Brakes India showcases range of ABS systems for Indian market

The TVS Group’s Brakes India has displayed its latest range of anti-lock brake systems (ABS) comprising four-channel, dual-channel and single-channel systems for passenger cars, two-wheelers and light commercial vehicles, at the ongoing Auto Expo 2016 Components Show in New Delhi.

Given the growing emphasis on safety of vehicles in India, the company is expecting strong demand for its latest range of products in the coming days. The Indian two-wheeler industry is gearing up for mandatory installation of ABS systems from 2017, while CVs in India now come fitted with speed limiters and ABS as standard equipment.

Speaking to Autocar Professional, Badri Vijayaraghavan, executive director, Brakes India, said: "We are ready with the products, and are currently in talks with several OEMs. The systems would be manufactured from the Chennai plant, which has a maximum capacity of 250,000 ABS units per year. Depending on the orders, we can ramp up production as well."

"Our single-channel ABS system is 100 percent indigenously developed and the four-channel ABS is a design of TRW, our joint venture partner," he added.

Interestingly, the company has also developed a single-channel ABS system for LCVs and pick-up trucks. Brakes India has already seeded the product through a tie-up with a large LCV manufacturer, whose name was not disclosed.

"We have already seeded the single-channel ABS and it is being tested in over a thousand LCVs. Once the OEM is happy with the product, we are likely to convert it into a large order," Vijayaraghavan said.

The company has also showcased its latest electric parking brake technology for cars at the expo. According to Vijayaraghavan, the company has become the first Indian supplier to win an electric parking brake order from a multinational car company to supply for the domestic market.

Without disclosing the carmaker's name, Vijayaraghavan said: "This is unique because it is designed for use in India. Usually you have the electric parking brake in the rear caliper, but since India remains a front disc and rear drum brake market, we are packaging it in the front. This will allow the brakes to engage automatically once the wheels stop rotating, and will also provide features like hillhold. We are going to be the first brake company in India to make and sell this product."

Also read: ZF TRW to launch electric park brake technology, through Brakes India JV, in India