Category: AutoGyaan

Cars, Bikes, Alternative Vehicles, Air Transport et All

iG UK: Hands on with Electric Car chargers in London

iGyaan is presently in the UK, testing of real life technology, and the first thing we bumped into as soon as we got out of the airport were these GE electric car charging posts. Its always good to talk about technology but only better to see it in real person in a country that embraces good technology infrastructure.

While its no GE WattStation , The mechanics of this one are simple, the person with a NFC tag or a Electric car tag will scan his tag in from to the charging post, which access you account and opens the door to the cable, the charging cable is then attached to the vehicle and the meter starts to run. At the end of the charge cycle the amount on the meter is charged to the NFC account or Electric car tag and you are ready to leave.

The good thing is that the UK government has installed these at various parking spaces in and around london making it easier for people with electric cars.

August 24, 2011
Force Motors Launches their new SUV Force ONE for 10.65 Lakhs

Force Motors has gone out on a limb and launched their new SUV – called the “Force One”. The interesting thing about this SUV is that it will run in a Mercedes Engine designed for the E class. Force Motors has inked an agreement with Daimler AG to remanufacture this engine on the existing design. The total agreement if of 150 crores, in which Force will have the rights to manufacture and sell the engines under its own brand label.

We have made the engine in India with the right production techniques,”

-Abhay Firodia, chairman, Force Motors.

The Price of the SUV is set at 10.6 Lakhs for a 4×2 variant, which is said to offer unto 11.5 Km/liter of diesel. the 2.2 liter engine is designed on the Daimler brand and puts out 141 PS at 3800 rpm and an impressive 321 Nm at 1600 rpm. The SUV is fitted with features like cruise control, steering mounted audio controls and bluetooth connectivity. The weight of the SUV is 2510 kilos and it stands on the road on 235/70/16R Apollo Hawkz.

Force has chosen Amitabh Bachchan as the brand ambassador for the current campaign. The company is expected to launch a new 4×4 version by the end of the year, and is working towards a whole new SUV in 2014.

August 20, 2011
Honda Jazz Price Cut by 1.6 Lac

Honda India has slashed the price of the Honda Jazz by 1.6 lac. This happened only two months after the company had announced a Rs. 66 thousand price cut.

Launched in 2009 the hatchback was unable to gather buyers mostly due to its price of around 7 lakhs (ex-showroom), The company’s recent aggressive stance proves that honda is out to sell the car by any means necessary. The new Jazz has safety features like dual airbags and ABS as standard, and is comparable to similar-featured models like Maruti Swift and Hyundai i20.

It is a competitive market and competition is increasing every day”

-Jnaneswar Sen, senior V-P for Honda Siel Cars

Customers who just bought the car are in for a shock as a massive 1.5 lakh price drop will make a significant difference. The lack of a diesel model will still hamper the sales of the car, but Honda expects movements of over 1000 units / month with the new pricing.

August 19, 2011
Goodyear talks Self Inflating tires, Brings the Future closer

Goodyear has been researching Air- Maintenance Technology (AMT) tires with built-in pumps to keep themselves at the perfect pressure. According to research slightly under-inflated tires can reduce overall mileage by 3.3 percent. The U.S. department of Energy has granted goodyear with US$ 1.5 million for researching these tires for commercial uses in Trucks and Big Rigs. Whereas a consumer version is being developed in Goodyears main research and invention lab in Luxembourg.

“While the technology is complex, the idea behind the AMT system is relatively simple and powered by the tire itself as it rolls down the road. A tire that can maintain its own inflation is something drivers have wanted for many years. Goodyear has taken on this challenge and the progress we have made is very encouraging. This will become the kind of technological breakthrough that people will wonder how they ever lived without.

While similar in concept, there are significant differences in AMT systems for consumer and commercial tires. The tangible support from both the U.S. and Luxembourg governments underscores the value of these projects and the many positive benefits they can provide drivers around the world.”

–Jean-Claude Kihn, Goodyear senior vice president and chief technical officer.

A technology like this would do wonders in our country, where more leaks and low tire pressure is one of the biggest reasons for tire loss.

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New Goodyear Innovation Could Make Tire Pumps Obsolete
Government Grants to Help Quicken Development

AKRON, Ohio, August 11, 2011 – The days of manually adding air to under-inflated tires could be a distant memory thanks to a new innovation under development in laboratories at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.

Keeping tires properly inflated doesn’t just eliminate the practice of checking a tire’s air pressure and finding a tire pump and gauge that works. It also can mean real savings at the fuel pump.

Whether you drive a passenger vehicle or a commercial truck, underinflated tires result in between a 2.5 percent and 3.3 percent decrease in fuel mileage, according to government and industry research. At today’s prices, that translates to about 12 cents per gallon at the pump.

Properly inflated tires also result in lower emissions, longer tire life, enhanced safety and improved vehicle performance.

Goodyear’s Air Maintenance Technology (AMT), will enable tires to remain inflated at the optimum pressure without the need for any external pumps or electronics. All components of the AMT system, including the miniaturized pump, will be fully contained within the tire.

“While the technology is complex, the idea behind the AMT system is relatively simple and powered by the tire itself as it rolls down the road,” said Jean-Claude Kihn, Goodyear senior vice president and chief technical officer.

“A tire that can maintain its own inflation is something drivers have wanted for many years. Goodyear has taken on this challenge and the progress we have made is very encouraging,” said Kihn. “This will become the kind of technological breakthrough that people will wonder how they ever lived without.”

Goodyear did not provide an estimate as to when this technology would be available at tire retailers, but said the timetable would be accelerated due to recent government research grants in United States and European Union.

The United States Department of Energy’s Office of Vehicle Technology Wednesday announced it has awarded a $1.5 million grant for research, development and demonstration of the AMT system for commercial truck tires. The grant will be administered by the National Energy Technology Laboratory and work will be conducted at Goodyear’s Innovation Center in Akron, Ohio.

In July, Goodyear successfully applied for a grant from the Luxemburg government for research and development of an AMT system for consumer tires. That work will be conducted at Goodyear’s Innovation Center in Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg.

“While similar in concept, there are significant differences in AMT systems for consumer and commercial tires,” said Kihn. “The tangible support from both the U.S. and Luxembourg governments underscores the value of these projects and the many positive benefits they can provide drivers around the world.”

In addition, The DOE’s Office of Vehicle Technology today also announced that it will award a $1.5 million grant for a joint project between PPG Industries and Goodyear to improve the rolling resistance and fuel efficiency of tires. The project’s objective is to increase average fuel efficiency of passenger vehicle fleets through use of new tread and inner liner technologies.

“Advanced technologies that are invisible to the human eye – like those we are working on with PPG – will help to dramatically improve fuel efficiency of tires while maintaining other important qualities such as traction and tread-life,” said Kihn.

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August 14, 2011
Audi’s Urban Vehicle Concept makes way to Frankfurt (PR)
After BMW showed of their concept cars, it is Audi’s time to take center stage with the Urban Vehicle concept. The car meant for the overly crowded urban driving pleasures, was spotted by Autoblog earlier this year. Both the BMW and Audi concept will be displayed at the Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA) in Frankfurt.

The Urban Concept is made out of a carbon fibre shell, with a pull back door only seen in Sci-Fi movies.

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The Audi urban concept – a completely new kind of concept car
- An innovative urban concept car with 1+1 seats
- Sleek cockpit made from CFRP, free-standing wheels with protective plates
- Elaborate suspension, compact electric drive system for sporty performance
Audi is once again opening up new horizons: the Audi urban concept is a 1+1-seat, ultra-light car for congested urban spaces. The technical study does not fit under any of the conventional categories – the Audi urban concept combines elements of a racing car, a fun car and an urban car into one radical new concept.

The Audi urban concept is not based on any previous model – its development is solely oriented on the strict principles of lightweight construction, efficiency and reduction. The result is a concept car with no unnecessary weight, and one that concentrates on the pure essence of sporty motion.

The Audi urban concept has a sleek body. The wheels are free-standing, their surrounding protective plates feature blinking strips of LED lights. The highly concentrated look of the technical study, with its forward-urging lines, is dynamic and emotional – it lends Audi’s design language a completely new impetus.
On board there is room for two people, their position slightly staggered and at a sporty, low level. All controls and materials are subject to the dictates of ultra-lightweight construction in order to ensure they convey a completely unique, sensory allure. The driver can adjust the steering wheel and pedals to his own body measurements. Entry to the car is via the tailgate. The roof is designed to be maneuverable and slides to the rear to open.

The technology in the Audi urban concept reflects the full capabilities of the brand, especially when it comes to ultra-lightweight construction. The cockpit consists of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer, which integrates the undercarriage of both seats. The Audi urban concept rolls on wheels with a 21-inch diameter.

Two e-tron electric motors provide the propulsion – providing the ultra-light Audi urban concept with the ability to accelerate powerfully. A lithium-ion battery supplies the energy – ideal for extended city tours.

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August 12, 2011
Toyota Launches the new Innova Crysta in India : 13 Lac Ex showroom

Toyota Kirloskar Motors India hasannounced the introduction of the all new Innova Crysta (Limited Edition). With a basic list of feature upgrades before the expected total facelift next year.

According to Toyota, the new added luxury features in the limited editions are smoked alloy wheels, body graphics, dual tone leather seat cover, rear roof spoiler, dark wood panel, muffler cutter and floor Mats .

The Innova has been our flagship brand in India and has been a market leader since launch. We launched the Innova in 2005, a vehicle way ahead of its time in the Indian Auto Industry. An MUV that came in with a sedan like feel, the Innova redefined the segment by attracting customers from the MUV segment and also the passenger car segment. The Innova has set new benchmarks in terms of space, packaging, engine and highway driving. Since then the Innova sales haven’t slowed down and the Innova continues to be a favourite – family car of choice – in its segment. The new limited edition Innova Crysta is aimed at offering exclusive ownership experience by offering enhanced luxury features. 1000 exclusive units of the new limited edition Innova Crysta will be on sale till Oct 2011. We look forward to bringing a limited edition of the widely appreciated Innova to our customers, which will offer exclusive ownership experience. The new Innova Crysta will be attractively priced at Rs 13,12,570 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi) and will be available at all Toyota dealerships from today.”

-Sandeep Singh, Deputy Managing Director (Marketing), TKM

August 10, 2011
BMW showcases the new i3 and i8 Concepts, we drool! (PR)

BMW automobiles is a well known name in the automotive industry, especially when it comes to innovation. The i brand was announced for the electric division of BMW automobiles earlier this year. The launch of the sub brand comes hand in hand with the two concept electric cars.

The i3 Concept

The i3 will drive 150km on a full charge, acceleration is about 0-60mph in around 8 seconds, while buying the vehicle owners will be able to opt in for the range-extending motor aptly named “REx.” The first consumer model should hit prime markets by as early as 2013. The charger will complete eighty percent charging in an hour, while a full charge could take as long as 6 hours.

The i8 Concept

The i8 on the other hand is highly aerodynamic and has a hybrid diesel-electric drivetrain, while consumption will remain around the region of 2.7 liters per 100km, while it will speed up from 0 to 62mph in 4.6 seconds.

[toggle title_open=”Collapse” title_closed=”Read The Press Release” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]BMW Group presents mobility of the future +++ World premiere of the BMW i3 Concept and BMW i8 Concept +++ Reithofer: A milestone in the history of the company +++ Sustainability across the entire value added chain

Frankfurt a.M. / Munich. The BMW Group showcases its visions of future mobility in the shape of the BMW i3 Concept and BMW i8 Concept studies. Unveiled for the first time, these concept vehicles provide a glimpse of the first electrically powered production cars from the new BMW i sub-brand, due to be launched as the BMW i3 in 2013 and the BMW i8 in 2014.

“We are marking another milestone in the history of the BMW Group. As Chairman of the Board and an engineer myself, I am very proud of this project,” declared Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, at Friday’s premiere of the two vehicles in Frankfurt. “As the world’s leading premium car manufacturer, our aim is to offer customers purpose-built electric-drive cars as well,” he added.

With its zero-emission electric drive and a range of approximately 150 kilometres, the BMW i3 Concept has been specifically developed for use in an urban environment, its dynamic 125 kW electric motor and rear-wheel drive ensuring BMW-style dynamic handling. Thanks to its innovative LifeDrive architecture featuring a carbon passenger cell, the BMW i3 Concept combines an extremely low weight of 1,250 kilograms with optimal interior space and the highest crash safety levels. With four seats and a 200-litre luggage compartment, this vehicle is fully suited for everyday use.

Draeger: a revolution in car design

“This vehicle will mark the launch of the first volume-produced car featuring bodywork largely made of carbon. It’s a revolution in automotive design,” stressed Klaus Draeger, Member of the Board responsible for Development. The application of this new CFRP technology allows a weight reduction, compared to a conventional electric car, of between 250 and 350 kilos, and that means more dynamic handling coupled with a greater range. The BMW i3 does the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in less than eight seconds, while a high-speed charger achieves an 80% battery charge in just an hour.

Thanks to the emission-free drivetrain and a value added chain designed to be sustainable all along the line, life cycle emission figures for the BMW i3 are at least a third lower than for a highly efficient combustion-engine car. If the BMW i3 is run on electricity from renewable sources, the figures improve by well over 50%.

BMW i8 Concept: new-generation sports car

The BMW i8 Concept goes from 0 to 100 km/h in less than five seconds and boasts fuel consumption of under three litres per 100 km. Its plug-in hybrid drive with a system output of 260 kW allows a range of up to 35 kilometres in electric mode – sufficient for most everyday journeys. For more dynamic driving or out-of-town routes, a high-performance three-cylinder petrol engine also comes into play. The sports car has an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h and space for up to four occupants. “The BMW i8 Concept is the sports car for a new generation – pure, emotional and sustainable,” Draeger underlined.

With BMW i, the BMW Group is corroborating its position as the most innovative and sustainable auto manufacturer in the world, as reflected in the fact that it has been the supersector leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the sixth year running. With BMW i, the BMW Group is providing answers to the mobility challenges of the future while pursuing a holistic approach. In addition to purpose-built premium vehicles with electric drive, the company is also offering intelligent mobility services.

The focus here is on solutions for improved use of parking space, intelligent navigation systems with location-based information, intermodal route planning and car-sharing schemes such as DriveNow. Following MyCityWay, ParkatmyHouse marks the second investment by the recently launched venture capital company BMW i Ventures in a company providing internet-based mobility services. Parkatmyhouse allows private individuals to use the internet or
smartphone app to rent out their private parking spaces on a short- or long-term basis.

Both the BMW i3 and the BMW i8 will be built at BMW’s Leipzig plant in Germany. Some 400 million euros are earmarked for investment in new buildings and facilities by 2013, while 800 new jobs are to be created. Vehicle production will be CO2 neutral and will draw on renewable resources. The company is currently investigating the possibility of erecting its own wind turbines on the plant site.

The BMW Group
The BMW Group is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 25 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

During the financial year 2010, the BMW Group sold 1.46 million cars and more than 110,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for 2010 was euro 4.8 billion on revenues amounting to euro 60.5 billion. At 31 December 2010, the BMW Group had a workforce of approximately 95,500 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy. As a result of its efforts, the BMW Group has been ranked industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the last six years.[/toggle]

August 1, 2011
Audi all Set to Launch the A6 Lightweight in India

We just got information from Audi that they are all set to launch the new A6 Lightweight in India. Looks like Audi is all set on doing research for the new car and are tapping the customer base.

As in motorsports, Audi says that its new A6 executive sedan also represents this commitment towards lightweight construction.

Drawing on the carmaker’s experience in lightweight materials with cars such as the all-aluminium A8 full-sized limousine and the steel-aluminium TT sports coupé, the latest-generation A6 also combines steel and aluminium for improved efficiency and lower emissions.The A6’s extensive aluminium construction (over 20 per cent) and high-tech steels have reduced body weight by 30kg over its predecessor.Against an equivalent all-steel body, the A6 is approximately 15 per cent lighter.

In fact, some versions are up to 80 kg lighter than its predecessor. For example, the 2.0 TDI model has a kerb weight of only 1,575 kg.

audi-a6.in

July 26, 2011
Chevrolet will Launch the Beat Diesel on Jul 25
General Motors India will launch the Cheverolet Beat Diesel in India on the 25th of July

With fluctuation in fuel prices in India from time to time, the new diesel Beat, the prices of which will be announced at the launch will revolutionise the small car segment, with its engine capacity and fuel economy,” Karl Slym President and Managing Director General Motors India said

The company plans to sell 1.4 lakh cars this year, an increase of over 30% over last years 1.1 lakh units. The company also plans to invest over US$ 500 Million over the course of the next 1.5 years to ramp up production in their Existing plant at Halol in Gujarat and an upcoming unit at Talegaon in Maharashtra bringing their overall capacity to a total of 2.5 Lakh Units a year

The details of the Cheverolet Beat diesel are as follows
- Advanced engine design, engineering & packaging.
- Combination of features and engine components package that provides improved performance.
- Significant improvement in NVH characteristics of the engine leading to more comfortable driving experience.
- Smart engine design and technology that provides optimum fuel efficiency in varied driving conditions.
- Higher low end torque delivery for improved driving experience in stop and go traffic conditions.
- Rigorously tested & proven in extreme Indian road and climatic conditions.
July 22, 2011
Ford Will Unveil the Focus during the AutoExpo in 2012

Ford India plans to unveil its sedan “Focus” during the Indian AutoExpo in 2012. This is going to be the second car out of the eight cars Ford plans to bring to India.

The company aims to deliver a wider range of products to the Indian Market. Currently our existing lineup of cars are not attracting the attention of the buyer, and we plan to change that by 2015. Ford will launch a total of 8 new cars , including the Focus during the AutoExpo 2012″ Said a Ford India spokesperson

No details are known on the type of equipment that will be installed in the Indian variants of the sedan. The sedan will compete will similar cars in the segment like the Chevrolet Cruze and Toyota Corolla.

July 22, 2011
Mercedes Benz to Unveil Compact Range in India by 2012

German Luxury car maker Mercedes Benz will unveil the compact range of automobiles from the company by the end of 2012.

Initially, cars with Left Hand Drive option, manufactured at our facilities in Germany and Hungary, will be introduced in Europe later this year. We plan to bring them to India by 2012-13 as Completely Knocked Down (CKD) units,” said Mercedes Benz India MD and CEO Peter Honegg

Right now we don’t have the facility to manufacture the compact class at our Chakan facility near Pune, Last year we sold 5,800 cars. This year we expect to cros 7,000 units. During January-June (2011) we sold 3,800 units. ” He added.

Currently, Mercedes Benz India manufactures the C, S and E class at their facility in Chakan near Pune. The addition of their new series of automobiles will pave way for a completely new segment in the market. Hopefully the competition will follow.

July 22, 2011
New Swift to be More Economical

Maruti Suzuki Swift, is one of india’s best selling hatchbacks. After nearly six years in service, the car is finally due for an overhaul. The new Swift which is due to launch next month is said to be more fuel efficient and will come in 1.2l Petrol and 1.3l Diesel varients.

The new Swift is built on a slightly longer platform and engineers have managed a substantial weight reduction by replacing the metal fuel tank with a plastic one. This has improved the car’s mileage by almost 13%. The new model will be produced in the company’s Manesar Facility. The petrol version is said to give a mileage of around 20 kmpl as compared to the existing mileage of 17.9 kmpl. Similarly, the diesel variant will give a mileage of around 23.8 kmpl as compared to the existing mileage of 21 kmpl. No pricing details have been shared by the company as yet.

According to an industry expert, plastic fuel tanks are usually 25-35 per cent lighter than the conventional metal tanks. Besides the decrease in weight, these tanks are corrosion-free, durable, non-explosive and easily recyclable. Maruti may also offer a four-speed automatic transmission option in the petrol version of the new car.

July 7, 2011
Audi Sales Rise in India by 75%

[dropcap]A[/dropcap]udi India today reported a 75.11% jump in its sales for June 2011, at 408 units when compared to the 233 units sold same time last year.

Given our outstanding performance in the first six months of the year, we will soon surpass our 2010, annual sale of 3,003 cars. Audi India’s growth momentum is testimony to the overwhelming response received from our customers,” Audi India Head Michael Perschke said.

The statement further said that China has overtaken Germany as the single biggest market for Audi, while the Indian and US markets were the fastest growing regions for the company.

Audi is currently the third largest luxury car manufacturer in India after BMW and Mercedes, the company offers a range of cars including A4, A6, A8, A7 Sportback, Q5, Q7, RS5, R8 and R8 Spyder.

July 6, 2011
The T.27 – World’s Most Efficient Electric Automobile

UK based Gordon Murray Design has unveiled a new car designed for the urban environment which it has dubbed the T.27. The design and development program for the T.27 has cost £9 millionwas made possible through a £4.5 million investment from the government-backed Technology Strategy Board. From design to concept to working prototype, the car has taken just 17 months to come to life, including the design and build of a completely new electric powertrain by Zytek Automotive Ltd.

T.27 specifically targets the urban city environment via a unique manufacturing process called ‘iStream’ developed Gordon Murray Design. It aims to significantly reduce lifecycle impacts and enable low cost, efficient manufacture within the UK. The electric car sets new standards in weight, footprint, small car dynamics, safety, packaging and efficiency whilst addressing full lifecycle CO2 emissions, congestion, parking and low cost motoring.

Company CEO, Professor Gordon Murray, said at the unveiling of the car

[quote]Lightweight is the most powerful tool we have in our armoury in the fight against emissions and fuel consumption. This is true of all cars and especially so with electric vehicles! A lightweight car means a lightweight battery increasing the levels of safety and reducing the retail price dramatically.” The T.27 represents a huge step forward in protecting our mobility and our environment.[/quote]

The tech specs for the T.27 are as follows:

In comparison to other electric cars the T.27 has much lower energy consumption per mile, the Smart EV uses 29% more energy per km, the Mitsubishi iMiEV uses 36% more energy per km, and the Mini-E uses 86% more energy per km, making the T.27 the most efficient electric car by some margin.

July 2, 2011
Mercedes Benz India’s Website , Now Fully Compatible With Your Smartphone

Mercedes Benz is the first Car Company in India to now have a fully Mobile Phone Compatible Website, m.mercedes-benz.co.in. Customized for mobile viewing, the website presents a summary of the brand’s corporate website, which is designed to function like a virtual car showroom with information on product highlights, technical data, picture galleries, pricing and details on local service centers.

[quote]The mobile website reflects the contemporary nature of the Mercedes brand. Our mobile optimized website will ensure that customers and enthusiasts of the Mercedes brand can enjoy far greater levels of interactivity as compared to any other manufacturer in India. Features like- fast browsing, video and flash content, easy navigation and enhanced interface will further enhance browsing experience”Mercedes-Benz India has also upgraded its corporate website www.mercedes-benz.co.in. With optimized interface, easier navigation and features such as a full-screen viewing, bookmarks and downloads, the visitor experience has been significantly enhanced. Besides being the pioneers of luxury automobile Mercedes-Benz now also earns the distinction of pioneering the concept of mobile website in India that truly epitomizes the core brand philosophy of “The Best or Nothing”. Said Mr. Manas Dewan, General Manager, Corporate Communications & Strategic Planning, Mercedes-Benz India Ltd.[/quote]

June 16, 2011