EDAG, worldwide provider of engineering services, will be presenting the world premiere of its vision of an environment-friendly, future-orientated vehicle for everyday and leisure use at this year’s International Motor Show in Geneva. For the body concept of the “Light Car – Open Source”,

EDAG Light Car-Open Source

EDAG has broken new ground, and for the first time ever in automotive engineering, used ASA.TEC’s innovative basalt fibre, a lightweight, stable and – above all – 100% recyclable material. Propulsion is taken care of by intelligent, electric drive systems in the wheels, which not only feature a high degree of efficiency to get the power of the lithium-ion batteries onto the road, but will also provide considerably greater creative scope for the vehicle package. In addition, with its innovative light concept, the “Light Car – Open Source” will be one of the first vehicles to utilise (O)LED technology as an individually adaptable design and communication element. See the EDAG “Light Car – Open Source” video animation. The EDAG Group would like, as a design engineering company, to apply its experience to contributing to the development of new vehicle concepts and processes. Rising energy prices, the CO2 discussion and the increase in demands for reasonably priced cars are all pressing questions which now, more than ever, call for innovative concepts. With its concept cars, EDAG has been producing pragmatic ideas for the evolution of the automobile since 1999. Motivated by the current discussions about the cars of tomorrow and future direction of the automotive industry, EDAG has risked taking a visionary and courageous look towards the future. With the “Light Car – Open Source”, EDAG gives possible answers to the question of how new materials, new body concepts and alternative drive systems can be implemented in the future, while conserving resources and keeping costs down for the manufacturer and customer alike. Light as a design and communication element The body: an individually adaptable desktop With its innovative light concept and minimalised lighting technology, the “Light Car – Open Source” is one of the first vehicles to use (O)LED technology as a variable design and communication element. Not until it is started up does the “Light Car – Open Source”, with a body that looks as though it is made of glass, come to life and reveal its true looks. In the glass panes, (O)LED lamps mark out the outlines of the headlights and rear lights on the “Light Car – Open Source”. The driver can design the outlines of the lights to his individual taste to give the car a unique appearance, something he is already used to doing, from setting up his PC desktop. The driver also has a free hand when it comes to arranging his “workplace” in the cockpit. Whether he wants the tachometer in the middle or the climate control gauge on the right-hand side, the driver can individually configure his cockpit as far as size, position and style of the instruments is concerned. “We have transferred today’s multimedia and lighting technology standards to the car, and in future want to offer the customer scope for free configuration, as the entire surface of the vehicle functions like the display of a multimedia installation, and can be used intelligently and individually, ” explains Johannes Barckmann, Head of the EDAG Design Studio. With the aid of state-of-the-art (O)LED technology, EDAG uses the transparent tailgate as a projection screen, making car-to-car communication visible and usable to all motorists. For instance, the braking force can be communicated to the next vehicle by means of an illuminated scale on the back of the car. Other information, such as a distance reading or if there is the tail end of a traffic jam ahead, can be clearly displayed on the back of the car, even if the vehicle behind does not have a car-to-car communication system of its own. Further, the driver of the car behind can see the information straight away, without needing to take his eyes off the road! Innovative basalt fibre as material – rolling chassis as platform With the choice of materials for EDAG’s “Light Car – Open Source”, the emphasis is also on innovative solutions. Apart from the glass surfaces or alternatively Makrolon, the material of the future, the structure of the vehicle is predominantly of an innovative, industrially standardised basalt fibre (ASA.TEC fibre). This 100% recyclable and almost infinitely available raw material is not just lighter and less costly than aluminium or carbon, but also has practically the same strength properties as conventional materials. This new quality of basalt fibre, which is to be utilised in the construction of rotors for large-scale wind power plants in the future, can now be put to systematic use in the automotive industry. This type of basalt fibre therefore has the potential for becoming a main structural element and thus being used as a future lightweight material in cars for the high volume market. The body concept of the “Light Car – Open Source” is based on a rolling chassis – a genuine, universal platform to which the modules for various bodies can be added. This enables vehicle derivatives to be developed more quickly and at lower cost. One hundred percent monovalent! The drive concept of the light car is based on an all-electric, monovalent drive system with a range of up to 150 kilometres, making it eminently suitable for everyday use. The matter of propulsion is taken care of by intelligent, electric drive systems in the wheels, which not only feature a high degree of efficiency to get the power of the lithium-ion batteries in the rolling chassis onto the road, but will also provide considerably greater creative scope for the vehicle package. This is made possible by a system integrated in the wheels, which consolidates a number of functions: steering, brakes, drive and suspension. The light car’s exterior dimensions – 4 metres long and 1.70 metres wide – put it in the compact car size range, and as both engine and gearbox have been eliminated, the wheelbase – 2.90 metres – has been brought up to luxury class level, with enough space to seat five passengers in comfort. Open source The new lightweight material, standardised basalt fibre, an electric drive system, rolling chassis and – last but not least – the innovative lighting concept offer great potential for a new vehicle concept. Many of the technologies shown today are still in the early stages of their development. For this reason, EDAG regards this as an open source project, and approaches other companies with which it can then work on the development of the EDAG Light Car. The company has made a deliberate decision to address itself to a wide circle, thus enabling new notions to be absorbed in the car of the future. Computer and software developers are to apply their new technologies in exactly the same way as ASA.TEC basalt fibre, (O)LED technology or electric drive specialists do. With EDAG’s expertise in vehicle and production plant development, and the integration of system suppliers in complex complete development projects, the Fulda company will be playing the leading role in the development of the open source project. The company’s all-round understanding of product and production will help EDAG to develop pragmatic solutions, particularly regarding savings potential when it comes to product costs. With “Light Car – Open Source”, the EDAG Group intends not only to substantiate its claims to being an innovative engineering partner to the automotive industry, but also to stimulate the discussion of ways and means of satisfying future consumer demands – ecological and economical – on the next generation of cars.

Source: EDAG.de

The journey of  Nano from Ratan Tata’s dreams to the road was no cakewalk.  First the engineering

challenges which it has to face to launch the car at affordable price tag of 1 lakh INR  and then the

major issue faced by it  in West Bengal, where Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamul Congress spearheaded an

agitation against the land given for the cars factory at Singur.

But after lots of “if “and “but”,”ups” and “downs”, finally the Dream Car has been launched today at

Mumbai.   

Nano, the 4-seater, 623cc rear engine car has estimated to have limited production in its first year, (approx

50,000 to 60,000 units). But when the production in  Sanand , Gujarat will start most probably next year

then  2.5 lakh cars will be rolling out annually.

Tata Motors also plans to take the car global as it recently unveiled the Nano Europa in Geneva, which is a

slightly more robust version of the Indian model, and would be on sale in Europe in 2011.

They are also planning to launch the diesel variant by the middle of the next year.

Wishing all the best to Nano and a wonderful journey ahead..!! 

The power developed by the engine mainly depend upon three factors:

1. The amount of air which can be passed throgh the combustion chamber per minute- Volumetric Efficiency

2. The completness with which air can be mixed with fuel and burnt- Thermal Efficiency

3.  How well the chemical energy of the burning fuel can be converted into mechanical work at the crankshaft- Mechanical Efficiency

Volumetric Efficiency:

It desribes how well the gas has passed the engine.It require minimum obstruction of gas flow both in and out.  Valve timing also plays an important role. Its also impotant to keep the fuel-air mixture temperature low at inlet as hot gas is more dense than cold one thus cylinder will carry a smaller mass of mixture.

Engines with higher volumetric efficiency will run at higher RPM and produce more overall power.There are few standard way to improve volumetric efficiency  like larger valve or multiple valve.

Thermal Efficiency:

The highest possible compression ratio which can be used without knocking (detonation) and the minimum loss of heat to the combustion walls are the two main requirements for thermal efficiency. For both reasons the combustion chamber needs to be as compact as possible as its surface area will be less thus leass heat loss also the compact chamber has less distance to travel hence mixture burns  quicker reducing knocking risk and due to proper burning less emission too.

Mechanical Efficiency:

The desigs of the mechanical parts of the engine all have a bearing on how well the result of the burning of the fuel equates to the turning of crankshaft. The loss of some efficiency due to the increased effort of turning multiple crankshafts against more valve springs is offset by the inherent advantages of the overhead cam design.

Audi –>  Germany

Bentley Motors Limited –> England

BMW –> German

DC –> German

Fiat –> Italy

Ford –> USA

General Motors –> USA

Honda –> Japan

Hyundai –> South Korea

Lamborghini –> Italy

Mahindra & Mahindra –> India

Mazda –> Japan

Mitsubishi –> Japan

MUL –> India

Nissan –> Japan

Porsche –> German

Renault –> France

Reva –> India

Roll- Royce –> England

Skoda –> Czech Republic

Suzuki –> Japan

Tata Motors –> India

Toyota –> Japan

Volkswagen –> German

Volvo –> Swedan

From the singsong rhythm of the bullock cart to the jet-age, India has traveled a long way. An average Indian’s dream car may not be the design-savvy Honda or the stately limousine, but he sure can dream, and afford, the Maruti now.

It was in 1898 that the first motorcar rode down India’s roads. From then till the First World War, about 4,000 cars were directly imported to India from foreign manufacturers. The growing demand for these cars established the inherent requirements of the Indian market that these merchants were quick to pounce upon.

The Hindustan Motors (HM) was set up in 1942 and in 1944, Premier Autobackmobile (PAL) was established to manufacture automobiles in India. However, it was PAL who produced the first car in India in 1946, as HM concentrated on auto components and could produce their first car only in 1949.

It was left to another company, Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) to manufacture sturdier utility vehicles, namely the American Jeep.

In the 50s, the Government of India granted approval to only 7 car dealers to operate in India – HM, API, ALL, SMPIL, PAL, M&M and Telco.

The protectionist policies continued to remain in place. The 60s witnessed the establishment of the two-three wheeler industry in India and in the 70s, things remained much the same.

Since the 80s, the Indian car Industry has seen a major resurgence with the opening up of Indian shores to foreign manufacturers and collaborators.

The 90s have become the melting point for the car industry in India. The consumer is king. He is being constantly wooed by both the Indian and foreign manufacturers. Though sales had taken a dip in the first few months of 1999, it is back to boom time. New models like Maruti’s Classic, Alto, Station Wagon, Ford’s Ikon, the new look Mitsubishi Lancer are all being launched with an eye on the emerging market.

In these last years of the millennium, suffice it is to say that Indian cars will only grow from strength to strength.

A behind- the- scenes look into the making of one of India’s most vibrant industries. The landmarks along the way…

1928- The first imported car was seen on Indian roads

1942- Hindustan Motors incorporated

1944- Premier automobiles started

1948- First car manufactured in India

1953- The Government of India decreed that only those firms which have a manufacturing program should be allowed to operate

1955- Only seven firms, namely, HM, API, ALL, SMPIL, PAL, M& M and TELCO received approval.

1960 – 1970 - The two, three wheeler industry established a foothold in the Indian scenario.

1970 – 1980 - Not much change was witnessed during this period. The major factors affecting the industry were the implementation of the MRTP Act( Monopolies and Trade Restrictive Practices Act), FERA (Foreign Exchange Regulation Act) and the Oil Shock of 1973 and 1979.

1980 – 1990 - The first phase of liberalization was announced by the Govt. -With the liberalization of the Government’s protectionist policies, the advantages hitherto enjoyed by the Indian car manufacturers like monopoly, oligopoly, slowly began to disappear.

This period is also marked by the entry of a large number of firms in the market. 4 Japanese manufacturers entered the Commercial Vehicle and Two- Wheeler market.

The Government agreed to the demand for allowing foreign collaboration in the automobile sector.

The industry witnessed a resurgence due to major policy changes like relaxation in MRTP and FERA, delicensing of some ancillary products, broad banding of the products and modification in the licensing policy. Also, the concessions it gave to the private sector and the new foreign collaboration policy, all resulted in higher growth and better performance of the industry than in the earlier decades.

The Government of India tied up with Suzuki Inc. of Japan which produced India’s most successful car- the Maruti.

1991 - Under the Govt.’s new National Industrial Policy, the license raj was dispensed with, and the automobile industries were allowed to expand freely.

1993 - With the winds of liberalization sweeping the Indian car market, many multinationals like Daewoo, Peugeot, general Motors, Mercedes-Benz and Fiat came into the Indian car market.

1997 - The National Highway Policy was announced which will hopefully have a positive impact on the automobile industry. The Government also laid down the emission standards to be met by car manufacturers in India in the coming millennium. There were two successively stringent emission levels to be met by April 2000 and April 2005, respectively. These norms were benchmarked on the basis of those already adopted in Europe, hence the names Euro I (equivalent to India 2000) and the Indian equivalent of Euro II.

1999 - The Hon’ble Supreme Court passed an order directing all car manufacturers to comply with Euro I emission norms (India 2000 norms) by the 1st of May, 1999 in National Capital Region(NCR) of Delhi. The deadline was later extended to 1st June, 1999.

 Source: auto.indiamart.com

The birth of the car as we know it today occurred over a period of years. It was only in 1885 that the first real car rolled down on to the streets. The earlier attempts, though successful, were steam powered road-vehicles.

The first self-propelled car was built by Nicolas Cugnot in 1769 which could attain speeds of upto 6 kms/hour. In 1771 he again designed another steam-driven engine which ran so fast that it rammed into a wall, recording the world’s first accident.

In 1807 Francois Isaac de Rivaz designed the first internal combustion engine. This was subsequently used by him to develop the world’s first vehicle to run on such an engine, one that used a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen to generate energy.

This spawned the birth of a number of designs based on the internal combustion engine in the early nineteenth century with little or no degree of commercial success. In 1860 thereafter, Jean Joseph Etienne Lenoir built the first successful two-stroke gas driven engine. In 1862 he again built an experimental vehicle driven by his gas-engine, which ran at a speed of 3 kms/hour. These cars became popular and by 1865 could be frequently espied on the roads.

The next major leap forward occurred in 1885 when the four stroke engine was devised. Gottileb Damlier and Nicolas Otto worked together on the mission till they fell apart. Daimler created his own engines which he used both for cars and for the first four wheel horseless carriage. In the meanwhile, unknown to them, Karl Benz, was in the process of creating his own advanced tri-cycle which proved to be the first true car. This car first saw the light of the day in 1886.

The season of experiments continued across the seas in the United States where Henry Ford began work on a horseless carriage in 1890. He went several steps forward and in 1896, completed his first car, the Quadricycle in 1896. This was an automobile powered by a two cylinder gasoline engine. The Ford Motor Company was launched in 1903 and in 1908 he catapulted his vehicle, Model T Ford to the pinnacle of fame. Continuing with his innovations, he produced this model on a moving assembly line, thus introducing the modern mass production techniques of the automobile industry.

The modern car, therefore comes from a long list of venerated ancestors, and its lineage will, hopefully grow longer as we progress!

Source :auto.indiamart.com

Car companies as famous as Toyota and Ford are widely known around the world. Many car manufacturers have made vehicles that have endeared themselves not only to their customers, but to an entire generation. With that in mind, lets look at these companies from a different angle, here are ten things you didn’t know about the major car companies.

1. John and Horace Dodge, future automakers themselves, were among the initial investors in the Ford Motor Company.

2. There are only four companies worldwide that are larger than General Motors: Wal-Mart, Exxon Mobil, Royal Dutch Shell, and BP.

3. The trucks manufactured for the Japanese military by Toyota had only one headlight which was mounted in the center of the hood.

4. The now famous Chrysler star logo, known as the Pentastar, first began to appear on their vehicles in 1963.

5. During World War II, the main manufacturing plant for the Nissan company was moved to Japanese captured land in China.

6. The first Volkswagen Beetle was designed by Ferdinand Porsche, the founder of auto maker Porsche.

7. Honda is not the largest auto maker in the world, but it is the largest maker of engines in the world.

8. When auto maker Dodge was sold for 146 million dollars in 1925 it was the largest cash transaction in history.

9. Auto maker Porsche was founded in 1931 but didn’t make its first car until 1939.

10. The Cadillac company is named for Antoine Laumet de La Mothe, sieur de Cadillac, a 17th century French explorer who founded Detroit in 1701.

The major car manufacturers have gotten to be major corporations because they are doing something right. They surprise us and disappoint us every year with the new models that come out. What will they roll out for next year and what will their great accomplishments be? Only time will tell.

Source : http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=MAllen

In general, two door cars are considered as coupe and four doors as sedan. But there are two doors sedan also and four door coupe too.

So, the basic difference is not the number of doors but the interior volume or space. The SAE ( Society of Automotive Engineers) has standarizes  the two types according to their interior volume. The coupe =< 33 cubic feet and sedan>= 33 cubic feet.

Some people even think that they are differentiated by whether the car has a hatchback rear. It is true for many coupe but not to all so, generalizing it does not make any sense.

Small Car :

These are generally cars with low price under 3 lakhs. It has a  4 passenger capacity . These are mostly preferred by service group and middle income group.

Maruti is the major  manufacturer of cars of this class . But with the launch of Nano, TATA will be soon competing with MUL in the small car race.

Mid Size Car :

It is generally in the range of Rs. 3 to 8 lakhs.It has a capacity to carry 4 passengers. The major player in this segment are :Fiat India, Ford, General Motors, Hindustan Motors, Hyundai Motors, Maruti Udyog , Tata Motors.

It is generally targeted by executive class.

Premium Car :

They fall in the range of 7 to 15 lakhs and can carry 5 passenger .

Luxury Car :

As  the name itself suggests that a its a car which is more of a luxury than a real need. They are made for high income group. BMW, DC,Porsche are known for their luxury cars.

 Utility Vehicle :

Utility vehicles are found in two kinds:

SUV (Sports Utility Vehicles) and  MUV (Multi Utility Vehicles).

This segment car is the fastest selling of all. It can accomodate many passenger and are generally prfered for long routes.

Fiat India, Ford Motors, Force Motors, General Motors, Hyundai Motors, Hindustan Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, Nissan, Porsche, Tata Motors etc are few major SUV manuafcturer.