High-end software like 3D, PLM, and V5 provided by software majors like Dassault Systemes, Siemens and IBM have revolutionised the way new models of vehicles are designed, tested, and manufactured. The advantages of using Indian software talent are obviously in costs. Indian engineering talent is 45 per cent cheaper than an American counterpart.
The savings in time and money gained by using high-end software are also obvious. "We are aware of anything between 25 and 40 per cent savings in time achieved by auto majors when launching a 'concept to manufacture' programme," said Vivek Marwah, country marketing head, Siemens PLM.
In high performance motorsport, where turnaround time is essential, applications like PLM have reduced design time. Toyota Motorsport uses Dassault Systemes' PLM solutions to reduce aerodynamics design time by 80 per cent and achieve the first-physical assembly of the car in only two days, compared to three weeks previously. For an F1 racing team, time saved off the track is crucial.
Costs saved in building and testing models are equally substantial. "Earlier, we used to build 50 vehicles for crash tests. Now after using virtual crash tests, we use only about 40 units," explains Dr Arun Jaura, chief technology officer, Mahindra & Mahindra.
The costs saved in tests like these vary depending upon the skill sets of engineers and the country's regulatory agency requirements. Another testing expert said most new car models launched in Europe now undergo only one physical crash test, while the rest are simulated. The costs of constructing test prototypes can be enormous.
Despite a significant amount of contribution from Indian engineers in the development of models like the Swift, Dzire and SX4, Maruti Suzuki still relies on Suzuki, Japan for training its engineers, though the automaker plans to increase its R&D strength to 1,000 by 2010.
And players like Argentum hope to offer the same in India through its tie-up with France's Dassault Systemes. "Through this tie-up, we hope to train engineers who will produce engineering solutions, and not software people to do the same," said S D Pradhan, CEO, Argentum Engineering Design.
Currently, India enjoys a reputation as a provider of low-end research work that revolve around small cars. The current challenge is to change that perception. "The country has had a reputation for low-end design work. In setting up the Mahindra Research Valley, we would demonstrate to become the epicentre of engineering design and development for high-end work. We have the potential," said Dr Jaura.
India's journey to becoming the world's hub for automobile design and development may not be easy. "Opportunities are plenty, but competition abounds. China, Latin America, East Europe... each one with certain natural advantages," said R Srinivasan, executive vice-president, Avtec, a Hindustan Motors subsidiary.
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