Auto Monitor - 1-15 February 2012.pdf

Auto Monitorwww.amonline.in1-15 Feb 2012Vol. 12 No. 02 72 Pages ` 50

I N D I A ’ S N O . 1 M A G A Z I N E F O R A U T O M O T I V E N E W S , V I E W S & A N A LY S I S

EVERY MOTORCYCLIST IS A POTENTIALCUSTOMER FOR US

INTERVIEW

Pg 8Ashish Joshi, MD, Triumph Motorcycles Pg 14

T Murrali New Delhi

Aurangabad-based auto component ma ker, Varroc Group is all set to expand its global

footprint as its electrical division has recently acquired a majority stake in Europe’s largest automo-tive lightings maker, Triom Spa for an undisclosed sum.

Planting GrowthSpeaking to Auto Monitor,

Managing Director, Varroc Group, Tarang Jain said that currently Triom has two manu-facturing plants—one in Turin and the other in Romania and it is in the process of setting up a plant in Vietnam in order to enter the ASEAN region. Later, it will set-up a plant in Indonesia. Triom also has technologies for lighting solu-tions for four-wheelers including LED daytime running lamps. It will help the Varroc Group expand its business in several new mar-kets, in not only ASEAN but also the other parts of the globe.

Based in Turin, Italy, Triom has been offering lighting solutions

to a band of vehicle manufac-turers in several countries in Europe and few other nations for the last four decades. It supplies several components including headlights, front and rear fl ash-ers, tail lamps, refl ex refl ectors and other accessories such as rear view mirrors, locks and others to leading global motorcycle man-ufacturers including Yamaha, Honda, Ducati and Piaggio. It holds close to 60 percent of the market share in Europe.

Developing Light SolutionsVarroc is already supplying

lighting solutions to two-wheel-ers and LCVs. Recently, it supplied cabin lighting systems to a couple of OEMs and is now developing turn lights for few vehicle manu-facturers. Jain said Triom is on the top of the recall for several glo-bal two-wheeler manufacturers including Honda and Yamaha. It has several technologies that the OEMs are looking for their future models and, “this is what we are

planning to bring to India. This will help us expand our customer base,” he said.

The President (Electrical Division), Varroc Engineering, Vineet Sahni, who is responsible for Triom business, said, “The acquisition is vital since the tech-nology that we get is the future of Indian and ASEAN automotive lighting markets.”

Bridging The GapAccording to Jain, there is

a huge gap in India in lighting technology in terms of design, style and understanding the technological requirements of customers in terms LEDs and light guides. Currently most of this kind of work is done outside the country. Sahni said that Varroc is currently forming teams to interact with Triom’s R&D centre in Italy. This way, the develop-ment activities will come to India to support local customers, he said. “Through this acquisition, we are bringing these technolo-gies and services to India and provide support to our custom-ers right from the concept stage; this is because lighting plays a

key role in styling,” he said. The objective is to get the design skills and capabilities closer to Indian customers.

Forging New Models “We will retain the basic DNA

of Triom while supporting new markets. On the other hand, Varroc is planning to sell some of its products manufactured in India like instrument clusters and others, in Europe,” he said. This is the fi rst overseas acquisi-tion for the electrical division of Varroc and it will pave the way for similar business models for other divisions of the company. The group already has a plant in Italy for forgings.

Triom has registered a peak sale of Euro 25 million in the past, however, its current annu-al sales is hovering around Euro 20 million. At present, the Italian plant has about 20 percent excess capacity, which is planned to be used to make few other products. The company also sees opportu-nities from several other OEMs in Europe, which will also help it utilise the remaining capacity, he said.

Abhishek Parekh New Delhi

The US-based truck man-ufacturer, PACCAR is in the process of evalu-ating components and

systems suppliers in India for its global requirements. It has set-up its sourcing offi ce in Pune where its technical centre, in partner-ship with KPIT, is also located and this offi ce will serve as nodal cen-tre for understanding the Indian market and identifying suitable suppliers in India.

“We have been evaluating and assessing capabilities of leading castings and forging suppliers based in India and they are already supplying to leading OEMs for OE and aftermarket needs. We are looking to develop a relationship with some of them on a long terms basis,” said Director of Purchasing India, PACCAR, Arthur Baas. He did not divulge any value-based sourcing targets from India in the near to medium term but added

that the US-based truck maker has been actively developing suppliers from China. It is looking to extend its learning in global sourcing to India.

Injection moulding-based systems and components as well as fabricated parts for com-mercial vehicles are other areas of interest for the US-based truck maker.

Technical Synergy The company’s Pune techni-

cal centre has been benefi ting from expertise of its joint ven-ture partner in engineering delivery as well as close coordi-nation with local suppliers here. The company is looking to draw synergies from its technical and engineering partner to explore possibilities of jointly developing parts for global OE and after-market requirements with local suppliers based in India.

The key challenge for the company at this stage is to joint-ly work with Indian suppliers

and link them to global devel-opments centres of PACCAR in order to take the association to the next level. It is beginning to understand the market dynam-ics here and looking to develop competency in various areas for identifying potential partners and suppliers.

PACCAR showcased its pre-mium DAF CF truck range at the Auto Expo. It does not have any plans for launching its range of trucks or heavy commercial vehi-cles in India in the near future.

“We are not looking to launch any of our products at this point of time in India but we are con-tinuing to evaluate opportunities in other areas where we could gain from expertise available in India and any other partnership opportunities that may come our way,” said Managing Director, India Initiatives, PACCAR, Donald Schulte.

The DAF CF range is equipped with a PACCAR PX-6 180HP engine and tipper body supplied

by Asia MotorWorks (AMW). The CF is designed for tractor and vocational confi gurations. DAF is the leading on-highway trac-tor manufacturer in Europe. DAF trucks are sold and serviced by a network of over 1,000 independ-ent dealer locations worldwide.

PACCAR’s CV range com-prises light, medium and heavy duty trucks under the Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF brands. PACCAR also designs and man-ufactures diesel engines and provides fi nancial services and information technology and dis-tributes truck parts related to its principal business.

The US-based truck maker has established a technical cen-tre in Pune, India in partnership with KPIT.

The centre will eventu-ally be scaled up to around 200 employees focussing on engineering, information tech-nology and component sourcing for worldwide production and aftermarket operations.

DATA MONITORDomestic Top 5 PV-makers

Sector Dec-10 Dec-11 Change

MSIL 89,469 77,475 -13.41%

TML 24,281 34,264 41.11%

HMIL 26,168 29,516 12.79%

M&M ^ 15,611 21,540 37.98%

Toyota 6,362 15,948 150.68%

Domestic Top 5 2W-makers


HML 488,889 525,150 7.42%

BAL 165,470 169,485 2.43%

HMSI 130,128 179,863 38.22%

TVS 149,357 146,747 -1.75%

IYM 26,567 33,290 25.31%

Domestic Top 5 CV-makers


TML 37,404 42,400 13.36%

M&M 10,151 11,558 13.86%

ALL 6,411 8,042 25.44%

VECV Eicher

3,426 4,512 31.70%

FML 1,973 1,708 -13.43%

* Source: SIAM/ ** Excluding exports/ *** all sub segments considered/ ^ excluding MRPL

Italian connection to support Varroc expansion

PACCAR to source components from Indian suppliers

CHANGING DYNAMICS DRIVE NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN TECHNOLOGYCAPGEMINI

STUDY

Varroc Triom Lighting Systems On Display

EDITORIALEDITORIAL

Build, Own and Operate

Aweek of action packed automotive extravaganza is over with several new launches by the OEMs and it is time for the companies to come out with the sales fi gures—hoping that the fi rst month of the

last quarter will be good.The Auto Expo has done a lot of image boosting to the

industry to cyclone away the gloom that has been gulping the global economy and the sentiments that cramped the car sales, with the fi fty and odd launches of vehicles and solutions. Therefore, it is hoped that the remaining months of the last quarter will be good.

The next fi scal is expected to be good with the infl ation likely to come down further and the likelihood of interest rates reduction in the future. The past editions of the Auto Expo had been dominated by launches of entry-level vehi-cles—be it two-wheelers or passenger cars or commercial vehicles. However, the 2012 edition had seen launches of every class of vehicles other than the entry-level segment. Even in the case of commercial vehicles, almost all the players have displayed high-end models or new generation vehicles and technologies. In the case of passenger cars, most of the new launches were in between the mid and the luxury segment.

The exhibits were resonating with legends that are inti-mately meshed with the fabric of the design and ambience of their respective stalls of almost all the OEMs and few component manufacturers. This clearly refl ects the grow-ing aspirations of the people of India. It also drives home the point that India needs not low technology, but high technol-ogy and at affordable costs. Many studies have stated that India is still a country with higher expectations on compact cars. Like the saying goes—aggregates and averages always hide the real picture, the exhibits—on one hand prove that the people’s expectations are different. It can also prove

that the real picture is hidden. Whatsoever, one thing is clear and it is nothing but change—changing expectations of the people. And the auto industry has to only follow and change its dynamics to cater to the ever changing and increasing needs.

The infrastructure at Pragati Maidan continues to be a major impediment for a charismatic exhibition like the Auto Expo.

Despite Auto Expo claiming to be the largest of all the auto shows in the world—in terms of the number of foot-falls, the organisers have to face several unsorted issues with the custodians of the infrastructure. Several passes were issued to the general public on the media days and consequently, the journos could not exercise their duties to their full potential. The expo witnessed a general crowd in large numbers on non-public days. One of the offi cials of a large Tier I global company mentioned: “I could see lot of young journalists—fi ve to ten-year-old journalists—at the expo during the media days.” It is high time that the organisers think of alternative arrangements for the future shows. With limited options to conduct large shows, the organisers need to contemplate on building their own expo grounds and operate so that the biennial event is conducted hassle-free.

T. Murrali [email protected]

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Printed by Mohan Gajria and published & edited by Lakshmi Narasimhan on behalf of Infomedia 18 LimitedEditor: T. MurraliPrinted at Infomedia 18 Ltd, Plot no.3, Sector 7, off Sion-Panvel Road, Nerul, Navi Mumbai 400 706, and published at Infomedia 18 Ltd, ‘A’ Wing, Ruby House, J. K. Sawant Marg, Dadar (W), Mumbai - 400 028. AUTO MONITOR is registered with the Registrar of Newspapers of India under No. 67827/98. Views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Infomedia 18 Limited. Infomedia 18 Limited reserves the right to use the information publishedherein in any manner whatsoever. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of the information published in this edition,neither Infomedia 18 Ltd nor any of its employees accept any responsibility for any errors or omission. Further, Infomedia 18 Ltd does not take any responsibility for loss or damage incurred or suffered by any subscriber of this magazine as a result of his/her acceptingany invitation/offer published in this edition. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permissionof the publisher. All rights reserved.

FORTNIGHT’S QUOTESFord CEO, Alan Mulally on future of electric vehicles in India in The Economic Times

Dr Pawan Goenka on the dealership business in India during the Automotive Dealership Excellence Awards in New Delhi

“I think there is a tremendous opportunity, but it has to make economic sense. There is no way but to subsidise a vehicle like that”

“I will wait for the day when there is a panel discussion happening in one of the five leading auto markets in the world with the topic, ‘Impact Of Indian Manufacturers On The Retail Of That Country”

Auto Monitor

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Wireless solution for electrical validation of the vehicles

at mid & end of vehicle assembly line

Complete wireless solution

Traceability against vehicle serial number

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Interactive “teach in” mode for fast configuration of new models and more…….

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CONTENTS

THE OTHER SIDE

Bosch produces five million start/stop starters 53Bosch has produced its five millionth start/stop starter in Hildesheim since production began in 2007

Nissan launches world’s first self-healing iPhone case 58Nissan Scratch Shield iPhone case features the brand’s pioneering self-healing paint finish; a world first in paint technology

Aston Martin opens flagship showroom in Shanghai 60Owned and managed by Zheng Ting, the new dealership marks the seventh outpost for Aston Martin in China and third operated by Zheng

British motorists consider walking more 62About 42 percent of car owners surveyed by Mondial Assistance said they had no intention of changing their motoring plans in 2012

S Ravishankar, MD, Komet Precision Tools IndiaRavishankar started the Indian operations for the German MNC and set-up the sales manufacturing and export activities

CORPORATEContinental to expand product portfolio 12Continental Rico Hydraulic Brakes India is looking to launch seven new products this year for domestic and export markets

Magneti Marelli to introduce new technologies 17Magneti Marelli is looking to broaden its product range in all businesses and is padding up its research & development capabilities for catering to local market needs

Daimler to flood Indian market with CV models 19Daimler India Commercial Vehicles is gearing up to change the landscape of Indian trucking by launching 17 different products over the next 18 months

Mahindra to reach out to buyers with ‘softer’ options 20M&M is looking to go much beyond its traditional customer base, mainly comprising off-road and passenger carriages, to the more contemporary, soft road segment

ZF forms new strategy for evolving India 23ZF Group is looking to localise most of its product portfolio for commercial vehcile and off highway vehicles in India

Valeo to make entry in auto air-conditioning business 30Valeo is planning to localise the production and introduce thermal management valves, EGR modules and climate control systems for automotive segment

Stagnation is transitory: Ahluwalia at Auto Summit 35Addressing the 7th Auto Summit organised by FADA in Delhi, Ahluwalia felt that the current stagnation in the auto market is transitory and industry is likely to see better days ahead

68

GLOBAL WATCH

The global auto major Ford Motor Company unveiled its global compact sports utility vehicle, EcoSport during the recently concluded Auto Expo 2012. It also plans to invest $142 million in its Chennai plant in India to manufacture the newly launched vehicle.

Ford India President and Managing Director, Michael Boneham said that the investment will be on equipment required for manufacturing the prod-uct, including dye and tools. He also added, “EcoSport will be powered by a one-litre EcoBoost engine that delivers power and performance that will rival a traditional 1.6 petrol engine.” This is the second of eight global mod-els that the company plans to bring to India.

“The Indian market will be the third largest by the end of the decade behind the US and China,” Ford Asia-Pacifi c President, Joe Hinrichs revealed about his plans for the Asian Market.

Ford brings EcoSport to India

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Auto Monitorwww.amonline.in1-31 January 2012Vol. 12 No. 01 238 Pages ` 50

I N D I A ’ S N O . 1 M A G A Z I N E F O R A U T O M O T I V E N E W S , V I E W S & A N A LY S I S

CarvingCompetence

A special section on the captains of industry sharing their learnings during past slowdown

Auto Expo Previews, Special Reports, News, Views, Analysis & Interviews

ANNIVERSARY

ANNIVERSARY

th

CarvingCompetence ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

Cover Illustration: Chaitanya Surpur

Cover Desigm: Mahesh Talkar

Auto Monitor

81 - 15 FEBRUARY 2012

I N T E R V I E W

Can you elaborate on the plans for the Indian market?

The product range, which we will have for India are—par-allel-twins—Bonneville, the iconic naked roadsters—Speed Triple and Street Triple; off-road-er—Tiger 800XC; class-leading supersports bike, Daytona 675 and cruisers—Storm and the Rocket III. Each of the products entering the Indian market will dedicate itself to delivering a great riding experience through the fusion of a well-balanced, easy to handle chassis and strong, fl exi-ble engines. The result will be that of an inspiring range of motorcy-cles offering usable performance blended with character.

Will these machines be CKD from the beginning?

Four of the motorcycles will be CKD from the day-one, we have few proposals on the table for assembly units and we have been evaluating them. We will be putting up an assembly unit some-where near a port city. Our priority would be Pune and Mumbai while we might consider Chennai also.

The CKD operation will start by July this year. The operation takes only a couple of months to get into running mode; it’s not a large operation. In the fi rst two months we will be setting up the facility and another two months we will test these vehicles for the quality and effi ciency. We will be importing kits from the UK and Thailand depending on what model is manufactured in which country by Triumph.

Can you elaborate on the prices and total number of prod-

ucts coming to India?Seven bikes will be coming to

India, which are Bonnville T100 priced at `5.5 lakh; Street Triple priced at `5.75 lakh; Daytona 675 at `seven lakh; Speed Triple at `eight lakh and Tiger 800XC at `11.4 lakh, Triumph Storm at `17 lakh and Triumph Rocket III at `22 lakh (all prices are ex-show-room Delhi).

We will start CKD by July for Bonnville, Street Triple, Speed Triple and Daytona. While the oth-ers will be CBU as we don’t expect very large volume in big cruiser bikes. They are more of iconic bikes than for volumes. We are bringing the fl agship model from the Tiger family—Tiger 800XC, as of now we are not planning a CKD of this but we are evaluating the mar-ket. India, in the past never liked off-road bikes not in very large number. Our off-roader is very user-friendly, so if there is a favour-able response to Tiger 800XC (this is a cross country version which is essentially taller and has long suspension from the Tiger fami-ly) then we might consider CKD of entire Tiger family in India.

Are you going to make changes in the bikes to make them more suitable for Indian conditions?

I don’t think there is any change decided which we would be mak-ing in any of the models. From the prima facie understanding of the

After long speculations and a long wait, motorcycle manufacturer, Triumph Motorcycles is all set to start operations in India by July. The company plans to set-up a CKD assembly unit and spare parts warehouse in a port city and establish three to four dealerships in the country this year. Ashish Joshi, with more than 16 years of experience in the Asian and the European market will be serving as Managing Director of the Indian subsidiary. He speaks to Nabeel A Khan about the company’s future plans.

Our business model is such that when a

dealer places an order on the

Triumph online system, he will

receivethe delivery within

48 hours

Every motorcyclist is a potential customer for us: Triumph

Contd. on Page 10

Auto Monitor

101 - 15 FEBRUARY 2012

products, our global products will be the one which we will be sell-ing here.

What about fuel quality, which is different here from the countries you are currently present in?

Our bikes are in any case tuned for any fuel quality that is in India. We are currently looking at fuel programming of the motorcy-cles; we understand India has got 87 octane (octane defi nes the fuel quality), Europe traditionally works with 95 octane, but the US works with 87 and 91 Octane both. All the bikes are capable of obtain-ing 87 Octane. We have already done some trial with Indian fuel and they have come out very well with that.

What kind of volume are you expecting across your product range in India?

Based on the market research, we have not put sales targets. We have got a very diverse product range as compared to some of the other motorcycle manufacturers

who have come to India in recent times. And we are very much con-fi dent that we will do the similar number as our counterparts have been doing here.

First we want to establish the brand, using something which we call the ‘Triumph experience’ quite a lot of that experience comes in from the products. Then we have certain experience which we provide at the dealer-ship, service station and spares parts points.

What kind of brand strategy have you drawn for India?

There are two things on this—fi rst thing is that we want as many people as possible to experience our products, which means putting the bikes out in the market, giv-ing test drives and demonstration that will be basically entrenching Triumph brand into the enthusi-astic customer’s mind. Going by our market research, I would say we are quite well known in the segment of people which buys these kinds of bikes. In fact, we have been quite surprised by the customers’ comprehensive knowl-edge about our products. I would

say even 150 cc buyers earlier he might not know about Triumph but now we want to change that and I would say every motorcyclist is a potential customer for us. We would start test drives for the cus-tomers after June- July.

How many dealerships are you looking at?

For the fi rst year, we are look-ing at three to four locations that would be Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore and fourth one could be Hyderabad or Chandigarh. In the second and third year we aim to get 11 to 12 locations.

It took quite long to enter in India…

It was in 2008 that Triumph started contemplating to enter India and started looking for a distributor route. While study-ing this route we found that if we want to do well then we must have our own set-up. So it took a while to enter because it’s a complex market as it’s a very large country especially for the people from Europe who are used to smaller country and this is more like a continent. It took time to understand the market through research before getting here.

What would be the structure of the dealership?

Dealerships will be of Triumph India and they will be 100 percent owned by us. These will be on fran-chise but there will be no importer involved in this. The dealers would be directly dealing with Triumph. We are looking at 15 to 18 percent dealer margin depending on the volume and products. The dealers need big product range in order to have reasonable sales numbers. It

appeals to the customer as well.

Do you think dealers will be able to sell at least 100 to 120 units a year, because that would be a reasonable number looking at the operation costs?

I would not say that. The num-bers that you are putting out is the number when they start making money. So effectively, if they are selling more than that then they would be happier. Our decision of coming with three or four cit-ies initially is actually to let these dealerships get established fi rst. As an organisation we will be stretching ourselves, if we say we will open 12 at one go, we have lots of dealership interest and we can have this many outlets at once.

However, if we open a dealer-ship in Kolkata, he will be selling something which is not going to take away sales from Delhi and Mumbai. The point is that at Triumph we will not be confi dent enough to be able to train these many dealers and other people to the standard which we want. It would diffi cult to establish work-shops or spare parts setup with the company’s standards in such a short time.

Aftersales service plays a very important role and that’s an area of concern. Please comment.

I totally agree, which is why one thing we have taken on board at Triumph Motorcycles that we want to treat the Indian custom-ers exactly the same way as we treat our international customers. If the global customers want cer-tain level of service we want that the Indian customers should also expect the same and we want to deliver on it.

Can you tell us about your global service module?

I will provide an example—availability of spare parts always affects the service levels. Globally our business model is such that we have a warehouse in the UK, which ships parts across the world as per requirements. If a dealer is not stocking some parts, then he places an order on the Triumph online system and he will receive the delivery within 48 hours. It takes us 24 hours to process the order and courier it takes 24 hours to deliver it to any part of the world.

For India, if we are to process the same through the UK ware-house then we will send it in 24 hours, but it would get stuck at the customs for at least three to six days and then every dealer will have to have an import and export license, which doesn’t seem very practical. Also, there will be custom duty implication every time—the entire process will take our service level to any-thing between six days or more than that. To counter that, we are changing our own systems and we will establish our Indian parts warehouse so if the dealers here need anything he can approach the warehouse in India, which stocks the parts available and within 24-hours the parts could be shipped to any dealership in India. We will have the parts warehouse somewhere near the CKD opera-tion so that we can control both of them simultaneously.

What about accident or crash cases?

God forbid, but if a bike faces an accident and needs a partic-ular fuel tank or some work, we might not have the same in the Indian warehouse because those are not spare parts, but acci-dental damage items and those will still need to be shipped out from UK.

Headlight Protectors Triumph Tiger XC

Contd. from Page 8

I N T E R V I E W

In the 11th Anniversary issue, on Pg No 143, the name of the CEO & MD of National Skill Development Corporation was wrongly spelt. It should be read as Dilip Chenoy. The inadvertent error is deeply regretted.

In the 16-31 December issue, on Pg 1, in the story on Fiem, the name of the Executive Director is Rajesh Sharma and not as pub-lished. The inadvertent error is deeply regretted.

Fiem has clarifi ed that the component meant for supplying to Honda Japan, was manufac-tured by Fiem and tested at the Design & Development Centre of the company (Para 4).

CORRIGENDUM

Auto Monitor

121 - 15 FEBRUARY 2012

Cont i nent a l R ic o Hydrau l ic Bra kes India, a 50:50 joint ven-ture company between

Continental and Rico, will be announcing the launch of seven new products this year. While some of these products are for their existing customer, most of them are for new customers in the Indian market.

The JV company, which cur-rently manufactures calipers, drum brakes and accentuation units (which comprises boosters and master cylinders), currently supplies to global OEMs such as Ford, Fiat and Volkswagen and also Indian vehicle manufactur-ers like Maruti.

While most of the new products will be for the domestic market in the country some of them will also be meant for export. “One of these will directly be supplied to a customer in Eastern Europe,” Managing Director, Continental Rico, Murali Srinivasan told Auto Monitor on the sidelines of Auto

Expo 2012. He did not divulge the name of the customer though.

With Rico’s know-how in the local Indian market and Continental’s familiarity with global OEMs and the expertise in technology, the company expects to become the market leader in the domestic market. “We are world leaders in hydraulic brake systems and work with OEMs like Ford, Volkswagen, and General Motors. Most of the global OEMs are aware of our expertise and systems globally, hence adapting

to the Indian market would not be diffi cult.”

In order to bring the cost of its products down the component manufacturer plans to increase the level of localisation to the maximum level, which is sus-tainable. “Cost competitiveness can be achieved only by increas-ing the level of local content. And for this we will have to push more and more effort in research and development,” Srinivsan added.

The company is targeting sus-tainable level of localisation and

hopes to increase it up to 90 per-cent. It plans to keep importing the remaining 10 percent as the values of efforts put in obtaining them locally, “are not justifi ed”. The current level of the local con-tribution varies from product to product and is in the range of 60 to 85 percent.

In spite of sourcing large vol-umes of supplies locally the company maintains the high quality standards that it is known for in the global arena. Indicating that it is a major challenge to

ensure similar quality standards by the vendors, Srinivasan said, “We continuously work with our vendors to bring them in line with the continental quality.”

A lot of effort is put in main-taining the quality of supplies. There is a lot of interaction with the suppliers that take place at regular intervals. After an assess-ment of quality, the suppliers are given scores. In case of average performance they are also moti-vated to do better. A Standard Quality Team (SQ Team) takes care of the quality standards. These teams are common for all locations across the globe. They work hand-in-hand with the suppliers. Audits are also a reg-ular phenomenon. A lot depends on the maturity of the supplier, added the offi cial. However, the company has identifi ed some key critical vendors in the domestic space for each commodity that they source and would not be increasing this number beyond a certain point.

Currently, the lines have a capacity to produce 700,000 units of each product annually. Adding capacity is a continuous process. At present 50 percent of its capac-ity is being utilised.

SynerjectAnother joint venture company

of Continental, with an Australian player Orbital Corporation, which is christened as Synerject is mull-ing options to foray into the Indian automotive space. Though Synerject specialises in manu-facturing non-automotive EMS solutions, it has few products, which can be deployed in two and three wheelers.

Its injection systems can be used to reduce the level of unburned fuel escaping through the exhaust system. These can be put to use in two-wheelers and three-wheelers and enable manufacturers in meeting emis-sion norms. “However, due to the existing carburettor technolo-gy in India this may seem to be futuristic but are defi nitely the future and can help manufactur-ers once the emission norms are in place,” CEO, Synerject, Bellon Torsten told Auto Monitor.

The JV company which has a strong presence in the US and Taiwanese market, works with Bajaj Auto on single cylinder, Di technology for two-wheelers. It is also working with Bajaj for their three-wheeler business. Since these systems will be inte-grated with electronic control units (ECUs), it may also yield cost benefi ts to the vehicle man-ufacturers, Torsten added. The company has the advantage of access to Continental’s expertise in electronics.

It is already in talks with the OEMs in India and has present-ed to them their solution as the future of the two-wheelers in the country. It also hopes to reap benefi t of Continental’s reputa-tion. Apart from the products suited for manufacturing, it has also designed diagnostic lenses, which can be used by the service centers when the product is put to use by manufacturers.

Apart from presence in Taiwan and the US, it is also present in Europe, China and some other Asian markets. It has stationed personnel in India also. However, being in the niche segment, fur-ther plans would be based on the demand in the country.

Continental to expand product portfolio T Murrali/ Shambhavi Anand New Delhi

Bellon Torsten, CEO, Synerject Murali Srinivasan, MD, Continental Rico

C O R P O R A T E

Auto Monitor

S T U D Y141 - 15 FEBRUARY 2012

The dynamics of con-sumer vehicle buying behaviour are chang-ing rapidly, driving new

developments in technology and business models. Understanding these rapidly evolving dynamics is essential to success for Indian automotive companies. ‘Cars Online 11/12’—Capgemini’s 13th annual global automotive study—provides an indepth look at these evolving dynamics.

For Indian consumers, the use of the internet during the vehicle buying process and ownership lifecycle continues to expand. From development of new channels such as smart-phone apps and social media, to industry trends like online buy-ing, present study considers the impact of new developments in the Indian automotive industry along with key trends. The study reveals that Indian consumers are increasingly using web in various phases (like research, online buying, parts/ accesso-ries buying etc) of vehicle buying. The report shows how over the years social media is becoming more infl uential in buying deci-sion in Indian context. All these along with other factors are lead-ing to shrinking buying cycle for consumers especially vis-its to showroom. Compared to markets in developed countries Indian buyers are growing more demanding about the quality and

quantity of car dealerships. Also, demand for new—rather than used—vehicles is growing in Indian market where many con-sumers are fi rst-time buyers.

Key findings for Indian automotive industry:

The Role Of The Internet: The internet’s role during the

vehicle buying process is becom-ing increasingly important as web usage for both purchasing and research has increased. The number of Indian consumers researching online reaching 95 percent in 2011 from 86 percent in 2010. The likelihood of purchas-ing a vehicle over the internet has increased from 52 percent in 2010 to 53 percent in 2011 in India. The report states that 59 percent of Indian car buyers say they are likely to buy parts over the inter-net; the same number want to buy accessories online. Thus, the internet is becoming a dominant tool for research and purchase for consumers in India.

Social Media has become more infl uential

Consumers in India exhibit a higher-than-average use of social media during the vehicle buying process. The content that con-sumers fi nd on these sites can be infl uential in their buying deci-sions: Results showed that 78 percent said they would likely

purchase a vehicle from a partic-ular car manufacturer or dealer if they found positive comments posted about that vehicle make/brand, manufacturer or dealer; and 54 percent said they would be less likely to buy a vehicle from a particular manufacturer or dealer if they found nega-tive comments posted on social media sites.

Mobile/smartphone applica-tions to become a key channels

Mobile/smartphone applica-tions to become a key channel for vehicle ownership communi-cation between consumers and manufacturers, consumers and dealers, and consumers and their vehicles. Apps considered most useful by respondents include:• Remote support features such

as remote locking and unlock-ing of vehicle doors

• Care information like service reminders about when main-tenance is due

• Car care tips

Aftersales servicing grows as a factor in vehicle decisions

Servicing is taking on a big-ger role for many consumers with aftersales service climbing up the list of important factors in choos-ing a vehicle. In addition, servicing can infl uence future buying deci-sions. As aftersales servicing grows as an important factor in vehicle buying decisions, consumers put increasing emphasis on the types of service contracts they want. Signifi cantly, getting the right service contracts can infl uence future vehicle purchases. Car buy-ers in India were the most likely to say that the right service contracts would infl uence their future vehi-cle buying decisions. In vehicle service contracts Indian custom-ers focus on extended warranty and vehicle insurance, followed by customer care.

Increasing demand for new, non-traditional approaches to vehicle buying

Nearly 52 percent of respond-ents would consider alternatives such as vehicle-sharing, up from 49 percent in 2010. Another alternative—mobility package typically provides access to a wide range of vehicles, services and accessories that can be used

as needed by the consumer for a fixed price and a specified time frame. Respondents (64 per-cent) said they would consider mobility package as an alterna-tive as compared to 57 percent in 2010. Ride-share services as an alternative grew from 54 percent in 2010 to 57 percent in 2011.

Intention to acquire new vs. used vehicles

The study shows that there is an increase in the number of con-sumers planning to buy a new rather than used vehicle. In India 92 percent respondents intended to buy a new car. The number of intended new car buyers is high-est in developing markets like India and China, where many consumers are fi rst-time buyers.

Consumers becoming more demanding about dealerships

Another fi nding shows that car buyers continue to be more demanding about dealerships as only 45 percent of respond-ents in India are willing to travel more than 10 miles to purchase a vehicle. About 39 percent respondents said they are will-ing to travel only fi ve-10 miles to a dealership to purchase a vehi-cle. The remaining 16 percent was willing to travel less than fi ve miles to purchase a vehicle. In the area of ‘Required Speed of Response from manufacturer/ dealer to Consumer Query’—48 percent respondents said less than four hours.

Buying cycle continues to shrink

The study shows evidence of the shrinking buying cycle, especially dealer visits, leaving dealers with fewer opportuni-ties to interact face-to-face with customers. About 59 percent of Indian consumers start their research within two months of purchase; 49 percent visit a show-room for the fi rst time within one month.

Conclusions & Recommendations

This year’s Cars Online report makes it clear that the automotive industry faces criti-cal changes and challenges in the marketplace. Following are

recommendations to help auto-motive companies apply the report’s fi ndings to their own business.

Develop a formal social media strategy

With consumers in India exhibiting higher-than-aver-age use of social media during the vehicle buying process, the Indian automotive industry has the opportunity to leverage social media by developing a for-mal social media management strategy—to attract and retain customers, for brand building and other business development activities.

Maximise consumer interactions

In order to take advantage of the opportunities created because of the growing number of channels and devices used by consumers during the buying process, Indian automotive com-panies need to develop holistic marketing campaigns to exploit all such touch-points.

Experiment with alternative buying and ownership models

Consumers in India are par-ticularly interested in alternative buying models, so Indian automo-tive companies need to consider investments in usage-based serv-ices. Companies should test new waters as consumers show bud-ding interest in new approaches such as mobility packages and vehicle sharing.

Focus on holistic dealer strat-egy in developing markets

With Indian consumers becoming more demanding about dealerships, along with dealer quality, proximity is also critical as consumers are unwill-ing to travel far to buy or service their vehicles.

Seize the online buying opportunity

Demand of Indian car buy-ers for online buying of vehicles, parts and accessories is increas-ing year by year. Indian auto companies should keep in mind various key factors con-sumers are looking for when developing and launching an online buying model.

Changing dynamics drive new developments in technology: Capgemini

Indian consumers extensively use web in vehicle buying process

Most Useful Mobile/Smartphone Applications (Percent Saying)

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Auto Monitor

171 - 15 FEBRUARY 2012

Magneti Marelli is looking to broaden its product range in all businesses it

operates in India and is padding up its research & development capabilities for catering to local market needs.

“We have been present in India through our joint ventures and subsidiaries. We are now look-ing to strengthen and grow our engineering and product devel-opment capabilities in India and our R&D centre will play a key role in this direction,” said President and Chief Executive Officer-Electronics and Components, Magneti Marelli, Eugenio Razelli. The company already employs around 50 technically skilled people at its R&D centre and is looking to grow to more than 85 people by the end of this year.

“Powertrain business is like-ly to occupy growing stature in India for us and we are looking to increase our product develop-ment capabilities and introduce more products in this busi-ness area. Most of our product families are developed in our European technical centres and we look to have market specif-ic products in other parts of the world. Having said that, we are always evaluating on opportuni-ties for deeper engagement with customers in specifi c markets and customised or new products for those markets,” he added. Magneti Marelli, an Italian com-ponent manufacturer and a part of the Fiat Group, has three key business areas including lighting systems, powertrains and auto-motive electronics.

The company has began exporting shock absorbers from India for its global requirements as localising production in South America has become unviable due to cost and other issues. Magneti Marelli is looking to invest anoth-er Euro 100 million over the next couple of years to expand its man-ufacturing presence in India. The company is at an advanced stage of launching its automated man-ual transmission technology in India. It is also looking to intro-duce advanced lighting solutions including 25-watt xenon lighting for automotive applications. It is looking to introduce advanced telematics products, which can integrate various features include navigation, emergency calls, toll payment, insurance cost reduc-tion, anti theft solution among other features.

It has established a ‘partner-ship’ with Carnation Auto for providing the experience of pre-mium service centres outside the OEM’s network to Indian cus-tomers. It is now evaluating the spare parts distribution business in India, but is yet to formalise its strategy on joining hands with a local company or going it alone.

Magneti Marelli’s current turnover in India is around Euro 240 million and the company is looking to double the sales over the next three years and a further 100 percent growth in revenues by 2015.

Razelli emphasised dur-ing a media interaction at the recently concluded Auto Expo in New Delhi that telematics and infotainment products were emerging as promising new areas within the electronics business for the Indian market as these

products could be offered at a competitive cost making these technologies accessible for mass market segment.

Magneti Marelli has entered into seven joint ventures to implement its localisation plans in India. Its production foot-prints comprises four facilities in the northern region (Manesar, Haryana area) for electronic control units, intake manifolds,

exhaust systems, instrument clusters and body computers and three in the region of Pune for lighting, intake manifolds, and pedals systems, exhausts and shock absorbers. At present, about 800 people are employed by the various plants in India.

It has also established an Engineering and Application Centre for automotive lighting, powertrain and electronic sys-tems divisions in India.

The joint venture with Unitech Machines for automotive elec-tronic systems, based in Manesar is focussed on electronic compo-nents for automobiles, such as instrument clusters and body electronics (units that super-vise the control of main vehicle functions) and telematic devices. Another joint venture with SKH Metals (Manesar) and SKH Sheet Metal Components (Pune) focus-

es on exhaust systems. The JV with Sumi Motherson Group (through its holding Samvardhana Motherson Finance) focuses on lighting and engine control com-ponents. The JV with Endurance Technologies, based in Chakan, focuses on shock absorbers to be fi tted on motor vehicles.

The Italian component manu-facturer’s JV with Maruti Suzuki India and Suzuki Motor Company for electronic control units of die-sel engine systems is one of the key businesses located in Manesar. The ECUs are primarily meant for Maruti’s requirements but will be available for other OEMs as well.

It has established a JV with Talbros Automotive Components for suspension systems and mod-ules. JV will start its operations in 2012 in Faridabad, Haryana, and will manufacture various com-ponents including control arms,

knuckles, front axles and rear axles for automobile applications. It will also have the capability to design and manufacture entire suspen-sion systems for the OEMs.

The company showcased—Freechoice Automated Manual Transmission, telematics, pow-ertrain fl exfuel systems for CNG and lighting solutions during the recently concluded Auto Expo in New Delhi.

The company has 77 produc-tion units, 11 R&D centres and 26 application centres in 18 coun-tries and employs around 34,000 people. It notched up a turno-ver of Euro 5.4 billion in 2010. Its business areas include electron-ic systems, lighting, powertrain, suspension systems and shock absorbers, exhaust systems, aftermarket parts & services, plastic components and mod-ules, motorsport.

Magneti Marelli to introduce new technologiesC O R P O R A T E

Abhishek Parekh New Delhi

Eugenio Razelli, President & CEO, Electronics & Components

Auto Monitor

191 - 15 FEBRUARY 2012

Da i m l e r I n d i a Commercial Vehicles (DICV) is gearing up to change the landscape

of Indian trucking by launching 17 different products over the next 18 months. The trucks will be in the six to 49 tonne range, though the prices were not dis-closed. The company, which is a 100 percent subsidiary of Ge rmany’s Daimler AG, is also con-sidering manufacturing buses in India. It is aiming to pro-vide around 50 percent saving in the aggregate operating cost of the truck when compared to its competition.

Over 40 percent of the total cost of ownership of truck comes from fuel and the German

manufacturer is hoping to pro-vide better fuel economy that gives a substantial saving to the customers.

It will be rolling out its new range of trucks under ‘BharatBenz’ brand from third quarter of this calendar year, and also plans to start exporting them by year-end. The company hint-ed that potential export markets could be Africa, the Middle-East and the South-East Asia.

Next month, the company plans to showcase its BharatBenz range of trucks. Also, the com-mercial production at its plant near Chennai will start in April. The market launch will happen in third quarter of the current year, said DICV Managing Director and CEO, Marc Llistosella.

DICV had unveiled the new BharatBenz brand a year ago and has set up a 400-acre production plant at Oragadam near Chennai with a commitment to invest `4,400 crore in manufacturing, R&D, marketing and sales, and setting up dealership network. The plant would start with an ini-tial capacity of 36,000 units and is likely to be expanded to produce 72,000 units per annum start-ing 2013, which could entail an additional investment of around `350 crore.

“We will be having a pan-In-dia network of dealerships. We have already signed up for 70 dealerships and by the end of 2013 we will have 100 plus loca-tion of dealerships and all these will be 3S facility,” President, Marketing, Sales and After Sales, VRV Singh told Auto Monitor.In addition to these over 100 3S facilities it will also have a cou-ple of 2S facilities before the

launch of the vehicles. To serve its customers better, the compa-ny will also be launching ‘24X7 access’ wherein it will provide help to its customers anywhere within 24 hours.

Weighing a potential in the buses in the Indian market, the company is zeroing in on a strategy to introduce buses. The development work for which is already under process in the Europe. For truck manu-facturing at Chennai, DICV is relying heavily on local sourcing of components.

“We would start with around 85 percent localisation and we have a target of exceeding 90 per cent. Forty-one percent of our suppliers are based in Tamil Nadu and 44 percent are in rest of the country,” Llistosella said. Over 85 percent of its 450 suppliers are within

the 50 km of the plant thus mak-ing it logistically convenient. The company is also sourcing from Indian suppli-ers for its global trucks’ produc-tion. Daimler’s total sourcing for trucks alone is close to Euro 15 billion.

Company will showcase the complete product range between 2-4 March in Hyderabad. While the plant will be inau-gurated on 18 April, 2012.

Daimler to race 17 products in 18 monthsC O R P O R A T E

We will have a pan-India

network of dealerships. We

have already signed up for

70 dealerships and by 2013, we will

have 100 plus locations of

3S dealerships—RV Singh, President, Marketing, Sales &

Aftersales

Nabeel A Khan New Delhi

Auto Monitor

201 - 15 FEBRUARY 2012

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) is look-ing to expand or go much beyond

its traditional customer base, mainly comprising off-road and passenger carriages, to the more contemporary, soft road segment. It took up the task of developing XUV 500 on the W201 platform around 2007 in order to not only create a new vehicle segment but also pave the way for creation of passenger cars or Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) catering to var-ied customer base.

The company is looking to have additional models on the W201 platform in the near future and the platform is versatile to ena-ble the company to manufacture passenger cars as well as SUVs. Moreover, the company aims for more fuel options in the future vehicle range for environmen-tal and cost related reasons. “We are evaluating options of having a lighter vehicle on the platform

but there are some aspects which we will have to consider before we can offer a vehicle. We have built up the capability and are looking to expand our customer base,” said Chief Executive, Technology, Product Development and Sourcing, Automotive & Farm Equipment Sectors, Mahindra & Mahindra, Rajan Wadhera.

“We started with the project (XUV 500) with the intention of creating a new segment in the domestic market. The intention was always to create a new plat-form on which, we could also come up with more vehicles in the future,” said Wadhera. He added that M&M was looking to cater to a much larger segment of vehicle buyers, compared to traditional customer base of the company, who preferred to have a vehicle which could be taken on longer distances, provide some ‘softer’ off-roading capability and yet be very modern vehicle with fea-tures and styling to match.

The major challenge was in the manufacturing process rather than engineering and develop-

ment, according to Wadhera. The company worked backwards to offer maximum specifi cations and features that could be offered in a given price range.

“We have used selective auto-mation with the purpose of upgrading the technology level and reducing costs for the end

customers,” said Wadhera. He added that level of automation depends on skill benchmarks, production volumes and the type of vehicle to be developed and manufactured. If the level of automation leads to increase in the cost for the end customers, it may not be feasible to continue

with such an operation.The company has tried to

imbibe the learnings acquired during the development of the Scorpio and the Xylo in the XUV 500 and future vehicle develop-ment programmes. The major evolution for the company has been greater application of CAD assisted vehicle develop-ment programme in the areas of handling, body stiffness, load carriage, crash resistance, drag resistance, thermal management among others in order to reduce the development time and costs. “We took major efforts to ensure that vehicle met certain meas-urable benchmarks in terms of performance and reliability. Some of these tests were even designed by us for the conditions that we thought the vehicle would be subjected to or could get into. The effort at XUV 500 develop-ment was to create a vehicle for the global market and this will not be the last one from our sta-ble,” elaborated Wadhera.

Mahindra to reach out to buyers with ‘softer’ options

The company worked backwards to offer maximum specifications and features that

could be offered in a given price range

The level of automation depends on skill bench-marks, production volumes and the type of vehicle to be developed and manufactured

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Abhishek Parekh Mumbai

Grinding machines, manufacturing concepts and plant engineering for the automotive industry

Strong Solutions

Phone: +91 20 260 538 96E-Mail: [email protected]

www.junker.in

Erwin Junker Maschinenfabrik GmbH,

205, 2nd Floor Jewel Tower, Lane 5,

C O R P O R A T E

Auto Monitor

231 - 15 FEBRUARY 2012

Leading auto compo-nent maker, ZF Group is fi rming up its new busi-ness strategy to suit the

evolving Indian market. With a comprehensive analysis, based on the advantages and disad-vantages inherent to one of the world’s fastest growing but under-tapped auto market—India, the company is planning to intro-duce the entire range of products manufactured across its subsidi-aries in the future.

Speaking to Auto Monitor,Director and Head, ZF India Piyush Munot said it will be investing double-digit million Euro here towards the realisation of its new strategy. The compa-ny has acquired 20-acre land to build a plant, which is likely to be operational by 2013. Currently, it has two plants in Pune on rented space and these will be shifted to this new facility.

The new plant in Pune will be focussing on value added prod-ucts and shock absorbers for commercial vehicles and passen-ger cars segments in the coming years. Initially, the company will be importing parts and assem-ble here; once the volumes reach the stipulated level, it will opti-mise its localisation programme. The company also owns plants in Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Uttranchal and Gujarat.

For the commercial vehicle segment, it has already supplied the suspensions for prototyping and testing and these designs are fi nalised. Now it will start the commercial supply to the custom-ers very soon. “We have already signed with Ashok Leyland and Tata Motors in the 26 and 40 tonne bogey axles with shock absorbers and we would like to localise these parts now in India in the facility that we will have in Pune by 2013,” Munot said.

The company has two divi-sions to cater to passenger car segment—powertrain and chas-sis. A large chunk of business comes from the chassis systems business unit. In the case of pow-ertrain business, it has presence only in the luxury car segment with its offerings in eight and six-speed transmissions. With a view to tap the increasing demand the company plans to introduce powertrain components in mass passenger car segment.

The company is also con-templating on supplying shock absorbers to high volume pas-senger car segment, which will be designed for India specifi c appli-cations. Apart from a few local car manufacturers, the demand is expected from the global cus-tomers who also have presence in India, he said.

It has recently supplied auto-matic transmission to Volvo buses in India and now the next thing from the ZF stable would be automated manual transmission for which the company is talking to a couple of vehicle manufac-turers in the country.

ZF is very keen on localisa-tion and the core reason for this is not availability of low cost manpower but to stabilise itself in this market. It further argued that the cost of labour might be low here but there is a difference in the level of productivity of the talent here when compared with their counterparts in the devel-oped countries. “If you look at

the material cost and capital cost then there is no advantage. The localisation would be mainly to make the compa-ny more stable” Executive Vice

President and Head of Market Division, Wolfgang Schilha told Auto Monitor.

The nine-speed medium size truck transmission produced in

Pune is expected to have over 85 percent of local content by next year. It is also planning to assemble six-speed transmission locally, which is being imported

from Hungary right now. Overall the company expects to achieve 75 percent of local content in its transmission, which is currently at 38 percent.

ZF forms new strategy for evolving IndiaC O R P O R A T E


Piyush Munot, Director & Head, ZF IndiaWolfgang Schilha, Executive Vice President & Head Marketing Division, ZF

Auto Monitor

241 - 15 FEBRUARY 2012

The recently concluded Auto Expo in New Delhi was noteworthy in some ways. For one, compact

cars were conspicuous by their near absence as OEMs focussed on premium segment and util-ity vehicles. GM was among few manufacturers who showcased their upcoming compact car offerings for the Indian market with Peugeot Citroen and Renault also showcasing their offerings.

Though the company offi-cials refused to share any further details on Chevrolet Sail, it seemed a promising offer by the company to help it make deep-er in roads into the compact car segment in India.

The company also showcased around 15 production and concept vehicles at the recently conclud-ed Auto Expo in New Delhi. The vehicles displayed by the com-pany covered three broad themes of Chevrolet Next, Chevrolet Technology & Innovation and Chevrolet Performance.

At the Chevrolet Next section,

GM showcased a range of new models that will be launched in India this year. GM has upgrad-ed the Tavera extensively based on customer feedback and show-cased Chevrolet Tavera Neo3, which includes twin-port grille and a bigger bowtie emblem in front as well as in back. Larger shimmering crystal-effect clear lens headlamps with integrat-ed indicator lamps enhance the bold and stylish front look while increasing visibility. The new

Tavera Neo3 is available with a 2.5-litre direct injection insta-torque turbocharged engine (BS3) and an all-new 2-litre com-mon rail direct injection diesel engine that is BS4 emission compliant. Both of the engines operate quietly and have excel-lent low-end torque, making them excellent in heavy traffi c, along with excellent pick up.

The company also showcased the next generation Captiva 2.2 AT. The new model includes a 2.2 litre engine along with a six-speed automatic transmission. It also has a fresh new sporty and muscular exterior design and a jet-black interior. Among the new comfort and convenience ameni-ties are cruise control; a dual-row heating, ventilation and air-con-ditioning system; an electric parking brake; rain-sensing wip-ers; and a stylish sunroof.

At the Chevrolet Technology & Innovation section, GM high-lighted some of its latest global and local advanced technolo-gies. The company showcased the Chevrolet Volt with extend-ed range technology, providing

the benefi ts of an electric vehi-cle without the range limitations usually associated with vehicle of such kind. The company is leading a “tailored for India” demonstra-tion program of battery electric vehicle (BEV) technology with the Chevrolet Beat BEV, which was introduced in June 2011. Powered by a 300-cell lithium-ion battery with approximately 16 kWh of energy capacity, the 270-kilogram battery can power the Beat BEV for at least 98 kilometres under normal driving conditions. The liquid-cooled battery can operate in temperatures rang-ing from approximately -20 to 45 degrees, with charge times of less than four hours using a 240V outlet and around eight hours using a 120V outlet. Power from the battery is transferred to the wheels through a single-speed drive unit and an electric motor that produces approximately 111 kW of power.

The other technology show-case included the Chevrolet EN-V(Electr ic Net worked-Vehicle), which is GM’s vision for the future of urban commuting.

The EN-V is a two-seat electric vehicle that weighs less than 500 kg and is about 1.5 metres in length. Its small size and great manoeuvrability mean a park-ing lot can accommodate fi ve times as many EN-Vs as typical automobiles. The body and can-opy of the EN-V are constructed from carbon fi bre, custom-tint-ed Lexan and acrylic, materials that are more commonly used in race cars, military airplanes and spacecraft because of their strength and lightweight charac-teristics. The ability to work with such innovative materials pro-vided a learning opportunity for GM’s design teams to study the feasibility of future traditional automotive applications.

The Chevrolet Performance section included a range of per-formance products from GM global portfolio including the Chevrolet Camaro Convertible with a 6.2 litre V-8 engine that generates 426 hp at 5,900 rpm and 420 Nm of torque at 4,600 rpm, the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Concept, the Chevrolet Cruze Racing Car.

GM braces for deeper inroads into compact segment Our Bureau

New Delhi

(Left, Below & Above) A Range Of Chevrolet Variants

C O R P O R A T E

Auto Monitor

261 - 15 FEBRUARY 2012

C O R P O R A T E

GKN Driveline is look-ing at opportunities to closely work with OEMs for introduc-

ing all wheel drive systems for cars and utility vehicles. It is also looking to have major inputs from the Indian market for developing and introducing suitable e-drive or drivelines for electric and elec-tric/hybrid vehicles in India.

The company is currently in discussion with OEMs for e-drive and all wheel drive systems but these discussions are still at a preliminary stage and it may be a while before product develop-

ment initiatives take shape. “Currently, the driveline

technologies for hybrid vehicles appear to be more promising from commercial perspective. We are looking at several tech-nological solutions that can have impact on personal mobility sce-nario. These could be products like electric drive, hybrid drive, range extenders, which provide performance boost to a conven-tional fuel driven vehicle rather than take over the powertrain completely. Most of our cus-tomers are evaluating a set of solutions most suitable for given set of driving conditions and market demand and hence we have to offer multiple solutions.

It is diffi cult to pinpoint a single technology which has an upper hand at this point in time,” said Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing, GKN Driveline, James Voeffray.

He elaborated that the approach that many suppli-ers are taking for electric and hybrid drives is to have as much standardisation in case of basic system or hardware and offer high degree of customisation in software or operating technolo-gies and resulting performance parameters. Since the volumes for these vehicles are low, it is not viable to offer high degree of cus-tomised tools or systems for OEM customers given the uncertain demand scenario.

“OEM customers need to define performance parame-ters based on target customer segments in case of technologi-cally advanced products like electric drive and hybrid drive,” added Voeffray.

GKN Driveline recently acquired all wheel drive relat-ed business of Getrag as a major effort to make deeper inroads in the all wheel drive segment. The acquisition has provided GKN a leadership position in the all wheel drive segment in North America and Europe. The market for all wheel drive is not restricted to Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) or crossovers but also many pre-mium passenger cars as well. Passenger car makers have been slow to adopt all wheel drive sys-tems due to limited demand and high costs.

“We are working on a next gen-eration all wheel drive systems to address the issue of fuel econo-my degradation and high cost associated with currently avail-able solutions for passenger cars. The disconnect systems that we are working on would stop all the ineffi ciencies associated with current process of power transmissions in the all wheel drive systems and offer supe-

All wheel drive systems are logical evolution in a performance conscious, high growth market Abhishek Parekh

New Delhi

James Voeffray, Executive VP, Sales & Marketing, GKN Driveline

GKN Booth

Auto Monitor

281 - 15 FEBRUARY 2012

rior handling as well as address the fuel economy concerns. We are looking to differentiate the way the system works for our customers compared to other competing products but it is not a patented technology but superior

system nonetheless,” elaborated Voeffray. He added that all wheel drive systems needed to get more common in a market before a more advanced technology on similar lines could be offered to customers.

According to Managing Director, Asia Pacific, GKN Driveline, Marc Vuarchex, the company is looking to have a bigger manufacturing footprint in the Asian region as it is look-ing to consolidate its presence in

Europe. He added that India is a more interesting market for GKN as car manufacturers are catering to domestic and export market as against predominant focus on domestic market by manufactur-ers in China.

One of the more promising

areas that the company is looking forward to is the micro compact car segment like Tata Nano. Though the sales volume of the Nano has not given much reason for suppli-ers to cheer about it has provided many suppliers with opportuni-ty to showcase the possibility of adaptation of their products. GKN Driveline, for one, is taking its learnings from the Nano project to making deeper inroads into the small commercial vehicles and three wheeler segment by offering superior drivelines at affordable cost for OEMs.

The company has four manu-facturing facilities in India and also has a precision forging divi-sion at its Chennai facility. The company is looking at a healthy order book in the Indian market from passenger car and commer-cial vehicle manufacturers. It is looking to make deeper penetra-tion into segments like ultra light commercial vehicles and three-wheelers in India.

C O R P O R A T E

In an instance of close coop-eration between OEM and supplier, Visteon and M&M collaborated on some

advanced technologies for lat-ter’s XUV 500 model in order to offer these features at an afforda-ble cost in the domestic market.

Mahindra XUV 500 features a range of electronics, lighting and climate systems and compo-nents from Visteon, developed with Mahindra to meet the needs of both the domestic India mar-ket and export markets. These features include audio infotain-ment system featuring a 5.8-inch touchscreen—the fi rst such high-end system fully manufactured in India for the India market. As a standard original equipment manufacturer (OEM)-fitted feature, the complete audio infotainment system incorpo-rates comprehensive functions, including Bluetooth wireless technology, audio streaming, navigation, DVD, rear park assist system (RPAS) and full iPod connectivity. The infotain-ment system provides access to the user’s phone book and ena-bles making and receiving calls using the infotainment system via Bluetooth connectivity.

Additionally, the poly-ellip-soid system (PES) headlamp with light-emitting diode (LED) styl-ing enables the XUV 500’s styling akin to a projector, LED-based position function and allowing static bending. This optional feature enables headlamps to anticipate and illuminate turns in the road for improved vis-ibility. The fully automatic, rear and front, heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC), uses Visteon’s technolo-gy to create comfort for the driver and passengers.

With five manufacturing plants, three engineering centres and more than 3,000 employ-ees, Visteon operations in India offer climate control, electronics, interior and lighting products. Visteon has had a presence in India since 1993. It is a leading global automotive supplier that designs, engineers and manu-factures climate, electronic, interior and lighting products for vehicle manufacturers.

Visteon, M&M collaborate for XUV 500

Our Bureau Mumbai

GKN Booth

Mark Vuarchex, MD Asia Pacific GKN Driveline

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C O R P O R A T E

Valeo is planning to local-ise the production of HVAC, condensors and compressors for the

Indian market. It is also looking to increase its manufacturing footprint across other business in India. The company is looking to introduce thermal management valves, EGR modules and climate control systems for automotives in India and is evaluating a suit-able market entry strategy. The company has products in the vehicle climate control systems and powertrain related products within the thermal business and

is looking to offer advanced tech-nologies from its global portfolio in India.

“We are looking to indus-trialise (localise) products in the thermal systems even as we introduce products in vehi-cle air conditioning segment. We are also looking to expand capacities at our four facilities as per the customer demand in other three segments in which we have a presence here. That is the strategy for the long term in order to remain competi-tive. Most of our products are relatively lower cost ones and cannot be manufactured in huge quantities at single loca-tion and shipped,” said Group

Product Marketing Director, Valeo, Derek De Bono. He did not specify the investments committed for expansion into thermal systems and other busi-nesses in India or whether Valeo would be partnering with any local or global player for intro-ducing thermal products and systems for vehicle and power-train segment in India.

It is looking to enhance its presence in the visibility systems business comprising lighting and wiper systems in India. The company is working on suita-bly adapting products for local requirements. The visibility sys-tems business spends around six percent of the turnover on research & development on new technologies and products and the company is evaluating on new technologies for the Indian market. The company already has a designing and develop-ment team in its technical centre in Chennai for alternators and starter motors.

The company has a wide port-folio of lighting related products in its global portfolio including basic halogen lamps, xenon as well as LED systems. De Bono adds that xenon lamps are likely to be replaced with LED technol-ogy in the medium to long term in most markets globally as LED is a cost effective and environmental friendly technology for automo-tive lighting. The Indian market is likely to have mass production for halogen and LED technol-ogy for automotive lighting and it is unlikely that any automotive lighting maker will mass produce head lamps with xenon technol-ogy in India.

“Some of the products in our global portfolio require a level of market maturity. For instance, we have to look at greater adop-

Valeo to make major entry in automotive air conditioning systems business Abhishek Parekh

New Delhi

The 360-Vue cameras by Valeo for better navigation

Derek De Bono, Group Product Marketing Director, Valeo

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tion of park assist systems in India before we can look at introducing automated parking systems. Similarly, some other products have higher level of performance specif ications compared to what is required here and we are constantly evaluating our market strategy to suit the local requirements,” said De Bono.

Valeo currently has four facili-

ties in India and also operates its global R&D centre in Chennai. It has been present in India since 1997. With over 2,000 employees working out of various produc-tions sites and an R&D centre in Chennai, the company supplies products that aim to provide safety and better driving comfort while also providing better fuel effi cien-cy and CO2 emission reduction.

Some of t he prod-

uct s showca sed du r i ng the recently held auto expo-sition in New Delhi include ReStart, integrated speaker control unit for park ing assista nce, water cooled charged air cooler, LEDs and wi-fi rear camera.

ReStart, a reinforced starter, is a component of the stop start system which allows the vehicle to start up immediately and silently.

Integrated speaker control unit for parking assistance is a parking assistance solution particular-ly adapted to the Indian market needs. A loudspeaker connected to the ultrasonic sensor, is integrated

into the control unit, making this solution a compact and cost effec-tive system which can be easily installed into any vehicle.

Water cooled charge air cooled, is a compact brazed aluminium heat exchanger cooled by water which allows fuel economy and emissions reductions. The sys-tem is applicable for charged, diesel or gasoline engines.

LEDs are the most effi cient sources for front lighting—two times better than xenon and fi ve times better than hHalo-gen—offering distinctive style opportunities and day-like super white light for safe and comfort-

able night driving.Wi-fi rear camera, is a vision

camera using wi-fi technology. It enables to direct link of rear vision camera to any smartphone. Thus, the smartphone substitutes for the navigation screen.

Valeo is focused on the design, production and sale of com-ponents, integrated systems and modules for the automo-tive industry, mainly for CO2emissions reduction. It has 125 plants, 21 research cen-tres, 39 development centres, ten distribution platforms and employs 67,900 people in 28 countries worldwide.

C O R P O R A T E

Expanding its portfolio to sports bikes, Bajaj Auto launched KTM Power Sports AG’s Duke 200

motorcycle in India. The spots bike which is priced at `1,17,500 (ex-showroom, Delhi), will be sold through the pro-biking showrooms of Bajaj which will be rebranded as KTM show-rooms. The 32 new showrooms across 30 cities will also sell Kawasaki Ninja.

Joint Project“Thank ful ly K TM and

Kawasaki do not consider each other as competitors and so there is no confl ict,” claimed, MD Bajaj Auto, Rajiv Bajaj. Duke 200 has been jointly developed by Bajaj Auto and KTM and is manufactured in the Chakan facility of the sec-ond largest Indian two-wheeler manufacturer. Since the team working on Pulsar and Duke 200 are same, it has added to their knowledge. Another joint-ly developed product, the 125 cc Duke, is being exported to Europe by Bajaj.

Defining The Market Edge“While our bikes are techno-

logically advanced, we do not have the experience in oper-ating in a market which is as large as India. With Bajaj we get the knowledge and sales network in this huge market,” CEO of KTM-Sportmotorcycles AG, Stefan Pierer said. He also added that the alliance will help them in competing against the two Japanese players—Honda and Yamaha.

Bajaj to sell KTM Duke 200 at pro-biking showrooms with Ninja

Stefan Pierer, CEO of KTM-Sportmotorcycles AG,and Rajiv Bajaj, MD Bajaj Auto at the launch of KTM Duke 200 in New Delhi

A Parking Park4U Camera View

A Range Of Valeo Cameras

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S P E C I A L R E P O R T

The mood of the industry is unnecessarily negative; the fi scal 2012-13 will be a signifi cantly better year

but I cannot say by how much… I am sure the Finance Ministry will be doing something for the auto industry to revive the econ-omy, stated Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Dr Montek Singh Ahluwalia.

Addressing the 7th Auto Summit organised by FADA in Delhi recently, Ahluwalia felt that the current stagnation in the auto market is transitory and the Indian automotive market is going to grow in the medium and long runs; riding on the growing economy, rising aspirations and disposable incomes of the mid-dle-class households and people

from rural India. The theme for the Auto Summit

was ‘Shifting Gears, Terrain Ahead’. Speaking about the cur-rent slack in economic growth, Ahluwalia said this was prima-rily due to developments in Euro zone. Allaying the fears, he added that the economy was on its way back to the high growth trajectory as the infl ation will drop to seven percent by March and the rupee stabilising against the dollar. “It is not likely to reach the growth rate of nine percent in the next fi scal but we will strive to do much bet-ter than seven percent,” he said.

Expressing confidence on the future of the Indian auto-motive market, Vice Chairman, Mahindra Group, Anand Mahindra said the automotive market was at a take-off stage and would soon be in the league of top fi ve producers of auto-

mobiles in the world. Referring to the moderation in growth at present, he said, “When the mar-ket hits the bumpy road, we need not get depressed but be ready to take the challenges head on.”

Managing Director, Bajaj Auto, Rajiv Bajaj said that playing in a specialised and focused area will entail higher rate of success. SIAM President and Chairman, Eicher Group, S Sandilya said that the automotive industry in India has made long strides in all facets and the proof of the pudding lies in the presence of all global majors in the country and the massive response to the 11th Auto Expo. With automotive sector going through the trans-formation constantly, building and strengthening relationships an ecosystem would be the way to tackle the challenges.

The single biggest challenge

for the stakeholders in automo-tive sector, which emerged from the deliberations, is the shortage of trained manpower. A message that emerged loud and clear was that customers’ loyalty cannot be taken for granted with grow-ing awareness and all-pervasive internet and IT. Addressing the challenges of shortage of man-power and customer relations required out-of-box thinking. Instead of the traditional prac-tice of employing people with aptitude, people with attitude and passion for automobiles like students and housewives could be employed part-time. Likewise, extensive use of social media net-working and internet could come handy for constantly engaging the customers, Anand Mahindra and industry leaders opined.

President, FADA, Nikunj Sanghi while delivering his

address said, “With a combined turnover of around `3,60,000 crore, auto retail is three to four times the size of rest of organ-ised retail. The unfortunate part is that while rest of the organised retail steals the attention of the government, politicians and the media alike and hogs headlines with unfailing regularity, auto retail hardly gets the attention it deserves and has no nodal min-istry in the Central Government to address its concerns.”

Earlier during a motivational session for the young genera-tion, Gnanvatsal Swamiji of Swaminarayan Temple, advised the dealers, new entrants in auto retail and aspiring youngsters to work hard and follow ethical practices in business. No busi-ness can survive and sustain for long without honesty and ethics, he concluded.

Stagnation is transitory: Ahluwalia

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HIGH PRECISION & HIGH QUALITY SPRINGSNEED NOT COST THE EARTH !!


Seventh Auto Summit shows the way to manage crisis effectively

(Centre)Dr Montek Singh Ahluwalia with (L) Rakesh Jain, Committee Member, FADA and

(R) Nikunj Sanghi, President, FADA Interactive Session With PV Manufacturers

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The panel discussion held during the third edi-tion of the Automotive Dealership Excellence

Awards (ADEA), organised joint-ly by Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA) and Auto Monitor, witnessed an effective debate on the manu-facturer - dealer relationship in the Indian scenario vis-a-vis on the global turf. While the dealers expressed concern about the relationship between the two stakeholders is increas-ingly becoming transactional, the manufacturers reiterated the need for retail partners to bridge the gap prevalent in areas of customer service.

The discussion started with President FADA, Nikunj Sanghi describing the evolved customer behaviour in this internet age. He said, “The knowledge of today’s customer when he walks into a showroom is much more than what it used to be. Some of them are even more aware about the specifi cations of various vehicles than the sales people. Such a cus-tomer cannot be taken for a ride.”

During the opening remarks, the President, Automotive & Farm Sectors, Mahindra & Mahindra, Dr Pawan Goenka, blamed multi-national companies for spoiling their dealers by giving higher margins. Responding to this, VW India, Director, Neeraj Garg, felt that multinationals offer multi-ple revenue models rather than just negotiating on dealer mar-gins. Taking the discussion further, he pointed out that the main challenge for retailers and marketers is to earn the loyalty of the customer, who is educated,

well informed and has the choice of exploring deals being offered at the multiple options available. For this reason there has been remarkable improvement on the performance of the dealers on the sales side though a lot needs to be done when it comes to the service side of the business. Even the dealers of top end cars need to bridge this gap.

Executive Director, Ashok Leyland, Rajiv Saharia differed with Garg on the issue of loyalty of customers in the commercial vehicle segment. “The involve-ment of the dealership with the customers in the CV segment is more intense than the passenger vehicle and hence it is not easily broken,” he informed. However, he agreed that since the machines in the CV segment are for the pur-pose of generating income, the service has to be remarkable.

When inquired about a brand’s failure to retain its customers, because of the incapability of the manufacturer to produce a model to customers’ satisfaction rather than the inability of the dealer, Arvind Saxena, Director, Marketing and Sales, Hyundai Motor India, said that the differ-entiation between models could not be very huge but what is crucial is the way the customer has been

treated at the front offi ce by the dealership, which can bring him back to the brand. The loyalty is for the dealer not for the model.

President, Marketing, TVS Motor Company, HS Goindi indi-cated that the major challenges are faced by two-wheeler man-ufacturers. “The two-wheeler customer changes every three years. It is a challenge for a man-ufacturer to assess these changes and foresee the requirement three years in advance,” he said. Since the prime reason for purchasing a two-wheeler is commuting, the challenge for the dealer lies in pro-viding service as fast as possible. This is also triggered by the nature of the Indian driver who brings the vehicle to service centre only when it is in extremely bad condition.

The discussion took a heated turn when the topic of relation-ship between the two stakeholders was brought in. While the deal-er community is worried as the relationship is becoming more transactional the manufacturers viewed that the dealer partners need to incorporate profession-alism in their process in order to achieve the common goal of retaining customers.

Garg said that his company believed not in selling dealer margins to the retail partners

but in selling business oppor-tunities, which can add value to them. He said, “No dealer has asked for higher margins in the last few years; they have always asked about ways to improve their bottom line; they look for support on training, education, recruiting manpower and creat-ing infrastructure.”

Nigel Wark of Ford India, agreeing with Garg said, “Our job is to work with dealer bodies in facing challenges like the cost of real estate, fi nance etc rather than worrying about higher margins. The cost of interaction with each customer has to be reduced.”

Saxena agreed to the view expressed by Saharia that the association between the two like a marriage”. This is applicable for manufacturers and retailers, both of them are answerable to the customers.

Director, Frost and Sullivan, VG Ramakrishnan iterated that loyalty is getting built among consumers in a substantial way. Shangi said automotive deal-ership is not a business about margins alone but it’s a business about passion. “I would love to see the manufacturers when they talk of customer retention in the life-time value of customer, then I am sure the dealers are custom-

ers and there is a lifetime value to dealers.”

Ramakrishnan concluded that customers are the dictators as they can even hop between dealerships of the same brand to get the best deal. The real issue comes on the after sales serv-ice where there is a signifi cant gap and here is where the man-ufacturers and dealers can truly derive the life cycle of customers. He stressed on the need to employ technology in order to receive honest customer feedback.

On the vision of Dealer 2020, the manufacturers unanimous-ly agreed that in an era when customers are so demanding, automotive dealerships need to excel in all areas including sales, service, insurance or finance to lure them. The need for bench-marking in systems was stressed upon. Agreeing with them Sanghi said, “Corporatisation of dealership is the future and the day is not far when retailers of national level will emerge.”

Dr Goenka concluded by say-ing that, “I will wait for the day when there is a panel discussion happening in one of fi ve lead-ing auto markets in the world with the topic, ‘Impact of Indian manufacturers on the retail of that country.”

Manufacturer-dealer relationship has become transactional

A D E A

Our Bureau New Delhi

Delegates During The Panel Discussion

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The increasing prices of real estate pose a threat on the profi tability of automotive dea ler-

ships. And this concern featured prominently during the panel discussion organised as part of third edition of the Automotive Dealership Excellence Award (ADEA). Delivering his address, the Executive Vice Chairman of Ashok Leyland, R Seshasayee said, “Real estate is going to be very important and we have to learn as to how frugally and how productively we can use the space we have. The vertical expansion is very important.” This is also true with manpower; the deal-ers need to ensure how can they

make them highly productive and provide maximum output.

Responding to the resonating voice of the dealers for an exit policy during the third edition of ADEA, Seshasayee said, “You can surely have and should have an exit policy; you should not be in an inharmonious relation-ship, because that is unhealthy for both the partners.” The rela-tionship is not built merely by dealers coming in and attend-ing the weddings in a customer’s family but should be more than that. It is data mining—under-standing the customers’ habits, understanding their behaviour and all of this is possible with the help of technology.

Having the details of symp-toms of individual customers as to what kind of product he/she

would look at and what he/she will buy is more important. To sense the relationship—this should be the uniqueness of the brand value of the Indian dealers. This kind of relationship is required between the dealers-customer and dealer-manufacturer.

On the corporatisation of automobile dealership he said, “Large dealerships with pan-In-dia presence is possible, but the reason why most OEMs have a family person running an outlet, is just to ensure that you don’t loose your personal touch with the customers.”

W hile FA DA President, Nikunj Sanghi, during his speech, emphasising on employee satisfaction said, “It needs no reiteration that in today’s competitive environ-

ment, employees’ satisfaction is the single most important factor that can make or break an auto-mobile dealership. The growth and customer satisfaction go hand-in-hand. It is employees’ satisfaction that can lead to the customer satisfaction, which in turn, leads to the growth and development of any business.”

He added that ADEA, initiat-ed jointly with Auto Monitor two years ago, is being carried for-ward with added zeal and zest, as the number of nominations received for this edition of awards suggests. “The number of appli-cations for the awards has been increasing as we have moved along making it amply clear that the awards are growing in pop-ularity and drawing increasing attention,” he concluded.

Being frugal is the way forward for dealers A relationship is not built merely

by dealers attending a customer’s family

functions, but should be more

than that. It is data mining—understanding

the customers’ habits & behaviour, which is possible

with the help of technology—

R Seshasayee, Vice Chairman,

ALL

Nikunj Sanghi, FADA President Addressing The Audience

R Seshasayee, Vice Chairman, Ashok Leyland


A D E A

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Automotive Dealership Excellence Awards (ADEA) 2011, organised jointly by FADA and Auto Monitor held in New Delhi on January 9, brought together the high and mighty of the autombile industry. The evening was fi lled with fun and excitement as dealers interacted with OEMs in a freewheeling chat to understand each other’s concern and pain areas as well as forge new relationships.

Given the current uncertainity in vehicle sales, one of the major concerns among dealers was the effort made by OEMs and other stakeholders in reviving sales and clarity from OEMs on their future outlook and strategy. Moreover, the process converged on areas of mutual concern like nature of relationship between dealers and OEMs, rising cost of conducting business, manpower and service quality.

With major concerns aired during the panel discussion and in the later interaction during the course of the evening, dealers promised further introspection and willingness to imple-ment strategies that could deliver customer loyalty and trust.

ADEA has reaffi rmed its status as the premier award of the automobile industry.

Auto head honchos converge at A D E A

Dr Pawan Goenka addressing the gathring at the ADEA

R Seshasayee, Vice Chairman, Ashok Leyland Nikunj Sanghi, FADA President

T Murrali, Editor, Auto Monitoraddressing the dealers

TR Sawhney Motors bags the award for Service Satisfaction Index Speed Autotech bags the award for Safety Initiative

St Antonys Motors also bags the award for Safety Initiative

SJB Automobiles bags the award for Best Dealer on Employee Satisfaction index

Kalyani Associates recognised for Green Initiative by Hashit Rawal, President, HOEC Bardahl India

TV Sundaram Iyengar & Sons receives special recognition for CSR

Susee Automobiles receives the award for CSR

RDth

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A D E A

third edition of ADEA in DelhiCATEGORY DEALER NAME STATUS BRAND

2W Sisodia Automobiles Dealer Of The Year Hero Motocorp

2W Golden Motors Most Aspiring Dealer Of The Year Hero Motocorp

3W JS Fourwheel Motors Dealer Of The Year Mahindra & Mahindra

3W Kanakadurga Motors Most Aspiring Dealer Of The Year Piaggio Vehicles

4W PP Automotive Dealer Of The Year Mahindra & Mahindra

4W Bhandari Automobiles Most Aspiring Dealer Of The Year Maruti Suzuki

CV Perfect Auto Dealer Of The Year Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles

CV RajesH Motors Most Aspiring Dealer Of The Year Ashok Leyland

CV Nidhikamal Automobiles Most Aspiring Dealer Of The Year Tata

Sales Satisfaction Rajshree Automotive Across All Categories Ford

Service Satisfaction TR Sawhney Motors Across All Categories Maruti Suzuki

Employee Satisfaction SJB Automobiles Across All Categories Mahindra Navistar

Safety Initiative St Antony’s Motors Across All Categories Tata Passenger Cars

Safety Initiative Speed Autotech Across All Categories Chevrolet

CSR Initiative Susee Automobiles Across All Categories Mahindra & Mahindra; Ford;Volkswagen;Porsche, Bajaj

CSR (Special Recognition) TV Sundram Iyengar & Sons Across All Categories Mahindra & Mahindra

Green Initiative Kalyani Associates Across All Categories Honda Motorcycles & Scooters India

y Kanakdurga Motors bags the award for the Most Aspiring Three-Wheeler Dealer

R Seshasayee and Dr Pawan Goenka presenting the Two-Wheeler Dealer of the year award to Sisodiya

Automobiles

R Seshasayee, Vice Chairman, Ashok Leyland (L) and Dr Pawan Goenka, President, FEAS, M&M presenting the award for the Most Aspiring Two-Wheeler dealer to

Golden Motors

Sandeep Singh, Dy MD, TKM presenting the award for the Most Aspiring CV dealer to Nidhikamal Automobiles

JS Fourwheel Motors bags the award for the Three Wheeler Dealer of the Year

PP Automotive bags the Four-Wheeler Dealer of the Year award

(L) Nikunj Sanghi, FADA President & Sandeep Singh, Dy MD, Toyota Kirloskar Motors (centre) presenting the

CV Dealer of the Year award to Perfect Auto

Bhandari Automobiles wins the Most Aspiring Four-Wheeler Dealer of the Year award

Rajesh Motors awarded the Most Aspiring CV Dealer of the Year by Nikunj Sanghi & Sandeep Singh

Auto Monitor

401 - 15 FEBRUARY 2012

A D E A

Credit Analysis and Resea rch (C A R E Ratings), is a pre-mier credit rating and

information services company promoted in 1993 by major banks / fi nancial institutions in India. CARE Ratings is recognised by the government of India and all regulatory authorities including the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for its rating and IPO grading services. And it is proud to be the only domestic rating agency in India.

CARE Ratings has signifi cant presence in all sectors including banks/fi s, corporate and public fi nance. In last few years, CARE Ratings has also established inter-national footprints by setting up the only licensed rating agency in Maldives. Furthermore, it is also

providing technical assistance for setting up rating agencies in Mexico, Ecuador, Bangaldesh and Nepal. Until 30June, 2011, cover-age of CARE Ratings has extended to more than 10,644 entities with a total value of `33,062 bn. It has been market leader in rating of debt instruments fl oated by vari-ous Banks/FIs. Similarly, it also retains the leadership position in IPO grading amongst the frater-nity in India.

The company is a full service rating agency and offers all prod-ucts offered by a rating agency viz. Issue Ratings, Bank Loan Ratings, SME Ratings, Project Gradings and Equi Gradings. CARE Ratings has a dedicated research division that covers automobile sector extensively with reports on all segments viz. commercial vehi-cles cars, two-wheelers, tyre and auto ancillaries.

Designing ParametersDealership award is an inno-

vative concept. CARE has been associated with ADEA since its inception in 2009. CARE Ratings’ core strength lies in demonstrat-ing analytical prowess and rigor in rating and ranking assignments which has helped in offering unbiased third-party assessment to the winner’s selection process. This has enabled it in fulfi lling the role of a Knowledge Partner with utmost ease and profi ciency. CARE Ratings conceptualised and developed a scientifi c methodolo-gy whereby subjective parameters provided to it were converted into objective evaluation exercise on which subsequently the scoring model could be developed.

It The rating agency has been involved in

the evaluation process, right from designing the questionnaire,

analysing the data & listing of nominees for the jury to decide the winners. Designing of the questionnaire involved identifying

parameters like purchase experience, service experience, employee feedback, green initiatives and

service initiatives

Making The Grade

CARE has been market leader in rating of debt instruments floated by various Banks/FIs. Similarly, it also retains the lead-

ership position in IPO grading amongst the fraternity in India

CARE Ratings’ core strength lies in demonstrating analytical prowess and rigor in rating and ranking assignments, which has helped in offering unbiased third-party

assessment to the winner’s selection process

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star delta starters that replace the control wiring.

• Ease of data communication to PLC with communication

capable contactors with open communication protocols

like AS-i and IO link

s

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421 - 15 FEBRUARY 2012

It has been involved in the evaluation process right from designing the questionnaire, analysing the data collated and fi nally listing of nominees for the jury to decide the winners. Designing of questionnaire involved identifying param-eters essential for each of the award category like pur-chase experience, service experience, employee feedback, corporate social responsi-bility, green initiatives and service initiatives.

A magnifi cent response of over 817 dealer applications was received in this exercise. Further, based on a logical and methodical process (as detailed in box below), CARE short-list-ed top fi ve dealers as nominees across each category and each parameter, which were present-ed to the high powered panel of jury members.

CARE’s ranking model and methodology described below has imparted an impeccable degree of credibility in the selec-tion of the ultimate winner.

A D E A

Ranking Methodology• Design of evaluation forms ie questionnaires for all award categories

• Developing the scientifi c quantitative model for assessment of the evaluation forms.

• Eliminating all such nominations where the number of responses received under each parameter index was below seven.

• Parameter weights (on a scale of 100) were assigned to the six award parameters index ie PE, SE, EF, CSR, GI and SI in order of their relative importance in the entire evaluation process.

• Developing a fi ve-point scale ranging from “Poor” (1)-“Average” (2)-“Good” (3)-“Very Good” (4)- “Excellent”(5) in order to capture the feedback and satisfaction index of the respondents.

• Each question in respective category further had sub-options covering various parameters on the survey.

• In view of the criticality of certain questions as against the whole universe of questions, each question and the respective sub-options were assigned a question weight and an option weight.

• Score for each parameter index per respondent was arrived by totalling the product of each question score (answer * option weight) and question weight.

• For the respective dealer–average of the above score w.r.t to no. of respondents were considered.

• To arrive on a consolidated score—respective parameter scores for each dealer were added.

• Nominees were short-listed based on the top fi ve consolidated scores.

• In case of CSR, GI and SI, which involved more subjectivity, CARE inspected the dealer nomination forms along with the various supporting documents substantiating such initiatives.

• The jury with its vast experience and immense wisdom, provided a cutting edge in the fi nal selection process of the short-listed nominees.

• Throughout the entire process, CARE’s role did not extend to either validate the data compiled or check the authenticity / accuracy of survey data.

CARE Ratings is recognised by the GoI and all

regulatory authorities including the RBI

and SEBIfor its rating and

IPO grading services. And it is proud to be the only

domestic rating agency in India

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441 - 15 FEBRUARY 2012

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After the successful com-pletion of ten years in India, Volvo Buses has launched its hybrid

technology for the Indian mar-ket. The Volvo 7700 hybrid bus saves around 37 percent of fuel consumption and over 50 per-cent in hazardous emissions are reduced.

Commenting on the new hybrid vehicle, Managing Director and CEO, Volvo Buses India, Akash Passey said, “At Volvo, we have what is con-sidered today as the world’s most efficient hybrid solution. Importantly, it’s a part of our regular production system, developed by Volvo in-house, and proven in real opera-tions for a long time now. All

we await is the demand and the direction from the author-ities, so that we can apply this solution specifically to Indian needs.”

Some salient features of the 7700 Hybrid model from Volvo is the electric motor that regains

charge as and when the bus is required to apply the brakes. Just like the start /stop tech-nology seen in larger executive sedans for conserving fuel, the diesel engine in the 7700 also switches off completely, which also helps create a silent and

exhaust-free environment at bus stops.

The first global product from the company’s stable is 14.5-me-ter multi-axle buses. Earlier the company had 13.7-meter coach. “With the help of Volvo’s engi-neering capabilities in India

and Asia, we had made the bus for Asian market, and manufac-tured it in Asia. This bus, 9100, is an 11.5-meter coach and expect-ed to be 20 to 25 percent lower in price than our current product range, which we already have in India. With these introduc-

tions, this has been one of the biggest introductions in the any bus segment in India. With the launching of these products our total product range counts to ten in India,” Passey added.

Volvo Buses India also launched the Asia bus 9100 series, meant for the new segment in India catering to the Tier II and Tier III cities. The vehicle has been developed and designed out of India in order to meet the local needs of emerging mar-kets of Asia. Volvo India’s R&D centre in Bangalore has devel-oped it to meet the needs of the Indian market.

The manufacturer a lso unveiled Volvo 9400 PX the 14.5-metres long multi-axle coach. The vehicle is built on the new light-weight Volvo PX platform, which provides better grade-ability and acceleration as well as enhanced stability. The bus is powered by 11-litre engine with 370 HP and driven by steerable tag-axle for better road handling and manoeuvrability. The other new product is Volvo 7400 XL, the multi-axle city bus.

Regarding the localisation content of the buses, Passey said, “Currently the localisation of our products is about 40 to 50 percent depending upon the product, but we will be increase it substantially over the next three years. We are increas-ing our capacity to 2,500 buses annually by 2015, for which we have already announced `400 crore investment earlier.

The company recorded a growth of 25 percent in 2011 com-pared to the previous year and expecting to grow by 30 to 40 per-cent in the year 2012.

According to Passey, if the economy goes down, the bus busi-ness picks up, since people will reduce the usage of their person-al vehicles and will start moving towards the public transport, therefore I see a huge potential in the bus segment.

Volvo Buses take green route in India Our Bureau

New Delhi

A closer view of the engineA salient feature of the 7700 Hybrid model from Volvo is the electric motor that regains charge as and when the bus is required to apply the brakes

Akash Passey, MD & CEO, Volvo Buses India

C O R P O R A T E

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461 - 15 FEBRUARY 2012

C O R P O R A T E

Global automotive com-ponent manufacturer, Federal Mogul is all set to inaugurate its new

facility in Chennai in a few weeks from now. The fi rst phase of pro-duction will commence within a month of its inauguration. The unit, which will initially focus on producing brake linings, friction materials and other products for the aftermarket, is in line with the company’s plan to increase its presence and brand recogni-tion in the replacement market.

According to Corporate Vice-President a nd CEO, Federal-Mogul India, Jean de Montlaur the new plant will help the company in manufac-turing a wider range of products locally. It will enable Federal

Mogul to enter into new prod-uct categories, which, “will be interesting especially for the aftermarket,” he said. Though the main focus of the new plant will be to cater to the needs of

the domestic market, it will also be an expansion in capac-ity for the global arena when required. Initially, it will focus on expanding product portfolio for the aftermarket.

Future PlansThe company already has a

retail network that reaches to a large number of customers in different parts of the coun-try. With a larger portfolio and increased number of products being manufactured locally, it may also expand the exist-ing network. Federal Mogul plans to aggressively pursue the opportunities in the after-market. The increasing car parc in the Indian market has lead to a spur in opportunities in this segment. Like in the OE business the company wants to increase its recognition in the

aftermarket also. Discussing the aftermarket in India, Vice President, Asia Pacific, Global Aftermarket, Madhur Aneja, said the initiative will also help the unorganised Indian aftermarket in combating the menace of counterfeit parts.

Federal Mogul works close-ly with Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA) in order to fi nd ways to combat the increasing menace of spurious spare parts in the replacement market. It has con-ducted several raids and is an active member of ACMA’s Asli Naqli initiative, a public aware-ness campaign on counterfeit products.

The company has also start-ed several training programs for mechanics to educate them about the new generation vehi-cles, distinguishing original

spare from the spurious one, right ways of fi tment among others in order to help them in graduating from the unorgan-ised to the organised market. “The mechanics from the local garages have been in this busi-ness for generations. The young people are enthusiastic about learning about the new genera-tion vehicles. They are receptive too,” Aneja added.

However, when asked about plans to enter the service busi-ness, the offi cial declined. “We are not present in the service sector in any locations and have no such plans for India also. Our core strength is manufactur-ing,” Montlaur informed. The company, which has its Indian headquarter in Delhi, has grown by 14 percent year-on-year. It also supplies components to railways and defense.

Federal Mogul’s new plant to support expansion Shambhavi Anand

New Delhi

Piaggio is looking to posi-tion the Vespa as the premium lifestyle seg-ment targeting the brand

conscious customers and those wishing to make a style state-ment. The company is looking to price the two-wheeler brand in the `60,000 range.

After unveiling the scooters during the recently held Auto Expo, Chairman and Managing Director, Piaggio Vehicles, Ravi Chopra said, “Our foray into the Indian market activates a whole new segment of style and fash-ion-conscious consumers who are looking for a premium, exclu-sive, lifestyle offering refl ecting their personalities and attitudes. We would like to leverage this sizeable untapped market seg-ment that shows tremendous potential for growth in the com-ing years”.

Vespa will be hitting the Indian roads in a couple of months. The company’s fi rst model is like-ly to be 125 cc gearless scooter slated to roll out in April 2012 from Piaggio’s Baramati plant, which has an initial capacity of 150,000 units. The company plans to expand its capacity to 300,000 units within the fi rst six months depending on the market response.

While the Vespa brand will have 50 dealerships in India by end of 2012, the company is also looking to set-up fi ve superbike dealerships by the end of the year. Piaggio is considering introduc-ing the Moto Guzzi 1200 Norge GT as a CBU soon, depending on the response to the models.

Chopra said, “Ours is not a scooter, it is a Vespa and a way of life. We are not competing with scooter manufacturers but we are creating our own segment. The idea is to awaken a sleeping potential consumer who does not have a product like this.”

Introduced by Piaggio in 1946 as the world’s fi rst scooter, the Vespa rose rapidly in popularity to become a loved and revered emblem of ‘Made In Italy’ and a ‘new, unique way of enjoying mobility’. The Vespa is present in more than 100 countries with over 17 million units being sold since its introduction.

Vespa to be positioned as a lifestyle brand Bhargav TS

New Delhi

Jean de Montlaur, Corporate VP and CEO, Federal-Mogul India

Auto Monitor

491 - 15 FEBRUARY 2012

Cognex Corporation has recently announced a new wireless version for its next-generation

DataMan handheld industrial ID scanner, the DataMan 8000 series. The new wireless com-munication module and base station with Cognex Connect capabilities is now available for users with extended range cord free code reading applications. Cognex Connect provides the most fl exibility for communicat-ing via Industrial Protocols such as EtherNet/IP, Profinet, MC Protocol and others in addition to traditional support for USB and RS-232. The DataMan 8000 series is the only industrial handheld ID reader to support industrial

protocols for both corded and cordless models, allowing for easy integration, reduced instal-lation costs and remote access to diagnostics.

The new wireless reader pro-vides a long working range—up to 100m—with a large memory capacity for reading codes when offl ine or out of range. The base station comes standard with a spare battery charger built in and is compatible with indus-try standard ethernet, USB and RS-232 cables.

Common to all DataMan 8000 series models is the system’s unique modular design allowing any reader to change between corded RS-232/USB communica-tion to Industrial Ethernet or to wireless with fi eld exchangeable interface modules. The commu-nication modules offer security for customer investment as well as fl exibility enabling users to modify their deployment and communication methods to meet future requirements. The base station for the wireless model is equipped with separate communication ports for USB, RS-232 and Ethernet options making it the most versatile choice in the series.

The rugged DataMan 8000 series is designed for the facto-ry f loor and offers the industry’s most advanced code reading technology using two powerful algorithms, 1DMax and 2DMax. These patented technologies provide the most advanced decoding available for reading virtually every type of code, every time, with unsurpassed read rates, regardless of size, quality, printing method or sur-face. The DataMan 8000 series also offers liquid lens variable focus technology which allows a user to read small 2-D direct part marks (DPM) as well as

long linear 1-D barcodes with a single reader.

“This addit ion to our DataMan 8000 series makes it truly the most f lexible and advanced handheld reader out there,” said Vice President and Business Unit Manager, ID Products Carl Gerst. “We are happy to provide a cordless reader that has unique features in addition to the incredible functionality that is standard for all DataMan 8000 readers like reading robustness, advanced lighting and optics and field interchangeable communica-tion modules.”

The DataMan 8000 series is available in two base models:

DataMan 8500The DataMan 8500 readers

incorporate patented UltraLight technology from Cognex for superior image formation on any mark type and surface. UltraLight illumination provides dark fi eld, bright fi eld and diffuse lighting all in one electronically control-led light.

DataMan 8100The DataMan 8100 includes

all of the features of the DataMan 8500 readers, with bright field illumination. The DataMan 8100 readers are ideal for applications that require superior code reading p e r f o r m a n c e w i t h o u t specialty lighting.

Cognex introduces the fi rst wireless industrial ID barcode reader with ethernet

T E C H N O L O G Y

Dataman 8000 Wireless Barcode Reader

The new wireless reader provides a

long working range with a large memory capacity for reading

codes when offline or out of range. The base station comes standard

and is compatible with industry standard ethernet, USB and RS-

232 cables

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511 - 15 FEBRUARY 2012

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Motorcycle manufac-turer, India Yamaha Motor plans to set up its third plant in

the country, for which it has start-ed scouting for land in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The company is expecting to sell around ten lakh vehicles after inception of its third plant. In 2011, the company had produced 5.2 lakh units from its two existing plants each in Uttar Pradesh and in Haryana.

During the launch of its scoot-er, Ray at the Auto Expo, the CEO and Managing Director of India Yamaha Motor, Hiroyuki Suzuki said, “We are planning to set up our third plant, which is under consideration, for which we are already looking for land in

Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.For this capacity expansion,

new product development and network expansions, the com-pany is planning to invest `800 crore in the next couple of years and expect to sell around ten lakh units by 2014. In 2011, the manu-facturer clocked its sales of 460,815 bikes as compared to 350,274 in 2010 thus showing a growth of 31.6 percent over last year.

Speaking about entering into the scooter segment, Suzuki said, “With the launch of our scoot-er model in the second half of this year, we would be present across all growing two-wheel-er segment. The Indian scooter segment is growing tremendous-ly and we see a lot of potential in this segment. We have developed a scooter prototype that has got the Yamaha DNA and signifi es

‘Cool and Beauty’ image, which are the right words for describ-ing young Indian girls. With the launch of our scooter model later this year, Yamaha would now be present across all growing two-wheeler segments.”

The gearless scooter, Ray has been designed by keeping women in mind. The produc-tion version of the Ray concept will be developed in coming months and it will be on-sale by the end of this year or early next year. Apart from Ray concept, the company also showcased the Mio, Fino and Xeon scoot-ers, which are currently sold in Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam. Yamaha also launched two special edition bikes, Yamaha R15 limited edition Fiery Red and Yamaha R15 50th Anniversary Red and White.

Yamaha scouting location for its third plantC O R P O R A T E

One of the largest sell-ing motorcycles of TVS Motor Company, TVS Star City just got

better with the launch of its 2012 edition. For the fi rst time, the 110 cc bike will be available with executive segment features such as dual tone body colours, an all-new stylish headlamp, clear indicators and in six new col-our combinations. The dual tone graphics will include ‘Electric Green’, ‘Bold Blue’, Red Blaze, ‘Gold Spark’, ‘Silver Strike’ and ‘Crimson Flash’.

According to the President (Ma rket ing ) T VS Motor Company, HS Goindi, “This new motorcycle is a winning combi-nation of executive class features and vibrant styling. The backing of high fuel effi ciency and tough-ness will make TVS Star City a much sought after motorcycle.” The engine of the new TVS StaR City deploys CVTi (Continuous Variable Timing Ignition), which facilitates superior pickup and boosts performance without compromising on mileage. This is achieved through a unique combination of swirl and tum-ble motion that generates very high in-cylinder charge motion, almost three times more than the conventional port designs. Under standard test conditions and as per ARAI certifi cation, TVS StaR City returns a mileage of 83.9 km per litre. The base version of the vehicle starts at `38,650 (ex-Delhi) with a fi ve-year warranty asserting high quality assurance.

All black alloy wheels, elegant styling and a comprehensive backlit speedo add to the style quotient of the new motorcycle. The bike is also equipped with an econo-meter by way of which the rider can ensure optimal mileage. High quality ride han-dling and easy manoeuvrability, augmented by high perform-ance shock absorbers make it a tough yet powerful motorcycle that can be ridden with ease on any terrain.

TVS Star City Shines


Yamaha Ray

Auto Monitor

531 - 15 FEBRUARY 2012

Bosch has produced its fi ve millionth start/stop starter in Hildesheim. Since production began

in 2007, more and more orders have come in for this fuel-sav-ing technology. “Start/stop is a cost-effective way to reduce fuel consumption considerably,” said President, Bosch Starter Motors and Generators divi-sion, Dr Ulrich Kirschner. “We are expecting every second new car in Europe to be fi tted with a start/stop system by 2013,” Kirschner added. Currently, this is true of one new car in three. Almost all European automakers are now integrating Bosch start/stop technology—into compact cars, premium sedans, and even powerful sports cars.

In the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), start/stop systems

reduce fuel consumption, and thus CO2 emissions, by up to fi ve percent.

In the NEDC urban cycle, the saving is as much as eight percent. In heavy urban traf-fic, especially during peak hours, the potential saving is

even greater. And yet start-stop does not reduce comfort in any way, thanks to the wide array of sensor information evaluat-ed by the system. For instance, a battery sensor determines the

battery’s state of charge. Only if a quick restart is guaranteed will the engine be stopped. Another example is the vehicle’s interi-or temperature. If it is still very cold or too hot, the engine will

continue to run so that the occu-pants’ desired temperature is reached quickly. Finally, there is a DC/DC converter for stabilis-ing the voltage of the electrical system during starts to ensure that the radio, navigation sys-tem, or hands-free telephone operate without interruption.

In order to further reduce consumption, and thus CO2emissions, Bosch engineers will in future gradually extend engine shutdown-times. This will apply initially to the time when the vehicle is rolling to a halt, and later even to periods when the driver is merely no longer accelerating.

“Depend i ng on t he type of route, the enhanced start-stop systems can save an additional 10 percent of fuel,” Kirschner stated.

Bosch produces fi ve million start/stop starters

G L O B A L W A T C H

Chairman of the share-holders’ meeting and the supervisory council of Robert Bosch GmbH,

Professor Dr Herman Scholl has been awarded this year’s Werner

von Siemens Ring, one of the most prestigious German prizes for achievements in science and technology.

Recognition“I am extraordinarily pleased

about this honour and would like to thank the board of trus-tees. The success of my work and of Bosch would not have been possible without the wealth of ideas and untiring dedication of our outstanding researchers and engineers. For this reason, I accept this prize also on their behalf, and would like to thank all Bosch associates,” Scholl said.

Innovative LeaderProfessor Scholl developed

the first electronic gasoline-injection system for passenger cars as well as the fi rst reliable Antilock Braking System (ABS). It was also under his auspices that the ESP anti-skid system for passenger cars was developed and launched. With each of these technologies, Bosch has become global market leader.

Dr Scholl shares the prize with CEO of OHB AG, Dr Manfred Fuchs, a German aerospace com-pany. The Werner von Siemens Ring is generally awarded every three years.

Dr Hermann Scholl honoured the Werner von Siemens Ring

Almost all European automakers are

now integrating Bosch start/stop technology—

into compact cars, premium sedans, and even powerful

sports cars

Start/stop systems reduce fuel consumption in the cycle by up to five percent

Chairman of the Supervisory Council of Robert Bosch GmbH & Chairman of the Shareholders’ Meeting of Robert Bosch

Industrietreuhand KG

Auto Monitor

A N A LY S I S561 - 15 FEBRUARY 2012

8.55%

-28.75%

5.05%

92.19%

13.44%

150.76%

644.13%

92.45%

86.92%

-2.28%

Passenger Vehicles

Passenger Cars

OEMs 2010-11 2011-12

BMW 3,171 3,442

Fiat 15,231 10,852

Ford 66,609 64,482

GM 63,620 65,124

HM 5,700 2,042

HSCI 44,289 32,560

HMIL 264,399 277,754

MR 6,720 12,915

MSIL 696,923 574,477

Merc 2,731 3,098

Nissan 6,645 16,663

Renault - 1,137

Skoda 14,219 21,095

Tata 180,341 171,011

TKM 8,363 62,232

Audi 1,205 2,319

VW 30,832 57,631

Total 1,410,998 1,378,834

MPV

OEMs 2010-11 2011-12

Force 139 137

M&M 66 18381

Maruti 118,729 105,881

Tata 37,657 44,282

Total 156,591 168,681

Commercial Vehicles Two-Wheelers

LCVs (PC+GC)

OEMs 2010-11 2011-12

ALL 504 2,988

Force 15,413 17,538

HM 277 153

M&M 73,906 92,349

MNAL 7,641 7,574

Piaggio 6,685 8,749

Swaraj 3,036 3,407

Tata 143,305 188,091

VECV - Eicher

5,365 6,915

Total 256,132 327,764

3-Wheelers (PC+GC)

OEMs 2010-11 2011-12

Atul 13,313 19,326

Bajaj 150,503 149,742

Force 137 9

M&M 44,471 51,114

Piaggio 148,096 140,616

Scooters 9,539 12,325

TVS 17,296 9,969

Total 383,355 383,101

M&HCVs (PC+GC)

OEMs 2010-11 2011-12

ALL 56,119 54,556

AMW 4,644 7,329

JCBL - 1

Daimler* 103 85

M&M 0 0

MNAL 634 1,932

Swaraj 5,451 5,760

Tata 134,670 147,370

VECV - Eicher

20,887 26,572

VECV - Volvo

806 510

Volvo Buses

402 488

Total 223,716 244,603

Scooter/Scooterettees

OEMs 2010-11 2011-12

BAL 27 -

HML 240,306 300,142

HMSI 665,051 855,157

M&M 2W

118,001 106,429

SMIL 163,298 195,262

TVS 317,488 385,675

Total 1,504,171 1,842,665

Mopeds/Electric

OEMs 2010-11 2011-12

TVS 519,636 570,003

Electrotherm* NA

Total 519,636 570,003

Motorcycles/StepThroughs

OEMs 2010-11 2011-12

BAL 1,797,351 1,950,241

HDMC 0 424

HML 3,604,308 4,238,702

HMSI 498,119 553,693

IYM 206,404 272,328

M&M 2W

RE 38,458 55,407

SMIL 33,630 37,382

TVS 471,360 473,186

Total 6,649,630 7,581,363

* Data not available since August 2008 onwards

UV

OEMs 2010-11 2011-12

BMW 256 2,453

Force 2,338 3,211

Ford 2,124 1,985

GM 14,979 17,315

HM 1,962 1,532

HSCI 397 211

HMIL 210 1,198

ICML 565 368

M&M 122,527 143,632

MSIL 4,698 4,534

Merc 197 403

Nissan 343 191

Renault - 264

Skoda 406 1,300

Tata 28,442 31,123

TKM 47,506 45,697

Audi 687 1,062

VW 3 6

Total 227,640 256,485

492.86

12.22%

-44.77%

13.79%

-0.88%

31.25%

28.89%24.90%

27.97%28.59%

-9.81%

19.57%

8.51%

17.60%

11.16%

31.94%

-

-

-

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0.39%

9.69%

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14.01%

21.48%

22.50%

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57.82%

204.73%

5.67%

9.43%

27.22%

-36.72%

21.39%

9.34%

-46.85%

37.34%

15.60%

17.59%

21.06%

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-21.92%

45.17%

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-42.36%

14.94%

-5.05%

29.21%

-0.07%

-64.18%

2.36%

-3.19%

-17.57%

24.95%

30.88%

The passenger car segment fell by 2.28 percent during the April-December period this fi scal, while the utility vehicles grew by 12.67 percent and the multi-purpose vehicles grew by 12.06 percent in this fi scal.

Toyota led the passenger car segment with a growth of around 644.13 percent from 8,363 units to touch 62,232 units this fi scal, as compared to the previous period. BMW notched up highest percentage growth in UV segment to touch 2,453 units compared to 256 units in the same period in the previ-ous year, marking a growth of 858.2 percent.

The overall commercial vehicles segment registered a growth of 19.28 percent in April-December, 2011 as compared to the same period last fi scal to touch 572,367 units. M&HCVs sales grew by 9.34 percent to touch 244,603 units compared to 223,716 units in the same period in the previous year. The LCV segment grew by 27.97 percent to touch 327,764 units in this fi scal, compared to 256,132 units in the same period last fi scal.

Three-wheeler sales were relatively fl at at 383,101 units in April-December period compared to 383,355 units in same period last year. Passenger carriers fell by -2.91 percent in April-December and goods carriers registered growth of 12.52 percent.

ALL registered the highest growth in the LCV segment to touch 2,988 units. Atul Auto registered highest growth in three-wheeler segment to touch 19,326 units.

Domestic two-wheelers sales witnessed a growth of 15.23 percent in this fi scal to touch 9,994,031 units against 8,673,437 units during the same period in the previous fi scal. Mopeds, motorcycles and scooters grew by 9.69 percent, 14.01 percent and 22.5 percent respectively.

The motorcycle sales grew to 7,581,363 units in April-December period as compared to 6,649,630 units in corresponding period in the previous fi scal.

In the Motorcycles segment, Royal Enfi eld sales were up by 44.07 percent in April-December period this fi scal, while Bajaj Auto’s sales grew by around 8.51 percent to touch 1,950,241 units in April-December compared to 1,797,351 units in same period last fi scal.

In the Scooter segment, the sales of Hero MotoCorp grew by 24.9 percent while TVS Motor sales grew by 21.48 percent.

Hero MotoCorp reported its best sales for December at 525,150 units, registering a jump of 7.42 percent over the same month last year. Bajaj Auto witnessed 2.43 percent growth in its December sales at 169,485 units against the same month in the previous fi scal.

TVS Motor Company reported total domestic two-wheeler sales of 146,747 units in December 2011 registering a decline of 1.75 percent. Honda Motorcycles India registered the high-est growth in domestic two-wheelers sales at around 38.22 percent to touch 179,863 units in December this year.

-26.48%

48.36%

858.20%

470.48%-

17.22%

220.20%

-3.81%

54.59%

100.00%

12.67%

-34.87%

-3.49%

-44.31%

9.43%

104.57%

-

-10.82%

-1.44%

9.69%

-17.48%

-5.17%

Auto Monitor

581 - 15 FEBRUARY 2012

Nissan announced the latest piece of must-have kit for the iPhone—a ground-breaking inno-

vation of a self-healing iPhone case recently. The Nissan Scratch Shield iPhone case features the brand’s pioneering self-healing paint fi nish; a world fi rst in paint technology developed in 2005 and already used on a number of Nissan and Infi niti models. This ground-breaking technology has been applied to a product that’s prone to scratches through every-day use—the smartphone—with Nissan’s new Scratch Shield case meaning iPhone-lovers can keep their phone looking at its best for longer.

Developed by Nissan in collab-oration with University of Tokyo and Advanced Softmaterials, the unique scratch shield paint fi nish

was initially designed for automotive use and is available on the Nissan Murano, 370Z and X-Trail along with the Infi niti range of products. This tech-nology is being trialled for the fi rst time on a non-automotive prod-uct in Europe, with the Nissan scratch shield iPhone case.

The Nissan scratch shield iPhone case has been designed using several automotive engineering innova-tions to deliver a more durable and long-last-ing paint coat, and closely fitting, tight case. The case has three key benefi ts: the

highly fl exible and elastic prop-erties of Scratch Shield paint technology allows fi ne scratches to quickly mend themselves; its tactile gel-like rather than glossy surface is more scratch-resistant than conventional paint and pro-vides a better grip; and the case itself is made of ABS plastic—a high grade substance widely used in the automotive industry which is more rigid and robust than other plastics. The outer ‘paint’ is made from polyrotaxane, which means that when damage occurs to the coating in the form of a fi ne scratch, the chemical structure is able to react to change back to its original shape and fi ll the gap—’healing’ the blemish.

An initial batch of prototypes of the innovative Scratch Shield iPhone cases has been produced by Nissan for beta testing with

selected journalists and custom-ers, but if demand proves strong, it will look to put the cases on general sale later this year.

Overseas Programme Director Business Development for Nissan in Europe, Bob Laishley said, “We like to think laterally by taking the great innovations we’ve got from an automotive point of view, and looking at how they could be applied to improve everyday issues. The scratch shield iPhone case is a great example of us taking a Nissan automotive tech-nology that has had a huge impact for our customers, and then shift-ing the boundaries to apply it to another everyday product.

“We’re really excited about the possibilities provided by this technology. In Japan, we’ve already linked up with world-leading mobile operator NTT DoCoMo to allow them to use the scratch shield technology on its style series N-03B mobile phones, and we think this technology has real scope beyond the auto-motive world. We’re passionate about innovations that get peo-ple excited, and that means not being restricted to one industry or genre.”

Nissan has been licensing its unique technologies for various non-automotive applications since 2004. Other technologies that have been licensed include its miniature thermal imag-ing sensor: initially designed to make driving at night safer by detecting the presence of people even in places not illuminated by the car’s headlights; the technol-ogy has been licensed to create a device which allows custom-ers to monitor heat generation, or collect temperature readings via infrared sensor. Nissan will continue to research and devel-op breakthrough technologies that can benefi t other industries, and promote these non-automo-tive applications globally.

Nissan has long been an innovator when it comes to advancements in the automo-tive world, heralding the start of a remarkable new era in motor-ing when it launched the fi rst Crossover, the Nissan Murano, followed by the hugely-success-ful Qashqai and recently joined by the Juke—with its innova-tive fusion of compact SUV and sports car styling. Nissan’s range of crossovers has since gone from strength to strength, with the Nissan Qashqai selling more than a quarter of a million models last year in Europe and the newly launched Juke having now notched-up 120 thousand sales. Built in Nissan’s manu-facturing plant in the UK, these two models helped the plant break its all-time production record to build 480 thousand units in 2011.

Currently the Nissan Juke-R, another Nissan Innovation com-bining the transmission, drive train and engine of a Nissan GT-R with a Juke, is being put to the test on the streets of Dubai. To celebrate this event, Nissan has joined forces with Ministry of Sound, who will be hosting a pre-race party for Nissan with internationally renowned DJ Pete Tong, to release the fi rst 100 of the Nissan Scratch Shield iPhone case prototypes.

Note: The Nissan Scratch Shield iPhone case is compatible with the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4 S

Nissan launches world’s fi rst self-healing iPhone case


Auto Monitor

601 - 15 FEBRUARY 2012

After signifi cant invest-ment and growth in China, Aston Martin continues its bold

expansion, with the recent open-ing of the luxury British marque’s largest fl agship showroom, in the Pudong district of Shanghai.

With space for up to eighteen new Aston Martins, the show-room offers a truly unique and comprehensive luxury experi-ence including a café, lounge, Aston Martin merchandise display and sales area, fully equipped service centre, Jaeger-LeCoultre time-pieces and Bang & Olufsen audio/visual displays.

Opened in conjunction with existing Aston Martin dealer group, owned and managed by Zheng Ting, the new appointment marks the seventh dealership for Aston Martin in China and the

third for Zheng.Asia Pacifi c Regional Director,

Dr Matthew Bennett said, “We are excited with Aston Martins ongoing development and performance in China. This wonderful new dealership sets the benchmark for luxury car showrooms across Asia and the experience each and every visi-tor should expect.

“With our existing China network of experienced Aston Martin dealerships, further future growth earmarked across the coming year and a number of exciting product developments to be announced during 2012, our China business is expected to continue growing strongly.”

Aston Martin Shanghai has a stunning display of the com-pany’s model line-up, carefully positioned as pieces of sculp-

ture presented in a gallery-style space, a world apart from con-ventional showrooms. From the breathtaking One-77 supercar to the powerful Vantage range, and new Virage to the exqui-site DB9, DBS, four-door Rapide, and soon to be joined by the elegant yet brutal V12 Zagato recently confi rmed for strictly limited production.

After initially entering the China market in 2008, Aston Martin now has dealerships in Beijing, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen. Showrooms will open shortly in Chongqing, Shenyang and Ordos with further expansion planned during 2012. The market will continue to spearhead the company’s future growth in Asia with sales in 2011 up 103 per cent on the previous year.

Aston Martin opens fl agship showroom in Shanghai

More than 44,000 Service Care plans were taken out by Mercedes-Benz and

smart car owners in 2011, high-lighting that in spite of tough economic conditions in the UK, drivers still recognise the impor-tance of keeping their vehicles well maintained.

Mercedes-Benz and smart Service Care is a budgeting plan to cover the costs of two, three or four consecutive services, and covers labour, parts and fl uids cost for the manufacturer recom-mended service content.

Detail Of SpreadOut of the 44,125 Service Care

plans taken out last year, more than half (53 percent) were cov-ering two consecutive services, with cover for the popular C-Class accounting for over 14,000 sales. Almost 30 percent of Service Care plans were taken out with a new car purchase, with the remain-der of plans for used cars or cars already in service.

Dedicated VisionService Contracts Manager

at Mercedes-Benz UK, James Ostridge, said, “We have worked hard to develop Service Care plans that provide real value for money for owners, with the fi xed monthly payment meaning they have real control over their serv-icing costs. To have over 44,000 customers take out a plan last year is a fantastic testament to their benefi t.”

The Pricing Plans“Our Service Care plan pric-

ing is simple to understand with a new and used monthly price for each model range, with no varia-tion by body type or engine size, so a three year service plan paid monthly over three years would be the same for a new E200CDI Saloon or a new E350 Coupe.”

The range of Service Care plans was extended in 2011 to include new AMG vehicles, meaning that all Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and smart cars are avail-able for cover. smart car plans start from £19.99 per month and A-Class plans start from £23.00 per month.

Mercedes-Benz owners make smart service planst

The Aston Martin on display in the Shanghai showroom


Auto Monitor

621 - 15 FEBRUARY 2012

The fi ndings of a new survey from roadside assistance and war-ranty expert, Mondial

Assistance UK, is giving the motor industry a reason to be cheerful amidst news of contin-ued economic gloom. The report said that 42 percent of car owners

surveyed by Mondial Assistance said they had no intention of changing their motoring plans in 2012, although 35 percent said they may walk more and drive less to help save the pennies.

However, despite best inten-tions to be more frugal, only four percent of those motor-

ists surveyed said they were intending to invest in a used car warranty programme to protect themselves from unforeseen motoring expenses. Automotive Director for Mondial Assistance UK, Lee Taylor comments: “At a time when we all need to take a belt and braces approach to

managing our fi nances, motor-ists should seriously consider the value of a used car warranty.

“People may discount tak-ing out a warranty because they think their car is too old or has too many miles on the clock, but the reality is that many manufactur-ers have extended the benefi ts of

their warranty schemes to cover such cars at extremely affordable prices. Indeed, many of these schemes can actually be paid for on a pay as you go basis. Owners can specify the level of cover they need, with variable claim excesses, providing true fi nan-cial fl exibility.”

Mondial Assistance also believe that motorists should actively consider investing in a Service Plan which offers car owners an infl ation proof solution to managing the cost of a vehi-cle’s scheduled maintenance. “Service Plans are particular-ly important at a time when we are seeing prices for parts fl uctuate, largely infl uenced by exchange rates,” continued Lee Taylor. “Consumers who buy into a manufacturer’s Service Plan now secure the cost of serv-icing for three years on average. This also applies to labour rates which are often agreed below the retail rate, providing yet further long term savings for motorists.

“It’s encouraging to see that despite talk of ongoing econom-ic gloom, many people are not making radical cutbacks to their day-to-day expenses. Whilst the survey fi ndings suggest that a good proportion of people want to cut back on their motoring miles, the majority of people are likely to carry on motoring in their usual fashion, which offers some refl ection of consumer con-fi dence, as well as being great news for the UK motor industry,” concluded Lee Taylor.

British motorists consider walking more: Mondial Assistance survey

Mondial Assistance UK: A member of Allianz Global Assistance

In 2010, Mondial Assistance began its transition to become Allianz Global Assistance, which is the

international leader in assist-ance, travel insurance and health, life & home care services. Today, Allianz Global Assistance counts more than 10,783 employees who speak 40 different languages and work throughout the world with a network of 400,000 service providers and 180 correspond-ents. About 250 million people, or four percent of the world’s total population, benefi t from its services, which are provided on all fi ve continents. Mondial Assistance in the UK is to become Allianz Global Assistance by the end of 2012.

Whilst the survey findings suggest that a good proportion of people want to cut back on their motoring miles, the majority of

people are likely to carry on motoring in their usual fashion Car owners said that they had no intention of changing their motoring plans in 2012, although 35 percent said they may walk more and drive less to help save the pennies


Auto Monitor

A D V E R T I S E R S ’ L I S T641 - 15 FEBRUARY 2012

Pg No. ........Advertiser ...................................................................................Tel ..................................................E-mail ...................................................................... Website

BC ..............Ace Designers Ltd .......................................................................+91-80-22186700 [email protected] ......................... www.acedesigners.co.in

58 ..............ADEA Awards ..............................................................................+91-22-30034650 [email protected] ............................... www.adea.in

11 ...............Anand Automotive Ltd ................................................................+91-11-26564542 [email protected] ..................... www.anandgroupindia.com

60 ..............ARO Equipments Pvt Ltd ............................................................+91-124-4585400 [email protected] .................................. www.aroequipments.com

59...............ASP Sealing Products Ltd ............................................................+91-11-25729126 [email protected] ............................................... www.aspseals.com

10 ...............Auroral Sinter Metals Co., Ltd. ....................................................+886-37-542-988 [email protected] .................................... www.auroral-sinter.com.tw

37...............Autolite (India) Ltd ......................................................................+91-141-2333994 ........................... [email protected] ................................................. www.autopal.com

30 ..............Baker Gauges India Ltd ...............................................................+91-20-66093800 [email protected] ............................................ www.bakergauges.com

9 ................Bayer Materialscience Pvt Ltd ....................................................+91-22-25311234 [email protected] ............................................ www.bayer.co.in

12 ...............Bony Polymers (P) Ltd .................................................................+91-129-2211701 [email protected] ...................................... www.bonypolymers.com

62 ..............Brassoforge.................................................................................+91-129-2472701 [email protected] ...................................... www.brassoforge.com

52 ..............Bright Autoplast Pvt. Ltd. ...........................................................+91-22-26124920 ............................................................................................................ www.brightautoplast.com

24 ...............Chem-Verse Consultats ...............................................................+91-22-24095503 [email protected] ............................................ www.chemverse.com

4 ................Coatec India ................................................................................+91-160-2648700 [email protected] ............................................ www.coatecindia.com

38 ..............Dover India (P) Limited ...............................................................+91-44-26271020 [email protected] ....................................... www.rotarylift.com

31 ...............Dynetek Cylinders India Pvt Ltd .................................................+91-22-32266868 [email protected]................................... www.dynetek.com

18 ...............Ecocat India Pvt Ltd ....................................................................+91-129-4266500 [email protected] ............................................ www.ecocat.com

23 ..............Electronica Hitech Machines Pvt Ltd ..........................................+91-20-30435400 [email protected] ......................... www.electronicahitech.com

33...............Endurance Technologies Ltd .............................................................................................................................................................................................. www.endurancegroup.com

20 ..............Erwin Junker Maschinenfabrik Gmbh.........................................+91-20-260538 .............................. [email protected] ........................................................ http://www.junker.in

25 ..............Federal Mogul ............................................................................+91-124-4784530 [email protected] ................. www.federalmogul.com

35 ...............Federn Fabrik .............................................................................+91-44-24952371 [email protected]

17 ...............Forging Machinery Manufacturing Co ........................................+91-161-5011755 [email protected] ............................................ www.nkhhammers.com

6 ................Fox Solutions ..............................................................................+91-253-6618100 [email protected] .................................................. www.foxindia.net

32...............Friendsco Engg Works (Regd) ......................................................+91-9810536591 [email protected] ......................................... www.calibrata.com

51 ...............G W Precision Tools India Pvt Ltd ...............................................+91-80-40431252 [email protected] ...................................................... www.gwindia.in

36 ..............Global Autotech Limited .............................................................+91-120-4141800 [email protected] ............................................. www.globalauto.co.in

16 ...............Greaves Cotton Limited ..............................................................+91-22-24397575 [email protected] ................................ www.greavescotton.com

50 ..............GS Auto International Ltd ...........................................................+91-161-2511001 ............................................................................................................ www.gsgroupindia.com

BIC .............Guhring India Private Limited ....................................................+91-80-40322500 [email protected] ..................................................... www.guhring.in

65...............HAAS Automation India Pvt Ltd .................................................+91-22-66098830 [email protected] ........................................ www.haascnc.com

12 ...............IGUS India Pvt Ltd .......................................................................+91-80-39127800 [email protected] ............................................................ www.igus.in

44 ..............Indian Machine Tool Mfg. Association........................................+91-80-66246600 [email protected] .................................................... www.imtma.in

64 ..............Ind-Sphinx Precision Ltd ....................................................................................................................info@axis-microtools.com....................................... www.axis-microtools.com

27 ..............Inphynyt Accumulators India Pvt Ltd .........................................+91-9350328557 [email protected] ................................ www.inphynyt.com

61 ...............ITW India Ltd ..............................................................................+91-9560764455 [email protected] ................................ www.binkspce.eu

39...............Jost’S Engineering Company Limited ..........................................+91-20-25434350 [email protected] ................................................. www.josts.com

21...............Jyoti Cnc Automation Pvt. Ltd. ...................................................+91-2827-287081 [email protected] ....................................................... www.jyoti.co.in

FIC..............Kamal Ced Solutions Llp .............................................................+91-9313137970 [email protected] ............................ www.kamalenvirotechgroup.com

26...............Komax Automation India Pvt. Ltd. .............................................+91-124-4599100...........................info.dei@komaxgroup.com ..................................... www.komax.com

45 ...............Lanxess India Pvt.Ltd..................................................................+91-22-21729200 ...........................www.lanxess.in

22 ..............Larsen & Toubro Limited ............................................................+91-9967800456 [email protected] ............................... www.larsentoubro.com

3 ................M And M Auto Indus Ltd .............................................................+91-124-4763200 [email protected] .............................. www.mandmsprings.com

54-55 .........Madhusudan Auto Ltd ................................................................+91-124-4841900 [email protected] ....................................... www.bestprins.com

15 ...............Mathworks India Private Limited ...............................................+91-80-66326000 [email protected] ................................................. www.mathworks.in

47 ...............Mecolam Engineering Pvt Ltd ....................................................+91-80-25732919 [email protected] ................................................ www.mecolam.com

29 ..............Metro Tyres Ltd ...........................................................................+91-120-4147414

1 ................Micromatic Machine Tools ..........................................................+91-80-41492285 [email protected] ................................. www.acemicromatic.com

70...............Misumi India Pvt. Ltd. ................................................................+91-20-66470000 [email protected] ................................................. www.misumi.co.in

53 ..............MTE Industries Pvt Ltd................................................................+91-40-23777571 [email protected] ......................................... www.mteindustries.com

32...............MVD Auto Components Pvt Ltd ..................................................+91-11-26372965 [email protected] ...................................... www.mvdindia.com

63 ..............Nagata India Pvt Ltd ...................................................................+91-124-4369592 [email protected] .................................................. www.nagataindia.com

48 ..............Napino Auto & Electronics Ltd. ..................................................+91 124 [email protected] .................................................... www.napino.com

13 ...............National Engineering Industries Ltd ................................................................................................................................................................................... www.nbcbearings.in

57 ..............Oetiker India Pvt Ltd ..................................................................+91-2192-250107 [email protected] ........................................... www.oetiker.com

49...............Pacco Industrial Corporation .....................................................+91-11-26819054 [email protected] ...................................................... www.paccoindia.com

67 ..............Padmini VNA Mechatronics Pvt. Ltd...........................................+91-124-3207398 [email protected] ........................................ www.padminivna.com

7 ................Safexpress Private Limited .........................................................+1800-113-113 [email protected] ......................... www.safexpress.com

34 ..............Sellowrap Manufacturing Pvt Ltd ...............................................+91-22-66750560 [email protected] .......................................... www.sellowrap.com

41 ...............Siemens Ltd ................................................................................+91-22-27645006 ........................................................................................................... www.siemens.com/automotive-excellence

10 ...............Sreelakshmi Traders ...................................................................+91-44-24343343 [email protected].............................. www.sreelakshmitraders.com

46 ..............Synergies Castings Ltd ................................................................+91-891-2587181 [email protected] ....................................... www.synergies-casting.com

43,69 ..........Tata Motors Ltd. ..........................................................................+91-22-66561866 [email protected] ................................ www.tatamotors.com

28 ..............Techno Spring Industries ............................................................+91-129-4024488 [email protected]....................... www.technospringindia.com

19 ...............The Supreme Industries Limited ................................................+91-9892569003 [email protected] ............................................ www.supreme.co.in

8 ................Time Technoplast Ltd .................................................................+91-22- 42119500 [email protected] ............................... www.timetechnoplast.com

62 ..............Tkw Fasteners Pvt Ltd .................................................................+91-124-4081711 [email protected] ........................................ www.tkwfasteners.com

42 ...............Yaskawa Robotics India Ltd ........................................................+91-124-4758500 [email protected] ........................... www.motoman.com

Our consistent advertisers

Auto Monitor

661 - 15 FEBRUARY 2012

P R O D U C T I N D E X

5 axis machining centres ............................................65

Acc. Padel sensor assy ................................................67

ADEA awards ..............................................................58

Advanced auto crimping ............................................26

Aitconditioning equipment ........................................60

Aluminium alloy wheels .............................................46

Aluminum ..................................................................62

Auto component ........................................................37

Auto light and head lamp ..........................................37

Auto part ....................................................................50

Automation ................................................................4

Automotive battery ....................................................27

Automotive component .............................................11 ,32,36

Automotive hose ........................................................59

Automotive wire harness ...........................................48

Axle ............................................................................50

Bearing .......................................................................12

Belt and roller ............................................................26

Bicycle components & assemblies .............................62

Billet shearing machine .............................................17

Blow fi lm & plastic molded component ....................34

Bolt .............................................................................50

Brass ...........................................................................62

Building automation ..................................................4

Bus .............................................................................43,69

C frame power press ..................................................17

Cable carrier ...............................................................12

Cable connector .........................................................12

Cam shaft holder ........................................................62

Capacitors discharge ignitor .......................................48

Ced/ktl coating ...........................................................FIC

Cellular foam product ................................................34

Centerless grinding machine ......................................20

Centralized asset and maintenance management system ....6

Chain ..........................................................................12

Clamp .........................................................................57

CNC .............................................................................21

CNC cutting machine ..................................................4

CNC hmcs ...................................................................21

CNC laser cutting machine .........................................4

CNC lathe ....................................................................BC

CNC lathe ....................................................................1

CNC machines ............................................................21

CNC oval turning center .............................................21

CNC oxy fuel cutting machine ....................................4

CNC plasma cutting machine .....................................4

CNC turn mill center ...................................................21

CNC turning center .....................................................21 ,65, BC

CNC vertical machining center ...................................21

Coating machine ........................................................4

Coating plant ..............................................................4

Coating raw material ..................................................9

Coating system ...........................................................4

Cockpit system ...........................................................52

Coil spring ..................................................................70

Combination switch ...................................................48

Commercial vehicles ..................................................43 ,69

Compaction & concreting equipment ........................16

Compression spring ....................................................3

Compression spring ....................................................28

Connecting rod ...........................................................62

Connector ...................................................................12

Copper ........................................................................62

Countersink ................................................................BIC

Customised rotary tool ...............................................64

Cutting machine .........................................................4

Cutting tool grinding machine ...................................20

Cylindrical grinder ......................................................1

Cylindrical grinding machine .....................................20

De-aeration tanks (dat) ..............................................8

Decorative plastic” .....................................................46

Diamond tool .............................................................BIC

Diesel engines (10-1000hp) ........................................16

Diesel fuel injection pump test bench .......................32

Diesel/kerosene engines. Power sprayer ....................16

Double disc grinding machine ...................................20

Drilling tool ................................................................BIC

E-coatings solution .....................................................FIC

Egr valve .....................................................................67

Electrical checkout system .........................................6

Electronic control unit ...............................................67

Extension spring .........................................................3, 28

Exterior trim ...............................................................52

Factory automation ....................................................4

Fastener ......................................................................62

Fibre glass automobile ...............................................47

Forged ........................................................................62

Forging press ..............................................................17

Friction drop hammer ................................................17

Friction screw press ...................................................17

Front axle ...................................................................50

Fuel pump and its kit .................................................49

Fuel rail ......................................................................49

Fuel sediment bowl ....................................................49

Gear shift lever ...........................................................54

General engineering ...................................................62

Gun drill .....................................................................BIC

H frame power press ..................................................17

Haas CNC control & system ........................................65

Hammer .....................................................................17

High productivity solution .........................................65

High-speed grinding machine ....................................20

Horizontal CNC machine ............................................21

Horizontal machining center .....................................21 ,65

Hoses for automotive industry ...................................12

Hvac part ....................................................................62

Hydrogen & cng bulk transport and storage system .......31

Imaging & vision system ............................................4

Incremental rolling die ..............................................53

Industrial aerosol .......................................................24

Instrument panel .......................................................52

Intelligent automated guided vehicle ........................6

Interior .......................................................................52

Lean selection standard machine ..............................20

Lift ..............................................................................38

Lifting equipment ......................................................60

Light weight cylinder..................................................31

Lightweight diesel engines for automotive applications ........16

Lightweight petrol ......................................................16

Logistics service..........................................................7

Manufacturing execution system ...............................6

Matlab ........................................................................15

Mechanical control cable ...........................................54

Metal cutting tool.......................................................51

Micro ball nose ...........................................................64

Micro drill ...................................................................64

Micro end mill ............................................................64

Milling cutter ..............................................................BIC

Modular tooling system .............................................BIC

Non-cylindrical grinding machine .............................20

Nuts ............................................................................50

Paint circulation equipment ......................................61

Piston .........................................................................25

Plant information display system ..............................6

Plastic injection moulding .........................................54

Plastic moulded product ............................................59

Polycarbonate ............................................................9

Polyspace ...................................................................15

Polyurethane ..............................................................9

Powder matallergy product .......................................10

Power chucking cylinder ............................................1

Power tiller .................................................................16

Powertrain gauging ....................................................30

Precision engineering casting ....................................46

Profi le/fl ute grinding machine ...................................20

Protective packaging and cushioning solution ..........19

Pumpsets and power reaper ......................................16

Pvc valve ....................................................................49

Rack rolling die ..........................................................53

Rack type spline rolling machine ...............................53

Reamer .......................................................................BIC

Rear axle ....................................................................50

Resistor assembly .......................................................48

Robotic .......................................................................42

Rotary table and indexer ...........................................65

Rubber moulded product ..........................................12

Rubber to metal bonded product ..............................12

Self adhesive tape ......................................................10

Sheet metal solution ..................................................63

Silicon carbide based particulate fi lter ......................18

Simulink .....................................................................15

Solid carbide drill .......................................................51

Solid carbide drills with ic ..........................................51

Solid carbide mills ......................................................51

Solid carbide reamer ..................................................51

Solid carbide reamers with ic.....................................51

Solid carbide special drill ...........................................51

Solid carbide special mill ...........................................51

Solid carbide special reamer ......................................51

Spares for cng and lpg kit ...........................................49

Speciality chemical ....................................................24 ,45

Spline rolling machines ..............................................53

Spring .........................................................................35

Stainless steel gear part .............................................10

Synthetic lubricant .....................................................24

Tap..............................................................................BIC

Thread rolling machines ............................................53

Throttle body assembly..............................................49

Torsion spring ............................................................3 , 28

Tpu – thermoplastic polyurethane ............................9

Transmission gear ......................................................10

Trims & pillar..............................................................52

Tubeless tyre ..............................................................29

Tungsten carbide metal cutting tool ..........................22

Turret .........................................................................1

Tyre care equipment ..................................................60

Tyre pressure monitoring system ...............................6

Ultra micro drill .........................................................64

Vaccum pump ............................................................67

Ventilator ...................................................................10

Vertical line series ......................................................21

Vertical machining center ..........................................1 , 65

Vmc/hmc machine .....................................................23

Vmc-linear series ........................................................21

Windshield rubber .....................................................59

Wire form ...................................................................3 ,28

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

Looking for a Supplier?We will make your search simple. Just type AM (space) Segment of the Supplier and send it to 51818.

eg. AM (space) Castings and send it to 51818.

Products .......................................................... Pg. No. Products .......................................................... Pg. No. Products .......................................................... Pg. No.

Auto Monitor

T H E O T H E R S I D E681 - 15 FEBRUARY 2012

Getting Personalwith S Ravishankar, MD, Komet Precision Tools India

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S Ravishankar graduated as a BE (Mechanical) from Visvesvaray Regional College of Engineering, Nagpur. He is also an MS in Systems and Information, Birla Institute of Technology & Sciences, Pilani. He pursued a diploma course in Management from IGNOU Delhi. He started as graduate trainee engineer, and worked in the areas of CAD, CAM, CNC machines, and design and develop-ment of Precision cutting tools.

The BITS Pilani graduate was initially asso-ciated with Asea Brown Boveri, Baroda as a Manager of Manufacturing and was respon-sible for setting up a large machine shop for manufacturing of turbines and generators.

Presently, he is the Managing Director in German MNC, Komet Precision Tools India and is engaged in Precision cutting tools. He started the Indian operations for the German MNC and set-up the sales manufacturing and export activities. He is responsible for all strategic decisions reg. Indian operations.

Ravishankar is married with two children. He occasion-ally also enjoys playing at the Komet inter-company cricket matches. He has traveled wide-ly across Europe, USA, far East and China.

In Person

An experience I won’t forget…

If not in the industry, where would you be?Perhaps a lawyer, as my father was a lawyer and I would have continued the tradition

What car do you drive? What do you dream of driving?Currently Volkswagen Passat. I would love to drive a Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet, though not on Indian roads where I don’t even realise the full potential of the Passat’s two-litre diesel engine

Your most recent indulgence…A Sony HDR Camcorder that I purchased during visit to Malaysia. The cover box got exchanged and when I tried to register online for the service there was a mis-match and for a day I was worried that I was cheated with a duplicate product. The next day I went back to the shop and got the issue sorted out

What are you currently reading?The ‘Autobiography of Steve Jobs’. I was impressed with his words that he doesn’t want to be driven by or be a slave to money.

What are you doing when not talking about the industry?Spending time with family, reading and some times cooking

Outdoor activity you would miss offi ce for…I am not an outdoor guy and I would not miss offi ce

Where did you go for your last holiday?Though I would have travelled more than a hundred times to Delhi in the last 10-12 years, I have never had a chance to visit the TajMahal. However, in my last holiday, I did visit the Taj and it was really an experience to see it. I toured Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Haridwar and Uttranchal along with my family

You get angry when…When people come up with excuses or start blaming others

What is the one thing you would like to change about you?I would like to take time off for holidays

Best thing to have happened to you…My marriage / my wife

Recently I had to get some fabrication work done in my house. I entrusted this work to a fabrication shop nearby. The owner of the fabrication shop is not technically educated or qualified but learnt his skills and risen through his hard-work. The workers arrived at my house at 6.30 am in the morning and started the work. I was really astonished to see them starting their work so early and when I came back from my morning walk I saw the owner of the fabrication shop came with a flask and was serving hot tea to his workers.

This act thoroughly moved me. This shows us the lesson of caring and retain-ing the people which is not taught in a management school but practised by a small entrepreneur.

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72

Regn. No. MH/MR/WEST/20/2012-2014. RNI No. MAHENG/2000/11414 Licenced to post at Mumbai patrika channel sorting office G.P.O. Mumbai 400 001.Date Of Mailing: 1st & 2nd Fortnightly Issue. Date Of Publication: 28th of Every Month

Auto Monitor - 1-15 February 2012.pdf

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Transcript of Auto Monitor - 1-15 February 2012.pdf