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Indigenous powertrain development

  • Magazine Feature Article
  • 14MEIP12_02
Published December 01, 2014 by SAE International in United States
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Language:
  • English

Customer needs and expectations on drivability, fuel economy, and safety have pushed Indian and multinational OEMs to think about the development of powertrains and gearboxes for local needs with global standards.

The powertrain in India can trace its roots back to Standard Motor's Rover SD1, Hindustan Ambassador, Premier Padmini, Maruti Suzuki, Ashok Leyland, Tata Indica, and Mahindra. Globalization brought Honda, Hyundai, Toyota, GM, and others to the country. During the last two decades, the mobility of India has been improved by the development of Golden Quadrilateral and other infrastructure measures. Global exposure of Indian and technological evolutions necessitated the need and demand for more power from personalized transportation.

Environmental impact, global warming, and health hazards brought the global greenhouse emissions norms and lead to stricter control on automotive powertrain. These tough emissions norms made Indian OEMs look at outsourcing powertrain development for more competent, quick, and proven solutions with better technology and lower risk. The emissions norms also lead to better power, fuel economy, and comfort through reduction of NVH.