Meditation IN Motion: 2007

Thursday, September 20, 2007

NEW TVS FLAME 125 CC-VTI

This is the motorcycle that has Bajaj and TVS all stirred up. Sadly, it isn't because the damn thing's so good looking. Hmph. The nub of the matter is that the TVS has two spark plugs and a third valve – an inlet that opens later, sort of like VTEC. No all that's wrong. What happens is that TVS' carburettor opens into two vertically stacked manifolds that lead to the two intake valves, one each. As the carburettor slide rises on throttle application, the fuel-air mix first begins to travel down the lower one, the 'swirl port' as TVS calls it. This port is designed to operate with maximum swirl, generating maximum possible turbulence to allow the engine to offer great economy and torque. As the revs (and the slide) continue to rise, the carburettor begins to feed the motor through the other manifold, the 'power port'. This port is straigher compared to the curvy swirl port, and it's job in life is to flow more mixture. At high revs, this allows the engine to breathe deeper and make more power.I haven't had any saddle time, but am told that the torque levels are admirable. In many respects, this might be the best looking 125 on the market soon. Launch is expected by November. The rest of the text is from TVS. And the photos are all from here.
The all new 125 cc FLAMEThe all-new 4 Stroke, 4 geared 125cc FLAME is the most innovatively designed offering from TVS designed to win over discerning customers with its futuristic styling and technology. The 3-Valve Engine comes with Controlled Combustion Variable Timing Intelligent (CC-VTi) technology.The styling of Flame is inspired by the Delta Wing design found in the latest fighter jets. Called “DeltaEdge”, it gives the bike a unique style while giving it superior aerodynamics. The FLAME boasts of several style statements including, DeltaEdge Headlamps, Sporty DeltaEdge Exhaust, Embedded DeltaEdge Trafficators, LCD Digital Speedometer and a Dual Lens Tail Lamp.Developed by world class R&D at TVS MOTOR, in collaboration with AVL, Austria, the CC-VTi technology features 2 different intake ports called Swirl port & Power port.Swirl port creates swirl motion of air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. This Swirl motion helps in efficient combustion of lean air-fuel mixture thus giving highest fuel economy in its class. Power Port gives high flow rate, which helps in delivering high power. The engine packs in 10.5 bhp @ 8250rpmThe 125cc FLAME promises to be the best looker in its segment. Keen attention to detail, marks this new offering. DeltaEdge styling coupled with snazzy dual tone graphics translates into an amazing road presence. With the revolutionary new CC-VTi technology, the 125 cc FLAME successfully provides the advantage of power, mileage and stunning looks.Product specification: Flame 125 CC MotorcycleEngineDisplacement 124.8 ccEngine technology CC-VTi, 4 StrokeMax. Power (Kw@rpm) 7.7kw @ 8250 ( 10.5bhp @ 8250 )Max. Torque (Nm@rpm) 10 Nm @ 6250Gear Box 4 Gear constant meshClutch Multi-Plate Wet TypeBore x stroke (mm) 54.5 x 53.5Compression Ratio 10:1Carburettor Type VM Type - UCALClutch Wet, Multi PlateWheels Mag AlloyTyres - Front 90 x 90 x 17, Rear 90 x 90 x 18Brakes - Front Drum 130 dia / Disc 240 dia, Brake - Rear Drum 130 diaSuspensionFront Telescopic Hydraulic fork, Rear Twin tube 5 step adjustable Gas filled.ElectricalsHead lamp 12V 35/35 W - HalogenTail lamp 12V 21W / 5WTurnsignal lamp 12V 16WBattery type & capacity 12 V - 5 AhIgnition system High Energy IDI SystemDimensions Height 1070 mmLength 2030 mmWidth 760 mmWheelbase 1320 mmGround Clearance 165 mmKerb weight 121 kgsFuel Tank Capacity 8.0 LitreFuel reserve 2.0 LitrePerformance Max. speed 95 kmph

TVS TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST BAJAJ

TVS Motor to take libel action against Bajaj Auto Ltd

Hosur, September 2, 2007: The TVS Motor Company is surprised at the wild and irresponsible allegations made by Bajaj Auto Ltd accusing TVS Motor Company of breaching their patent rights. The accusation is a malicious attempt to tarnish the fair name of a corporate that belongs to TVS group, which has consistently maintained the highest standards of ethics in business. That the allegation of Bajaj Auto is ridiculous can be established by their own admission that the invention in issue namely, the application of twins spark plug is a known technology extensively in use all over the world for several decades and therefore, in patent law, it is a known prior art.The patent that Bajaj claims is not for the use of twin spark plug technology per se but for the use of the two spark plug in a two valve IC engine with a detachably fixed sleeve. Against this patent also an application for revocation has already been filed based on settled case law on the subject. In any event, the use of Twin Spark Plug technology by TVS Motor does not infringe the above patent against which revocation proceedings are initiated. In the circumstances and view of the malicious allegation made with the motive to damage our reputation, TVS Motor Company has been advised to initiate action for libel against Bajaj Auto Ltd. The TVS Motor Company therefore has advised its lawyers to put Bajaj Auto Ltd on notice that unless the malicious allegations are withdrawn and regrets expressed, to file a suit for damages in a sum of Rs. 250 crores. This action does not preclude TVS Motor from initiating such other action as the law may permit including criminal action against officials of Bajaj Auto Ltd who used libellous language against TVS Motor.

TVS RACING RICH RACING HERITAGE

Sunday, September 16, 2007

TVS MOTOR AUGUST 2007 SALES

TVS Motor Company’s two wheeler sales in August 07 at 102,734 units

Hosur, September 3, 2007: TVS Motor Company reported total two wheeler sales of 102,734 units in August 2007 compared to 135,533 units in August 2006.

The overall industry slowdown witnessed by the motorcycle segment continued in August 2007 resulting in high levels of trade stock for most players. During the month the company’s motorcycle sales recorded 46,235 units compared to 83,014 units recorded in August 2006. The company is consciously reducing the stock of motorcycles in trade, even as it witnessed a 4% increase in motorcycle sales over last month. TVS trade stocks will be lower than most players in the industry.

The company has rolled out a new 110 cc StaR City, which will be available for the forthcoming festival season. Among the other models that were simultaneously rolled out, the new 125cc Flame and Apache EFI will hit the market in the coming months and is expected to provide impetus to sales. With the other products that were rolled out expected to hit the market in the coming months, TVS would have significant presence in the economy, executive and premium segments.

The company will also enter the three wheeler market, having already rolled out three variants Petrol, LPG and CNG in the two stroke version. Four stroke three wheelers are also expected to be launched in the coming months. The company hopes to capitalize on growth of the three wheeler market, which has witnessed a 21% compounded annual growth rate in the last five years.

TVS Scooty sales clocked 24,645 units in August 2007 compared to 23,118 units recorded during the same period last year. This segment witnessed a 7% growth over the same period last year. The company will also foray into the electric scooter market with the roll out of its Scooty Teenz Electric that has been designed to address all the performance issues that plague the current electric vehicles.

On the export front, TVS Motor Company exported 12,006 units of two wheelers in August 2007 recording a growth of 9% over August 2006.