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This paper explains a Kaizen approach to improve fuel economy of the Vehicle. This approach depends on discovering and plugging various energy drains, thereby improving performance of the vehicle without much cost escalation. Contrary to the common belief most of the improvements also result in improved drivability. Even though the improvements achieved by the individual Kaizen may not be significant but when aggregated they produce commendable improvements. The combination of High Fuel-economy with Low initial cost demanded by compact car segment customer is difficult to achieve but it is possible with Kaizen approach. A comprehensive test strategy is also explained for every Kaizen involved to test the vehicle performance, durability and to generate comprehensive and comparable database for further development.

Vehicles which are sold and put into service in a country have to meet the regulations and standards of that country. Every country has a separate regulation and approval procedure which requires expensive design modifications, additional tests and duplicating approvals. Thus, there is the need to harmonize the different national technical requirements for vehicles and form a unique international regulation. With this rationale, the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN/ECE/WP29) has brought governments and automobile manufacturers together to work on a new harmonized test cycle and procedure which is to be adopted around the world. This lead to the development of Worldwide Harmonized Light Duty Test Procedures (WLTP) and Cycles (WLTC). The test procedure is divided into 3 cycles, depending on a power to mass ratio of the tested vehicle.

India has gone through a lot of transformation over the last decade. Today it is the 6th largest and one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Rising income level, increased consumerism, rapid growth in urbanization and digitization have attributed to this change. Government focus on “Make in India” for promoting trade and investment in India have ensured that India emerge as one of the largest growing economies in the world. The automotive industry played a pivotal role in the manufacturing sector to boost economic activities in India. The passenger car market has increased 3 times over the last decade and it has led to increased mobility options for many people across India. However, this has put concerns on the country’s energy security and emission levels. According to IEA’s recent report on global CO2 emission, 32.31 Gt of CO2 emissions were from fuel combustion in 2016, out of which transport sector contributed ~25%.