Tokyo, April 16th 2014 - Suzuki Motor Corporation held a press meeting regarding their future automobile technologies, which consisted of four main items: The development of "next-generation lightweight platforms", "Integrated Starter Generator" mild-hybrid system, "improvement of engine efficiency", and the introduction of "Auto Gear Shift" transmission.
Next-generation Lightweight Platfrom
SMC's Executive Vice President Osamu Honda announced that Suzuki is developing three new lightweight platforms to replace four of their existing platforms used in products ranging from the Kei-car segment up to the C-segment. The new lightweight platform technology focuses on weight reduction strategies, and includes the development of 4 types of suspension, two types of air conditioning systems, and three types of front seat frame. All are modular and will be shared across different segments.
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| Suzuki Motor Corp. Executive Vice President, Osamu Honda, presented the new lightweight platform |
Suzuki's new lightweight platforms will be able to reduce the total weight of the cars on which they are based by 15%. This is done by redesigning the main structure and position of joints, such as using a smoothly flowing shape instead of angular shapes, increasing thickness and reinforcing the tire house section, and new arrangement of the floor frame. These design strategies will also improve crash performance, rigidity, strength, and reduce NVH.
"Integrated Starter Generator" Mild-hybrid System
Suzuki aims to commercialize mild hybrid vehicles at an early date by combining an ISG (integrated starter generator) and the "Ene Charge" braking energy regeneration technology using a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery. Braking energy is recovered by the ISG and will be stored in the battery. When the vehicle is accelerating, the ISG is used as a motor which contributes to driving the engine. The plan is to apply the new system first for mini vehicles targeted at the Japanese market, then for compact vehicles in the global market.
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| Integated Starter Generator (ISG) |
Improvement of Engine Efficiency
Regarding the improvement of gasoline engine efficiency, Suzuki will focus on the development of a 0.66L engine for light vehicles (kei cars) and 1.4L or smaller-displacement engines for compact vehicles. It aims to improve average thermal efficiency from the current 33-34% to 40% (under the JC08 test mode) by early 2020.
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| Suzuki will focus on developing 1.4L and smaller-displacement gasoline engines |
For light vehicles (kei cars), Suzuki will continue to improve the fuel-saving technology of the "Alto." And for compact vehicles, it will further improve the combustion technology of the "Dual Jet Engine."
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| The 0.8L will be Suzuki's first-ever in-house developed diesel engine |
The company has also been developing a 0.8L two-cylinder diesel engine in house, aimed for LCVs and compact vehicles targeted at emerging markets, especially India.
New "Auto Gear Shift" Transmission
Earlier this year, Suzuki announced the introduction of "Auto Gear Shift" which is their latest development of AMT (automated manual transmission). The AGS shares it's basic structure with the conventional manual transmission, but instead of the driver, a device is used for operating the clutch. The AGS also features the "creeping" function like a torque-converter automatic transmission and CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).
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| The ASG automated manual transmission |
Suzuki has applied the AGS for its "Celerio" compact car, which they started selling in the Indian market last February. And it is considering using the AGS for compact cars targeted at the Japanese domestic market.
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| Indian-spec Celerio equipped with "Auto Gear Shift" |
(Source: response.jp, autoc-one.jp, http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20140417/347061/)
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