8. ASSESSMENT OF TECHNOLOGY OPTIONS

The technologies in automotive electronics which began in the world in early sixties are currently under stage three. Stage one has been a primitive stage using diodes and transistors. Stage two saw induction of 16 bit microprocessors. The current stage three in the advanced countries, is with smart sensors, EEPROMS etc. The fourth stage will be around the year 2000 with state-of-the-art features like high memory on-board computer, artificial intelligence etc. it will view an automobile as a single system instead of the sum of various subsystems.

Thus, India is positioned to choose automotive technology path to suit its requirements.

It is unlikely at this stage that a voluntary pull from customer itself will bring technology development as it happened for items like television, car radio & stereo systems, safety lock etc.

A three pronged technology options evaluation is needed for applications of automotive electronics in India.

• Retrofit to existing automobiles.
• Use with leaded petrol & stress on technologies for diesel vehicle.
• Scope in 2 stroke engineers of two/three wheelers.

On the lines of above parameters and underlined thought of low cost functionality under Indian driving cycle, and ready-made technology cannot be just transplanted. The technology will have to be sources from multiple agencies, upgradation & adoption under Indian conditions.

9. PREFERRED TECHNOLOGY OPTIONS

Following technology option for immediate adoption in India have been broadly suggested.

• We should enter Stage II of automotive electronics revolution with 8 bit microprocessors for two wheelers & 16 bit microprocessor for four wheelers. The logical prelude will be universal adoption of electronic ignition.

• In the case of two wheelers four stroke engine is found optimum by the automobile manufacturers to achieve emission standards. Some of the Co’s like Bajaj Auto Ltd. Are in the process of adopting this technology.

• We have to develop technology for adoption under present condition of leaded petrol.

• India will have to take lead in technology for diesel HCVs & LCVs. The current status of CI Engineers in the world does not use much electronics as compared to petrol engines.

• The manufacturing base for EEM, ABS and such core automotive electronics systems my have to be independently created. This could be best done by subsidiaries of existing global companies like Robert Bosch GMBH, Lucas Ltd., Siemens, Philips, AVL etc.

• The initiative from Indian side should come from either automobile component manufacturers or from electronic industry.

• The R & D institutions like ARAI, VRDE, IIP and IITs have strong role to play in providing integrated testing, filed trials & competence building exercises.

• Creation of domestic manufacturing base for IC chips, sensors, microprocessors etc.                                                Back