The recent Prawaas exhibition in Bangalore showcased the latest innovations in the bus industry, with Vikas Group standing out as a key player. Known for its cutting-edge thermal and HVAC solutions, Vikas Group has been a significant contributor to the automotive sector since its inception in 1982. The company’s presence at Prawaas highlighted its commitment to addressing the evolving needs of fleet operators and OEMs.
A Legacy of Innovation
Founded with a core ideology of “Wisdom and Harmony, Challenge & Innovation,” Vikas Group has grown to become a prominent market player with a robust presence at 14+ locations. The company specializes in automotive air-conditioning, battery colling systems, heat exchangers, emission after-treatment, exhaust systems and precision machined components. Their joint ventures with global automotive tech giants like Sanden Corporation, SATA Spa, Sejong Industrial Co. Ltd and Doowon Heavy Industrial Co., along with 3 local R&D centers, have given Vikas Group an unmatched technological edge.
Meeting Demands of the Modern Bus Industry
At Prawaas, Vikas Group presented a range of thermal and HVAC solutions tailored to the specific needs of the Indian market. Parthasarathi V Garikipati, COO, Vikas Doowon (India) Pvt. Ltd., emphasized the importance of understanding customer demands, especially those of fleet owners who often have higher expectations than OEMs. “Interestingly, I understood some more insights into the demands on the product, basically on the technical demands,” he noted, highlighting the company’s proactive approach to innovation.
Advanced Product Offerings
Vikas Group’s product range includes Diesel Bus HVACs upto 48kW & Electric Bus HVACs upto 40kW and Battery Cooling Systems starting from 3 kW up to 12 kW, with variations that combine battery and traction cooling systems. These systems have been tested in the field and have shown promising results. The 12-kW unit, for example, uses a combination of a radiator and a chiller to cool both the battery and traction motors, providing a significant technical advantage.
Solutions for the Bus AC are equipped with state-of-the-art E-Compressors, BLDC Motors, Controls and latest generation optimised high-capacity condensers. In addition to battery cooling systems, Vikas Group has developed two ECUs tailored to the Battery Thermal Control requirements of Indian vehicles. “We need ECUs to meet the local needs. It was a challenge for us, but we could meet that actually,” Parthasarathi explained, underscoring the company’s ability to adapt to local conditions.
E-Compressor Innovations
Vikas Group’s E-compressors are best-in-class, featuring integrated inverter systems that can work at High Voltages upto 850V. These compressors are designed to handle both battery and motor cooling systems, making them versatile for various applications.
Manufacturing and R&D Strength
Vikas Group prides itself on its manufacturing capabilities, with a capacity to produce 3.5 million heat exchangers and 2.5 million compressors annually. Their facilities in Faridabad are among the largest in the industry, holding a significant market share in the passenger car segment. The company also manufactures refrigerant lines and pipelines, making it the largest manufacturer in this category for both OHW and automotive applications.
The company’s R&D facilities are equally impressive, with comprehensive testing capabilities for battery cooling systems and vehicle. This robust R&D infrastructure allows Vikas Group to stay ahead of the curve in developing innovative solutions for the automotive industry.
Future Growth and Expansion
Looking ahead, the company has ambitious plans for growth. The company aims to increase its turnover significantly in the next three years, driven by investments in R&D and the expansion of its manufacturing lines. Multiple new plants are in works. A new plant is also coming up in Anantpur to cater to Kia and Hyundai Motors.
The company is also investing in exhaust systems and air cleaning products, which are crucial for meeting evolving environmental regulations. “We are prepared for that as well,” Parthasarathi affirmed, indicating Vikas Group’s readiness to tackle future challenges in the automotive industry. “For us as an AC manufacturer as well, we have learned a lot of things over the last one year in developing these models.”