Pune, Jan 14 : The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) is likely to get Rs 300 crore from the Centre for funding its R&D expansion programme that includes setting up its own test track, construction of anechoic chamber for sound testing and getting into air model sampling among other things.Heavy industries and public enterprises minister Manohar Joshi assured the automotive industry would he would see to that the grant would be released as early as possible. The Centre has accumulated around Rs 300 crore through collection of cess from the auto industry for investing in R&D. Mr Joshi was speaking at the inaugural of the symposium on international automotive technology `SIAT 2001' organised by ARAI and the Society of Automotive Technology.
ARAI has sought World Bank assistance of round Rs 10 crore for launching inspection and maintenance programme for used vehicles and determining emission factors of various vintages of vehicles, ARAI director B Bhanot said.
ARAI is also pushing for introduction of advanced safety devices such as air bags, anti-locking braking systems and crash sustainability and standardisation of of truck and bus body building. ARAI's is also planning new activities at its upcoming regional centre at Manesar on the Delhi-Jaipur Highway. This centre will have facilities for testing higher HP engines, off-road vehicles and static engine testing.
Copyright © 2001 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
