Alten to set up automotive testing facility in Chennai

Alten, the $1.3-billion French engineering and technology consulting company, will set up an automotive testing facility, at its labs in Chennai.

This will help automobile manufacturers in and around Chennai outsource testing of components such as diesel engines and suspension systems.

The component should be brought to the Alten facility and various parts associated with the component will be attached to a testing hardware.

Through virtual simulation of driving conditions, the component will be tested for its durability and emission standards, said Gerald Attia, Deputy CEO, Alten.

The software and hardware used in engine control systems will also be validated.

With several global auto majors bringing in R&D to India, such a testing facility will come in handy, said Attia.

“We are talking to some of the leading car manufacturers to use our facility,” he told Business Line .

Alten is already working with manufacturers such as Renault and Daimler in Europe, and would like to extend the testing facility to them in Chennai, he said.

Apart from global manufacturers, Alten will also target Indian OEMs and part makers.

Most of the auto companies have their in-house testing facility.

However, it caters only to the existing portfolio of products while the testing facility will cater to future requirements.

For instance, the facility can test hybrid electric vehicles. Most manufacturers may not have the skill-set and equipment for this, said Attia.

Also, in France, Attia says OEMs have seen 30 per cent cost savings by outsourcing testing and validation.

Initially, a couple of officials from Alten’s headquarters will come to Chennai to set up the facility.

At a later stage, ten people will be here to train the customers.

COMMENT NOW