A month in the India Transport Sector (No 22)

February, 2013

FOCUS: GREENER CARS

WHAT IS A GREEN TECHNOLOGY? How green is green technology? That seems to be the question as the environment begins to become a priority with nations around the world. With customers becoming increasingly aware of eco-friendly practices and demanding environment-friendly products, corporations across the world are being forced to rethink their production methods. More information on ITP VEHICLE NORMS AND STANDARDS While vehicles have become a huge success and integral to everyday life, the environment has had to bear the brunt of emission gasses and pollutants spilling out of these marvels of engineering. In a bid to control the damage, technology once again plays a much-needed role by enabling the creation of certain vehicle norms and standards. More information on ITP STAR RATING OF CARS In a method similar to the ones seen on refrigerators and other electrical gadgets that display their energy efficiency standards in a five star rating system, passenger cars sold in India will also have to declare their fuel efficiency from April 2013 in a star rated system. Consumers will have a definite idea about the mileage of the car just by looking at the stars displayed. More information on ITP STAR RATING OF CARS RECEIVES MIXED FEEDBACK While the decision of the government to implement fuel efficiency standards for passenger cars has been received with enthusiasm among environmentalist and green activists, the auto industry isnt as thrilled. More information on ITP

EDITORIAL
That is not breaking news: the tyre dealers body AITDF (All India Tyre Dealers Federation) and the tyre producers association ATMA (Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association) are not agreeing on a lot of issues. Once again, the AITDF has alleged that the tyre industry is artificially keeping tyre prices high despite a drop in raw material prices. Indeed, during 2012, the price of natural rubber has gradually and steadily declined by almost 35%, much to the relief of tyre manufacturers, as rubber constitutes about 30 per cent of their production costs. Similarly, the prices of other petro-based raw materials too continue to hover at levels well below those reached during the 2008 peak. A sharp decline in truck and passenger car sales, a drop in truck freight rates, the rupee weakening against the dollar are some of the elements that could explain the debilitated Indian tyre market. But, despite a drop in sales, tyre firms reported significant jump in profits. Besides, the antidumping duty on truck/bus tyres has also been in favour of local players, who have not passed the benefits of lower production costs on to customers. But the issue is not that simple: tyre dealers have approached the Competition Appellate Tribunal against the order of the Indian Competition Commission. CCI said it had found no evidence of cartelisation by tyre manufacturers. Well, there is no doubt that the issue of price is relevant for every Indian tyre consumer. But this should not obscure the real challenges that Indian tyre market needs to tackle and that go far beyond such considerations. Sustainable transportation needs radialisation diffusion, tubeless acceptance and rolling resistance thresholds at an affordable price. Cheap tyres without quality are worse than anything else.

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A month in the India Transport Sector (No 22)

February, 2013 MISCELLANEOUS

TRANSPORT LONG TERM PLANS The future of India seems to be a bright one, but not without a fair share of challenges. With a population that has already reached an alarming 1.22 billion, the demographics of India paint a picture quite unlike any other country in the world. According to statistics, more than half of India's population is below the age of 25 and approximately 65% below the age of 35. More information in ITP PUBLIC TRANSPORT INFORMATION JUST A CLICK AWAY Lack of adequate online information about public transportation has deterred people from using it in India. People have not been encouraged to use public transportation extensively due to the absence of information regarding schedules and timings. More information in ITP DELHI TO BANGKOK BY ROAD Bangkok, the famous capital city of Thailand is a popular tourist attraction and a holiday destination for many people in India. While travelling by air is the usual mode of transportation used to reach the Thai city, a spicier and more adventurous alternative is being currently explored by a self-driven expedition company. Journeys by Road, as the company is called, is all set to undertake an epic journey by road which will take travellers from Indias capital to Bangkok. More information in ITP

EMISSION STANDARDS
COMPARISON OF EMISSION NORMS BETWEEN EUROPE AND INDIA The new emission standards proposed by the European Commission are set to create a better future, greener air and increased opportunities for all. The targets as analysed by the Commission have been found to be feasible, affordable and economically viable as the technology that plays a pivotal role in the setting of emission standards is available at a nominal cost. Additionally, the implementation of technology for bringing down the emission figures will create jobs and help increase GDP. More information on ITP CARBON DIOXIDE NORMS FOR CARS IN INDIA The recent phenomenon of dense smog observed in the capital city of New Delhi has brought the subject of pollution back under the microscope once again. A decade ago, the state government of Delhi had ordered and executed the drive to convert all public transport including busses, taxis and three-wheelers into emission-free CNG or compressed natural gas vehicles. More informations on ITP CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSION NORMS FOR TRUCKS IN INDIA Black smoke emanating from the exhaust pipes of heavy duty vehicles was once a common phenomenon. Thanks to the adoption of tough emission control standards, better rigs and engines from Indian truck makers, and the commitment of the government to implement stricter emission control rules, such poisonous vehicles have become a rare sight these days. More informations on ITP FOREIGN SIAM MEMBERS AHEAD ON EMISSION STANDARDS The recently proposed changes in emission standards for passenger cars in India along with the five star rating for fuel efficiency have not been received kindly by the automobile industry in India. The latter has joined forces with the SIAM (Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers), a popular organization comprising of members that constitute both domestic and foreign car and engine manufacturers. More informations on ITP

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A month in the India Transport Sector (No 22)

February, 2013 TRAFFIC AND ROAD SAFETY

TRAFFIC POLICE HOW USEFUL ARE THEY? The usefulness and effectiveness of the traffic police on Indian roads have often been questioned and have been a subject of debate for quite some time. There are instances when the complete lack of effectiveness of the traffic police is exasperating for road users. More information on ITP UNMARKED OPEN MANHOLES A CAUSE OF ACCIDENTS Hundreds of lives are lost every year across the country due to accidents caused by unmarked open manholes. Neither the metropolitan cities nor the small towns or suburban areas are spared from this. Despite the increase in death toll little has been done by the concerned authorities to prevent such mishaps. Unmarked open drains and manholes have become a major worry for pedestrians and car drivers. More information on ITP SUDDEN SUSPENSION OF ROUTES LEADS TO CONFUSION BUS

FUEL
THE FUEL CONSUMPTION OF CARS IN INDIA Higher fuel prices have left prospective and existing car owners a worried lot. Whether the owner of a diesel-based model or a more prohibitive petrol model, the user is forced to shell out a significant amount of money towards fuel expenses. It is therefore no surprise that fuel efficiency has become one of the mostsought after qualities in a car. More information on ITP THE FUEL CONSUMPTION OF TRUCKS IN INDIA Trucks often do not present the prettiest picture on the Indian highways, especially to the average Indian traveller. Loaded to the brim, the monstrous vehicles seem more of a threat than fellow road users. However, no matter what the public opinion of trucks is, these cannot be undermined as they are the lifeline in the economy of India. The heavy duty vehicles ensure transportation and trade across the country keeping businesses and livelihoods of millions. More information on ITP WHERE DOES FUEL IN INDIA COME FROM? India has a low-level of natural oil reserves and ranks a twentieth out of thirty oil-producing countries. The four most prominent oil reserves in India are found at Gujarat, Rajasthan, Digboi in Assam and Bombay High in the Arabian Sea off the coast of the state of Maharashtra. Together, they cater for approximately 25% of the total demand of the country. More information on ITP

HOW IS FUEL PRICE CALCULATED IN INDIA? Increasing fuel prices have become a worry for every Indian. From inflated commuting bills to increased prices of commodities, fuel prices dictate almost every other expense. Today, Indians are shelling out more for fuel than people in developed countries. Even more confusing is the fact that the prices of fuel varies from state to state. Therefore, the question that arises is what is the actual cost of fuel? More information on ITP

The sudden suspension or cancellation of bus routes without prior notice is not an unusual phenomenon in India. More often than not we hear about bus services being cancelled all over the country. It leads to chaos and triggers confusion among passengers who are left stranded on the roads. More information on ITP

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A month in the India Transport Sector (No 22)

February, 2013 ADVERTISE WITH US

TYRE ISSUES
TYRE NORMS AND STANDARDS Tyres form the most basic part of a vehicle and perhaps one of the most important too, but remain unfortunately largely ignored. While India reels under the pressure of fuel hikes, the focus strongly shifts to the mileage of the car. It is often forgotten that the tyres have a very major role to play in this aspect. The right kind of tyres can in effect help reduce a substantial percentage of the fuel consumption. More information on ITP THE PROGRESS MADE IN THE ROLLING RESISTANCE OF TYRES The rolling resistance or rolling friction of a tyre is defined as the force that resists motion when the tyre rolls on the road surface. Rolling resistance occurs due to the deformation of the tyre as the tread presses against the road surface. Any slip between the tyre and the road surface further contributes to the rolling resistance of the tyre. The higher the rolling resistance of a tyre, the more energy is required to move it against the road surface, thereby increasing fuel consumption. More information on ITP TYRE RETREADING IN INDIA The part of the tyre that comes in contact with the surface of the road is known as the tread. The tread is an integral part of the tyre and is responsible for providing traction. Tyre manufacturers invest heavily in research and development of treads and their designs for improved functionality and competitiveness. When a tyre is manufactured, about 20 to 25% of the cost of the tyre is down to the tread. More information on ITP UNDERSTANDING TYRE CODES Tyres form an intrinsic if not integral part of a vehicle. However, there is more to a tyre than just making the vehicle move. Tyres can enhance the driving or riding experience and when not maintained or aligned in the proper manner, can result in problems and even accidents. More information on ITP

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ABOUT US
Indian Transport Portal is an online news center covering the most critical industrial issues related to transport markets in India. India Transport Portal is edited by Digital Bizzline Ltd. a UK based press agency recently launched by a group of freelance journalists. Digital Bizzline Ltd. is registered at the Companies House UK: 07301455 contact@indiatransportportal.com

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