TVS Motors to launch Flame with a new 125 cc engine in March 2008.. Royal Enfield to tread carefully with its U.C.E (Unit Construction Engine) which also has two spark plugs..

After having to wait for 3 months, TVS Motors has finally decided to launch the 125 cc Flame with a new engine. The new engine will now have a single spark plug instead of the earlier two spark plug design. Payeng Says: "Many things can happen and do happen in India.. the Japanese obviously have a lot to learn about us.. but we should know better, shouldn't we..??". By the way TVS Motors have appealed against the verdict. Payeng Says: After the recent TVS Vs Bajaj face off, I bet that they are concerned. Related Posts:
The earlier CC-VTi engine had two spark plugs and three valves (one outlet, two inlet). At low RPM’s only two valves were functional and the third valve (inlet) became functional at high RPM’s. It was this because of the use of two spark plug for its single cylinder configuration, TVS was asked by the Madras High Court to stop selling and producing the 125 cc Flame. According to Bajaj Auto this was an infringement of their patented DTSi (Digital Twin Spark Plug Ignition) technology.
According to MoneyControl.Com, the Flame will now feature a new engine developed, patented and licenced by AVL, Austria. Actually even the earlier CC-VTi (Controlled Combustion Variable Timing Intelligent) engine was developed with the help of AVL. The new Flame with the new engine should be out by the third week of March 2008.
Also according to Moneycontrol.Com, TVS has lost around 120 crores of rupees in the last three months in sales because of the delay in launching the Flame. TVS Motors had also invested about 50 crores of rupees in developing the now defunct CCVTi engine.
Here are a few statements made by Mr. Venu Srinivasan, Chairman and MD TVS Motors (taken from Hindu Business Line).
Royal Enfield decides to tread carefully with its twin spark plug design.Taking a leaf out of the Twin Spark Plug Controversy between Bajaj Auto and TVS Motors, Royal Enfield has decided to play safe with its new U.C.E (Unit Contruction Engine) platform.
The new U.C.E model has a 500cc engine, and is the first engine of the company that will have an integrated gearbox. Another feature that is under the scanner now is the twin spark plug technology on the UCE model.
Royal Enfield is learnt to be now discussing with its legal counsel if its engine technology infringes upon the twin spark plug patent held by Bajaj Auto.
According to MoneyControl.Com, the new U.C.E model is slated to be launched during the April-June 2008 (probably for the Export markets initially).
RL Ravichandran, CEO, Royal Enfield says,
"The company is more focused on developing a new engine platform. The major difference is its integrated gearbox and the electronic fuel injection. It is a lean burn engine that will initially be used for exports in a new model. We are not concerned about one spark plug or two spark plugs"
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