The Hindu Business Line : Auto majors seek to work with EU cos on R&D

New Delhi, Nov. 23The Tatas, Mahindras and Ashok Leylands are in the race to be part of a consortium of select companies from India, China, Brazil and South Africa that would work along with European Union countries in research in the automotive field.

The research would mainly focus on hybrid technology, alternative fuels produced from jatropha oil and ethanol, electric and hydrogen vehicles, amongst others.

At a two-day event held here, organised by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, along with Ertico, a European body with a mission to drive intelligent transport systems, and SIMBA under the European Council for Automotive Research and Development, the domestic automobile companies showcased the future technology areas in which they were working.

The consortium would include co-investment of resources and funds between India and the EU on joint proposals that can address the challenges faced by automobile makers of the developed and developing countries.

“What is the winning proposal from the companies and why the consortium seeks an Indian partner will depend on the kind of benefits seen in working jointly,” said Dr Sadhana Raily, Advisor to Department of Science and Technology.

Some proposals

Some of the proposals presented by the Indian companies include an E10 study with a special focus on two- and three-wheelers, economical production of hydrogen-based vehicles, and biofuels amongst others.

Mr Dilip Chenoy, Director General, SIAM, said that the Indian side was likely to finalise the proposals that would be discussed during the Auto Expo event in January 2008.

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