Pune based Kinetic Group, one of the pioneers in the automobile and engineering space, along with their JV partner Ducati Energia of Italy, announced the launch of their latest technological innovation-“The EFI Lite”. EFI Lite stands for complete Electronic Fuel Injection system, which enhances the performance and reduces emissions in compliance with the BS III /EURO III emission standards.
EFI system primarily consists of an Advanced Electronic Controller Unit (ECU) capable of managing up to 18 or 24 inputs and outputs allowing to optimize the combustion and minimize the fuel emissions in 2-wheelers. The ECU needs to be calibrated and fine tuned in accordance to vehicles’ characteristics and perfectly integrated in order to control and manage additional components in the fuel injection system such as Throttle body, Injectors, Fuel pumps, Lamba sensors, Ignition coil, etc.
Worldwide is has been observed that new advanced technology and higher emission standards in two-wheeler and three-wheeler sectors rapidly call for new design and developments related to fuel injection systems, as these can not be achieved with the conventional carburettor. It is expected that within 5 years most of the vehicles worldwide will be equipped with fuel injection systems only, while carburettor technology would gradually find lesser and lesser applications.
Kinetic Communications and Ducati Energia formed a 50:50 JV in year 2007 for development and manufacture the full range of engine electrical/electronics. The JV’s Pune based manufacturing facility currently supplies to Mahindra Two Wheelers, Piaggio India, etc and the JV also exports to customers in Europe & USA, including to Bombardier-Rotax, Aprila, Piaggio Italy etc.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Manish Motwani, Managing Director, Ducati Energia India (Pvt) Ltd, said, “We are very proud to be the first ones in India to design & locally manufacture the advanced EFI system for 2 wheelers. Our partner, Ducati Energia Italy, is a worldwide leader Engine Management Systems and their technology coupled with our understanding of the local market as well as our local manufacturing base has enabled us to bring this advanced technology at an affordable price to the Indian market. We are also proud that the new 300 cc motorcycle, Mahindra Mojo, will be the first to be equipped with our EFI system in India. I am confident that it will add value to the product by improvement in performance at an affordable cost, this technology will become a requirement on many more two wheelers and three wheelers made in India in coming times”.
Speaking to the press, Mr Alessandro Lambrucchi, Associate Vice President of Ducati Energia (India) Pvt Ltd, “The Indian two wheeler market is growing at an unprecedented pace. We see a huge market potential for newer and efficient technologies such as EFI in this market. Factors like reduction of pollution and improvements of performance and mileage will create demand for technologies like the one we are now offering. The distinguishing feature of our EFI system offered is that it is a “Total Solution Offering”. The solution offered is based on development of complete system (Electronic Control Unit - which is the core of the system, body, Injectors, Fuel pumps, Lamba sensors etc) including the technical know-how rather than the supply of components only to our client.”
The EFI technology will be available in India from January 2011 and is expected to gain more popularity in India on 2 wheelers and 3 wheelers fuel injection system vehicles, due to worldwide trend and necessity to improve the performance and to minimise the emissions. The Company plans to aggressively launch the EFI system to other manufacturers in India, and to expand product range to High Performance Flywheel Magneto and three phase regulators etc. Company also plans to tap other opportunities like small electric cars equipped with hybrid engine.
About Ducati Energia:
Ducati Energia is an automotive technology company focussed on automotive electronics and electrical systems, headquartered in Italy. The company’s current turnover is approximately 750 cr and it operates in Italy, India, Croatia and Romania with 900 employees worldwide
About Kinetic:
Kinetic is Pune based pioneering group in the area of automobiles and automotive technology. Kinetic has launched revolutionary products like the Luna and Kinetic Honda in two wheelers. Currently, the Group is focussed on businesses of Automotive Systems and Components including Powertrain (engine and transmission systems), automotive motors, electrical systems, tool design and engineering and automotive electronics; and on the business of two wheelers through its alliance company with Mahindra and Mahindra. Kinetic Group also has a joint venture with Hyundai Corporation of South Korea for elevators, escalators, and other moving technologies.
