Bosch EMS for Tata Nano

Tata Motors’ Nano which was launched on March 23 is the world’s cheapest car. In 2004, when Mr. Ratan Tata conceptualized the ‘People’s Car’, many thought it to be an impossible dream. But the Bosch Group decided to take up the challenge, and so began the journey of its association with the Tata Nano.

Building cars at low cost needs a paradigm shift in the way modern cars are engineered and puts emphasis on reinventing the way cars are built through innovative ideas. The Nano approach was to reinvent from the outset with the collaboration of more than 100 suppliers. Since conventional Bosch systems are designed for high-end vehicles, providing solution for a low-price vehicle was a challenging task for Bosch, which however was able to convey the message that it can provide technical and innovative support in developing the Nano.

The first concept engine for Nano was assembled in 2005 at Coimbatore. It was fitted with standard components of Bosch Gasoline Engine Management System. Despite several technical constraints, the engineering team from Bosch and Tata did the first test firing of the engine. In the same year, at the Tata Engineering Research Centre, the first prototype vehicle was fabricated with the calibrated engine. The initial two-cylinder engine developed by Tata was of 586cc. Subsequently the engine capacity was raised to 624cc to have optimized engine performance to cover other variants of the Nano.

Bosch developed a state-of-the-art gasoline engine management system (EMS) for the Nano Gasoline variant. The EMS consists of the electronic control unit, fuel injectors, sensors, ignition coil, tank vent valve and throttle body assembly. The software and the electronic control unit were developed to offer the best of both worlds, the optimized performance with a “VFM” tag.

In addition to the EMS, Bosch developed a tailor-made starter motor and generator for the Nano. The new starter motor was conceived with the combination of new optimized electrical layout and passenger car mechanical systems.

Bosch also developed the braking systems for the small car. The system consists of a tandem master cylinder (TMC) and four drum brakes. To keep the costs low the system was so configured that the conventional vacuum booster was avoided, and instead of calipers on the front wheel, cost effective drum brakes were used.

“The Nano is a breakthrough product, and Bosch is proud to be associated with it, with our breakthrough technologies like fuel injection systems, brakes and electricals. This will be a trend-setter in the new low price vehicle segment in the near future”, said Mr. V.K. Viswanathan, President, Bosch India.