A cylinder head is a critical component in an internal combustion engine (ICE). Every aspect of it, including the material it is made from, plays a significant role in defining the motor’s performance. As we know, India migrated to the stricter BS6 (Bharat Stage 6) emission standards in April 2020 and is also tightening the grip to implement CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency) norms. To help carmakers achieve better efficiency from their respective ICEs, Vedanta Limited has launched a new product called Aluminium Cylinder Head Alloy. The company debuted it for the domestic industry at the 2^nd Automotive Raw Material Localisation Conclave & Exhibition. This event is hosted by the Automotive Components Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA).

Vedanta confirms that the alloy is being imported into India. It has been designed using proven technologies – Befesa (Spain) and Properzi (Italy). At present, the company has 10,000 tonnes of it. Apart from highlighting the obvious plusses of using the newly-developed cylinder head, Vedanta also pointed out that this is one of the first steps to make India’s automobile industry self-reliant. Moreover, the localisation of components will help keep the costs in check for both the consumer and the original equipment manufacturers.

Here’s what Ajay Kapur, CEO – Aluminium & Power, and MD – commercial, at Vedanta Limited, said in an official statement:

For India to become a USD 5 trillion economy by 2025 and an economic powerhouse, the entire manufacturing sector has a crucial role to play. India’s auto component sector is among the fastest growing but lags in contribution to manufacturing turnover. The Indian auto component industry’s aspirations of having a significant share of the global trade calls for a renewed focus on localization on every business front, particularly with respect to sourcing raw materials. As India’s leading producer of a vast array of globally acclaimed metals and value-added products, Vedanta aims to partner with various industry sectors, especially automotive and auto ancillary industry, across their entire value chain, from large players to MSMEs, for the nation’s growth.

Vedanta Limited becomes the first Indian brand to manufacture Aluminium Cylinder Head Alloy. It claimed the same title when it started supplying Aluminium Primary Foundry Alloy (PFA) for manufacturing wheels. Before that, the alloy was being imported to India.