Global transmission expert ZF is ready with its advanced and proven range of transmissions and also lightweight chassis components to help OEMs and fleets handle the BS-VI shift with aplomb. Mr. Suresh KV, Head of ZF Region India, tells us more.
Excerpts:
Market impact and ZF’s readiness
The new BS-VI emission regulations and axle load requirements becoming effective for new vehicles delivered after April 1, 2020 foster truck manufacturer and fleet owner to shift up gear. The race is up for the most price competitive solutions to fulfil the new standards. ZF offers lightweight chassis components as well as transmissions to supports OEM customers in the development of more fuel-efficient vehicles. Systems and components with a reduced weight, such as dampers, tie rods or transmissions have a direct effect on the fuel efficiency. Other solutions such as clutches and automated manual transmissions help indirectly. To our opinion the total cost of ownership will play a more important role for customers during the acquisition process as against the buying cost, which is the significant factor today.
Cost implications
Innovative and more efficient new solutions will have an impact on prices, but ZF technologies support the fleet owner in keeping the total cost of ownership lower even though the initial costs are higher. Today most trucks and buses on Indian roads run with 6-speed transmissions. To increase efficiency and comply with the new emission standards, manufacturers are upgrading their vehicles with 9-speed transmissions for improved fuel consumption and to aid long distance driving. Shifting to a higher torque with more gears will increase driver fatigue. With an automated manual transmission such as ‘EcoTronic mid’ model of ZF, the rides will become much more comfortable and will help to keep the running costs under check, as there will be reduced dependence on the skill and experience of the driver.
Challenges
Like with every leap in technology, all market participants are requested to make their contribution. Suppliers like ZF provide their suitable component and system offerings, such as the next generation of fuel-efficient automated manual transmission from its local production facility in Pune. The OEMs each have their individual roadmaps and timelines on shifting their product portfolio to comply with the new targets. Altogether the challenge is, not only to produce vehicles that fulfill the new emission standards upon delivery, but also to train workshops in the aftermarket to assure good service quality and maintenance. A smooth launch with minimal teething issues and making sure that there is no obsolescence in the supply chain will definitely provide some challenges the industry will have to manage.
Opportunities
We are convinced that the ‘forced’ investment into more fuel-efficient commercial vehicles will only produce winners. Fleet-owners taking the right decisions will be able to lower their operating cost per kilometer. Drives operating a truck with an automated manual transmission like ZF EcoTronic will get vehicle that is much more comfortable to drive and for society in the end, less emissions should lead to better air quality.
Outlook
ZF India is of course also affected by the overall weakening automobile demand and we see currently no indicators for a significant change in the next 12 months. So, our outlook and performance expectation is flat. Regardless to this we continue investing in the localization of production for different market and product segments. This allows us to react more flexible to changes in demand. We are carefully monitoring the situation such as inventory levels on a daily basis and balance our labour capacities between different production lines. Furthermore, we establish India as a production hub for ZF customers in other regions of the world, which reduces our dependence on the Indian market alone.