Auto Expo Coverage 2012

Audi creates a unique driving experience for India's Top leaders at Davos

Sunday, 20 May 2012 10:25

Davos / Mumbai: January 28, 2012 Audi, the German luxury car manufacturer, provided a unique driving experience to members of the CII Indian business delegation in Davos, Switzerland today. India’s best-known C-suite executives were given an exclusive opportunity to experience the unparalleled safety and luxury features of the Audi’s flagship – the Audi A8 L sedan – at the Audi Ice Experience at the Seepromenade in Davos. Business leaders from India Inc who participated at the exclusive Audi Ice Experience included Pawan Munjal, (Managing Director, Hero MotoCorp);Sunil Munjal (Joint Managing Director, Hero MotoCorp); Kishore Musale (Chairman and Managing Director, Astarc); Vinod Mittal (Vice Chairman and Managing Director, ISPAT Industries) and various overseas NRI’s from the US.

At the time of leading the Ice Experience, Michael Perschke, Head, Audi India, said “The World Economic Forum brings together leading personalities from across business, politics and science. As an official partner of the WEF, Audi has the opportunity to demonstrate our ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ philosophy to these opinion leaders. It is a privilege for Audi India to host some of India’s most prominent leaders at the exclusive Audi Ice Experience today in Davos and provide them with an exclusive drive of our flagship - the Audi A8 L and the Audi Q5 Hybrid.”

The Audi A8 long wheelbase is the perfect blend of sophistication, technology and comfort which will provide both drivers and rear seat passengers with optimal comfort and satisfaction. For the first time Audi also displayed the brand new A8 L Security version to select business and political leaders. Besides this, the visitors from the Ice Driving Experience could also test drive the brand new Audi S6, Audi S7 as well as the Audi A3 etron and Audi A1 etron.

“As the exclusive chauffeur partner of the World Economic Forum since 1987, Audi supplies more than 150 vehicles to WEF” added Michael Perschke, Head, Audi India.

In 2011, Audi India posted a solid performance with a sale of 5511 cars, thus recording an impressive growth of 84 percent (2010: 3003 cars). The luxury carmaker’s sales figure for December 2011 stood at 394 cars, a growth of 86 percent over the same period last year (December 2010: 212 cars).

In 2011 the company opened showrooms in Chennai, Delhi, Ludhiana, Surat and Indore with further developments planned in Coimbatore, Delhi West, Lucknow and Mumbai South.

The Audi model range in India includes Audi A4, Audi A6, Audi A7 Sportback, Audi A8L, Audi Q5, Audi Q7, Audi RS5 Coupé, the super sports car Audi R8 and the Audi R8 Spyder available across the country: in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, Ludhiana, Mumbai West, Pune and Surat. Further developments include Coimbatore, Delhi West, Lucknow and Mumbai South.

Audi A4 “Best of All Classes” in DEKRA Used Car Report

Sunday, 20 May 2012 10:25

Stuttgart/ Ingolstadt: The Audi A4 has finished top of the DEKRA Used Car Report for 2011 as the vehicle with the lowest fault rate. This means that Audi has won the report’s overall ranking for the fourth time in a row. The Audi A6 took third place.

Each year, the DEKRA experts award the title “Best of All Classes” to the model with the lowest fault rate across three mileage classes. Since the ranking was introduced in 2008, of all brands the most reliable car with the fewest faults has always been an Audi. The Audi A6 topped the overall ranking in the previous three years; this year the Audi A4 is the “Best of All Classes.” This underscores the long-term quality of this mid-size model, which is available at dealerships with a new and improved look and technology since January.

As part of the Used Car Report, which was previously called the Faults Report, the DEKRA testing organization examines the quality and safety of vehicles. From a total of 15 million cars examined, which are divided into eight different categories, DEKRA creates a specific fault profile in three mileage classes for each vehicle type. The model with the best average from all three mileage classes is named “Best of All Classes.”

Toyota Launches Etios Motor Racing Trophy

Sunday, 20 May 2012 10:25

New Delhi, January 06, 2012: Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd. (TKM) today unveiled the concept cars of its upcoming Etios Motor Racing Trophy, one make racing series. Continuing the Company’s global legacy of motorsports, the racing tourney will be supported by one of the most accomplished and acclaimed companies in motorsport history – TRD (Toyota Racing Development), the corporate brand from the Toyota affiliate, Toyota Technocraft Co. Ltd.

This new venture from Toyota comes close on the heels of the very successful launches of the Etios, Etios Liva and their diesel versions, all introduced in over a span of a year. The Etios brand was introduced in the mass segment with a youthful vibe, and the motorsport venture is an extension of the new image that Toyota is creating in India. Toyota’s foray into motorsport in the country also comes at a time when the popularity of the sport is gaining momentum, more so after the resounding success of the first ever Indian F1 race in October last year.

The EMR Trophy series that is slated to be held in the second half of 2013 will be based on a one-make racing championship platform, comprising of 5-6 individual race events, and will race the Etios Sedan Petrol in the first season. The cars will be FIA qualified with racing parts supplied by TRD, and their technical expertise will be utilized throughout the series. Toyota will also partner and work closely with Indian motorsport experts such as Red Rooster Racing (International) Pvt., Ltd. based in Bangalore to better understand the needs of the sport and work towards popularizing it.

The Etios racing platform will help talented young racers develop their skills, and further train them to gain a competitive edge for their future in motorsports. They will be mentored by experts in the field, and will be given an opportunity to compete among the best in the country. This series will not only highlight the technological prowess of the manufacturer, but also the endurance levels of the Etios and the ‘fun to drive’ aspect of the vehicle.

The unveiling of the racing concept cars is only the beginning of the excitement that the EMR project has in store during the run up to the series the following year. In its effort to take motorsports closer to its customers and the youth of the country, the EMR concept cars will be touring 13 cities and 22 TKM dealerships across the country. Every weekend for four months, starting the 28th of this month in Chandigarh, motorsport enthusiasts will be given an opportunity not only to touch and feel the Etios in its racing avatar but also engage in a plethora of racing activities.

In addition to which, the TRD powered Etios cars will be featured in mega road shows and exhibition races planned in the second half of this year for a never before motorsport experience.

Mr. Hiroji Onishi, President, TMAP-Marketing and Sales who was present at the event, said: “One of our objectives is to contribute to local motorsports culture in every country we do business. In the Asia Pacific region, you can see good examples in countries like Japan and Thailand where Toyota and Toyota Technocraft (TRD) are the driving forces behind single-make races for entry-level young drivers. Today, I am very pleased to see the combination of Toyota and TRD happening again in India.”

Mr. Sandeep Singh, DMD-Marketing, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said: “The Etios Motor Racing is a special project to us, and we are very excited to introduce it to not only motorsport enthusiasts but also all existing Toyota fans and customers in the country. Capitalizing on our global motorsport heritage, and with support from experts of the renowned Toyota Racing Development, we see it as an ideal grass-roots category for young drivers to learn and make their way up the motorsport ladder. Through our racing initiatives, we will make motorsports more accessible not only to participants but spectators as well.”

Driver Selection

1. Applications will be open online www.toyotaetios.in/emr starting January 15, 2012

2. Online application will be closed on February 15, 2012

3. Rigorous EMR camps will be conducted between March and June, 2012 to shortlist the drivers and arrive at the final driver line-up

The selected applicants will go through simulator evaluation rounds and go-kart selection rounds to begin with, and then graduate to driving the Etios Motor Racing cars along with in-depth lectures as part of the training process. All the training will be conducted by professional drivers and instructors from Toyota and local racing experts. The study material will be a combination of what is used in Japan and what is required by FMSCI to ensure the drivers are trained to international standards.

Federal-Mogul Innovations showcased at Auto Expo India

Sunday, 20 May 2012 10:25

NEW DELHI, India, January 6, 2012: Federal-Mogul Corporation (NASDAQ: FDML) will present at this year’s Auto Expo in Delhi (Hall No. 5, Stall No. 5.6) a wide range of technologies for energy efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and vehicle safety and refinement. Experts will be on hand to discuss and show the company’s leading technologies.

“Federal-Mogul’s strategy for technological leadership is based on developing industry leading technology and innovation to enable vehicle manufacturers to improve fuel economy, reduce CO2 and other regulated emissions and enhance vehicle safety and occupant comfort,” said Jean de Montlaur, president and managing director, Federal-Mogul Group of Companies - India. “These technological advances serve current customer requirements around the globe and will accelerate the industry’s transition to downsized engines and advanced powertrains while further strengthening vehicle safety, driver comfort and interior refinement.”

Federal-Mogul will showcase several advanced powertrain technologies and will display pistons and rings that enable Euro IV and Euro V compliant petrol and diesel engines. Included among the company’s leading technology products is the award-winning EcoTough®-coated gasoline piston, which uses a highly wear-resistant, low-friction skirt coating to improve fuel economy. Federal-Mogul also will exhibit its award-winning LKZ® oil control ring, which reduces oil consumption by 50 percent, minimizing vehicle emissions. IROX® polymer-coated engine bearings, designed to enhance the durability of highly loaded downsized engines and to withstand the more severe duty cycles associated with stop-start and hybrid powertrains, also will be displayed.

Other highlights in the Federal-Mogul exhibit include the company’s MicroTorq™ crankshaft seals, which help to minimise energy losses, thereby improving fuel economy and reducing emissions. The company also will display its innovative Nimbus® GII heat shields, which are up to 80 percent lighter than typical steel sandwich heat shields while providing an up to 30-percent improvement in thermal protection.

The company will showcase its Eco-Friction range of advanced brake friction products, including friction pads with low-copper and zero-copper formulations, available in non-asbestos organic and low steel matched to modern Anti-lock Braking System equipped vehicle requirements. Also featured will be the company’s conventional friction linings for commercial vehicles, designed with high levels of friction stability and NVH robustness. Federal-Mogul is among the world’s largest brake friction producers with manufacturing facilities in every major market, including its new manufacturing operation in Chennai, which will begin production in early 2012.

Federal-Mogul’s new CrushShield™ systems protection sleeve, which is a protective product for high voltage cables of electric and hybrid electric vehicles, also will be on display. It is one of many systems protection products that the company offers and will exhibit at the Auto Expo.

Other innovations in the Federal-Mogul stand will include a range of available, leading vehicle aftermarket products which are marketed under the company’s AE®, Champion®, FP Diesel®, Ferodo®, Glyco®, Goetze® and Payen® brands.

“The combined Indian automotive, commercial and railway markets are expected to grow on average by 14 percent per year over the next five years,” said Jean de Montlaur, president and managing director, Federal-Mogul Group of Companies - India. “The aftermarket is also rapidly growing as the influx of new vehicles has expanded the total Indian car parc, which was 14 million vehicles in 2005 and is projected to grow to 55 million vehicles in 2020, driving new requirements for high quality OEM-style repair and maintenance parts. Demand in India for technology is becoming increasingly sophisticated as the world’s vehicle makers are all competing for a share of this expanding market. India is a strategic market for Federal-Mogul and we have invested in capacity and infrastructure to maintain and grow our leadership position in India.”

“These and other technologies in the company’s broad portfolio will help our customers respond to requirements for differentiation and regulatory compliance, while contributing to a greener, cleaner and safer environment and supporting Federal-Mogul’s strategy for sustainable global profitable growth,” Montlaur added.

About Federal-Mogul India

Federal-Mogul established joint venture operations in India in the 1950s. The company has since established several wholly owned operations and majority joint ventures in the country. The company has grown its revenue from its Indian operations to approximately $250 million and currently employs more than 6,600 employees in seven manufacturing facilities in Bangalore, Bhiwadi, Parwanoo, Patiala and Radrapur. The new Chennai facility is the company’s eighth manufacturing facility in India.

Federal-Mogul’s Indian headquarters is in Delhi, and one of the company’s 18 globally-networked technical centers is in Bangalore. Together these facilities design, develop and manufacture a broad range of Federal-Mogul’s market-leading vehicle powertrain components, including pistons, piston rings, engine bearings, ignition and sintered products; for both OE and aftermarket customers.

About Federal-Mogul

Federal-Mogul Corporation is a leading global supplier of powertrain and safety solutions to the world’s foremost original equipment manufacturers of automotive, commercial, aerospace, marine, rail and off-road vehicles; industrial, agricultural and power generation equipment; as well as the worldwide aftermarket. Federal-Mogul’s leading technology and innovation, lean manufacturing expertise, and global distribution network deliver world-class products, brands and services at a competitive cost. The company’s sustainable global profitable growth strategy creates value for its employees, customers and shareholders. Federal-Mogul was founded in Detroit in 1899. The company is headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, and employs approximately 45,000 people in 35 countries.

Federal-Mogul’s aftermarket products are sold under a variety of well-known brands, including: Abex®, AE®, ANCO®, Beral®, Carter®, Champion®, FP Diesel®, Fel-Pro®, Ferodo®, Glyco®, Goetze®, MOOG®, National®, Necto®, Nüral®, Payen®, Precision®, Sealed Power®, Speed-Pro® and Wagner®. All Federal-Mogul trademarks are owned by Federal-Mogul Corporation, or one or more of its subsidiaries, in one or more countries. Visit the company’s website at www.federalmogul.com.

Cooper Corporation unveils its new Four Cylinder Engine at Auto Expo 2012

Sunday, 20 May 2012 10:25

New Delhi, January 6, 2012: Cooper Corporation Ltd., a pioneering company which built India’s first diesel engine and a market leader in centrifugal castings, has today unveiled its Four Cylinder Engine at the 11th Auto Expo in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. It was unveiled by Mr. James Bevan, British High Commissioner Designate who also presided over as the chief guest of the event.

The Guest of Honor was Mr. Barry Lowen, Head UK Trade & Investment India and special guests present at the event were Mayank Agochiya, President and Managing Director, Ricardo India Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Ian Cluett, Project Director Hybrid Product Group, Ricardo UK, Michel Raines, Project Director, Vehicle Product Group, Ricardo UK and Avnish Malhotra, Head of Automotive, UK Trade & Investment.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Farrokh Cooper, Chairman and Managing Director, Cooper Corporation said, “We are delighted to present our new state of the art Four Cylinder Engine in the Indian market as this is a step towards our commitment to offer state of the art integrated technological solutions to our valued customers. These engines cater to the current market demand and we are confident of a great success with these. By introducing such products we endeavor to demonstrate our forte which is a strong understanding and application of technology supported by excellence in engineering and manufacturing built up over the last nine decades.”

The engines will be produced both for the genset and other fixed speed applications as well as variable speed and vehicle applications. For gensets they will be available with Stanadyne mechanical injection systems using 750 bar injection pressure and achieving CPCB II norms which will be applicable from June 2013 onwards.

For vehicle and variable speed applications the engine will use CRDI systems meeting the corresponding emission norms applicable currently (e.g. Euro IV and BS IV for vehicle and variable speed application) and are Euro V protected so the engines will meet future norms as well..

With regard to gas engines, the company is developing the gas engines to meet the genset requirements using mixture type of gas systems. The engines will also be developed using high pressure gas injection / mixing system for vehicle application.

Available with rotary fuel pump and CRDI options, the engines will have 4 valves per cylinder and turbo charged with charge air cooling. The engines are of compact size which occupies less space per unit output. Euro IV compliant for automotive application, flexi fuel option (diesel, CNG, LPG) with B10 life of 7,000 hours/ 250,000 kms are some of its salient features which is a formula for success in the market.

The current product range of Cooper Corporation includes Engines, Gensets, Cylinder Liners, Cylinder Heads & Cylinder Blocks, Crankshafts, Valve Seat Inserts, Flywheels & Pulleys. It is also one of the leading suppliers of centrifugally cast products which include Cylinder Head Castings, Crank Case, Radiator Tank, Valve Lifter Guide, Adaptor Ring Gear, Pulley Fan, Connecting Rod, Bearing Housing, Cam Bearing and Diaphragm, Cover for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). In the near future Cooper plans to roll out a range of vehicles using its own engines.

Cooper Corporation’s ceaseless commitment to quality, service and product innovation with the onus on technology has consistently kept pace with the changing market needs worldwide. The company’s rapid strides in the global market bear testimony to this fact. Cooper Corporation’s sales have been growing phenomenally with sales rising from Rs. 87 Crores in 2005-06 to Rs.174 Crores in 2008-09, Rs. 205 Crores in 2009-10 Crores, Rs. 250 Crores in 2010-11 and the forecast for 2011–12 is Rs.300 Crores.

About Cooper Corporation:

Cooper is a market leader in centrifugal castings and has consistently delivered high quality castings for over 75 years. The Cooper commitment to quality and service is it’s driving force since inception and something which has enabled the company to scale new heights. The Cooper Group comprises of three companies, spread across a total built-up area of over 2, 50,000 square feet on over a hundred acres of land. Cooper employs over 1600 people comprising engineers, quality control personnel, workmen and administrative staff recruited from the leading educational and technical institutions following a rigorous induction process that strikes a judicious blend of academic expertise and professional exposure. In December 2010 Cooper was accorded Maga Project Status by the Government of Maharashtra.