Text: T Murrali
As part of its initiative to offer insights to global automotive technologies and support policy makers with relevant inputs, the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) had organised the Symposium on International Automotive Technology (SIAT) at its Pune campus recently. ARAI organised the 14th edition of the biennial event in association with SAE India and NATRiP.
Held since 1985, the symposium was instrumental in introducing several technologies by Indian OEMs, since it has been encouraging paper presentations only on applied engineering and not just being confined to theory. Therefore, it has enabled the target audience to learn newer technologies that help create mobility – ‘cleaner, quieter and safer’ – which is incidentally the theme of SIAT 2015.
Speaking at the inaugural function, Anant Geete, Union Minister of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, emphasised that under the ‘Make in India’ campaign, the Government of India would fully extend its support to the automotive field. This is because the automotive sector has been the biggest contributor with regard to technology, industries and employment. That’s why the government has decided to provide requisite facilities and research in the field to the auto segment. To promote the automotive industry based on hybrid technology, the central government has prepared the ‘National Electric Mobility Plan’ in which the initial investment will be Rs 1,000 crore, explained Geete at the function.
Vinod Dasari, President and Chairman, ARAI, Rajan Wadhera, VP ARAI, Rashmi Urdhwareshe, Director, ARAI and Dr David Schutt, CEO, SAE International were present for the inauguration. Along with the Symposium ARAI has also hosted the SIAT expo 2015. Also, the facilities, Passive Safety Laboratory, Chakan and Fatigue Laboratory, Kothrud were also inaugurated by Geete. The structures built under National Automotive Testing and R&D Infrastructure Project (NATRiP), the DVD of the symposium proceedings and Technical Reference Bulletin were also unveiled on the occasion.
Dasari in his address informed that every year SIAT brings out new technologies. “This year SIAT discusses simulation technology, alternative fuel, and the technology that will help vehicle users.” Dr Schutt expressed the view that the journey of knowledge and information would cross the boundaries of countries and continents. “The knowledge from SIAT will help professionals create a safer, cleaner and quiet world,” he said.
Earlier, Dasari said the symposium is the hallmark for the best and brightest people to showcase their talents. The government is keen on the ‘Make in India’ campaign to encourage manufacturing in the country and SIAT 2015 will encourage the ‘Design in India’ concept for the automotive industry. ARAI has been playing a vital role in making vehicles greener and safer. The theme of this current edition also reflects industry commitment to placing passenger, public and vehicles safety at the heart of the R&D work, he added.
Rashmi Urdhwareshe, Director of ARAI said the main challenge for today’s auto industry is to strengthen safety and environment focused research and development efforts. SIAT 2015 provided a platform for the engineers and industry to share their thoughts on improving vehicular safety and emission performance.
Over 1,500 delegates from 25 countries attended the symposium. About 215 research papers were presented by the automotive experts. At the SIAT expo there were close to 100 automotive and allied manufacturers from around the world showcasing their products, equipment, innovations and technologies. Representatives from the top 6 automobile manufacturing nations such as China, Japan, USA, Germany, South Korea and India discussed technology options for producing safe, environment-friendly and roadworthy vehicles in a panel discussion on ‘International mobility beyond boundaries.’
