1.Parents' names & occupation
R.K.Menon & Nalini Menon, Industrialist & Retd. Teacher
2.Brothers & Sisters.
1 Brother, Sabari Girish R Menon
3.Wife's name & occupation
Greeshma Narayanan , Computer Engg.
4.Your Age
26
5.Your occupation
Industrialist
6. Your qualification
Masters of Engineering – Mechanical, Currently pursuing Ph.D in Management
7. Institutions studied (Engg only)
8.Your views about automobiles and their influence on society & individuals
It is a great invention the human beings have ever made and it eases the stress on traveling from point to point. It is welcomed as one of the important entity of everyone’s life as well as in society
9. what are your future plans in the field of automobiles, what you want to contribute for automobile industry?
Fuel conservation is the primary goal, it can be achieved by implementing optimal driving methods and also in future developing an higher efficient sliding vane engines along with my friends.
10.Why you wanted to buy Manza ?
Simple. The name itself says it’s King of Kings, is there any one who don’t like kings?. It has everything worth for the rate you pay and in general an Indian budget car in a long way.
11.Plus & minus points you found out about it after using it
Of course, Manza’s inbuilt feature of DIS (Digital/Driver Information System) made me change my driving style and attain these results, because of that we are meeting today. Of course there are minus, the manufacturer never give privilege for the customer who could make them proud, as they feel that that could raise their level of commitments towards the customers, which is Negative approach. Internal build quality is still a question mark.
12. How did you realize first that your car is having this kind of high fuel efficiency?
By testing the fuel efficiency as always by full tank method and self calibration of DIS with the full tank method made me go for a challenge to meet the highest it could deliver. The DIS shown 25 kmpl(the maximum it shows), which made me felt that this could give more than what it shows, if I concentrate on it. .
13. Have you made any modifications to your car?
No modification, I always feel that it is a crime, because the manufacturers don’t give warranty if you do so., as of now I guess It doesn’t need any modification
14. Any extra fittings? Additional accessories?
Yes reverse sensors as the vehicle side mirror design is poor as it is derived from a hatchback design to sedan, hence u can’t view anything in rear side.
15 Do you think that there is a scientific way of driving cars to achieve more fuel efficiency?
Yes, we should know what our car has and how our car responds, because every vehicle different in their weight, size and many other factors, so understand you vehicle first and drive it at the proper rpm with respect to the gear position and speed, ensuring high safety and comfort. This will give an initial way to achieve fuel efficiency.
16. What all things to be taken into consideration in driving?
Safety First , it automatically make the way by speed reduction , rpm control and smooth driving (avoid over acceleration., over braking, over clutch run etc). Drive to road and maintain the vehicle as per the schedule.
17. Which other factors are having an influence on fuel efficiency?
Fuel, Traffic rules & regulations and road - condition
18. What prompted you to pursue this mission of achieving record fuel efficiency?
Simple. Fuel is a valuable resource, we should conserve to its best for better tomorrow or else challenges like availability, hike in pricing will get on top of you and the life will become miserable. An individual could at least 500 ml of fuel comparing to what he is used to by giving priority to fuel efficiency, for 1 lac car we are saving 182.5 lakhs of fuel, which itself is a great impact.
19. Are there somebody who supported/ encouraged you in this mission? What was his/ her contribution?
Parents, wife, siblings, friends and well wishers. Of course as an industrialist I travel 3000-5000 km every month and the bills are paid by the company. If I could go with higher efficiency my over head cost will come down, that also inspired me a lot. I would like all people getting such a fuel efficiency.
20. What is the long term, broader impact of this mission on society?
Save fuel , utilize your resource thinking of better tomorrow.
21. What are the major hurdles in achieving higher fuel efficiency for common man? (Like behavior of others on road, condition of road, traffic etc)
Every year we are facing problem with the conditions of road after it starts raining, that’s one issue, every one is running urgent life, so don’t follow traffic rules and regulations, which is effecting others who follows rules and regulations. Lack of discipline by the drivers is a main one. Of course in India, you could expect dogs, cats, buffalos even human being crossing at unexpected areas. So expect the unexpected, keep it in mind and drive.
22. Other vehicles being used by you, and the higher mileage obtained.
I have currently 3 vehicles including this. In Innova I have achieved 18 kmpl and in Zen Estilo I have achieved 27kmpl maximum, In an Honda city, I have achieved 31.1 kmpl. I am sure these days with technology and innovation growing up with refined engines I am sure one day 100 kmpl will be possible, Its better late than never.
23. Normal mileage you get regularly with manza on different terrains.
Again considering roads, route and distant it varies, few I could say in city I have achieved 25 and in hill areas (Up only) 21.2 kmpl and in straight road, mostly 30+. I am sad that even for trial run I am yet to get a road where I could drive atleast 60 km without stop