Accent goes dual fuel with CNG

New Delhi, June 9, 2007: Hyundai Motor India, the second largest passenger car manufacturer in India and the largest exporter of automobiles today expanded its range of alternate fuel vehicles by including the Accent in its fold. From today onwards the immensely popular mid size sedan – the Accent will be available in CNG variant as well. Last year HMIL had introduced a CNG variant for its flagship model Santro.The Accent which was initially launched in the Indian market in 1999 and had been the best selling car for a long time will now provide the future owners with a more economical and environment friendly drive. The dual fuel Accent will use Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an alternate fuel. The Accent comes with a 1.5 litre petrol engine which without any modification is compatible with CNG. HMI has tied up with the leading CNG kit supplier CEV of Korea who will supply all the components of the CNG fitment. The kit is not only safe but with an advanced Lambda control system ensures that it meets the Euro III emission norms. To ensure that there are no flaws in the fitment process, HMI has an exclusive arrangement with leading fitment specialist CEV to retro fit the kits on the Accent model. Initially, the CNG Accent will be launched in Delhi and the NCR areas and all Hyundai dealers in Delhi and NCR, in collaboration, with CEV India are equipped to sell and service the CNG Accent. The CNG Accent would have a manual selector switch, which would enable the driver to easily switch from gasoline to CNG and vice versa. The on-board CNG cylinder has a capacity of approximately 12kg and the running cost on CNG for the Accent is estimated to be in the region of Rs 1.15 km or even less depending on the driving cycle. This leads to a savings of almost 60 – 70% for the consumer. Commenting on the introduction of the CNG Accent, H. S Lheem, MD, Hyundai Motor India said “The Accent has been one of our best selling models ever since its launch. Offering it with a CNG kit will only add to its appeal as it will not only be cheaper to run but also eco friendly. The Accent has always been a very strong product in its segment and with the CNG variant our customers would find it a really attractive proposition as it has all one can look for in this class of cars.” The Accent had recently been approved by DGS&D for use by both the Central and State government departments. About HMIL Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company, South Korea and is the second largest and the fastest growing car manufacturer in India. HMIL presently markets 30 variants of passenger cars across segments. The Santro in the B segment, the Getz Prime and the i10 in the B+ segment, the Accent and the Verna in the C segment, the Sonata Embera in the E segment and the Tucson in the SUV segment. Hyundai Motor India, continuing its tradition of being the fastest growing passenger car manufacturer, registering total sales of 327,160 vehicles in the calendar year (CY) 2007, an increase of 9.2 percent over CY 2006. In the domestic market it clocked a growth of 7.6 percent as compared to 2006 with 200,412 units, while overseas sales grew by 11.8 percent, with exports of 126,748 units. HMIL’s fully integrated state-of-the-art manufacturing plant near Chennai boasts of the most advanced production, quality and testing capabilities in the country. In continuation of its commitment to provide the Indian customer with global technology, HMIL has set up its second plant, which produces an additional 300,000 units per annum, raising HMIL’s total production capacity to 600,000 units per annum. HMIL is investing to expand capacity in line with its positioning as HMC’s global export hub for compact cars. Apart from expansion of production capacity, HMIL plans to expand its dealer network, which will be increased from 230 to 300 this year. The year 2007 has been a significant year for Hyundai Motor India. It achieved a significant milestone by rolling out the fastest 400,000th export car. Hyundai exports to over 90 countries globally; even as it plans to continue its thrust in existing export markets, it is gearing up to step up its foray into new markets. The year just ended also saw Hyundai Motor India attaining other milestones with the launch of the i10 and yet another path-breaking record in its young journey by rolling out the fastest 1,500,000th car. Hyundai’s new model i10 which made its global debut here in India in October, 2007 made a clean sweep of all the ‘Car of the Year 2008’ awards from the leading automotive magazines and TV channels like BS Motoring, CNBC-TV18 AutoCar, NDTV Profit Car & Bike India and Overdrive magazine. The i10 is also the choice of the discerning automotive media of the country as they conferred the prestigious ‘Indian Car of the Year’ (ICOTY) award to the i10 as well. The i10 bagged these awards on the basis of excellence in build quality, handling, driver comfort, safety and ride quality. The Santro and the Accent also received the ‘TNS Voice of the Customer - 2008’ award for the Premium Compact Car (Santro) and the Entry Mid size Car (Accent). In March 2008 it achieved yet another milestone by rolling out the fastest 500,000th export car. Last year, the Hyundai Verna bagged some of the most prestigious awards starting with the title of "Car of the Year 2007" by India`s leading automotive publication – Overdrive, the “Best Mid-size Car of the Year” award by the NDTV Profit Car & Bike India Awards 2007, the “Best Value for Money Car” by the CNBC Autocar Auto awards and ‘Performance Car of the Year 2007’ from Business Standard Motoring. Hyundai cars have been a favorite at all awards ceremonies and have always been winning awards. Our models like Sonata Embera won the ‘Executive Car of The Year 2006’ award from Business Standard Motoring Magazine and NDTV Profit Car & Bike India declared the Tucson as the ‘SUV of The Year 2006’. Not only this, HMIL has also been awarded the benchmark ISO 14001 certification for its sustainable environment management practices. Related:- Maruti 800 Duo: Lpg variant Launched

Maruti 800 Duo: Lpg variant Launched

	New Delhi, June 5, 2008
	Car market leader Maruti Suzuki India Limited set out to delight its customers on World Environment Day by launching the Maruti 800 Duo, a new variant that runs on petrol as well as Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). Speaking on the occasion, Mayank Pareek, Executive Officer, Marketing and Sales, Maruti Suzuki said, "Dual fuel vehicles have always formed a prominent part of our overall product strategy. We are happy to launch the Maruti 800 Duo on the World Environment day as it uses LPG, an environment friendly cleaner fuel. Besides, the car is economical to drive and being factory fitted, it is completely safe." "The success of Maruti Suzuki's dual fuel models like the WagonR and the Omni Cargo is a clear reflection of the customer preference towards products that are safe and light on pocket and at the same time environment friendly. We are sure that the Maruti 800 Duo will find favour with the customers for the greater value for money to her" he added. Coinciding with this launch, the company announced that it has sold almost 125,000 cars that are powered by LPG and CNG fuels. Besides the Maruti 800, the company offers Omni and WagonR in dual fuel options (LPG-cum- petrol) As such, Maruti Suzuki is the only manufacturer in the country to offer alternate fuel vehicles across entry level, compact and commercial segments. Power and Performance The Maruti 800 Duo works on Gas Mixer System based on Integrated Gas Technology which results in optimum performance and superior emissions. The Maruti 800 Duo delivers a power of 35ps@5000 rpm and torque of 56Nm@2500 rpm. The LPG variant emits 10% lower CO2 than the petrol variant, hence is environment friendly. Designed in-house by a team of 24 engineers, the Maruti 800 Duo saw active participation of some of the young engineers in the company. The concept of the project was to make a cost effective LPG variant, which would deliver the performance equivalent to the Injection systems. The learning's from previous products like Omni LPG (2004) & Wagon R Duo (2006) have been integrated into the Maruti 800 Duo to ensure that optimum power and torque levels are maintained at the same levels as the petrol variant. Safety Maruti 800 Duo is manufactured at the company's Gurgaon plant. The components of the Maruti 800 Duo are fitted on-line along side the petrol variant of the car, hence ensuring excellent quality levels. Like the other products in the company's portfolio, the Maruti 800 Duo undergoes all stringent checks as per Maruti Suzuki quality standards before being rolled out from the assembly lines. The factory-fitted Maruti 800 Duo enjoys full warranty benefits, which are available on other car models. Thus, Maruti 800 Duo will provide the customers benefits of lower running cost, without the risk associated with unapproved, after market LPG kits. The LPG kit in the Maruti 800 Duo is approved by Department of Explosives, tested and certified by Automotive Research Association of India, country's premier automobile testing and certifying authority. Maruti 800 Duo is available in a range of five colours. Alternative fuels Maruti Suzuki pioneered the alternate fuel scenario in the country by introducing Factory fitted models starting from 2001. These regularly introduced dual fuel variants have found special favour amongst fleet operators and commercial users, for the excellent low running costs and low maintenance cycles. The LPG variants constitute around 23 per cent of national sales for Wagon R and Omni. With the launch of Maruti 800 Duo the company would have a greater presence in the alternative fuel cars in the country.
	Introductory Price The prices of Maruti 800 Duo in Delhi are:
	Variant Price Ex showroom Delhi (Rs) (Non metallic colours) Maruti 800 Standard LPG 205,682 Maruti 800 AC LPG 226,177

Specifications:- Maruti 800 Duo

Related:-
Accent goes dual fuel with CNG
Maruti Suzuki world's fourth most reputed auto company

Mitsubishi Cedia with Auto LPG launched in Ahmedabad

The new Cedia with Auto LPG, is now available in the commercial capital of Gujarat – Ahmedabad. The new Cedia elect which comes with a factory fitted auto LPG. The Cedia ALPG is cleaner, greener and pocket friendly in addition to being synonymous with exhilaration, excitement and power.
Latest new generation alternate fuel technology has been used in the Cedia ALPG. The technological know-how and kit is provided by BRC Gas equipment Co. Italy, a leader in alternate fuel technology. Mr. Y.V.S Vijay Kumar, Vice-President Hindustan Motors said on the occasion “the Common Rail Gas Injection with Sequent Technology ensures there’s no compromise on power and keeps the emissions extremely low.”

The features & convenience of this car include:

• Shift from petrol mode to ALPG mode and vice-versa with the help of ergonomically placed electronic changeover switch, at the central console
• Automatic switching to petrol mode when LPG is over and auto switching to petrol when LPG is exhausted ensuring peace of mind.
• Can cover a distance of 1000 KMs on full capacity in petrol and ALPG.
• Separate gas filling point so no need to take cylinder out to fill it.
• Lavish boot space due to sleek capsule type LPG fuel tank.

Sufficient safety precautions have been taken in section of multi-valve, fuel tank and wiring harness which take care of you completely. Moreover LPG impacts greenhouse emissions less than any other fossil fuel and is clean while burning with high octane thus making it an environment friendly fuel.

Technical details of the Cedia Select with ALPG:-
Alternate Fuel: Auto Lpg
Equipment kit: BRC Gas equipment Co. Italy
Tank capacity: 48 liters
Tank weight: 22kg
Tank pressure: 8 - 10 Bar
Fuel ingection: Sequent Multi point Fuel Injection
Microprocessor: Additional 16 bit Lpg Microprocessor

Related:-

• New Tata Indica and Indigo cs
• New Tata Sumo Grande pictures, video and specifications
• Skoda Fabia launched in India
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• New Honda Accord 2008 Sedan and coupe
• New cars expected soon on Indian roads in 2008
• Maruti all geared up to launch Swift sedan

YObykes Battery operated electric two-wheelers

Earlier post:- Hero Ultra Electric bikes
Update:- Electric two wheeler to become more cheaper

Another Major Player in the battery operated electric 2 wheelers in the country is Indus Elec-trans, a division of Electrotherm, the promoter of the YObykes in India. Yobykes provide you clean non-polluting, noiseless and economical means of traveling and the added advantage is the very low running cost.
As per ARAI norms, rules and regulations, any vehicle which has power less than 250 watt and speed below 25 km/hr does not require any license or registration, which also makes them ideal for ideal for school / college going youngsters.
The price of products range from 16000 to 36000 depending on the power of the battery and the electric motor. The product line of the YoBykes is as follows:-

YO Speed
Picture of YObyke YO speed
YO Speed is India’s 1st electric vehicle which is approved by ARAI in 750 W category. Its powerful 750w motor gives it much higher speed and enables it to even seat two people easily. YOSpeed runs for 500km in Rs.50/-.

Specifications of YO Speed:-

Overall Dimension	1785 * 1050 * 650
Wheel Size	3.00 * 10.00 inches
Weight Carrying Capacity	130 kg
Motor Power	750 Watt
Motor	BLDC Hub
Battery Type	Sealed maintenance free VRLA Battery
Lamp Voltage	12v D.C.
Speed	45 Km/hr max
Charging Duration	6 to 8 hr
Range / Charge Mileage	75 to 80 km @ 70kg & 55 to 60 km @ 135 kg
Colors Available	Teen Purple, Neo Black, Misty Grey, Royal Silver

Yo Smart
Picture of YObyke YO smart

Specifications of YO smart:-

Overall Dimension	1750 X 615 X 1050 mm
Wheel Size	16'' X 2.5''
Weight Carrying Capacity	75 Kg
Motor Power	<250watt
Motor	Permanent Magnet Brushless DC Motor
Battery Type	Maintenance-free VRLA Deep Discharge, 20Ah
Lamp Voltage	12 V
Speed	<25km/hr
Charging Duration	6 - 8 hours
Range / Charge Mileage	75 Km
Colors Available	Lemon Yellow, Silver, Splash Blue, Red, Black

About the company:-
Indus Elec-trans, a division of Electrotherm (ET), is formed to manufacture electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles. Currently INDUS has commenced manufacture of hi-tech electric two wheelers, YObykes at the state-of-the-art plant at Kutch in Gujarat. Development of Electric three wheelers, four wheelers and hybrid electric low floor buses are on anvil for future.

Website
Yo Bikes

Related:-
Hero Ultra Electric bikes

Indian Automobile updates December 07

1)India's first-ever four-door electric car:-
No i am not talking about Reva, the two-door fibre-bodied battery car introduced a few years back in the country.
Chennai based Bavina Industries is working on four-seater steel-bodied hatch-back resembling Hyundai Santro and Daewoo Matiz. The fully-loaded version of the car costs around Rs.2.5 lakh and boasts of facilities, including AC, power window and centralized locking, like any other small, premium hatch-back. Once fully-charged car would run for 110 km with AC switched on and another 20 kms without AC. It could give a maximum speed of 55 kmph.
The company would be importing the parts like electric motor, body shell, battery and charger from China.

2) Cars to get costlier from next year:-
Maruti likely to raise the price of all its cars by Rs. 12000 from next month to offset the rise in input costs and freight charges. A similar hike is also expected from Hyundai, Ford and General Motors.

3) CNG version of Toyota Innova and Corolla:-

Toyota will launch CNG fuel variants of its premium sedan Corolla and multi-utility vehicle Innova shortly. The company is currently testing the CNG variants supplied by Minda Auto Gas, which is also the original equipment supplier to Hyundai for its flagship car Santro and Maruti Suzuki for its LPG based WagonR Duo.

CNG vehicles deliver high mileage and offer low cost of operation making it ideal for tour operators and fleet owners.

Source Economic times.

GM planning Hybrids and Electric vehicles for India

What is a Hybrid Car? Check here.

General Motors is currently working on hybrid and electric cars for India. The cars are likely to be launched in India within the next five years. This seems to bve a very logical step for all the car manufacturers to reduce emissions and help environmental conservation. The hybrids have many advantages apart from being environment friendly. In many countries they get many incentives and subsidies, tax exemptions and they are fuel efficient too, i.e more miles per gallon.

The company will be showcasing its hydrogen car GM Sequel at the Auto Expo in New Delhi, to study the market and understand the audience response.

The real challenge for the company is to keep the cost down. GM has tied up with IIT Kharagpur for a join research in the areas and has commited more than $1 million.

Source Economic Times

Related :-

• Tata teams up with ISRO to produce Hydrogen power...
• Tata Indica Electric and Hybrid
• Hybrids and Hybrid cars in India
• Honda Civic Hybrid to hit Indian roads soon
• Chevrolet scores in J.D Power Asia Pacific 2007 India Initial Quality Study(IQS)
  

10000 Hero Ultra Electric bikes sold in India

The Hero Ultra a collaboration between Hero group and Ultra motors is on its way to become the country's largest electric two wheeler manufacturer. The two companies enter the join agreement in october 2006 and as a part of the deal, Ultra would provide the EV technology and kit, while Hero Cycles would manufacture the final product. With the increasing fuel prices and awareness about pollution caused by vehicles the electrically powered (battery powered) vehicles are suddenly getting lot of attention. Another big advantage that these electric bikes don't require registration or license to drive hence they are an instant hit within the 13 - 16 age group.

As a result of the aggressive retail expansion and marketing efforts, Hero Ultra has already touched the magical figure of 10,000 units of sales in mid November 07. The company aims at selling around 20,000 units by the end of March 08, thereby achieving a top-line revenue of around USD16 million.

Electric bikes (battery powered bikes) a totally new category in India, is witnessing a good growth. According to a 2006 survey conducted by AC Neilsen, the category potential of electric vehicles for 2007-08 is around 2,00,000 units and is projected to grow to 4,90,000 units in 2008-09.

Depending on what version of the electric two-wheeler is used, a single charge can last between 45kms to 70kms. The price of running an Electric Two Wheeler works out to be an unbelievable 10 paisa per km, which is the cost of charging the battery.

Related:- YObykes Battery operated electric two-wheelers
Update:-Electric two wheeler to become more cheaper

Pictures and technical specifications and other details of Hero Ultra electric two wheelers:-

The electric bike models in India offered by Ultra Motors:-

Velocity
Speed	40kmph
Range	50km/charge
Vehicle weight	75kg
Battery type	Sealed Lead Acid
Operating voltage	48V
Battery capacity	24AH
Motor Power	500
Wheel size	10" automotive
Extras	Battery Charge time 6-8 hrs

Extra
Speed	25 km/h
Range	60 km/charge
Vehicle weight	60 kgs
Recomended load capacity	75 kgs
Battery type	Sealed Lead Acid
Operating voltage	36
Battery capacity	20
Charger type	36 V, 3 A
Motor Power	<250>
Pedal transmission	No
Wheel size	16” x 2.5”
Wheel type	Alloy/Wheel

Maxi
Speed	25 km/h
Range	70 km/charge
Vehicle weight	65 kgs
Recomended load capacity	90 kgs
Battery type	Sealed Lead Acid
Operating voltage	48
Battery capacity	20
Charger type	48 V, 3 A
Motor Power	<250>
Pedal transmission	No
Wheel size	16” x 3 ”
Wheel type	Alloy/Wheel

Pictures and technical specification of electric two wheelers in India.
Competetion:- Yo bikes

Related:-YObykes Battery operated electric two-wheelers

Tata teams up with ISRO to produce Hydrogen powered vehicles

Tata Motors and ISRO are currently working on the prototype of the world's cleanest vehicle that will run on hydrogen and leave behind nothing more than a trail of water vapour.

An agreement for the pilot project to see whether hydrogen can be used to fuel automobiles has been signed and the work started, said G Madhavan Nair, Chairman of the ISRO.

IF the prototype does well there are also plans to use Hyrogen fuel cell powered cars and buses. The proposed vehicle would use ISRO's rocket technology. It would not have any engine as it would be driven with the electricity generated from fuel cells and the only byproduct would be water.

I remember about 15 yrs ago when our High School Physics teacher first told us about Hydrogen powered vehicles. Now thats what i call technology in action.

A bit of a background on ISRO:
The prime objective of ISRO is to develop space technology and its application to various national tasks. ISRO has established two major space systems, INSAT for communication, television broadcasting and meteorological services, and Indian Remote Sensing Satellites (IRS) system for resources monitoring and management. ISRO has developed two satellite launch vehicles, PSLV and GSLV, to place INSAT and IRS satellites in the required orbits.

Source TOI

Related :-

• Tata teams up with ISRO to produce Hydrogen power...
• Tata Indica Electric and Hybrid
• Tata motors rollout 1 millionth car
  
• Hybrids and Hybrid cars in India
• Honda Civic Hybrid to hit Indian roads soon

Tata Indica Electric and Hybrid

What is a Hybrid cars? check here
Tata Motors is planning to launch electric version of the Indica for the overseas market by 2009. It has roped in a foreign collaborator for the project and hopes to tap the environmentally conscious European market.

Car makers are betting on Europe for electric cars given the fact that climate change and environment sustainability are high on the European Union agenda. For instance, London has given tax exemption to hybrid vehicles. Countries such as Norway, Sweden and France that have surplus power are also shifting to battery-operated vehicles.

Tata Motors would be launching a ‘mild hybrid’ of Indica in 2008. The company said that electricity-run Indica would not suit the Indian scenario as the domestic market is yet to mature.

Tata confirmed that the prototype of Indica hybrid is ready. The hybrid version would have the facility to turn off the engine when it is not needed such as when the car is stopped at signals, and turned on again.

Japanese car makers such as Honda with their Civic and Toyota with their Prius have also been to introduce their hybrid cars in India. However, the lack of homologation rules in the country has been a hurdle.

Besides the passenger car, Tata Motors is also working with a US-based company on electrification of its most popular light commercial vehicle, ‘Ace’, and hybrid buses for city transport.

Source Business Line.

Related :-

• Tata teams up with ISRO to produce Hydrogen power...
• Tata Indica Electric and Hybrid
• Tata motors rollout 1 millionth car
• Hybrids and Hybrid cars in India
• Honda Civic Hybrid to hit Indian roads soon
• New Tata Indica with airbags and ABS
  

Hyundai's Big plans, Lpg Santro, i30

After the launch of Hyundai i10, Hyundai is in the process of developing a 'public car' which will be reasonably priced. The car could be expected to be priced below Rs three lakh, Mr. Lheem told reporters here last night after the launch of the i10 car. "But, it is still in the concept stage. From concept stage to translating into a real car, it will take four years. The car will be for both the Indian and export markets," he said, adding that it would meet all international safety and emission norms.
The company had no plans to phase out the Santro. Hyundai will be launching LPG version of its Santro car and they expect to sell 3.20 lakh cars by the end of calendar year 2007. The company had already launched CNG (compressed natural gas) version of Santro this year in the country. The company would increase its dealership network to 250 from 196 at present this year.

Hyundai and its vendors are investing Rs 11,000 crore to push Hyundai's models. Most of this will go to boost i10 sales. It hopes to corner a 20% market share in the first year. The i10 follows Hyundai's i30, a hatchback model for Europe. It is also developing the i20, under the project name, PB, for Europe. Hyundai used the 2007 Geneva Motor Show to reveal the new hatchback called the i30 and a new naming scheme with model lines bearing the "i" prefix. Hyundai says "i" stands for inspiration, intelligence and integrity. Eventually, Hyundai's entire lineup will include: i10, i20, i30, i40, and i50.

After phasing out its mid-premium Sedan Elantra in India, Hyundai wants to replace it with either the i30 or a new Elantra by 2009. Meanwhile, Hyundai is set to launch its SUV Santa Fe early next year. That means even more models on the road.
Pictures of Hyundai i30

Hyundai will offer a variety of diesel and gasoline engines with the i30, ranging from 90 to 140 horsepower. A choice of either an automatic transmission to a five-speed all-synchro gearbox will be offered.

The i30 features dual front, side, and curtain airbags, active headrests, seatbelt pretensioning and seatbelt reminders. The hatchback measures 4,245 mm long, 1,765 mm wide and 1,480 mm high. A wheelbase of 2,650 mm offers significant interior space for a vehicle of this size. Total luggage space is 340 liters with the rear seats upright.

Features:-
* 15” alloy wheels
* Air conditioning
* Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)
* Front active headrests
* Front and rear electric windows
* Front fog lights
* Glove compartment with cooling function
* Heated electric door mirrors
* iPod/USB and Aux input connections
* Remote central locking with deadlocks and alarm
* Six airbags
* Steering wheel mounted audio controls

Sources:- The ET, moneycontrol.com, www.leftlanenews.com

Related:-
1) New cars expected on Indian Roads.
2) Honda Jazz
3) Hyndai Pa
4) Volkswagen Passat now in India
5) Skoda India launches new Laura Ambiente
6) Hyundai i30
7) i10 gets excellent reviews
8) Suzuki splash to replace wagon R