Denso gears up to launch its next-gen EMS in India

With automobile engines becoming more sophisticated to meet changing emission regulations, Japanese component maker Denso is mulling rollout of its next-generation engine management system (EMS) in India by 2013-end. Comprising an engine electronic control unit (ECU), a fuel pump and an injector, it will be Bharat Stage V compliant as well as equipped to meet stringent future fuel-efficiency norms. At present, Denso offers engine ECUs for four-wheelers and two-wheelers in India. Further, with airbag systems pitted to become mandatory in Indian vehicles by 2014, the parts maker is readying its capability in this area by developing airbag ECUs for India as well. Takao Nojiri, deputy MD at Denso International India’s R&D centre, says that technologies for cleaner emissions and higher fuel efficiencies are in great demand in the country.

The demand for safety technologies has also been growing due to more stringent regulations to reduce traffic accidents and the rising need for traffic safety. Additionally, technologies for comfort, in-cabin entertainment, harmonisation with society and other features will be required in India in the future regardless of vehicle segments, just as in western countries today.

Software applications for Denso’s Indian clients, currently under development at its Gurgaon R&D centre, are slated for completion in 2015. These solutions are being developed for automotive body electronic components that are expected to become more diverse, not only in India but also worldwide.

Towards this end, Denso is working on the introduction of equipment for the full evaluation of electronic products. However, Nojiri does not visualise any significant difference between the requirements of Indian and western customers though Indians are much more cost-sensitive than their western counterparts.

With lots of experience and successes in vehicle electrification, Denso develops and customises electronic products for OEMs and their social needs. For instance, in the case of an engine control ECU, discussions are undertaken with the OEM to reflect Denso's product proposal based on the customer’s requirements to make it more competitive.

Since the 1960s, Denso has been undertaking research on integrated circuits. It succeeded in mass-producing an electronically-controlled, automatic air-conditioning system in 1971 and an electronically-controlled gasoline injection system in 1972. Denso also developed and mass-produced a diesel common rail system in 1995.

Denso has been making electronic control systems for petrol engines in India and since 2000, has been supplying engine ECUs, fuel pumps, injectors, and other products for Maruti Suzuki’s Wagon R as its first vehicle model. At present, Denso produces about 1,000,000 electronic control system units annually for carmakers in India.

With the rising number of sensors complicating automotive dynamics, Nojiri says that Denso’s systems are able to control the varied sensors effectively enabling easy operation of the vehicle by the driver. He feels that a large number of sensors can simplify and improve the driving experience, as well as make the vehicle cabin more comfortable, as exemplified by the human-machine interface.

SHOBHA MATHUR