In order to provide an opportunity for companies to examine and learn from the manufacturing excellence models and benchmark best manufacturing practices in their respective organisations, CII Chennai Zone had organised a one-day Mission to Wabco-TVS (India) Ltd & Wheels India Ltd on 15 December 2010. The objective of this mission was to provide an opportunity for industry representatives to examine and learn from the manufacturing excellence models and some of the best practices on 5S, TQM, Total Employee Involvement being followed by these organizations. Around 34 delegates from Companies like Ashok Leyland Ltd, Air Liquide Medical Systems Pvt Ltd, Carborundum Universal Ltd, Cura Healthcare Ltd, L&T-Komatsu Ltd, Mudrica, Roots Industries Ltd, Saint-Gobain Glass India Ltd, Sterlite Industries India Ltd, TTK-LIG Ltd & Rajalakshmi Engineering College participated in the Mission. The mission members felt that the mission was very interactive and informative
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Tata Motors introduces Tata Winger Platinum
Tata Motors today launched a new offering in the Winger range, the Tata Winger Platinum, in Mumbai. The Tata Winger Platinum is a luxurious 7 seater, designed to provide an enhanced on-road experience with a perfect blend of comfort and space.
The Tata Winger Platinum has been specifically designed to fulfill the needs of passengers who look for carriers but have to depend on Utility vehicles. The innovative design of the Tata Winger Platinum ensures that for a similar vehicle size, it provides much more space in the passenger seating area. This ensures that passengers are equally comfortable even in the last row making it the most apt vehicle for the segment. The seven individual reclining captain seats provide private space for each passenger.
With adjustable head rests, soft wide adjustable armrests, best in-class legroom, individual AC vents and wide luggage space, the Tata Winger Platinum ensures every journey is a pleasurable experience. Passenger comfort has been further enhanced with well thought out features like collapsible grab handles, a side foot step for easy entry, coat hooks and two mobile chargers. In addition, a 2-Din music system with 4 in-built speakers and provision for LCD provide sufficient entertainment for long trips.
The fully enclosed body, rugged engine sub-frame, anti-roll bars at both front and rear, retractable seat belts and child safety lock enhance safety. The 3-way adjustable driver’s seat with power steering and a turning radius of 5.65 metres helps reduce driver fatigue. Motorised headlamps, fog lamps and a demisting unit aid visibility while driving. The aptly designed suspension ensures ride comfort, while the monocoque design minimises NVH (Noise, Vibration & Harshness). The Winger is powered by a proven 2-litre turbo charged inter cooled diesel engine.
The versatility of the Tata Winger Platinum allows it to be deployed for both long-distance transportation as well as intra-city needs such as transportation for working executives, holidaying families and other tourist usage.
The Tata Winger Platinum comes in two colour options – Pearl White and Cycus Grey. It is backed with a 1.5 lakh km / 18-month warranty.
The Tata Winger Platinum BS IV would be available at a price of Rs. 739,724 lakhs (ex-showroom, Mumbai without Octroi).
Monday, December 6, 2010
Automotive aftermarket sector gears up to service complex vehicles with hi-tech equipment
Fuelled by the increasing number of vehicles on the road and ongoing aggressive expansion of Indian and foreign players, the automotive aftermarket for parts and services are growing rapidly. The aftermarket segment, which covers equipment and parts manufacturers, distributors, retailers, service providers and garages, is estimated to be worth Rs 24,000 crore. It is estimated to zoom to Rs 44,000 crore by 2015.
The Indian and international companies that showcased their state-of the art and futuristic equipment and parts at the Auto Serve 2010 exhibition organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) during November 19-21, 2010, confirm this optimism in market uptrend. They have moved a step ahead and are ready to meet the service requirements of the modern day complex vehicles with world class equipments and spares.
They, however, find the shortage of skilled manpower as a stumbling block in this apparently booming market. The Union Human Resource Development Ministry and the Technical Universities in the country are requested to seize this opportunity for huge employment creation by making strategic modification in curriculum and establishing more dynamic industry-institution partnerships.
The sky-rocketing price of land, even in suburbs, is another major problem the automotive service providers face. The need for service stations are on the increase but the land for them is becoming scarce and unaffordable.
However, there is sustained innovation in the manufacture of equipment and spares and also in the way they are delivered.
Bosch is ready to meet the new requirements of the growing automotive industry. We want to prepare the Indian after market to face the new technologies with confidence’’, says Mr Sujit Nayak, Head, Brand Management, Bosch Limited.
Bosch is offering complete solutions for automotive diagnostics, complete range of automotive spare parts, service concepts for independent workshops, technical training with technology transfer and even a technical hotline, he says.
Bosch offered on -the - spot class room training for mechanics and end-users at their exhibition stall on various aspects of engine management systems, anti-lock braking system passive safety system and automotive networking.
The Tube & Garage Equipment Division of TVS & Sons Ltd offers latest tools and garage equipment such as; lifting system, A/c management system, paint booth, heating system and others.
Mr R Sheshadri, General Manager, TVS & Sons Ltd said, `To suit the requirements of the new cars with new technology we supply the service equipment and train the end-users. As the number of cars increase the need for equipment also would rise and we find steady growth in this segment’’.
The Puducherry-based Manatec Electronics Pvt Ltd, which design and manufacture garage equipment, specializes in developing electronic-based auto service equipment. ``We mainly focus on wheel care equipment, body shop and utility and pollution control equipment. Our strength is the sales and service network spread across the country. As we are directly involved in marketing and services we understand the customer needs and deliver the right product and service to the industry’’, Mr. S Vijayaraghavan, Director (Business Development), said.
Mr Vijayaraghavan said as the vehicle population increases, the service infrastructure has to grow. The number of garages also should go up. Spiraling land price is making this difficult.
Madhus Garage Equipments Pvt Ltd is in the automotive aftermarket with high quality, latest and trendy equipment to suit the world class cars running on Indian roads, Mr K Narasimhan, Director, says. The Bangalore-based company brings to the market wheel service equipment from leading manufacturers. Madhus also is engaged in providing training to the mechanics and customers and equipment users.
The companies at the Auto Serve exhibition are aware of the large opportunity, the growing automotive market is presenting for all the players across the value chain. However they consider it a big challenge to meet the market demand which is set to double in the next five years. Many of the companies are enhancing their capabilities to produce parts and are empowering themselves to service a wide variety and complexity of vehicles.
Over 95 Exhibitors showcased wide array of products and services in the automotive care, maintenance, service parts, garage equipments, diagnostic instrumentation, collusion & repair equipments, tyre & lubricants and pollution control equipments at Auto Serve 2010 Exhibition. The exhibition provided industry an ideal platform to source latest products and services in automotive aftermarket industry and also identified potential dealers / distributors for the exhibitors
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Car sales in India loses steam
“The demand remains robust. Lower sales last month was because of fewer working days. We have a seven-day plant shut down in December which will reflect on our volumes next month too,” Mr Mayank Pareek, Executive Managing Officer, Maruti Suzuki said.
“We were constrained because of the maintenance shutdown of both our plants. We continued to maintain steady growth in the domestic market. In December, we expect the market to continue its growth trend,” said Mr Arvind Saxena, Director Marketing, Hyundai Motors India.