For the first time at the Auto Expo, the components manufacturers and the auto manufactures held their displays at separate venues. The components show retained the original venue of Pragati Maidan in Delhi, while the OEM’s moved to the India Expo Centre in Greater Noida.
Bosch, however, managed to stay within striking distance of its biggest customers by setting up a display at the Stellar Gymkhana across the road from the India Expo Centre – complete with Weiss beer and pretzels. But it was the technology that took centre stage.
While the display included a complete range of products that the company supplies to the industry – such as high-tech common rail diesel fuelling systems, engine control units, anti-lock braking and ESP systems – what we found most interesting was the application of anti-lock braking systems in an increasing number of vehicles on our roads, both two and four-wheeled.
In fact, what was most relevant was the fact that, today, end-user ABS system costs have dropped drastically – and a modern ABS solution for a typical hatchback can be had for as little as ten thousand Rupees added to the price of the car. This cost rationalization has obviously meant that more-and-more cars are now beginning to offer ABS – at least as an option. And, at such a price point, making the fitment of ABS mandatory would actually be a welcome move in light of the latest Global NCAP crash tests.
Another interesting highlight was the Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC) module being showcased at the expo. Developed for high-performance motorcycles, the high-tech system reduces the chances of accidents even when braking hard in bends. Constantly monitoring multiple data streams, such as wheel speed, lean angle, pitch angle, acceleration, braking pressure and more, the module recognizes critical situations and intervenes by making sure the wheels don’t lock, the rear end doesn’t lift up, and ensuring that the front stays on the ground – thereby providing the ultimate in stability protection for the rider, no matter what the conditions.
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