marketing research for automotive lubricants and batteries

Summer Training Report

On

"Marketing Research for Automotive Lubricants and Batteries"

AtGeneral Motors India Pvt. Ltd.

SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF DEGREE OF

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBA)

To

MAHARSHI DAYANANDUNIVERSITY, ROHTAK

Submitted by: -Yogesh KumarRoll no. 2559

M.B.A (3rd Semester)

AMITY BUSINESS SCHOOL,MANESAR

AUGUST, 2006

SESSION - 2005-07

DECLARATION

I, Yogesh Kumar Roll No. 2559 MBA (3rd Semester) of the Amity

Business School, Manesar hereby declare that the Summer Training Report

entitled "Marketing Research for Automotive Lubricants and Batteries"

is an original work and the same has not been submitted to any other

institute for the award of any other degree. A seminar presentation of the

Training Report was made on _______ and the suggestions as approved by

the faculty were duly incorporated.

Countersigned

Presentation In-charge Signature of the candidate

Signature: ____________________Name of the Faculty: _____________________

Countersigned

Director / Principal of the Institute

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

My two months tenure of Summer Internship at General Motors has been an

eye opener for me. It gave me tremendous inputs of the workings in the

Corporate World. The Culture, Policies Work Methodology at General

Motors were boosters and injected me lot of motivations as well as learning

attitudes, it has been a very enriching experience for me and I own this credit

to my Project Guide Mr. Rajeev Sethi, Divisional Manager (North),

ACdelco, who not only guided me in my research work but also inspired me

a lot and made me aware of the various Marketing Research Techniques

adopted in the Corporate Sector.

The biggest source of my Inspiration is Prof. (Dr.) R. C. Sharma (Advisor,

ABS, Manesar) who helped and guided me throughout the research work

from time to time. I am also thankful to Mr. R. K. Yadav (Placement Co-

ordinator, CRC, ABS, Manesar) and Mrs. Shalini (Faculty member of

ABS, Manesar). Last, but not the least, I am highly thankful and grateful to

my faculty and friends who not only guided me, supported and encouraged

me every second, and without their co-operation this project would not have

taken such a successful shape.

Yogesh Kumar

M.B.A (I.T. & Mkt.)Amity Business School, Manesar

CONTENTS

(Page no.) About the project 1

Objectives of the study 2

Review of existing literature 3-6

Research Methodology 7-9

Company Profile 10-16

Introduction to Automobiles 17-22

Automotive Lubricants and Batteries 23-41

Comparison of different Lubricants and Batteries 42-65

Interpretation of data 65-75

Bibliography 76

ABOUT THE PROJECT

For any Automobile Company either 2-wheeler or 4-wheeler, the selection

of right kind of Automotive Lubricant and Batteries, for its product is very

vital task. Both of these affect the product directly as batteries affect the

ignition system of the product and lubricant helps in reducing friction

between its various parts.

As we know that in today's world there is a lot of competition and lot of

players and brands are available in the market, for these lubricants and

batteries. Before selecting a supplier a company should conduct a market

research, which help the company in finding out the optimal brand and

supplier, and for this various things are taken into consideration like reserve

capacity, weight, acid level, Watts, current capacity etc. for Batteries and

viscosity, resistance to carbon formation, oil oxidation, foaming resistance

etc. for Automotive Lubricants.

The main aim of the project is to find out an optimal brand of both

Lubricants and Batteries, for General Motors, based on the standards give

above. And for this a market research is carried out, in which data is

collected from different manufacturers and suppliers. After the analysis of

data, the task of finding out an optimal supplier and brand becomes very

easy.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY: -

The primary objective of this study was to assess the different

suppliers and brands of Lubricants and Batteries available in the

market based on the price level and other features.

To study the market activities carried out by various

company/dealer/supplier of Lubricants and Batteries.

To find out the optimal brand available in the market for the company.

REVIEW OF EXISTING LITERATURE

Introduction to Marketing

Meaning: -

"A market is a place where things are bought and sold, once for

exchange. In its broadest sense, marketing should mean the study of the

market."

The purpose of this study on marketing is: -

To determine the needs and wants of various elements of market.

To learn about the various competitive offerings available.

To identify the most appropriate and profitable spread of products or

services for consumption by the market.

To identify ways in which the needs and wants of the market can be

influenced by external actions.

Marketing is a comprehensive term. It includes a group of

business activities in order to create and promote consumer demand and to

direct the flow of goods and services from the original producer to final

consumers in the process of distribution.

American marketing association defined marketing as "The

performance of business activity that directs the flow of goods and services

from producer to consumer".

Philip Kotler in his book entitled," Marketing Management",

defines marketing as "The human activity directed to satisfied needs and

wants through exchange process".

From above definitions, it is obvious that traditional description

of marketing was mainly concerned with the physical movement of goods,

while the modern concept of marketing is consumer oriented. It makes the

customer the focus of all business activities. Thus we say that marketing

begins and ends with consumer.

Marketing Research: -

The business environment in India is full of opportunities. For

successful business, market research system is most important.

Marketing research can be defined as "The systematic gathering, recording

and analyzing the data about problem relating to the marketing of goods and

services". It helps a firm to identify and solve problems; to identify the

available market opportunity and to develop the effort needed to exploit it.

Marketing research is useful in a wide variety of activities. These are

sales forecasting, measuring market share, identify market trends, measuring

company and brand image, develop target, customer profiles, designing

product and packages, locating warehouse and stores, processing order,

managing inventory, analyzing demand, measuring price perception and

advertising effectiveness.

Steps in conducting Marketing Research: -

Proper identification of the problem: The nature of the problem

or opportunity should be communicated and defined. This is the first

step in the process of finding solution.

Establishing the hypothesis: Hypothesis or tentative explanation

of a problem is formulated on the basis of insight knowledge about the

problem. The hypothesis may prove to be either right or wrong.

Methodology and Definition: The formulation of research design

deals with defining concepts and variables. The methodology for any

research study is drawn on the basis of careful examination of the

available literature. This also depends to a large extent on the

imagination, long-term vision and proper understanding of the

researcher.

Data collection: Researcher uses primary and secondary data for

their research. Primary data are generally collected for a specific

problem. These are totally original and generated by original research

work.

Secondary data, on the other hand, already in existing forms. These

data are gathered by people who are working either within the

organization to meet their needs.

Analysis of the data and presenting the findings: The collected

data must be edited and coded to facilitate the analysis of the data.

The analysis includes the transformation of raw data into

understandable form for the purpose of interpreting the data. The

research should present major findings that are relevant to the major

marketing decision facing the management.

Importance of Marketing Research: -

To ascertain the needs of existing and new customer discovered by the

help of marketing research.

To avoid complains from the customer about the inadequacy of the

product.

To determine the total sales.

To determine popular brands in market.

To understand the need of giving more or complete service to cover

the consumer need by inside range of complementary or associated

products.

To determine the brand awareness of various brands available in the

market.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Methodology: -

The study is based on facts and figures collected by conducting a survey in

the NCR region. Suppliers and Dealers were surveyed for the study. The

respondents taken for the survey were from Gurgaon, Delhi and Faridabad

auto market. Direct and structural methods were used for collecting

information.

The information collected was regarding the price, viscosity index, Oil

oxidation and foaming resistance in case of Automotive Lubricants, and acid

level, weight, current capacity, charge acceptance and price in case of

Batteries.

After this, the data obtained was evaluated on the basis of certain parameters

given above and an optimal supplier and brand was chosen.

Sources of data collection: -

The data and information collected for the purpose of this study is divided

into two forms: -

Primary data

Secondary data

Primary data: -

Primary data is comprised of responses obtained from the

various retailers of lubricants and Batteries in the NCR region.

Secondary data: -

Secondary data was collected from brochure, various

magazines, books and newspaper.

Sampling: -

In case of retailer the census survey method was adopted. A

simple procedure was followed for collection of data. Mixed responses were

obtained from the respondents. For understanding the seller's view the entire

shopkeeper, retailer, supplier, and dealers were interviewed during the

survey period. The responses obtained from them were recorded. All the

information gathered from the market is interpreted in data presentation and

analysis.

Scope of the study: -

The scope of this study was restricted to knowing the

optimal brand of lubricants and batteries available in the market for General

Motors.

Geographical scope: -

The geographical scope for the study was confined to the

NCR region and the adjoining cities of the region.

Tropical scope: -

The tropical scope is restricted of knowing the various

features (price, viscosity index, oil oxidation and foaming resistance in case

of Automotive Lubricants, and acid level, weight, current capacity, charge

acceptance and price in case of Batteries) of different brands of lubricants

and batteries available in the market.

Company Profile

General Motors designs, builds and markets cars and trucks worldwide. In

2004, GM sold nearly 9 million cars and trucks, accounting for about 14.5

percent of the global vehicle market. GM has been the world's largest

vehicle manufacturer since 1931. General Motors has a long tradition of

success and innovation within the automotive business, having been founded

in 1908. Today the company's global headquarters are at the GM

Renaissance Center in Detroit, Michigan, USA. GM employs about 324,000

people worldwide, has manufacturing operations in 32 countries and sells

vehicles in 200 countries. GM's business units are structured across North

America (GMNA), Europe (GME), Asia-Pacific (GMAP), and Latin

America, Africa and the Middle East (GMLAAM). Its global presence

includes GMAC Financial Services, On Star, and numerous Global Alliance

partners. See the following pages for details on GM and how it manages the

company.

General Motors is a company of 324,000 employees globally, each aware of

the legacy of those who went before them - a legacy of conducting business

from a sound foundation of vision and values with a commitment to

responsibility for doing business the right way. This tradition represents a

great asset for GM, but it also brings with it a tremendous responsibility.

Corporate Governance

General Motors is a recognized industry leader of strong corporate

governance practices. As its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Rick

Wagoner frequently points out, "We have to earn investor confidence day in

and day out by running our business with integrity and honesty." GM's

Board of Directors has established a strong system of oversight, and has, as

a company, placed a priority on clear, consistent and open communication

about the company's performance.

Corporate Responsibility & Social Responsibility

"GM enjoys a long tradition of accountability, integrity, and transparency

that has helped establish his reputation as a leader in corporate

responsibility. GM places a high value on appropriate financial checks and

balances, and on communicating clear, consistent, and truthful information

about our performance."

GM Reduced U.S. Greenhouse Gases 75% from 1990 to 2001

GM Asia Pacific - GM performance in this region is once again strong.

We saw robust economic growth with sales in China up 27 percent in 2004,

along with product innovations such as our new hybrid bus program in

China. We also report on vehicle safety activities in Korea and China, our

regional employee satisfaction survey, and for the first time we provide

regional data on energy, water and greenhouse gases. Reporting on our work

with the international tsunami relief efforts is also accessed through this

regional page.

GM Europe - GM Europe's losses grew as competition intensified but the

successful launch of the all-new Opel/Vauxhall Astra series helped increase

GME's market share to 9.5 percent, its highest level in five years. Our

regional pages report on strong continuing technological developments in

http://www.gm.com/company/gmability/sustainability/reports/05/800_regional/2_twenty/820.html

http://www.gm.com/company/gmability/sustainability/reports/05/800_regional/4_forty/840.html

cleaner diesels and leaner gasoline engines as well as alternative fuel

developments such as methane gas and ethanol. We continue our focus on

vehicle safety including pedestrian protection and record once more our

strong operations health & safety performance along with more social

initiatives in areas such as consumer diversity.

GM North America - The heartland of the company has seen many

highlights and challenges and GM continue to provide comprehensive

information on product, economic, environmental and social performances.

Our Only GM website, developed in North America, adds to the online

resources available through the regional pages, providing information on

advanced engines, safety and fuel economy.

General Motors is committed to providing its customers with compelling

products – products that reflect strong design themes, emphasize safety and

quality, offer fuel efficiency and low emissions, and meet customers'

demands for performance and utility. Every day, GM employees strive for

new and innovative ways to improve the vehicles the company builds and

sells.

GM's Vehicle Strategy GM product strategy involves delivering continuous improvement in design,

Quality, Safety, Emissions, Fuel Economy, and Vehicle Recycling.

http://www.gm.com/company/gmability/sustainability/reports/05/400_products/1_ten/410.html

http://www.gm.com/company/gmability/sustainability/reports/05/800_regional/1_ten/810.html

Competitiveness

General Motors is working hard to improve productivity and continue its

strong cadence of new product introductions.

GM Products

GM Products in India

OPTRA

TAVERA NY Edition

http://www.gm.com/company/gmability/sustainability/reports/05/500_economic/2_twenty/520.html

http://www.chevrolet.co.in/content_data/AP/IN/en/GBPIN/001/BRANDSITE/car_optra1_6.html#elite%23elite

http://www.chevrolet.co.in/content_data/AP/IN/en/GBPIN/001/BRANDSITE/car_optra1_6.html#lselite%23lselite

http://www.chevrolet.co.in/content_data/AP/IN/en/GBPIN/001/BRANDSITE/car_optra1_6.html#ltroyale%23ltroyale

http://www.chevrolet.co.in/content_data/AP/IN/en/GBPIN/001/BRANDSITE/car_optra1_6.html#at%23at

http://www.chevrolet.co.in/content_data/AP/IN/en/GBPIN/001/BRANDSITE/car_optra1_6.html#at%23at

http://www.chevrolet.co.in/content_data/AP/IN/en/GBPIN/001/BRANDSITE/tavera_ny.html#b1%23b1

http://www.chevrolet.co.in/content_data/AP/IN/en/GBPIN/001/BRANDSITE/tavera_ny.html#b2%23b2

Some recently launched GM products

2006 U.S. EPA Rating

CHEVROLET 2006 AVEO 5

Fuel Economy CHEVROLET 2006 AVEO 5

Fuel type Regular

MPG (city) 24

MPG (highway) 34

MPG combined 28

Calculated annual fuel cost* 1231

Annual CO2 emissionsin metric tons, based on 15,000 miles driven

4.75

CO2 emissions in metric tons**based on 536 gallonsof fuel consumed

4.75

Customize fuel costs and CO2 emissions>>

Customize based on your driving behavior >>

Vehicle Data

EPA size class SUBCOMPACT CARS

Engine size (liters) 1.6

Cylinders 4

Transmission Auto(A4)

Drive Front

http://www.chevrolet.com/aveo/

http://www.gmdynamic.com/fuelcalc/select_vehicles.php

Gas guzzler***? No

2006 U.S. EPA Rating

CHEVROLET 2006 AVEO 5

Fuel Economy CHEVROLET 2006 AVEO 5

Fuel type Regular

MPG (city) 26

MPG (highway) 35

MPG combined 29

Calculated annual fuel cost* 1190

Annual CO2 emissionsin metric tons, based on 15,000 miles driven

4.59

CO2 emissions in metric tons**based on 517 gallonsof fuel consumed

4.58

Customize fuel costs and CO2 emissions>>

Customize based on your driving behavior >>

Vehicle Data

EPA size class SUBCOMPACT CARS

Engine size (liters) 1.6

Cylinders 4

Transmission Auto(A4)

Drive Front

Gas guzzler***? No

http://www.chevrolet.com/aveo/

http://www.gmdynamic.com/fuelcalc/select_vehicles.php

INTRODUCTION TO AUTOMOBILES

The first gasoline automobiles: - Automobiles have been around

a hundred years or so. The first automobiles were very crude affairs. They

were little more than old-fashioned buggies with engines. Naturally, they

were called "gas buggies". The early engines had only one cylinder that

could wheeze out only a horsepower or two. (A horsepower is the power of

one horse).

Around 1885, Daimler and Benz were building their gas buggy in Germany.

Later, French firms were building automobiles. In 1893, the Duryea brothers

built the first American car. By 1895, Henry Ford, Ransom Olds, and others

were building automobiles. They were very crude compared to today's cars,

but they ran-most of the time.

By 1900, there were several factories, in Detroit and elsewhere, making

automobiles. The engineers who set up these factories used two basic ideas-

interchangeability and mass production.

Interchangeability The idea of interchangeability was almost

unknown in 1900. Before then, many of the parts of the machines

were handmade. Each was different from others. It could fit only the

machine it was made for. So each part had to be hand-fitted to its

machine. This was a long and costly process. when a part wore out-a

spring, for example- a new one had to be made by hand. But with

interchangeability, similar parts are made to be exactly alike. For

example, all connecting rods for one model engine are made the same.

Then any of these connecting rods will fit any engine of that model.

Likewise the valves and other engine parts are made to be the same.

Also, automatic machines make bolts, nuts, washers, and other small

parts so that all are alike. All this requires machinery that can turn out

thousands of the same part. Then, when an engine is put together,

everything fits with little extra work.

Mass production Along with interchangeability came the idea of

mass production. If all the similar parts are interchangeable, you do

not have to hand-fit each part to the machine. The job of building an

engine, for example, is simplified. In a modern engine assembly line.

The engine moves along the line. The workers and machines add the

pistons, rods, crankshafts, and other parts. At the end of the line, the

engines are complete, ready to be tested, and installed in cars.

Parts of the automobile: -

There are four basic parts in the automobile.

The engine, or source of power.

The framework, or support for the engine and wheels. This includes

the frame and the steering and breaking system. The assembly is

called the chassis.

The power train, which transmits the power from the engine to the car

wheels.

The body.

The Engine

Engine is the source of power that makes the car move. "Engine" is often

confused with "motor". A "motor" is an electrical device that runs on

electricity. The automobile engine runs on gasoline. The confusion arises

from the fact that some people call automobiles "motor cars", and refer to

driving cars as "motoring". Actually, we should call them "engine cars" and

driving as "engining". But then, it is hard to change people's habits. So just

remember that the power plant in the car is an engine and the electrical

devices in refrigerator and electric fans are motors.

Two major types of engine are used in the automobiles today. The first

is the piston engine, in which pistons move up and down, or reciprocate. The

second is the rotary engine, in which a rotor spins. The piston engine is by

far the most common. It is the kind of engine used in Chevrolets, Fords,

Plymouths, and other cars. The rotary engine has rotors, or parts that spin.

The two kinds of rotary engines are the Wankel and the turbine. There are no

turbines in the automobiles today. However, the Wankel is operating in

hundreds of thousands of cars. The most common widely known is the

Mazda, made by Toyo Kogyo of Japan.

All these engines must have four basic systems.

Fuel system

Ignition system

Lubricating system

Cooling system

The fuel system mixes gasoline with air to make a mixture that will burn.

When this mixture burns in the engine, it produces high pressure. The high

pressure forces the piston to move. The movement turns shafts that turn the

wheels so the car moves.

The ignition system supplies a steady stream of sparks to the engine

cylinders. These sparks set fire to, or ignite, the mixture of air and fuel. The

mixture burns to produce the power.

The lubricating system keeps all moving parts coated with oil so they will

move easily.

The cooling system circulates a mixture of water and antifreeze between

the engine and a radiator. This mixture is called the coolant. The coolant

carries heat away from the engine to prevent it from getting too hot.

Fuel system: -

The fuel system includes a fuel tank, fuel lines, a fuel pump, and a

carburetor.

Fuel tank It is a sheet-metal tank with two openings. Fuel is pumped

into the tank through one opening. Fuel is pumped from the tank to

the carburetor through the other.

Fuel pump The fuel pump sends fuel from the tank to the

carburetor.

Carburetor The carburetor is a mixing device. It mixes fuel with air

and sends the mixture to the engine. In operation, the carburetor

throws a fine spray of fuel into the air passing through it. The fuel

vaporizes. That is, it turns from a liquid to a vapor. The vapor mixes

with the air to form an air-fuel mixture that will burn.

Ignition system: -

The fuel system delivers the air-fuel mixture to the engine. Then something

must ignite, or set fire to, the mixture. The ignition system does this job. It

consists of an ignition switch, an ignition coil, a distributor, spark plugs, and

wiring. The battery, or generator or alternator, delivers low-voltage current

to the ignition system. The ignition coil and distributor turn this into high-

voltage surges. These surges flow through the wiring to the spark plugs.

There, the surges produce electric sparks. The spark ignites the air-fuel

mixtures in the engine cylinders. The burning air-fuel mixtures produce high

temperature and pressure. The pressure forces the pistons to move. This

causes the shafts and the wheels to turn.

Lubricating system: -

The engine has many moving parts. These parts must be coated with oil so

they will slide or turn easily. The parts move on the thin layers of oil

supplied by the engine lubricating system. The lubricating system is part of

the engine. It includes: -

An oil pan in which a reserve of oil is kept.

An oil pump that sends oil from the oil pan to the engine.

Oil passages that carry oil to all moving parts.

The layers of oil on the metal parts keep the parts from touching each

other. If the metal parts rubbed against each other, they would wear out

rapidly. The engine would then last only a few miles. So the lubricating

system is essential to the engine.

Cooling system: -

Fire produces heat. And there is plenty of fire in the running engine. Heat is

produced when the air-fuel mixture burns. Some of this heat leaves the

engine with the hot exhaust gas. This is the gas that is left after the air-fuel

mixture burns. But a great deal of heat remains in the engine. If the heat is

not removed it can overheat the engine and ruin it. The cooling system

removes this heat and prevents it from building up. So a cooling system is

necessary. It works very simply. Openings, called water jackets, surround

the engine cylinders. Coolant circulates through these water jackets and gets

hot. That is, the coolant takes some of the heat from the engine. Then the hot

coolant flows through the radiator, where it loses heat. The water pump

keeps the coolant moving between the engine and the radiator. So the

cooling system, in operation, is constantly removing heat from the engine.

Automotive batteries

Purpose of batteries:-

The battery supplies current to operate the starting motor and the ignition

system when the engine is being started. It also supplies current for lights,

radio, and other electrical accessories when the alternator is not handling the

electrical load. The amount of current the battery can supply is limited by

the “capacity” of the battery. This, in turn, depends on the amount of

chemical it contains.

Chemicals in the battery

The chemicals in the battery are sponge lead (a solid), lead oxide (a paste),

and sulfuric acid (a liquid). These three substances are made to react

chemically to produce a flow of current. The lead oxide and sponge lead are

held in plate grids to form positive and negative plates.

The plate grid is a framework of antimony-lead alloy with horizontal and

vertical bars. The plate grids are made into plates by applying lead oxide

paste. The horizontal and vertical bars hold the paste in the plate.

After the plates are assembled into the battery, the battery is given a

“forming” charge. This charges the lead oxide paste in the positive, or plus,

plate to lead peroxide.

Battery construction

In the battery, several similar plates are properly spaced and welded, or lead-

burned, to a strap. This forms a plate group. Plates of two types are used,

one for the positive plate group, the other for the negative plate group. A

positive plate group is nested with a negative plate group. Separators are

placed between the plates to form an element. The separators hold the plates

apart so that they do not touch. At the same time the separators are porous

enough to permit liquid to circulate between the plates. Wooden sheets, spun

glass matted into sheets, and porous sponge-rubber sheets have been used as

separators. Late model have separators made of acid-resistant polyvinyl

chloride or polyethylene-saturated cellulose.

The elements are placed in cells in the battery case. Then heavy lead

connectors are attached to the cell terminals to connect the cells in series.

Many batteries have connectors that pass through the partitions. After the

internal connectors are in place, the cover is put on. The cover has openings

through which liquid can be added when the filler plugs or vent caps are

removed. After the liquid is added and the battery is given an initial charge,

it is ready for operation.

Some batteries have the two main terminals on the battery cover. Other

batteries have the terminals in the side of the battery case. This type of

battery is called an ST (for side terminal or sealed terminal) battery by the

manufacturer.

There is also a “no-service” battery, which is sealed. It never requires the

addition of water, as other batteries occasionally do.

Chemical activities in the battery

The liquid in a battery is called the Electrolyte. It is made up of about 40

percent of sulfuric acid and about 60 percent of water (in a fully charged

battery). When sulfuric acid is placed between the plates, chemical actions

take place. These actions remove electrons from one group of plates and

collect them at the other. This creates a 2.1-volt pressure between the two

groups of plates. That is, there is a pressure of 2.1 volts between the two

terminals of the battery cell. If the two terminals are not connected by any

circuit, no further chemical activity takes place. However, when the two

terminals do become connected by an electric circuit, electrons (current) will

flow. They flow from the terminal where chemical activity has collected

them. They flow through the circuit to the other terminal, where the

chemical activity has removed them. Chemical activities now begin again so

the 2-volt pressure is maintained. The current flows continuous. The

chemical actions “use up” the sponge lead, lead peroxide, and sulfuric acid.

Thus, after a certain amount of current has been withdrawn, the battery is

discharged (or “run down” or “dead”). It is not capable of delivering any

additional current. When the battery has reached this state, it may be

recharged. This is done by supplying it with a flow of current from some

external source. The external source forces current back through the battery.

This reverses the chemical activities in the battery. The plates are restored to

their original composition, and the battery becomes recharged. It is then

ready to deliver the additional current.

The actions that take place are rather complicated and are not fully

understood. The sponges lead (negative plate) and lead peroxide (positive

plate) change to lead sulfate during the discharge process. The sulfate comes

from the sulfuric acid. The electrolyte loses acid and gains water as the

sulfate goes into the plates. Thus, discharging the battery changes the two

different chemicals in the battery plates to the third chemical, lead sulfate.

Recharging the battery changes the lead sulfate back to sponge lead in the

negative plates, and to lead peroxide in the positive plates. Meantime, the

sulfuric acid reappears in the electrolyte of the battery.

Connecting cells

Automotive batteries are usually 12-volts units. There are six cells in the 12-

volt battery. The six cells are connected in series. In series connections, the

voltages add. Some special applications use 24-volt batteries; these special-

purpose batteries have 12 cells.

Battery ratings

The amount of current that a battery can deliver depends on the area and

volume of the active plate material. It also depends on the amount and

strength of electrolyte. Batteries are rated in several ways.

1. Reserve capacity

This is the length of time in minutes that a fully charged battery at 80 degree

F [26.7 degree C] can deliver 25 amperes. A typical rating would be 125

minutes. This figure indicates the ability of a battery to carry the electrical

operating load when the alternator is not operating.

2. Cold cranking rate

One of the two cranking rates is the no of amperes that a battery can deliver

for 30 seconds when it is at 0 degree F [-17.8 degree C] without the cell

voltages falling below 1.2 volts. A typical rating for a battery with a reserve

capacity of 125 minutes would be 430 amperes. This figure indicates the

ability of the battery to crank the engine at the low temperatures. The second

cold cranking rate is measured at -20 degree F [-28.9 degree C]. In this, the

final voltage is allowed to drop the 1.0-volt per cell. A typical rating for a

battery with a reserve capacity of 125 minutes would be 320 amperes.

3. Overcharge life units

This is a measure of how well the battery will stand up when it is

overcharged.

4. Charge acceptance

This is a measure of how well the battery will accept a charge under normal

operating conditions with a voltage-regulated automotive charging system.

5. Watts

Delco is promoting an additional rating-watt. This is roughly equivalent to

the battery cold cracking rating.

Battery efficiency

The ability of the battery to deliver current varies within wide limits. It

depends on temperature and rate of discharge. At low temperature, chemical

activities are greatly reduced; the sulfuric acid cannot work so actively on

the plates. Thus the battery is less efficient and cannot supply as much

current for as long a time. High rates of discharge will not produce as many

amperes-hours as low rates of discharge. At high discharge rates, the

chemical activist takes place only on the surfaces of the plates. They do not

have time to penetrate the plates and to use the materials below the plate

surfaces.

Here are some figures that relate battery efficiency to battery temperatures.

Note that these are only approximations.

Efficiency, Battery temperature,

Percent degrees F [C]

100 80 [26.7]

65 32 [0]

50 0 [-17.8]

10 -45 [-42.8]

CAR BATTERIES

A car battery is principally used to start the engine. It is also used to filter or

stabilize power and to provide extra power for the ignition, lighting and

other accessories when their combined load exceeds the capability of the

charging system, i.e., when the engine is idling. It also provides power to the

electrical system when the charging system is not operating. The battery lies

hidden under the bonnet and is an essential component of your vehicle.

Regular care is a must, for if it in bad shape, the car will refuse to move.

"Push-start" is a solution but cannot be carried on for long. A well-

maintained battery lasts for two years. Regular care of your battery is a must,

otherwise your car will not move. "Push-start" is an option but not a long-

term solution. A well-maintained battery usually lasts for two years.

Points to note when buying a new battery

Climatic conditions determine the kind of battery you should buy. Colder

climates require batteries with higher CCA ratings than in a hot climate.

Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)

The most important consideration is sizing the battery's CCA rating to meet

or exceed, depending on the climate, is the car's OEM cranking

requirements. CCA's are defined as the discharge loads measured in amps

that a fully charged battery at 0 degrees F (-17.8 degrees C) can deliver for

30 seconds while maintaining the voltage above 7.2 volts.

Batteries are sometimes advertised by their Cranking Performance Amps

(CA) or Marine Cranking Amps (MCA), which is measured at 32 degrees F

(0 degrees C) or Hot Cranking Amps.

HCA is measured at 80 degrees F (26.7 degrees C), which

is not the same as CCA. Do not be misled by CA, MCA or

HCA ratings. Multiply the Cas by 8 to convert Cas to

CCA’s. To convert HCAs to CCA’s, multiply HCAs by

0.69.

Buying batteries with double or triple CCA ratings that

exceed the OEM requirement are a waste of money for hot

climates. However, in colder climates the higher the CCA

rating the better, due to increased power required to crank a

sluggish engine and the inefficiency of the cold battery. As

batteries age, they are less capable of producing CCA’s.

One of the major battery manufacturers, Exide, publishes

the following table:

Available Power from

battery

Temperature

Degrees F

Power Required to

crank engine

100% 80 100%

65% 32 155%

40% 0 210%

25% -32 350%

If more CCA capacity is required, two (or more) 12-volt batteries can be

connected in parallel. Within a BCI group size, generally the battery with

more CCA will have more plates because a larger surface area is required to

produce the higher current.

Reserve Capacity (RC)

The Reserve Capacity rating is the second most important consideration

while buying a battery. This is because of the effects of an increased

parasitic (key off) load and in emergencies. Reserve Capacity is the number

of minutes a fully charged battery at 80 degrees F (26.7 degrees C) can be

discharged at 25 amps until the voltage falls below 10.5 volts. More RC is

better in every case! In a hot climate, for example, if your car has a 360

OEM cranking amp requirement, then a 400 CCA rated battery with 120

minute RC with more electrolyte would be more desirable than one with

1000 CCA with 90 minutes of RC. If more RC is required, two six-volt

batteries can be connected in series or two (or more) 12-volt batteries can be

connected in parallel. Within a BCI group size, generally the battery with

larger RC will weigh more because it contains more lead.

Type

Low maintenance (non-sealed) and maintenance free (non-sealed or sealed)

are the two most common types of car batteries.

The advantages of maintenance free batteries are less preventative

maintenance, longer life, faster recharging, greater overcharge resistance,

reduced terminal corrosion and longer shelf life, but they are more prone to

deep discharge (dead battery) failures due to increased shedding of active

plate material.

In hot climates, buying non-sealed batteries is recommended because a

sealed battery will not allow you to add water when required, or to test the

specific gravity with an external hydrometer. Some manufacturers

introduced a third type of car battery, "dual", that combined a standard

battery with switch able emergency backup cells. For about the same cost a

better approach was to buy two batteries and isolate them.

It is best to buy a commercial or AMG battery for excessive vibration

applications. Car batteries are specially designed for high initial cranking

amps (usually for five to 15 seconds) to start an engine; whereas, deep cycle

(or marine) batteries are designed for prolonged discharges at lower

amperage.

A "dual marine" battery is a compromise between a car and deep cycle

battery; however, a car battery will give you the best performance in a car.

For RVs, a car battery is used to start the engine and a deep cycle battery is

used to power the accessories. The batteries are connected to a diode isolator

and both are automatically recharged by the RV's charging system when

engine is running.

Size

Batteries are generally sold by model, so the group numbers will vary for the

same price. This means that for the SAME price you can potentially buy a

physically larger battery with more RC than the battery you are replacing,

e.g. a 34/78 group might replace a smaller 26/70 group and give you an

additional 30 minutes of RC.

If you do this, be sure that the replacement battery will fit, the cables will

connect to the correct terminals, and that the terminals will NOT touch the

hood when closed.

BCI and the battery manufacturers publish application guides that will

contain the OEM cranking amperage requirements and group number

replacement recommendations by make, model and year of car, and battery

size, CCA and RC specifications. Manufacturers might not build or the store

might not carry all the BCI group numbers. To reduce inventory costs, dual

terminal "universal" batteries that will replace several group sizes are

becoming more popular and fit 75% or more of cars on the road today.

Freshness

Determining the "freshness" of a battery is sometimes difficult. A battery

that is more than six months old should never be bought because it begins to

sulfate. Sulfation occurs when lead sulfate cannot be converted back to

charged material and is created when discharged batteries stand for a long

time or from excessive water loss.

Warranty

As with every thing else, it is necessary that you check the warranty period

of the battery before you buy it.

It is extremely important to note that

Batteries contain a sulfuric acid electrolyte, which is a highly corrosive

poison. It produces gasses when recharged and explode if ignited. When

working with batteries, you need to have plenty of ventilation, remove

jewelry, wear protective clothing and eyewear (safety glasses), and exercise

caution. Whenever possible, you are requested to follow the manufacturer's

instructions for testing, jumping, installing and charging

Automotive Lubricating System

Purpose of lubricating system: -

We normally think of lubricating oil as a substance that reduces wear and

friction between moving surfaces. However, the lubricating oil circulating

through the engine performs other jobs. The lubricating oil must: -

Lubricate moving parts to minimize wear.

Lubricate moving parts to minimize power loss from friction.

Remove heat from engine parts by acting as a cooling agent.

Absorbs shocks between bearing and other engine parts, reducing

engine noise and extending engine life.

Form a good seal between piston rings and cylinder walls.

Act as a cleaning agent.

1 & 2. Minimize wear and power loss from friction. Friction in the

engine is normally viscous friction, that is, the friction between moving

layers of oil. If the lubricating system does not function properly, sufficient

oil will not be supplied to moving parts. Greasy or even dry friction will

result between moving surfaces. This would cause considerable power loss,

since power must be used to overcome these types of friction. At worst,

major damage would occur to engine parts as greasy or dry friction

developed. Bearings would wear with extreme rapidly. The heat resulting

from dry or greasy friction would cause bearing failure, so that connecting

rods and other parts would be broken. Insufficient lubricating of cylinder

walls would cause rapid wear and scoring of walls, rings, and pistons. A

properly operating engine lubricating system supplies moving parts with

enough oil so friction is of the viscous type only.

3. Removing heat from engine parts. Engine oil circulates rapidly

through the engine lubricating system. All bearings and moving parts are

bathed in streams of oil. In addition to lubricating, the oil absorbs heat from

engine parts and carries it back into the oil pan. The oil pan absorbs heat

from the oil, transferring it to the surrounding air. The oil thus acts as a

cooling agent.

4. Absorbing shocks between bearings and other engine parts. As

the piston approaches the end of the compression stroke, the mixture in the

cylinder is ignited. Pressure in the cylinder suddenly increases many times.

A load of as much as 2 tones is suddenly placed on the top of a 3-inch

piston. This sudden increase in pressure causes the piston to thrust down

hard through the piston-pin bearing, connecting rod, and connecting rod

bearings. There is always some space, or clearance, between bearings and

journals, this space is filled with oil. When the load suddenly increases as

described above, the layers of oil between bearings and journals must as

cushions. They must resist penetration or “squeezing out”. A film of oil must

remain between metal surfaces. In thus absorbing and cushioning the

hammer like effect of the sudden loads, the oil quiets the engine and reduces

wear of parts.

5. Forming a seal between piston rings and cylinder walls. Piston

rings must form a gastight seal with the cylinder walls. The lubricating oil

that is delivered to the cylinder walls helps the piston rings to accomplish

this. The oil firm on the cylinder walls makes up for microscopic unevenness

in the fir between the rings and walls. The film in any gaps through which

gas might escape. The oil firm also lubricates the rings, so that they move

easily in the ring grooves and on the cylinder walls.

6. Acting as a cleaning agent. The oil, as it circulates, tends to wash

off and carry away dirt, carbon, and other foreign mater. The oil picks up

this material and carries it back to the crankcase. There, larger particles drop

to the bottom of the oil pan. Smaller particles are removed from the oil by

the oil filter.

PROPERTIES OF OIL

A satisfactory engine lubricating oil must have certain characteristics, or

properties. It must have proper viscosity (body and fluidity). It must resist

oxidation, carbon formation, corrosion, rust, extreme pressure, and foaming.

Also, it must act as a good cleaning agent, must pour at low temperature,

and must have good viscosity at very high and low temperatures.

No mineral oil, by itself, has all these properties. Lubricating-oil

manufactures therefore put a number of additives into the oil during the

manufacturing process.

Oil for severe service may have many additives: -

Usually a viscosity-index improver

Pour-point depressants

Oxidation inhibitors

Corrosion inhibitors

Rust inhibitors

Foam inhibitors

Detergent-dispersants

Extreme-pressure agents

1. Viscosity (body and liquidity) Viscosity is the most important

property of lubricating oil. Viscosity refers to the tendency of oil to resist

flowing. In a bearing and journal, layers of oil adhere to the bearing and

journal surfaces. These layers must move, or slip, with respect to each other.

The viscosity of the oil determines the ease with which this slipping can take

place. Viscosity may be divided for discussion into two parts, body and

fluidity. Body gives the oil resistance to oil-film puncture, or penetration,

during the application of heavy loads. When power stroke begins, for

example, bearing loads sharply increases. Oil body prevents the load from

squeezing out the film of oil between the journal and the bearing. This

property cushions shock loads and helps maintain a good seal between

piston rings and cylinder walls. The body of the oil maintains an adequate

oil film on all bearing surfaces under load.

Temperature influences viscosity. Increasing temperature reduces viscosity.

That is, it causes oil to lose body and gain fluidity. Decreasing temperature

causes oil viscosity to increase. The oil gains body and loses fluidity. Engine

temperature ranges several hundred degrees from cold-weather starting to

operate temperature. Lubricating oil must have adequate fluidity at low

temperature so that it will flow. At the same time, it must have sufficient

body for high-temperature operation.

2. Viscosity ratings Viscosity of oil are determined by use of

viscosimeter. This device determines the length of time foe a definite

amount of oil to flow through an opening of a definite size. Temperature is

taken into consideration during the test. High temperature decreases

viscosity. Low temperature increases viscosity. In referring to viscosity, oils

with lower numbers are of lower viscosity. The Society of Automotive

Engineers (SAE) rates oil viscosity in two different ways, for winter and for

other then winter. Winter-grade oils are tested at 0 degree F (-18 degree

Celsius). There are three grades, SAE5W, SAE10W, and SAE20W. The “w”

indicates winter grade. For other then winter use oils, tested at 210 degree F

(99 degree Celsius), the grades are SAE20, SAE30, SAE40, and SAE50, all

without the “w”.

3. Viscosity index (V I) when oil is cold, it is thicker and runs more

slowly then when it is hot. It is more viscous when it is cold. The engine is

harder to start when it is cold because the oil is more viscous. In recent

years, oil chemists have developed viscosity-index improvers. These

compounds tend to reduce oil viscosity when it is cold, and increases oil

viscosity when it is hot. Thus, the oil makes cold starting easier and yet does

not thin out too much. Oil with these characteristics is called multiple-

viscosity oils. For example, oil may be rated SAE10W-30. This means that

the oil is the same as SAE10W when it is cold, and SAE30 when it is hot.

4. Pour-point depressant This is an additive that depresses, lowers, the

temperature at which the oil becomes too thick to flow. This additive keeps

the oil at low temperature for cold-weather starts.

5. Resistance to carbon formation Cylinder walls, pistons, and rings

operate at temperature of several hundred degrees. This temperature is high

enough to cause the oil to break down and form carbon. The less carbon in

the engine cylinder, the better. So the oil chemists regulate the refining

process to make sure that lubricating oil has good resistance to forming

carbon.

6. Oil oxidation When oil is heated and then stirred up-as happens in the

crankcase-oxygen in the air tends to combine with, the oil. As oil oxidizes,

various harmful substances can form, including some that are like tar and

others like varnish. To prevent this, additives are put into the oil to inhibit

oxidation.

7. Foaming resistance The churning action in the engine crankcase also

causes engine oil to foam. This is like an eggbeater causing an egg while to

form frothy foam. As the oil foams up, it tends to overflow, or to be lost

through the crankcase ventilator. In additive, foaming oil does not provide

normal lubrication of bearings and other moving parts. Foaming oil in

hydraulic valve lifters causes them to function poorly, work noisily, wear

rapidly, and possibly break. To prevent foaming, antifoaming additives are

mixed with oil.

8. Corrosion and rust inhibitors At high temperature, acids may form in

the oil, which can corrode engine parts, especially bearings. Corrosion

inhibitors are added to the oil to inhibit this corrosion. Also, rust inhibitors

are added. These displace water from metal surfaces so that oil coats them.

They also neutralize acids.

9. Detergent-dispersants Despite the filters and screens at the carburetor

and crankcase ventilator, dirt does get into the engine. In addition, as the

engine runs, the combination process leaves deposits of carbon on pistons

rings, valves, and other parts. Also, some oil oxidation may take place,

resulting in still other deposits. Then, too, metal wear in the engine puts

particles of metal into the oil. As a result, deposits tend to build up on and in

engine parts. The deposits reduce the performance of the engine and speed

up wear of parts. To prevent or slow down the formation of these deposits,

some engine oils contain a detergent additive.

10. Extreme-pressure resistance The modern automotive engine subjects

the lubricating oil to very high pressure in the bearings and in the valve train.

Modern valve trains have heavy valve springs and high-lift cams. This

means that the valves must moves farther against heavier spring loads. This

means that the valves must move farther against heavier spring loads. To

prevent the oil from squeezing out, extreme-pressure additives are put into

the oil. They react chemically with metal surfaces to form very strong,

slippery firms which may be only a molecule or so thick. Thus, they

supplement the oil by providing protection during extreme pressure.

Types of lubricating systems

Two types of lubricating systems have been used on four-cycle engines.

They are the splash and pressure-feed systems. Two-cycle engines require a

different kind of lubrication. The Wankel engine also requires a special sort

of lubricating system.

1. Splash In the splash lubricating system, oil is splashed from the pan into

the lower part of the crankcase. Usually, the connecting has a dipper that

dips into the crankcase oil each time the piston reaches BDC. This splashes

the oil. Some small engines also use oil slingers which are driven by the

camshaft. These are gear-like parts that throw oil pan up into the moving

engine parts. The splash system is used on most small four-cycle engines for

power lawnmowers and similar applications.

2. Pressure feed In the pressure-feed lubricating system, many engine

parts are lubricated by oil fed under pressure from the oil pump. The oil

from the pump enters an oil line. From the oil line, it flows to the main

bearings and camshafts bearings. The main bearings have oil-feed holes or

grooves that feed oil into drilled passages in the crankshaft. The oil flows

through these passages to the connecting-rod bearings. From there, on some

engines, it flows through holes drilled in the connecting rods to the piston-

pin bearings.

MAJOR BRANDS AVAILABLE IN THE MARKET

COMPARISION OF AUTOMOTIVE LUBRICANTS

Name: Castrol RX Super

15W40

Quantity: 5 liters

Price: Rs 740

Castrol 15W40 is diesel engine oil, specially

developed for requirement of modern diesel

engines operating under extreme condition.

Sr. ADVANTAGES

1. Excellent thermal and oxidation stability

2. Excellent service over wide range of temperatures.

3. Excellent corrosive wear protection.

4. Low oil thickening in stop and go conditions.

Name: Toyota CF-4

15W40

Quantity: 5 liters

Price: Rs 600

Toyota 15W40 CF-4 is multigrade duty diesel

engine crankcase oil, specially developed for

requirement of modern diesel engines operating

under extreme condition.

Sr. ADVANTAGES

1. Minimum variation in viscosity

2. Minimum insoluble build-up.

3. Excellent overall performance in different engine designs.

4. Reduced product misapplication due to fewer oil storages.

Name: Servo Pride

15W40

Quantity: 5 liters

Price: Rs 540

Servo pride 15W40 is diesel engine oil, blended

from highly refined base stock mixed with

selected high performance additives, specially


engines operating under extreme condition.

Sr. ADVANTAGES

1. Longer engine life.

2.Higher level of protection against starting friction and heat

stream.

3. Good oxidation and thermal stability.

4. Good corrosion and wear protection.

Name: Servo Super multigrade

20W40

Quantity: 5 liters

Price: Rs 580

Servo super multigrade 20W40 diesel engine oil,

high technology multigrade oil, with selected high

performance additives, it give excellent service

over a wide range of temperatures.

Sr. ADVANTAGES

1. Minimum variation in viscosity

2. Minimum insoluble build-up.



Name: MGO Servo

Quantity: 3 liters

Price: Rs 320

MGO Servo engine oil is premium multigrade

engine oil blended from highly refined, high

viscosity index base stocks fortified with carefully

selected additives packages.

Sr. ADVANTAGES

1. Extended oil drain intervals.

2. Excellent service over a wide range of temperatures.


4. Excellent thermal and oxidation stability.

Name: GTX Castrol Magnetic

Quantity: 5 liters

Price: Rs 600

Castrol GTX is multipurpose engine oil,

specially developed for requirement of modern

engines operating under extreme condition, with

selected high performance additives, it give

excellent service over a wide range of

temperatures

Sr. ADVANTAGES

1. Reduce oil consumption.

2. Improves engine cleanliness.

3. Eliminates seasonal oil changes.


Name: GTX Castrol

Quantity: 5 liters

Price: Rs 400

Castrol GTX is multipurpose engine oil, blended

from highly refined base stock mixed with

selected high performance additives, specially


engines operating under extreme condition

Sr. ADVANTAGES

1. Good oxidation and thermal stability.




Name: CRB Castrol

20W40

Quantity: 5 liters

Price: Rs 600

Castrol CRB 20W40 is premium multigrade

engine oil, blended with high viscosity index base

stocks fortified with carefully selected additives

packages.

Sr. ADVANTAGES

1. Provides ease in cold starting.


3. Good oxidation and thermal stability


Name: Shell

Quantity: 3 liters

Price: Rs 350

Shell is a premium multigrade engine oil,

specially developed for requirement of modern

diesel engines operating under extreme condition.

Sr. ADVANTAGES


2. Excellent service over a wide range of temperatures.


4. Excellent thermal and oxidation stability.

Name: BP

20W40

Quantity: 5 liters

Price: Rs 480

BPW40 is a premium diesel engine oil, high

technology multigrade oil, with selected high

performance additives, it give excellent service

over a wide range of temperatures

Sr. ADVANTAGES

1. Provides ease in cold starting.


3. Good oxidation and thermal stability


Name: Red Horse

Quantity: 5 liters

Price: Rs 360

HP Red Horse diesel engine oil, high technology

multigrade oil, blended from highly refined base

stock mixed with selected high performance

additives, specially developed for requirement of

modern diesel engines operating under extreme

condition.

Sr. ADVANTAGES

1. Reduce oil consumption.


3. Eliminates seasonal oil changes.


MAJOR BRANDS AVAILABLE IN THE MARKET

COMPARISION OF AUTOMOTIVE BATTERIES

Details of EURO55Classic Gold

Name: EURO55

Price: Rs 3800

Warranty in Months: 24

Heavy duty maintenance free batteries for

tropical climates and Indian road

conditions - for premium segment vehicles

Sr. Features

1. COLD FORGED TERMINALS

2. HEAT SEALED COVERS

3. MORE ELECTROLYTE ABOVE THE PLATE

4. POLYPROPYLENE CONTAINER

5.

6.

UNIQUE SEPARATOR POLYETHYLENE ENVELOPE

WITH GLASS MAT LINING

7. THROUGH THE PARTITION CONNECTIONS

8. MAINTENANCE FREE

9. LOW MAINTENANCE

10. MAGIC EYE

Details of PS55Classic Silver

Name: PS55

Price: Rs 2710


Heavy duty, low maintenance

batteries for all segments of

vehicles.

Sr. Features





5. UNIQUE SEPARATOR POLYETHYLENE ENVELOPE



7. LOW MAINTENANCE

Details of PXT55X-treme

Name: PXT55

Price: Rs 4095


Heavy-duty maintenance free batteries designed

for optimizing energy supply in addition to

providing backup for vehicle accessories.

Description:

1. Cold forged terminals

2. Heat sealed covers

3. Polypropylene container and cover

4. Unique polyethylene envelope separator with glass mat lining

5. Trough the partition connections

6. Maintenance free

7. Magic eye

8. Flame arrestor membranes

Details of EURO74

Classic Gold

Name: EURO74

Price: Rs 5230


Heavy-duty maintenance free

batteries for tropical climates and

Indian road conditions - for premium

segment vehicles.

Sr. Features





5.

6.

UNIQUE SEPARATOR POLYETHYLENE ENVELOPE



8. MAINTENANCE FREE

9. LOW MAINTENANCE

10. MAGIC EYE

Details of DIN55 Name: DIN55

Price: Rs 4230


Heavy duty maintenance free batteries

for tropical climates and Indian road

conditions - for premium segment

vehicles

Sr. Features






6. MAINTENANCE FREE

7 LOW MAINTENANCE

Details of 36B20L

Name: 36B20L

Price: Rs 3950


Heavy duty maintenance free batteries

designed for optimizing energy supply in

addition to providing backup for vehicle

accessories

Sr. Features






6. MAINTENANCE FREE

7. LOW MAINTENANCE

Details of 95 D 31R SS

Name: 95 D 31R SS

Price: Rs 4850


Heavy duty, low maintenance

batteries for all segments of vehicles.

Sr. Features






6. MAINTENANCE FREE

7. LOW MAINTENANCE

Details of AGM High Tech

Name: AGM High Tech

Price: Rs 5320


The new range offers better

performance, safety and user

convenience than any other car

batteries

Sr. Features

1. Deep-cycle resistant

2. Leakage proof

3. Long lasting

4. Fixed electrolyte

Details of Asia Silver

Name: Asia Silver

Price: Rs 4300





batteries

Sr. Features


2. Leakage proof

3. Long lasting


Details of Silver

Name: Silver

Price: Rs 4850





batteries

Sr. Features

1. 20% longer lasting


3. Leakage proof

4. Long lasting


Details of EN white

Name: EN white

Price: Rs 3850





batteries

Sr. Features

1. Maintenance free


3. Leakage proof

4. Long lasting


DATA OBTAINED FROM VARIOUS RESPONDENTS: -

TABLE-1

No. of Respondents

REGION NO. OF RESPONDENTS

GURGAON 100

DELHI 100

NOIDA 100

FARIDABAD 100

TABLE-2

Market Share of Different Brands of Batteries in Gurgaon

BRANDS SHARE (In %)

EXIDE 54

AMCO 24

BOSCH 32

TABLE-3

Market Share of Different Brands of Batteries in Delhi

BRANDS SHARE (In %)

EXIDE 42

AMCO 37

BOSCH 21

TABLE-4

Market Share of Different Brands of Batteries in Faridabad

BRANDS SHARE (In %)

EXIDE 46

AMCO 27

BOSCH 27

TABLE-5

Market Share of Different Brands of Batteries in Noida

BRANDS SHARE (In %)

EXIDE 54

AMCO 24

BOSCH 32

TABLE-6

Market Share of Different Brands of Lubricants in Gurgaon

BRANDS SHARE (In %)

CASTROL 42

INDIAN OIL 20

HINDUSTAN PETROLEUM 17

SHELL 13

TOYOTA 08

TABLE-7

Market Share of Different Brands of Lubricants in Delhi

BRANDS SHARE (In %)

CASTROL 32

INDIAN OIL 19


SHELL 22

TOYOTA 09

TABLE-8

Market Share of Different Brands of Lubricants in Faridabad

BRANDS SHARE (In %)

CASTROL 36

INDIAN OIL 21


SHELL 12

TOYOTA 07

TABLE-9

Market Share of Different Brands of Lubricants in Noida

BRANDS SHARE (In %)

CASTROL 32

INDIAN OIL 19


SHELL 22

TOYOTA 09

TABLE-10

Over all Market Share of Different Brands of Batteries in NCR Region

BRANDS SHARE (In %)

EXIDE 45

AMCO 31

BOSCH 24

TABLE-11

Over all Market Share of Different Brands of Lubricants in NCR Region

BRANDS SHARE (In %)

CASTROL 35

INDIAN OIL 21


SHELL 16

TOYOTA 09

INTERPRETATION OF DATA

ON THE BASIC OF RESPONSES OBTAINED FROM THE

RESPONDENTS

RECOMMENDATIONS

For Lubricants

Castrol is the Major Player in Market.

Features of Castrol products are quite similar to GM’s AC Delco.

Prices of Castrol products are Optimum as Compared to the other

Brands available in the Market.

Therefore the price of the GM’s AC Delco Should be in the same

range as of Castrol with 10% variation.

For Batteries

Exide is the Major Player in Market.

Features of Exide Batteries are quite similar to GM’s AC Delco.

Prices of Exide Batteries are Optimum as Compared to the other

Brands available in the Market.

Therefore the price of the GM’s AC Delco Should is in the same

range as of Exide Batteries with 10% variation.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Books: -

Chhabra, T.N., Marketing Management, Dhanpat Rai & Co.

Kothari, C.R., Research Methodology, Wishwa Parkashan.

Phillip Kotlar, Marketing Management, Prentice Hall of India

Suresh Bedi, Business Environment, Excel Books.

Williams, Automotive Mechanics, Tata McGraw Hill.

marketing research for automotive lubricants and batteries

Documents