2013 FSAE BUSINESS LOGIC CASE

2012 SAE International. All Rights Reserved

Institution/Team Identification: MAEERs MIT, PUNE. TEAM ACCELERACERS

Analysis of Market Data

Company Strategy

Target Selling Price 12,600

Target Vehicle Production Cost 8,000

Target Production Volume (from Table 1) 1,000

Target Annual Profit 46,00,000

(Any Other targets team has identified as critical to achievement of strategy success)

Vehicle Strategy & Performance

Plans for Efficient Design (and Manufacture)

Key Design Features Key PerformanceTargets Chassis/Body Type Mild steel spaceframe Accn. 0-75 Metres 6.5 s

Power train type IC engine Lateral Accn, (g) 1.4g

Power / engine 373.2cc single 46bhp Fuel Economy 16kmpl

Target weight, kg 230 kg Other critical performance targets (team decides)

Turning radius- 4.2m.

Other Key Feature (Team decides)

Brembo callipers, Quaife differential, MRF Racing tyres, carbon fibre panels.

Trying to keep our car cost at a minimal, we made compromises on our design without affecting performance. Even though MS has less buckling and bending strength, MS tubes are more economical. The tube lengths in the frame are kept to a minimum to have all axial loads only. Based on a survey we came to the conclusion that a 373cc single cylinder engine gave a very small compromise on the power also proving to be very economical and light weight. The Penske Quarter Midget shock absorbers provide customized damping characteristics. The custom made shocks we will be using complying with our stiffness, wheel rate, etc. specifications but they are economical. For the building prototype, uprights, hubs, etc. are machined causing wastage of raw material. Thus for mass production, these parts shall be cast making their production economical as also material efficient.

We tried to inculcate all the improvements suggested in our market survey namely an electronic shifter and more power. Our car is tuned uncompromisingly for victory, almost limitlessly customisable, alarmingly fast for its opponents and still surprisingly affordable. We thus provide a niche market those seeking racecar-like performance on a much more reasonable budget. Our market includes racing enthusiasts, auto racing events, go-karting clubs, etc.

According to a survey conducted by us in September, we concluded that the best price for our car would be $11,200 to $12,600. We looked at the existing market and concluded that our car remains the cheapest amongst our staunch competitors like Caterham Seven 160, Morgon 3- wheeler and Ariel Atom 160 priced at $29,580, $51,192 and $39,257 respectively while not compromising on our performance. This gives us a distinct advantage and we propose to sell at least 1000 cars per annum.

We easily match our competitors p/w ratio of 161bhp/tonne. Our performance is further enhanced by using Quaife differential which helps to achieve a variable torque ratio as per the traction on the wheels. It also has a preventive casing for protection. The front suspension employs the pullrod system. This gives a lower C.G. and compact arrangement of steering, pedal and suspension assemblies in the front. The bell crank will be provided with slots at various positions for better adjustability. The braking force needed at the back is comparatively lesser than that needed in the front. Thus, the front uses two separate brake callipers while the rear has one Brembo monoblock 4 piston, double acting calliper.