Base-engine value engineering for higher fuel efficiency and enhanced performance

Continuous improvement in existing engines can be efficiently achieved with a value engineering approach. The integration of product development with value engineering ensures the achievement of specified targets in a systematic manner and within a defined timeframe.

To sustain a market-leadership position, one has to continuously improve their product and services so that customer expectations are met and business profitability is maintained. Value engineering is one approach to achieve these two objectives simultaneously. Enhancing the value of running products always is a challenge, as there is limited scope and flexibility to modify the current design and processes.

This study reveals approaches to upgrade the base engine of the Maruti Alto and Alto 800 launched in October 2012. Improvement points were studied based on the business requirement, market competition, and legislative requirements. Based on functional improvement points, all the design parameters were studied and finalized. The finalized design parameters then were evaluated and verified in actual testing and results were compared with the targeted values.