Corning Gorilla Glass On Cars For Safer And Quieter Commuting

Corning Gorilla glass is a series of special toughened and scratch-resistant glass used on mostly high end mobile phones, tablets etc. to protect them from scratches and damages. These are specially manufactured and heat treated glasses for clearer and longer lasting displays, but does it have something in store for cars? Well the cars also have plenty of use of high quality glasses with slightly different needs like it needs to be really tough, but at the same time, if a car windshield breaks, it should not create sharp edges or large pieces which can be fatal in case of an accident.

When Car Windshield Breaks

Most car glasses for windows and windshields are specially heat treated and coated with protective films in such a way that they do not turn into fatal knife like pieces when it breaks down. Rather, when a windshield wrecks completely, it is broken down into smaller chunks and spreads across so that there is least damage to occupants in the car.

How Will Corning Gorilla Glass Help In Cars

Corning, which is  a renowned name in making specialized glasses for gadgets is soon going to announce special glasses for cars which will not only be stronger, safer, but also more resistant to scratches. Corning Gorilla glass on cars will have smoother surface which will help in aerodynamics of the cars and will offer safer and more comfortable journey as it will also reduce the wind noise by virtue of its smoothness.

Will It Cost Too Much?

Since it’s a new technology, so we will not see a massive roll out right from the beginning. Initially a few luxury car manufacturers may go in for this option, but gradually when it becomes more affordable and popular, we will see cars fitted with new technology glasses making them safer, quieter and more efficient.

Going Forward

Innovation is the way forward, we have come of age when it comes to technologies used on the inside and outside of the cars making them more efficient with time. We will see more such innovations in the exteriors of the cars making them even more efficient with eco-friendly and more aero-dynamic designing making cars deliver more fuel mileage and pollute less.

Update: Mercedes-Benz Starts Assembling The GL-Class In India

Updated on 27th August, 2013

As we had tolad you before (read previous update dated 20th May 2013), Mercedes-Benz India has started rolling out locally assembled units of the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class from its Chakan plant in Pune. This is the first time that the company has assembled an SUV outside its SUV plant in Tuscaloosa, USA. With this development, the price of the SUV has been reduced by about Rs. 5-lakh making it more competitive in the full-size luxury SUV segment.

The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 350 CDI is now priced Rs. 72.58 lakh, ex-showroom Pune (earlier it cost Rs. 77.50 lakh)

“The full-size luxury SUV is a fast growing segment in the Indian automotive industry and the new GL-Class that we launched in India in May 2013, has a strong presence and is already sold out. Local production of the GL-Class will provide immense value addition and benefits to our valued customers in the form of easier production availability and flexible production scheduling, ensuring an unbeatable value proposition and appeal to this luxurious SUV. Daimler considers India as one of its key growth markets and the start of local production of the GL-Class SUV reiterates its long-term commitment and focus,”  said Mr. Eberhard Kern, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India.

Mr. Eberhard Kern, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India and Mr. Piyush Arora, Director-Technical, Mercedes-Benz India at the rollout of the locally produced new GL-Class in India

No changes have been made to the SUV, specifications and features remain the same, read about them below.

Let us know you thoughts on the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class in comments section below.

Updated on 20th May, 2013

The Indian subsidiary of the German luxury car maker today launched the all new fascinating Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SUV setting new dynamic standards in safety, comfort and efficiency. Tennis legendary star Boris Becker with the Managing Director and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India, Eberhard Kern launched the second generation GL-Class at the newly built Mercedes-Benz flagship store in New Delhi. The ‘Launch Edition’ price of Mercedes Benz GL 350 CDI is Rs. 77.50 lakhs (ex-showroom, New Delhi).

The GL-Class exudes absolute supremacy when it comes to on road and off-road driving. Mr. Eberhand Kern also stated that with the growing number of car aficionados this new Mercedes GL Class luxury SUV is the ideal package to suite the taste of these car lovers. Adding to it he said that it will further strengthen Mercedes position in the SUV segment. Boris Becker called it the “Absolute Supremacy” in the luxury market.
The stratum of comfort and spaciousness is one of the unique in the SUV segment emanating the powerful exterior design and high handling dynamics on off-roads.

Specifications

Under the hood it carries an upgraded V6 diesel engine. The 2987cc engine generates output of 258 BHP with 619Nm torque. The engine en-suited with state of the art 7G-TRONIC Plus Automatic Transmission is very responsive which boost the car from 0-100 kph mark in just 7.9 seconds. Its 14.8 % lower fuel consumption and low CO2 emission with the ECO start-stop feature.

Exteriors

The new Mercedes Benz GL-Class comes with enigmatic headlights and taillights with LED optic fibre cable. Unique athletic 21-inch AMG 5 twin-spoke light-alloy wheels add more to the charm. The running boards are aluminum finished with LED illumination and flared wheel arches .This limited edition variant consist of additional features like AMG body styling with front and rear clothing of the SUV is painted in body colors.

Interiors

Coming to the interiors, they are made of finest materials with open pore wood trim. The enhancement includes AMG sports seats, rear seats which boast designo leather upholstery. Leather designed upper and lower dashboard, heated front seats. Headlining is toned in Dinimica black along with leather designed door beltlines. Central console takes the interiors to the next level of exclusivity. New Multimedia COMAND feature like Bluetooth connectivity with hands free functionality, a 7 inch Color TFT display, internet browsing and GPS makes the car outstanding. The “Launch Edition” will also have temperature controlled cup holders. Setting a new benchmark in spacious interiors, ingress and egress in the car is more convenient from both the sides with one of the easiest front and rear seat access. Offering maximum space and flexibility it comes with a boot capacity of 630-1252-2300. Interestingly, the third row offers enough space to occupy full sized adults. A panoramic sunroof and sunroof even for the third row passengers make the best view of sky creating transparent and brighter looking interiors.

Safety Features

Safety measures are up to mark in the new GL-Class. It incorporates technologies like DSR, ESP, 4MATIC, AIRMATIC, 4ETS etc. It comes with a full 360 degree surround camera, another first of its kind from Mercedes portfolio. Nine airbags are included for maximum safety of the occupants. The Attention Assist system and Crosswind Assist system monitors every aspect of the driving behavior on 72 different parameters on longer trips. The integrated PARKTRONIC feature makes the parking easy for the driver.

Notably, the new GL-Class luxury SUV will be locally produced. India would be the second market to do so after USA. Production will start from Q3 of 2013.

Maruti’s proposed Gujarat plant delayed due to market slowdown

Maruti Suzuki has decided to wait out the current slowdown in the Indian market before setting up its new manufacturing facility in Gujarat.

The country’s leading car maker has signed an agreement with the Gujarat government to establish a factory near Mehsana at an investment of 4,000 Cr. The construction work on the 700 acre land is yet to begin.

The market slowdown has delayed the Gujarat plant and also resulted in the axing of the Estilo.

Speaking at the annual general meeting, R.C.Bhargava, Charman, Maruti Suzuki, said -

It is unlikely we would commission the unit in Gujarat by the end of 2015-16. The slowdown in the automobile sector is very acute.

He also added that the decision to go ahead with the project would come only after a detailed market study in the next two to three years. However, the automaker is adding a new assembly line at its Manesar plant. Once the third line is up and running, Maruti’s total annual production capacity would stand at 1.5 million units.

Maruti’s absence in the flourishing compact crossover SUV segment is keeping the growth at bay. The company has showcased the XA Alpha mini SUV concept at Auto Expo 2012 but we have no updates on the production model.

The delayed Mehasana project also means a subsequent delay in the second plant in Gujarat which is another 700 acre facility near Vithlapur.

[Source: Business Standard]

Automotive Jobs: Who’s Hiring? Summer 2013 List.

The U.S. auto industry is in a much better shape than it was in 2009, when companies were in the midst of shedding tens of thousands of jobs and production was reduced to levels not seen in three decades. The industry is well along in its recovery and that means a number of original equipment manufacturers, suppliers and related businesses are hiring.

We’ve scanned through some of the more recent hiring news and have found some jobs that are worth sharing with Auto Trends readers. The information is accurate as of August 2013; for later visitors to this article you may find that the details have changed. We will not be updating this story.

Automotive Jobs

Who: The Ford Motor Company

What: Up to 3,000 new salaried workers for 2013.

When: By the end of 2013.

Where: Chiefly in Michigan, but with some jobs scattered at locations across the United States.

How: Ford has set up a recruitment page to help get the word out. Ford is also utilizing social media — Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn — to keep people informed about current job openings.

Notes: Stronger demand for its products in the United States and abroad has Ford planning for its future. Of the 3,000 new hires, Ford says that 80 percent will be for technical professionals. The new salaried positions are in addition to 12,000 hourly jobs Ford has promised to create by 2015.

---

Who: General Motors Company

What: Fuel cells development.

When: Now hiring.

Where: At three locations in Michigan: Pontiac, Warren and Milford.

How: GM has set up a special page on itscareer site to attract researchers, engineers and other professionals to aid the company with its fuel cell efforts. Specifically, the company is hiring fuel cell technologists to join the company’s powertrain division.

Notes: GM is a leader in fuel cell development, having committed resources to build prototypes stretching back several decades. Fuel cells are part of an overall plan by the company to move into alternative propulsion systems.

---

Who: SMR Automotive Systems USA Inc

What: 350 new positions for this automotive supply company. SMR is looking for a product engineer and others to fill a variety of positions at various skill levels.

Where: 1855 Busha Highway, Marysville, Mich.

When: Now hiring.

How: Apply online or mail your resume to: Automotive Systems USA Inc • 1855 Busha Hwy, Marysville, MI 48040

Notes: SMR is part of the Samvardhana Motherson Reflectec (SMR) group of companies that makes automotive rear view and side mirrors. It holds a 22 percent market share in this segment, leading all competitors.

---

Who: ZF Transmissions, the American division of the German ZF Group of companies.

What: Employees to fill new positions that are opening up as the company responds to demand for its fuel-saving transmissions. The company plans to add 450 new jobs, bringing its SC plant employment total to 1,650 people.

Where: ZF Transmissions Gray Court LLC * 2846 North Old Laurens Road * Gray Court, SC 29645

When: Apply now. A plant expansion is underway to accommodate increased demand.

How: Use the company’s online application process to search and apply for jobs.

Notes: ZF is an important supplier to the Chrysler Group which has been using its 8-speed and soon 9-speed transmissions in many of its vehicles. The industry trend is toward more fuel efficient transmissions with manufacturers such as Chrysler using the company as its supplier.

---

Who: Magneti Marelli Automotive Lighting

What: Automotive lighting ranging from headlamps, daytime running lights to tail lights.

Where: Pulaski, Tenn.

When: The automotive lighting plant, the first of its kind in the United States, was inaugurated in June 2013. At its beginning 90 people were already employed, but the company expects to have 850 people employed within four years.

How: Stay tuned. As of Aug. 2013, the company has listed job opportunities for its Michigan location, but not for Tenn. You can send your resume to the company at: 181 Bennett Drive, Pulaski, TN 38478

Notes: The company has won orders from Mercedes-Benz, the Chrysler Group and GM. The first order was for the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee that gets Marelli’s halogen, bi-Xenon and LED daytime running lamps.

http://www.autotrends.org/

10 Fun Facts About Cars

Although cars can seem like a pretty mundane topic, there are plenty of car-related facts that have the potential to whet your appetite for learning more about the automotive industry. Here are ten of our favorites:

1. The average person spends two weeks of their entire life waiting at red lights.

2. The first car for sale in the U.S. was the Curved Dash Oldsmobile for $650.

3. The first speeding ticket was issued in 1902. At this time, cars could only drive up to 45mph.

4. The best-selling car of all time is the Toyota Corolla with over 30 million sales.

5. The most expensive city in the world to park in is London.

6. Very early cars didn’t have steering wheels. Instead, you had to steer with a lever!

7. The heaviest limousine weighs over 50,000 pounds and houses up to 40 passengers. It also has three lounges and a bar!

8. The largest speeding fine ever given is $1,000,000. It was given in Switzerland to someone driving 180mph.

9. The fastest car of all time is the jet-powered Thrust SSC. It reached 763 mph in 1997.

10. The most people stuffed into a single smart car is 19.

Few tingling facts about cars and driving

Facts in life sometimes have a strange and bizarre power and seems quixotic to sane minds. Some traditions that were practiced by our past generations now seem to be a fairy tale which was lived by our ancestors. Here we are listing  few facts for car enthusiasts that would drive them crazy beyond their imagination.

With nowadays youngsters behind the wheels we all get to witness the upcoming Schumachers thronging the city streets in speed that makes us wonder if we are walking down the runways. There used to be a time when 18kmph was considered as over speeding.

The first speeding ticket was given out way back in 1904, and the driver was going at 18kmph, which now sounds weird to all of us.

Sometimes living in cities comes with its baggage of problems that we eventually consider as a routine of our life. Being stuck in traffic is one of them.

The longest traffic jam of all time occurred in 1980, between Paris and Lyon on the French Auto route. The jam stretched an astounding 175 km.

Personally I abhor individuals who abstain from washing their cars at a regular interval out of sheer laziness. I never get the point of owning a thing when one can’t maintain or care for it in its true sense.

It’s believed sixteen percent of car owners never wash their car.

For all the F1 followers, this fact should be of your interest, Thrust SSC set a land speed record at 1,228 kilometers per hour in 1997. It is the fastest car ever built and the first land vehicle to break the sound barrier.

The likes of youngsters keep changing every minute, and to meet their demands the car manufacturers spends loads of their resources on innovation and designs. In such a scenario, the world’s most produced car is the Toyota Corolla. More than 32 million units have been sold since its introduction in 1966.

You may be awed to know that currently following materials are being used by researches to make fuel for cars, trucks, and even airplanes: sawdust, wood chips, nuts, used diapers, bad batches of chocolate, cow waste, coffee grounds, and turkey guts.

Being stuck in traffic is a common complain among commuters in city however what is even more startling is that it’s believed, you spend about two weeks of your life sitting at a red light signal.

Technology has given us the luxury of knowing things at our fingers tips however there was a time even before the 1920s, when cars didn’t have fuel gauges. Drivers had to guess how much was left in their tank.

Cars are one among the most treasured assets for majority of individuals around the world. Still As per the National Insurance Crime Bureau, 21% of car owners do not lock their doors. 1 in every 170 cars is stolen each year.

It would seem hard for you to believe that the first traffic light which was used in 1914 was not automatic, and had to be operated by an officer who manually controlled them from a nearby booth.

Have you ever noticed the timing of occurrence of accidents when reported in newspapers? It’s said the most likely time for fatal car crashes is on weekends between midnight and three o’clock in the morning.

Today when all nations are working towards a pollution free environment by cutting down on use of private vehicles while traveling , The United States has an amazing 765 cars per 1,000 people living in the country (including children!). This is the highest cars-per-capita rate in the world.

We all use rear view mirror to know of the drivers behind us! But have you ever wondered how this mirror came into existence? In 1911, during the first ever Indianapolis 500, driver Ray Harroun’s car was streamlined and built with no room for the (at the time) traditional riding mechanic. In order to keep an eye on drivers behind him, he mountained a rear-facing mirror in the car. It helped him win the race. Soon after, manufacturers adopted the idea, and rearview mirrors became standard safety procedure.

We all insist on having air bags in our newly bought cars to assure our safety from unforeseen accidents. An airbag takes only 40 milliseconds to inflate and deploys at nearly 500 km an hour.

For a lame man cars would be complex and beautifully designed machines made to sit on wheels for the comforts and use of humans. It takes about 25 hours to build a car, and 10 of those involve the painting process.

Hope all you car lovers had fun reading the above mentioned facts.

Gurgaon: land relief row triggers panic

Reeling under the burden of enhanced land compensation, several micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) at IMT Manesar are looking at an impending domino effect after auto major Maruti Suzuki India Limited expressed its intent to shut down its plant in Gurgaon.

Asked to pay land dues to the tune of over Rs. 500 crore, Maruti’s decision to pull out could spell doom for over 200 smaller enterprises in the Industrial Model Township (IMT) in Manesar as these are ancillary units making components for Maruti.

“If Maruti shuts the plant, we will have no other option left. Several ancillary units are dependent on the bigger plants such as Maruti,” said Manmohan Gaind, general secretary, Manesar Industries Welfare Association (MIWA).

While the villagers who are entitled to the enhanced compensation are happy with the court order, they are worried that if the industries shut shop, the fringe economic benefits they enjoy will stop.

“We would like to arrive at an amicable solution to the issue in which will benefit all parties. Many workers will lose their jobs and the state will lose out on revenue. If the government agency has enough money, as claimed by industrialists, it should pay us,” said a former sarpanch of Aliyar village.

The industries at IMT, Manesar — spread over 3,500 acres — employ nearly 50,000 people, besides providing fringe economic benefits for as many people and villagers around the township.

The Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructural Development Corporation (HSIIDC), which is the IMT promoter, had acquired land at the rate of R4.13 lakh per acre in 1997 for the development of phases 2, 3 and 4 of the township. This compensation was later raised to about R37 crore by the Punjab and Haryana High Court after a petition by the landowners.

Although HSIIDC has challenged the high court order in the Supreme Court, it maintains that according to the buyer-seller agreement, the enhanced cost has to be passed on to the buyers.

“A similar problem is being faced by industrialists at other industrial areas of the state such as Rohtak, Bawal, Sonepat, Hisar and Bahadurgarh. The economic feasibility of running business here is getting tougher,” said Arun Gupta, who runs a small garment manufacturing unit at IMT

link : http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Gurgaon/Gurgaon-land-relief-row-triggers-panic/Article1-1097871.aspx