Indian Automotive Sector

Pulsar NS400Z released.

GMoqdaHawAA4NPT.jpeg


400z.PNG


Man, Bajaj is truly milking every last drop out of that KTM 373cc single. There hasn't been a motor/drivetrain upgrade to Bajaj bikes for a looong while. I get it, don't fix what isn't broken...but that also means Bajaj has been innovating far less than the likes of Royal Enfield.

Wonder when they'll finally move to making Pulsars & Dominars with the new-generation 399cc motor we're seeing on the latest KTM 390s.
 
  • Agree
Reactions: Asterion Moloc
In 2021, under the aegis of the SIAM ‘Atmanirbhar Sourcing Group’, all of SIAM’s OEMs along with Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA) members agreed on a ‘localisation roadmap’. As part of this detailed roadmap, it was agreed that the OEMs would reduce their import content by 3-5% by 2022 and by 16-20% by 2025, thereby reducing imports to the tune of `20,000 crore–`25,000 crore in five years.

“We did an assessment study in 2023 to understand the progress made on the committed roadmap, and the study clearly highlighted that the industry achieved a reduction of imports by about 5.8% in two years, compared with the target of 3-5% it had set for itself for the timeline,” Menon said.

 
BEML Limited has secured an order from Northern Coal Fields Limited (NCL) for the supply of 28 units of BH100 Rear Dump Trucks. The total value of the order is Rs 250 crore. The BH100 Rear Dump Truck is engineered to transport payloads of up to 100 tons, specifically designed for the efficient handling of overburden and coal in heavy-duty mining operations
GNxgGcIagAAQwdK.jpeg

GNxgGcLbIAAR1ej.jpeg

BEML has also built 150-ton payload BH-150 truck which is a larger version of the BH-100.

BEML have also built India's largest truck, the BH-205. It was designed and developed at BEML's Mysuru plant. It features a modular common rail engine with 2300 HP & weighs 335 tons when fully loaded:
1716009693168.png

BH205EACpage001.jpg

BH205EACpage002.jpg

BH205EACpage003.jpg


They haven't managed to find a customer for this yet.
 
Somehow, I missed this news till now:

Hyundai, Kia tie up with Exide for electric vehicle battery localisation


South Korean automotive majors Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation on Monday announced a partnership with Exide Energy Solutions (EESL), a subsidiary of Kolkata-based battery manufacturer Exide Industries, to localise electric vehicle (EV) battery production in India. As part of their EV initiatives for the Indian market, Hyundai and Kia plan to focus on the production of lithium iron phosphate cells. This strategic alliance will position them the frontrunners in integrating domestically produced batteries into their future EV models for the Indian market, Hyundai said in a statement from Seoul.

Hyundai-Motor-and-Kia-Partner-with-Exide-Energy-for-EV-Battery-Localization-i.jpg


“India is a key market for vehicle electrification, particularly due to the government’s carbon neutrality goals, which makes securing cost competitiveness through localised battery production crucial,” said Heui Won Yang, president and head of Hyundai Motor and Kia’s research and development division.

“Through this global partnership, we will gain a competitive advantage by equipping Hyundai Motor and Kia’s future EV models in the Indian market with locally produced batteries,” Yang said.

Exide Industries told the stock exchanges that both companies would collaborate on the development, production, and supply of battery cells for Hyundai’s EVs targeted for the Indian market. “EESL is setting-up its multi-giga lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility at Bengaluru, Karnataka, and it is in the process of meeting several potential customers for strategic cooperation in the Indian EV market. The non-binding pact entered by EESL is a step towards this effort,” the company said on Monday.

When contacted, a Hyundai Motor India spokesperson declined to comment on when the sourcing of battery cells might begin and whether the partnership would expand globally.

Established in 2022, Exide Energy Solutions Ltd ventured into manufacturing lithium-Ion cells, modules, and packs, offering a diverse portfolio of chemistries and form factors. Exide Industries, a leading lead acid battery manufacturer in India with over 75 years of experience, had said in August 2023 it was setting up a greenfield lithium-ion cell manufacturing facility in Bengaluru. Commercial production for the first phase, with a capacity of 6 gigawatt hours (GWh) out of a total 12 GWh, is expected to begin by the end of FY25. The first phase, requiring an investment of around Rs 4,000 crore, is part of a total project cost of Rs 6,000 crore to be financed through internal accruals and bridge loans.

Exide Energy Private Ltd (EEPL) makes the Nexcharge brand, supplying lithium-ion battery modules and packs in Gujarat. In Exide’s annual general meeting last year, its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Subir Chakraborty had said that EESL and EEPL would merge, but the Gujarat plant would operate as a satellite unit of EESL. Subsequent to Sanction of Merger Scheme by NCLT Kolkata on March 6, EEPL merged with EESL with effect from 28th March 2024.

Exide has a long-term technical partnership with SVOLT Energy Technology, a Chinese firm, for the lithium-ion cells project.

In November, Hyundai announced a Rs 700 crore investment in a battery assembly plant in Chennai, with a first-phase capacity of 75,000 battery packs annually by 2025.


The lithium-ion battery sector in India is gaining momentum. Agartas Energy Storage Solutions, a Tata group subsidiary, is setting up a lithium-ion cell plant with a 20 GWh annual capacity in Sanand, Gujarat, for an investment of Rs 13,000 crore. JSW Group has partnered with the Odisha government to establish integrated EVs and 50 GWh battery manufacturing facilities with a Rs 40,000 crore investment in the state.
However, India will continue to depend heavily on cell imports for light vehicles. According to S&P Global, only 13 per cent of the total battery cells required to power light vehicles by 2030 will be produced in the country. India, however, makes battery packs now.

 
  • Like
Reactions: Gautam and Ashwin
RE released its EV. The design is 10/10 but not practical, mainly for developing countries like India.

 
  • Like
Reactions: Parthu
TVS Unveils New 300cc Engine – To Power Upcoming Apache RTX ADV?

By Satya Singh
December 7, 2024
1733666688504.png

TVS Unveils New 300cc Engine.

While there’s not much difference in power and torque output, the new 300cc engine can have benefits like refined performance and improved fuel efficiency

At the ongoing MotoSoul 2024, TVS has unveiled an entirely new 300cc engine named RT-XD4. It has been designed and developed completely in-house at the company’s R&D facility located in Hosur. The new engine is a testament to the strong research and engineering capabilities of TVS Motor.

TVS new RT-XD4 engine – Key features

In comparison to the existing 312.12 cc engine, the new RT-XD4 engine has a displacement of 299 cc. Power and torque output of the new RT-XD4 engine is at 35.45 PS and 28.5 Nm. Bore is 78 mm, whereas stroke is 62.6 mm. The new engine gets a 6-speed gearbox and also has a slipper clutch. RT-XD4 engine has improved cooling, made possible with liquid cooling for the head and air-oil cooling for the crank cases.
1733666758974.png

TVS Unveils New 300cc Engine.

TVS new RT-XD4 engine is built on an entirely new platform. Some of the key highlights include a dual overhead camshaft integrated with a down-draft port and a dual oil pump featuring a split chamber crankcase. For enhanced cooling, a dual cooling jacket cylinder head with a water jacket has been used. The new RT-XD4 also has a dual breather system. Its primary purpose is to restrict oil contamination and minimize oil consumption.

TVS new RT-XD4 engine Vs. Existing 312.12 cc engine

As compared to the new engine, the existing 312.12 cc engine generates 35.6 PS and 28.7 Nm. Bore and stroke figures are at 80 mm and 62.1 mm, respectively. The 312.12 cc engine is liquid cooled and is mated to a 6-speed gearbox with slipper clutch.

As is evident, the performance numbers are a close match. However, the new RT-XD4 engine could deliver a better overall performance with its advanced architecture. TVS has stated that the new engine has highly linear torque characteristics. In essence, users can expect a seamless ride experience with the new engine.

While not officially announced, it is possible that the new RT-XD4 engine could be lightweight. If that’s true, a higher power-to-weight ratio can be achieved. Another possibility is improved fuel efficiency. Achieving compliance with upcoming stricter emission norms could also become easier with the new RT-XD4 engine. From a business perspective, the new engine could have a lower production cost. Capital expenditure related to design and development will be adjusted over the long term.

Which TVS bikes will use the new RT-XD4 engine?

TVS has not revealed when the new RT-XD4 engine will reach the stage of commercial production. However, we do know that TVS has trademarked a new name – TVS Apache RTX. Spy shots have also revealed a blurred image of a new 300cc ADV bike being tested. This could be the first bike to get the new RT-XD4 engine. Reports also reveal that testing of the new bike is already in the final stages. And launch could take place around mid-2025. TVS already has the RTR 310 streetfighter and Apache RR 310 fully faired bikes. A new ADV bike will add more depth to TVS Motor’s 300cc portfolio.

TVS Unveils New 300cc Engine - To Power Upcoming Apache RTX ADV ?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Asterion Moloc
Auto industry on track to achieve target of Rs 25,000 crore import cut

India's auto industry plans to significantly reduce imports by making more parts locally. This includes key components like electric motors and transmissions. The industry has already made progress. It aims to achieve a total reduction of ₹25,000 crore ($3 billion). Component makers are investing in new facilities and technology. Exports are also growing. Car sales are expected to double by 2030.

 
The current Himalayan is equipped with a liquid cooled engine (the Serpa engine). It is unlikely that the 750/650 Himalayan will be an air-cooled engine. It seems that RE may be checking with a different configuration using the 650 engines, may be related to the body or chassis. They will introduce a new liquid-cooled 650 for the Himalayan, as the Himalayan brand has huge popularity outside of India.

1735792903802.png
 
Good news: The highest-selling model for 2 months straight has been from an Indian company, finally dethroning Suzuki & Hyundai from the mass market top spot.


All thanks to the Tata Punch

Tata-Punch-left-side-profile-static.jpg

Well, it's official now - the Tata Punch has been the best-selling car model for all of calendar year 2024.

Maruti Suzuki's 40-year reign has been broken - by an Indian OEM no less.


Tata-Punch-Price.jpg
 
Going over some of the vehicles unveiled by Indian companies at the ongoing Bharat Mobility Expo 2025:

Tata Sierra EV

Ghf2_Kda8AExXai


Ghf2_KeacAY61Vf


Ghf2_Kia0AAmzKW


GhfuWviaEAAEWpp


GhfuaeIbgAAK0DM



Tata Avinya X Concept

Closer to production-ready, this could be the first vehicle under the new EV-only premium AVINYA brand, built on Jaguar Land Rover's EMA Architecture

GhgHl5ob0AA-TB-


GhgHl6Kb0AAMbHV


GhgHl5nakAAcD0x


Ghfj7poWYAA5tib


Ghj3ledaIAABKY3


To be continued as more models are revealed, show is still ongoing ...
 
On to some two-wheelers.

TVS Apache RTX 300

Ghj_adIbIAAOySA


TVS RTSx Supermoto Concept

GhpctX5WIAAD-ze


TVS-RTSx-Supermoto-Concept.jpg


TVS Ronin 2025 update

whatsapp-image-2025-01-19-at-14.08.45.jpeg


whatsapp-image-2025-01-19-at-14.08.36.jpeg


Hero Xtreme 250R

4tk9uer8_hero-xtreme-250r_625x300_06_November_24.jpg


Hero Xoom 160

Ghf7BmcWEAAOJJr
The newer crop of Indian industrial designers is pretty good. I mean the ones I work with make great designs even though they are straight out of college.

As the Indian market evolves & buyer's tastes change you will notice more eye-catching designs in all hardware industries.