Nano was 'On Track' in Bangalore 4 yrs before launch

BANGALORE, INDIA: It was in March 2009 that TATA launched Nano, the much hyped world's cheapest car. And many people in a city like Bangalore, though they have booked for this tiny 'travel box', are yet to lay their hand on one, even as massive production is underway in Nano plants in the country.

But this vehicle has been here in this IT city for the last four years; at Bosch testing center, evolving state by stage. It was Bosch has designed Engine Management System for Nano. The German-based supplier of technology and services in the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods and building technology, has provided the Nano with fuel injection system, supplying pumps, starter motor, alternator, glow park, common rail systems, and brake system.

The Nano car, demonstrating Bosch innovation in the low-priced vehicle segment, was showcased at 'On Track', a three-day event kicked off today by Bosch to allow students from mechanical engineering stream to experience Bosch technological innovations.

The participating students would enjoy opportunities to sit in cars showcasing Bosch products in operating mode, like environment friendly diesel and gasoline fuel injection system, fuel saving start-stop system and latest car navigation systems. About 850 students and 50 professors from 30 colleges and universities across India are expected to take part in 'On Track'.

The event would have Bosch engineers utilize simulators and product models to explain development and functionality of Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and ‘Start-Stop’. In face-to-face discussions they will also emphasize their personal contribution to these products in their day-to-day work and inform the visitors about professional and personal requirements for a career within Bosch.

“The main aim of 'On Track' is to get mechanical engineering students to know about Bosch technologies and their prominence in the global automobile segment. It will help us build a strong relationship with prospective talent. We had done the same kind of the event in Chennai in March 2008,” said Christian Budczinski, VP, HR National Coordination for India at Bosch Limited.

“There is presently one more program called Junior Managers Program underway in India, a two year program under the aegis of Bosch with junior level managerial people associated with it.,” he further said.

“This program aims to sharpen managerial skills of the people by giving them a variety of exposures. Started last year, we have 35 people associated with this program now and expect this number to rise to 45 by the year end.”

Budczinski said Bosch will find permanent job position for these associates once they are done with this project.

Though Bosch has presence in the IT scenario it wants the young blood to come forward and join it its revolution and innovations in automotive sector. The automobile major had recently expanded its presence in the photovoltaics horizon, when it based stakes in two Stuttgart-based Bosch group recently bought over two companies, Aleo Solar AG and Johanna Solar AG.