Jupiter Electric Mobility
Jupiter Electric Mobility (JEM) the subsidiary of Jupiter Wagons Ltd. unveiled two electric CVs aimed at last-mile mobility. The 2.2-tonne GVW Small Commercial Vehicle (SCV) JEM TEZ and the seven-tonne STAR CC. The TEZ is claimed to run 180 km on a single charge with the STAR CC offering 250 km. JEM is banking on a strategic alliance with North America-based GreenPower Motor Company specialising in commercial electric vehicles in the people mover and freight transport segments. The strategic partnership with Log 9 Materials for EV batteries and Xavion Mobility for vehicle design and development is expected to benefit the company too. The company is targeting Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Pune, and Bengaluru initially. Elated at the new breakthrough achieved by the company, Vivek Lohia, Managing Director at Jupiter Wagons Ltd. said, “Looking at the cost benefits of EVs and sustainable approach, the segment will eventually take over the ICE market. The government’s vision of creating a green future and favourable policy support will only boost this segment further.” According to the Centre for Energy Finance (CEEW-CEF) study, the EV segment is estimated to reach Rs.50,000 crore in India by 2025, he is known to say.’

Toyota Kirloskar Motor
Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) displayed a range of products to interest tours and travel operators. In line with the idea of the thrill and joy of moving together, three distinct themes—the technology zone, the emotional zone, and the sustainability zone were conceptualised. The manufacturer piqued visitor interest with display of advanced electrified and green alternative fuel technologies including the HFCEV used on the Mirai. The company also showcased the Innova Hycross, Camry Hybrid, Mirai FCEV, and highlighted the Fuel Cell System Module. It also demonstrated the progress made on Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles. Through the cross-section of Innova Hcross, the company drew attention to high-performance aggregates like the e-motor and HEV battery. All aggregates put together and still maintaining a flat floor without a hump was testimony to the design prowess. For 4×4 enthusiasts, TKM unveiled an adventure extreme, off-road variant of the Hilux with add-ons like lift kit, off road tyres and bumpers, and an all LED light setup.

Statiq
Statiq made an impression with its sophisticated charging network. In order to support faster adoption of e-mobility, the company executed its nationwide plan to install 20,000 EV charging stations in FY23. Visitors got a firsthand look at the technology that powers Statiq’s extensive EV charging network. This included EV charging mobile apps., and a range of Statiq Chargers. In India, the company claims to have over 7000 public, semi-public, and captive chargers. According to Statiq, over 1000 charging stations have fast-charging technology and are located in strategic locations such as malls, highways, airports, residential and commercial complexes, hotels, and office complexes.

SAMIL

Shriram Automall India Ltd. (SAMIL) is the largest phygital (Physical + Digital) marketplace in India for used vehicles and equipment. The company demonstrated next-generation phygital auction technology at the Auto Expo 2023 via the ‘MySAMIL’ mobile app. The company’s physical presence is handled by 120+ Automalls across India, while online auction services are provided by CarTradeExchange.com, bids.samil.in, and the MyBlueJack mobile app. At Auto Expo, the company drew attention to allied services such as Documentation, Logistics, Financial Assistance, Insurance Assistance, Parking, and FASTag services aimed at retaining and satisfying customers. Consumers, Banks, NBFCs, Insurance Companies, OEMs & Dealers, Leasing, Rental & Aggregator Companies, Brokers, Transporters, and Contractors are claimed to benefit from the company’s B2B business model. Sameer Malhotra, Director and Chief Executive Officer, SAMIL said, “As the economy is reviving post Covid, the market sentiments have turned positive across all the industries and we are seeing the rise in the pre-owned vehicles and equipment market as well.”

SML Isuzu Ltd.
SML Isuzu Ltd. displayed four products, three of which belonged to the bus segment and one for the cargo segment. The company showcased the SML Executive LX CNG Turbo in the alternative fuel segment. The 9.6m bus in a school guise draws power from a 107 hp turbocharged (TCIC) CNG engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The bus is offered in multiple seating configurations in both a 2×2 and 3×2 layout. The wider gangway and full length school bag hat racks are among the USPs. SML Isuzu also displayed the 6.8m Executive LX powered by a 100 hp CRDi diesel engine. This bus can be had in both a 2×2 and 2×1 configuration. It also expanded its school bus offerings with the 10.5m Hiroi School Bus 5300 on a CRDi diesel engine with an upto 62+D seating capacity in a 3×2 layout. The Samrat GS 24ft MS Container powered by a 3.4-litre CRDi diesel 113 hp engine comes with strong aggregates. Operators could appreciate the flexibility of carrying higher payload in the 24 ft. long container with a 1.4 mm corrugated thickness. A ladder on side wall, steel hinges, cam type locking on the rear door and an anti skid MS chequered sheet floor are among the key features on offer that add to the appeal of the Samrat series. Hiroshi Ota san, Senior Vice President – Marketing at SML Isuzu explained the thought process behind the display and powertrain choices. He said, “The company is focusing on medium duty trucks and buses. BEVs can be a part too to cater to SCVs but largely the choice will be conventional ICE in the case of M&HCVs.” “Hydrogen and LNG are good alternatives too but due to lack of infrastructure, adoption will be gradual. On the other end of the spectrum, hydrogen has limitations too as it is highly flammable in its composition while holding promise for the future.” he concluded.

Brakes India

At the Auto Expo, a locally developed motor on drum brake with a driver-independent park brake feature was unveiled. The e-booster for vacuum-free brake actuation electric vehicles was also on display. For the CV range, Brakes India brought in the complete air actuation solution and air disc brakes. D Sridharan, President & Head, Heavy Vehicles Business, Brakes India said, “Our product range will span all the way from nine-tonne LCVs going up to 60-tonne tractor trailers.” “With our vast field experience, we have made several patented improvements to the reliability and performance of these products. As the global market has limited choices today, Brakes India has a strong value proposition in this space,” he stated.

Wheels India
Wheels India Ltd. displayed their recently released, cast flow form wheel. One of the manufacturing techniques in the wheel industry is flow forming, which is used in the production of cast alloy wheels. Using the technology, pressure is applied to the wheel both while it is spinning and after it has been cast. The aluminium is stretched and compressed during this process, improving its mechanical qualities. This process characteristics are comparable to the forging process. Compared to a conventional cast wheel, the finished product is significantly more shock-resistant, lighter, and stronger (of the same design). By the end of this year, the flow form wheel should be made available for both the domestic and international markets.

Also read, Alternative powertrains, automation an interesting route to greener CVs