Why Japanese automakers are loosing ground in India?

Maruti Suzuki :

Maruti is an Indian brand, But Suzuki owns more than 50% shares of Maruti. So Suzuki sells its cars in India in partnership with Maruti motors. Maruti Suzuki is India’s largest automaker. Suzuki had change the automotive industry with it’s Maruti 800 and Alto in the 90’s and then the Swift changed the game in the early 2000’s. Suzuki makes some of the most, low priced, fuel efficient cars in the Indian market till date . It is the only brand that can answer the question of “Kitna deti hai ?” with confidence. Suzuki manages to give some of the most mileage efficient cars with very refine engine options. But is that enough in 2020?

Being the largest automaker in India already is a big title to hold on too . But the brand lacks to study the Indian customer interest and cater on it. In 2020 it is hard for a brand to rely only on mileage supremacy to get an edge in the market. It sad that the brand doesn’t care about customer safety and just offers 2 air bags in car which are rated only 2 stars in NCAP crash tests. It’s a shame, that where companies like Ford provide 6 airbags in their smallest cars like the Figo and Almost all Tata scoring more than 4 stars in NCAP crash tests . The 2 star rated equally priced Swift fails to cater a good build quality. It is not that Suzuki can’t make safe cars . The same Suzuki Swift abroad scores 5 stars in safety. It’s Suzukies poor trick to bring the cost down , that may cost the customers his life . Suzuki should know that safety is not a place to save money on. It’s a big trade-off for the customer . Plus lack of data analysis on the market is also a let down to the brand. As we know that compact Suv’s are the trending territory in Indian auto market. But India’s largest brand makes only one offering in this segment the Brezza. Honestly the Brezza loses on styling and also on technology as compared to its rivals. It also lacks engine options. Where as the competition manages to get a variety of them. The brand needs to work on their safety and design language for the brand to grow. The brand needs to stop making a ton of average cars and focus on making few cars with really good features . This will make the brand save money instead of making a lot of average cars .

Latest Car Accident of Maruti Suzuki Swift in India - Road - Crash ... — Safety is India’s number 1 priority

LIFE >>> COST CUTTING

Toyota :

Toyota is a brand well established in India because of it’s MPV the Innova and SUV the Fortuner . Toyota is one of the largest manufacturer in USA. Toyota corrolla is the highest sold car abroad. But the brand has an completely different role in the Indian market. The brand for some reason neglects the Indian small car market completely, because of it’s great run abroad. Toyota has only two successful cars in India. The brand had attempted to enter the small car segment, but their cars failed. As they where not quite appealing and not priced as per competition. The Failure in small car segment has bought the company to a point, where it has stop trying. Which has forced Toyota in selling other manufacturers cars in the lower segments . (For example the Glanza ) . It’s a shame that the company with such a good reputation abroad has decided to stay depended on other manufacturer . If Toyota manages to get the line-up of cars from abroad. It will have a very good comeback. We know the capabilities of the brand. It is just a mater of execution and strategy in this market.

Nissan:

Nissan is an other Japanese brand that has high capabilities but poor execution. Nissan has a very poor line up of cars in India . The brand some-how managed to keep only one Hatchback in India for a decade . The Nissan Micra was a overpriced, poorly equipped Hatchback at the time of it’s release. It also had only one sedan the sunny which was also a overpriced, poorly equipped Sedan. The companies SUV Terrano was same as the Renault Duster with a costlier price tag . The brand is selling the same cars as Renault with different naming. For example : Duster = Terrano , Scala = Sunny . Nissan copying other brands technology left a very bad image of Nissan in the auto Industry. Nissan has a very capable SUV The Nissan Kicks but poor brand reputation and high competition has taken away the Nissan customers. We know that Nissan can do better. Just a mater of execution. A brand capable to make the Godzilla can make better cars independently.

Honda:

Honda is comparatively doing doing a better job in India . Honda has some of the finest engines, IV-Tec are really sporty and powerful engines. But the brand really underestimates it’s competition. It’s Korean rivals cater the public one car with a variety of engine trims and lets the customer choose their preference . But Honda just sells only the IV-Tec cars in India, even though it has a very good line-up of turbocharged cars abroad . So where Hyundai is providing a variety of engines there Honda isn’t. And an non car guy will judge a cars power just listening to turbos. Honda just needs to bring the turbo technology to India. Then only we can move on from the phrase “No more waiting till the V-Tec kicks in”. Honda also needs to focus on Suv’s and Compact Suv’s . It needs cars, which are bigger and more Suv-ish . AS we don’t really need crossovers like WRV. We know Honda can do wonders.They just need to listen to it’s customers . Japanese really need to create an Independent identity.

Conclusion:

The Japanese companies need to watch out for customer safety along with the customer interest. The Japanese companies need to innovate rather than selling same cars with different names. The companies need to provide the customers a variety of engine options that they deserve. Their presentation needs too match modern Customers style. The need to keep the price within the competition for results. Most of the Japanese manufacturers are making alleys. I suggest the allies to work on innovation rather than selling one car with different branding.

THANK YOU FOR READING:

For more information on Suzuki and Toyota alliance check out my old blog by clicking on the following link: https://automobiles.news.blog/2019/03/12/maruti-suzuki-and-toyota-alliance/. Also give me your feedback to improve.

Why hydrogen fuel cells cars are better then the hydrogen combustion cars. “Are they the really the renewable future we where promised ?”

We all know the fact when hydrogen molecule (H₂ ) reacts with o₂ molecule of oxygen it gives water. Hydrogen powered cars basically works on this reaction.

Hydrogen combustion cars:

We know the equation that 2H₂ + o₂ = 2H₂o . This is the basic formula we have been thought over and over again in school . In Hydrogen Combustion cars this same reaction takes place but in the presence of nitrogen(N₂) molecules . So now Hydrogen , Oxygen and Nitrogen react in the presence of Heat caused by the movement of combustion pistons. This gives us nitrogen oxide. The reaction is as follows.

2H₂ + O₂ + N₂ = 2H₂o + No . Where nitrogen oxide is harmful for your health. Plus the efficiency of Hydrogen combustion cars is 20-35% only, which is quite low

Hydrogen fuel cars

Hydrogen fuel cars are very efficient compared to hydrogen combustion cars. Hydrogen fuel cars have an efficiency of 60% as compared to 35% of hydrogen combustion cars. The reaction here is quite easy to understand.Here two molecules of H₂ reacts with one molecule of o₂ to give water.

Basic reaction : 2H₂ + 0₂ = 2H₂O .

Actual reaction; 2H + o = 4H⁺ + 4e^– + o₂ = 2H₂O.

Here the hydrogen molecule undergoes separation to form 4 Hydrogen ions along with 4 electrons. These hydrogen ions and electrons react with oxygen molecule to give water.

Why hydrogen fuel cell cars can't compete with electric cars — Toyota MIRAI a hydrogen cars

conclusion: Hydrogen fuel cell having a better efficiency over hydrogen combustion cars. Hence is much more preferable over the other . Plus the absence of nitrogen oxide produced in in Hydrogen fuel cars, makes hydrogen fuel cell cars more logical to go for over hydrogen combustion cars.

Pros of Hydrogen cars:

Hydrogen cars doesn’t cause any pollution compared to regular combustion engine cars.

Hydrogen cars can be refilled like a normal fuel car . We won’t have charging problems like electric cars.

Cons of Hydrogen cars :

Hydrogen is costly as compared to fuel.

Hydrogen is highly explosive.

Hydrogen cars have low efficiency.

Check out a review of Hydrogen cars by Michael Fisher AKA mrMobile:

Michael Fisher’s opinion on Hydrogen cars

Also check out how Hydrogen cars stands-up against Battery powered cars:

James May from Top gear compares these two technology

I personally think hydrogen is very costly at this point to make a conclusions. Plus the people (Taxi driver, Bus drivers etc) who can’t afford to lose time on filling a battery powered car , won’t probably have that much amount of money for an hydrogen refill. An ordinary individual can manage to recharge his/her EV over night or at his/her work space. But Taxi drivers and the other public transport drivers will lose time recharging their EV. This is a big trade off in their earnings.

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Also comment down for improvement and suggestions. This will help me grow.

A Solution to have a better EV network in India

In my previous blog, I had addressed the issue, Why India presently doesn’t have a good EV network. The major reason behind this is a poor charging station network. Also click on the link below to read my previous blog , if you haven’t already https://automobiles.news.blog/2020/06/24/is-buying-an-ev-in-india-a-logical-move-by-the-middle-class-community/

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is images-27472728614680063301..jpg

India presently doesn’t have a good network of charging station. The current number of charger in India is highly inadequate and can not meet the needs of everyone. These networks are also concentrated in Urban areas , which make is almost impossible for inter-state travel. So how do you seek the peoples attention towards this environment friendly alternative? Considering Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore being titled as one the most polluted cities globally. Don’t worry i may have a potential solution towards this issue.

My Personal solution toward this issue.

I guess Governments interest plays a important role in this issue. Yes, i appreciate the fact that the government has slashed the GST on EV’s from 12% to 5%. I guess it was a bold move by the government. Also slashing the GST on chargers from 18% to 12% just is a plus point to the governments side. But this is not enough, the government needs to do more. It has to go out of the box for it’s citizens. I suggest the government to make it mandatory for new buildings above 3 floors should have equal number charging points as to the number of flats in building. This will help each family in the building to have at least one charging point. If a building fails to cater this need it won’t be granted a occupation certificate. All restaurants and cafe should have equal number of charger to table ratio, for getting a licence . This will help the customer to charge their vehicle when they enjoy their meal. Hotels, malls and offices should be packed with charging stations. The government should analyse the major roads for inter-state travel and setup charging spots at a smaller interval. Road side chargers should be installed.

The government should also provide subsidiaries to private charging stations. This will help private firms setup chargers in more places. Adding to the amount of government chargers . Government should also push Indian battery manufacturers like Exide to focus on EV battery production. Indian battery producers should get a tie-up agreement with Indian automakers like Tata and Maruthi. So as to boost the economy. This is my personal opinion on the topic, Government can also follow the Norway method.

Norway Method:

Norway last year recorded 53% of it’s total sales in cars to be EV’s . So why does Norway have so many EV’s ?. The major reason behind this is actually Norway’s government it’s self. The government manages to convince it’s population to go electric, by giving the EV owners a massive advantage over the regular car owners. In Norway EV owners are benefited with 2 years of free electricity for their vehicles. EV owners also do not have to pay any toll and tax for their cars. The government also provides subsidiaries to EV manufactures, to make EV’s as well as to setup more charging stations. So how does the government afford fund so much. This is really smart, the government in Norway convince the it’s citizens to go electric, so that it can save up on Fuel and oil. Then sells all this Fuel and oil to other countries. Hence gaining a larger profit. As we all know fuel is way costlier than electricity.

A good explanation to Norway’s EV secret

I honestly feel that our government should learn from Norway.

We can save up a lot of money by going electric. As electricity is way cheaper than Fuel. This will help our economy grow as well. EV is the best remedy for getting away with pollution.

for more information on Norway’s EV innovations, check my blog on Norway’s wireless charging technology for cars: https://automobiles.news.blog/2019/03/28/wireless-charging-for-oslo-taxis-in-norway/ also check out my blog Highlighting the slashed GST on EV’s: https://automobiles.news.blog/2019/07/06/indian-budget-2019-slashes-gst-on-ev-to/

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Waiting till that Turbo kicks in your car? Does AMG have a solution?

Mercedes-Benz had showcased their view of a Formula 1 car for the roads with the AMG project one back in 2017.

F1 legend Lewis Hamilton showcased the Mercedes-Benz’s high performance project with Project One back in 2017 at the International Motor show in Germany. This cars motto was to cater F1 performance in a street legal car. It has been 3 years now and the car is taking ages to reach the final production state. Let us know whats the actual reason behind the delay.

Lewis Hamilton Drives the Mercedes-AMG Project One Hypercar – Robb ... — F1 legend Lewis Hamilton with the Project 1

Why is AMG having such a big Delay with the project one?

The project one is supposed to be powered by a turbo charged V6 engine with hybrid assistance. “Wondering whats the problem with making a turbocharged V6?” Ford GT has done it, Mercedes can follow up. Hybrid technology is also not new it has been Mclaren, Porsche and Ferrari has done it. then why can’t Mercedes do it. What is so different with Mercedes- Benz’s turbocharged engine? let us find out

Mercedes AMG Project One Price, Specifications, Top Speed, 0-200 KPH — F1 technology for roads

What is the difference in Mercedes-Benz’s

E-turbocharged engine. Is it a game changer?

Let us go back to 2013 where Mercedes was going crazy with the electrification of the SLS AMG . Since then Mercedes-Benz is going crazy with Electric innovations. Recently Mercedes also entered the EV market with its EQC SUV. But in the mean while Mercedes is also came-up with the idea of Electric turbo chargers.

The electric SLS AMG in 2013.

Electric turbochargers?

An electric turbocharger works on the same principles of a traditional turbocharger . But this time it eliminates the traditionally gifted turbo lag. So we can get almost instantaneous torque from turbocharged Combustion Engines as well. It also combines the instantaneous responsiveness of a small turbocharger with the performance advantage of a big turbocharger in one package. Mercede-Benz has managed to aquired this innovative technology with the help of Garrett Motion.

How is the turbo lag eleminated?

By installing a tiny electric motor into the turbocharger shaft, specifically between the turbine wheel on the exhaust side and the compressor wheel on the fresh air side. Measuring approximately 4 centimetres (1.6 inches), the electric motor powers the compressor wheel before it starts accepting the exhaust gas flow.By installing a tiny electric motor into the turbocharger shaft, specifically between the turbine wheel on the exhaust side and the compressor wheel on the fresh air side. Measuring approximately 4 centimetres (1.6 inches), the electric motor powers the compressor wheel before it starts accepting the exhaust gas flow.

Mercedes-AMG Revs Up Performance with Electric Turbos | AutoBeat — e turbos

This method will help us to get a good amount of torque at lower speed. This will also make the turbos in the engine quite responsive. E-turbos can boost up your horse-power anywhere upto 800HP.

This new technology will replace the current AMG63 lineup with the AMG73 lineup. We might be able to see this technology in future Blackseries cars.

AMG boss Tobias Moers, Future Aston Martin CEO , has already promised the Black Series will have “something different” in terms of engine, adding “we never did something like this with an engine before it is the first time AMG tests this technology” It remains to be seen whether he was referring to the e-turbo or something else.

Fun fact:

Did you know the 63 in AMG’s current lineup represents that there is no compromise with the Engine performance and it is the top performing engine from the brand in that segment.

For knowing more about, why AMG sources Engines to Pagani please check out my previous blogs . Also follow Carx for more updates and news in the car community.