ZERO21’s Project Gagan allows retrofitting ICE autos with EV powertrain
Based in Hyderabad, India, ZERO21 Renewable Energy Solutions Pvt. Ltd. announced the launch of Project Gagan, an innovative initiative to reshape the landscape of auto-rickshaw mobility in India. Beyond introducing an innovative product range, Project Gagan aligns with a broader mission of promoting sustainable living in India, one of the world’s most dynamic nations. Zero21 aims to target 100,000 autos as part of Project Gagan through retrofitment or exchange to new electric autos in the next 5 years.
Project Gagan is a plan offering owners of fossil fuel auto-rickshaws the option to retrofit their vehicles into electric or exchange them for new electric three-wheelers. The retrofitting process, facilitated by a specially designed Conversion Kit, seamlessly converts any internal combustion engine (ICE) passenger three-wheeler to electric in less than four hours. This forward-thinking approach allows owners to transition to electric mobility faster and effortlessly, ensuring an extended vehicle life with minimal maintenance and exceptionally low running costs.
As part of ZERO21’s strategic vision to uplift the image of the three-wheeler & facilitate faster services, the company has introduced Roadside Assistance (RSA) with a unique theme. Project Gagan primarily targets auto-rickshaw owners and fleet operators with the core objective of enhancing health through reduced pollution and lower operating & maintenance costs, providing long-term financial benefits to drivers. By replacing older, less efficient auto-rickshaws with clean energy Electric Vehicles (EVs), this initiative aims to significantly reduce air and noise pollution, contributing to a healthier environment. The project seamlessly aligns with broader goals of sustainable urban development by encouraging the adoption of EVs and supporting the transition to a more sustainable transportation system.
Ready or not, the K-trio is ready. Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation signed an agreement on 3rd January 2024 with Samsung Electronics for a Car-to-Home and Home-to-Car service partnership, aiming to enhance the connectivity between residential and mobility spaces. Hyundai and Kia plan to expand their Car-to-Home and Home-to-Car services to overseas customers by linking the connected car platforms and Samsung SmartThings. To achieve this, Hyundai and Kia will develop stable service-providing infotainment systems and provide these features through over-the-air (OTA) and USB-based updates even for existing vehicles.
The three companies aim to break the boundaries between living and mobility spaces, enhancing the time value of driving before, during and after Car-to-Home service. This agreement allows Hyundai and Kia customers to control digital appliances via touch and voice remote commands through their cars’ in-car infotainment systems. Conversely, they will have remote vehicle control via AI speakers, TVs and smartphone apps to control various vehicle functions. This is possible through the organic integration of Hyundai and Kia’s connected car services and Samsung’s Internet of Things (IoT) platform, ‘SmartThings’. Customers are expected to use it in various ways daily, enjoying uninterrupted connectivity experiences.
For example, on a hot summer evening commute, the user can activate the ‘Home Mode’ to turn on the registered air conditioner and air purifier, start the robot vacuum, and turn on the lights for a comfortable and pleasant living space. Alternatively, before going out, the user can initiate the ‘Away Mode’ to turn off unnecessary lights and start the robot vacuum to create a clean living space to return to and pre-activate the vehicle’s air conditioning to a comfortable temperature.
In the case of Hyundai and Kia’s Car-to-Home service, users can register and use specific modes for each situation to minimise device operation while driving. In particular, location-based automatic operation, in addition to touchscreen and voice commands, will be implemented to provide more convenient service to customers. In addition, electric vehicle owners can use SmartThings’ integrated home energy management service to check the energy usage of their home and vehicle and adjust the optimal charging times.
“This is an opportunity to make the connected car’s Car-to-Home and Home-to-Car services more convenient in various fields,” said Haeyoung Kwon, Vice President of Hyundai and Kia’s Infotainment Development Center. “We plan to accelerate our technology development to continuously make global Hyundai and Kia customers’ journeys meaningful.” “This collaboration will enable communication from home to car and integrated home energy management services that are optimized for future lifestyles,” said Chanwoo Park, Executive Vice President at Samsung Electronics. “By connecting the SmartThings platform with vehicles, we’ll be able to significantly enhance the customer experience in both the home and the car.”
Meanwhile, Hyundai and Kia have already provided car-to-home and home-to-car services through collaborations with telecommunication and construction companies. The Car-to-Home service – previously available for six items, including lighting, plugs, gas shut-off valves, ventilation, air conditioning and boilers – and the Home-to-Car service for vehicle air conditioning, remote start and charging management will be expanded to support connections with a broader range of devices through this partnership.
Xiaomi has invested over 10 billion CNY in the initial research and development phase. The R&D team comprises over 3,400 engineers and over a thousand technical experts in critical domains both in China and abroad. Xiaomi EV’s five core technologies are E-Motor, Battery, Xiaomi Die-Casting, Xiaomi Pilot Autonomous Driving, and Smart Cabin.
E-motor
Xiaomi showcased its independently developed and manufactured E-motors, HyperEngine V6/V6s, and HyperEngine V8s. The three E-motors, employing innovative technologies such as Bidirectional Full Oil Cooling Technology, S-shaped oil circuit design, and staggered silicon steel laminations design, rival the performance of traditional large V8 and V6 powertrains from the era of internal combustion engines, pushing the industry’s performance boundaries to new heights.
Notably, HyperEngine V8s, with a maximum speed of 27,200 rpm, 425kW output, and 635N·m peak torque, sets a global record for E-motors. To enable the industry-exceeding standard of 27,200 rpm, HyperEngine V8s employs the industry’s first ultra-high-strength silicon steel plate with a tensile strength of 960MPa, boasting strength that surpasses mainstream industry offerings by more than two times.
For cooling design, HyperEngine V8s adopts a Bidirectional Full Oil Cooling Technology and an S-shaped oil circuit design. For the stator, a dual-cycle oil circuit is employed, increasing the heat dissipation area by 100% and achieving a cooling effect of up to 20°C. Meanwhile, the rotor section utilises a patented S-shaped oil circuit, increasing the heat dissipation area by 50% and achieving a cooling effect of up to 30°C. Additionally, the stator silicon steel laminations feature a “step-like” staggered design, further increasing the effective heat dissipation area by an additional 7%.
HyperEngine V8s is in development and set to be mass-produced and implemented in Xiaomi EVs in 2025.
Xiaomi’s self-developed HyperEngine V6/V6s E-motors boast an industry-leading rotational speed of 21,000rpm, surpassing the most powerful mass-produced electric motor globally. Among them, the HyperEngine V6 super motor has a maximum power of 299PS and a maximum torque of 400N·m, while the HyperEngine V6s super motor achieves a maximum power of 374PS and a maximum torque of 500N·m.
Battery
Xiaomi has also self-developed CTB Integrated Battery Technology through innovative Inverted Cell Technology, multifunctional elastic interlayer, and a minimalistic wiring system; it features a battery integration efficiency of 77.8%, the highest of CTB batteries worldwide, a 24.4% overall performance improvement, and a height reduction of 17mm, with a maximum battery capacity of up to 150 kWh and theoretical CLTC recharge range exceeding 1200 km.
To ensure stable performance during long-range travel, Xiaomi employs industry-leading safety design standards. The downward-facing pressure relief valve swiftly releases energy in extreme situations, maximising passenger cabin safety. A 14-layer robust physical protection system includes three layers of top support, three layers of side protection, and eight layers of bottom protection.
In terms of heat dissipation, a dual-side water cooling solution implements heat dissipation plates on both long sides of the battery cells, achieving a cooling area of 7.8m²—four times the industry average. The sides of the battery cells feature 165 pieces of aerogel insulation material, capable of resisting temperatures up to 1000°C.
Xiaomi EV is equipped with a self-developed Battery Management System (BMS) with ASIL-D, the highest functional safety level. This BMS includes three independent thermal runaway monitors and alarms, along with an around-the-clock early warning system. Each Xiaomi battery boasts industry-leading reliability and undergoes the most stringent battery safety tests, including 1050+ safety verifications and 96 times the international standard of durability testing duration.
Xiaomi Die-Casting
Xiaomi has unveiled its self-developed Xiaomi Die-Casting T9100 cluster and proprietary die-casting alloy material, Xiaomi Titans Metal, making it the only domestic automaker simultaneously self-researching both large die-casting and materials.
Xiaomi Die-Casting T9100 covers an area of 840m², with a total weight of 1050t and locking force reaching 9100t. Xiaomi has developed a foundation model quality judgment system that can complete inspections of individual pieces within 2 seconds, offering an efficiency ten times higher than manual inspection. The application of this cluster enables a remarkable achievement for Xiaomi EV, with the rear underbody integrating 72 components into one, reducing welded joints by 840, decreasing overall car weight by 17%, and significantly reducing production hours by 45%.
In material research and development, Xiaomi has developed Xiaomi Titans Metal, a high-strength, high-resilience, heat-treated die-casting material. Xiaomi’s self-developed “Multi-Material Performance Simulation System” selects the optimal alloy formula from 10.16 million possibilities, claiming a perfect combination of strength, resilience, and stability. While the industry focuses on the tonnage of die-casting clamping pressure, Xiaomi is steadfastly pursuing a full-stack self-researched path.
Xiaomi Pilot Autonomous Driving
Three key technologies by Xiaomi EV: Adaptive BEV Technology, Road-Mapping Foundational Model, and Super-Res Occupancy Network Technology.
Adaptive BEV Technology is an industry-leading innovation that invokes different perception algorithms based on scenario. The perception grid has a minimum granularity of 5cm and a maximum of 20cm, with a recognition range extending from 5cm to 250m. This technology ensures wider visibility in urban scenarios, extended vision in high-speed scenarios, and more precision in parking scenarios.
Road-Mapping Foundational Model revolutionizes traditional methods of perceiving road conditions. This model not only recognizes them in real time and intelligently switches to a more reasonable driving trajectory but can also navigate smoothly in complex intersections without relying on high-definition maps thanks to learning from complex intersection scenarios and experienced driver habits.
In terms of obstacle recognition, Xiaomi’s Super-Res Occupancy Network Technology achieves unlimited categories of recognition for irregular obstacles. Compared to traditional networks that interpret obstacles as blocks, Xiaomi’s innovative vector algorithm simulates all visible objects as continuous curved surfaces. This improves recognition accuracy to as low as 0.1m. Additionally, Xiaomi’s self-developed one-click noise reduction feature eliminates the impact of rain and snow on recognition, significantly reducing the probability of misidentification.
In addition to the Road-Mapping Foundational Model, Xiaomi has also independently developed the world’s first production-ready “End-to-End Sensing and Decision-Making AI Model” for automated parking. This model allows for real-time observation and dynamic adjustment when parking in challenging scenarios, such as parking facilities that include elevators.
On the hardware front, the system is equipped with top-of-the-line configurations, including two NVIDIA Orin high-performance chips with a combined computing power of 508TOPS. Perception hardware includes one LiDAR, eleven high-definition cameras, three millimeter-wave radars, and twelve ultrasonic radars on the Xiaomi SU7 Max model. With top-tier configurations and full-stack in-house research, Xiaomi’s intelligent Autonomous Driving system is set to join the industry’s top echelon by 2024.
Smart Cabin
Xiaomi EV Smart Cabin adopts a “human-centric” interaction architecture and features a 16.1-inch 3K central console, a 56-inch HUD head-up display, a 7.1-inch rotating dashboard, and two seat-back extension mounts that allow for the mounting of two tablet devices. It is equipped with the Snapdragon 8295 in-car chip with AI computing power of up to 30 TOPS, enabling an ultimate interactive experience with the linking of five different screens.
The interactive experience of Xiaomi Smart Cabin is similar to tablets, allowing users to quickly adapt without the need for a learning curve. The system operates exceptionally smoothly, with the vehicle OS launching in a rapid 1.49 seconds after the door is unlocked. Additionally, it offers seamless cross-device connection between smartphones and the EV. For example, when the phone is brought into the cabin, the console automatically displays an icon, enabling easy access to the phone’s interface with a single touch.
The in-car OS seamlessly integrates mainstream applications, including the whole Xiaomi tablet application ecosystem, with gradual adaptation to over 5000 applications. Smartphone applications can be conveniently pinned to the car console, instantly transforming them into in-car applications. In terms of hardware integration, Xiaomi SU7 supports over 1000 Xiaomi smart home devices for effortless integration with the vehicle, enabling automatic discovery, password-free access, and the ability to set up automation scenarios, creating a robust CarIoT ecosystem. The car interior also has dedicated pin-point expansion connections, supporting plug-and-play functionality for a wide range of devices. To meet the needs of users, Xiaomi EV fully supports CarPlay, the mounting of iPads and iPad accessories, and applications on the rear extension mount.
Xiaomi SU7
During the presentation, Lei Jun shared Xiaomi’s automotive goal: to craft a dream car for the new era of the automotive industry – a vehicle that is aesthetically pleasing, enjoyable to drive, comfortable, smart, and safe.
Representing the epitome of technology, experience, and aesthetics, the “trinity” dream car, Xiaomi SU7, is positioned as a “full-size high-performance eco-technology sedan,” It aims to achieve high performance, eco-technology capabilities, and a comprehensive mobile smart space experience.
Xiaomi SU7 emerges as a pinnacle of performance with cutting-edge technology and advanced driving experiences. With a self-developed E-motor – HyperEngine, CTB Integrated Battery Technology, and a series of challenging technological innovations, such as the body structure manufactured from the Xiaomi Die-Casting T9100 die-casting cluster, Xiaomi SU7 Max achieves a zero-to-hundred acceleration in an impressive 2.78 seconds, firmly placing itself in the “sub-2-second supercar” club, while being capable of reaching an astonishing top speed of 265 km/h.
Xiaomi SU7 is also a truly versatile performer. With a fully self-developed Xiaomi Smart Chassis control algorithm, it possesses two major capabilities: Smart Multidimensional Sensing and Global Synchronized Control. This allows for millisecond-level adaptive dynamic chassis control across all scenarios, providing a stable handling experience while delivering an almost “bump-free” driving experience.
More importantly, Xiaomi SU7 incorporates three major ecosystem empowerments by integrating applications, hardware, and third-party CarIoT ecosystems, providing an unprecedented smart mobile space experience. The Xiaomi CarIoT ecosystem is fully open to third parties, featuring standardized interfaces, extensive communication protocol standards, and lightweight retrofit solutions for existing devices. Lei Jun stated that the ultimate realm of smart electric vehicles is the fusion of technological breakthroughs and the seamless integration of user needs and their vehicles, where driving becomes intuitive.
Completing the “Human x Car x Home” smart ecosystem
The “Human x Car x Home” smart ecosystem is a comprehensive integration of scenarios involving people, cars, and homes, facilitating seamless connectivity of hardware devices, real-time coordination, and driving collaboration among industry partners. Lei Jun announced during this conference that with the addition of the Xiaomi EV, the “Human x Car x Home” smart ecosystem has officially been completed.
The ecosystem enables mutual collaboration and evolution among individuals, devices, and intelligent services within the ecosystem. Leveraging HyperConnect cross-device connectivity, Xiaomi HyperOS seamlessly integrates over 200 product categories, including Xiaomi EV. The ecosystem coverage extends to over 95% of users’ daily scenarios, allowing intelligence to intricately serve each individual. Simultaneously, with AI empowerment, Xiaomi HyperMind serves as the centre for intelligent reasoning and can perceive and learn from usage, providing automated, proactive solutions.
Additionally, the “Human x Car x Home” smart ecosystem achieves mutual empowerment among products, technologies, and industries, maintaining an open platform; Xiaomi adheres to the principle of “continuous R&D in foundational technology, continuous and long-term investment.” Simultaneously, Xiaomi collaborates with industry partners, including developers, supply chain, and manufacturing to harness the full potential of the entire industry, making Xiaomi HyperOS a more open platform and ensuring that “Human x Car x Home” becomes more inclusive and human-centred, capable of enabling a multitude of possibilities.
Lei Jun stated that Xiaomi’s entry into the automotive industry marks a significant leap. This represents a long-term commitment and deep investment in foundational core technologies, a coming-of-age moment for Xiaomi’s modern industrial intelligent manufacturing capabilities, and, most importantly, a crucial step in completing the “Human x Car x Home” smart ecosystem. Lei Jun emphasised, “Xiaomi’s entry into the automotive industry signifies a new beginning for Xiaomi, I believe that one day, Xiaomi EVs will be a familiar sight on roads around the world”.
Xiaomi is aiming high with Hyper OS and SU7. What are your thoughts, let us know on our social media accounts or comment below.
Lamborghini Revuelto, the first-ever V12 plug-in hybrid supercar, is gearing up for its grand debut in India on December 6. Buckle up for a thrill, as this powerhouse can go from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 2.5 seconds, hitting the 200 km/h mark in just 7 seconds flat. Hold onto your nerves because Revuelto, with its 3 electric motors (2 electric motors up front and 1 petrol motor at rear), can achieve a staggering top speed of 349.2 km/h.
Draped in the legacy of the revered Aventador, the Revuelto is not just a successor; it’s a revolutionary force. Breaking new ground, it proudly flaunts the title of the first in the Lamborghini series to sport a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Beneath its sleek exterior lies a roaring 6.5-litre V12 engine, harmonizing seamlessly with a 3.8-kWh battery pack, delivering an awe-inspiring total power output of 1,015 bhp.
The heart-stopping Revuelto is not for the faint-hearted, with an ex-showroom price tag of ₹8.9 crore in India, and whispers suggest the on-road spectacle could hover around ₹10 crore. The demand for the supercar is so intense that bookings are locked and loaded till 2026. The luxury car is set to redefine the game with its exclusive plug-in hybrid system, a rarity within the Lamborghini lineup.
While the Revuelto pays homage to the Aventador’s aesthetic roots, it’s not just about looks; it’s about a unique allure that captivates onlookers. With its assertive stance and silhouette that cuts through the air like a precision blade, the Revuelto dons an aggressive appearance, accentuated by Y-shaped design elements.
The car industry in India is very distinct. In the typical auto market, either powerful automobiles are common or cars with special functions are well-known. However, jo dikhta hai vo bikta hai here in India. This means that only the product that generally appears excellent is in demand. As they say in engineering, form follows function. Having said that, this sector has seen a large number of cars, both excellent and poor, beautiful and ugly, and strong and not so powerful, since it was founded.
Yes, Everybody loves automobiles. These days, cars are an integral part of daily life. Some people’s obsession with vintage automobiles is even greater. In India, we do a poor job of preserving our automotive industry’s legacy. The vintage Indian vehicles from the 1980s and 1990s were superior to conventional cars and even had a history. Many kids from this era would be able to recall a story or two about their old autos if you asked them. People used to respect vintage automobiles as if they were another part of the family and developed a close bond with them. Here’s a list of the Top 10 cars that ruled the Indian roads back then.
HM AMBASSADOR
This got to be the first on our list. The first automobile made in India, the 1958–2014 model, was based on the Morris Oxford III and underwent minor improvements and modifications over its manufacturing life. It was also used as an official standard. When Maruti Suzuki introduced the affordable 800 hatchback in the middle of the 1980s, the Ambassador’s hegemony was overthrown.
MARUTI SUZUKI 800
Maruti Suzuki produced the Maruti 800 small-town bus in India from 1983 and January 18, 2014. Because of its 800cc F8B engine, the 1979 Suzuki Fronte First Generation (SS80) was given this name. This car, which is recognised as one of the most significant in India, has been produced in quantities of around 2.87 million 800 million, of which 2.66 million have been sold within India. After Hindustan engines alone, the Maruti 800 has been in production for more than 30 years, making it the second-longest vehicle in India.
HM CONTESSA
A very desirable car from the Indian manufacturer Hindustan Motors (HM) was the Hindustan Contessa. Based on the GM Vauxhall Victor FE, which was manufactured during the latter years of manufacturing until 1979, it was dubbed the VX Series. When it debuted in 1983, it was one of the few Indian companies producing high-end vehicles for the market. Among its few native competitors was the compact model 2000, which was based on the Rover SD1 and the Premier 118 NE. Contessa was a well-liked pick among government officials. In 2002, Contessa’s production was successfully concluded.
FIAT PREMIER PADMINI
Premier Padmini was an automobile produced by Premier Automobiles Limited, a division of the Walchand Group. Fiat granted the company an Indian license to operate in India from 1964 to 2000. Fiat1100 Delight was the car’s original name until 1973 when Premier Padmini began to be sold. The Ambassador and the standard herald in Hindustan were the Padmini’s principal rivals in the Indian market. Because the Padmini was initially the Fiat, it was called after the princess of the fourteenth century. The Padmini is also referred to as a pad or Fiat informally. Padmini is a reference to the Lakshmi Goddess, meaning “the Lotus Sitter.” In India, it is also well-known among young people.
TATA SIERRA
It was a three-door sport utility vehicle that Tata Motors, based in India, produced under the names Tata Sierra and, subsequently, Tata Sierra Turbo. The 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine powers the Sierra. It was modelled after the Tata TL, the first automobile ever developed and produced in India. It featured a normally aspirated engine at first, but subsequent models had turbocharged engines.
MARUTI SUZUKI GYPSY
With the 970 cc F10A Suzuki engine, Maruti Gypsy was first offered in the Indian market in December 1985. Although sales were never particularly strong, the vehicle quickly gained a lot of traction among police enforcement, and some are still being used by the Armed Forces. The codename assigned to it was MG410, an acronym for “Maruti Gypsy 4-cylinder 1.0-litre engine”. It was only offered as a soft top at first, but once aftermarket hardtops gained popularity, the public was eventually given access to a bolt-on hardtop. The Premier Padmini was quickly superseded by it as the standard Indian rally vehicle because of its exceptional performance, dependability, tuneability, and versatility..
MAHINDRA ARMADA
Based on the Jeep, the Mahindra Armada was a sports utility vehicle (SUV) and multiutility vehicle (MUV). India manufactured it between 1993 and 2001. In 1998, the more opulent “Armada Grand” was added to it; in 2001, the Mahindra Maxx took its place. Mahindra has not been wellrepresented in the urban market sectors targeted by the Armada, Grand, and Bolero.
MARUTI SUZUKI 1000 (ESTEEM)
When it made its debut in 1990, it looked contemporary and was the talk of the town. It had a 970cc engine, which was only enough for 46 horsepower. Its fuel economy was low, and it was by no means decisive. It was reborn as the ‘Esteem’ in 1994 and had the finest power-to-weight ratio in the nation thanks to a 1.3-litre all-aluminium engine that produced 65bhp. A variant with fuel injection and 85 horsepower was also introduced in 1999. The best-selling car was the Esteem, which was phased out in 2007.
TATA SUMO
In 1994, the ten-seater, rear-wheel-drive Sumo SUV was introduced, with its primary purpose being off-road transportation and military usage. Prior to 1997, more than 100,000 Sumo cars had been sold, and it had considerable commercial success. The four-wheel drive model was sold to fleets and the Indian army, whereas the rear-wheel drive model was offered to the public sector in India. The 4WD variant was frequently offered alongside the 2WD in the foreign market.
DAEWOO CIELO
Daewoo unveiled the Cielo in 1995. With so many amenities, the Korean manufacturer had great expectations for this car. The Cielo’s 1.5-liter multipoint fuel injection engine, which produced 80 horsepower, was based on an Opel Kadett from 1980. It included an OVRMS, central locking, power windows, and power steering that could be adjusted.
We deep dive into history to learn about how the infotainment systems in the automotive industry evolved through the ages.
The birth of automobiles was solely to serve the purpose of moving from point A to point B. But humans, being humans, soon got bored of hearing the rumbling sound of the early-age engines and the gusting winds. As it is said, “Necessity is the mother of all greatest inventions.” we today have advanced to an era where artificial intelligence plays a major role in shaping the future. Today, every car comes standard with infotainment systems, but this hasn’t been the story since the beginning. So, how did it all start? Let’s know more…
THE 1930s:
THE ANCESTORS
AM radio was introduced for the first time in a car.
For the next two decades, it was just the AM radio on offer.
You can call this the ancestors of what today’s in-car-infotainment system looks like. The earliest ones date back their roots to 1922 on a Chevrolet. However, it wasn’t until the 1930s that people saw this feature as a significant part of the dashboard. These radios were usually fit in the trunk due to the massive size of the units, and the only kind of data was transmitted via radio waves.
THE 1940s-‘50s:
RADIO PRESETS
Introduction of physical buttons and knobs to switch between channels.
Blaupunkt, a German company, introduced the AM/FM radio for the mass market.
Chrysler even offered record players for a short duration.
Throughout these decades, the in-car radio evolved tremendously with the physical buttons to remember your favourite radio station presets and rotary knobs to scan through different bandwidths. These fixtures were the primary means of data storing being used in automobiles, albeit in mechanical ways. During this decade, vinyl record players briefly appeared, which soon became a symbol of luxury & opulence.
1960s-‘80s:
ANALOG STORAGE AND THE ERA OF CASSETTE TAPE
Dual-channel modern stereos, which used two streams of audio.
Becker was the first manufacturer of car stereos in 1969.
8-track cassette tapes were introduced.
Compact cassette tapes could hold about 45 minutes of playback on each side.
The first in-car navigation was introduced in the Toyota Celica in Japan.
These years gave rise to widely adopted external data storage in the form of cassettes that used a magnetic strip to store audio signals through magnetic manipulation of the tape’s oxide layers, which were turned into an electronic signal during playback that finally played through the speakers.
You must have seen your parent’s or grandparent’s collection of these rectangular devices with songs that would be played after inserting them in a slot. These cassettes also reduced in size with time as technological advancements took place at a rapid scale.
With the world still playing songs on cassettes, the Japanese were entering a whole new segment of onboard navigation, which used an electro gyrocator instead of satellites for navigation. It had transparent map films, which were illuminated on a screen that scrolled around as the car moved.
1990s:
DIGITAL DATA AND CD
The birth of the compact disk and widespread adoption of digital data.
Cassette players became obsolete, and MP3 units were growing.
Screens started emerging in the infotainment units.
Bluetooth capabilities and auxiliary inputs introduced a whole new world of entertainment.
Digital data started making its way into in-car-infotainment in the form of compact discs (CDs). Due to its portability and enhanced quality, it soon became a widespread phenomenon and automakers across the globe started equipping their cars with this system as standard. CD stored data in binary form over its magnetic surface, which the reflection of a laser beam would read onto a sensor. Companies like Pioneer, Alpine, Kenwood, Blaupunkt & Sony manufactured many aftermarket units, which were fitted onto the dashboard.
2000s:
GEN Z, THE SHIFT OF THE CENTURY WHICH CHANGED A LOT!
Bluetooth and auxiliary enabled hands-free calling.
Voice control
MP3s and external device compatibility.
Aftermarket accessories like a reverse camera and advanced speaker systems.
Even though CDs were light and small, they still required space to be kept, which were often a target for thieves. With the start of a new century, things drastically changed. Even CD players became obsolete, and people started shifting to better, advanced technologies like MP3 players and USB storage devices for entertainment. Transferring data, music, videos or maps from USB flash drives to these infotainment systems was a massive shift in technological acceptance across the world. Furthermore, Bluetooth connectivity came in as a boom in the industry, which changed many things altogether. Better amplifiers and speaker components started building attraction towards high-quality sound experiences.
2010 ONWARDS:
TOUCH SCREENS AND A LOT MORE
GPS navigation gained popularity.
Phone connectivity features like Google Android Auto and Apple Car Play.
Different Apps and in-car Wi-Fi.
Comprehensive wide touch screens.
Physical buttons started getting off-sight, and larger screens replaced these head units. The world was evolving, and so were these in-car infotainment systems with wide adoption of touch screens compatible with phone connectivity. SD slots started replacing the USB ports, and auxiliary inputs were replaced by Bluetooth connectivity, reducing the hassle of physically carrying your data. Internet connectivity enabled the use of satellite navigation, which was a boom. More complex electronics and microchips helped embed flash media drives to support internal storage in the infotainment systems. These screens were now capable of storing high-quality data, including built-in app storage, maps and other helpful information.
With this technology getting more common, one could connect their phone directly to the in-car-infotainment system and access a host of features for convenience. Whether playing your favourite track or speaking to your loved ones hands-free, all of this made way for what we have today.
2020:
BEYOND WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR US
Integration of Artificial intelligence.
Built-in internet connectivity.
On-device applications
With plenty of technological advancements in the bygone decades, infotainment systems in the automotive domain have skyrocketed in terms of the tech they offer today. With features like large touch screens with geo-fencing, 3D smart navigation with real-time traffic updates and alternative routes, voice-activated commands to control the vehicle, over-the-air updates and a lot more, the driver can now be focused on making the drive more pleasurable.
A variety of sensors, cameras and radars now aid the driver by providing real-time information like tyre pressure monitoring system, fluid levels, regular service maintenance reports, parking assistance, lane-keeping assistance, collision warnings & blind spot mitigation, etc. ease the driving experience.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
With technology growing rapidly, we can see more and more automakers embedding their products with futuristic features like artificial intelligence, Bots and autonomous driver’s assistance systems. We are not far away from the days when cars would communicate with each other and drive around cities by themselves, allowing the passenger to be carried around without driving the vehicle.
Dash cams have become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to their aggressive pricing and their ability to capture and record accidents and unexpected events on our road journeys. Infact, dash cam footage saved us a ton of aggravation in resolving a he-said-she-said dispute with the insurance company of the redlight-runner who totalled our car. However, a recent road incident and our dash cam’s failure to capture video documenting the event, alerted us to the widespread misconception that dash cams are ‘set it and forget it’ devices. In this article, we’ll describe the dash cam’s failure and give you some helpful tips for dash cam setup and maintenance, so your dash cam will continue to be functional and you can count on it to document the events it was purchased to capture.
Setup
Ensuring a proper setup is pivotal. Check that your dash cam is positioned so that it doesn’t obstruct your vision, it is securely fastened to the windshield (usually with a rubber suction cup) and properly positioned to capture the desired viewing perspective. Most dash cams have a viewfinder to help establish the viewing area. Next, check that the correct date and time are configured – this will be critical to document when an incident occurred. Refer to your owners manual to find an appropriately sized high-endurance memory card (usually an SD card) and format the card with the recommended compliant filesystem. Then ensure video recording options are configured with high resolution and loop recording is configured. Check whether your dashcam supports locked video clips (meaning that designated video files will not automatically be deleted when the dashcam deems an incident has occurred) and determine whether you want file locking on or off.
Checkups
Regularly check the positioning of your dash cam and clean the camera lens. It is important to periodically remove your memory card from the dashcam and plug it into a computer to validate the dashcam capture angle, the integrity of the memory card and which clips are locked and not automatically overwritten (are new recordings happening?) so there is plenty of memory space to capture new video.
Our Failure Mode
Our dash cam automatically locks (meaning will not automatically delete) footage that it thinks is important, which seems to mostly be events caught while the car is off. None of these supposedly important clips were important to us. Gradually over time, the number of these locked files grew to the point where there was not much space to record new videos. By the time we returned home after the road incident, the footage that documented the incident we needed was overwritten. Had we ensured a proper initial setup and performed routine checkups, we would not have lost this critical evidentiary video. Fortunately, we lucked out that our passenger used her cell phone to record the incident in addition to what we had hoped we would find on the dash cam, so we were able to establish fault with the cell phone video and photos. Often there is no passenger to depend on to document things when an incident occurs.
Dash cams can be incredibly useful tools for protecting yourself on the road, but they require regular attention and maintenance in order to work effectively. By staying informed about the features and settings of your dash cam, periodically checking the memory card, and being vigilant about potential malfunctions, you can ensure that your dash cam is always ready to capture important footage when you need it most.
The Lamborghini Esperienza Giro India, a pinnacle of opulence and lifestyle experiential driving, has successfully concluded in the grandeur of Rajasthan. Marking the brand’s 60th anniversary, this year’s theme immersed Lamborghini owners in the regal splendor of Rajasthan, enabling them to explore India’s royal heritage in their beloved Lamborghinis. Exclusively tailored for Lamborghini owners, Esperienza Giro India 2023 unfolded as an exceptional adventure, guiding participants through the resplendent royal palaces, awe-inspiring sand dunes, and the most breathtaking locations and roads in the mesmerizing Golden City of Rajasthan.
The convoy, consisting of over 60 Lamborghini cars, awakened participants’ senses with meticulously curated routes that traversed the heart of India’s royal heritage, offering a picturesque view of the Thar Desert. The journey commenced at the magnificent Jodhpur and concluded at the enchanting Palace in Jaisalmer. Throughout this expedition, participants relished the thrill of driving, savouring the authentic Lamborghini driving experience.
This year, Esperienza Giro India embodied the essence of Lamborghini, granting customers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage while reveling in the unmatched performance and luxury of their Lamborghinis. The event underscored Lamborghini’s commitment to delivering exceptional experiences that transcend mere driving, fostering enduring connections between the brand, its owners, and the enchanting world they explore together.
“Esperienza Giro India 2023 was a celebration of Lamborghini’s 60 years of excellence, a journey that allowed our cherished customers to experience the opulence and majesty of Rajasthan, which resonates with Lamborghini’s own heritage of luxury and performance. We are delighted to have created memories that will last a lifetime and strengthen the bond between Lamborghini and its loyal enthusiasts,” remarked Sharad Agarwal, Head of Lamborghini India.
Lamborghini Esperienza Giro India made its debut in 2019, with its inaugural edition featuring a convoy of over 30 cars journeying from Bengaluru to Coimbatore and onwards to Ooty. In its second edition, organized in 2021, the brand witnessed increased participation, with over 50 Lamborghini owners travelling from Delhi to NH48, passing through the picturesque city of Chandigarh en route to Shimla. At this year’s Esperienza Giro, while celebrating 60 years of excellence, the brand continued to lead in innovation and passion, inspiring fans and dreamers across the country with its extraordinary cars and offering unique experiences that only Lamborghini can guarantee.
Did you know that Puma was once on the verge of bankruptcy, and one gentleman steered and helped make it profitable with sales of 4 billion USD? Leading to its stock price skyrocketing by 4000 %! And that man is Jochen Zeitz, now the President, CEO and Chairman of Board of Harley-Davidson Inc. which is also powering the LiveWire, its flagship EV brand. Harley-Davidson is an iconic brand with a cult following and undoubtedly the most desirable motorcycle brand in the world by any measure. Ramesh Somani caught up with him exclusively on his first visit to India as the CEO of Harley-Davidson.
RS – Harley-Davidson has stuck to its roots ever since. How has that changed with the changing lifestyle and the changing landscape? How are things shaping up globally for you?
JZ – We’ve been around for 120 years. We’ve seen a lot of changing landscapes, and so there’s always the next generation that you need to get excited to ride motorcycles, which is why we’ve introduced the X440 in India to introduce the next generation of riders to the Harley life, before they graduate to bigger Harleys.
RS – So, Harley’s journey has had many strategic overhauls, right? From Rewire to Hardwire but has the brand finally found its game?
JZ – Over 120 years, you need different strategies to succeed. It cannot be just one strategy. And the Rewire was setting us up for Hardwire. It was in the 2020 pandemic where we had to close our factory, like everybody else. And I felt it was necessary to rewire the business. build a new foundation based on which we could then launch a new strategy, which was the Hardwire. So, the Rewire was the precursor of the Hardwire strategy, and it’s really focusing on our core segments and our core ridership, contemporary riders, and traditional riders, but also expanding into new categories. So, again, every era needs its own strategy, and I felt the Hardwire was the right strategy at the right time.
RS – Harley-Davidson is also a lifestyle company. And does your lifestyle vertical work better or, overall, the cult following? Does it really play up and complement each other?
JZ – I think it’s very important. We do a lot more than building machines. We stand for the pursuit of adventure and freedom for the soul. So it is a lifestyle, right? It’s not just riding a motorcycle, it’s riding a Harley-Davidson. And that in itself is a very different experience. And it’s a lifestyle that our riders express when they ride a Harley-Davidson.So building and nurturing that ecosystem of ridership and being part of a community is something very special that very few brands in the world can claim their own. A lot of other manufacturers have tried to imbibe that culture.
RS – Yeah, but Harley is Harley. I don’t think anybody comes close, which is great. I mean, you have such a powerful brand. It’s one of the most aspiring brands in the world!
JZ – And that gives us the opportunity not just to sell motorcycles but also to expand into apparel, parts, and accessories. We are the most customized motorcycle brand in the world. You express yourself; it’s almost like creating a piece of art. You express yourself with how you customize your bike, how you paint it, and what accessories you put on the bike. So that customization, again, is something that is truly unique for Harley-Davidson.
RS – On a very rough estimate, if you have to denote a ratio to your motorcycle sales with your lifestyle vertical, how would the math add up?
JZ– Our core business is always going to be motorcycles, but we also believe that the brand can reach out to fans and aficionados that associate with the lifestyle of motorcycle riding and might not ride yet because it’s such an aspiring brand. And that’s the opportunity to reach out to those customers with apparel, footwear and other products. So why shouldn’t we do that? Building that audience and broadening the audience of riders and non-riders alike is something that every brand needs to do, but the core of the business is always going to be motorcycles.
RS – Harley-Davidson has always been associated with the rumble of a V-Twin and today with X440 and the ongoing electric revolution, do you think this will dilute the brand in some way?
JZ – No. That’s why our engineers and our designers made very sure that the X440 looks, sounds and feels like a Harley-Davidson. So the design was developed by our designers in Milwaukee. We work very closely with the engineers to make sure that the vibration, the sound, and how the bike behaves comes very close to Harley. But, of course, it’s a different segment. It’s a 440; not a 1250 CC. There is a difference, but I think once you hear the bike, once you ride the bike, there’s a lot of Harley inside.
RS – Harley is associated with the sense of freedom, spending long hours on straight roads but with this ongoing electric revolution, do you think there’ll be a sense of anxiety more than the sense of freedom? Given the constraints of charging infrastructure and charging time?
JZ – We decided to launch a separate brand for that for many different reasons. One is that the charging infrastructure will take time. Fast charging will take time on a motorcycle. It’s not like a car where you have a lot of space to put a big battery pack that can be charged fast. While developing a touring bike with a significant range, the lack of technology proves to be a hurdle. But we wanted to be the leader as a company, which is why we launched Livewire as a separate brand that is leading the electrification of the sport and that’s separately listed at the New York Stock Exchange and then fast forward 10, 20, 30 years… certainly, there will one day also be an electric Harley. But the technology needs to advance a lot for us to achieve it in the core segments and make sure that the look, sound and feel of Harley-Davidson are retained.
RS – Harley-Davidson has always been the centre of pop culture, whether it’s the ‘Sons Of Anarchy’ or ‘Terminator’. With these small displacement and electric motorcycles, will we see that in the future? Like overall, in your scheme of things for the X440?
JZ – Well, it will be interesting to see who is going to cast our motorcycle in Bollywood movies with other influencers. I’m sure we will see a lot. We want to also get more female riders into the Harley-Davidson lifestyle, which can be achieved with the X440 because it’s the perfect motorcycle to start riding. But at the same time, it is so much more! For instance, I was belting the X440 at 125-130km/h on the racetrack today and that proved that this little bike does have some serious guts. And I’m sure it’s going to be an appealing proposition for a lot of riders, starters, beginners, but also advanced riders.
RS – So you never know, right? What might come around?
JZ– No. And I think we’ve landed a really good product and that we’ll find a lot of fans. And again, just like I started on 500 when I was young and eventually went into the big bikes, I think this is a great stepping stone. But in itself, it is an already very fulfilling product which is going to be a great companion for your adventures.
RS – Harley and technology have never been the best of friends. But with the ongoing technological revolution, do you think things are changing? JZ – Well, I’d say we are innovating quite a lot. Revolution Max, for instance, is a very innovative engine with our variable valve technology. I think in safety aspects, we are also investing a lot. And if you look at the new CVO that we just launched, there is just pure technology in that bike from the software from our new engine. It has all the technology you really want in a motorcycle. You should always start bringing new innovations to your flagship products, and from there on, the infused technology can trickle further down.
RS – Enough of all these questions, but tell me, which has been your favorite Harley-Davidson?
JZ – I don’t have a favourite, and picking just one is near impossible. I have a lot of Harleys in my garage and it feels exactly like having multiple kids.
RS– Which was the first Harley-Davidson you ever bought or rode?
JZ– It was a Low Rider, which I still have, and then it was a V Rod, and then it was all kinds of different ones!
RS – Do you see some shifts happening globally in riding? Anything that you want to shed some light on?
JZ – Well, I think we want to get more and more people to ride. If you are not a rider, you don’t know what you’re missing. And I think we’ve just launched our membership and loyalty program in the United States. Getting people early on to associate with the brand, whether you’re a rider or not a rider is what we are aiming for. And really, building that community is very important to us. Because once you have a community, especially for a bike that you take out for touring, you want to be with friends; you want to be with your family. And getting more and more people to ride is really important.
RS – Was it difficult to graduate from Puma, handling that brand to success and then suddenly getting into a cult brand which is completely offbeat? Was it very difficult to adjust?
JZ– Well, every brand is special. I like building brands and influencing brands. And I had a great run at Puma for almost 20 years. That was an extraordinary experience. And then, I was focusing more on my philanthropic learning from their philanthropic endeavors. I joined the board of Harley-Davidson and then in 2020, I was asked to be the CEO. I said well, you don’t say no to Harley-Davidson, right?
Triumph launched two of the most highly anticipated motorcycles of the year, the Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X today in India. These bikes were previously unveiled in London, UK last month, and will be manufactured by Bajaj Auto in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Co-developed with Bajaj, the two motorcycles receive their sleek design from the Speed Twin and Scrambler motorcycle range. Both models are based on an all-new platform and share the same frame powered by a new liquid-cooling single-cylinder engine.
A Triumphant Endeavour
The appearance of the newly launched Triumph bikes is appealing, to say the least. The Scrambler 400X is equipped with a refreshed exhaust system, all-terrain tyres, and removable seats. The two bikes are significantly different in size from one another. The Scrambler 400X features a longer wheelbase as compared to the Speed 400, measuring 1,418mm while the latter measures 1,377mm.
Both bikes are equipped with Triumph’s new TR-series engine. The liquid-cooling engine has a displacement of 398cc and a double overhead camshaft configuration. This latest engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox with the output figures being close to the KTM 390s which was also made by India Bajaj.
Despite the relatively cheaper price tag of Rs 2,33,000 for the Speed 400, the design seems to scream premium. The pricing for the Scrambler 400X has not been revealed by the makers just yet. Both bikes use Digi-analogue displays which can be equipped with heated grips. The gearbox sports a slipper and clutch assist mechanism. The feature list on both motorcycles is similar including full-LED lighting, semi-digital instrument cluster, ride-by-wire throttle, switchable traction control system, dual-channel ABS, and an anti-theft immobiliser. These vehicles are projected to have an advantage over rivals such as the Husqvarna Svartpilen 250, BMW G 310 R, Zontes GK350, KTM 390 Duke, Honda CB300R, and Honda CB350RS.
