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KF, the knowledge engineering S company, is continuing its partnership with Scuderia Ferrari in 2015, with the development of specialised components and systems to reduce weight and frictional power losses. SKF has worked closely with Scuderia Ferrari to produce bearing sets manufactured from specially developed tool steel. By adapting the heat treatment process, SKF has been able to optimise the surface hardness properties. This makes each bearing extremely resistant to surface fatigue and able to withstand the exceptionally high contact stresses found in Formula One applications. As a result, bearings can be downsized without affecting performance or reliability. The new bearing sets are now being used in the latest Scuderia Ferrari gearbox, where the ability to downsize has helped reduce overall weight by more than 20%. Gearbox performance is improved still News Makers New bearing technology from SKF New bearing technology from SKF further by the use of ceramic bearing rollers and optimised internal geometries; combined, these are making a significant reduction in frictional power losses. In a further development, Scuderia Ferrari is also using the latest condition monitoring technology from SKF. This is based on the company's modular IMx platform, which has been re-engineered to meet the specific demands of the Team. In particular, SKF has adapted the hardware to enable it to process exceptionally large volumes of data at high speeds – typically up to 100 times faster than normally required in even the toughest of industrial applications. Installed on Scuderia Ferrari engine and turbo test rigs, and using advanced SKF Observer software, the condition monitoring system provides asset protection, improved operational efficiency, preventive maintenance, and an increased speed of development. Ing. Mattia Binotto - Power Unit Director of Scuderia Ferrari, explains, “SKF has played an important role in helping us develop the new 2015 Formula One car. The IMx solution is giving us fresh insight into how our engines perform, while the new gearbox bearings, along with specialised parts for our energy recovery and other critical on board systems, will be vital in helping us maintain a competitive advantage in the coming races.” Jeroen Wensing, Innovation Manager SKF Racing Unit, adds, “SKF has sponsored Scuderia Ferrari since 1947, which is the longest technical partnership of its kind in F1 history. Together, we've always sought to push the boundaries of performance and reliability, taking the engineering knowledge gained to help our customers throughout industry with fresh ideas and constant innovation.” Production The industry produced a total of 21,468,103 vehicles including passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, three wheelers and two wheelers in April- February 2015 as against 19,645,555 in April-February 2014, registering a growth of 9.28 percent over the same month last year. Domestic Sales The sales of Passenger Vehicles grew by 4.03 percent in April-February 2015 over the same period last year. Within the Passenger Vehicles segment, Passenger Cars and Utility Vehicles grew by 5.24 Automobile Industry Continues Reviving percent and 5.46 percent respectively, while Vans declined by (-) 11.00 percent in April-February 2015 over the same period last year. The overall Commercial Vehicles segment registered a de-growth of (-) 3.39 percent in April-February 2015 as compared to same period last year. Medium & Heavy Commercial Vehicles (M&HCVs) grew by 15.09 percent and Light Commercial Vehicles declined by (-) 11.75 percent. Three Wheelers sales grew by 11.56 percent in April-February 2015 over the same period last year. Passenger Carriers and Goods Carriers grew by 12.88 percent and 6.11 percent respectively in April-February 2015 over April-February 2014. Two Wheelers sales registered growth of 8.97 percent in April- February 2015 over April-February 2014. Within the Two Wheelers segment, Scooters, Motorcycles and Mopeds grew by 26.59 percent, 3.24 percent and 5.55 percent respectively in April-February 2015 over April-February 2014. Exports In April-February 2015, overall automobile exports grew by 16.92 percent over the same period last year. Passenger Vehicles, Commercial Vehicles, Three Wheelers and Two Wheelers grew by 5.82 percent, 12.37 percent, 13.84 percent and 20.78 percent respectively during April- February 2015 over the same period last year. March 2015 12
