Plate Type Two Wheeler Clutches

Plate Type Clutches consists of set of friction

plates & steel plates that are pressed under the
spring load & transmits the power from engine to
gearbox and subsequently to drive wheels.
This clutch is an arrangement of plates stacked in
alternating fashion, one geared on the inside to
the engine, and next geared on the outside to the
transmission input shaft. Whether wet or dry, the
plates are squeezed together by a spring, causing
friction buildup between the plates until they
rotate as a single unit, driving the transmission
directly.

Centrifugal
Two Wheeler
Clutches

Centrifugal
Clutch is based
on the principle
of centrifugal
force. This
clutch uses a
combination of
friction Discs
(like brake
shoe) and
floater (outer) to
transfer power
from the engine
to the drive
wheels. In all
centrifugal
clutches, centrifugal force works against spring tension to determine whether the clutch is engaged or
not. At low rpm, the spring tension is greater than the centrifugal force and the clutch spins freely. As
the engine speed increases, the centrifugal force begins to overcome the spring tension and at one point
of time friction discs get engaged with floater and transmit the power.

Four Wheeler Clutches

Manual Transmission Four Wheeleer Clutches

 Manual Transmission are characterized by gear
ratios which are selectable by engaging pairs of gears
inside the transmission. Manual Transmission is a
type of transmission used in automotive applications.
Manual Transmissions often feature a driver-operated
clutch and a movable gear selector, although some
do not. Most automobile manual transmissions allow
the driver to select any gear at any time, but some,
such as those commonly mounted on motorcycles
and some types of race cars, only allow the driver to
select the next- highest or lower gear ratio.

Automatic Transmission Four Wheeler Clutches

Soul of Clutch
 Clutch Friction Disc-Two Wheelers

The clutch friction Disc, also called as friction lining,

consists of a splined round metal plate covered with
friction material (lining). The splines in the center of the
clutch Disc mesh with the splines on the input shaft of
the manual transmission. This makes the input shaft and
Disc turn together. However, the Disc is free to slide
back and forth on the shaft.

Cork Base & Paper Base Clutch Friction Disc

The cork base clutch friction Disc is made of heat–resistant non-

asbestos cork, cotton fibers and copper wires moulded together.
Grooves are cut into the friction material to aid cooling and release of
the clutch Disc. In some cases, rivets are used to bond the friction
material to both sides of the metal body of the Disc.

The paper base clutch friction Disc is made of heat–resistant

cellulose, cotton fibers and copper wires moulded together. Cellulose is
used to prolong life of the clutch and provide more torsional strength.
Paper CFD has more life than cork base friction material as it possess :-

More heat resistant property

Low wear and tear characteristics
High endurance
Low warranties

Clutch friction materials

Clutch friction linings are subjected to rubbing leading to generation of heat for
relatively short periods. Therefore, it is desirable that they have a combination of these
properties.
(a) Relatively high coefficient of friction under operating conditions.

(b) Capability of maintaining friction properties over its working life.

(c) Relatively high energy absorption capacity for short periods.

(d) Capability of withstanding high pressure plate compressive loads.

(e) Capability of withstanding bursts of centrifugal force when gear changing..

(f) Adequate shear strength to transmit engine torque.

(g) High level of cyclic working endurance without the deterioration on friction
properties

(h) Good compatibility with cast iron facing over the normal operating temperature
range.

(i) A high degree of interface contamination tolerance without affecting its friction
take-up and grip characteristics.

Asbestos based linings

Generally, clutch driven plate asbestos based linings are of the woven variety. These
woven linings are made from asbestos fibre spun around length of brass or Zinc wire to
make length of threads which are both heat resistant and strong. The woven cloth can be
processed in one of two ways.

(a) The fibre wire thread is woven onto a cloth and pressed out into discs of the
required diameters, followed by stiching several of these discs together to obtain
the desired thickness. The resultant disc is then dipped into resin to bond the
woven asbestos threads together.

(b) The asbestos fibre wire is woven in three dimensions in the form of a disc to
obtain in a single stage the desired thickness. It is then pressed into shape and
bonded together by again dipping it into a resin solution. Finally, the rigid lining
is machined and drilled, ready for riveting to the driven plate. Development in
weaving techniques has in certain cases eliminated the use of wire crossing so
 that asbestos woven lining may be offered as either non-resin or resin metallic
to match a variety of working conditions.

The normal highest working temperature below which asbestos linings operate
satisfactorily giving uniform coefficient of friction lies between 0.32 and 0.38 and a
reasonable life span is obtained. During 260°C, asbestos of diameter less than 0.003mm
becomes possible which can be easily inhaled by human damaging lungs. The above
draw back desires an alternative human friendly substitute for asbestos based friction
lining material

Asbestos substitute friction material

The Dupont Company has developed a friction material derived from aromatic polyamide
fibers belonging to the nylon family of polymers and it has been given the trade name
Kevlar aramide. The operating properties relative to asbestos based linings are as follows.
i) High endurance performance over its normal working pressure and temperature ranges.
ii) It is lighter in weight than asbestos material therefore a reduction in driven plate spin
shortens the time required for gear changing.
iii) Good take-off characteristics, particularly with vehicle which were in the past prone
to grab.
iv) Weight for weight Kevlar has five times the tensile strength of steel.
v) Good centrifugal strength to withstand lining disintegration as a result of sudden
acceleration which may occur during the changing of gears.
vi) Stable rubbing properties at high operating temperature. It is not until a temperature
of 425°C is reached that it begins to break down and then it does not simply become
soft and melt, but steadily changes to carbon, the disintegration process being
completed at about 500°C.
Kevlar exists in two states, firstly as a 0.12mm thick endless longitudinal fibre which has
a cut length varying between 6 and 100 mm and secondly in the form of an amorphous
structure of crushed and ground fibre known as pulp. In either form, there fibres are
difficult to inhale because of their shape and size.

Hsg22-02-2009

Brief History of Transmission Systems in Cars

A car receives power from the engine under its hood, but it is the transmission that helps utilize engine power efficiently. The
gearbox in a car brings variety to driving and a very responsive transmission can make a big difference in ride quality for the
occupants. Most cars today come installed with good transmissions.
Car transmissions were not always like this. The ones we see today are the result of an incremental
evolution and development over the past century. The earliest transmissions were all of manual
type. Later on a fusion of computing technology with well evolved manual transmissions led to the
creation of automatic transmission systems in cars. Manual transmissions still continue to be just as
popular as they used to be for the sole reason that they give the driver a sense of thrill through the
ability to shift gears up or down at any desired moment.

The transmission in a car is an intertwined system of gears, shafts and other parts that form a
bridge to transfer power from the engine to the wheels. The setup helps the car maintain its
cruising speeds and slow down or rev up depending on the condition of the road. It does all this
without affecting the engine’s performance at any time.

The first manual transmission was introduced by a company called Warner Gear (now BorgWarner)
in 1927. It was a four speed gearbox with an H-shaped pattern. It helped the car achieve high
speeds with ease and at no discomfort to the occupants. In 1930, an improved technology was
introduced. Car manufacturers were now encouraged to try out different technologies in gearboxes.
One such noticeable improvement was in the Buick Series 40 from Chrysler Corporation in 1939
where springs were employed to exert high pressure on the clutch plates while the driver was
required only to apply light pressure on the clutch pedal to start or stop the car. However, the
system soon saw several technical problems and became redundant.

After weighing other options, Chrysler settled for a fluid drive system in which the clutch pedal was
operated in two vaned plates. Power was transmitted through shearing action in low viscosity
mineral oil. Through this new concept drivers could stop the car without using the clutch, while
leaving the gear in high mode. However, this system too did not find many takers and was
eventually dropped.

The next new system to be developed used a sliding spur gearbox with three or four forward gears
and a reverse gear integrated into it. This was the beginning of the modern gear box. The shifter
slid a spur gear into the desired position to employ engine power. In the early stages, the shifter
moved with great stiffness and required skill to prevent the clutch teeth from clashing against each
other. Later on, the clutch plates were synchronized with the shifter so that the parts moved in
unison. The only hurdle left for the driver was that the shifter needed to move simultaneously with
the accelerator pedal, clutch pedal and the gearshift model.
Transmission design remained nearly the same for several years to come until the first automatic
transmission was developed. The automatic transmission was introduced first in some luxury cars
before it was adapted to small cars. Though automatic transmissions became popular due to ease of
use, many people today still prefer manual transmissions on their cars.

Car Transmission – Mystery Explained!

Car transmission system in a car helps to transmit mechanical power from the car engine to give kinetic
energy to the wheels. It is an interconnected system of gears, shafts, and other electrical gadgets that form a
bridge to transfer power and energy from the engine to the wheels. The complete set up of the system helps
to maintain the cruising speed of the car without any disturbance to the car’s performance. The oldest
variant of the transmission system in India is the manual transmission that has undergone various
modifications and alterations to form the present day automatic transmission.

Types of Car Transmissions

The two common types of transmissions are manual transmission and automatic transmission. In India, manual transmission is
known as the Sequential Manual Transmission. This kind of transmission system is controlled by a driver operated clutch that
helps to change gears during acceleration or deceleration. The first manual transmission was introduced in 1909 by a company
known as Warner Gear, now called BorgWarner. The first gearbox was available with an H-shaped pattern comprising of fur
shift gears. Later on, various innovations and advancements took place, which gradually transformed the pattern and number
of gears in the manual system. In modern day cars, manual transmission systems are found with five forward gears and one
reverse gear. These gears help the driver to drive with ease and comfort even at high changing speeds.

The first automatic transmission was introduced by the Sturtevant brothers of Boston in 1904. The modern form of
transmission provided two forward speeds that work on the action of centrifugal weights. When the speed of the car engine
increases, the weight would swing out transmission to engage the gears and when the weight flew apart, the gears would
disengage. In India, this modern system of transmission was launched by Kinetic Motors through its most successful running
Kinetic Honda bike. In this type of transmission, gears are automatically shifted in the gearbox, relieving the driver from
changing gears.

Manual Transmission vs. Automatic Transmission

Though advanced technology has given birth to the modern day automatic transmission, manual system
scores more. Compiled here is a brief comparison of the advantages offered by both the transmission
systems.

Advantages of manual over automatic are as follows:

• One of the biggest advantages of a manual gearbox is to have a greater control

over the gear selection. This is because in a manual system, a clutch is used to control
speed instead of a torque convertor. Therefore, acceleration of the vehicle, especially
during over-taking maneuvers, is at the driver’s own discretion.
 • Manual gearshifts are more fuel efficient as compared to their automatic
counterpart. Torque convertor used to engage and disengage automatic gears may lose
power and reduce acceleration as well as fuel economy.
• Compared to cars with automatic transmissions, cars with manual transmissions
are cheaper to run and car maintenance is easy. The parts and equipments required to
make an automatic system functional are expensive and highly technical as compared
to a manual system.
• It is easier to build a strong manual transmission than an automatic one. This is
because a manual system has one clutch to operate, whereas an automatic system has a
number of clutch packs that function in harmony with each other.

Advantages of automatic gearshifts over manual gearshifts are as follows:

• Automatic cars are easier to use, especially for the inexperienced car driver.
Manual system requires better driving skills, whereas with an automatic, the clever
system does it all on its own. This holds a greater advantage for new and inexperienced
drivers and also helps during congested traffic situations where it becomes difficult to
change gears every second.
• Automatic transmission requires less attention and concentration from the driver
because the automatic gears start functioning as soon as the system feels the need of a
gear change. For car with manual gear shifts, the driver has to be more alert while
driving and better coordinated.
• An automatic transmission system has smoother and quicker shifts as compared
to the manual system.
• Automatic cars have better ability to control traction when approaching steep
hills or engine braking during descents. Manual gears are difficult to operate on steep
climbs.

In terms of customer choices and preferences, people prefer going for their manual counterparts because a
manual gearbox is believed to be more efficient and fuel efficient.
 Automatic Transmissions are a Boon for Comfort!
Automatic transmission is a concept that is new in India, even though it has been in use for over four decades in the US. Five years back, there were only one or two
imported models in India that came with the option of an automatic transmission and very few people knew about this concept. However, now even the small car
manufacturers are offering this option to its customers. Cars with automatic transmission are different from cars with manual transmission in terms of power,
acceleration, fuel economy, and driving comfort.
An automatic transmission unit does not require a driver’s intervention while driving. A cluster of sensors embedded within
the system constantly monitor the throttle (acceleration/deceleration) input and then optimize (change) the engine response
accordingly. The driver only uses the acceleration and brake pedals, and can comfortably enjoy the drive without having to
change gears. The gear shift moves up automatically at the optimum shifting level when the driver presses the accelerator and
the reverse action can be achieved when the brake pedal is pressed.

These modern cars can be started only when the gear is in parking mode or the neutral mode as some call it. The car will not
respond to ignition in any other gear mode. This is part of the safety features installed by the car manufacturer for a car with
an auto transmission. If the car stops at traffic signals or in traffic jams, it is best to bring the car to neutral mode and then start
the ignition before moving ahead – the same is advised for cars with manual transmission to improve a cars performance.

Those who are just getting themselves acquainted with the automatic transmission should keep the brakes pressed and gently
release them while moving forward. It is possible that the car could rev up if the accelerator is pressed hard and the driver can
loose control over the vehicle. Most cars available in India with an automatic transmission have been modified to suit Indian
road conditions. This allows these cars to comfortably negotiate bad roads and hilly regions.

There are only two major drawbacks in a car with an automatic transmission. First, it is made up of several components and a
break down of even a single component can stall the car completely. Therefore the cost of maintenance of a car with an
automatic transmission is marginally higher than cars with a manual transmission. Second, control of power and acceleration
is completely dependant on the transmission and the driver cannot accelerate beyond a set safety speed. This means that a car
with an automatic transmission is not conducive to racing conditions or to sharp overtaking tactics.

However, an automatic transmission is a choice of most because of its smooth shifting capabilities that provide occupants with
a jerk-free ride and the fuel economy of the car sees a definite improvement. It definitely eases the pressure of driving in
congested cities, where acceleration does not play a big part, but traffic jams do. It is advisable to get a transmission with both
manual and automatic switch options. This type of transmission will allow the driver to choose the type of transmission that
he/she wants to use.
Torque converter

torque converter cut-away

A cut-away model of a torque converter

A torque converter is a modified form of fluid coupling that is used to transfer rotating power from a
prime mover, such as an internal combustion engine or electric motor, to a rotating driven load.
Like a basic fluid coupling, the torque converter normally takes the place of a mechanical clutch,
allowing the load to be separated from the power source. As a more advanced form of fluid
coupling, however, a torque converter is able to multiply torque when there is a substantial
difference between input and output rotational speed, thus providing the equivalent of a
reduction gear.

Usage

• Automatic transmissions on automobiles, such as cars, buses, and on/off highway trucks.
• Forwarders and other heavy duty vehicles.
• Marine propulsion systems.
• Industrial power transmission such as conveyor drives, almost all modern forklifts, winches,
drilling rigs, construction equipment, and locomotives.

FOR DISCUSSION IN CLASSROOMS AND OTHER PUBLIC FORUMS

ACCIDENTS CAN RAISE YOUR INSURANCE PREMIUMS - Accident-prone

drivers are subject to having their insurance premium raised even
though they may not have been ticketed for a driving mistake. Illinois
insurance companies can legally consider a driver's accident record in
determining the rate classification. The accidents to be considered in
raising a driver's insurance premium should in some way be assessed
to the insured. Accidents may be charged against a driver's record
even though no tickets were issued against the driver. If you feel your
insurance company has put you in an improper rate classification, you
may request the State Department of Insurance to review your
insurance record.

CONSUMER PROTECTION STARTS AT HOME - Shopping for merchandise

in the comfort of your own home may be convenient, but door-to-door
sales can also have drawbacks. If you make such a purchase then find
you are paying too much for the convenience, or are otherwise
dissatisfied, there is a solution. The law says that if the seller of a
product costing $25 or more initially solicited you at your home, you
may cancel the sale within three business days following the date of
the sale. To cancel, you must inform the seller in writing and you must
return the goods that were delivered in their original condition. The
company is then required to refund any money you paid for the goods,
including a down payment, and cancel the agreement.
Should 4WDs be banned on safety grounds?

German safety body ADAC has carried out a harrowing crash test between the tiny Fiat
500 and the Audi Q7 four-wheel-drive.

The results show that even the safest small car is no protection against a hulking 4WD.

For me, it is yet another reason why people should be discouraged from buying four-
wheel-drives unless they absolutely need them.

While they are worth their weight in gold in the country, there is really no place for off-
roaders on city roads.

In short, they are anti-social.

While they may fill their owners with a great sense of security as they negotiate the
morning peak hour, they are a menace for those people who drive smaller cars.

They are more likely to lose control because of their higher centre of gravity, they limit
the vision of other drivers on the road and - as the Fiat 500 video shows – they are deadly
in a crash with a smaller car.

Not to mention the fact that they often have incredibly poor pedestrian safety ratings.

In short, a four-wheel-drive owners’ peace of mind comes at the expense of other

motorists, pedestrians and the planet.

In most European cities, big four-wheel-drives are scarce on the roads. In fact, in some
places, like Paris, they are looked upon with scorn.
Isn’t it time we weened ourselves off our big four-wheel-drives?

Hell, even the Americans are turning their backs on them.

http://www.prodrive.com/up/EEUG.pdf

http://www.ansoft.com/emworkshop/modeling_automotive_system_design.pdf
Second-hand car? What you must check

Buyer of a second-hand car needs to be aware of some things.

Varun Anand was surprised to find two cars - a 12-year BMW [ Images ] and a 14-year
old Mercedes [ Images ] - going for less than Rs 4 lakh. When Anand checked the cars,
he realised that one owner had replaced the engine with a local one.

Being aware of a few key parameters will help you get a value-for-money deal. First,
look at all the papers. Match the information on the papers with the one on the car. Four
important things to match are the registration number, chassis number, engine number
and colour.

Doors: To get a better value for their vehicle, many owners do basic repairs before
selling the car. This includes covering scratches and dents. So, look for consistency of
paint. Patches of irregular paint could mean repair for scratches or dents. "Such work
brings down the price of the car," said Jagasia. The paint could also be done to cover
rusting. The buyer should further check the underside of the vehicle and wheel wells for
signs of rust. In case of rust, point it out to the owner and renegotiate the price. For a
small car, a basic repair for rust can start at Rs 3,000 (for anti-rust coating) and go as high
as Rs 10,000 (with a paint job).

Air-conditioner: Switch it on to assess if it cools well and does it quickly. In case of a

problem with the AC, the repair cost can vary from Rs 1,500 (for gas issues) to over Rs
6,500 (for changing the condenser) for a small car.

Tyre: Check tyres for wear and tear. Replacing one bald tyre can cost you Rs 2,500-
4,500 for small and medium segment cars. Tyres not worn out evenly can indicate
misalignment. In this case, a repair can take Rs 1,000-1,200.

Suspension: If the paperwork and exteriors are satisfactory, move on to the mechanical
aspects. Take a test drive. If the vehicle does not absorb jerks and jolts while passing over
potholes, the suspension needs repair. Such work can cost at least Rs 5,000 and can go as
high as Rs 15,000 (in case of excessive damage).

Brakes and clutch: The brake should not squeal and must stop the car in a sufficiently
short distance. The cost of repair can range from Rs 2,500 to over Rs 15,000 in case parts
such as brake boosters need replacement. Check clutch plates, too. In case of burnt ones,
the cost of mending can be Rs 6,000-6,500.
Engine: This is the most important aspect. Start by checking oil quality and
consumption. While taking a test drive, keep an ear on the engine sound. Knocking,
tapping or rattling noises indicate excessive wear of internal engine parts. Any problems
with the engine, look for another car.

There are chances that you may come across a car that satisfies you on all these
parameters but the manufacturer has discontinued the model. The running cost of such a
car may put a strain on your wallet as spares may be expensive.

While these checks can give you basic understanding of the car, experts said it was
always advisable to take a trusted mechanic to judge a used car. "A mechanic can
understand essential areas such as the condition of an engine and if the car has an
accident history. The feedback can help you negotiate better," said a Maruti car dealer.
The first time I saw a Reva car, I thought it was 'cute'. But hey, would I really want
to own it? That's a question Chetan Maini is familiar with. On paper the electric (or
battery driven) vehicle makes great sense. So why exactly do we stick to diesel and
petrol?

Well -- it's complicated. There's the oil lobby, the auto lobby and the this-is-the-
way-things-have-always-been-done. There just aren't enough people in the world
who believe in this new technology. But then Chetan came along.

At 13, he was building go-karts. At 20, he built a solar powered car. At 24, he was
leading an electric car project. At 31, he launched this car. And he is still working,
perfecting, enhancing his vehicles.

Dreaming of the day that you and I will junk our gas-guzzlers and go electric.

At his nifty little factory in Bommasandra -- an industrial area just outside

Bangalore -- I admire a couple of the 'next generation' Revas. I'm still not sure if I
would buy one, but I am sold on the drive, the determination and the can-do spirit
of Chetan Maini. Excerpts:

Like most of his classmates at Bishop Cotton, he started preparing for IIT JEE. But in a
couple of months Chetan realised IIT was not the place for him.

"I wanted something more hands-on, something to do with automobiles," he declared.

"Why don't you apply to schools in the US," said his dad.

The University of Michigan was Chetan's first preference -- because of its proximity to
the auto hub of Detroit. And fortunately, he was accepted.

"I studied mechanical engineering but I spent fifty percent of my time on extracurricular
projects. In my first year itself I worked on a 'supermileage' car which would give 400
kilometres to a litre!"

In his second year, Chetan became very passionate about the 'solar car' project -- an inter-
university competition where teams built a car from scratch. The University of Michigan
team was one of 35 teams chosen to participate.
It was a completely hands on project -- from welding body panels to wrestling with
machine parts.

"I was working with General Motors as an intern. I would be at GM from 7 am till 4 pm,
drive two hours to the Michigan International Speedway where we tested the car... and
spend 4 to 5 hours on the track!"

The months we spent building, testing and perfecting resulted in the University of
Michigan team standing first among the 35 universities which raced their cars.

At the end of the race a rival team member remarked to Chetan, "We spent only $40,000
while you guys spent a million dollars, so of course you came first!"

Chetan replied, "Sure, but we put our heads together and raised the million dollars. You
could have done that as well!"

It was an important lesson in teamwork -- from getting the B-school guys to help in
raising sponsorship, to understanding weather and solar patterns. The University of
Michigan pooled in many hands, many heads and many hearts, to make it happen.

Next stop: World Solar Championships in Australia. Racing across the outback from
Darwin to Adelaide -- a total of 3,200 kms -- competing against the likes of Mazda and
Honda!

"On day one we actually finished ahead of Honda and everyone was shocked. How could
twenty year olds beat large OEMs?"

For Chetan, it was an awakening.

"Anything is possible," I realised.

Back at college, Chetan spent his final year working on a formula race car.

"To me these projects were my education. I enjoyed my classes and got decent grades.
But the night before an exam you would often find me reading about things which
interested me. And had nothing to do with the syllabus!"

At this point, Chetan got excited about electric cars.

"We were four friends who understood each other very well. We would meet around once
a month and put together business plan ideas in this area."

One of the four friends was Dave Bell, whose father Dr Lon Bell was a PhD from
Caltech. Dr Bell had founded a company called Technar -- which he'd sold to TRW --
and was looking for something interesting to do.
He said, "Well this sounds really good! Why don't you come and join me?"

Thus in 1991, Chetan joined Dr Bell's start-up.

"In the first summer we were just seven of us in the company. We built the platform of an
electric car and evaluated many different technologies."

It was a huge learning experience but Chetan felt he needed to study further. So he took a
year and a half off for a Master's at Stanford. Apart from attending a great programme
which integrated mechanical and electrical engineering, Chetan got involved in building a
hybrid-electric car.

After graduating, he returned to work with Lon Bell at Amerigon. The company
continued to work on electrical vehicle technologies but also moved into other high-end
automotive technologies.

There was much to do there but Chetan was feeling the urge to return home.

Excerpts from the book Connect the Dots by Rashmi Bansal published by Eklavya
Foundation, Rs 150'.
Engine fire
Of the total production of the Pontiac ( GM) of 370,168[1], up to 260 (0.07%) are reported to have had
engine fires of some type, depending on the source used.
The Associated Press quoted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as saying it had
"...received 148 complaints regarding Pontiac Fieros catching fire including reports of six injuries.... Low
levels of engine oil may cause a connecting rod to break, allowing oil to escape and come into contact with
engine parts. The oil would catch fire when it contacted the exhaust manifold or hot exhaust components....
David Hudgens, a GM spokesman in Detroit... said, 'If you ran out of oil, and then that coupled with some
aggressive driving, perhaps, and maybe not changing the oil very often, you end up with a broken rod, and
that's where the connecting rod came in; it is still the owner's responsibility to check the oil.' "[5]
The Pontiac division claimed in a 1988 press release that "GM tests have shown that running these 1984
cars with low engine oil level can cause connecting rod failure which may lead to an engine compartment
fire.... Pontiac is aware of 260 fires attributable to the condition, along with ten reported minor injuries."[6]
The larger of the two reported numbers of cars with fires (260) amounts to 0.07% of Fieros produced. The
fires affected the 2.5 L engine almost exclusively, and mostly 1984 models (although there may have been
additional occurrences after the above reports were published).
There are several possible contributors to Fiero engines catching fire. The primary cause is thought to be a
batch of poorly cast connecting rods, produced in GM's Saginaw plant, which failed when the oil level
became too low. One theory is that the sports car styling attracted buyers who would drive the car hard,
most notably by over-revving the engine. Another factor was the incorrectly listed three-quart oil capacity;
the actual oil capacity was 4.5 quarts, but a misprint on dipsticks and in the owner's manuals led to owners
using only three quarts, any leakage or consumtion would allow the oil level to decline over time to a
dangerously low level. If the proper oil level was not maintained, the bearings could seize, snapping the
porous castings of the connecting rods. This could result in a hole being punched in the engine block,
allowing oil to spray onto hot exhaust components where it could ignite.
Alternatively, some fires may have been due to the engine wiring harness being located in the center of the
engine bay above the exhaust manifold, where the heat could possibly melt and ignite the wiring. The 1984
model had a magnesium grille over this area. In later models, this was improved to some degree with better
heat shielding wrapped around the wiring harness.
A third cause might be cracks in the engine block from overtightenening of the head bolts. Some engines
developed cracks in the block that would leak coolant and/or oil, sometimes accompanied by broken head
bolts directly above the crack. The leak would spray coolant or oil, the latter resulting in fire if sprayed onto
the hot catalytic converter or exhaust manifold at the front of the engine compartment.
Most vehicles existing today have been serviced by GM during one of the safety recalls on the car.[citation
needed]
For the fire-related recall, shields and drip-trays were added to prevent leaking fluids from contacting
hot surfaces. The presence of drip shields between the engine block and the exhaust manifold are a clue that
the car has been retrofitted. The addition of the longer AC Delco PF51 oil filter and a recalibrated dipstick
added extra oil capacity to the oiling system, and enabled running four quarts of oil in the crankcase instead
of three, to help prevent oil starvation to the rods. Certain vehicles also had their connecting rods or entire
block replaced.
Cooling system issues
With an already hot normal operating temperature of 220 °F (104 °C) prior to the recall switching to a
195 °F (91 °C) thermostat, the mid-mounted engine utilized long pipes to carry coolant to the front-
mounted radiator. This demanded that a special coolant filling procedure be followed to prevent severe
overheating. Simply pouring coolant into the thermostat housing (on the engine) would leave an air bubble
in the radiator, while adding coolant just to the radiator would leave an air bubble in the engine's coolant
passages. Proper procedure (with engine idling and the thermostat removed, filling the thermostat housing,
burping the bubble out of the radiator by cracking open the radiator cap until coolant exits) must be
followed in order to ensure an air-free cooling system.
A second problem has become common as more Fieros are being serviced by shops unfamiliar with their
design. The under-body coolant tubes are positioned in such a way that a casual glance beneath the car will
not suggest their fragility. As a result, many have been crushed by shop lifts, resulting in a near complete
lack of engine cooling. The age of the car means that even GM dealerships may now be unaware of the
proper jacking methods.

The Chevrolet Volt is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle to be produced by the Chevrolet division of General
Motors and expected to be launched in November 2010 as a 2011 model. Its propulsion system is based on
GM's new Voltec (formerly known as E-Flex) electric automobile platform, which differs significantly
from GM's earlier BAS Hybrid and Two-Mode Hybrid systems. For up to the first 40 miles (64 km), the
Volt is powered by electrical energy stored in its on-board lithium-ion batteries, which are charged by
connection to an electrical outlet. The car's 16 kW·h (8.8 kW·h usable) lithium-ion battery pack can be fully
charged by plugging the car into a 120-240VAC residential electrical outlet using the provided SAE J1772-
compliant[3] charging cord. No external charging station is required.[4]

With fully charged batteries, enough electrical energy will be stored to power the Volt up to 40 miles
(64 km), a distance longer than the daily commute for 75% of Americans,[5] whose average commute is
33 miles (53 km).[6] After 40 miles (64 km), a small 4-cylinder internal combustion engine using premium-
grade[7] gasoline creates electricity on-board using a 55 kW (74 hp) generator to extend the Volt's range to
more than 300 miles (483 km).[8][9] The electrical power from the generator is sent primarily to the electric
motor, with the excess going to the batteries, depending on the state of charge (SoC) of the battery pack and
the power demanded at the wheels. The distribution is controlled by the electronic control unit (ECU) of
the vehicle.[10][11] Unlike most current commercially available hybrid electric vehicles, the actual propulsion
of the Volt is accomplished exclusively by the electric motor.[12]

The Volt's retail price will start at US$41,000 (including destination charges) before any factory incentives,
tax deductions, or other subsidies. The Volt is currently eligible for a US$7,500 U.S. federal tax credit and
other benefits available in some locations. The Volt will also be available through a lease program with a
monthly payment of US$350 for 36 months, with US$2,500 due at lease signing, and with an option to buy
at the end of the lease.[13][14] The Volt will be initially sold in seven regions: California, Washington DC,
Michigan, Austin, Texas, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Nationwide availability in the U.S. and
Canada is scheduled to begin in one year to 18 months after the initial launch.[15][16][17]

The first pre-production test car based on the full Volt design was built in June 2009 in Warren,
Michigan[18] and by October 2009, 80 Volts had been built and are being tested under various conditions.[19]
On March 31, 2010 the first factory-built Volt was produced at the Detroit Hamtramck Assembly Plant in
order to test the production line and for quality control purposes, both of the tooling and the pre-production
vehicles that will be produced before regular production begins

Classification as a "hybrid"

Because the current Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) definition of a hybrid vehicle states the
vehicle shall have "two or more energy storage systems both of which must provide propulsion power,
either together or independently,"[22] the company has avoided the use of the term "hybrid" when describing
its Voltec designs. Instead GM describes the Volt as an electric vehicle equipped with a "range extending"
gasoline powered internal combustion engine (ICE) as a genset and therefore dubbed an "Extended Range
Electric Vehicle"[23][24] or E-REV.[8][23][24][25] However, due to the combination of an internal combustion
engine and electric motors in series rather than parallel, this configuration is most commonly referred to as
a plug-in series hybrid. See Hybrid vehicle drivetrain.
Hybrid vehicles are vehicles with two or more power sources in the drivetrain. There are many different
types of hybrid vehicles, although only the gasoline-electric hybrid is currently commercially available.

Hybrids are classified by the division of power between sources; both sources may operate in parallel to
simultaneously provide acceleration, or they may operate in series with one source exclusively providing
the acceleration and the second being used to augment the first's power reserve. The sources can also be
used in both series and parallel as needed, the vehicle being primarily driven by one source but the second
capable of providing direct additional acceleration if required.

Current hybrids use both an internal combustion (IC) engine and a battery/electric drive system to improve
fuel consumption, emission, and performance. Electrically-assisted pedal bicycles are a form of hybrid
drive. Other combinations of energy storage and conversion are possible, although not yet in commercial
production.

Combustion-electric hybrids have larger battery sets than what a normal combustion engine only vehicle
would have. Battery and supercapacitor technology is advancing.[1] A potential advantage is that when these
battery sets require renewing in the future, the newer battery sets will be potentially superior having higher
energy storage giving greater range enhancing a vehicle.

• 1Types by drive train structure

o 1.1 Parallel hybrid
o 1.2 Series-Hybrid
o 1.3 Power-split or series-parallel hybrid
• 2 Types by degree of hybridization
o 2.1 Full Hybrids
o 2.2 Mild Hybrids
o 2.3 Plug-in hybrid
• 3 Types by nature of the power source
o 3.1 Electric-internal combustion engine hybrid
o 3.2 Electric-fuel cell hybrid
o 3.3 Internal combustion engine-hydraulic hybrid
o 3.4 Internal combustion engine-pneumatic hybrid
o 3.5 Human power and environmental power hybrids
o 3.6 Solar Photovoltaics (PV)

http://www.fischer-tropsch.org/DOE/_conf_proc/DEER/970799/conf_970799_pg171.pdf
Address and interaction with the Engineers and Staff of Tata Motors,
Pune

Automobile vision 2020: Internationally competitive Indian automobile system

“There are many Everest’s in the life of man.It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves”.

Dear Friends, When I am with the TATA institution, I realize that you are born out of a vision. A great
vision by a great soul in the early 20th century. Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata laid the foundation for three
important areas. The first was the sowing of seeds for TATA Iron and Steel Plant, second to create hydro-
electric power station, third was establishment of an educational and research institute popularly known
as TATA institute now Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, envisioned all
these institutions in early 20th century (May 1904); the IISc-Bangalore opened its doors in 1911; The first
ingot of steel rolled out from Tata Iron and Steel Plant in 1912; The hydro-electric power was switched on
in Mumbai in 1915. Today, we see all these three institutions flourishing and what a contribution they
have made to the national scene IISc has become a world class branded institution. Tata Steel has
crossed the nine million tons per year steel output. The Tata Hydro Electric Station has given birth to
many power plants in the country. Tata’s vision has brought a revolution in steel industry, power
generation and education.
I admire this great visionary, a visionary revolutionist who evolved a new method of working towards
India’s freedom through development of industry, power and scientific research. The light he lit in our
country has lit many lamps and is still lighting.

Let me congratulate everyone in the Tata institutions.

During my visit to Europe and US cities, while traveling in their high ways, with cars of multiple nations
whizzing past at 100-110 kms, dear friends, a dream always comes to me. I want to see the Indian
designed car, Indian manufactured car running in multiple numbers in multiple nations. When will it
happen? How to make it possible? Certainly, Tata has a great opportunity because of your visionary
approach, core competence and innovative spirit.
When I am with you all, I would like to discuss the dynamics of automobile enterprises and particularly
Automobile vision 2020: internationally competitive Indian automobile system
TATA’s contribution to Automobile sector
Tata Motors has made history in the past many times. Well known commercial truck making company has
shown the world that it can make customer friendly passenger cars . In recent years, the indigenously
designed Tata Indica has brought a brand image to India in the Automobile sector. Launch of Indica in
1998and launch of ACE in 2005 have been important milestones in the country’s prowess in automobile
sector.
Launch of innovative Nano in 2008 is an another important milestone in the world of Indian automotive
industry. I would like to greet the TATA team for this singular contribution. Integrated Capacities
My view is: the growth of automotive industry is powered by competitiveness. Competitiveness is
powered by intensive knowledge in multiple fields. Intensive knowledge is powered by technology and
innovation. I would like to suggest the TATA Team, to launch a world- wide marketing campaign for NANO
and also plan to start multiple manufacturing centers in India and abroad, so that TATA can graduate from
the present production of 2,18,000 (all types of passenger vehicles) to 1 Million NANO cars alone in a
suitable product mix by the year 2015. In a globally competitive environment, you have to continuously
trigger innovations which will capture the global market. You have to meet the multiple users needs in
different countries with widely varying climatic conditions, achieving high gradient climbing capability,
passenger comfort, safety needs, ease of maintenance and affordability. I would suggest TATA Motors to
use their system design capacity, system integration capacity, system management capacity,
manufacturing capacity and above all innovative marketing methodology in an integrated manner to
produce a globally competitive passenger vehicle system.
You need to evolve this combination in an integrated way, so that million car production can be made
possible. For that, what you need to do, is, thinking differently and acting differently with innovative
leadership.
Suitable infrastructure for future automobiles
Whenever I meet young people they ask me thought provoking questions, that is: with Nano car coming
on the road and becoming affordable for large number of people,. in that situation what will happen to the
road traffic congestion? What will be the pollution level increase? What will be its effect on parking
problem? When I hear these types of questions, I thought of sharing with you one experience:
When I visited Dubai – UAE in 2003, I met the Ruler of Dubai with his ministers. He said that Dubai is
planning to increase the tourist arrival by five times. Once this decision was taken, I found, that the
aviation minister was planning for a new airport and also addition of new types of aircraft needed for
attracting the tourists. The surface transport minister was planning a number of additional road lanes
required in the highways. The works ministry was planning for increase in the hotel accommodation for
accommodating the tourists without disappointment. The health ministry had a road map for waste
management and a plan for providing the additional clean water needed. This was the type of integrated
response that I found in the whole government - a plan of action to fulfill the national objective from the
vision of the Chief of the nation. We have to take the message coming out of this experience and plan for
the multiple requirements simultaneously for promoting uninterrupted large volume car production and
deployment. Your interdiciplinary team may have to study comprehensively various aspects like the
loading on the already crowded high ways and city roads, parking facilities, complimentarity with public
transport system and financing in affordable way and give valuable inputs to various specialist agencies.

Recyclable automobile systems

Dear friends, I would like to share with you a new development in the automotive industry reported in the
book titled ‘Pulse’ by Robert Frenay, published in 2006. Carmakers have a history of reclamation and
reuse, which they’re now expanding. A new sports car from BMW features a recyclable thermoplastic body
that can be disconnected from its frame in twenty minutes. Audi has joined with Volkswagen and
Preussag, the steel company, to set up a chain of auto-disassembly plants. With funding primarily from
Ford, as well as from Xerox and GE Plastics, Carnegie Mellon University has developed ReStar – a software
that analyzes disassembly tasks, McDonough and Braungart are working with Ford on another
development, which has a goal to design a production model in which every material can eventually be
reused. This technique apart from reducing the ‘embodied energy’ as in the case of construction industry
will reduce the cost of the vehicle substantially and simultaneously reduce the pollution created by raw
material manufacturing industry. I am sure this development will be of considerable interest to automotive
researchers, designers and industry leaders.
Indian Automotive Industry
During the last two decades, Indian Automobile Industry has taken long strides. After 1983, the standard
of automotive technology has got redefined and Indian consumers are able to get what their western
counterparts are getting. I am also happy to note that many of Indian auto companies have started
exporting their components to their original equipment manufacturers in the developed world. In this
respect, globalization has done a lot of good in the Indian automobile industry. With the competitiveness
arising out of globalization, our thinking has been refined resulting in enhancing our ability to face global
competition through our core strength. In India the vehicle production is increasing at about 17%. While
this is a welcome situation from the point of view of personnel and goods mobility, it has two major issues
which have to be addressed: “environmental pollution and safety”. This has to be done innovatively while
designing all our future cars.
Innovation is the capital
I was studying the Global Competitiveness Report for the year 2007-08. There I find in terms of Growth
Competitive Index ranking US is ranked 1, Switzerland is ranked 2, Finland is ranked 6, Singapore is
ranked 7, China 34 and UAE 37 and India is 48. Growth competitiveness is determined by the innovative
ability of an organization. This innovation arises from institutional initiative and the R & D productivity of
the firm, shaped by policies and nature of local institutions. National innovative capacity has to be the
country’s important potential for producing competitive products. I would like to suggest to the TATA team
assembled here, to concentrate on the following design criteria for competing in the national and
international market:

1. Work towards highest fuel efficiency for a given class of engine and car sizing.
2. Work towards fossil fuel free automobile of the future: (a) solar power + fuel cell (b) electric (c) ethanol
or bio-diesel (d) hydrogen
3. Continuously aim to decrease the overall weight of the automobile systems enabling higher payload
capability through state of the art structural design.
4. Designing the power plant to accept 100% bio-fuel, ethanol and emulsified fuel.
5. Design to cost and quality
6. Design of safety systems for providing high-level passenger Safety.
7. Constantly increasing the electronics, communication and control in the automobile systems for
realizing high reliability, self-healing and fail-safe system.
8. Robotic Car

I realize that all the eight criteria are interconnected. Here I would like to emphasize that winner in the
automobile industry will be the one who puts the automobile to run with 100% bio-fuel first in the market.
It can be seen in Brazil the gas stations have provisions for various mixes of biofuel and ethanol including
100% biofuels. Automobile plying in Brazil roads have to get the design certification for using maximum
biofuel and bio-diesel. Without that, they will not be permitted in run on Brazil roads. We should take note
of the successful implementation of such programme in different parts of the world. Fully operated bio-fuel
car is going to come to india. Which industry is going to be the pioneer, will you? If so then you will be the
winner?

Automobile Research areas

Now, let me discuss some of the research areas where automobile scientists and engineers have to
concentrate.

a. Improvement in Combustion Efficiency: For getting better control and precision over combustion
and emission, we have to work on direct injection of gasoline for better exhaust characteristics. Gasoline
direct injection permits combustion of ultra-clean fuel air mixtures under diverse operating conditions and
hence can deliver higher performance with lower fuel consumption and lower emission.

b. Improvement in Diesel Engines: One of the important aspect of diesel engines is, the NOx
(Nitrogen oxide) and particulate matter in the emission which has to be overcome by use of advanced
combustion technologies which will reduce both. Indian Automotive Engineers have to work on this area
and to offer the system for use in all types of diesel vehicles.

c. Alternate Fuels: While it is important, to continuously improve the efficiency of internal combustion
engines, scientists have to concentrate on development of alternate fuels and renewable energy sources.
The future generation cars and trucks have to use bio-diesel, ethanol and hydrogen. Bio-fuels are
renewable and can be produced in short notice as against fossil fuels which have been produced over
millions of years.

d. Emulsified Fuels: Emulsified fuels are found to give much better emission reduction towards reduced
particulate and Oxides of Nitrogen emission reduction along with fuel saving that it is now implemented in
most of the developed countries. In India, we are now successfully burning in a boiler in an industry
emulsified diesel fuel with 25% water straight away saving 25% of the diesel fuel. The emulsified fuel
costs 20% cheaper than the diesel fuel. If one such small boiler using emulsified fuel can save 40 litres of
diesel in a day and equivalent amount of cash spent on the fuel, please think about the huge fuel savings
and the cost benefits for over thousands of boilers and several external fired equipments running with oil
in India. The savings for the country in oil import bill will be over 20% the present level. While combusting
emulsified fuels for industrial firing needs no modifications it needs encouragement and educating the
users. For automobile applications, TATA Need to work with Hydro drive emulsification technology and IIT
Madras to experiment and introduce the emulsified fuels in the Diesel cars and diesel vehicles. Emulsified
fuels will cut emissions and will bring down the operating costs including captive power generation costs.
This singular research area alone has the potential to make TATA Motors to produce and market the most
competitive commercial and passenger vehicle within the next two years.

e. Hydrogen powered fuel cells: Hydrogen powered vehicles are almost zero emission vehicles. We
have to progressively move into fuel cell vehicles within a few decades.

f. Alternative Power Plants: Substantial research is required in battery technology to provide a

reliable, low-weight, high density and cost effective battery to the large Indian rural population.
Simultaneously, there is a need to work on hybrid electric vehicle for containing the growing
environmental emission in big cities. Challenge for researchers will be in the development of drives,
control electronics, transmission and low weight high capacity batteries.

g. CNT Based Solar PV Cells: Our scientists have to take up this challenge and come up with the
development of a CNT based PV cell with an efficiency of at least 50% within the next three years so that
it can go into the commercial production within five years. In addition, they can also take up the
development of organic solar cells, dye-sensitized solar cells and third generation solar cells. The
automobile specialists should work with these energy experts to get the solar cells with 50% efficiency
which can be effectively used in solar power driven vehicles.

Conclusion

Dear friends, I have seen three dreams which have taken shape as vision, mission and realization. Space
programme of ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization), AGNI programme of DRDO (Defence Research
and Development Organization) and PURA (Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas) becoming the
National Mission. Of course, these three programmes succeeded in the midst of many challenges and
problems. I have worked in all these three areas. I want to convey to you what I have learnt on leadership
from these three programmes.

1. Leader must have a vision.

2. Leader must have a passion to transform the vision into action.
3. Leader must be able to travel into an unexplored path.
4. Leader must know how to manage a success and failure.
5. Leader must have courage to take decisions.
6. Leader should have Nobility in management.
7. Every action of the leader should be transparent.
8. Leader must work with integrity and succeed with integrity.

In order to achieve what I have discussed so far and to realize the goals in a specified time frame and to
build TATA Motors brand, what we need is creative leadership. Creative leadership means exercising the
vision to change the traditional role from the commander to the coach, manager to mentor, from director
to delegator and from one who demands respect to one who facilitates self-respect. For a non-linear
growth in the Automobile Sector and transforming India into a world leader in the production and
marketing of energy efficient, highly mobile, pollution free, safe and cost effective automotive system
before the year 2020, the industry needs large number of creative leaders. I am sure, TATA Motors has
such leaders who will transform TATA Motors into a one million passenger car per annum producer with
50% going to export market. For that leaders of this organisation should have courage.

Courage
"Courage to think different,
Courage to invent,
Courage to travel into an unexplored path,
Courage to discover the impossible,
Courage to combat the problems
and succeed,
Are the unique qualities of the youth.

As a youth of my nation,
I will work and work with courage to achieve success in all the missions".

May God bless you.

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam,

29.07.2008
The performance and emission characteristics of emulsified fuel in a direct injection
diesel engine
Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part D: Journal of Automobile
Journal
Engineering
PublisherProfessional Engineering Publishing
ISSN 0954-4070
Issue Volume 221, Number 7 / 2007
DOI 10.1243/09544070JAUTO454
Pages 893-900

Authors
M P Ashok1, C G Saravanan1

1
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Annamalai University,
Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Diesel engines are employed as the major propulsion power sources because of their
simple, robust structure and high fuel economy. It is expected that diesel engines will be
widely used in the foreseeable future. However, an increase in the use of diesel engines
causes a shortage of fossil fuel and results in a greater degree of pollution. To regulate the
above, identifying an alternative fuel to the diesel engine with less pollution is essential.
Ethanol—diesel emulsion is one such method, used for the preparation of an alternative
fuel for the diesel engine. Experimental investigations were carried out to compare the
performance of diesel fuel with different ratios 50D: 50E (50 per cent diesel No: 2: 50 per
cent ethanol —100 per cent proof) and 60D: 40E emulsified fuels. In the next phase,
experiments were conducted for the selected emulsified fuel ratio 50D: 50E for different
high injection pressures and the results are compared. The results show that for the
emulsified fuel ratios, there is a marginal increase in torque, power, NOx, emissions, and
decreasing values of carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions at the
maximum speed conditions, compared with diesel fuel. Also, it is found that an increase
in injection pressure of the engine running with emulsified fuel decreases CO and smoke
emissions especially between 1500 to 2000 r/min with respect to the diesel fuel.

Diesel engine incorporating emulsified fuel supply system

Document Type and Number:
United States Patent 4388893

Abstract:
A fuel supply system for producing an emulsified fuel continuously is disclosed. The
emulsion is maintained by recirculating the emulsion and adding a ratio of fuel and water
to the system to achieve a desired fuel/water ratio in the recirculation loop.

Indian IT drives car technology

When IT industry is booming and most sectors from manufacturing and to marketing are getting a piece of
pie, how can the IT sector people be far?
The embedded technology has revolutionized the automotive world. And Indian IT sector has been in the
forefront of the new technologies in car over the last decade. Some of the Indian companies who are
actively involved in creating technology for cars are Tata Consultancy Services, Satyam, Infosys, KPIT
Cummins Info systems and IBM India. The services range from back end support to the being involved in
development of new technology.

World’s car giants General Motors, Toyota, Ford, Daimler which manufactures Mercedes-Benz and BMW,
are learnt to spend a sizeable chunk of their revenues on up gradation and development of software of their
cars. They also source software solutions for their supply chains, improving manufacturing, sales and
marketing and distribution network and others.

The global automotive IT market, driven by technology for cars, easily touches $15 billion. It is know that
companies like Ford, General Motors, Mercedes makers Daimler and BMW annually spend a minimum of
$2billion on software for their cars. Apart from OEM companies the support industries like component
manufacturers, dealers and suppliers spend a substantial amount of their revenue on gaining software for
their departments.

The Tata Consultancy Services, head of global marketing Mr Jayant Pendharkar said “the automotive
sector gives a lot of scope for growth of Indian IT companies. The market in automotive software is very
huge. The company already has four big players from car industry in this sector and more companies are
showing interest.”

TCS is gaining at least 15 percent of its revenue from automotive sector. Apart from this it was also
involved in providing engineering support services to Ferrari in developing its new F1 car. Former Daimler
partner Chrysler has signed a contract worth several millions dollars for providing application maintenance
and support service to the company. This is enough to show the scope of the sector.

It is not only TCS it also Satyam Computer Services has set up a separate division in Chennai to cater to
research and development for automotive sector. It is dedicated to assisting car companies in developing
cars run n alternative fuels; hybrid engines; virtual test drives solutions and in-car entertainment. It has also
sought local partner in designing and testing of vehicles.
USA has been the biggest contributor to this sector so far. It has been the largest market for several IT
companies in India, while the Asia Pacific region is slowly but steadily growing in market size. Among
European countries France auto sector is responding favorably to Indian automotive software solutions,
while Germany is yet to open up.

The main areas in which technology is flowing to Indian IT sector has been in designing, engineering
support services and research and development. The IT in car technology is growing at the rate of 50-60
percent annually till March 2008.

Automakers are plugging into green energy, China Daily,: 2009-02-09

At the Beijing auto show last April, discussion about alternative-fuel technologies for future vehicles was
hot and also varied as the world's automakers pursued strategies for nearly everything from hydrogen fuel
cells to ethanol, hybrid, battery and natural gas. However, it was hard to imagine, following the near
meltdown of the US auto industry that the 2009 Detroit auto show was also a gathering of electric vehicles
and plans.

Almost every automaker at the show raced to unveil their strategies to create mass-produced electric cars
within two or three years, making some wonder: after five years, who could be the ultimate winner in the
electric auto industry?

Originally world's biggest mobile handset battery maker, Chinese BYD Auto, backed by billionaire
investor Warren Buffett became the focus of Detroit show and hit the headlines in US newspapers for its
electric cars, the first mass-produced model in the world which came to the China market in December,
priced at around $22,000.

"We are confident of exporting our electric cars to the US market in 2011," said Li Zhuhang, general
manager of BYD's auto export trade division.

He also said the BYD electric car will hit the European market "a little bit earlier than entering US market".

Li believes in the company's electric auto future, because "BYD is the first and only one who has 100
percent mastered the core technology of the battery".

However, the Shenzhen-based electric car developer is not the only one plugging into the green energy
industry.

Next to the BYD display, General Motors, which was rescued from the collapse by the government loans
on New Year's Eve, mobilized more than 600 employees to loudly cheer the debut of its Chevrolet Volt
plug-in. The loud message was primarily to the US government saying: we are making progress on green
technology to ensure the future of the US auto industry.

The Detroit-based company plans to build a US factory to assemble advanced lithium-ion batteries from
LG Chem Ltd of South Korea for its Chevy Volt and put the sedan into mass production in 2010 for a price
between $30,000 to $40,000.

Chrysler showed four electric or range-extending hybrid concept veh

icles at the show, including the Dodge Circuit EV all-electric sports car, the Jeep Patriot, the Jeep Wrangler
Unlimited EV, and the Chrysler Town & Country EV range-extending vehicles.
The electric models will be brought to the market beginning next year through 2013, the year Chrysler is
forecasting sales of electric cars will exceed 100,000 annually.
Another US auto giant Ford said it plans to begin the sales of an electric sedan in the US by 2011.
"We're employing a comprehensive approach to electrification that will tackle commercial issues such as
batteries, standards and infrastructure," said Bill Ford Jr, the company's executive chairman.

Toyota, which gained an edge on hybrid vehicles as the owner of the world's best seller Prius, also has the
ambitions to sell an all-electric car by 2012 in Japan, Europe and the US, while Nissan, which was not
represented at the Detroit show, has said it will sell an electric car in the US as early as 2010.

Even the luxury sedan provider Mercedes-Benz put BlueZero, a battery-only small electric prototype in the
center of its stand. The Concept BlueZero, three vehicles with alternative electric drive systems that could
travel up to 375 miles on a single charge, are on a production agenda starting from later this year to 2010.

US about to end scene probe on Arizona bus crash, chinadaily, 2009-02-08 09:57

LAS VEGAS -- US federal investigators are nearly completing their work on scene investigation on the
tour bus crash that killed six Chinese tourists and their tour guide over a week ago in Arizona, an
official of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said here Saturday.

But the final report of the fatal accident, which had become a headline on both US and Chinese news
media for past week, would be anticipated within one year from now, Pete Kotowski, who is in charge
of the NTSB investigation, told a press conference in Las Vegas.

The tour bus carrying a group of 15 Chinese tourists overturned on US 93 highway in Arizona, about
40 kilometers south of the Hoover Dam at around 4 p.m. on January 30, when returning to Las Vegas
after a one-day trip to the Grand Canyon.

Kotowski said that 15 of the 17 people aboard were ejected from the vehicle during the crash because
there were no seat belts for passengers in the 30-seat bus. US law doesn't require seat belts for bus
passengers on highways.

Nine Chinese tourists and the bus driver were injured in the crash. Most of them are still under
treatment at two Las Vegas hospitals.

Kotowski said that the 48-year-old bus driver told investigators that he was distracted by the vehicle's
door, which was briefly open for non-disclosed reasons just minutes before the crash occurred.

Some witnesses told investigators that they saw the driver trying to close the door when he lost control
of the vehicle, Kotowski said.

But the NTSB investigators noted that the investigation has found that the door was mechanically
functioning as designed.

"No conclusion has been reached for more investigation at this stage," said Kotowski.

According to him, officials of the Arizona Department of Public Safety were discussing with prosecutors
on whether to file criminal charges against the bus driver, who was appropriately licensed.
Highway linking last roadless county due before 2012
(Xinhua), Updated: 2009-02-09 10:27

LHASA -- China's last road-less county Medog, in Tibet, will be connected with the outside when
construction on a highway is completed in three years as scheduled.

The 117-km highway, linking Zhamog Town, the county seat of Bome, and Medog, will end the
history that local people have to rely on horses and mules for transportation in Medog, said Yao
Bohua, head of the highway planning and design institute under the region's communication
department.

Situated at Tibet's border with India and nestled among snow-capped mountains, there are only
mountain paths connecting villages and towns. In case of landslides and mud-rock-flow, the
county is isolated with the outside.

The tough terrains, complicated geological conditions, lack of fund and poor technologies had
failed seven attempts to build a highway in that area since the 1970s.

"This time we employed advanced surveying and

Related readings:
mapping technologies, especially the global positioning
Tibet to build first expressway
system (GPS), in the construction project," Yao said.
Highway construction resumes
Sichuan-Tibet highway collapse
worsens with rainfall At a cost of 950 million yuan (US$138.6 million), the
project is wholly funded by the country, he added.

Workers were digging a 3.3-km tunnel through the

Galung La mountain in Nyingchi Prefecture, which has an average altitude of about 5,000 meters.

"The construction on the tunnel is a very important phase of the project," Yao said. "When it is
completed, the progress for the rest of the project will be smoothed."

The sparsely populated Medog, which means "flower" in the Tibetan language, has only about
10,000 inhabitants, mostly in rural areas. It is the last of the country's 2,100 counties to be
connected via a highway.