The buses will be used on Metroline’s iconic routes 43 (Friern Barnet – London Bridge) and 134 (North Finchley – Tottenham Court Road), which will become exclusively operated by electric  double deckers. This landmark order delivers the largest pure electric double-decker bus fleet in Europe and was recently announced by London Mayor Sadiq Khan at a national air quality summit.

Vinod K. Dasari, Managing Director, Ashok Leyland, said, “Double-decker buses in London have been iconic and is a matter of prestige for the city. It is a moment of great pride not only for us but for our country, as our subsidiary, Optare wins such a crucial and environmentally significant order. Optare, along with active involvement of Ashok Leyland engineering, has been at the forefront of e-mobility evolution and this order proves that it has the technology prowess that is expected from one of the most challenging markets like the UK.”

D-TEC has years of experience in manufacturing container chassis, including the well-known Flexitrailer and Combitrailer. In recent years, D-TEC has invested heavily in automating its production process. In particular, we looked very critically into the welding process, achieving a higher quality level. We have also applied this knowledge and experience into developing this new chassis in which low maintenance costs were the most important aim. That enabled us to build robust and light chassis. With a deadweight of 3,400 kg, we offer a chassis that meets the lightest solution in the market.

 The new container carrier of D-TEC is suitable for transporting 20ft containers, such as ISO 7.15m and 7.45m, 7.82m swap-containers and 30ft containers. Optionally, the chassis can be equipped with a receptacle, rungs and an elevation rod to provide all the conveniences for the driver.

Source: IAA COMMERCIAL VEHICLES 2018

Sharing his views on this win,  Amandeep Singh, Head - Defence, Ashok Leyland, said, “For over three decades, Ashok Leyland has been a vital part of our Defence forces through our mobility solutions. As part of our strategy to enhance our contribution to our Defence Forces and to expand our business scope within our focus area of ‘Solutions for Mobility on Land’, we have been working on Tracked Vehicles. With this win, we mark yet another milestone where we start working on the Tracked Vehicles that our soldiers use.

“We see huge potential in repowering and upgrading of existing BMPs/Tanks of the Indian Army.  We have the expertise to develop indigenous solutions for power packs and running gear for upgrade of existing ICVs as well as for the new FICVs. We are proud that we are the only vehicle manufacturer in India having indigenously designed, developed and manufactured power packs beyond 350 HP. The tracked combat vehicle opportunity also exists in several other countries which use Russian made combat vehicles,” he added.

Honeywell has tailored differentiated solutions for commercial vehicle customers dating back more than 60 years, and is currently immersed in helping manufacturers globally meet escalating regulatory standards targeting further reductions in carbon dioxide emissions and improving fuel economy.

Gen III Double-Axle VNT

Honeywell introduced its new GT17 frame size, double-axle variable nozzle turbine (DAVNT) built on its third-generation architecture. It is the smallest double-axle variable geometry turbo ever introduced and serves 2.5L to 4.0L engine sizes.

 The movable turbine nozzle vanes are supported by two axles for enhanced reliability and durability – up to 1.2 million km life cycles. Honeywell’s patented pressure balance channels exhaust gas to both sides of the vanes, thereby preventing strong axial loading and reducing friction and wear while enhancing controllability at the same time. The design provides light-duty vehicles with engine breaking capabilities typically reserved for medium-duty applications to help improve overall performance.

 Coupled with electric actuation, this turbo also improves fuel economy 2 to 3 percent from previous industry applications for these engines and provides improved transient response and enhanced engine braking, The new GT17 DAVNT will help power vehicles from Isuzu Motors Ltd and Hyundai Motor Company.

 In addition, a larger GT35 DAVNT for medium duty truck applications with engine sizes between 7.0L and 10L will also be on display in Hannover. These turbochargers build upon the durability enhancements inherent to Honeywell’s Gen III architecture with a state-of-the-art aerodynamic package that provides best-in-class fuel efficiency and enhanced controllability thanks to its unique compound cambered vanes.

Wastegate and Fixed Geometry Diesel Turbos

Honeywell displayed a new GT45 diesel wastegate turbo for on-highway applications between 11L and 14L. It features a new aerodynamics package that improves air flow in both the compressor and turbine stages. Coupled with a new bearing system, the turbocharger achieves a more than 2 percent improvement in fuel economy as well as better transient response compared to the previous generation. This application was designed in China specifically for the Chinese market, which accounted for more than 1.5 million medium- and heavy-duty industry sales in 2017. Its enhanced design improves durability to help operators meet the approaching China VI emission standard for heavy-duty vehicles.

Finally, Honeywell also displayed a new fixed-geometry, electrically actuated wastegate turbocharger and low-friction bearings – its first high-volume application of an electric wastegate for commercial vehicles. The electric actuation offers complete control of the wastegate system, improving cold-start and partial load operation, and features an airless pressure system for reduced complexity. This new turbo for light commercial vehicle and off-highway machinery can provide up to a 2 percent reduction in fuel consumption with improved transient response and durability. The usage of its electric actuator could bring an additional 1 to 2 percent of improved efficiency at higher engine speeds than a traditional pneumatic actuator.

Source: Honeywell