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Thursday, 7 January 2010
The Government of India has finally done what it should have done long time back. Constitute a committee to decide how cars will be rated on the basis of fuel-efficiency. Kamal Nath, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways said ‘We have formed a four-member committee to prepare the norms for rating fuel efficiency of cars.’ This statement from the minister comes two days after the auto makers in India said that they were not very comfortable with the Government’s move. ‘The industry is wondering what the star rating is all about,’ said Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) director general Dilip Chenoy. He added that the star rating will not give any additional information to the customer as the auto makers already inform passengers about the mileage and other features when they buy vehicles. He was speaking at the curtain raiser event of Auto Expo 2010. The proposal to rate cars on the basis of fuel efficiency comes from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), and the power ministry is expected to implement it soon. The rating will be done on a voluntary basis initially, but will be made mandatory later. Industry representatives said the new five-star rating will only duplicate norms that are already in place. ‘But we are not opposed to declaring fuel efficiency,’ said SIAM president Pawan Goenka. Labels: Auto-Expo-2010, Bureau-of-Energy-Efficiency, Fuel-efficiency, Society-of-Indian-Automobile-Manufacturers
Wednesday, 9 December 2009
 You must be thinking what is the relationship between a car’s fuel efficiency and golf balls, as long as it is not a golf cart. It sounds absurd, but there is a certainly a relationship between the two, though both of them are two different poles altogether. A car's fuel efficiency can be improved by adding golf ball dimples. Unbelievable, huh? Moreover, it has been argued that dirty cars are more fuel efficient than clean ones. But scientific experiment has found out that this is not true. However, golf ball dimples on the car add up to the mileage of a car. Moreover, it has been found out that dimpling on the undercarriage of some Lexus cars reduces noise by reducing friction. Besides, textured paint is banned on professional race cars for the same reason. A team of researchers experimented with this proposition. In the process, they put a layer of clay on a car and did two more sets of runs on their track – one with a smooth clay surface, the other with dimples pressed into it. The respective fuel efficiencies were calculated as 9.2 and 10.3 kilometres per litre of fuel. A Ford Taurus was used to do this experiment. This might lead to all future cars coming with a dented exterior and end up being a style statement in due course of time! So, next time, you see a dent on the bonnet of your car, don’t repair it. It could improve your car’s fuel efficiency! Labels: Fuel-efficiency, Lexus-Cars, Mileage
Wednesday, 2 September 2009
Give your car a bubble bath to make it fuel efficient. Seriously? Well, this time we are joking. But soap bubbles do boost up the mileage of a car. Read further to know how and why. A team of engineers at the automotive research consultants Mira in Nuneaton, UK, are in the process of making a system that utilises soap bubbles filled with helium to improve the fuel efficiency of cars in future. The team made use of twelve cameras to track the 3-millimetre bubbles swirling around the car in a wind tunnel, thus capturing the flow of air in a remarkable detail. The helium in the soap bubbles imparts a neutral buoyancy-left to the bubbles and as a result of it these bubbles will neither rise nor fall in the air. Besides, any up or down movement can be attributed to air flow around the car. At present there is no tool that can give such insight into what’s going on in the fluid around a car. Today’s potential car customers have started to consider economy and carbon emissions when selecting a new car. This is a major reason behind lying of emphasis on aerodynamics these days by car makers. Therefore, cutting a car’s air resistance is an easier and cheaper method of decreasing the air drag and a much better way than reworking on an entire engine or drivetrain. Hence the soap bubble technique is a cheaper and better way of looking at the car aerodymanics. This technique has long been used to see how air moves around a structure without much success. With the new camera system, an unprecedented detail has been revealed as the camera can capture the precise movement of individual bubbles in 3D for later analysis and exploration. There are sensors that can determine how the car interacts with the air rushing past. The bubble-tracking approach captures the speed as well as the direction of air flow, which makes it more useful than existing tracking techniques such as injecting smoke trails around the car. The team is considering on building a machine which will be able to produce larger bubbles and this will make easier for the camera to capture all the movements of the bubbles. Labels: Aerodynamics, Carbon-Emission, Fuel-efficiency
Wednesday, 15 July 2009
It seems like the Laser technology is ruling the roost and it has not spared the car industry also. Every second there is a new innovative technology coming up related to cars. They are becoming more simplified but yet effective. Now a team of scientist has come up with all new laser technology which is said to help in igniting the fuel with help of its powerful rays. Amazing? Yes, these are the things to come and we all can bid farewell to the good old spark plugs!
This development is the result of a joint venture between a group hailing from Liverpool University and the Ford. The idea was create a technology that would be more dependable and proficient than current spark plug technology. The advantage of this laser technology is that, it will help the car to start faster especially in cold and damp seasons. Everyone experiences the trouble of starting the car on a cold morning. Now once the technology is all set to function, one can ignite the car very easily and in just one turn of the key.
Currently this technology is undergoing several tests in the laboratory until it reaches perfection and will be ready to use by the consumers. The laser rays will concentrate and will be can be diverted to multiple beams to give multiple ignition points and this in turn will result in better chance of ignition.
This will also help in better engine performance during the cold weather and also enhances fuel efficiency. Presently the engine is seen with the spark plug located at the top or bottom which often creates problem at time of ignition during the cold climate.
Labels: Car-Technology, Ford-Motors, Fuel-efficiency
Tuesday, 23 June 2009
Indian automobile adage of “Mileage Kya Hai” could not be more apt with the Power secretary of India himself endorsing it. The car manufacturers would have to stick to the mandatory labelling for automobiles for energy efficiency by August !!! The power department of India, certifying the energy efficiency claims of automobile makers would help the consumer to make the right choice when buying a vehicle. The tall claims of many auto makers on the mileage of their vehicles per litre now would be tagged. Looks like Indian consumer is finally getting his due. Car buyers would not know the exact mileage figures of their vehicle until they has driven the vehicle for some months after purchasing it. Moreover, cars meant for the Indian market are not tested in Indian urban road conditions. So, there is always a difference in the figures shown in the label and customers’ experience. Fuel efficiency standards are like certificates that guarantee a fixed range of kilometers per liter of fuel which applies for both petrol and diesel. With the new rule, the government will test all cars under newly formed norms. Fuel efficiency exercise is mandatory in USA, Japan, UK and many other western European countries. From the block of emerging economies China has already brought in these norms and now India is bringing such laws. According to a study, even if the fuel efficiency is improved by half from the current mileage, it will save the government $36 billion by 2030, in all sectors. Tagging the fuel efficiency is also a motive behind energy conservation vouches the Government. We certainly go by that. Amen!!! Labels: Car-Buyers, Fuel-efficiency, Indian-Market
Thursday, 7 May 2009
It’s found that modern cars give slightly more fuel efficiency than old cars. This is practically proved in a report by the journal of Energy Policy published in United States. The study was conducted recently on vehicles manufactured from 1923 to 2006. The report reveals that since 1920 there has been a little progress in fuel efficiency statistics. Researchers unveiled that the overall fuel economy of vehicles in United States in 1923 was 5.9 km/l. But in 2006, the average fuel efficiency was 17.3 km/l. They found that overall fuel efficiency decreased to 5 km/l in 1973 from the earlier 5.9 km/l in 1923. However, there was a rapid improvement by 1991 when cars reported 7.1 km/l of fuel efficiency. Also, from 1991 to 2006 the improvement was less than 2 percent compared to earlier years. Whereas, fuel efficiency of cars improved from 5.6 km/l in 1973 to 9 km/l in 1991, but after 1991 there was only a marginal improvement of 9.5 km/l in 2006. Though car manufacturers have introduced many engines that consume less fuel, it has been noted that still some of the modern cars consume same amount of fuel as old cars. They should stress more to bring in new technologies in the car industry that ensure improved mileage. Labels: Car-Manufacturers, Fuel-efficiency, old-cars
Thursday, 19 March 2009
The Maruti Suzuki A-star proved its thrifty nature by accomplishing an impressive mileage of 39.48 km/l in a fuel efficiency rally held in Mumbai recently. Earlier, when the A-Star was tested for its fuel efficiency before its launch by the ARAI, it delivered a top mileage of 19.6 km/l. During that time there were many car buyers who actually doubted the city performance of the car because a mileage of around 19 km/l in city is commendable. But later, it was revealed that the recorded mileage was the efficiency of the car on highway. The city mileage of the scintillating A-Star is around 14.5 km/l. Even if the A-Star does not deliver a mileage of 19 km/l in city, the outstanding performance of the car is proved in the Mumbai rally. Amazingly, in a similar rally held in Chennai, a winning contestant recorded a top mileage of 37.6 km/l in his A-star. In both the rallies the cars were driven on a predetermined 60 km route and the fuel tanks were sealed after fueling up to avoid any kind of tampering. Incredibly, among 51 participants in the Mumbai rally and 45 participants in the Chennai rally, the A-Star won the game. This definitely proves the frugal nature of the car and also highlights the efficiency of the new K-series engine. Labels: Fuel-efficiency, Maruti-Suzuki, Maruti-Suzuki-A-Star
BMW is experimenting rocket science in cars to go with the advancing modern age of science and technology. What we would see five years down the line is clearly portrayed by the car manufacturer that has joined hands with the NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) to use their technology in order to boost fuel efficiency and lower harmful greenhouse emissions. The theory that NASA uses to send their rockets to space involves the use of thermoelectric generators that transform thermal energy into electricity. BMW desires to bring the same concept to earth and use the thermoelectric generators in its range of luxury cars. When these generators will be equipped in cars, the transformed electrical energy will be used to charge the batteries of the hybrid or electric cars. This will tremendously help improve fuel efficiency and drastically reduce level of emissions. Presently, the skilled engineers of BMW are experimenting on the use of this technology at the company’s high-tech experimental lab in Palo Alto, California. The company is expecting to introduce the rocket science in their cars in the next five to six years. It is believed that a BMW sedan will experience about 13% reduction in fuel consumption with the car running on rocket science. The generators powering the space rockets are very expensive. And so BMW is also trying to introduce better strategies to pass on least price increase to the buyers so that the technology can be commercially viable. BMW feels that in the next 20 years the NASA technology is sure to take over other alternative fuels. Labels: BMW-Cars, Car-Manufacturer, Fuel-efficiency, Luxury-Cars
Wednesday, 31 December 2008
All new passengers cars that will roll out from the January 1st , 2009 will display mileage information. The rule declared by Indian government for all car manufacturers to tag their car models with the mileage information will be implement with the advent of new year. Maruti Suzuki will be the first car company to imply the rule in the country. The company has already started a training programme for its 14,000 dealers across 600 sales outlets in order to implement the "Fuel Economy Consumer Information" programme. Interestingly, Maruti Suzuki has already implemented the rule by announcing the fuel economy of its global car A Star. The data for the same is provided by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) is supposed to test cars and two-wheelers under the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturer's initiative to provide the mileage related information. These information will also be supported with a disclaimer which states 'disclosed figure has been arrived at in test conditions and fuel values could differ due to variables such as driving habits, road and traffic conditions, fuel quality, maintenance practices, loading pattern and so on'. This is an good step taken by the government and the car manufacturers. It is the duty of the car manufacturers to reveal the fuel economy to help the buyers make a good selection based on their need. Labels: Car-Manufacturers, Fuel-efficiency, Maruti-Suzuki
Tuesday, 30 December 2008
There are rumours that the Audi and Volkswagen are planning to introduce a turbo-charged 2-litre four-cylinder engine in their upmarket A8 and Phaeton. Though the model Phaeton is currently not available in India, the Audi A8 is sure to enthrall the Indian consumers. This new and advanced engine is considered to improve the power output, performance, acceleration, and fuel efficiency of the cars. With highest degree of performance, the new engine would further add value to the existing models. Nothing is decided and there is no announcement that reveals the exact date of launch of these modified cars. But the chairman of Volkswagen, Martin Winterkorn, said that the production of prototypes of these cars with turbo-charged engines are under process. And are also likely to be tested very soon. If the speculations are true, then both the cars will set a new benchmark in the car industry with their incredible and impelling force. Labels: Car-Industry, Fuel-efficiency, Volkswagen-Car
Wednesday, 3 December 2008
Go Fida with New Ford Fiesta! The actual time to roll out with the new and exciting fuel-efficient Ford Fiesta is on wheels. The company offers once in a lifetime scheme where you can buy the car at an unbelievable price tag starting from Rs 5.38 Lakh. In an automotive world where the competition is getting tougher, the New Fiesta comes with a quintessential package of unbelievable styling and unbelievable performance. Luxuries, car safety features, and futuristic interiors are also an integral part of the car. On one had the car is sporty and safe and on the other hand it is economical. It also provides class leading acceleration and fuel-efficiency. So, whatever choices you have for choosing a car, Ford Fiesta has all. Just look at the machine and you’ll grasp your breath. If you are really keen to buy this fascinating car, then move ahead as you only have ten days in hand, from Dec 3 to Dec 12, 2008. After that the car will speed back to its original price. Labels: Ford Fiesta, Fuel-efficiency
Tuesday, 2 December 2008
There are speculations that a London-based car customization firm, Alchemy, is promoting its business by wrapping car roofs with 24-carat gold. After the Gold Porsche and the diamond covered Mercedes-Benz, the trend of wrapping car exteriors with gold is heading ahead. But, we doubt whether car consumers will invest heavily in such a kind of customization. We wonder whether a gold plated car roof will lure customers or not. Alchemy also excels in embedding gemstones in the gold panel. The company is demanding a high price for covering the cars with gold. Its may be exciting with a wonderful aesthetic appeal but not sure whether people would invest a high amount here or not. And even if they would, this era of downturn does not seem to be a right time for investing so much for just the exterior look. These days’ car buyers are more specific about fuel-efficiency and performance. They are concern about the styling and visual appeal but not something like a gold plated car roof, at least not at this particular time. Labels: Fuel-efficiency, Mercedes-Benz-Cars, Porsche-Cars
Monday, 24 November 2008
When imagination takes flight to a horizon where technology meets passion and innovation, you’ll find something exotic, superlative, and outstanding. Yes, you’ll find the horizon glimmering with an 18 Crore car, Bugatti Veyron. 18 crores! It sounds as if this is the most expensive car available in India. Yes, it is and also one of the fastest car plying on Indian roads. It defines the most outstanding car production with a blend of technology and design. It’s no less than a million dollar supercar that is artistically designed with detail, perfection, and zeal. When talking about a car, every one of you will always look for some excitement and thrill along with power, performance, speed, and fuel efficiency. Though, in today’s pace of cars many such cars are available but then nothing in comparison to the great Bugatti Veyron. You talk about performance, about fastest top speed, about acceleration or about sensational value for money; this great supercar has all under one artistic roof. From the initial concept of design and technology, the Bugatti designers and engineers have tapped their full potential and expertise to give this car everything that a car consumer looks for. A lightweight car constructed of titanium, carbon, magnesium, and aluminium along with optimum protection ensured by carbon monocoque construction. Something more exciting is its luxurious length of 4.47 m that delivers a unique combination of high-powered performance and racy car design. An impressive W-16 mid-engine, delivering nearly 1,001 hp mated with a seven gear clutch transmission offers enhanced performance and maneuverability. Even more impressive is the top speed of about 400 km/h and an acceleration of 0-100 km/h in just 2.5 seconds. Ingenious aerodynamics keeps the car firm on the road even at such high speeds. Even the car safety concept conforms to all international safety standards, offering a safe ride. The Veyron also offers high velocity due to a perfect blend of engine technology, lightweight construction, and specially developed tyres. The sports car does one thing even faster than accelerating, and that one thing is braking. Excellence and elegance are a clear reflection of the car that exploits a full range of advanced technologies and innovations to support ultra-fast acceleration as well as deceleration. Excitingly, in the first year of its production, it had delivered about 60 units worldwide. The company had planned production of about 300 vehicles around the world and till date has got confirm orders of 220 Veryons. How exciting would it be to drive this untouchable Bugatti Veyron. A dream ride that will help you speed faster than your imaginations. Labels: Bugatti-Veyron, Fuel-efficiency, Sports-Car
Wednesday, 19 November 2008
You would be glad to know that declaring fuel efficiency of a car by the company is now mandatory. Car manufacturers will now have to mention the average fuel consumption of their car models before marketing their cars in the market. This initiative is aimed at promoting fuel-efficient vehicles in the industry. Furthermore, this kind of information will also help car consumers to make a perfect decision while buying a new car. As these consumers will be well-informed of the fuel-consumption, they won’t have any kind of perplexity if they ever desire to buy a fuel-efficient car. Even after consumers buy the car, they won’t regret buying a car that they thought was fuel-efficient. Every car manufacturer will reveal the secrets of fuel efficiency and fuel consumption without misleading the consumers. Labels: Car-Manufacturer, Fuel-efficiency
You can very well imagine the worth and significance of small cars in India today. After the hit of inflation, everyone is trying hard to catch a small car with excellent fuel efficiency and unmatched performance. As the car industry in India is heading towards small car, Bajaj Auto has unveiled the fact that it is soon going to roll out a small car. You may be thinking that it’s something that is connected to the small car production by Bajaj in association with Nissan and Renault. Surprisingly, this is the not true for the Bajaj’s small car. Bajaj’s small car would be its own design and production. The two-wheeler manufacturer now plans to roll out a four wheeler vehicle completely independent of Nissan-Renault joint venture. So, there is now another small car in store for the Indian car market.
Labels: Fuel-efficiency, Indian-car-market, Small-Car
Friday, 7 November 2008
Green Line is the low-emission version of the new Superb manufactured for the international market. But till now there is no news of the low-emission version of the Superb to make its debut in India.  Though not in India, GreenLine Superb is a great saloon and a unique concept with a 105bhp, 1.9L TDI PD engine. Amazingly, the fuel efficiency of the car is said to be nearly about 23kmpl. Improved aerodynamics, low-resistance tyres, leather trimmed steering wheel, and lower suspension add more worth to this environment-conscious car.
To make the car eco-friendly, Skoda has utilized various measures to reduce the car weight which has a direct impact on the amount of fuel-consumption. Removal of spare wheel, gear alteration, and remapping of the engine has greatly helped the company to achieve low-car weight and make its Superb more superb and scintillating. Labels: eco-friendly-cars, Fuel-efficiency, Skoda-Cars
Thursday, 6 November 2008
The winning hatchback model Maruti Suzuki Swift is now available in a special edition christened as ‘Attitude’ and the car is full of attitude because it is impressively personified with an appealing look and improved aesthetics. The car interior is ornamented with a silver finish further beautified with silver stitched leather. Few other exciting features in new, fresh, and smarter Swift are climate control system, keyless entry, leather wrapped steering wheel, sporty alloy wheels, rear spoiler, chrome tipped tailpipe, and tinted window. Powered by 16 valve 13.L engine, the car is expected to deliver improved performance and fuel-efficiency. If anyone of you is willing to own the Attitude with pride, then you may have to cross the Indian boundaries. Unfortunately this limited edition of Swift has not been introduced in the Indian car market. As the Swift is gaining packs and bunches of appreciation from its customers, this version may hit Indian shores sooner or later. Labels: Fuel-efficiency, Hatchback, Maruti-Suzuki-Cars
Thursday, 30 October 2008
Honda has recently launched an all new Honda City with an arrow shot design and appealing aesthetics. Immediately after this new car launch, there are speculations that the company is still planning to launch another generation of the City by early 2009. Nothing is there to comment on the speculations. But is it actually right to launch a new generation City at this time, when the recently launched Honda City has not even rejoiced the success on Indian roads. Since the first generation City was launched in India, it has always been a great success due to its brilliant styling, excellent performance, and unmatched fuel efficiency. The new one is introduced with a completely new face and is sure to beat its segment and enjoy a win-to-win situation in India. Do you all feel that it is the right time to launch a new generation City? Do you really think that the company should give it a thought at this point of time? Labels: Fuel-efficiency, Honda-City, New-Car-Launch
Fiat Palio will now be cheaper and more fuel efficient. Though the company has not reduced or cut down the price tag of Palio, you can buy the car at a much cheaper price. Fiat has cut down the prices of Palio’s spare parts including the ones that are imported. Cheaper spare parts will obviously reduce the cost of production or the input cost, thereby reducing the price tag of the Palio. The reduction of spare parts price is mainly done with a desire to improve the car’s after-sales service. For all those who love the new Palio Stile, this is the best time to buy the car at cheaper price tag. You would be even more impressed with the new service policy offered by the Fiat. The company has now announced to give three free services in the first year of car ownership to ensure customer satisfaction. The new Palio has good fuel efficiency and now coupled with that is the cheaper spare parts and new service policy. This makes the overall cost of ownership even more attractive. Labels: After-Sales Service, Fiat-Cars, Fuel-efficiency
Thursday, 23 October 2008
Spark is one of the fastest running compact cars on Indian roads. With such high success of the Spark, the General Motors plans to introduce a new version of its small car.  It’s good to know that the company is planning to introduce the 800cc version of the Spark which is at present plying on Indian roads with the 995cc motor. You would be even more surprised to know that the revamped car will cost less than the current price tag, nearly about Rs 20,000 less.
Though the car will have no frills and modifications in the car interiors but will definitely deliver better performance and fuel-efficiency. Even the quality of plastic used to build the body structure will be improved. The heavy discount in the price tag of Spark has pushed the car sales and the new engine Spark is further expected to increase the sales at a higher pace. Labels: Fuel-efficiency, General-Motors, Small-Car
Thursday, 21 August 2008
Logan is winning appreciation and accolades across the country. It is one of the highest fuel efficient cars running on Indian roads. After the success of Logan in India, Mahindra-Renault introduces the car to Nepal. The jointly manufactured car by Mahindra and Renault is believed to be marketed by Agni Inc., a company that is currently marketing and selling Mahindra cars in the Himalayan country. The overseas venture of Logan is associated with superior and elegant features. The car will be available in both petrol and diesel engines powered by 1.4 GLE 1.5 DLS, respectively. Agni feels that Logan is a technologically superior car that will definitely get good response from the consumers in Nepal. Is this true? Will the success of Logan in Indian reflect in the car market of Nepal? Labels: Automotive-technology, Fuel-efficiency, Mahindra-Renault-Logan
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