ITI are done through this steering committee.”

Job Opportunities After finishing the course, the students can join any company as part of their placements. They are absorbed

The company believes that after finishing the course, the students will be benefited due to the broad exposure that they get from Maruti Suzuki. While the basic curriculum remains the same, students are offered additional training on soft skills and computers. Students also receive industry exposure through periodic facility visits and mentoring sessions undertaken by employees.

Uppal commented that the admission numbers are steadily growing. In the women’s ITI Gurgaon, admissions shot up from 73 in 2008-2009 to 86 in 2009-2010. Another impact of MSIL’s initiative is visible on increased ‘pass ratio’ of the students. Most of the women attending the institute come from economically backward section and the training here helps them to be gainfully employed in industries associated with the trade.

In addition, women are also given counselling sessions by banks on easy methods of procuring funds for starting an entrepreneurial venture of their own.

Many women who get trained at ITIs are using their newly acquired skills in starting small time businesses like opening their own boutiques and beauty salons.

To penetrate the industry further, Maruti Suzuki has put in place a blueprint to quickly expand its ITIs. It has drawn an ambitious `all India’ plan to strengthen them from present ten to 50 in the next three years. The idea now is to focus on bigger ITIs like in Chennai, which will give more output in terms of skilled manpower, which it plans to achieve in the near future.

COVER STORY

The service equipment business is heading for the next stage of its evolution with specialised products and renewed focus on aftersales services.

Bhargav TS

SERVICE equipment business is raring to take the next step in its evolution. Manufacturers and suppliers are looking to differentiate themselves amidst growing competition. The key element in order to establish and grow may well be specialised products for specific needs, with promise of faster turnaround and bigger size or capacity.

“A major area for growth is likely to be diagnostic tools and equipment that reduces time for fault diagnosis and, which is accurate (therefore

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increasing productivity),” said Head, Marketing, International Tools Co, Jayachandran Menon.

The company has its manufacturing facility in Bangalore and manufactures diesel flow systems, suspension repair systems, braking systems among other systems and components besides market testing equipment for cooling systems, electrical systems, brakes & suspension systems and tools. The Bangalore-based plant is used only to manufacture and assemble the

equipment. The entire research and development of products takes place at the company’s headquarters in Leicester, UK. It currently markets diesel compression testers, power probe, cooling system testers, plastic tools and tools storage for four-wheelers. It also supplies few products for the twowheeler segment as well as caters to various other requirements of service stations across the country. Moreover, it exports its products to Europe, which

COVER STORY

The key element for any garage equipment supplier, in order to establish itself and grow, may well be specialised products for specific needs, with promise of faster turnaround and bigger size or capacity is its operation base. Some of its key customers include Snap-On, Draper, Würth and RAC.

Industry estimates suggest that service equipment segment is likely to grow by around 20 to 25 percent over the next two to three years. Bangalorebased Madhus Garage is looking to capitalise on the opportunity by introducing new concepts in repairing vehicles. There are several new concepts in repairing a crashed vehicle while maintaining high quality of repairs and maintaining productivity of the service stations leading to higher profitability.

“There may be only one out of four or five cars coming for service that require crash repair service. To address such issues, we have a speed concept, with smaller benches to remove the bumpers,

other minor body parts and even pull in case of minor dents,” said Managing Director, Madhus Garage Equipments, Ravi BM in an earlier interaction with Aftermarket. He added that the garages can have three or four smaller benches and also a larger one so that it can service four to five cars at a time. He estimates that the premium segment accounts for around 25 percent of the total industry.

Additionally, the company has also introduced a new concept on wheel alignment, with the demand for jobs to be performed at a faster pace. The new wheel aligner ‘Elite’ supplied by Hunter can do measurements in 90 seconds and

AUGUST 2012 AFTERMARKET

21

COVER STORY

Increasing emphasis on equipment quality and service reliability also comes at a cost as it is not always possible to procure the latest equipment in the country and have a ready market for it

Ravi BM, MD, Madhus Garage Equipments

finish the job in ten minutes.

The need for new concepts was felt in the light of changes and improvements in wheels and tyres such as run flat tyres, lower aspect ratio tyres, expensive alloy wheels that need special tyre changing equipments. About 20 years ago, the tyres were changed using hammers, which is redundant today. Garages were looking to upgrade to less labour intensive and safer equipment for tyre changing. Even end customers are looking for better equipment as they do not want scratches on the rims and tyres. This has lead to demand for leverless tyre changers in the market.

The key expectation for any service station is achieving higher productivity through faster turnarounds. Most OEMs are also supportive of the idea

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of having advanced equipment. “There needs to be an awareness that investing in tools will reap dividends through increased productivity and reduced operator fatigue,” said Menon.

International Tools is looking to penetrate and consolidate its presence in the southern and western parts of the country. Many garage equipment suppliers import and supply equipment based on their assessment of customer needs. The advantages of being a retailer in a developing market is far higher as the sales volumes are less while there is access to the best technologies that have been deployed elsewhere successfully.

“There is no need to reinvent the wheel. If you manufacture locally then you are struck with those products

for a few years to make it profitable.

Moreover, it is cost effective and efficient to assemble the kits locally.

Additionally, customs duty has reduced thereby facilitating imports,” said Ravi.

Increasing emphasis on equipment quality and service reliability also comes at a cost as it is not always possible to procure the latest equipment in the country and have a ready market for it.

Most imports continue to be done on a need basis. Customers for some of the latest equipment may also have an issue getting the equipment repaired.

“We are willing to invest in upgradation of equipment for high turnaround services like wheel alignment, washing lifts and air refilling, but training our existing employees on the equipment poses a challenge. Equipment makers are not always receptive when it comes to training and aftersales service,” said a multi-brand service station manager.

Service stations were already grappling with shortage of trained manpower and are now finding it even harder to retain the manpower. “People receive training and then leave for better options. It gets frustrating,” he added.

One of the major challenges for equipment suppliers is to facilitate upgradation of automobile service infrastructure in the country. Even more challenging would be to gain trust and acceptance as partners in growth.

SPECIAL REPORT

Battery major to refresh strategy in replacement market Our Bureau

EXIDE’S strategy of deeper penetration in the replacement market for commercial vehicles and tractor segment is paying off and sales grew by 14 percent in the last fiscal, accoridng to the company’s latest annual report. Among other segments, motorcycle battery sales showed significant growth, improving 27 percent in volume terms.

“To cater to the increased demand for our motorcycle customers— both in OE and aftermarket—and to consolidate our position as the world’s second largest two-wheeler battery manufacturer, we are going to start production at our new motorcycle battery manufacturing plant at Ahmednagar in Maharastra,” said Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Exide Industries, TV Ramanathan in a company statement.

The company has earmarked capital expenditure plans for the current financial year at around `270 crore. It is looking to have increased share from replacement market for higher realisation and scale. The company pointed out that the prevalent depressed conditions in the automotive OE segment have eroded the beneficial impact of the higher sales volume achieved in replacement market.

“Being a significant player in the automotive OE business, any negative swing in auto sector is a matter of concern for us. We have been able to modestly improve its overall margin levels,” said Ramanathan.

The company’s volume growth in fourwheeler battery division and the industrial batteries division was 10 percent and 19

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percent respectively for the quarter. The company’s motorcycle battery business continued better performance showing 28 percent volume growth. Price of lead continued to remain under check in the international markets during the period under review. However, the depreciation of rupee vis-a-vis dollar negated most of the advantages.

higher profitability figures are satisfactory considering the continued volatility in raw material prices and foreign exchange rates even as competition from cheaper imports from neighbouring countries continued unabated.

“The Indian market for batteries across segments is fast maturing and customers are becoming more quality rather than

The company’s turnover during the last quarter rose by 25 percent to `1,551 crore. Net profit for the quarter stood at `152 crore. The company’s turnover in the last fiscal stood at `5,107 crore and the net profit stood at `461 crore.

Ramanathan pointed out that the

price conscious. This positive trend will continue and gain momentum in future to help technology focussed companies like Exide Industries,” he added.

During the current financial year, the company’s automotive battery SBU showed a growth of 28 percent and the industrial battery SBU showed a growth of 26 per cent in value terms. The growth in value terms outstrips the growth in unit terms in all the segments, a company release pointed out.

The company’s board also approved in principle acquisition of the entire shareholding in Leadage Alloys India, a lead smelting unit, where Exide presently holds 51 percent stake. With such an acquisition, Exide would have two wholly owned smelting units for captive consumption to cater to its requirements of lead and lead alloys.

Being a significant player in the automotive OE business, any negative swing in auto sector is a matter of concern for us.

Still we have been able to modestly improve its overall margin levels— TV Ramanathan, MD & CEO, Exide Industries

IN CONVERSATION

“We are continuously expanding to meet the challenges” Fenner has chalked out a multi-pronged strategy to boost its presence across the industry. In a free-wheeling interview, President & Director, Fenner (India), AN Ravichandran speaks to Bhargav TS about his vision and future gameplan.

Bhargav TS

How long have you (Fenner) been operating in the aftermarket business in India?

We are operating for the past 40 to 50 years in India. We market both belts and oil seals, wherein belts, there are three to four verticals and in oil seals we have products for most of the applications.

What is Fenner’s strategy for products and services to the aftermarket customers in India?

The main strategy is to ensure the reach takes place and the other strategy is to ensure that there is a variety. We continuously identify the difference between SKUs within and outside our range and there are R&D engineers who are dedicated to the aftermarket. In our R&D department, we have stratified people working on each vertical— the off-highway, the automotive, the passenger car and then the aftermarket.

Therefore it is a combination of our reach and the product range.

How evolved is your distribution network in India for the aftermarket products?

We normally measure distribution by two aspects: one is called the Width and the other is Depth. Width means, ‘Do I have the products at the customer doorstep?’, while Depth means ‘How many outlets do I have in a particular place?’. This way, we measure distribution

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strength by width and depth. Probably Fenner’s network is the most evolved and have deep network of about 20,000 to 30,000 outlets from where our products are purchased, which they call as points of sale. So in the automotive aftermarket business, we have about 45 percent market share, and that is why we have the maximum market share in these products as well.

What is the key aspect for ensuring a reliable distribution network?

We have clear-cut credit terms with our distributors. We deal with a 1,000 direct distributors and in turn, they will be supplying the products through their network. We also have clear-cut credit terms and security deposits from the dealers and do not have any bad debts all.

From time to time, we conduct raids through an association like ACMA, which helps ensure that the duplicate manufacturers are properly dealt with. Also, we have developed our own designs to ensure that our finishing process is very different from the duplicates

Is counterfeiting a major issue that you are tackling?

With any auto component manufacturer, counterfeiting is an issue.

Also, we are waging a continuous war against counterfeiting. We have our own holograms, we have our own strategies.

So it is very easy for us to help the market distinguish between a genuine and counterfeit product. From time to time, we conduct raids through an association like ACMA, which helps ensure that the duplicate manufacturers are properly dealt with. In some of our engineering products we have special laser markings, which make it very difficult for anybody to copy. We have developed our own designs to ensure that our finishing process is very different from the duplicates.

What are the major challenges for growing your presence in the aftermarket segment?

One, is that you have to be competitive, thus we ensure the same from ourselves.

There was a time when replacement products were bought from counters.

Today, the way in which vehicles are services is changed. Vehicles are increasingly getting serviced from OEM vehicle dealerships. Therefore we also supply spare parts under the OEM’s brand name, thus it is a combination. We sell our own branded parts and supply spare parts to our customers. Thus it is possible for you

IN CONVERSATION

to find a Fenner belt or an oil seal— both as a Fenner branded product as well as through our Leyland brand or Tata brand, which are our OE spares. Now the challenge is how we collaborate with the OE when it comes to the aftermarket. The challenge is little less for a company like Fenner because we have a network. So it is extremely difficult for the OEM to keep carrying the parts. Therefore, there is a collaboration with traders, because they have the capability of stocking and selling and making the parts available. Some service providers may not have the capability of such as the service centre as that of the automobile manufacturer. So he buys the parts from a nearby shop and supplies them to service vehicles.

This is where Fenner and its network come in.

How do you perceive market evolution in India and what does it mean to you?

We are equally present in the automotive and non-automotive business. The non-automotive domain includes chemical, cement, sugar, steel and a range of industries.

In both, the growth rate in the country in the last two decades has been in double digits.

And this growth has faced some hiccups from the economy and it is bound to there for another decade at least. In India, it is still much lower than many other developed countries.

Absence of public transportation is continuously driving the growth of the automotive industry.

Moreover, India is also growing as an economy, which means people have the ability to own a product and that is driving the growth.

And consequently, we are also continuously expanding to meet the challenges.

AUGUST 2012 AFTERMARKET

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SPECIAL REPORT

Smart tech in sports bike makes

green print Our Bureau

UNLESS new technologies offer immense benefits in terms of ease of operation, cost of ownership and convenience for end customers, OEMs are unlikely to embrace them. Kawazaki has introduced SmartRR—the Smart Regulator Rectifier developed by the Hosur-based India Nippon Electricals Ltd (INEL)—in its sports bike KLX 125 and it now looking at introducing it in the new two-wheeler meant for Europe.

The company deployed the SmartRR in KLX 125 as it helped to save substantial costs while also accruing several nontangible benefits including improved fuel economy and longer battery life.

The Engineering Head of INEL, R Umashankar said that the company has developed SmartRR originally targeting

Kawazaki deployed the SmartRR in KLX 125 as it helped to save substantial costs while also accruing several non-tangible benefits including improved fuel economy and longer battery life. Also, INEL took the challenge to work on a regulator that will not only regulate the power but also manage by conserving energy whenever possible

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three-wheelers as the power requirement for these kinds of vehicles, especially by the headlamps, are high. Most of the three-wheelers, be it passenger or cargo version, come with twin headlamps that directly draws power from the battery, though the power is generated through permanent magnet alternators like in the case of two-wheelers.

Most of the end-users of three-wheelers replace the OE fitted battery with the one with higher ampere-hour, with a belief that the power requirements could be met without any glitch. However, this leads to increase in the amperage of battery without much benefits.

Elaborating on the technology, he said the microcontroller in the SmartRR gets information on engine speed, battery voltage and other user-defined parameters such as acceleration, and dynamically controls the load and battery charging. For example, if the vehicle is

Electrical System with “Smart RR”

idling, say in a traffic signal, the control algorithm slowly dims the headlamp so that battery discharge is contained thus saving energy. If the battery is fully charged, at low speed the generator power is diverted to the headlamp, thus improving low speed performance.

Currently there are three types of conventional regulators used by the vehicle manufacturers—full DC system, AC+DC system and AC/ DC system. The full DC system offers best performance but is expensive. The AC+DC system is comparatively less expensive but has a poor low speed performance, while the AC/DC system is cost effective, however, output at low speeds and effect of battery loading are poor (Ref chart on next page).

According to INEL’s Operations Head, Subhasis Dey, a threshold RPM is arrived depending on the application in the conventional electrical system

SPECIAL REPORT

Split Integral Unit

INEL has developed the ‘Split IU with detachable secondary winding assembly,’ addressing to reduce the cost of ownership of two-wheeler manufacturers. The major issue with the conventional ignition system is the high-voltage internal arcing, since the primary and secondary windings are in the same unit. INEL designed a system with separate primary and secondary windings, thereby eliminating the risk of internal arcing. According to the company the failure rate has been reduced up to 60 percent with this technology. Besides, the secondary coil, which breaks if at all there is a failure, can alone be replaced, eventually containing the cost of ownership for the end user.

The unique design has helped in reducing costs, consuming low energy, reducing lead time while improving durability, reliability, productivity and enhanced machine utilisation during manufacturing process.

Comparison of performance parameters

based on which, the generator develops the desired output. This is usually close to idling RPM. The lower the threshold RPM, the higher is the cost of the generator. The desired configuration in the three types of conventional systems is selected with the understanding of cost-performance compromises.

In the case of SmartRR, the threshold RPM is arrived at based on the driving cycle of the vehicle, said Umashankar.

Accordingly, the generator will develop desired output. The specialty is that the

threshold RPM is comparatively higher, which eventually reduces the cost of the generator. So one can have the cake and eat it too. Besides, the unit offers tremendous flexibility to the designer for judicial cost-performance trade-off, while optimising the system.

Kokusan Deni—INEL’s JV partner —recommended the system to Kawasaki when the vehicle manufacture wanted to develop a regulator rectifier for its new sports bike. The SmartRR helped the two-wheeler maker to manage

with single-phase permanent magnet generator against its original plan of going in for a three-phase generator, which would have escalated cost of bike further.

The company sees huge potential in the domestic market with the three-wheeler OEMs beginning to look at smart regulator rectifier. The trigger point is that the OEMs can manage with single phase or three-phase generator while reducing the size of batteries. The unit will help vehicle manufacturers to reduce the battery size in terms of amperehour, by 25 percent, while in the case of two-wheelers it will help optimise the magneto by 10 percent.

AUGUST 2012 AFTERMARKET

29

INSIGHT & OUTLOOK

OEMs to focus on addressing car owner issues Our Bureau

THE JD Power Asia Pacific 2012 India Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) conducted recently revealed that customers report a greater number of problems on long-term vehicle dependability this year, primarily due to increase in the number of problems related to the engine and driving experience. The study measures problems experienced by the owners of 30 to 42 month-old vehicles in 169 different problem symptoms across nine vehicle categories including vehicle exterior, driving experience, features, controls

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and displays, audio and entertainment, seats, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), vehicle interior, engine and transmission.

Overall, vehicle dependability averages 225 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) in 2012, an increase from 195 PP100 in 2011. Overall dependability is determined by the level of problems experienced per 100 vehicles, with a lower score reflecting higher quality.

An increase in issues related to the engine and driving experience has driven the increase in problem counts is

predominant. Together, these categories account for more than 40 percent of the problems reported by vehicle owners.

Six of the top ten problems that have deteriorated year-over-year relate to component and supplier parts.

Reinforcing Consumer Perception According to Executive Director, JD Power Asia Pacific, Singapore, Mohit Arora, “To build a positive and reliable perception in the minds of consumers, manufacturers in India need to provide a problem-free experience over a longer

INSIGHT & OUTLOOK

To build a positive and reliable perception in the minds of consumers, manufacturers in India need to provide a problem-free experience over a longer period of vehicle ownership. An increase in problems experienced by car owners acutely undermines consumer confidence and needs to be tackled expeditiously by automotive OEMs and their component suppliers

period of vehicle ownership. An increase in problems experienced by car owners, alongside an increase in the ownership period, acutely undermines consumer confidence and needs to be tackled expeditiously by automotive OEMs and their component suppliers.”

The study finds that the proportion of vehicles powered by smaller diesel engines (1.3 L to 1.4 L) has increased by eleven percentage points from 2011.

However, with the increase in the proportion of smaller diesel engines, there is a parallel increase in the number of engine-related problems. The largest year-over-year increases in the number of engine-related problems experienced by owners of vehicles with smaller diesel engines are excessive fuel consumption and a lack of engine power.

Furthermore, among owners who indicated that they did not experience problems with their vehicle, 66 percent said they ‘definitely would’ recommend their current model. This figure declined to 48 percent among owners who said that they experienced one or more problems with their vehicle.

STUDY FOCUS “Minimising the cost of operations has always been a high priority for value-oriented consumers in India. Hence, vehicle buyers have opted for a smaller diesel engine in anticipation of better fuel efficiency and savings on overall fuel costs. However, when the actual fuel efficiency falls short of expectations over the longer term, it often leads to a higher problem count being reported and a decrease in overall vehicle owner satisfaction”, Arora pointed out. The study, now in its fifth year, includes models in eleven vehicle segments: entry compact, compact, premium compact, entry mid-size, mid-size, premium mid-size, entry luxury, luxury, multi-utility/ multi-purpose vehicle (MUV/ MPV), sport-utility vehicle (SUV) and van.

Hyundai is the only improved make in 2012. Fewer reported problems in the HVAC, driving experience and vehicle exterior categories contribute to Hyundai’s 14-point improvement from 2011. Three Hyundai models garner awards in their respective segments: Hyundai Santro in the compact segment, Hyundai i20 in the premium compact segment and Hyundai Verna in the mid-size segment. “Hyundai’s performance in the 2012 study underscores the sustained improvements it has made in consistently improving longerterm product quality over the past three years.

What is more, experiencing fewer problems than its key competition over a longer term is likely to aid Hyundai in further strengthening its image of dependability and reliability among its owners, helping to spread positive word–of-mouth advertising”, Arora said.

The study also finds that there are a higher number of problems experienced among vehicle owners who employ a driver, compared with those who do not employ a driver. The proportion of problems experienced by these owners is relatively higher in the HVAC, seats, audio and entertainment and vehicle interior categories.

Arora said that the vehicle owners who employ a driver seem to be more observant of various aspects of their vehicle, in comparison to owners who drive their own vehicle. They have more opportunities to observe and interact with the vehicle and thus, are more sensitive to the problems that may crop up.

The study finds that the proportion of vehicles powered by smaller diesel engines (1.3 L to 1.4 L) has increased by eleven percentage points from 2011. However, with the increase in the proportion of smaller diesel engines, there is a parallel increase in the number of enginerelated problems

The 2012 India Vehicle Dependability Study is based on evaluations from 7,866 original owners who purchased a new vehicle between July 2008 and September 2009. The study includes 62 vehicle models covering 16 nameplates and was fielded from January to April 2012 in 25 cities across India. The Vehicle Dependability Study is one of two JD Power Asia Pacific automotive quality studies for the India market. The Initial Quality Study (IQS) measures problems of new vehicles at two to six months of ownership.

AUGUST 2012 AFTERMARKET

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IN CONVERSATION

Pioneer to go high volume on smartphone-in-car entertainment integration An increased use of smartphones in India is luring Pioneer to capitalise the opportunity by integrating it to bring the display of mobile in-car music system. In a recent interview, General Manager, Pioneer India, Shingo Ikeuchi said that with more organised players entering the used car sales segment, it has great potential in the Indian market.

Nabeel A Khan

What is the current global trend in in-car entertainment systems? Can you elaborate on the adaptability of these technologies with respect to the Indian market?

Considering the numerous cultural and geographical differences, Indian in-car entertainment market follows different trends in different locations. Pioneer India is constantly trying to provide solutions by introducing innovative product lineups like Mixtrax car head-units (for party music lovers) to an enhanced line-up of touchscreen-based car head units, which we call audio video headunits. The latter is targeted at consumers who travel a lot and need display screens for their GPS maps and navigation. An increased use of smartphones in India is another trend, which we at Pioneer are planning to capitalise globally and in India. Advanced smartphone integration to bring the display of your mobile on your car music systems like contacts, call-dial screen, to start with, will revolutionise the role of the headunit in a car.

What kind of growth potential do you see in this country?

Inspite of f luctuating market conditions, there is an annual increase in car sales. And with more organised players in the used car sales segment, we see a great potential here. Not to forget

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IN CONVERSATION

that still a majority of Indians do not use a car. Another interesting aspect is the lifecycle, though our products are equipped with features like antidust design for longer life, there is an increasing trend of replacing in-car audio solutions every couple of years.

What are your future plans and where do you see the potential in the Indian market?

A few months ago, we launched our Mixtrax line-up of headunits and increased options in touchscreen segment.

The responses to these products are overwhelming with stores running out of stock, quite frequently. Smartphone integration is the way forward in the premium segment and with the new lineup, Pioneer India has made a significant step in the industry. Mixtrax is our most popular technology today, since roughly 50 percent of Indian population, who are also the decision makers, are young.

With the current pace in technological innovations, it’s hard to predict what will happen next. Every new innovation is going to change the way we currently enjoy music in our car—Shingo Ikeuchi Mixtrax offers them a club-like ambience inside their cars, which is what youngsters are looking forward in their drive.

What percentage of business comes from aftersales and OEMs? Currently, we are not present in the OEM segment in India. In the aftermarket, car showrooms and car accessory shops is our major sales channel.

What is your take on the current

market scenario?

There are always favourable and unfavourable conditions; we need to be prepared to capitalise both. With the fluctuation of the rupee and petrol prices affecting car sales, there are short term impacts in the in-car entertainment industry. However, we are optimistic that by the end of this financial year, we will meet our targeted growth.

What is next level scope of electrical and electronics in automobile industry?

With the current pace in technological innovations, it’s hard to predict what will happen next. Every new innovation is going to change the way we currently enjoy music in our car. Smartphone integration and augmented reality navigation are two such technologies.

With 75 years of experience in making innovative audio solutions, Pioneer will be one of the key players to bring about this change.

AUGUST 2012 AFTERMARKET

33

TECHNOLOGY

Elastomers engineered

to smoothen your ride IT is not very fun to ride a bicycle on a street plastered with cobblestones. At least the bike has a saddle seat fi lled with silicone. That lessens the shocks and bumps, and counteracts some of the annoying vibrations. In a professional’s eyes, the material in the saddle is an “elastomer”— a material that is yielding and malleable, like a rubber band.

Engineers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF in Darmstadt are now working on the next generation: They are designing components made of elastomers that actively respond to unwanted vibrations, and dampen them more effectively than ever before.

Engineers are working on intelligent materials that can diminish vibrations and extract power from the environment.

These electro-active elastomers could dampen annoying vibrations in a car, for example, or supply wireless power to sensors in otherwise inaccessible places.

Elastomers have been used in engineering for decades, such as shock absorbers in mechanical engineering or in the bearings for vehicle engines.

Until now, they have had a purely passive effect on vibrations or impact collisions.

It would be more effective if the elastomers were to respond proactively and counteract vibrations. In the same way, a tennis player slows down the ball on a drop shot by pulling back on her racket, an active elastomer draws out the energy from the vibration in a targeted manner by swinging in precise push-pull mode. Theoretically, this would make the vibration dissipate completely.

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Jan Hansmann, Scientist (Left) at an unrelated event. Hansmann along with William Kaal, LBF Scientist are developing the elastomers

Elastomers Vibrate Under Alternating Current There are already materials that are good for this purpose. “They are called ‘electroactive elastomers’,” explained LBF Scientist, William Kaal. “They are elastic substances that change their form when exposed to an electrical field.”

The trick: apply an alternating current, and the material starts to vibrate. If there are smart electronics controlling the elastomers, making them vibrate precisely in push-pull mode, then unwanted vibrations in equipment or an engine will dissipate for the most part. To demonstrate that the principle works, the Darmstadt-based researchers created a model. Smaller than a pack of cigarettes, it comprises 40 thin elastomer

electrode layers. The experts call it a “stack actuator”.

“The challenge was the design of the electrodes with which, we apply the electric field to the elastomer layers,” as Kaal’s colleague Jan Hansmann clarified.

Usually, electrodes are made out of metal. However, metals are relatively rigid, which impedes the deformation of the elastomer. Fraunhofer experts deliver an elegant solution to the problem: “We put microscopic-sized holes in the electrodes,” said Hansmann. “If an electric voltage deforms the elastomer, then the elastomer can disperse into these holes.” The result is an actuator that can rise or fall a few tenths of a centimeter upon command—several times a second, in fact. To demonstrate

TECHNOLOGY

these capabilities, William Kaal attaches a small mechanical oscillator to the device. When he turns it on, the oscillator begins shaking powerfully— the actuator has hit its resonance frequency perfectly. On the other hand, the instrument can actively absorb vibrations: If the oscillator is tapped by hand, it quickly settles down when the actuator vibrates in push-pull mode.

The LBF engineers believe one potential application for their stack actuator can be found in vehicle construction. “An engine‘s vibrations can be really disruptive,” said William Kaal.

“The vibrations are channeled through the chassis into the car‘s interior, where the passengers start to feel them.” Of course, engines are installed meticulously, and yet: “Active elastomers may help further reduce vibrations in the car,” Kaal asserted.

Engineers are working on intelligent materials that can diminish vibrations and extract power from the environment. These electro-active elastomers could dampen annoying vibrations in a car for example, or supply wireless power to sensors in otherwise inaccessible places

Actuator Technology The function of the stack actuator can also be reversed: rather than produce vibrations, the device can also absorb vibrations from its surroundings to produce energy. The principle works, and researchers have proven it. As they

placed an electromagnetic oscillator on their stack actuator, it converted the vibrations into power. “That would be of interest, for example, if you wanted to monitor inaccessible sites where there are vibrations but no power connections,” Jan Hansmann believed—the temperature and vibration sensors that monitor bridges for their condition.

The stack actuator technology has been largely perfected: “The manufacturing process can be readily automated. Th at is important for industrial mass production,” thinks Kaal. Nevertheless, endurance tests still have to show what the long-term viability of the intelligent actuators is like. Ultimately, they must be able to withstand harsh environments of the kind found in the engine compartment of a car.

Electroactive Elastomers

AUGUST 2012 AFTERMARKET

35

INSIGHT & OUTLOOK

Market Forecast: Reading the tyre marks BATTLING ING pressures off an economic slowdown and high input costs, the Indian tyre industry grew by 5.3 percent (volumes) during 2011-12.

Hidden in the numbers is the decline in replacement demand (volume) of around 0.2 percent, the subdued OEM demand growth of around 11 percent (volume) and a healthy export growth of around 23 percent (volume-albeit on a low base). The robust growth of ~28 percent in revenues during 201112 was largely propelled by the hike in realisations of over 20 percent and the sharp depreciation in the INR (vs the USD), which drove export revenues for the industry by a robust 46 percent.

Overall ICRA estimates the Indian tyre industry to have grown by 28-30

Robust export growth witnessed during 2011-12 is expected to continue with industry players like MRF and Apollo increasing inroads into the ASEAN and African countries

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percent (value) 2011-12, ( l ) during d 2011 12 posting revenues of over `400 billion. After witnessing one of the weakest margins in over ten quarters during Q1, 201112, there has been a gradual recovery in industry-wide operating margins since Q2, 2011-12. The moderation in NR prices coupled with price hikes initiated during the year translated into improved margins during the subsequent three quarters of 2011-12 with the industry estimated to have recorded an operating margin of 10.3 percent in Q4, 2011-12, the highest in the last sixteen quarters.

Demand Outlook Following two exceptional years of growth, the Indian automotive industry registered a relatively subdued performance during 2011-12 owing to unfavourable economic environment, increasing fuel costs, inflationary pressures, an overall weakness in consumer confidence and the high base of the past two years. Mirroring the sentiments in the auto industry, the domestic tyre production growth decelerated significantly to ~5.3 percent during the fiscal 2011-12, despite a 22.7

INSIGHT & OUTLOOK

ICRA forecasts OEM tyre demand to grow by eightnine percent while replacement tyre demand is estimated to grow by nine-9.5 percent during 2012-13 percent growth in exports. Domestic tyre demand growth was lower at 4.1 percent during 2011-12. While the OEM tyre demand grew by a muted 11.4 percent, replacement demand contracted by 2.1 percent, with the demand declining across all segments, barring passenger cars. Replacement demand for T&B contracted on account of lower miles driven (on contracting freight availability) and the lagged effect of contracting M&HCV sales during the recessionary 2009 fiscal.

Further, the industry revenues are expected to be supported by realisation hikes of around five-eight percent. Apart from some price hikes during Q1, 201213 to counter increased crude derivative costs, higher radialisation is expected to grow realisations during 2012-13. We expect the large M&HCV base of around 18.5 lakh vehicles created during the past eight years to come up for periodic tyre replacements, particularly in view

of the deferment in replacement sales during 2011-12. Robust export growth witnessed during 2011-12 is expected to continue with industry players like MRF and Apollo increasing inroads into the ASEAN and African countries. Over the medium to long term, demand is expected to be healthy supported by strong demand from the CV OEM segment, the pickup in demand in the price sensitive replacement market, increasing radialisation in the T&B segment and healthy demand from the export markets in Asia, Africa and South America.

With a raw material intensity of 67-75 percent (of revenues depending on the cost of inputs/prices), margins for tyre companies hinge on their ability to manage input costs through opportunistic buying on dips, inventory management and pass through of prices.

Our discussions with several industry players highlights the uncertainly involving future price trends, particularly

for Natural rubber (NR) in light of the unprecedented and sharp volatility in rubber prices during the past two years.

NR accounts for around 44 percent of the total raw material costs for tyre companies.

2011-12 started on a challenging note for tyre companies, with natural rubber (NR) prices peaking at around `240 per kilogram during April-2011. The situation improved shortly thereafter with NR prices cooling to around `195 per kilogram by November-2011, and staying range bound between `185-200 per kilogram since then.

Synthetic rubber (SR) prices however continued unabated on their upward trajectory, increasing by 30-45 percent (different elastomers) during 201112. Further, the benefits of lower NR prices were restricted on account of unfavourable product mix with higher proportion of revenues generated from the relatively low margin OEM segment and increase in costs of crude derivativesSR, NTCF and carbon black. Price hikes in the industry continued during Q1, 2012-13 in an attempt to neutralise the hike in cost of crude derivatives.

ICRA expects tyre industry operating margins to improve during 2012-13, particularly during H1, 2012-13, as long as any unanticipated headwinds of NR and crude prices are neutralised by tailwinds of realisations and revenue mix. With price of both NR and SR on a downtrend since April-12, the price hikes of 2011-12 places the industry

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INSIGHT & OUTLOOK

Cross ply & radial demand is expected to coexist for the next few years, radial tyres are expected to slowly eat into the cross ply demand, rendering surplus cross ply capacities.

This transition period would prove to be difďŹ cult for companies unable to maintain a product differentiation at an advantageous position; we expect industry wide EBIDTA margins to expand during Q1, 2012-13. However the debt funded capital expenditure of the past is expected to impact net margins and return indicators.

Further the shift towards radialisation, while on one hand is expected to lead to higher realisations, the underutilised bias capacities and the new radial capacities are expected to impact return indicators. We expect domestic companies to push for export sales to countries like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka with relatively lower radialisation, among others for utilising the cross ply capacities. With the industry in a capex

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mode and commercialisation of large facilities like the `9 billion MRF plant in Trichy (February 2012), `23 billion Apollo plant ( July 2011) and `7 billion CEAT’s Halol plant (March 2011), high interest costs compressed the net margins during 2011-12.

Competitive Scenario While ICRA expects cross ply and radial demand to coexist for the next few years, radial tyres are expected to slowly eat into the cross ply demand, rendering surplus cross ply capacities. This transition period would prove to be difficult, particularly for companies unable to maintain a product differentiation.

Ability to avoid commoditisation of the product, particularly in an over supplied market is critical for sustaining pricing power. While the future of cross ply capacities is being debated by the industry as they increasingly become redundant, partial conversion of these capacities into radial capacities or cross ply capacities for platforms other than the T&B segment seem to be the possible outcomes as of now.

While the large economies of scale in China would continue to provide a price advantage, we expect the imports from China to abate slowly as domestic tyre companies commercialise radial capacities. The significantly depreciated INR further adds to India’s export competitiveness. Post 2014, with the stabilisation of these radial projects and the availability of incremental domestic radial capacities, the dependence on Chinese imports is expected to decline although the incremental capacities are likely to result in competitive pricing in the ensuing years.

INSIGHT & OUTLOOK

dealer relationships Good

crucial : JD Power study Our Bureau

ACCORDING to the recent JD Power Asia Pacific 2012 India Dealer Satisfaction with Automotive Manufacturers Index (DSWAMI) Study, the success of any car brand in any market, it is crucial to sustain a strong relationship between automakers and their dealers. Without an invested dealer to represent the brand well, the brand’s model will not flourish no matter how many rave reviews the car may receive, or even its successful track record and advanced technology.

The survey further revealed that Toyota dealers surveyed indicated they are quite satisfied with Toyota’s vehicle reliability

and dependability. Toyota is very successful in engaging and empowering its dealers to be proud and confident of the quality of products they are carrying, according to the survey. The carmaker’s competency in building trust is a result of Toyota’s fundamental philosophy of viewing its dealers as partners instead of third-party entities. This is especially important with competition expected to increase in the coming decade.

In JD Power’s 2011 India Customer Service Index Study, the top reason for consumers defecting to a non-authorised

service facility is ‘convenient location’.

Based on financial models developed

by JD Power—and depending on the size of dealer’s prime marketing area— these defections can represent millions of rupees in lost revenue. Clearly, gaps still persist between the total increase in vehicles on the road and available service network space. In addition, this problem is aggravated by Indian customers’ increased expectations, including wanting a rapid response from dealers and quick turnaround for servicing their cars.

Offering customers a pleasant and delightful aftersales service is as important as closing the sale itself since more than 90 percent of service customers who are highly satisfied with their service experience at the dealership, say they ‘definitely will’ revisit their service dealer for post-warranty service.

If dealerships are not available in the local neighbourhood, the chance for building loyalty and advocacy among customers—and generating service revenue for dealers and parts revenue for

Offering customers a pleasant and delightful aftersales service is as important as closing the sale itself since more than 90 percent of service customers who are highly satisfied with their service experience at the dealership, say they ‘definitely will’ revisit their service dealer for post-warranty service

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INSIGHT & OUTLOOK

INSIGHT & OUTLOOK

automakers—is greatly reduced.

Dealers have to be financially prudent and invest in the business, by upgrading IT infrastructure and/or enhancing showroom appearance. In turn, automakers have to complement those investments with proper marketing territory and sales planning.

Additionally, automakers must back dealerships in finding processes and new revenue streams to help withstand the cyclical downturns inherent in the automotive industry everywhere in the world.

In light of a projected slowdown in India automotive sales in fiscal year 2012, dealers are already looking to diversify sources of revenue to remain financially viable. In Dealer Satisfaction with Automotive Manufacturers Study, sales of spare parts, accessories and commissions from financial institutions are forming a larger share of expected

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AFTERMARKET AUGUST 2012

earnings (34 percent) in comparison to last year (22 percent). According to the study, automakers that support dealers in this area of revenue diversification have higher satisfaction scores in their working relationship with their dealers.

Another avenue for ensuring financial viability for dealers is in terms of helping them to defray the cost of marketing expenditures. Study findings indicate that dealers are the least satisfied with the support they receive in sales and marketing. An earlier survey by JD Power estimated that marketing and advertising costs frequently account for as much as 25 percent of the total cost to produce, transport, market and sell a vehicle. Helping dealers to reduce expenses in this area would substantially increase the bottom-line for dealers.

Achieving good relations between dealership staff and automaker staff requires consistent focus on day-to-

day operations. Making frequent visits to the dealerships, exhibiting an openness to listen, and being responsive to requests and feedback all have significant impact on dealer satisfaction.

When all these actions are supported by solid operational processes-- such as informing dealers about delays in delivery; providing updates on vehicle delivery status; expediting quick delivery of spare parts within promised time frames; and reducing the number of days to settle warranty claims—the stage is set for a successful automakerdealer relationship.

“While much can be done at an organisational level to create an environment conducive for dealers to do business, it all comes down to passionate and connected individuals on the ground working together for mutual benefit,” said Executive Director, JD Power Asia Pacific, Singapore, Mohit Arora.

TECHNOLOGY

Eco-friction brake pad materials to smoothen fingerprinting process AS companies work to introduce alternative materials ahead of legal deadlines, Federal-Mogul Corporation has developed a range of zero-copper and low-copper brake pad formulations using a new tribological fingerprinting process.

The company’s Eco-Friction range is already achieving desirable results in customer trials.

Copper is a key ingredient in high performance brake pad formulations, limiting pad and rotor wear, noise and judder and contributing to friction stability over a wide range of operating temperatures. The metal makes up five to 20 percent of the friction material mass in typical Non-Asbestos Organic (NAO) and low-steel formulations used in North America, Asia and Europe. The presence

Developing comprehensive datasets has enabled us to create higher-performance brake materials with shorter development times— Frank Münchow, Director of Technology and Innovation, Vehicle Safety and Protection, FederalMogul Corporation of copper in brake pads, however, will be regulated and may eventually be eliminated due to concerns regarding its environmental impact.

“Federal-Mogul has succeeded in formulating low- and zero-copper LowSteel and NAO brake materials for our

Eco-Friction range that provide outstanding braking performance and confidence using tribological fingerprinting process,” said Senior Vice President, Vehicle Safety and Protection, Federal-Mogul, Ramzi Hermiz. “This process has given us deeper insight into the complex chemical characteristics and relationships within a brake pad’s friction material and has reduced the time required to identify optimum solutions.

The approach means we have the tools to eliminate copper more efficiently and to deliver custom solutions more quickly.”

Considering the principles of friction, lubrication and wear, Federal-Mogul’s tribological fingerprinting process develops datasets for each of the raw materials that make up a brake pad. The

company’s scientists then use knowledge of copper’s tribological fingerprint, and how its function changes as the brake pad heats and cools, to screen 1,500 raw materials and identify alternative materials with the same wear and friction pattern across the same temperature range.

The company has succeeded in formulating low- and zero-copper low-steel & NAO brake materials to provide outstanding braking performance using tribological fingerprinting process

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TECHNOLOGY

HISTORY In North America and Japan the majority of passenger cars are fitted with NonAsbestos Organic (NAO) brake pads, also known as ceramic brake pads. These pads provide low-noise operation and improved comfort. Pad and disc wear is lower and service life longer than Low-Steel formulations. However, NAO pads are less stable at maximum stress than Low-Steel and typically have a lower coefficient of friction.

Low-Steel brake pad formulations are preferred in Europe, where average speeds are higher and more aggressive performance is required. The pads’ lower iron content provides better friction at high speeds than other pad formulations.

Semi-metallic friction pad materials are sold by some aftermarket brands and are fitted as original equipment in certain passenger car markets and for pick-up trucks predominantly in North America. These contain no copper, but do not meet the high-speed performance or comfort noise requirements for some regional passenger car applications.

Brake pads are a formulation of 20 to 30 different materials, each with different functions.

Federal-Mogul’s EcoFriction range uses a variety of metal sulphides, minerals, abrasives, fibers, ceramic particles and types of graphite to achieve the same wear and friction characteristics as brake pads containing copper

PROFILE As one of the leading global suppliers of powertrain and safety technology and innovation to improve fuel economy, Federal-Mogul Corporation aims to reduce emissions and enhance vehicle safety. The company serves the world’s foremost original equipment manufacturers of automotive, light, medium-, heavy-duty, aerospace, marine, rail and off-road vehicles; and industrial, agricultural and powergeneration equipment; as well as providing well-known brands in the global aftermarket.

Its world-class global engineering, lean manufacturing and distribution network deliver best-in-class quality products and services at competitive cost. The company’s sustainable global profitable growth strategy creates value and satisfaction for its customers, shareholders and employees. Federal-Mogul was founded in Detroit in 1899. The company is headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, United States and employs 45,000 people in 34 countries.

pad development and makes us a better development partner. We are now able to replace a material with very high functionality, such as copper, in considerably less time than competitors, and we can validate an alternative material up to 50 percent faster depending on the material,” added Münchow.

There is no single material that can replace copper. Brake pads are a formulation of 20 to 30 different materials, each with different functions.

Federal-Mogul’s Eco-Friction range uses a variety of metal sulphides, minerals, abrasives, fibers, ceramic particles and types of graphite to achieve the same wear and friction characteristics as brake pads containing copper.

Legislation in certain states of the US requires the phase-out of copper from brake pads, initially limiting copper content to less than five percent of total pad weight and eventually requiring levels of less than 0.5 percent. Vehicle makers are now specifying brake systems with the regulated levels of copper, making an alternative formulation of the standard for future vehicles in many markets. Federal-Mogul has already secured new customer contracts for lowcopper and zero-copper Eco-Friction brake pads for vehicle platforms in North America and Europe.

Legislation in certain states of the US requires the phase-out of copper from brake pads, initially limiting copper content to less than five percent of total pad weight and eventually requiring levels of less than 0.5 percent. Vehicle makers are making an alternative formulation of the standard for future vehicles in many markets

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“Developing these comprehensive datasets has enabled Federal-Mogul to create higher-performance brake materials with shorter development times,” explained, Director of Technology and Innovation, Vehicle Safety and Protection, Federal-Mogul, Frank Münchow. He continued, “Standard brake pad product development requires several iterations. The most timeconsuming elements are the definition of the formulation’s main structure for wear rate and friction level. Our in-depth understanding of each material’s chemical and physical characteristics in combination with its tribological function removes the trial and error from brake

GLOBAL

Stanley-Dewalt and Nissan partnership to forge stronger branding ties HAND tools expert Stanley and power tools major Dewalt have signed an exclusive three-year deal with Nissan Motor gb for 13 Nissan Navara 4x4s for use by their retail, trade and roadshow teams.

Stanley and Dewalt are expected to use the branded Navaras for experiential activities to promote a stronger presence at trade counters, dealer days and national trade shows. The initiative forms part of Stanley and Dewalt’s strategic aim to engage with trade professionals and highlight the benefits their products offer.

The black 2.5dCi diesel Navara pickups have been specially adapted for the tool brands and feature fitted internal racking, secure shelving and product storage space as well as space for branding, demonstration tents and merchandising materials.

The brands will appear at many key

Stanley and Dewalt are expected to use the Navaras to promote a stronger presence at trade counters and national trade shows. The initiative forms part of a strategic aim to engage with trade professionals and highlight the benefits their products offer

Nissan is providing Stanley and Dewalt with 13 Navara 4x4s in an exclusive three year deal Nissan

Screwfix stores across the UK, as well as product demonstrations at B&Q and Homebase stores for trade professionals and enthusiastic DIYers.

Corporate Sales Director at Nissan Motor GB, James Douglas said, “The partnership with Stanley and Dewalt enables us to work with two of the best brand names in the DIY sector. It will help further build Nissan’s strong reputation for serving the business community with its extensive range of vans and pick-ups.”

General Manager at Stanley Black & Decker UK & ROI, John Cowley commented, “We are very excited about getting the newly Stanley and Dewalt branded Nissan Navaras on the road. Not only are these vehicles ideal for our sales

and roadshow teams in terms of providing ample storage, the branding on the vehicles is eye-catching, which will help us to create a stronger brand impression at demonstration days. The three brands form a great partnership.”

The partnership with Stanley and Dewalt enables us to work with two of the best brand names in the DIY sector— James Douglas, Corporate Sales Director at Nissan Motor GB

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GLOBAL

New technology incorporated by Ford; signals new collaboration SENIOR business and IT managers from Ford’s 500-strong dealer network took part in the company’s Profitability and Technology Conference, which explored new opportunities to improve efficiency and customer communication through the use of the latest technology and software applications.

More than 100 Ford dealers participated in the conference at Henry Ford College in Loughborough recently, with presentations from Google, and automotive advisor, Grant Thornton, as well as exhibitions from Purchase Direct, GForces and Snap-on. The conference also marked the start of collaboration between Ford and independent experts in energy efficiency, the Carbon Trust.

British Market Representation and Business Manager, Ford, Miles Maiklem said, “Ford’s second dealer profitability and technology conference proved another great success for our dealer network. The theatre presentations and supplier interaction were inspiring and well received—illustrating the benefits of increasing efficiency and reducing costs through the use of technology and online resources.”

The collaboration will see the implementation

More than 100 Ford dealers took part in the conference at Henry Ford College in Loughborough, with presentations from Google and Grant Thorton.

Senior Industry Head, Google Automotive, Belinda Poole said, “It is important that Ford’s dealers concentrate on providing an enjoyable and positive online experience as well as good customer service, both pre- and post-transaction.

“The majority of customers carry out their car-buying research online and will decide on their desired make and model before ever stepping into a dealership.

One of the most exciting changes Google has witnessed in recent years is the fact that over 20 percent of internet car searches on Google now occur on a mobile or tablet-based device.”

of new energy efficient technology and ecofriendly processes into dealerships that will help to deliver optimum results

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Collaboration Ensures Green Energy Ford is continuing to reduce the environmental impact of its vehicles and manufacturing sites, and is now working closely with the Carbon Trust to reduce the carbon footprint of Ford’s UK dealer network.

The collaboration will see the implementation of new energy efficient technology and eco-friendly processes into dealerships that will help to deliver optimum results.

Working with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the Carbon Trust identified that many car dealerships can make cost savings of up to 10 per cent. The installation of new energy-efficient lighting, heating, ventilation and cooling can vastly reduce a dealer’s carbon footprint and the returns on investment can be surprisingly quick.

Mark Ovenden, Ford of Britain managing director, said: “In a challenging economy, the opportunity for improving energy efficiency and reducing costs is important to Ford, its dealers, and the UK motor industry as a whole. We are looking forward to working with the Carbon Trust to deliver Ford of Britain’s lowest ever carbon footprint.”

PRODUCTS

Vehicle Movers

Vehicle Security Systems

STRINGO 360 is a small mobile machine which can move four-wheelers from one place to another place. Being a battery operated machine, it is noiseless and nonpolluting. It is very compact and hence ideal to operate even in narrow spaces with ease and precision. Turning radius using the Stringo is less than the turning radius of the vehicle. Application areas of stringo are laboratories, painting areas, show rooms, production areas etc. Stringo 360 is able to move cars of varying sizes weighing up to 2,000 kg.

THE crux of Micro VBB lies in the various sensors installed in the car. The moment there is an unauthorised activity in the vehicle, the owner receives an SMS alert or an email on his mobile phone.

Micro VBB is simple to operate and easy to use. The system can also be used to ward off intruders from the car as it detects unauthorised intrusions, communicates with the owner conveniently, tracks the car wherever it goes, and immobilises it with a simple SMS. It is a security and messaging device that detects any forcible intrusions in the vehicle and communicates the same to the owner. Moreover, it lets the user take control of his vehicle from anywhere in the world using a simple SMS from his mobile.

Automag India Pvt Ltd Pune - Maharashtra Tel: 20-2544 3056, 2546 0835 Email: nkb@automagindia.com Website: www.automagindia.com

Micro Technologies (India) Ltd Navi Mumbai - Maharashtra Tel: +91-022-27686687 Email: besecure@microtechnologies.net Website: www.microtechnologies.net

www.oillubesystems.com

Quality Product

Tool Trolley

Tool Trolley

Multi Drawers Tool Trolley

Quick Service Trolley

Cost Effective

Quick Service Trolley

Oil Filtration Unit

Waste Oil Disposer Injector Cleaner & Tester

Oil Disposer

Oil Dispenser

Quick Service

Filter Cleaning Unit Heavy Duty Bike Lift

Heavy Duty Work Table

Parts Washer

Go- Jack

Transmission Jack

Dual Scissor Lift for Cars

Mobile Service Van

Dealers / Distributors Enquiries are solicited for : NE Guwahati, East Patna, South Chennai, Central - Nagpur -Lube System

s

O il

OIL LUBE SYSTEMS (AN ISO 9001 : 2008 CERTIFIED CO.)

Office : Badkhal Pali Road, Badkhal (Opp. Delhi Masjid) N.I.T. FARIDABAD - 121001 Works : Plot No. 32, Badkhal Enclave, N.I.T. FARIDABAD - 121001 (Haryana) INDIA Ph. : 0129-2430786, 2461646 Mob. : 09911244531, 09810460773 Fax : 0129-2430786 E-mail : marketing@oillubesystems.com; bnpandey.ols@gmail.com;

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PRODUCTS

Hydraulic Parking Lifts

Wheel Aligners

THIS hydraulic parking lift can be used for sedans and SUVs. It moves horizontally, so the user has to clear the ground level to get higher level car down.

It is hydraulic driven that lifts directly by hydraulics cylinders. The lifting capacity is 2,000 kg, lifting height is 2,140 and it can be used for car width up to ,2000 mm.

THE R pac super 8 x 6 fully-loaded wheel aligners have four compact measuring heads, 8 CMOS/CCD cameras and 6 inclinometers. These wheel aligners have camber, caster, toe, front setback, and thrust angle. Other salient features include kingpin inclination/ spoiler program, rear setback/track width difference, wheel rim size of 12”-20”, excess toe warning, fourpoint runout compensation, voice prompt, data manager software, 17” LCD monitor and park-in tower cabinet with convex mirror to guide vehicle parking on the alignment pit. Optional features and supplies include electronic rotary plate, multilingual program, measurement of lock angle & toe out on turns, auto-charging facility while the sensor arm is operated using cable, and cable option, while the battery power is low.

Shiromani Hydraulics Pvt Ltd Ahmedabad - Gujarat Tel: 9824-039374 Email: enquiry@shiromanihydraulics.com Website: www.shiromanihydraulics.com

Hydraulic Bottle Jacks Vanjax hydraulic bottle jack is specially created with a purpose to uplift the weighty products,these are available in various models.Capacity of these models range from two-100 tons,closed height 180 mm-330 mm, hydraulic lift ranges are 115 mm-185 mm,net wt/kGS three-67.These models have robust base structure to maintain balance.Because of its compact cylindrical shape, light weight will be trouble free for shipping.

Vanjax Sales Pvt Ltd Chennai - Tamil Nadu Tel: +91-044-42821000 Mob: 09789976611 Email: info@vanjax.com Website: www.vanjax.in

Conical Nozzle Torches THESE conical nozzle torches of duramax are available for five more plasma cutting systems: Powermax600, Powermax800, Powermax900, MAX42, and MAX43. Duramax series of torches, provide more reliable arc starting. They also enable consumables to last up to six times longer

Hypertherm (India) Thermal Cutting Pvt Ltd Chennai - Tamil Nadu Tel: +91-044-28345361 Email: htIndia.info@hypertherm.com Website: www.hypertherm.com

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Manatec Electronics Pvt Ltd Puducherry , Tel: +91-0413-2248926 Mob: 09344643104 Email: sales@manatec.net Website: www.manatec.net

Head Shields THE head shield is used for TIG argon welding. It is made of heat-resistant material.

The head shield comes with flip-up type window, which allows users to see the ongoing operation and prevents harmful radiations and particles from reaching the eyes and face. The head shield is designed specially to protect the face, top of the head and the neck to a vertical line back of the ears. It is provided with heat gear-type ring, which retains the shield comfortably and firmly on users head and permits the shield to be tilted back overhead.

Atul Arc New Delhi Tel: 011-2573 6102,9811825256 Mob: 9810273058 (SK Jain) Email: info@atularc.com Website: www.atularc.com /www.atularc.net

PRODUCTS

Coating Facilities These coating facilities are offered for fasteners, springs and sheet metal parts, coatings, such as Magni zinc flake coating, Xylan/PTFE coating, electroless nickel plating, black oxide coating, and phosphating are offered. Zinc Flake coating is a new technology for fasteners coating. The innovative micro layer coating system offers high-grade of corrosion protection, 2402000 hours SST.

ENP Techno Engineers Ahmedabad - Gujarat Tel: +91-079-22900505 Mob: 09824093103 Email: pateldineshn@gmail.com

Shock Absorbers THE SCS series stacker crane shock absorbers are designed primarily for emergency applications to improve the performance and safe operation of equipment, such as automated storage and retrieval systems. During normal operation, these shock absorbers are required to provide only minimal resistance, but are designed to function under full load conditions when necessary. In an emergency condition, when the velocity of the system carriage or trolley is greater than normal, the shock absorbers respond to protect the installation by providing controlled deceleration.

Applications are in automated storage and retrieval systems, automotive manufacturing and production equipment, theme park rides and small overhead cranes.

Maco Corporation (India) Pvt Ltd Kolkata - West Bengal Tel: 033-2454 3200 Email: kolkata@macocorporation.com Website: www.macocorporation.com

Washdown Station The washdown station (mixing battery) is designed to provide instantaneous hot water economically by mixing steam and potable water to the required temperature. Mixing battery provides food, beverage, and pharma and cosmetics industry with economical hot water for cleaning applications wherever steam is available. It incorporates hydraulic fail safe device so that when correctly installed and maintained, no steam regardless of its pressure can enter the mixing chamber until the water flows to raise the steam valve of its seat.

Feliz Biotech Industries Mumbai - Maharashtra Tel: +91-022-2685 9440 Mob: 09892273314 Email: roque_ferns@rediffmail.com Website: www.felizbiotech.com AUGUST 2012 AFTERMARKET

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PRODUCTS

Wash Systems

Car Shampoo-Cum-Polish

KKE’s gamma technology conveyor system which can wash vehicles up to 120 cars per hour. The car needs to be parked in the conveyor where the correlator aligns the vehicle with conveyor. The equipment senses the vehicle and with its roller on demand system, a roller pops out to pull the vehicle in the conveyor. The car is then pulled through various stations like pre-wash , soap spray, skirt brushes, brushing , tire polish, wax spray, rain water rinse, blowing, etc. The unit also features exit side collision system which stops the complete system in an event if the car is not removed from the exit side.

PREMIUM quality car shampoo with unique combination of superior detergents and waxes.

Deep cleans car paint work while adding active wax protection in a single wash. Mix 20 ml. shampoo in half bucket of water and apply with sponge all over the body of the car. Finally wash with fresh water and wipe off with clean cloth. Packaging is available in 20 & 200 ml.

KKE Wash Systems Pvt.Ltd. Nagpur -Maharashtra Tel: +91 9158 22 55 00 Email : mkt@kkemail.net Website : www.kkewash.com

Gears Components & Assemblies A wide range of high-precision gears, gear components and gear assemblies, both standard and custombuilt is available. The manufacturing range includes: spiral bevel gear sets: up to dia 457 mm and module 12.7, hobbed gear: dia 500 mm x 8 m, hardened and profile ground spur and helical gears: dia 330 mm x 5 m, internal gears: dia 152 mm x 3 m, and custom built/non-standard gears and gear assemblies.

Salient features include intelligent design, superior raw materials and very high degree of process discipline and lazar sharp quality assurance measures. Applications are in machine tools, railways, textiles, automation, automotive, engineering, pumps, compressors, printing machines, etc.

Eppinger Tooling Asia Pvt Ltd Coimbatore - Tamil Nadu Tel: 0425-304000, Mob: 08870013053 Email: eppinger@dataone.in

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The Waxpol industries limited Kolkata-West Bengal Tel: 033- 22375012; 22375013; 22362781; 22367240 E-mail: headoffice@waxpol.com Website: www.waxpol.com

Brake & Clutch Fluids THIS brake & clutch fluid have some important features ie it contains high boiling solvents, Non-drying in composition, scientifically blended, Does not swell or soften the rubber parts, Non-reactive to different metals in the brake system, Water tolerant within limits, Ensures safe, easy and confident driving. Packing is available in 100ml, 250ml, 500ml, 1Litre.Poly Bottles, 5 Litre Jerrycan, 20 Litre Poly Jar & 205 Litre Drum.

The Waxpol industries limited Kolkata-West Bengal Tel: 033- 22375012; 22375013; 22362781; 22367240 E-mail: headoffice@waxpol.com Website: www.waxpol.com

Security & Surveillance Systems MICRO Eye comes with in-built hardware like night vision cameras, digital video recorder, gas & fire sensors, smoke detector, and door & remote sensors. Since it is a web-based application, it allows registered users to log in with their bona fide credentials. Micro Eye can detect motion and then notify the registered user instantly via SMS or email or both in case of intrusion or any untoward incident such as a gas or faucet leak or a fire break-out. It can play the alarm at the first sign of smoke so that the occupants get time to escape.

Its video recordings can be viewed from anywhere in the world.

Micro Technologies (India) Ltd Navi Mumbai - Maharashtra Tel: +91-022-27686687 Email: besecure@microtechnologies.net Website: www.microtechnologies.net

PRODUCTS

Button Head Socket Screws Four-Wheelers Horns THE range of button head socket screws is incorporated with deep sockets for easy wrenching. It is available in different length, size and diameter. In addition, the button head socket screws have the following specifications are ISO: 7380, Dia - M 3 to M 12 and also available in stainless steel.

Rajendra Kumar and Company Delhi Tel: 011 - 23274410, 65433131, 32904859, 23285420 Email: rkc@rkct rades.com, rkc3131@gmail.com Website: www.rkct rades.com

MINDA Acoustics Limited has developed horns right from fundamental horn design stage. Range of horns are HN9 with 90mm dia disc horn-12V/24V , Trumpet Horn -12V/24V, K95 with 95mm dia disc horn-12V/24V, K90 with 90mm dia disc horn12V/24V, D82 with 82 mm dia disc horn, SD7 with 70 mm dia disc horn-12V. All horns are available in high/mid/low tone. Electronic beeper is also available.

Minda Industries Ltd Gurgaon – Haryana Tel : +0124-2290-693/698/428 Email: info@mindagroup.com Website: www.mindagroup.com

Automotive Sub Assemblies Vertical Lifters GOOD well industries are manufacturer and supplier of automotive sub assemblies. The automotive sub assemblies are used in the cars and many transportation items. The automotive sub assemblies are available for various automotive OEMs as well as ancillaries. These highly efficient and high performance automotive sub assemblies can be availed in various technical grades and specifications.

Good Well Industries Faridabad - Haryana Tel: +91-9910006282 / 9810006282 Email : mktg@goodwellind.com Website: www.goodwellindustries.com

Cockpit Spray Lemon THE Sonax cockpit spray lemon cleans and maintains all car interior plastics. It has a dust-repellent effect. It is antistatic and even maintains wooden fittings. It brings a new shine and fresh fragrance to the cockpit. The Sonax cockpit spray lemon protects plastics against brittleness and is silicone-free.

Sonax GmbH Neuburg , Tel: +49-8431-530 Email: info@sonax.de Website: www.sonax.com

THE ATL vertical lifter is a telescopic lifting device for use with an XA workstation crane. It can lift loads up to 1,600 kilos outside the centre of gravity. This is available in either pneumatic or electric chain hoist models; this vertical lifting equipment is easily adaptable to one’s lifting needs. The telescopic guides allow sway-free lifting. A smaller cycle time noticeably improves the productivity. Frequently recurring load manipulations can be performed easily, quickly, and with a very high level of precision.

Konecranes India Pvt Ltd Pune- Maharashtra Tel: +91-020-40047470 Email: india.sales@konecranes.com Website: www.konecranes.com The information published in this section is as per the details furnished by the respective manufacturer/ distributor. In any case, it does not represent the views of

AUGUST 2012 AFTERMARKET

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LIST OF PRODUCTS & ADVERTISERS’ Abs sensor cable/grommet ..................................................................FIC Alternatives ......................................................................................11, 15 Automotive Dealership Excellence Awards ............................................4 Automotive sub assemblies ....................................................................49 Batteries ............................................................................................11, 15 Bearing housing .....................................................................................47 Brake & clutch fluids..............................................................................48 Brake pads ........................................................................................11, 15 Button head socket screws .....................................................................49 Car shampoo-cum-polish ......................................................................48 Clutch bearing ........................................................................................23 Clutch plates & cover assemblies .....................................................11, 15 Cnc/vmc machines ............................................................................... BC Coating facilities ....................................................................................47 Cockpit spray lemon...............................................................................49 Conical nozzle torches ...........................................................................46 Dust cover............................................................................................FIC Engine bearings......................................................................................23 Exhibition -Auto Mech’2012 ..................................................................6 Exhibition -Auto Serve’2012 .................................................................25 Exhibition- Engineering Expo ................................................................8 Filter cleaning unit .................................................................................45 Filters................................................................................................11, 15 Four-wheelers horns ...............................................................................49 Fuel bowl .............................................................................................FIC Gasoline systems ..............................................................................11, 15 Gear pumps ......................................................................................11, 15 Gears components & assemblies ............................................................48 Go-jack ...................................................................................................45 Head shields ...........................................................................................46 Heating solutions ................................................................................BIC Heavy duty bike lift................................................................................45 Horns ................................................................................................11, 15 Hydraulic bottle jacks ............................................................................46

Hydraulic parking lifts ...........................................................................46 Hydraulic press .......................................................................................45 Instant drying & curing technology for water based colour...............BIC Kingpin bearings ....................................................................................23 Laptop trolley .........................................................................................45 Lighting ............................................................................................11, 15 Lubricants.........................................................................................11, 15 Mobile sevice van ...................................................................................45 Paint protection fi lm ...........................................................................FIC Parts washer............................................................................................45 Pistons ....................................................................................................19 Pistons & pistons rings.............................................................................3 Relays................................................................................................11, 15 Seals ........................................................................................................47 Security & surveillance systems .............................................................48 Shift lever screen .................................................................................FIC Shock absorbers ......................................................................................47 Socker observers .....................................................................................33 Spark plug .........................................................................................11, 15 Starter motor ....................................................................................11, 15 Steering bearings ....................................................................................23 Tool trolley .............................................................................................45 Transmission bearings............................................................................23 Trnsmission jack .....................................................................................45 Vehicle movers ........................................................................................45 Vehicle security systems .........................................................................45 Vertical lifters .........................................................................................49 Wash systems .........................................................................................48 Washdown station ..................................................................................47 Waste oil disposer ..................................................................................45 Wheel aligners .......................................................................................46 Wheel bearings ......................................................................................23 Wiper blades .....................................................................................11, 15

FIC : Front Inside Cover BIC : Back Inside Cover BC: Back cover

Advertiser’s Name & Contact Details ADEA

Pg No 4

W: www.adea.in Bosch Limited

Federal Mogul

Pg No 19

11, 15

KYB Asia Co Ltd 6

T: +91-124-4014060 E: rachna.jindal@cii.in

25

T: +91-44-42444555 E: autoserve@cii.in

33

Engineering Expo

8

E: sales@pujaseals.com W: www.pujaseals.com

E: anup73@sify.com

Shriram Pistons & Rings Ltd

W: www.kyba.co.th

T: +91-11-23315941

Litel Infrared Systems Pvt Ltd

BIC

Texspin Brearing Limited

E: sales@litelir.com

T: +91-79-26937601 W: www.texspin.com FIC

Yamazaki Mazak India Pvt Ltd

T: +91-22-66027800

T: +91-2137-668800

E: engexpo@infomedia18.in

E: santosh.mishra@lubrizol.com

E: sudhir_patankar@mazakindia.com

W: www.engg-expo.com

W: www.lubrizol.com

W: www.mazak.com

50

AFTERMARKET AUGUST 2012

23

E: mail@texspin.com

T: +91-09819552270

FIC : Front Inside Cover BIC : Back Inside Cover BC: Back cover

3

E: aarti.anandan@shrirampistons.com

T: +91-20-66300636

Lubrizol Advanced Materials India P

47

T: +91-20-27112016

T: +91-9871687888

W: www.litelir.com

W: www.ciiautoserve.in

45

Puja Fluid Seals Pvt Ltd

W: www.jetfindia.in Confederation Of Indian Industry

Oil Lube Systems

Pg No

E: marketing@oillubesystems.com

E: customercare.india@federalmogul.com W: www.federalmogul.com

W: www.boschindia.com

Advertiser’s Name & Contact Details

T: +91-129-2430786

T: +91-124-4784530

T: +91-80-22999228

Confederation Of Indian Industry

Advertiser’s Name & Contact Details

BC

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