Design and development of vehicles require meticulous planning to meet the local regulations and customer preferences. The automotive industry in India is experiencing rapid growth every year. OEMs need to manage sustainable growth while solving challenges related to fuel efficiency, affordability and build quality to create vehicles that meet customer preferences related to efficiency, comfort and value.
The Indian vehicle market has some distinct features compared to the rest of the developed world. In the passenger vehicle market, an average Indian customer prioritizes fuel efficiency and affordability over safety features. Some of the other features that are critical to the Indian market are –
Fuel efficiency: Car manufacturers prioritize fuel efficiency in response to increasing fuel costs in India.
Compact size: Car manufacturers develop compact-sized cars that are manoeuvrable and easy to park in congested Indian cities with limited parking space.
Ground clearance: To handle bumpy roads and speed breakers in India, cars designed for the market have higher ground clearance to prevent scraping and further damage.
Cooling systems: Car manufacturers prioritize efficient air conditioning systems to keep the interior cool in India's tropical climate.
Affordable pricing: car manufacturers address price sensitivity in the Indian market by introducing budget-friendly models and variants, expanding accessibility to a wider customer base.
Comfortable seating: vehicles designed for India prioritize comfortable seating with ample legroom and headroom, catering to the needs of Indian families who often travel together.
Tech features: to meet the expectations of Indian consumers who value technology and connectivity, car manufacturers integrate features like touchscreen infotainment systems, smartphone integration, navigation, and USB charging ports.
Safety features: to address the growing concern for safety in India, car manufacturers prioritize essential safety features like airbags, ABS, seatbelt reminders, and reinforced body structures for enhanced occupant safety.
Advanced Features
There are some advanced features that have become standard in the developed markets and prove to be very useful in Indian context. Some of these features are now regular in Indian passenger vehicles.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): ACC uses radar or cameras to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting the vehicle's speed to match the flow of traffic. This feature can be valuable on Indian highways, where varying speeds and sudden changes in traffic density are common.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): TPMS continuously monitors the air pressure of each tire and alerts the driver if the pressure drops below the recommended level. Proper tire pressure is essential for safe driving and fuel efficiency, making TPMS beneficial for Indian cars.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): ABS is a safety feature that prevents wheels from locking up during braking, allowing the driver to maintain control of the vehicle. It is essential for Indian cars to have ABS as it can reduce the risk of accidents, particularly on slippery or uneven road surfaces.
Internet Connectivity: Integrated Wi-Fi or built-in SIM card connectivity can enable passengers to stay connected on the go, access online content, and enjoy streaming services during long journeys.
Voice Control: Natural language processing-based voice control systems can allow drivers to control various functions of the car, such as adjusting temperature, selecting music, making calls, or sending messages, using voice commands, reducing distractions while driving.
Wireless Charging: With the increasing use of smartphones, integrating wireless charging pads in the car's cabin can provide convenient charging options for devices without the need for cables.
How does Goken help in designing to specifications
Goken has a history of designing vehicle components for the automotive industry for the past 19 years. Goken India team works closely with the customers from concept to prototype to start of production. Meeting customer requirements requires detailed planning at every stage of product development. Goken India provides value at each stage as follows. Please see image below for additional details
- Define system requirements – At an early stage, automotive OEMs start by defining vehicle targets such as weight reduction or sporty feel or price target
- Derive component level requirements – These high level targets need to be distributed or translated to specific components that can create the highest impact while meeting those targets
- Design 3D products to specifications – These components then need to be designed and engineered with specifications using advanced softwares
- Generate 2D drawings and reports – The design intent needs to be communicated to the manufacturers through 2d drawings
- Validate Design and develop specifications – The design needs to be validated to ensure performance traits defined at vehicle or component level are met by performing simulations.
