Magneti Marelli, through its ‘Magneti
Marelli Powertrain India Private Ltd.’ joint venture (JV between Magneti
Marelli, Maruti Suzuki and Suzuki Motor Company in force since 2007), recently
inaugurated a new industrial site for the production of robotized gearboxes for
automobiles, also called AMT (Automated Manual Transmission). The plant is
located in Manesar, near Gurgaon, just a few kilometres from New Delhi, in the
same area that is home to the manufacturing facility dedicated to the
production of powertrain electronic control units.
The new plant covers a total
surface area of 7,500 square metres, which houses the production lines and
offices. When fully operational, the plant will employ approximately 115 people
and will have a production capacity of 280,000 robotized gearbox kits per year.
The facility was created to
address the growing market success that the AMT component has had in India over
the past two years and to meet the demand from local carmakers regarding
additional future implementations.
Examples of successful car
models currently equipped with the Magneti Marelli AMT gearbox in India include
Maruti Celerio, Maruti Alto, Tata Nano and Tata Zest.
The reason behind the success
of the AMT on the Indian market is due to the particularly positive perception
on the part of customers and end consumers with respect to the specific and
distinctive characteristics of the solution. In fact, the AMT is an example of
a value-added yet cost effective technological solution which, automating a
simple manual transmission with an electro-hydraulic “add-on” device, combines
driving comfort, optimisation of fuel consumption and emissions, as well as
containment of industrial costs.
The technology is based on the
use of an electronic control unit combined with an electro-hydraulic system
that controls the use of the clutch when changing gears, allowing the driver to
shift gears without the use of the clutch, either sequentially or in a fully
automatic way. The electronic optimisation of the ATM gearbox also leads to
reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to vehicles with standard
automatic and manual transmissions.
The production facility in
Manesar dedicated to the AMT component relies on advanced production systems
and was built with a strong focus on respect for the environment. The main
building, in fact, has been designed to facilitate the maximum diffusion of natural
light during the day without the use of artificial lighting, while at night
light will be ensured thanks to the use of solar panels powering low energy
consumption LED light bulbs. Moreover, the exterior design minimises wind
pressure, improving the internal ventilation. Finally, the building is equipped
with a system for the collection of rain water and for waste management.
The full Magneti Marelli
industrial perimeter is present in the country, with seven plants and a
research and development centre in the New Delhi area, operating in the
Powertrain, Electronic Systems, Exhaust Systems and Suspension Systems sectors;
three plants and a research and development centre in the Pune area operating
in the Lighting, Powertrain, Exhaust Systems and Shock Absorbers sectors; and a
plant in the Chennai area, operating in the Exhaust Systems sector.
Source: Magneti Marelli