Sigma Vibracoustic India Ltd. (SVIL), a 50:50 joint venture between Vibracoustic of Germany and Sigma (India) Corporation, is setting up a facility in India for manufacturing air springs for trucks and buses. SVIL is investing Euro 1.8 million in setting up the new facility at Mohali (Chandigarh) next to its existing facility where it manufactures vibration control components. The new plant will have a capacity to manufacture 200,000 air springs per annum.
“The new facility for air springs will commence production in the next 6 months. Initially we will import the components and assemble it in India and within the next 12 months we will be indigenising the product”, said Mr J.D. Singh, Chairman of the Sigma Group.
Air suspension as a technology involves replacing mechanical static springs with a dynamic suspension using air filled rubber bellows that provide an active shock absorption (softer or harder depending on terrain) and results in enhanced passenger comfort, easy entry / exit into the vehicle (in case of low floor buses), lower maintenance cost and better noise, vibration and harshness control in the vehicle.
“In India most of the trucks or cars are currently using conventional leaf spring suspension technology, which are less safe and durable and are unable to react according to the highly diversified load conditions as compared to latest active air suspension technology, which provides best combination of safe and comfortable driving as well as help preserve the vehicle as well as the road surface”, Mr. Singh said.
The state-of-the-art air suspensions have been designed keeping in mind the Indian rugged road conditions. Apart from compensating lateral forces, Vibracoustic airsprings, applied in cars, can realize fuel savings by lowering the vehicle at high speeds (reducing wind resistance surface and drag coefficient enabling up to 5 per cent fuel saving), and in case of CVs, adjustment of vehicle height to suit road conditions and increase driving safety (roll) and passenger comfort.
“Sigma Vibracoustic air suspension offers various intelligent options, including adjustment of vehicle height to road conditions and driving comfort through minimized vibrations and shocks. It is currently being used in low-floor buses, and special-purpose trucks and buses in the country. The company plans to target OEMs and after-sales markets in India. Major CV manufacturers, including Tata Motors have already shown keen interest in the product and discussing business opportunities”, Mr. Singh added.
“The new facility for air springs will commence production in the next 6 months. Initially we will import the components and assemble it in India and within the next 12 months we will be indigenising the product”, said Mr J.D. Singh, Chairman of the Sigma Group.
Air suspension as a technology involves replacing mechanical static springs with a dynamic suspension using air filled rubber bellows that provide an active shock absorption (softer or harder depending on terrain) and results in enhanced passenger comfort, easy entry / exit into the vehicle (in case of low floor buses), lower maintenance cost and better noise, vibration and harshness control in the vehicle.
“In India most of the trucks or cars are currently using conventional leaf spring suspension technology, which are less safe and durable and are unable to react according to the highly diversified load conditions as compared to latest active air suspension technology, which provides best combination of safe and comfortable driving as well as help preserve the vehicle as well as the road surface”, Mr. Singh said.
The state-of-the-art air suspensions have been designed keeping in mind the Indian rugged road conditions. Apart from compensating lateral forces, Vibracoustic airsprings, applied in cars, can realize fuel savings by lowering the vehicle at high speeds (reducing wind resistance surface and drag coefficient enabling up to 5 per cent fuel saving), and in case of CVs, adjustment of vehicle height to suit road conditions and increase driving safety (roll) and passenger comfort.
“Sigma Vibracoustic air suspension offers various intelligent options, including adjustment of vehicle height to road conditions and driving comfort through minimized vibrations and shocks. It is currently being used in low-floor buses, and special-purpose trucks and buses in the country. The company plans to target OEMs and after-sales markets in India. Major CV manufacturers, including Tata Motors have already shown keen interest in the product and discussing business opportunities”, Mr. Singh added.
SVIL is currently supplying air springs to Taco Hendrikson by importing air springs from Germany. These air springs go into the suspension for lift axle which is supplied by Taco Hendrickson for Tata’s 3118, 8X2 trucks. The company is also in talks with other air suspension manufacturers like Jamna Auto which has tied up with Ridewell for manufacturing complete systems.
