Future of frugal engineering Today’s uncertainties in the auto industry provide a great window of opportunity for Indian frugal engineering to show the way forward. Here are some potential avenues for innovation:
Design ‘upgradeable’ green cars in which the engine and drive train can be unplugged and replaced at the dealership with newer and more fuel-efficient modules (including alternatives such as hybrids). This is somewhat like upgrading your faithful home PC with a faster processor, leaving everything else intact. The cost of this “upgrade” will be a fraction of the cost of a new car.
This will be bad news for the auto industry, but great for the owner and society as a whole. The energy spent in manufacturing this “upgrade pack” and the corresponding global warming impact will be far less than that for making a new car. If the car manufacturers won’t play ball, independent engine and drive train manufacturers can step in. This solution is far superior to the short-term “cash for clunkers” approach.
Downsize the cars without losing out on interior space. The Nano has already shown the way. Build impact (crash) strength into the car through clever structural engineering, thus countering the “small cars are unsafe” argument. Concurrently, replace large US-style engines, which have been designed for power and speed, with smaller engines. Lower cost, less fuel consumption, less material usage, less pollution, and reduced global warming — how can you lose?
Ruthlessly strip out all the unnecessary hi-tech electronics from the car, and give control of the car back to the driver. Less software will lead to more alert and engaged driving, less warranty claims, and a 20-30 per cent lower initial purchase cost. Expecting the driver to keep his eyes on the road, and drive safely at reasonable speed, is not asking for much.
Engage the customer in active and collaborative dialogue while designing the car — ask what he (or she) really wants from the car. Do not unilaterally stuff the car with features which cost lots of money. “Unbundle” the package, and let the customer choose the additional features, based on clear cost data. Co-create value with the customer, and get off the “we engineers know best” syndrome.
The timing is right for Indian creativity and innovation to make a mark. The future of the global automotive industry might well pivot on it. The Italians are known for their design flair (Fiat, Lamborghini, Vespa); the Germans for engineering excellence (Mercedes, BMW); and the Japanese for foolproof reliability (Toyota, Honda). It is time Indians created and occupied a new position — “best value” — before they lose their frugal skills to increasing personal affluence.
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2009/05/06/stories/2009050650010800.htm
