Automotive Component Testing & Research

The Institute conducts engineering research in its testing laboratories. Over the years, the laboratories have expanded to meet the growing need for automobile component testing.The testing laboratories have also been recognised by the Bureau of Indian Standards and identified by the European union for certification of automobile components earmarked for export to Europe. A large number of STUs, vehicle and component manufacturers make use of CIRT's testing facilities to evaluate the quality of components and spare parts they make and purchase. The Standing Committee (Supplies and Contracts) of ASRTU awards rate contracts on the basis of CIRT's certification. This process has enabled manufacturers and suppliers to maintain consistency in the quality of their products. The Institute's laboratories have been of immense help to auto-ancillary manufacturers,particularly to those who do not have sophisticated test facilities. The research activities of the Institute are essentially in the realm of applied research. In collaboration with the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation, CIRT undertook field trials of the rear engine passenger bus chassis. Extensive work has also been done on bus body design and the aerodynamic bodies designed by CIRT have resulted in fuel efficiency. During the 8th Planperiod, CIRT received a grant-in-aid of Rs. 5 crores from the R&D CessFunds allocated by the Ministry of Industry, Government of India, to update and augment its test laboratories. A noteworthy addition from the grants is the modern tyre testing laboratory commenced in 1996.