Auto Asia - July-August 2015

July-August 2015

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Indian Companies Account for $15 Billion in Investments, 91,000 Jobs in US: New Jersey, California, Texas, Illinois and New York are Top Investment Destinations for Indian Firms Key takeaways:

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ndian based companies are responsible for creating tens of thousands of jobs and $15 billion in investments across the United States, according to a recent report released from the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Grant Thornton (GT).

For the first time, the report, “Indian Roots, American Soil,” also captured a state-by-state breakdown of tangible investments made and jobs created by 100 Indian companies doing business in the United States. New Jersey, California, Texas, Illinois and New York are home to the most Americans directly employed by Indian companies. Texas, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, New York, and New Jersey have the highest foreign direct investment (FDI) from Indian companies.

Ambassador Arun K Singh:

“The Indian industry is making a significant contribution to the US economy, investing billions of dollars and creating thousands of jobs across states and sectors. This trend has grown stronger over the years and is continuing to show remarkable progress. Today Indian companies are not just investing and creating jobs, they have also become significant stakeholders in the growth and prosperity of their local communities. Their linkages run deep through the support extended by them to education programs and capacity building. The CII study draws attention to the growing contribution and influence of the Indian industry, which forms an important component of our growing and vibrant relationship with the United States.”

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Together, 100 Indian companies employ more than 91,000 people across 35 states and the District of Columbia.

The total value of tangible investments made by these 100 companies exceeds $15.3 billion.

The top five states in which Indian companies have generated maximum employment are: New Jersey (9.278 jobs), California (8.937 jobs), Texas (6,230 jobs), Illinois (4,779 jobs) and New York (4,134 jobs).

The top five states in which Indian companies have contributed the highest foreign direct investment are: Texas ($3.84 billion), Pennsylvania ($3.56 billion), Minnesota ($1.8 billion), New York ($1.01 billion) and New Jersey ($1 billion).

The average amount of investment received from Indian companies per state is $443 million.t 84.5% of the companies plan to make more investments in the United States.

90% of the companies plan to hire more employees locally in the next five years.

CII released the study on Capitol Hill during an event that highlight the contributions of Indian companies to the U.S. economy, in the form of FDI, jobs created and saved, research and development, skills training and local corporate social responsibility initiatives. Ambassador Arun K. Singh, Ambassador of India to the U.S., spoke in support of the contributions.

In addition, several members of the US Congress and a delegation of CII member-company CEOs from India participated in the event.

The CII-GT survey respondents represent diverse sectors including pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, financial services, health care, materials and manufacturing, media and entertainment, tourism and hospitality, engineering and construction, automotive, food and agriculture, energy, and information technology. autoASIA | July-August 2015 | 3

Maruti Suzuki SX4 S-Cross might be revealed on soon

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aruti Suzuki might unveil the upcoming SX4 S-Cross crossover for the Indian market on June 7. The vehicle's premiere is expected to happen at the IIFA Awards show.

The premium compact crossover is available in the European and Malaysian market and sold as the replacement to the hatchback. The SX4 S-Cross is larger in dimensions than the earlier model and measures 4,300 in length, 1,795 mm in width and 1,575 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,600 mm. The car looks sporty and gets a three-piece horizontal slat chrome grille, headlamps with projectors, DRLs and fog lamps. While a new design for the alloy wheels is seen, the vehicle also sports a body cladding that gives it a muscular appearance.

Maruti Suzuki SX4 S-Cross The interior is similar to the one in the new Ciaz's cabin and the 4 | July-August 2015 | autoASIA

company has equipped the crossover with a 7.0-inch display touch-screen integrated into the dashboard. This system houses all the infotainment needs – audio (Bluetooth, USB, AUX), navigation, rear-view camera, car settings, etc., while the audio controls are mounted on the steering wheel. The other highlights include a multi-info display screen in the instrument cluster surrounded by the speedometer and tachometer. The car also features a keyless-entry system with an engine push-start button, rainsensing wipers, auto headlamps and cruise control.

Maruti Suzuki SX4 S-Cross Globally, the SX4 S-Cross comes powered by the 1.6-litre fourcylinder petrol mill that churns out 118bhp of power and 156Nm of torque is carried over. On the transmission front, the engine comes mated to a five-speed manual transmission or a CVT

automatic gearbox.

Maruti Suzuki will launch the SX4 S-Cross in the Indian market this year, but instead of the 1.6-litre motor, we expect the 1.3-litre DDiS engine to power the India-specific model. The vehicle was first unveiled at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show when the manufacturer hinted that the car was a step-up from its predecessor. The crossover will compete with the Mahindra Scorpio, Renault Duster, Nissan Terrano and more in the highly competitive mid-size crossover segment in our country.

Google's self-driving cars to hit the roads in summer in US

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oogle's self-driving car prototypes will hit the road in the US this summer after being tried on test tracks, the tech firm has said.

The cars will self-drive but will have safety drivers aboard who can take over the wheel if needed.

Several prototype versions of its self-driving cars are set to hit the streets of Mountain View, California, the search firm's hometown.

The move is still just another round of testing but it is a significant step toward a pilot programme, it said.

The announcement follows the revelation by the company that its self-driving cars have been involved in 11 minor traffic accidents in California.

Google has been working on the project of developing self-driving vehicles since 2010. The new 6 | July-August 2015 | autoASIA

prototype vehicles, assembled by auto supplier Roush Industries in Detroit, use the same software on which its existing self-driving Lexus RX450h sport utility vehicles run.

Engineers will operate 25 such prototype vehicles. It will, in due course, build between 50 and 100 prototypes and will widen testing to sites that are hillier and rainier. The car has no steering wheel or pedals, so it's up to the computer to do all the driving.

It also said that it will limit the speed of the prototypes to 25 mph (40 kph) to reduce the possibility of severe injury in an accident.

The model comprises everything that is required for fully autonomous driving and also the necessary parts so that engineers can take over driving if need be. It has an autonomous driving system comprising a computer and sensors

to typical car parts like brakes pedals, lights, removable accelerator pedals and steering wheels, unlike the rudimentary version it released in May last year.

That model was a tiny two-seater, which did not have typical features of a car such as a steering wheel, headlights or brakes and was to be completely operated by the vehicle's computer.

Along with this Google also announced its plans to launch a website that will help keep informing the public about forthcoming test drives, including regular updates on progress and incidents. Tech firms are trying to make a footprint in the automotive industry because they predict a giant transportation revolution that will change how people operate cars.

Piaggio launches first online Vespa store on Snapdeal Italian two-wheeler maker Piaggio on Tuesday launched its first online store in collaboration with Snapdeal.com in India, in order to reach out to Vespa customers.

Piaggio Vehicles, the wholly owned Indian subsidiary of the Piaggio Group, has partnered with Snapdeal to come up with an online store, the company said in a statement.

The exclusive brand store will showcase the entire range of Vespa scooters.

Vespa fans will now be able to book their Vespa on a click of a button, it added.

The partnership with Snapdeal is targeted especially towards a younger segment of consumers who are digitally active and prefer purchases that provide easy access and transactions without investing much time, the company said.

Today's generation loves online shopping and prefers brands that provide buyer friendly shopping options. Hence we decided to launch a virtual store that will offer the fastest possible Vespa buying experience, Piaggio Vehicles Pvt Ltd, Executive Vice President - 2W Business, Sanjeev Goyle said.

Through this collaboration, the company aims to take its relationship with consumers to the next level, he added.

"As part of the initiative, the entire range of Vespa models-Vespa, VX, Vespa S and Vespa Elegante, would be available at the online store at a booking amount of Rs 5,000. We want to create a unique shopping experience for our consumers where they have access to the entire Vespa Scooters' portfolio...," Snapdeal, senior vice-president, Electronics and Home, Tony Navin said.

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Home grown auto major Mahindra & Mahindra plans to launch nine models Home grown auto major Mahindra & Mahindra plans to launch nine models -- including two all-new compact sports utility vehicles and refreshes of current products -- in the ongoing fiscal as part of its plans to strengthen position in the passenger vehicle segment.

The company, which on Monday rolled out an updated version of its sports utility vehicle XUV500 priced up to Rs 15.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), also plans to launch an electric variant of its sedan Verito during the quarter.

"We plan to launch nine products including two all-new compact SUVs and refreshes of current models during this year ," Mahindra & Mahindra Executive Director Pawan Goenka told reporters.

Elaborating on the two new compact SUVs, Goenka said the company would like to price the models lower than its current offering in the segment -- Quanto, priced between Rs 6.65 lakh and Rs 8.17 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

When asked about the company's plans regarding its sedan Verito, Goenka said the company is not investing anymore on the diesel and petrol variants of the car but "is looking to exploit the platform" by bringing in an electric variant of the model shortly.

"Its (Verito) not a drag on the business it is just there. Further, there are no plans to spruce it up. With the government bringing in a scheme for electric vehicles, we have plans to bring in an electric version of the car," he added.

On XUV500, Goenka said the launch of the SUV would further strengthen the company's position in the SUV segment, where it currently commands over 40 per cent market share.

While the entry level variant W4 is priced at Rs 11.21 lakh, the highest trim W10 comes with a tag of Rs 15.99 lakh.

"Today, as we launch the new-age XUV500, we have enhanced the finesse and driving experience while retaining the DNA of the cheetah-inspired XUV500," Goenka said.

The updated version has sports added features, including electric sunroof, push button start and 6-way adjustable seats. The Mumbai-based firm had first launched the XUV in September 2011.

Asked about the expected growth for the company during the fiscal, Goenka said: "We expect to grow more than the industry which according to SIAM is expected to grow in high single digit during the fiscal."

Expressing confidence of turnaround in the auto sector after witnessing a slump in the last few fiscals, he said: "The first month of the fiscal April has begun well...We in Mahindra are confident that we should be contributing more than our share in the growth."

10 | July-August 2015 | autoASIA

autoASIA | July-August 2015 | 11

Renault unveils Kwid in India, to be priced up to Rs 4 lakh

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French auto major Renault on Wednesday unveiled its global entry-level car Kwid to be priced up to Rs 4 lakh in the country.

The car will hit the Indian market around the festive season this year.

Developed with an investment of around Rs 2,000 crore, the SUV-shaped small car will be powered by an 800cc petrol engine. The company is looking to make India a regional hub for exporting the new car.

"The Kwid will be a game changer and it will be at the entry-level segment that accounts for 25 per cent of the Indian car market today," Renault Group Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn said here after unveiling the car.

He said Renault has set a target of cornering 5 per cent market share in India and the new car will play a big role in it.

"Renault Kwid will be a big contributor to our India growth story first, secondly in other emerging markets and then globally," Ghosn said.

The Kwid will take on established players like Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai in the segment.

While Maruti Alto800 is priced between Rs 2.83 lakh and Rs 3.4 lakh, Hyundai Eon is priced between Rs 3.09 lakh and Rs 4.22 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

Exuding confidence of Kwid doing well in India, Ghosn said, at present, the products available at the entry-level segment offer either affordability or attractiveness or innovativeness, but the Kwid will offer all of three attributes.

Developed on Renault-Nissan alliance's global CMF-A platform, Ghosn said, it was a combined effort from engineers in France, Japan and India.

The car will have 98 per cent localisation, he said, adding that it could be exported to neighbouring countries only as shipping it to other emerging markets like Latin America will not be cost-effective.

"So we can make India a regional hub of exporting the car to neighbouring countries and to some markets in South East Asian countries," he said.

Car sales in India in financial year 2015 stood at 18,76,017 units compared with 17,86,826 units in the previous fiscal, up 4.99 per cent, according to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).

Previously, Renault's presence in the hatchback segment was limited to Pulse with a starting price of Rs 5.03 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The company sells six models in India, including the popular SUV Duster and newly-launched MPV Lodgy.

In FY14-15 Renault sold 4,006 units of cars as against 10,367 units in FY13-14, while in utility vehicles, it clocked 39,378 units as against 47,001 units in FY1314.

Alliance partner Nissan on the other hand had sold 26,589 units in FY14-15 as against 22,603 units in the previous fiscal. Its utility vehicle sales were at 20,885 units compared with 15,421 units in FY13-14.

At Davos last year, Carlos Ghosn had said Renault-Nissan alliance was looking to have 10 per cent market share. In the past, the alliance had tried to form a partnership with Bajaj Auto for a low cost car but it didn't materialise.

Renault-Nissan Alliance has a plant in Chennai, where they have invested Rs 4,500 crore with an initial annual production capacity of 4 lakh, which can be scaled up to 4.8 lakh.

The plant exports to over 100 countries, making Nissan the third biggest exporter of cars from India. The alliance employs more than 15,000 people in India.

autoASIA | July-August 2015 | 13

Daimler to export Mercedes Benz buses from India These buses have been designed, engineered in India and adapted to the local market with a significant localisation level of 75% on bus body and overall localisation of over 50%.

Daimler AG, the world's largest truck maker is preparing to export its fully built luxury buses under the Mercedes Benz brand to markets in Africa and South East Asia.

This will be the first instance when the luxury vehicle maker with the three pointed star logo will export a high end product out of India.

already exported 150 chassis to Egypt, we are negotiating with Indonesia, Africa, so there are lot of markets to cater to. For fully built buses we may look at Nigeria in Africa and some of the South East Asian Markets."

Apart from Germany, Daimler uses its manufacturing base in Brazil and Spain to export MB buses, India will emerge as a key gateway to Africa and South East Asia.

The company is currently analysing the specific markets in these two continents and may begin export next year.

These buses have been designed, engineered in India and adapted to the local market with a significant localisation level of 75% on bus body and overall localisation of over 50%.

On the similar lines, the largest luxury bus maker Volvo too is planning to export buses to some of the developed markets in the coming quarters.

Speaking on the side-lines of a bus manufacturing plant inauguration in Orgadam, Chennai, Hartmut Schick, head of Daimler Buses told, "We will be exporting both the bus chassis and fully built buses from India. The chassis exported will be used for Mercedes Benz Buses. We have

India with quality and cost advantage has established itself firmly as an export base. Over the past few years, India has migrated from just being a small car exports hub to bigger cars like sedans and utility vehicles and now even the luxury cars like Chrysler Jeep SUVs will be

14 | July-August 2015 | autoASIA

exported to overseas markets.

Set up with an investment of Rs 425 crore, the new bus manufacturing facility in Chennai will have an initial capacity of 1500 units, which can be further expanded to 4000 units.

The new plant will manufacture buses with gross vehicle weight of 9, 16 and above 16 ton range, in both double and triple axles with front and rear engine configuration.

The company will launch the buses in the domestic market in the third quarter of 2015. With these new range of buses, Daimler will cater to both private and government buys, which includes school buses, tourist buses and intercity coach buses accounting for 15,000 units per annum said the company.

Schick expects the volume of the Indian market for buses weighing over eight tons to more than double by the year 2020.

"Our two-brand strategy allows us to offer our customers in the region the right products and services for them," he said. The new bus plant will create 1,300 job opportunities

in the state, 300 for DICV and additional 1,000 at Wrightbus International, the bus body builder for Daimler.

Calling it the second wave of growth in India, Daimler India Commercial Vehicle on Wednesday unveiled a range of trucks and buses - under Bharat Benz and Mercedes Benz brand and higher horsepower 31 tonner deep mining trucks and 49 tonner local heavy duty tractor.

In a short span of four years, Daimler has already captured the number 3 position in the heavy duty truck space by selling over 22,000 units.

With the localised new mining trucks, company will take on the imported models of Volvo and Scania.Daimler India has already secured orders for 600 mining trucks in a market that has an annual appetite for 2000 trucks.

22-23 September 2015 Suntec Convention Centre, Singapore www.terrapinn.com/iotautoasia

The Internet Of Things Is Now A Reality.

This really is the dawn of the 4th industrial revolution. One accelerated by several concurrent trends: 1. Cloud services, low cost infrastructure and hyperconnectivity 2. The internet of things, of people – of everything 3. The explosion of data 4. And the increasing urbanization of communities Underpinning the trends are five forces: 1. Mobile 2. Sensors 3. Data 4. Location 5. Social The future will be a place where: • Objects communicate • The customer is truly connected • We connect with our homes • We connect with our cars • We live in smart cities – and travel on intelligent transport networks • Diseases are controlled with apps and data • What I wear communicates with me and my devices • And where robots run smart factories The IOT Show will address the new business possibilities from the internet of things and contextual technology. It will explore new business models, facilitate new collaborations and partnerships and generate new ideas and thinking.

It is also a marketplace that brings the entire eco-system together: platforms, integrators, cloud infrastructure, sensors, chips, components, devices, semiconductors, security, big data, regulators, financiers, investors and big brands.

The IOT Show is about getting the prototypes out of the lab and into the market. The IOT Show is also a springboard for startups to launch new IOT applications and then pitch them to investors and partners.

The Conference

The Conference will be where the C suite, the influencers and the disruptors live. The high calibre speaker line up, the future focused agenda and a close relationship with our partners are the key to delivering the audience.

The agenda will not just be broadcast style presentations. There will be true keynotes from visionaries, there will be breakout sessions tackling industry specific issues and case studies and there will be roundtable discussions led by industry pioneers.

Each day the conference will start with visionary keynote presentations and then split into focused industry dedicated tracks covering: • Manufacturing & Logistics 16 | July-August 2015 | autoASIA

• • •

Cars & Transport Energy & Infrastructure Cities & Government

Some of our presenters include: • Mike Gascoyne, renowned Formula One Designer • Emilio Frazzoli, Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology • Hideyuki Ando, Maritime Information Group General Manager Doctor of Engineering, Monohakobi Technology Institute (NYK Group) • Mike Foley, Head of Information Services, Auckland Council, New Zealand • Misko Kancko, Director of Strategy & Programs, Canada Post Corporation • Osamu Tanabe, Head of Fundamental Technology Department, Tokyo Gas Co. Ltd • Rodell A. Garcia, Chief Technology Adviser, Manila Water • Sing Mong Kee, President, Intelligent Transportation Society • Thomas Hoff Andersson, Director Airport Optimisation, Copenhagen Airports • Tom Bell, General Manager, Operations, Electrolux Thailand • Senior representatives from the Bosch Software Innovations, NTT Communications, Infineon Technologies, Ideacoe, United Energy & Multinet Gas, Mitsubishi Corporation, Kia Motors, Siemens, Machina Research, Auckland Council, Canada Post, Institute of Infocomm Research, Narita International Airport, TVS Motors, Volvo East Asia and many more…

The Exhibition

The exhibition, that runs alongside the conference, will be a showcase of the latest in IOT innovation. From large existing technology companies down to the latest Asian start ups.

The IOT Show exhibition will feature those leading IOT technology innovation from: • Technology platforms • Cloud infrastructure • Mobile networks • Sensors manufacturers • Chip manufactures • Components • Devices • Semiconductors • Security • Big data Sponsors and exhibitors to date include NTT Communications, Bosch, IDEA COE, Infineon, Equinix, Identive, Tech Kinetics and more!

Readers of Auto Asia will be entitled to a 10% discount off prevailing conference prices. Just quote voucher code WDWG when registering online.

Full details of the event can be found on www.terrapinn.com/iotautoasia

Heavy duty trucks sales up, smaller ones' suffers

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ccording to senior auto industry experts, the topend of the commercial vehicle industry - comprising heavy duty trucks and tractor trailors - are now cruising in top gear. There is a lot of cheer at the top-end and gloom at the bottom of the pyramid.We're talking about the truck and the bus market. A market that started limping out of its worst slowdown in a decade mid-last year, is now more or less out of the woods.According to senior auto industry experts, the top-end of the commercial vehicle industry comprising heavy duty trucks and tractor trailors - are now cruising in top gear with a Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles in the first four months of calendar 2015.

Medium and light commercial

vehicles are still flat but the segment has left the de-growth behind. But at the bottom of the chain, the super light category comprising 2 tonne and below vehicles are still stuck in first gear. Reason: the industry is back on track but it's the big fleet operators that are fuelling this replacement demand spurt. The crippling discounts haven't gone away and the small operators are still too badly scarred to think of buying new vehicles. "This seg ment is still recovering from the very aggressive growth it went through two years ago which led to overbuying and a resultant glut in the market.There is still not enough load volume to justify those numbers and people are cautious. There are more second hand buys," said Pawan Goenka, director and president of Mahindra & Mahindra's automotive and farm equipment division. Add to that the

lag that normally creeps in between turnaround at the top-end and its trickle effect at the bottom and no one expects the bottom of the pyramid to vroom back any time soon.

"The 5-15 tonne light & medium commercial vehicle segment is still working with capacity utilization that's 60% of the 2011 peak. The degrowth has stopped but the volumes continue to be flat. In the January-April 2015 period, this segment clocked 21,200 units compared to 21,150 in the yearago period.

The average monthly sales are now around 5000 per month down from a peak of 8000 per month during the 2012 peak," said Vinod Aggarwal, MD, Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles. Commercial vehicle makers though are cheering the turnaround at the top-end where the last quarter of calendar 2014 saw 62% growth. "This January-April 2015 volumes are up to 67,500 units from 49,400 last year," said Agarwal.

The monthly average sales at 16,500 units is still lower than the 2011 peak of 22,000 units but that can improve if infrastructure projects kick off. "Mining has seen significant improvement but the road construction sector is not growing as infrastructure projects are yet to take off," said Agarwal. "That's why the tipper market has dropped by 3% in the first four months but if infrastructure projects take off and continue to grow like this we will hit the 2011 peak in 12-24 months," he said.

autoASIA | July-August 2015 | 17

Twin boost to margins for tyre makers these companies, with most other inputs crude oil-linked. Among other key raw materials are nylon tyre cord fabric (19 per cent) and carbon black (12 per cent).

The steep fall in NR prices from a peak of Rs 240 a kg three years earlier to about Rs 120 a kg has had a favourable effect on tyre firms' margins, with most of them experiencing an expansion here of 500 basis points (bps) and above during this period.

Expect higher profit growth as the entire raw material basket of prices tumbles Stocks of tyre companies, on a roll for a year and a half on the back of falling prices of natural rubber (NR), could get a further boost from falling crude oil prices, down 40 per cent since June.

At 44 per cent, NR accounts for the lion's share of raw material costs for 18 | July-August 2015 | autoASIA

Earnings, too, have grown and are expected to move up further. For example, Credit Suisse analysts estimate a one per cent fall in NR prices impacts Apollo Tyre's earnings by 1.8 per cent; a similar fall in crude oil derivatives will improve these by two per cent.

The other trigger would be growth in the replacement segment, 70 per cent of industry sales. This is expected to grow from the low single digit one of 2013-14 to eight to 10 per cent in the commercial vehicle (CV) and car replacement segments.

The key, however, will be pricing discipline. This has held so far, except for a few promotional schemes in the recent festive season. In this backdrop, the three top companies that stand to gain are MRF, Apollo and JK Tyre.

MRF The country's largest tyre maker, it has a diversified presence across product segments. And, outgrown its peers over the past five years, improving its market share to 29 per cent in FY14 from 25 per cent in FY10.

It’s higher margins are a result of a larger share of the replacement market to revenues (76 per cent) and a better product

mix.

Analysts at Edel Invest Research believe it will be able to maintain a better margin profile on the back of scale, strong brand recall, higher pricing power and a better product mix. With the radialisation trend, they believe the share of the higher-

margin truck and bus radials will double from the current 17 per cent to 33 per cent over the next two years.

The margin has improved from 8.4 per cent a couple of years earlier to 14.9 per cent. Given lower raw material prices and pick-up in volume growth to original equipment makers, they expect net profit to grow 20 per cent annually over the next three years. The company is also investing Rs 4,000 crore over three years to expand capacity, to sustain long-term growth.

the medium term.

Ebitda (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciatio and amortisation) margins, which more than doubled over FY1214, are expected to gain another 200 bps over the next two years, due to higher demand for truck and bus radials and increase in operating leverage. With the net debt-equity ratio reducing from 2.6 times in FY13 to 2.1 times currently and cash flow from operations expected to meet capital expenditure needs, analysts at ICICI Direct believe the net debt levels have peaked and a major Street concern is addressed. They expect the number to improve to 1.3 times by FY16.

Apollo Tyres The key trigger on the operational front for Apollo is the upturn in the CV cycle, as the segment gets the company two-third of its India revenue. With strong year-on-year growth in medium and heavy CV volumes on a small base over the past few months, the company is well positioned to gain from a revival. Analysts at JPMorgan believe Apollo will grow in double-digits from here, driven by a recovery in the domestic business. India accounts for 65 per cent of its consolidated revenue. A fall in diesel prices, half the operating cost of a truck, will boost the profitability of fleet owners, thereby improving the demand for CVs. While higher volumes and lower costs will boost margins, the key risk for the company is pricing pressure in its European operations. Given the nearly 500 bps higher margins for European operations, a worsening situation will impact profitability of the consolidated entity, though some of the pressure could be offset by lower prices.

JK Tyre The company is the largest one in the truck and bus radial segment, with a 34 per cent share (Apollo is second largest, with 30 per cent) and gets about 80 per cent of its revenue from the CV space. Given the trend towards radialisation, with the operational efficiency and fuel savings of radial tyres, it is expected to gain the most from this. While radials form 30 per cent of truck and bus tyre sales for the sector, they are expected to move to 40 per cent in autoASIA | July-August 2015 | 19

JK Tyre ranks highest in JD Power 2015 JK Tyre ranks highest with an overall score of 881 points –performs particularly well in appearance and ride factors.

Overall OE tyre customer satisfaction averages at 868 – a 24 point increase from 2014. JK Tyre & Industries Ltd, pioneer of radial tyres in India, has again added another feather to its cap for its Passenger Radial Tyres, having ranked highest in the JD Power 2015 India Original Equipment Tyre Customer Satisfaction Index.

JK Tyre receives the highest rank for its superior quality and many years of relationship with the Indian consumers, in the TCSI Study conducted annually by JD Power.

“Quality is the cornerstone of our brand promise and this commitment further strengthens our focus in delivering quality products and services to our consumers. The

20 | July-August 2015 | autoASIA

award underscores JK Tyre’s continuous product innovation and its understanding of the Indian roads,” said Dr.RaghupatiSinghania, Chairman and Managing Director, JK Tyre & Industries Ltd.

881 points. The key factors behind JK Tyre’s exceptional performance have been the Appearance (tyre design and styling) where it got 882 points and Ride (quality and handling) where it got 886 points.

‘The JD Power 2015 India Original Equipment Tire Customer Satisfaction Index (TCSI) Study’ carries responses from over 4000 car owner participants, especially newvehicle owners who purchased their vehicles between May 2012 and August 2013.

Details of the study outcome can be found by clicking on this link - http:// india.jdpower.com/press-releases/ 2015-india-original-equipment-tirecustomer-satisfaction-index-tcsistudy

According to the JD Power study, customer-reported problems with original equipment (OE) have reduced substantially in OE tyres during the past five years in India.

This trend indicates improvement in the quality of OE tyres, according to the Study.

JK Tyre has got the highest scores in overall customer satisfaction with

J.D. Power Asia Pacific, one of the leading global marketing information company, has offices in Tokyo, Singapore, Beijing, Shanghai and Bangkok that conduct customer satisfaction research and provide performance analytics services in the automotive, information technology and finance industries.

Together, the five offices bring the language of customer satisfaction to consumers and businesses in

Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. Information regarding J.D. Power Asia Pacific and its products can be accessed through the Internet at india.jdpower.com.

JK Tyre pioneered the radial technology in India way back in late 1970’s. It is also the market leader in Truck/Bus Radials.

While the company holds a leadership position in the segment, it also has a global presence in 100 countries across six continents with six plants in India and three in Mexico.

Currently, the capacity across 9 plants exceeds 20 million tyres per annum. Apart from passenger car radials, JK Tyre offers a wide range of products across other segments including Radial & Bias, Truck/ Bus, Farm, LCV and OTR tyres.

Chinese dumping hurts Indian tyre makers Under the South Asian Free Trade Area agreement, tyres can be imported at 5 per cent duty from Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

The industry had sought higher import duties on tyres. The International Trade Advisory Services has said over 60 per cent truck and bus radial tyre imports are from China at an average price of $106, which is lower than the raw material price.

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mports of Chinese tyres into India have surged over several months after the US imposed an antidumping duty on them.

A basic customs duty of 10 per cent has led to cheaper Chinese tyres flooding the Indian market.

domestic tyre makers, including MRF, in the replacement market. We expect MRF to sustain itself against the Chinese imports and maintain a stable position in the replacement market owing to its diversified product mix and leading position,” said a report by Angel Broking.

In its pre-Budget submission, the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA), said the total import duty on natural rubber was 20 per cent while tyres could be imported at five per cent duty and less under various trade agreements.

According to Raghupati Singhania, chairman of ATMA, imported tyres now constitute almost 20 per cent of the Indian market, with China being the largest supplier. Indian tyre makers are expected to post flat top line growth in the fourth quarter of 2014-15 on weak growth in the passenger, tractor and two-wheeler segments, and due to competition from cheap Chinese imports.

Chinese tyre imports grew 31 per cent to Rs 613 crore crore by late 2014 from Rs 468 crore in 2012-13, industry data revealed. The value of Chinese tyre imports in 2014-15 may have reached Rs 800 crore.

This has added pressure on Indian tyre makers despite low prices of natural rubber over the last few months. Raw material cost as a percentage of sales has declined from 66 per cent to 57 per cent for MRF, India’s leading tyre maker.

“Recovery in demand from original equipment makers has been slow.

The surge of cheaper Chinese imports is eating into the share of

autoASIA | July-August 2015 | 21

HONDA AMAZE CROSSES 1 LAKH SALES MILESTONE Reaches this landmark in record time of 16 months

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onda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, recently announced that its family sedan Honda Amaze has crossed the 1 lakh sales milestone. The compact family sedan clocked phenomenal sales since its launch in April 2013 thus crossing this milestone in just 16 months and fastest in HCIL history since its inception in the Indian market.

Announcing the new milestone, Mr. JnaneswarSen, Senior Vice President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India Ltd said, “This is a very proud moment for us. Honda Amaze has witnessed great success in the Indian market and the 1 lakh sales milestone only validates its strong presence. Honda Amaze has

22 | July-August 2015 | autoASIA

been a game changer in its segment and has enabled HCIL to reach out to a whole new set of customers experiencing the joy of owning and driving a Honda car. Honda entered the diesel car segment with the Amaze and we would like to thank our customers for the confidence they have showed in us and their support that has enabled the brand to grow from strength to strength.”

Honda Cars India forayed into the diesel car segment in the country with the Honda Amaze venturing into new market segment and increasing its operating universe.

Powered by the revolutionary 1.5L iDTEC diesel engine and 1.2L i-VTEC petrol engine, the Amaze continues to be a perfect package which embodies the best of Honda’s technologies to deliver fun, agile and effortless driving, fuel-efficiency, spaciousness & safety. The car’s

best in class fuel economy along with a host of other features ensured an equally smooth run for the Honda Amaze in the metros, mini-metros and tier-2 and tier-3 markets alike. Honda Amaze continues to have a strong sales momentum in the market and has lot of sales potential with Honda’s expanding dealership network which is expected to go up to 230 outlets in 150 cities by the end of 2014 – 15.

The Honda Amaze was declared as the “Car of the Year” and “Compact Sedan of the Year” by leading automobile magazines and has clinched 12 major automobile awards in 2013 – 14.

The complete range of the Amaze is available in 12 variants - E, EX, S, SX & VX (in Manual Transmission in Petrol and Diesel) and S and VX in

Automatic Transmission in Petrol).

About Honda Cars India Ltd Honda Cars India Ltd., (HCIL) leading manufacturer of passenger cars in India was established in December 1995 with a commitment to provide Honda’s latest passenger car models and technologies, to the Indian customers. HCIL has two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities at Greater Noida, U.P and Tapukara, Distt. Alwar, Rajasthan.

The company’s product range includes Honda Brio, Honda Amaze, Honda Mobilio, Honda City and Honda CR-V. Honda’s models are strongly associated with advanced design and technology, apart from its established qualities of durability, reliability and fuelefficiency. The company has a strong sales and distribution network with 180 facilities in 115 cities spread across the country.

BorgWarner launches sophisticated software tool to optimize supplier performance data on orders, deliveries and cancellations as well as master, financial and quality data. Users receive information on past, current and future performance as well as the status of specific measures and indicators. BorgWarner’s SPM system improves collaboration between all supply chain functions by involving all suppliers, revealing potential risks early. More than 90 percent of BorgWarner BERU Systems’ suppliers currently participate in the SPM system, which has optimized delivery performance and reduced delivery times by 60 percent. In addition, BorgWarner BERU Systems achieved a 33 percent drop in parts failure (PPM) from suppliers in 2012 compared with the previous year.

For further information please contact:

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orgWarner’s Award-Winning Software Constantly Monitors Its Supply Chain to Significantly Improve Delivery, Reduce Risk and Simplify Processes.

BorgWarner’s Supplier Performance Monitor (SPM) system uses artificial intelligence and sophisticated mathematical theories to analyze current supplier performance and forecast future trends. The easy-to-install software can be transferred to new locations and improves supply chain response times significantly. Originally launched in Germany and Ireland, BorgWarner intends to implement the user-friendly software in the United States and other parts of Europe beginning in early 2014 followed by India and China later this year. BorgWarner’s SPM system has been awarded several honors such as the Supply Chain Innovation Award 2012 and the VDA (German Automotive Industry Association) Logistics Award 2013.

“BorgWarner’s Supplier Performance Monitor system analyzes actual data on quantity and delivery reliability, and significantly simplifies processes,” said Brady Ericson, President and General Manager, BorgWarner BERU Systems. “We have received fantastic feedback from

24 | July-August 2015 | autoASIA

our suppliers on this groundbreaking innovation. The SPM system helps us jointly identify problems and proactively manage situations at an early stage.”

To accommodate the dynamic global economy where suppliers must work in close partnership with their customers throughout the supply chain, BorgWarner developed the SPM system to optimize its supplier network as well as its own performance. Based on the stochastic Hidden Markov Model, BorgWarner’s software tool uses artificial intelligence and probability methods to evaluate existing mass data from enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems including

BorgWarner BERU Systems GmbH Head Office Marketing Communications/Product Press Hans-Peter Vater Mörikestr. 155 71636 Ludwigsburg Phone +49 7141 132-233 Fax +49 7141 132-385 E-Mail hvater@borgwarner.com

Advertise in autoASIA info@autoasia.net www.autoasia.net

ROLLS-ROYCE DEBUTS IN FORZA MOTORSPORT 5

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olls-Royce Motor Cars, the epitome of luxury, recently made its video game debut. Wraith, the most powerful and dynamic Rolls-Royce in history, is available now, exclusively in Forza Motorsport 5 for Xbox One.

Available to all owners of Forza Motorsport 5 as a free download, Rolls-Royce Wraith allows players to drive, explore and experience the super-luxury vehicle in unprecedented visual realism. Developed by Turn 10 Studios, Forza Motorsport 5 features an all-new graphics engine, created exclusively for Xbox One, delivering physically based material rendering that re-creates the real-life characteristics of thousands of unique materials. Coach doors open to reveal a sumptuous contemporary interior complete with expanses of wood and leather detailing, looking real enough to touch.

The marque’s sweeping fastback design appears complete with a Bespoke Starlight Headliner consisting of over 1,340 fibre optic lamps, creating a starstudded interior, allowing players to drive in the ultimate style. 624bhp derived from the car’s 6.6 litre twin-turbo V12 engine is delivered effortlessly courtesy of Satellite Aided Transmission, a cutting-edge technology that marries the car’s gearbox to GPS data to ensure Wraith is always in the correct gear, therefore poised to deliver its abundant power.

Marc Mielau, General Manager Marketing, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars commented, “We are delighted to mark a first in video game history by introducing Wraith, the most powerful Rolls-Royce ever made, into Forza Motorsport 5. The game will provide players with a new level of excitement by exploring the iconic features of Wraith. We are proud to present this compelling combination of refined super-luxury and poised dynamism in such a new and immersive way.”

Wraith will be offered in 12 colour combinations, with Rolls-Royce signature two tone options available.

26 | July-August 2015 | autoASIA

TOYOTA TO EXPAND USE OF SIEMENS PLM SOFTWARE FOR ITS VEHICLE SAFETY INITIATIVE • Use of Teamcenter software to be expanded at Toyota • Originally deployed in 2013 to comply with the ISO 26262 safety standard Toyota Motor Corporation is planning to use its vehicle safety information management system as part of a comprehensive initiative to produce safe vehicles for its customers. The system, which is based on Siemens’ Teamcenter® software, has been in use since January 2013. Teamcenter was selected based on the proven track record of its technology and its widespread usage throughout the global manufacturing industry.

Market requirements regarding safety compliance for vehicles are constantly increasing. In 2011, the International Organization for

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Standardization (ISO) published the ISO 26262 Functional Safety standard which defines functional safety for automotive equipment applicable throughout the lifecycle of all automotive electronic and electrical systems. In order to ensure compliance with ISO 26262, Toyota decided to implement a new safety information management system based on PLM that would standardize processes across multiple divisions.

After evaluating several PLM software systems, Toyota selected Teamcenter. Toyota cited the widespread adoption of Teamcenter by the global manufacturing industry and Siemens’ open policy for PLM technology as important factors in its decision. Toyota’s successful deployment of Teamcenter has allowed it to enhance collaboration

between multiple divisions and significantly improve traceability management. This facilitates its ability to comply with functional safety standards.

“We are extremely proud to have earned the confidence of Toyota’s management for such an important global initiative,” said Chuck Grindstaff, president and CEO of Siemens PLM Software. “As one of the most respected leaders of the global automotive industry, Toyota takes vehicle safety and compliance very seriously. And as the leading supplier of PLM software to the auto industry, Siemens takes its commitment to customer success very seriously. We are delighted to see the success Toyota is experiencing with Teamcenter and we are confident it will continue to provide the right information, in the right

place, and at the right time, to help Toyota continue to make smart decisions throughout vehicle development.”

Blaupunkt Introduces

Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems in India

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laupunkt India has entered a new segment with TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems). TPMS will help provide the real time information and customizable alerts on tyre pressure and temperature conditions. Blaupunkt is the first to launch a vehicle tyre pressure monitoring systems of international standards in the Indian market. The TPMS system gathers tyre pressure data directly from the tyre valves via wireless sensors. It helps with flat tyre prevention, tyre wear reduction.

The TPMS kit includes a display unit along with 4 easy to install tyre sensors; including a locking mechanism to prevent theft.

Preeti Bakshi, marketing head of Blaupunkt commented, "Blaupunkt is leading the way with a range of

TPMS solutions and technologies for retail and OEM segments, including passenger and commercial vehicles, where the companies TPMS solutions can monitor vehicles with 20+ tires and integration of the data into the head unit display, CAN network, smart phones etc."

Yamaha to Launch YZF-R3 Instead of R25 in India India seems to be gradually taking to 300-350cc bikes, at least that's what the success of KTM Duke 390, RC 390, Kawasaki Ninja 300 leads us to believe.

And in a bid to cash in in this rising popularity of 300cc bikes, Yamaha is also planning to launch a product in that space. However, nobody was sure about Yamaha's product strategy, i.e. if it would launch the YZF-R25, which is already on sale in some South-East Asian markets, or the new R3, which was unveiled in Europe last year. Till now.

Our sources tell us that the company might launch the R3 instead of the R25; the company has, in fact, imported two units of the bike from Indonesia for research & development. The challenge for Yamaha, however, will be pricing it competitively in India. The reason why I think achieving competitive pricing will be a challenge for the Japanese bikemaker is because the R3 features a 2-cylinder engine. Whereas, almost all of its competitors in India get singlecylinder engines that give them a price advantage. Also, if Yamaha doesn't assemble the bike locally in India and brings it in as a CBU (Completely Built-Up Unit), the bike would be far more costly than all of its rivals.

Now about the engine specs, the Yamaha YZF-R3 features a 320cc, twin-cylinder engine that is good for 41bhp and 29.5Nm. Just so you know, the R3's engines is basically a bored out version of the R25's engine. So, with slightly lower compression, the R3's engine is definitely a better performer than that of the R25. However, the R3's closest competitor - if it's launched in India, - will be the RC 390, which, despite having a single-cylinder engine, churns out more power than the R3. KTM RC 390's 373cc engine churns out a maximum power output of 43bhp.

30 | July-August 2015 | autoASIA

CEAT champions the cause of Road Safety

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n association with Brotherhood of Bulleteers Motorcycling Consor tium

New Delhi, January 9, 2015: Safety of its customer’s is at the heart of all CEAT initiatives. The upcoming Road Safety week (11th- 17th Jan) will see CEAT championing the cause once again. As a part of the campaign, CEAT in association with ‘Brotherhood of Bulleteers Motorcycling Consortium’ (BOBMC) will be organizing Road safety drive from Qutab Institutional Area Lane to Haldirams, near Hero Honda Chowk at Manesar Toll at 11.00 am on 11th Jnauary, 2015. More than 70 riders will be participating in this initiative which is aimed at spreading awareness about importance of adopting safety measures while driving.

With the purpose of reducing road accidents related injuries and fatalities statistics, CEAT team decided to spread the message of safe driving through various initiatives. One such initiative of CEAT’s road safety drive will be organized across India in multiple cities like Chandigarh, Delhi-NCR, Agra, Lucknow, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Udupi, Hubli, Pune and Mumbai. The drive will witness participation of over 500 riders across the country.

With their unparalleled love for road journeys across India on Royal Enfields, the BOBMC members are the ideal ambassadors for spreading the road safety message.

Further CEAT team is also organizing a children’s road safety boot camp at Kidzania under a campaign titled ‘Drive Safe Dad’. The campaign intends to educate kids in a fun way, thereby kids would be encouraged to pass on road safety messages to their parents. CEAT believes that such emotional messages from loved ones would be powerful enough to bring about the necessary habit change.

Commenting on the initiative, Prabhakar Tiwari, GM - Marketing, CEAT Ltd said, “Being a socially responsible brand, we believe that the adherence to road safety rules is of prime importance for all vehicles on the road. The road safety week provides a perfect platform to take this message to the masses. We hope to create nationwide awareness through such initiatives and ensure a safer year ahead for everyone’.

About CEAT Ltd: CEAT, the flagship company of RPG

Enterprises, was established in 1958. Today, CEAT is one of India’s leading tyre manufacturers and has strong presence in global markets, and has a capacity of over 700 tonnes per day. CEAT offers the widest range of tyres to all segments and manufactures world-class radials for: Heavy-duty Trucks and Buses, Light Commercial Vehicles, Earthmovers, Forklifts, Tractors, Trailers, Cars, Motorcycles and Scooters as well as Auto-rickshaws. CEAT enjoys a major market share in the light truck & truck tyre market and its tubes and flaps are renowned for their superior quality and durability.

Sukhpal Singh Ahluwalia Appointed to Board of Continental Engines Ltd, India Continental Engines Ltd is pleased to announce the appointment to its board of Sukhpal Singh Ahluwalia, one of the leading figures in the European Automotive Aftermarket, effective 7th October 2014. Continental Engines is the automotive business segment of Baxy Group and came into existence in 1983. Headquartered in Gurgaon in the National Capital Region of India, is a major OEM supplier of engines and engine components to customers in India, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East.

Mr. Ahluwalia is best known as the founder and driving force behind the UK’s No.1 parts distributor, Euro Car Parts (ECP). Taking it from a small startup in London to one of Europe’s largest aftermarket distributor of automotive replacement parts to independent garages, body repairers and the B2C e-commerce sector. In 2011, he sold the ECP business to LKQ Corporation of Chicago – a Fortune 500 company – but has remained in overall charge of all LKQ’s UK companies. In the meantime, Mr. Ahluwalia has built up number of successful property-based enterprises in the United Kingdom. Continental Engines welcomes Mr. Sukhpal Singh Ahluwalia as a non-executive director and, as he intends to spend a lot more time in India, we look forward to benefiting from his wide network of contacts, his deep knowledge of the world automotive. Most of all, his ingenuity and drive will be a major asset to Continental Engines. autoASIA | July-August 2015 | 31

Government to spend Rs 1,000 cr to back ELECTRIC VEHICLES SALES

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he electric vehicle segment in India is slowly getting its due.

Ministry of Heavy Industries Additional Secretary, Ambuj Sharma, has made it known that the government has earmarked Rs 1,000 crore for the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan for the next two financial years.

The amount as declared above would be utilised to set up charging infrastructure, technology development, incentives and pilot projects.

"We have a road map till 2020 where we expect around 6-7 million

electric and hybrid vehicles in the country. The government has earmarked Rs 1,000 crore for the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan in the next two fiscals (2015-16, 2016-17)," Sharma said.

The scheme is set to begin on April 1 this year. "After looking at the results of the two years we would further seek support in the next plan," Sharma said.

In the Auto Expo 2014, we had seen how the government was actively promoting electric and

hybrid vehicles. In fact, more than 15 Indian-made electric and hybrid products were on display. As long as cost remains a hindrance to this segment, we wonder how the vehicles will get their due. But the news is enough to get our hopes up again.

battery-powered Maxximo Electric Vans were handed over to the Agra Development Authority, which will be used along the clean, green Taj Zero Emission Corridor, to help reduce vehicular emissions.

In other news, India’s leading SUV manufacturer, announced the launch of the 1st Electric Vehicle pilot project, under the aegis of the Government of India’s ambitious National Electric Mobility Mission Plan. As part of the project, four autoASIA | July-August 2015 | 33

Cross Polo with 1.2L MPI Petrol Engine Launched at Rs 6.94 Lacs V

olkswagen launched Cross Polo in India in August 2013, only with the 1.2L diesel engine. Recently, the car got rejuvenated with the new 1.5L TDI diesel engine which produces 90PS and 230Nm and stretching the offering a little wider, the company has introduced the 1.2L MPI petrol engine to the lineup as well.

The new 1.2L is the same 3-cylinder motor which produces 74bhp of power and 110Nm of torque and comes with a rated fuel efficiency of 16.47kmpl.

In terms of features, Cross Polo comes with dual-beam headlamps with a black tinge, 15 inch alloy wheels, loads of cladding on the sides, front and rear to give that forced ‘Cross’ look, roof rails etc.

In terms of safety, Cross Polo petrol gets ABS, dual front airbags, and is 4-star NCAP approved.

Cross Polo Color Options The new 1.2L Cross Polo MPI petrol is available in the following 3 color options…

Flash Red Deep Black Reflex Silver Cross Polo petrol has been priced at Rs 6.94 Lakhs ex-showroom Mumbai and offers a lower buying point for prospect buyers.

This is a desperate attempt by Volkswagen to bring to light their crossover hatchback which has been overshadowed by the Avventura and the upcoming i20 Cross.

Ferrari is Back in India! Launches Dealerships in Delhi & Mumbai

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errari came to India in May 2011 with the Shreyans Group as their official importer. The Italian sports car manufacturer later ended its associations with them last year in April due to consistent problems and complaints which cropped up time and again.

Ferrari, in an official communication has informed us that they are back in India with a renewed vigour and enthusiasm and has announced opening of two new dealerships in India.

The company had, for almost a year now, been contacting customers directly but with two new dealerships in place things will become streamlined. Apart from the bad after sales service issues, Ferrari owners have often complained about getting delivery of their car after a long waiting period which was not what the official importer promised.

Ferrari Delhi dealership. The new dealership in Delhi will be located at: Select Cars Pvt Ltd A19 Mohan Co-operative Industrial Estate, Mathura Road, New Delhi.

F errari Mumbai dealership - Apart from this, the company is also opening a new dealership in Mumbai to cater to the existing and new prospective customers in Western India. A service centre/dealership in Mumbai will be a saviour as earlier, during the Shreyans Group days owners had to ship their cars all the way to Delhi even for a minor oil change. The address of Ferrari’s Mumbai outlet is…

Navnit Motors Pvt Ltd C Wing, Waterford Building CD Barfiwala Road (Juhu Galli) Andheri West, Mumbai. autoASIA | July-August 2015 | 35

Indian Auto Growth

Chevrolet Sells Over 1 Million Beats Globally

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hevrolet announced the milestone of crossing sales of 1 mn Beat hatchbacks, which are known as Spark in foreign markets. The Chevrolet Beat/Spark is currently available in 71 markets worldwide, with highest sales being registered from South Korea, followed by the US and Mexico. The company said sales of the hatchback in the US are up by 10 %, year to date. General Motors India said that it has sold more than 178,000 Beats in the country alone.

The Beat was launched in India in the end of 2009, and is claimed to be the country’s most efficient diesel hatchback with a fuel economy of 25.44 km/l.

It is available in both petrol and diesel engine options, with features including steering-mounted audio controls, height adjustable driver’s seat and new interior themes, making it attractive to customers. The company said the clear goal for Beat from the beginning was to create a revolution in

size and design despite the restrictions of being a small car. It is also claimed to be one of the safest small cars, due to construction of certain panels out of lightweight, high-strength steels. These include in parts of the upper body, lower body, roof bow and B-pillars.

Chevrolet Beat has been appreciated for its technology and is increasingly selected by young buyers both in India and abroad, said Arvind Saxena, President and Managing Director, General Motors India. Saxena added that the Chevrolet Beat was launched in other parts of the world, following its success in India.

General Motors India recently started export of the Beat from its Talegaon manufacturing facility to Chile. The company is presently considering more export markets for the India-made Beat. Details here. autoASIA | July-August 2015 | 37

ScrewKits from ContiTech: Comprehensive Carefree Package for Air Spring Installation replacement business: In its capacity as the first air spring manufacturer to date, the company offers its customers complete mounting kits that have been precisely customized to each type of air spring.

Known as ScrewKits, they are suitable for ContiTech and PHOENIX air springs. They thus cover around 300 applications in trucks, trailers, and buses. The ScrewKits are available worldwide.

At present, 37 different ScrewKits for ContiTech and PHOENIX air springs are available to dealers and workshops. By precisely stating the relevant references, customers can easily select the correct kit for the air spring in question. In addition to the usual nuts and bolts, the ScrewKits also contain special designs, such as those with fine threads. "The 100% fitting accuracy makes it easier for dealers to allocate a kit to the air spring in question. It also makes installation easier for workshops," says Alexander Papadimitriou, head of the Independent Aftermarket segment at ContiTech Air Spring Systems.

"The time-consuming process of assembling the different components is omitted and errors can be prevented."

Globally unique service for the air spring replacement market All required mounting materials in one package Fitting accuracy and high quality ContiTech offers a globally unique service for the air spring

All mounting materials contained in the kits meet the highest quality standards and have been tested in accordance with ISO standards.

They thus offer maximum safety. The uniform packaging size also makes logistics and storage of the ScrewKits easier for dealers. The product references are noted on the box, which means the kits can

be precisely allocated easily and quickly. "Many dealers have been won over by the ScrewKits," reports product manager Ingo Rosenau. "As a result, we are planning on further expanding this service in the future."

With sales of around •33.3 billion in 2013, Continental is among the leading automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for powertrains and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers, Continental contributes to enhanced driving safety and global climate protection.

Continental is also an expert partner in networked automobile communication. Continental currently employs around 186,000 people in 49 countries.

The ContiTech division numbers among the leading suppliers of a host of technical rubber products and is a specialist for plastics technology. The division develops and produces functional parts, components and systems for the automotive industry and other important industries. ContiTech currently has a workforce of approximately 31,400 employees. In 2013 it recorded sales of about •3.9 billion.

autoASIA India’s largest circulated after-market & automobile Magazine info@autoasia.net autoASIA | July-August 2015 | 39

UFI FILTERS filtration systems for the DIESEL OF THE YEAR速 engine 2014

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nnovation, technology and research are the guiding principles for UFI FILTERS Group, who provide Original Equipment fuel and oil filters for the Cursor 16 engine, winner of DIESEL OF THE YEAR 2014速, awarded

annually by DIESEL magazine.

The partnership between UFI Group, a world leader in filtration systems, and the Turin-based company FPT Industrial - a pioneer in the design and manufacture of engines for on-road and off-road use, and part of CNH group - goes back many years. UFI already offers a range of filtration systems in its truck range for Cursor 10 and 13 engines, and now also supplies the engine of the year, the powerful Cursor 16, with fuel and oil filters.

The engine provides maximum power and is extremely compact with various applications ranging from construction machinery to agricultural machinery and power generation equipment. This is testament both to the versatility and the advanced technology of UFI FILTERS products, which are suitable for use not only in cars, but also in more sophisticated engines designed for industrial vehicles.

The fuel filter module has a plastic body and a compact design which ensures both dimensions and weight are kept to a minimum, and is equipped with a pressure switch sensor and temperature sensor, with resistance and filtration capacities which place the filter at the top of its category in terms of maintenance intervals: even at high flow rates, the filter can guarantee up to 600 hours of effective function.The ecological filter cartridge ensures maximum filtration efficiency of impure particles, and is compatible with the new biodiesels now in use, which demand increased performance in terms of resistance.

The fuel filter is now available as a replacement part in the Aftermarket range, product code UFI 26.044.00 and SOFIMA S 6044 NE. The oil filter, on the other hand, has an aluminium body, which keeps the weight of the part to a minimum whilst simultaneously offering high resistance and optimal performance. The internal cartridge is environmentally friendly with a filtering efficiency which complies with ISO specifications, allowing for it to work effectively at high pressure, also with maintenance intervals of up to 600 hours.

The oil filter will soon be available as a replacement part in the UFI and SOFIMA Aftermarket ranges. This new component, along with the rest of the range, is available in our electronic catalogues: www.ufi-aftermarket.com and www.sofima-aftermarket.com 40 | July-August 2015 | autoASIA

Tire ID solutions: Barcode Readers | 3D Displacement Sensors

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eliable barcode reading and machine vision solutions are two important requirements during the tyre manufacturing process. When the lifecycle of a tyre spans multiple locations and buildings, accurate tyre identification is essential for managing compliance, work in progress, sorting and routing, and quality control.

Cognex Tire ID Solutions integrate proprietary machine vision knowledge, identification expertise and high performance barcode reading technology into pre-configured systems that meet the requirements of the tyre industry.

Cognex has introduced Cognex Tire ID Solutions, a suite of products designed to solve barcode and low-contrast embossed characterreading challenges for tyre manufacturers. These solutions are designed to support code reading applications to minimize read failures and increase throughput and production efficiency, all while decreasing costly rework.

LOW COST OF OWNERSHIP: With patented algorithms for highspeed barcode and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) reading technology, the tyre solutions helps in reducing cost and supports process improvement. It offers the following features: DataMan fixed mount readers: Bring down maintenance costs Image based readers: Allows the user to visualize the trouble spots Xpand technology: Enables the user to have a larger canvas view using lesser equipments DS1000 Series 3D Sensor: reads embossed characters on curved, dark surfaces at speeds upto 1 tyre revolutions per second OCRMax™ Vision TechnologyDS1000 Software: 3D and 2D vision toolsets 42 | July-August 2015 | autoASIA

DMax+ with Hotbars™ algorithms provide the highest barcode read rates in the industry The major challenge faced by the customer is that the ideal reader position is difficult to achieve due to the varying tyre heights and barcode perspectives. The Cognex Connect communications suite also makes it easy to integrate the Cognex Tyre Solutions with factory networks.

Cognex Tyre Solutions are common stocked products backed by dedicated support networks that provide expedited product delivery.

OTHER PRODUCTS BY COGNEX: DataMan® 300 series of readers handles the most difficult-to-read DPM (Direct Part Mark) codes. Key applications - Spinning tyres, Green vulcanised tyres, Under belt, Hanging chains and Omni directional conveyors. DataMan 503 is a complement to the existing line of DataMan logistics barcode readers and has expanded the number of applications where image-based readers can be used.

Key applications - Tyre stack, Spinning tyres, High speed sorting, Large depth of field and Large field of view. DS 1100 3D sensor optimizes product quality by providing threedimensional inspection of the products. Key applications Automatic DOT code recognition and verify any embossed text or logo on tyres.

For further information, please contact: Sunil Vaggu Cognex Sensors India Pvt. Ltd info.in@cognex.com M: +91 988 146 6003

MFGRS. OF AUTOMOTIVE REAR VIEW MIRRORS & HORNS FOR ALL TYPE OF TRUCKS, BUSES, TRACTORS, MOTORCYCLES, SCOOTERS AND AUTORICKSHAWS

PERFECT AUTO INDUSTRIES FARIDABAD, HARYANA

Hyundai announces 18th Free Car Care Clinic

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yundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL), the country’s largest passenger car exporter and the second largest automobile manufacturer, announced the 18th edition of the nationwide ‘Free Car Care Clinic' customer connect program. Aimed at extending the advantage of its excellent services to its customers, the camp held between October 31, 2014 to November 09, 2014 at all service outlets across the country.

Announcing the 18th Free Car Care Clinic, Mr. Rakesh Srivastava, Sr. VP – Sales & Marketing, HMIL said, "We at Hyundai understand the evolving needs and preferences of our customers. We have been receiving an overwhelming response to our ‘Free Car Care Clinic' and this year also we hope to see increased participation from our customers across the country. Our objective is to provide the best of products and

44 | July-August 2015 | autoASIA

services to customers and enable them to enjoy value-added experience."

The ‘Free Car Care Clinic' will offer a comprehensive 80 point check-up and a thorough examination of the engine, transmission, electrical system, under-body, AC, exterior, etc. Hyundai customers can also avail attractive discounts on spare parts/labor charges, selected accessories, and other value added services. In addition, Hyundai is also offering an attractive discount of up to 20 per cent on extended warranty along with additional discount on labor and parts, further can avail exciting offers on exchange of old cars.

Hyundai values its long term relationship with its customers thus there are additional attractive offers through scratch cards for the customers that are more than 4 years

old. M/s Indian Oil Corporation Ltd, the nationwide sponsor for this event is also offering attractive schemes and offers during the camp.

To honor and reward Hyundai customers attending the camp, attractive gifts like 10 free extended warranties on daily basis and other exciting prizes are also being offered during the entire period of the 10 days. Customers can book there service at dealerships and through “Hyundai Care” Mobile Application or through customer care website (www.customercare.hyundai.co.in).

About HMIL Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company (HMC).

HMIL is the largest passenger car exporter and the second largest car manufacturer in India. It currently has

ten car models across segments Eon, Santro, i10, Grand i10, i20, Xcent, Verna, Elantra, Sonata and Santa Fe. HMIL’s fully integrated stateof-the-art manufacturing plant near Chennai boasts advanced production, quality and testing capabilities.

HMIL forms a critical part of HMC’s global export hub. It currently exports to around 120 countries across EU, Africa, Middle East, Latin America, Australia and the Asia Pacific. HMIL has been India’s number one exporter for the past eight years consecutively.

To support its growth and expansion plans, HMIL currently has 405 dealers and more than 1,045 service points across India. In its commitment to provide customers with cutting-edge global technology, HMIL set up a modern multi-million dollar R&D facility in Hyderabad. The R&D center endeavors to be a center of excellence in automobile engineering.

Bridgestone in Vietnam CEAT appoints Debi Prasad Das as Senior Vice President – Human Resources

Bridgestone Inaugurates New Tire Manufacturing Facility in Vietnam Factory in Hai Phong established to meet growing global tire demand through manufacturing and export Bridgestone Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. (BSCAP) announced that its group company, Bridgestone Tire Manufacturing Vietnam Limited Liability Company (BTMV), held a ceremony to mark the grand opening of its first tire plant in Vietnam. Located in Hai Phong City, the opening ceremony was attended by guests from the Vietnam government, Hai Phong City, the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam, and related companies like automotive companies.

BTMV started production of passenger car radial tires (PSR) in April 2014 and its total production capacity is expected to reach 49,000 tires per day by the second half of 2017. The plant will serve as a key export base to Europe, North America and Japan when fully operational.

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EAT Ltd., one of India’s leading tyre manufacturers with strong presence in both domestic and international markets, has appointed Mr. Debi Prasad Das as Senior Vice President – Human Resources. Mr. Das will be based at the CEAT headquarters in Mumbai and will be responsible for Human Resources and Employee Relations functions at the company. Mr. Das’s appointment is part of the vision adopted by CEAT to have the best of the industry leaders at the helm of the company.

“Bridgestone expresses our sincere gratitude to the government of Vietnam, Hai Phong City and all cooperating members, for allowing us to make BTMV a reality,” said Masaaki Tsuya, CEO and Representative Board Member, Concurrently Chairman of the Board, Bridgestone Corporation.

“BTMV will produce products in line with our corporate philosophy of “Serving Society with Superior Quality”, and will strive to develop our business and contribute to the local community in Vietnam.”

Mr. Das comes with a rich and varied heritage of 25 years of experience across Manufacturing and IT industries. His last appointment before joining CEAT was as SVP – HR Quality, Risk, Compliance, and Control at Atos Global. He has also had stints in Tech Mahindra, Godrej- GE Appliances, Advani Oerlikon Ltd, Indo-Afrique Paper Mills, Amey Consultants and VIP industries.

Teruo Kunitake, General Director of BTMV, said “With the support of the local community, BTMV has been growing from strength-to-strength. We now have over 1,100 employees who are mostly Vietnamese and are increasing our manufacturing output on a daily basis. Apart from contributing to Vietnam’s economy, we also plan to drive a better future by supporting the local community and environment in Vietnam.”

Commenting on his appointment, Anant Goenka, Managing Director, CEAT Ltd said, “We are delighted to have Mr. Das on board. I am confident that his rich experience will help create a significant impact on our people strategy and processes as we enter an exciting phase of growth. With his appointment, we are hoping to expand on the already well-established training and development programmes and ensure an overall HR strategy that is in tune with CEAT’s business philosophy.”

To respond more quickly to changes in market demand and supply high quality products to our customers, the Bridgestone Group will continue to build on its manufacturing and distribution system. Additionally, BTMV and the Bridgestone Group will also continue working to support the growth and development of the local communities of Vietnam.

After completing his Bachelor of Commerce, Mr. Das completed his management studies from Pune University. In addition, he has also done his B.A LLB and advance Business Management for Senior Indian Executives from INSEAD. Passionate about going on long drives and exploring new destinations, Mr. Das dedicates some of his time working for charitable organisations.

About CEAT Ltd: CEAT, the flagship company of RPG Enterprises, was established in 1958.

Today, CEAT is one of India’s leading tyre manufacturers and has strong presence in global markets, and has a capacity of over 700 tonnes per day.

CEAT offers the widest range of tyres to all segments and manufactures world-class radials for: Heavy-duty Trucks and Buses, Light Commercial Vehicles, Earthmovers, Forklifts, Tractors, Trailers, Cars, Motorcycles and Scooters as well as Auto-rickshaws. CEAT enjoys a major market share in the light truck & truck tyre market and its tubes and flaps are renowned for their superior quality and durability.

autoASIA | July-August 2015 | 45

DSK’s Hyosung ‘The Big Boy’ GT250 R in an exciting new avatar Group (Diversified business group with a turnover of over Rs. 5000 crores) forayed into the growing automobile sector by entering the niche segment of powerful and aspirational bikes in association with Hyosung (Part of S&T Motors – Korea.). The company assembles and markets these superbikes under the brand name of DSK Hyosung.

Taking forward the company’s rich legacy and dynamic entrepreneurship, Mr. ShirishKulkarni, Chairman DSK Hyosung, spearheads the brand‘s operations in India with a primary objective of providing a

• The New GT250R launched in three appealing colour option • Enhancement in terms of advanced futuristic styling, sporty graphics, three tone colour option and aggressive design elements • Attractively priced at Rs. 2,76,000 (ex-showroom Pune) DSK Hyosung launched its best selling bike in an exciting new look the - New GT250 R. This latest offering from the DSK Hyosung stable embodies the elements of advanced futuristic styling, sporty graphics and aggressive design elements like stylish new headlamps among others. Add to this will be the three exciting colour options of Red Titanium, White Titanium and Black Titanium each of which will be available in three tone shade.

Powered with a V twin-cylinder and an oil-cooled 4-stroke engine, the New GT250 R produces 27.6 Bhp of maximum power at 10000 rpm, and 22.07Nm of maximum torque at 8000 rpm.

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of the superbike Mr. Shirish Kulkarni, Chairman DSK Hyosung said: “Popularly known as ‘The Big Boy’, GT250R has always received an exceptional response from the superbiking community in India. We are very dynamic as an organization and have always adapted ourselves as per the changing customer profile, preferences and purchase decisions. Over the years we have tracked this behavior and incorporated elements of customer feedback in this New GT250 R. I am confident that this exciting avatar will appeal to the new-age speed aficionados who are looking for not only great technology but unmatched aesthetics and sporty looks. This superbike has been attractively priced at Rs.2,76,000 (exshowroom Pune)”.

This new mean machine will be retailed through all 36 DSK Hyosung brand outlets spread across the country.

About DSK Hyosung Established in 2012, DSK Motowheels, a part of the DSK

world class super biking experience.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – NEW GT250R

With a CKD plant in Maharashtra, the brand enjoys the status of having the strongest most well entrenched superbike network in India. Being a leading super biking brand of global repute, Hyosung is known for its high-end biking experience, extended product line, technology and quality. Hyosung dominates the super biking market in the US, South America, UK, Australia and many Asian countries including India.

Engine: Max Power: Max Torque: Fuel System: Transmission: L x W x H: Wheel Base: Brake

To know more about DSK Hyosung product portfolio please visit – www.dskhyosung.com

Mass : Top Speed:

Suspension : Tyre :

4 Stroke, DOHC 8 Valve 75O V-Twin 249 CC, Oil Cooled 28 BHP @ 10000 rpm / 20.59 KW @ 10000 rpm 22.07 Nm @ 8000 rpm Fuel Injection 5 speed 2090 x 700 x 1130 mm 1435 mm F: 300 mm Hydraulic double disc brake R: 230 mm Hydraulic single disc brake F: Inverted Telescopic R : Progressive Linkage Hydraulic Mono shock suspension F: 110/70 -17 54h R: 150/70 -17 69h 188 Kg 140 Kmph

autoASIA | July-August 2015 | 47

Isuzu Motors India expands its dealer network in Gujarat INAUGURATES “V.G. ISUZU” IN VADODARA – COMPANY’S 3RD DEALERSHIP OUTLET IN THE STATE

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suzu Motors India Private Limited, a subsidiary of Isuzu Motors, Japan, one of the world’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturers and a leader in pick-up trucks, inaugurated a new dealership outlet in Vadodara – “V.G. ISUZU”, the third dealership outlet in the state of Gujarat. The new dealership facility is conveniently located at A-4, Krishna Shanti Society, Atladra Road, Mujmahuda, Vadodara - 390020, to offer best-in-class sales and service support for Isuzu customers.

Speaking at the inaugural event, Mr. Shigeru Wakabayashi, Deputy Managing Director, Isuzu Motors India, said, “While we are strategically expanding our network across the country, we are also strengthening our presence in each market with more dealer outlets to increase our reach to our customers.

Vadodara has been witnessing increased industrial activity from small and medium enterprises and we believe our product – ISUZU DMAX will further add momentum to

the businesses. We are happy to be partnering with “V.G ISUZU”, as they are known for their superior sales and service support to the customers.”

Mr. Piyush Patel, Managing Partner, V.G ISUZU, said, “We are happy to be associated with Isuzu Motors, the world’s leading manufacturer of commercial and passenger vehicles.

With this dealership we plan to bring the best of Isuzu’s world-renowned pickup trucks and sports utility vehicles to this part of the country.

We will offer the best in sales and service support to all our customers with Isuzu” The award winning Isuzu's D-MAX is tough, reliable and fuel efficient. It is built on a heavy-duty chassis that offers ISUZU’s legendry durability and superior performance, making it one of the most competitive pickup trucks in the country. The ISUZU D-MAX has a large payload deck that can carry heavy loads without any hassle. The body of the D-MAX is made from high-tensile steel that

ensure greater safety. It sports a bold and aggressive look on the outside and sophisticated, passenger-vehicle like interiors, making it a pride for the owner.

Powered by the legendry ISUZU engine technology, the ISUZU DMAX helps its customers ‘Go more, Do more and Get more’.

A completely new concept in India, the new ISUZU D-MAX Space Cab’s unique feature is its extended cabin space of 1.5 feet behind the drivers’ seat, which can store valuable/ fragile goods. It offers significant features like Power steering, Power windows, Centralized door lock, AC with heater etc., making it ideal for commercial use in industries like Agriculture, Retail, Dairy, Engineering, Manufacturing and Small businesses.

The MU-7 inherits Isuzu’s dieselengine expertise and is endowed with superior fuel efficiency and outstanding engine performance. A 3-metre wheel-base makes the MU7 one of the longest SUVs available in India, offering luxurious and spacious interiors.

The MU-7 BSIII is priced from Rs. 21.43 lakhs onwards (ex-showroom, Vadodara) and the D-MAX range is priced from Rs.6.54 lakh onwards (ex-showroom, Vadodara).

Isuzu has plans to open 60 outlets across India by end of 2015-16.

Isuzu currently has 20 dealership facilities at Delhi, Noida, Jaipur, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Madurai, Visakhapatnam, Tirupati, Cochin,

48 | July-August 2015 | autoASIA

Calicut, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Ludhiana, Lucknow, Gurgaon, Indore and Vadodara.

ABOUT ISUZU MOTORS (INDIA) Isuzu Motors Limited, Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan is a global manufacturer of light, medium and heavy commercial vehicles, utility vehicles and diesel engines. With operations in 25 countries, selling in more than 100 countries worldwide, the company is a leader in pickups and pickup based derivatives in many markets. The company manufactures and sells over 6 lakh units annually across the world.

Isuzu Motors India Private Limited (IMI), a subsidiary of Isuzu Motors Limited, Japan, was established in August 2012 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Headquartered in Chennai, Isuzu currently has a contract manufacturing agreement with Hindustan Motors (HML) under which HML is assembling CKD kits of Isuzu’s Sports Utility Vehicle MU-7 and pick-up truck D-Max, at its Thiruvallur, Chennai plant.

Isuzu began civil works on its proposed manufacturing plant site in SriCity, TADA, Chitoor District, Andhra Pradesh, in January 2014. The company had acquired 107 Acres of land in 2013 after signing a MoU with the Andhra Pradesh State Government in order to start automobile manufacturing operation in India. This new facility is likely to commence commercial operations by early 2016, with the initial production capacity at 50,000 units/ year. Isuzu will scale up the production capacity to 120,000 units/ year, with the accumulated investment of Rs. 3,000 Crore, and is expected to generate 2000 - 3000 jobs. The company has plans to open 60 dealership outlets across the country by 2016 and aims to have 160 by 2020.

Isuzu Motors India plans to achieve 100% percent localisation within three years of commencing production in 2016. It is an exemplary showcase of Isuzu’s long term commitment to the Indian market.

autoASIA | July-August 2015 | 49

Hyundai Sales

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Hyundai domestic sales up by 3.4% Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL), the country’s second largest car manufacturer and the largest passenger car exporter registered the domestic sales of 35,003 units and exports of 16,705 units with cumulative sales of 51,708 units for the month of March 2015.

Commenting on the March sales Mr. Rakesh Srivastava, Sr. VP- Sales and Marketing, HMIL said, “Post the reduction of excise duty and with the strong performance in compact segment; Hyundai registered March sales of 35,003 units with a growth of 3.4% over corresponding month indicating a build-up of positive momentum.”

About HMIL Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company (HMC).

HMIL is the largest passenger car exporter and the second largest car manufacturer in India. It currently markets ten car models across segments - in the A2 segment it has the Eon, Santro, i10, Grand, i20 and Xcent, in the A3 segment the Verna, in the A4 segment the Elantra, in the A5 segment Sonata and in the SUV segment the Santa Fe. HMIL’s fully integrated state-of-theart manufacturing plant near Chennai boasts advanced production, quality and testing capabilities. HMIL forms a critical part of HMC’s global export hub. It currently exports to around 120 countries across EU, Africa, Middle East, Latin America, Australia and the Asia Pacific. HMIL has been India’s number one exporter for the past eight years consecutively. To support its growth and expansion plans, HMIL currently has 388 dealers and more than 1000 service points across India. In its commitment to provide customers with cutting-edge global technology, HMIL set up a modern multimillion dollar R&D facility in Hyderabad. The R&D center endeavors to be a center of excellence in automobile engineering. autoASIA | July-August 2015 | 51

Arburg at the T-Plas: Freeformer and high-speed injection moulding machine • • •

Complete product range: Plastic parts produced as one-off items and in high volumes Additive manufacturing: Freeformer on view live in Thailand for first time Injection moulding highlight: Hybrid Allrounder produces 24 closures in only three seconds

From 26 to 29 August, at the T-Plas 2015 in Bangkok, Thailand (Hall 101, stand C01), Arburg will present a high-end injection moulding machine as well as the Freeformer for additive manufacturing to cover the entire production spectrum from one-off parts to mass-produced items. While a high-speed Allrounder will demonstrate the cost-effective production of drinks bottle closures, a Freeformer will show the potential of the industrial additive manufacturing of functional parts as one-off items or in multivariant small batches.

“With a hybrid Allrounder 570 H in the “Packaging” version, we will be presenting an injection moulding application designed for high volume production in the packaging industry at the T-Plas 2015. This efficient high-speed machine produces 24 water bottle closures in only three seconds,” explains David Chan, Managing Director of Arburg Singapore and responsible for the entire ASEAN region. “The highlight on our exhibition stand this year will be the Freeformer. Using the Arburg Plastic Freeforming process, the innovative system additively manufactures design and functional samples from standard plastics based on 3D CAD data, without the need for a mould. We will demonstrate this based on the example of spray heads and gear cards.”

Freeformer additively processes two components The Freeformer initially melts conventional granulates in a plasticising cylinder, similarly to injection moulding. A second discharge unit can be used for an additional component, for example to produce a part in different colours, with special tactile qualities, or as a hard/soft combination.

At the T-Plas 2015, the Freeformer will, for example combine a standard ABS granulate with a special support material. The supporting structures used during the additive manufacturing of the gear cards and spray heads for cosmetics containers can be subsequently removed in a water bath.

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Packaging technology: Allrounder “Packaging” version Specially for the production of screw caps, Arburg will present a hybrid Allrounder in the “Packaging” version at the T-Plas 2015. This efficient highspeed machine from the Hidrive series offers high productivity and reduced energy requirements for applications in the beverage industry. The exhibit, which features a clamping force of 1,800 kN and a size 800 injection unit, operates with a 24 cavity mould from Z-moulds. The high-quality closures weighing 1.25 grams are produced in a cycle time of around three seconds.

K 2016 – Innovation takes centre stage Interview with Werner Matthias Dornscheidt, President and CEO, Messe Düsseldorf GmbH Q: Mr. Dornscheidt, the registration period for participation in K 2016 closed a few weeks ago. How would you rate the response from the global plastics and rubber industry?

A: Extremely positive! The demand for exhibition space has risen once again and all of the 19 halls at the Düsseldorf exhibition centre are completely booked up. More than 3,000 exhibitors from all five continents will be taking part and presenting their innovations. The spectrum of participating companies ranges from globally operating industrial groups to start-ups and covers all segments of the world market for polymers. K 2016 will be presenting a panorama of unmatched breadth and depth.

internationalism, both on the exhibitor and on the visitor side.

This guarantees that trade visitors will find world-class products and services in every area covered. And it gives the exhibitors the opportunity to meet industry experts from over 100 countries and establish contacts with potential customers that they might not have been able to reach in other ways.

So innovation will take centre stage at K 2016.

Will there be additional offerings providing insights

into new developments and perspectives alongside what the exhibitors will be showcasing?

Enterprises from the industry and research institutes will be taking advantage of K 2016 to spotlight developments and future prospects in the plastics and rubber industry.

This will be done not only at the exhibitors’ stands but also in the extensive supporting programme which offers the trade visitors another range of interesting topics.

To mention just two:

Will all of the companies who have registered actually be able to take part?

We will keep our promise: all companies that registered by 31st May and whose exhibits meet the K 2016 nomenclature will be allocated a stand. In some cases, it might be necessary to compromise on the stand size, but I am confident that we will find a good solution for everyone.

What is so special about K in Düsseldorf?

Other industry events have large numbers of exhibitors too.

K is the premiering platform for the plastics and rubber industry. No other trade fair sparks off so many new ideas. Right now, companies throughout the industry are already working hard to make sure they present themselves in the best light when the date comes around in October 2016. And “in the best light” stands for “with interesting innovations”. Because innovative products are the most important asset in a competitive environment. Only those who can offer new technologies that bring real benefits to their customers will be able to hold their own against strong competition.

Another unique feature of K is its high degree of

autoASIA | July-August 2015 | 53

The global events calendar for the plastics and rubber industry has seen quite an upheaval recently regarding shifting of dates. How does this affect K 2016?

The special show in Hall 6 gives insights into how plastics can shape the future and solve tomorrow’s challenges – in functional, aesthetic and sustainable ways. Topics like resource efficiency, lightweight construction, new materials and Industry 4.0, and even the controversial marine litter, will be addressed in panel discussions and presented in multiple media. The special show is organised by the German plastics industry under the auspices of PlasticsEurope Deutschland and Messe Düsseldorf.

While the special show is directed at industry decision-makers and also reaches the general public through multipliers and the media, the Science Campus is the meeting place for the scientific community. This is where institutions, universities and other establishments present their latest research results in the complex field of plastics and rubber and dialogue with industrial users.

With such a broad array of offerings, will the trade visitors be able to find all the highlights at the trade fair?

Yes, of course! K 2016 offers huge variety, but at the same time it is very clearly structured. The exhibition halls are dedicated to the specific areas of • raw materials, auxiliaries • semi-finished products, technical parts and reinforced plastics • machinery and equipment, and • services This structure ensures that each visitor can easily locate the exhibitors most likely to match his or her professional interests.

An extensive range of web-based services makes planning very easy before and during visits to the trade fair. As an additional resource, the Innovation Compass is being optimised to allow even better identification of the new developments presented by exhibitors.

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Thanks to its scope and the unrivalled internationality, K has a very special standing in the world. It is seen as the heart of the industry and the starting point for major decisions regarding products, processes and solutions. One of the key reasons why K is so successful is its concept, which we designed from the very beginning in consultation with manufacturers and processers and their industry associations and have continued to develop jointly with them ever since. This interaction has proved to be a winning combination and ensured that the trade fair has remained the undisputed leader for decades. And right now we are hearing that suppliers and decision-makers have a very high preference for Düsseldorf. People in the industry are rescheduling their events calendar worldwide to ensure that nothing clashes with K.

K 2016- The World’s No. 1 Trade Fair for Plastics and Rubber 19 to 26 October 2016

The world’s premier trade fair for the plastics and rubber industry will once again be presenting the entire range of products and services that the industry has to offer, from the latest state of the art to groundbreaking innovations to visionary developments. At K 2013, a total of 3,220 exhibitors from 59 countries showcased their capabilities, and 218,000 trade visitors from over 100 countries used this event as a business platform for information and investments. 82% of visitors at K 2013 were directly involved in investment decisions. The visitors categories at K are manufacturers of plastic and rubber products as well as developers, designers and manufacturing specialists from user industries, such as the automotive, consumer goods, electrical and electronics, aerospace and construction sectors.

K 2016 will be occupying all 19 halls of the Düsseldorf exhibition grounds.

Suppliers of machinery and equipment are traditionally the largest group among the exhibitors, and their live presentations of sophisticated production units offer a globally unique experience. The producers of raw materials, semi-finished products and technical parts will be focusing on novel products and applications in addition to energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable solutions.

K 2016 will be open from 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. daily from Wednesday, 19 October, to Wednesday, 26 October. All the details can be found at www.konline.com