The Automotive Testing Expo at Chennai, held from March 6-8, saw a surge in crowds including students from local engineering colleges. Day 2 of the Expo saw a number of technology-focused workshops by companies such as Horiba, ANSYS as well as the partnership of TRL, Olympus and Xcitex. The presentation by the latter included a booth tour aimed to display the dynamics of the partnership. While the UK-based TRL provides the Impact sled, Olympus provides the high-speed cameras and Xcitex, the software solution. The ANSYS presentation aimed at showing how engineering software simulation tools complement physical testing.

The presentation by Horiba focused on two products on display at the stall which a fuel flow meter and a product aimed at real-time sulphur analysis. Horiba has been in the news recently as the Japanese company has bagged a major order for emission-testing equipment from NatriP, India’s ambitious automotive testing project that includes the setting up of facilities at the major auto hubs such as Chennai, Pune and Gurgaon.

While the NATRiP project is one of the key drivers of automotive testing equipment in India, there have been concerns about lengthy, bureaucratic delays as well with equipment being imported and then simply stored without being installed. Moreover, this equipment is expensive.

The reactions to the fair have been fairly positive. One participant said he was delighted with the quality of leads that he got which he said were better than those he has got from the US and Europe. Another said, commenting on the kind of queries he has received, that people are focused long-term on research.

Dominic Cundy, managing director, UKIP media and events, the main organiser for the show, said that the response has been fantastic. “The crowd has been a mix of trade participants and eager students. We are already looking forward to the next edition in 2014.”