With the aim of providing the participants drive a deeper insight into the implications and lessons learned on risk management, engineering best practices and crisis strategy, the apex body, Auto Components Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) organised a National Conference on Meeting Challenges of Exports: Produc Liability, Warranty & Recall in New Delhi.
The conference, according to ACMA, was organised on early last week, was with a view to drive a deeper understanding for participants on global standards, processes and strategies.
This Conference, which was held at the Holiday Inn, Mayur Vihar was inaugurated by the Joint Secretary Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ravi Capoor. The conference was addressed by eminent speakers from various firms including Bharat Forge, Anand Automotive Group, Cummins India Ltd, Global Autotech Ltd, Avocado Rechtsanwälte, Germany, Supply Chain Services International, LLC and AON Global Singapore (Insurance Brokers) who addressed the following topics, namely, Importance and Relevance – A perspective from IPO Forum, Risk Indemnification and Insurance Clauses – Review and Compliance and Minimising risk through Insurance to name a few.
Major fillip
This initiative was part of ACMA’s target on export promotion and to provide a fillip to the Indian community at large for auto components. With rising exports and interdependence of global trade, the demands for product liability and product recall insurances are expected to become increasingly crucial and essential to the supplier community. Apparently, this is because legal liability is imminent in every product that they sell. It is therefore important to strategically avoid and manage legal hazards related to claims of non-performance of vehicle parts and systems.
Auto Expo 2014
Auto Expo 2014: Indian auto component makers look at exploring business opportunities with Canadian automotive industry
Auto Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), the nodal agency, which takes care of the interests of Indian auto component industry, along with Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association (APMA) on February 8, 2014 jointly organised a seminar on ‘Business Opportunity with Canadian Automotive Industry’, at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi as part of the Auto Expo 2014.
From (L-R): Deep Kapuria, Past President ACMA, Steve Rodgers, President of APMA, Harish Lakshman, President of ACMA, Sara Wilshaw, Minister, Commercial, Government of Canada, Peter Frise, Scientific Director and CEO, AUTO21 and Ramesh Suri, Vice President of ACMA.
According to an official statement, both the associations organised the session with a mission for Canadian firms to explore the potential opportunities, collaborations and partnerships with India.
Transformation
At present, the Indian auto component industry is undergoing transformation, while ACMA and its member firms are working towards improving the overall competitiveness of the supply chain through various tiers.
Indian scenario
At present, the Indian auto component industry size is pegged at $ 39.7 billion with key growth sectors in the vehicle production area including commercial vehicles, construction equipment, tractors, both two-wheeler and three-wheeler segments respectively.
Growth factor
The key growth factor for the Indian auto component industry has been the consistent burgeoning of exports of auto parts. Exports of auto parts from India to Canada has doubled from $ 50 in 2010 to $ 93 million in 2012, thereby providing the mettle of the industry at large.
R&D Centres
India is credited of having around 60-65 percent of R&D Centres catering to the internal requirement of the industry leading to a steady increase in employment. The industry offers employment opportunities to close to 30,000 to 35,000 engineers every year. Going forward, the Indian auto component industry’s focus would be to bring more innovation and research so as to make a strong offering to business community across the world.
Canada scenario
The automotive manufacturing industry is the largest sector in Canada. What is more, the auto industry in that country is export intensive, as the nation ships three-quarters of of production in a year. Canada is part of a fully integrated North American market with annual sales of about 20 million vehicles and accounts for 16 percent of NAFTA production.
Much to offer
Canada has much to offer in alternative fuels and power trains, electric vehicles and fuel cells, connected car and intelligent transportation; bio-materials, composites and light metals, advanced safety systems and more. Furthermore, with Canada’s exports to India still continuing to be around $ 30 million from 2010 to 2012, it is therefore vital for both countries to help promote and grow each others’ export capabilities and technology transfer and hence allow for a healthy dialogue between the two industries.
Part of global supply chain
With introduction of high class technology in India, the component manufactures have been able to be a part of global supply chain. This has greatly been of help on the international market, giving more visibility and growth to the Indian market. By the end of 2020, the Auto Component Industry is expected to grow to $ 115 billion. There is a positive vibrancy seen in the Indian economy showcasing the growing Engineering and IT capabilities for designing and manufacturing which is of utmost relevance to the Canadian automotive sector. This session was attended by a delegation from APMA led by Steve Rodgers, President and Harish Lakshman, President ACMA representing the Indian delegation.
The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) is the apex body representing the interest of the Indian Auto Component Industry. Its active involvement in trade promotion, technology up-gradation, quality enhancement and collection and dissemination of information has made it a vital catalyst for this industry’s development. ACMA’s charter is to develop a globally competitive Indian auto component Industry and strengthen its role in national economic development as also promote business through international alliances. ACMA is an ISO 9001:2008 certified Association with a membership of over 700 members.
Auto Expo 2014: Cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar visits BMW Pavilion at Greater Noida
Cricketing legend and the ‘Little Master’ or ‘Master Blaster’, Sachin Tendulkar visited the BMW Pavilion at the 12th Auto Expo 2014, held at Greater Noida, turning maximum number of eyeballs.
Auto Expo 2014: Maruti Suzuki Celerio global launch announced with Auto Gear Shift
Car market leader Maruti Suzuki India Limited launched its much awaited compact car, Celerio, with the revolutionary Auto Gear Shift here on February 7, 2014 at the Auto Expo 2014 Motor Show held in Greater Noida.
T Hashimoto, Executive Director, Marketing and Sales, Maruti Suzuki India limited (Right) and Manohar Bhat, VP Marketing at the launch of Maruti Suzuki Celerio.
According to a company statement, what with the fuel efficiency same as the Manual transmission, the revolutionary Auto Gear Shift, christened EZ Drive, is all set to redefine the car driving experience on Indian roads. Interestingly, Auto Gear Shift on the Celerio is a first for India amongst passenger cars.
THE HIGH FIVES
- EZ Drive: Auto Gear Shift technology with best in class fuel efficiency of 23.1 kmpl, at par with manual transmission, a first for passenger cars
- EZ Technology: K-Next Engine with Drive-by-Wire, All new transmission
- EZ Space: XpanDesign with Roomier cabin, Spacious headroom, legroom, shoulder room, 15 smart utility spaces, large boot
- EZ Style: CICO (Curve in Curve Out) Styling, Big road presence, Sweeping Wave dash design
- EZ Gizmos: Stereo with Bluetooth Connectivity, Steering-mounted audio controls, Multi-info display, User-friendly customizable security settings.
Poised to stir the A2 segment Maruti Suzuki Celerio is a complete package full of pleasant surprises. Among several benefits, Celerio comes with a best in class fuel efficiency of 23.1 kmpl, for both, Auto Gear Shift and the Manual Transmission variants.
Maruti Suzuki Celerio is launched at an attractive price. This price puts to rest any argument that superior technology is expensive. Often, the wide price gap between Manual and Automatic transmission variants prompts buyers to settle for manual transmission cars.
Variants
|
LXi |
Vxi |
Zxi |
Zxi (Optional) |
|
| Manual transmission |
O |
O |
O |
O |
| Auto Gear Shift |
O |
O |
– |
– |
A varied colour spectrum includes 3 new ones.
| New | Sunshine Ray | Cerulean Blue | Cave Black | |
| Existing | Blazing Red | Pearl Arctic White | Glistening Grey | Silky Silver |
Specifications
| Length | 3600 mm | Power | 68 ps / 6000 rpm |
| Width | 1600 mm | Torque | 90 Nm / 3500 rpm |
| Height | 1560 mm | Wheel Base | 2425 mm |
| Fuel Efficiency | 23.1 kmpl | Turning Radius | 4.7 meters |
| Kerb weight
|
810 kgs
830 kgs (full options) |
Boot Space | 235 litres |
| Ground Clearance | 165 mm |
In terms of maintenance of the car, the Auto Gear Shift technology on Celerio is affordable and hassle free.
With Celerio, the Company is keen to change these perceptions and raise the technology bar. Maruti Suzuki has always believed in offering cars that set new benchmarks of technology, style and overall costs in India. Maruti Suzuki Celerio is the latest example that brings path breaking Auto Gear Shift technology in cars for the first time and that too, in country’s most popular compact car segment. The Celerio promises a new, convenient and fun to drive experience, with top class fuel efficiency, at a highly attractive price and low maintenance cost. Maruti Suzuki is confident that Celerio will soon become a popular choice among customers as they enjoy the benefits that this new technology brings.
Maruti Suzuki Celerio is stylish on the outside and has roomy, spacious and functional interiors with a large boot. Offered in six variants, including two with Auto Gear Shift, the Celerio is powered by the high performing K-next petrol engine.
Auto Gear Shift: Harbinger of a revolution
Mated with the K-next engine, the Auto Gear Shift is Suzuki Motor Corporation’s newly developed technology that promises superior drive experience to the users. Powered by an intelligent actuating unit, driving is effortless with Auto Gear Shift. Auto Gear Shift is a departure from the traditional configuration, as it has only two pedals. The two pedal drive relieves the driver from synchronising between clutch and gear shift lever and brings immense value in start-stop traffic conditions.
Auto Expo 2014: All new TVS StaR City+ 110 cc motorcycle launched
TVS Motor Company is showcasing its all new TVS StaR City+ 110cc motorcycle at the ongoing Autoexpo at Greater Noida. Chisled and muscular ‘flow motion styling’ best describes the all new TVS StaR City+. This new motorcycle takes it roots from the legendary TVS StaR brand that already has a strong consumer base of more than four million consumers.
The completely new, break away styling exudes a definitive road presence, endorsing the concept: style never goes out of style! The dynamic styling of the new TVS StaR City+ integrates seamlessly with its advanced 110 cc eco-thrust engine to deliver an unparalleled ride experience. Added features like a digital speedometer, up class control and switches, hi intensity head lamp, high comfort seat and stylish aluminum grab rail sets the TVS StaR City+ apart, according to a company statement.
While speaking on the occasion, Arun Siddarth, General Manager, Motorcycles, TVS Motor Co said: “This is all new motorcycle in the cc segment. We have focused on a stylish design which will appeal to the target customer. There are several new features that have been introduced like a digital speedometer soft touch grips, service indicator, among other. This bike is fitted with an ecothurst engine, which essentially gives the rider the benefit of fuel economy along with power. We believe, it is surely a value for money product”. This motorcycle is expected to be launched in next three to four months.
Auto Expo 2014 – Components Show kick-starts at Pragati Maidan
The 12th Auto Expo – Components Show was officially opened at New Delhi’s Pragati Maidan by Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Praful Patel at a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The show organised by the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) from February 6-9, comprises 650 exhibitors showcasing a large variety of products, many which display the Indian auto component sector’s technological advancements and innovations.
Also present at the event included Harish Lakshman, President, ACMA, Kris Gopalakrishnan, President, CII, Vikram Kirloskar, President, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), other captains of industry, officials and representatives of the exhibiting companies.
Turnover
Logging a turnover of $ 39.7 billion, the Indian auto components industry is expected to grow to $ 115 billion by the year 2020 of which $ 85 billion would be contributed by its domestic turnover and $ 30 billion by its overseas business. The 12th Auto Expo – Components Show expects buying delegations from Indian as well as overseas OEMs, visits by a host of dignitaries and other important policy makers and is a purely business show.
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) works to create and sustain an environment conducive to the development of India, partnering industry, Government, and civil society, through advisory and consultative processes. CII is a non-government, not-for-profit, industry-led and industry-managed organization, playing a proactive role in India’s development process. Founded over 118 years ago, India’s premier business association has over 7100 members, from the private as well as public sectors, including SMEs and MNCs, and an indirect membership of over 90,000 enterprises from around 257 national and regional sectoral industry bodies.
CII charts change by working closely with Government on policy issues, interfacing with thought leaders, and enhancing efficiency, competitiveness and business opportunities for industry through a range of specialized services and strategic global linkages. It also provides a platform for consensus-building and networking on key issues.
Extending its agenda beyond business, CII assists industry to identify and execute corporate citizenship programmes. Partnerships with civil society organizations carry forward corporate initiatives for integrated and inclusive development across diverse domains including affirmative action, healthcare, education, livelihood, diversity management, skill development, empowerment of women, and water, to name a few.
The CII Theme for 2013-14 is Accelerating Economic Growth through Innovation, Transformation, Inclusion and Governance. Towards this, CII advocacy will accord top priority to stepping up the growth trajectory of the nation, while retaining a strong focus on accountability, transparency and measurement in the corporate and social eco-system, building a knowledge economy, and broad-basing development to help deliver the fruits of progress to all. With 63 offices, including 9 Centres of Excellence, in India, and 7 overseas offices in Australia, China, Egypt, France, Singapore, UK, and USA, as well as institutional partnerships with 224 counterpart organisations in 90 countries, CII serves as a reference point for Indian industry and the international business community.
The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) is the apex body representing the interest of the Indian Auto Component Industry. Its active involvement in trade promotion, technology up-gradation, quality enhancement and collection and dissemination of information has made it a vital catalyst for this industry’s development. ACMA’s charter is to develop a globally competitive Indian auto component Industry and strengthen its role in national economic development as also promote business through international alliances. ACMA is an ISO 9001:2008 certified Association with a membership of over 700 members.
Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) is the apex Industry body representing 46 leading vehicle and vehicular engine manufacturers in India. SIAM is an ISO 9001:2008 certified organisation. SIAM is an important channel of communication for the Automobile Industry with the Government, National and International organisations. The Society works closely with all the concerned stakeholders and actively participates in formulation of rules, regulations and policies related to the Automobile Industry.
Auto Expo 2014: SIAM-ACMA announce setting up of Auto Data Exchange, AutoDX
India’s apex body, The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and the nodal agency, Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), representing automotive and the auto component industry respectively, today announced the setting up of Auto Data Exchange ‘AutoDX’, an EDI platform for seamlessly integrating OEMs and suppliers on a common data exchange standard.
The AutoDX, to be formally launched during the forthcoming Auto Expo 2014, the Indian auto industry’s flagship event, will help standardise transaction data definitions, automate data exchange amongst industry players, obviate manual data entries and provide data interchange capability across the automotive industry to enable a streamlined supply chain.
While giving more insight on this unique initiative, Vikram Kirloskar, President, SIAM, said: “Today, most auto OEMs as well as suppliers have mature IT platforms and technology-enabled transactional processes. Most of these IT interventions have been internally focused to improve the efficiencies of the respective organisations. However, these IT interventions have resulted in customised, company-specific documents and data formats resulting in significant additional efforts by the industry in integrating with each other”.
Loss of productivity
Usually, each OEM has a dedicated portal for publishing delivery schedules, uploading/data entry of supplier transactions and publishing of financial settlement data to suppliers. Suppliers need to customise their systems to each OEM’s portal for uploading/downloading transaction data from these portals. This hinders agile, real time data integration between industry players. At times, this complexity results in delays in shipments and dilutes OEMs’ JIT/JIS initiatives. Further, people-based processes for uploading and downloading data on to the portals leads to errors resulting in loss of productivity.
Effective solution
Focusing on the urgent need for an effective, collaborative, industry-wide solution, Harish Lakshman, President, ACMA, pointed out: “The respective IT Committees of SIAM and ACMA realised the need to come together for reducing the complexity and have been working on an action plan since 2010 which has now resulted in setting up of the EDI platform — AutoDX. The solution has undergone successful pilot testing by ten firms and is now ready for a progressive rollout. This common cloud-based platform can enable seamless information exchange not just between OEMs and its Tier-I suppliers, but also with the upstream value chain, logistics partners, financial institutions and others who serve the auto industry. Our broader vision is to facilitate adoption of standards wherever structured information is exchanged, be it in the form of electronic or paper document or labels such as barcode and RFID”.
Vijay Sethi, Chairman, SIAM IT Committee, elaborating on the initiative, said: “In a first-ever joint initiative between SIAM and ACMA, UN’s EDIFACT-based standards have been adapted for standardisation of information exchange between OEMs and suppliers. While KPMG helped us in setting standards, IBM is our technology partner for this initiative. Exchange of information on various critical logistics and financial transactions like delivery schedules, commercial documents, logistics information etc., can be now done seamlessly between supply chain partners without any manual intervention. While improving efficiency, it will also lead to reduced transaction costs. The initiative makes digital collaboration amongst supply chain partners in the Indian automotive industry comparable to any industry globally”.
Throwing more light on the benefits of the AutoDX, Ravi Machani, Chairman ACMA IT Committee concurred: “An estimated 40 OEMs (SIAM members) and over 700 suppliers (ACMA members) are expected to leverage the IBM Sterling B2B Collaboration Network solution to derive business benefits through Standardisation of information exchange and use of Common EDI Technology Infrastructure which will address a long-standing hurdle that has prevented tighter collaboration between supply chain partners. It will increase supply chain efficiency, reduce transaction costs for both and in the long run, provide end-to-end tracking and traceability of goods across the supply chain”.
Channel of communication for Auto Industry
Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) is the apex Industry body representing 46 leading vehicle and vehicular engine manufacturers in India. SIAM is an ISO 9001:2008 certified organisation. SIAM is an important channel of communication for the Automobile Industry with the Government, National and International organisations. The Society works closely with all the concerned stakeholders and actively participates in formulation of rules, regulations and policies related to the Automobile Industry.
Catalyst
The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) is the apex body representing the interest of the Indian Auto Component Industry. Its active involvement in trade promotion, technology up-gradation, quality enhancement and collection and dissemination of information has made it a vital catalyst for this industry’s development. ACMA’s charter is to develop a globally competitive Indian auto component Industry and strengthen its role in national economic development as also promote business through international alliances. ACMA is an ISO 9001:2008 certified Association with a membership of over 700 members.
Benefits of AutoDX
The IBM Sterling B2B Collaboration Network solution ensures a synchronised supply chain that allows collaboration across multiple enterprises by standardising the Indian automotive industry data formats and data exchange processes, besides removing manual interventions. It further enables web browser-based transactions, integrating all tiers of the supply chain. What is more, it offers flexibility of integration based on each participants needs and provides a real-time, rich information model.
Key benefit
Both SIAM and ACMA members will get significant benefits from a commitment to EDI-based integration. Officials from these two agencies will be able to leverage the IBM Sterling B2B Collaboration Network solution to derive business benefits by adopting the EDI standards prescribed in the AutoDX platform. The benefits expected from this initiative include getting the right part delivered to the right place at the right time, allowing for faster and more accurate accounts reconciliation, synchronisation of the supply chain throughout all tiers, real-time JIT/JIS, close looping of logistics and accounts reconciliation, reduction of proliferation of portals and manual efforts, introduction of collaboration and knowledge sharing, provision of a single system of record minimising offline transactions, reduction in warranty costs through streamlining of product failure information and last, but not the least, improved inventory management through reconciliation of part information in the future.
EDIFACT
United Nations ‘Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce and Transport’ is the international EDI standard developed under the aegis of United Nations. This is the global reference standard to which the software designs are also aligned.
Auto Expo 2014: Jaguar F-Type Coupe, Jaguar C-X17 Crossover Concept and other cars to be launched
The 12th Delhi Auto-Expo will see the Indian launch of the Jaguar F-TYPE Coupe, the most dynamically capable, performance-focused, production Jaguar ever. Besides that the Indian debut of the Jaguar C-X17 Crossover Concept and the D-Type inspired Project 7, display of the Jaguar F-TYPE Convertible, Jaguar XF and Jaguar XJ are the highlights.Land Rover.
Land Rover
The long wheelbase Range Rover makes its Indian market debut, catering for a growing group of consumers looking for the ultimate SUV and an alternative to the traditional long wheelbase saloon cars in this segment. The upgraded 2014 model year Discovery is announced. The multi-award winning vehicle gets a new look, new branding and new single-speed drivetrain to broaden its appeal. One of the most successful Land Rover vehicles ever made, the Range Rover Evoque, will be further enhanced with a new 9-speed automatic transmission and exterior and interior design enhancements. Display of the 14 Model Year Range Rover Sport and Freelander 2.
Satellite Feeds and B Roll Footage
B-Roll of the Jaguar eve of show event and from the 12th Delhi Auto-Expo will be available for download via: broadcast.jaguarlandrover.com/stories/8113.
Auto Expo 2014: Paracoat Products to unveil Caravan Tourism and Water Purification for the first time in India
Paracoat Products Limited (PCP), India’s leading manufacturer in Total NVH reduction components for use in the automotive industry is all set to introduce new ventures in Caravan Tourism and Water Purification that are first in India, according to a company statement. These products will be exclusively displayed at the Auto Expo 2014 that will be held in Greater Noida from February 05-10, 2014.
Commenting on the much-awaited new concepts, Rajesh Poddar, Director- Business Development, PCP, said, “PCP has always led the way when it comes to innovation, and with Terra we wish to continue our legacy in India of producing world-class products. These vehicles have been built keeping in mind varied Indian conditions and special requirements of our valued Indian customers. We are looking forward to display the new models at the Auto Expo 2014 and positive that our new products will bring smile to lot many faces that have undergone health problems due to traveling or continuous driving.”
PCP will also display the upgraded models of Motorhome “Terra” and “PCP Care” which is a new and noble concept for people suffering from Spinal and Knee Injuries. Paracoat Products Limited (PCP) started in 1974 with manufacturing of Underbody Sound Deadener at Kolkata , during 1980 started making insulations based on rubber laminated with Jute/cotton for floor, bonnet, and rear seat. In 1984 PCP started with paints, sealers, and sealants in the name of Paragon Paints , In1984 PCP started manufacturing Melt Sheets (Asphalt Sheets) for HM’s Contessa, based on the requirements of Vauxhall of GM (100 percent import substitutes).
PCP in order to make itself a “Consumer Delight” company has got strategic presence Pan- India for giving JIT services to customers at Bhiwadi (North); Hosur (South); Pune (West) ; Halol (Gujrat) and Kolkata (East). PCP towards its endeavour towards International expansion started a New Plant in Thailand in June’13. This plant caters to requirement of local Thailand Automotive Industry as well as the ASEAN region. PCP with inner thrust for upgradation of technology has been guided through Technical Assistance/ Technical Cooperation by the global technology leaders across the globe. PCP signed a strategic relation with Kolano and Saha Engineers, USA for design and development of NVH parts and create a capability to become a full service supplier. Under all these developments, PCP has been able to achieve its objective of providing at least one component to every passenger car running in the country.
Auto Expo 2014: Toyota Kirloskar Motor to launch All New Corolla Altis and Etios Cross
Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) sold 10,910 units in Jan 2014 compared to 13,329 units in Jan 2013. The company exported 1,530 units of Etios series last month.
N Raja, Senior Vice – President, Sales and Marketing said: “The market continues to be sluggish and the market sentiments remain low. We will be unveiling the All New Corolla Altis and Etios Cross at the Auto Expo 2014. We look forward to delighting our customers with these new vehicles that are built on the QDR (Quality, Durability and Reliability) Standards. The Auto Expo is expected to bring about excitement and will help improve customer sentiments”.
The News Hour India by Kenath Jayashankar Menon 