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Saturday, 29 December 2007
Honda’s eco-friendly commitments
All auto majors of the world have taken heed to the rising issue of global warming and have been researching and developing new technologies in this regard. Honda, being one of them, has been working aggressively to produce clean and green vehicles. For the coming Auto Expo in Delhi, Honda has selected the environment as its theme. Honda will showcase its popular hybrid car, the Civic Hybrid and its first fuel-cell model, the FCX. The Civic Hybrid’s powertrain will be a combination of a 20 bhp electric motor and a 95 bhp petrol engine. The car uses the cleaner motor in place of the petrol engine at initial start. As the car stops, the petrol engine is turned off automatically and power is routed to the wheels through the electric motor. This regulation of the petrol engine at start and at stop significantly contributes to reduction in fuel consumption and also cuts down on emissions. The Honda FCX first launched two years ago is the world’s first fuel cell vehicle to beg government awards and certifications. The new eco-friendly cars are expected to deliver Honda’s current commitments to the environment. Labels: Auto expo, Environment friendly cars, Honda, Hybrids
Friday, 28 December 2007
Fuel efficiency is the new way to go
There’s a car galore on Indian roads today. Cars have become more of a necessity than luxury and car makers have rightly identified this. One cannot forget that cars run on fossil fuels and the world is fast running out of stock for these. For decades big players in the auto segment have researched an alternative to this and have made considerable progress. It’s high time the Indian government took steps to provide incentives to energy efficient cars. According to recent news, in the next 20 years, Indian oil consumption will rise to three times the current figure of 500 million tonnes (mt). With a forecast as ugly as this, the country could find it difficult to meet the needs unless some measures are taken right away. Global warming issues have already forced many developed countries to tackle the crisis immediately. Many have already started promoting fuel efficient cars heavily and are also offering attractive incentives to car makers in this regard. The government needs to set up clear guidelines for the sale of newer and cleaner technology. This will go a long way in leaving a greener tomorrow for coming generations. A first step in this direction would be if older fuel guzzling vehicles are done away with entirely. With cars, attracting the hybrids and the electrics would be a priority for now. Article submitted by Satish RajaramLabels: Fuel economy, Global Warming, Hybrids, Indian Government
Monday, 10 December 2007
GM’s Research lab in India
Indians who are concerned about pollution levels, but can’t do away with cars, can now breathe easy and let out a cheer. US auto maker General Motors, after its recent success with its Chevrolet models in India, is now planning to release its hybrid and electric cars. Over 98 per cent of cars run on fossil fuel products, but global environment concern is driving auto companies to look for renewable, alternative power sources. GM plans to introduce these cars to India within the next five years. Initially, the Hybrid and electric cars (including Volt) will be put on display at the 9th Auto expo in New Delhi held between 10 January and 17 January. Research in the areas of Electronics, Controls, and Software (ECS) will be conducted by General Motors in a tie up with IIT Kharagpur to make the car user friendly and also cost productive. The company is planning the cost-structure for its hybrid and electric vehicles and putting other parameters in place to have a well-organized and productive R&D centre by 2010. GM has allocated more than $1 million for research to be done over the next five years within this new Collaborative Research Lab (CRL). Labels: Automobile research and development, Chevrolet, Corporate social responsibilties, Economical buy, Electronic cars, Environment friendly cars, GM, Hybrids
Tuesday, 27 November 2007
Leyland to launch hybrid commercial vehicles
Ashok Leyland is a big name in the heavy motor vehicle world. However, not many know that it’s Hinduja Group’s Flagship Company too. It plans to launch its next-generation range of hybrid trucks and buses in the upcoming years. The company is developing electronic shift-by-wire transmission technology and electronic-controlled engine management systems to take fuel efficiency to a new level. This move may have been triggered by Tata’s Hydrogen Bus initiative. According to sources, their aim is to enhance both automotive power and fuel efficiency in the to-be-developed new age vehicles. The electronic shift-by-wire transmission is expected to decrease the fuel consumption by 5 percent. The company is working on both electric battery and bio-fuel modes for its hybrid range of vehicles in India. Ashok Leyland has been doubling-up its head count at its technical centre in Chennai. It now has over 600 engineers and researchers, up from a mere 100 in 2003. Even in the R&D, it has been pumping in a lot of cash. Small cars and big cars, Indian car makers are not behind the race with their global counterparts; as for quality, we will have to wait and drive! Labels: Ashok Leyland, Auto market competition, Buses and Trucks, Hybrids, Launches in India, Tata
Monday, 26 November 2007
Tri-Fuel Hybrid car to Vroooom on Indian roads
Here is another breakthrough in the field of science and technology. India’s first Tri-fuel hybrid car was launched in the capital recently. What’s more, to add to the news, the car has been developed by the students of a Mechanical Automation Branch of Amity School of Engineering and Technology (ASET). It’s their hard work and dedication that made this launch successful. This mesmerizing beauty runs on Petrol, LPG, and electricity. It serves the purpose of being economical as well as pollution free. The team of 10 students prepared the car with a budget of Rs 2.5 lakh. It can run at a maximum speed of 60 km/h using its internal combustion engine and 42 km/h using its batteries. A little slow we agree but the mileage balances it out. It has been tested successfully for more than 400 kms on Delhi roads to encounter city conditions. You can drive this small miracle for 35-40 miles on one-litre of petrol while on batteries it can run 80-90 kms on a single charge. This eco-friendly, zero emission, and low maintenance car is just what the Indian roads want. Maybe a manufacturer will pick up the design and have it ready for mass market sale soon. Labels: Car developed by students, Economical buy, Environment friendly engine, Hybrids, Low emissions, Tri-fuel technology
Thursday, 15 November 2007
Honda hybrids on Indian roads?
Honda is in the news talking about its plans to launch the new Civic Hybrid in India. I liked the new commitment of Honda as it took a step to launch hybrids as a flagship model in India, coz most Indians do support eco-friendly movements. It makes sense with fuel prices up so much, but I was really taken by surprise when a series of hybrids decided to launch in a flurry – I mean take the Toyota Prius Hybrid for example. I am quite excited over some of these neat ideas coming to India that will probably make a significant turn in the market. At this point I assume Honda has a pretty good market in India. Honda has already captured our market with its ‘buyers choice’ City, ‘luxurious’ Civic, and the ‘ready to go’ CR-V. From what I’ve heard, it is speculated that the Honda hybrids will be launched after the launch of their new hatchback “ Jazz”. Even if the price of the hybrids remains unfixed, it is expected that the Honda Civic hybrid cars will cost about Rs. 20 Lakh in India, similar to the Toyota. We can definitely expect a race to start in this new segment with Honda and Toyota leading the pack. Article Submitted by Anand SanjeevLabels: Driving imported cars, Environment friendly engine, Growth in Indian auto industry, Honda, Hybrids, Toyota
Saturday, 27 October 2007
Plug-into Green Toyota Prius soon in India
There is no denying that the most successful hybrid car in the world is Toyota’s lucky number hybrid Prius. Toyota Prius have given Toyota a wonderful environmentally-friendly image. In the global market, Toyota is openly supportive for any "green" legislature. Rumors had indicated that Toyota Prius will soon be arriving India. Recently Toyota has confirmed that it could be the Prius Hybrid that the Japanese giant is thinking of releasing in India. The Toyota Prius is the best selling hybrid in the U.S. This Japanese automaker has already been committed to hybrid vehicles and its consistency has swept it to the top in the long list of auto manufacturers. Many brands have started to offer hybrid versions of vehicles with high fuel efficiency. It is hybrids that are the top choice over other types of fuel-efficient vehicles – thanks to Toyota. I had already done quite a bit of research on Prius and found high-end features like the CVT (continuously variable transmission) and the Hybrid Synergy Drive technology. So if you love green, the environment or your pocket, and are in India then hold your breath for a greener tomorrow! Prius will be sold with a sticker price of US $20,000, or nearly Rs. 8-Lakh – this is as good as it gets! Labels: Environment friendly engine, Growth in Indian auto industry, Hybrids, Imported cars, Indian car market, Launches in India, Leading manfacturer, Top of the auto industry, Toyota
Wednesday, 24 October 2007
Honda willing to carry-on hybrid sales in India
Honda Motors are holding serious talks with the Indian government to establish rules for hybrid vehicles to be sold in India. Honda is interested in gasoline-electric hybrid cars that meet great expectations of mileage. India is currently one of major auto markets, but it has no definite set of rules and regulations when it comes to hybrid vehicles. If the Indian authorities give the green signal, Honda will introduce its Civic hybrid, which is selling like hot-cakes in North America, Europe, and Japan. Once the talks are over, Honda will decide on when to launch hybrid cars in India. Because Indians are most concerned about the price and fuel economy, hybrid cars will be an answer to all our prayers and I bet the environment will be pretty happy too! Hybrid cars give 80% better mileage, without compromising on performance, compared to conventional gasoline cars. Emission is also comparatively low. Subsidies for hybrid cars are a must as they cost more than the usual petrol and diesel cars. Honda is trying to work on this front. Once Honda gets permit to launch their hybrid vehicle, all other manufacturers will think of doing so. The more hybrid vehicles run in India the lesser the pollution. Labels: Environment friendly engine, Government approval pending, Growth in Indian auto industry, Honda, Hybrids, Imported cars, Indian car market, Launches in India, Leading manfacturer, Low emissions
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