MANUFACTURING PLANNING FOR AFTER MARKET SPARE PARTS

Tata Motors`6 New Model trucks and Telematics services

2012-09-19T21:18:00.001-07:00

Tata Motors has launched six new trucks in India. These trucks include the 10x4 LPT 3723 37-tonne 5-axle, Prima 4938 tractor and 3138K tipper, LPK 3118 tipper, Prima 4923 and 4023 tractors. The company claims that all these trucks have been designed to offer the lowest cost of ownership, good driver comfort and best-in-class fuel efficiency. Along with the trucks, the company also showcased the Tata Fleetman services. Targeted at commercial vehicle fleet owners and large consigners of goods, the service offers advanced Telematics solutions, which will help in increasing productivity and profitability. The client can track his truck whereabouts and other details with the click of a button.

Speaking on the occasion, Ravi Pisharody, executive director - commercial vehicles, Tata Motors, said, Tata Motors has been in the Indian commercial vehicle space for over six decades. Over this period, we have developed a very deep understanding of the Indian market, bringing world-class technologies at world-class prices, having always paced ourselves one step ahead in meeting our customer needs. The six first-of-its-kind trucks bear testimony to that tradition of the company. Besides products, we have also developed a host of innovative service offerings, which will further our dominance in the Indian market. Tata FleetMan, completely developed in-house, further affirms our expertise in offering solutions which can transform the dynamics of the transport industry.

Here are the prices of the trucks ex-Mumbai

Models Prices

LPT 3723 Rs 25.5 lakh

Prima 3138.K Rs 52 lakh

Prima 4938.S Rs 55 lakh

Prima LX 4023.S Rs 21.5 lakh

Prima LX 4923.X Rs 25 lakh

LPK 3118 Rs 29 lakh

BHARAT BENZ TRACTORS

2012-03-13T01:49:00.002-07:00

BHARAT BENZ TIPPERS

2012-03-13T01:48:00.002-07:00

BHARAT BENZ HCV MODELS

2012-03-13T01:47:00.000-07:00

BHARAT BENZ LCV MODELS

2012-03-13T01:46:00.000-07:00

BHARAT BENZ

2012-03-13T01:35:00.000-07:00

BharatBenz is committed to the Indian customer and trucking industry needs. Built based on globally proven platforms - Mercedes-Benz Axor & Fuso Canter, BharatBenz trucks are engineered for consistent performance giving unmatched reliability. These trucks are specially built in India, built for India, to meet the needs of the Indian customer.
Engineering excellence is at the core of these robustly built trucks. They are designed after a careful study of the Indian road and load conditions, empowering truckers to conquer every terrain; helping them to deliver more, deliver economically and deliver fast.
BharatBenz will give you exceptional trucking solutions that will power you ahead.

OPTARE Plc <> ASHOK LEYLAND ENTERED IN SMALL BUS SEGMENT

2012-02-23T20:36:00.000-08:00

Optare Plc, a UK-based bus manufacturer in which Ashok Leyland Ltd. holds a 75% stake, will exit the small luxury coach segment and enter the small bus segment this year.

Optare’s first small bus, Bonito, which can accommodate as many as 16 passengers, will start selling in the UK in June, and may be exported to other European markets later, the company said in a statement.

“We have been looking at a number of routes to enter the important small bus/accessible vehicle market and are convinced that the fully developed Bonito is the right answer,” Glenn Saint, Optare’s chief operating officer, said in the statement on the company’s website.

Simultaneously, Optare is looking to hive off its Mercedes-based small luxury coach brands, the Soroco and Toro, which have been manufactured for it by Spanish coachbuilder Ferqui, S.L.

“I am pleased to say that we are in negotiations with a number of parties which may lead to the two current models, the Soroco and Toro, continuing to be available in the UK, though outside the Optare brand,” Saint said.

The moves are part of a comprehensive product portfolio review, Saint said. The company came into Ashok Leyland’s fold in January when India’s second-largest commercial vehicle maker took control of Optare in return for helping generate working capital for the cash-strapped British bus-maker. Ashok Leyland already had a 26% stake in Optare, acquired in 2010.

The flagship company of the Hinduja Group, which hopes to enter the ranks of the top five bus manufacturers globally with the help of the Optare stake purchase, introduced an Optare-manufactured low-floor bus, the Solo SR, for the Indian market at the Delhi Auto Expo in January.

AMW eyes 5-fold growth in truck sales in 3-4 years

2012-02-22T19:55:00.000-08:00

Commercial vehicle maker Asia MotorWorks (AMW) aims to grow its truck sales five-fold to

50,000 units per annum in next 3-4 years. The Gujarat-based company is getting ready to sell trucks in overseas markets such as Africa and West Asia by March next year. The firm also plans to debut in the luxury bus segment by the year-end to take on Volvo and Tata Motors.

“We are now getting lot of sales traction with the acceptance of our products and their value propositions becoming fairly demonstrative. We are hoping that we will continue to grow 50 to 60 per cent every year to notch sales of 50,000 trucks per annum. It would take three to four years to do so,” Anirudh Bhuwalka, MD and CEO, Asia MotorWorks told Financial Chronicle.

AMW, currently the third largest player in heavy trucks segment, aims to sell 10,000 trucks in 2011-12, Bhuwalka added. This would represent a growth of over 65 per cent compared with about 6,700 trucks sold last year. The sales boost came from 14 new truck models launched by the company last financial year mainly in 16 to 25 tonne mass truck segment.

Largely the top two players — Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland dominate the Indian truck market with a combined market share of over 70 per cent. Annually, 250,000 units are sold by all players, according to Bhuwalka. AMW that came into operation in 2005 backed by Shashi Ruia promoted-Essar Group, has sold 25,000 trucks since inception. The firm, currently, has a market share of five per cent in the heavy commercial vehicles segment.

“Indian truck market is the only market in the world with two players dominating. Globally, there is space for four to five companies in every market. We feel that there is room for more players here,” Bhuwalka said. The firm is also looking to export its models that it claims are built in accordance with global standards.

“We will look to export our trucks to African and the Middle Eastern markets at the end of the next financial year,” Bhuwalka added. The company is also preparing to enter luxury buses with its ‘luxury liner’ range of buses by 2012-end positioned between competitors Tata Motors and Volvo buses in the Rs 66 to 80 lakh price range.

PRESSURE FOR RETAIL DEALERS COZ A.L STILE & PARTNER(LCV) ENTERED IN MARKET

2012-02-17T20:48:00.000-08:00

Dost LCV to be joined by a STILE, Multi-Functional Vehicle and PARTNER, a 6-tonne LCV

Two new-generation LCV platforms from Ashok Leyland were revealed today at the Auto Expo. The Multi-Functional Ashok Leyland STILE and the contemporary 6-tonne LCV Ashok Leyland PARTNER represent very different faces of the LCV spectrum. Following on the heels of the Ashok Leyland DOST, which has seen very strong response in the market, these new products will allow the Company, over the coming years, to address a very wide range of customer needs and applications.

STILE, is a modern Multi-Functional Vehicle (MFV) and will usher in a new class of vehicles for the Indian customer. It has been specially developed to address various applications like people carriers in the urban and rural areas, hotel shuttles, taxi services, ambulances, panel vans, courier services, inter-city and intra-city travel.

STILE sports a classy, sophisticated look with its sleek contours and structured edges. The monocoque body construction makes for a lower kerb weight contributing to its fuel efficiency, while for passengers, it translates into greater safety and excellent ride quality. The interiors wear a pleasing look with dual-tone treatment and superior ergonomics. The low floor feature makes for easy entry and exit, while sliding doors on both sides allow for easy access in tight parking spaces. STILE will be available in both CNG and Diesel versions, with a wide choice of seating options of 2 and 3 rows.

PARTNER is the new 6-tonne LCV platform that was launched globally by Nissan Motor Company very recently, which has helped them gained precious market share in several global markets. The cab has a modern Euro-look, is spacious with advanced ergonomics, power steering and air-conditioning while a well-appointed interior has ample room for occupants and their belongings. The cab is also tiltable for easy serviceability. PARTNER is powered by a contemporary 120 hp ZD30-DDTI Common Rail Diesel (BS 4-complaint) engine that gives the vehicle excellent pick-up and good gradeability for faster turnaround. On display is a Refrigerated Truck which represents one of the application variants, some of the others being steel and aluminium containers and tippers.

The company has seen solid bookings for the recently launched Ashok Leyland DOST. To keep up the momentum in the small LCV segment, the company also showed its new DOST-CNG variant. This product will also enter the market shortly, catering to those markets where CNG is preferred or mandated.
“Right from the outset, we were determined not to remain a one product/platform or niche player in the LCV space. We are delighted to present two brand-new concepts on our two new-generation platforms that have been developed, close on the heels of the launch of our DOST platform,” said Dr. V. Sumantran, Non-Executive Vice Chairman, Ashok Leyland and Chairman, Nissan Ashok Leyland Powertrain Ltd. “Both these new vehicles maintain our focus on offering Japanese technology and quality at Indian cost. Together with the addition of the DOST-CNG, expected to be launched in 2012, we hope to cater to a wide range of needs, and at the same time, address the growing expectations of the Indian consumer. ” he added.

The STILE and PARTNER platforms are scheduled for launch in mid of calendar year 2013. The Dost-CNG will reach the market in 2012.

Ashok Leyland Jan Bus (Public)

2012-02-15T01:58:00.000-08:00

Low floor buses invariably meant integral construction and a rear engine not to mention a big cost outlay. Not any longer if one has to go by Ashok Leyland's novel approach with its Jan bus...

There is something about the 'can do' spirit which has been imbibed by many of our Indian OEMs as they grapple with the onerous task of delivering worthwhile solutions to mobility while forsaking outright tech for smart thought. Much that very essence pervades the very concept of the Jan Bus (Jan as in janata, public) that has surprisingly come from the uber staid and not to mention, ultra conservative Ashok Leyland.

This is certainly a good time for one of the country's pioneer commercial vehicle manufacturers to stand up and not just be counted but also spearhead thought and energy into a direction, which can only benefit mass transit public movement.

The Jan Bus is, according to Dr V Sumantran of Ashok Leyland, the world's first front engine, single step entry fully flat low floor bus and that is something that somehow has never entered the mind set of the big MNC CV specialists.

Today urban mass transit systems need easy ingress and egress, also an unhindered approach to get to seats or to standing positions without fuss or bother and all of this means an integral-type coach construction and an ultra low floor (sometimes almost to kerb or footpath height, with or without height levelling suspension). To get that ultra low floor inevitably means a move to a rear engine, rear-wheel drive configuration which as has been noted seems to be the way the western world has gone about doing city buses.

However, Ashok Leyland would beg to differ. Using a bit of Indian ingenuity, the engineers at this venerable CV giant have come up with a most striking solution which is cost-effective to boot yet strong and familiar enough for most of our public transport utilities to take to. The basic concept revolves around a front engine layout with clever packaging that gives the bus a complete flat floor beginning from the driver's office and moving right to the end of the vehicle. Of course there is a slight rounded bump on the floor where the large axle sits but one can make out the gradual slope to shroud that as well in a simple yet intelligent manner

AMW launches new 1618 TP Tipper at EXCON, Bangalore

2012-02-03T21:09:00.000-08:00

Asia Motor Works (AMW) launched its new 1618 TP Tipper model at the EXCON exhibition in Bangalore on November 24. This important new model marks AMW's entry into the competitive 16 ton segment of the Indian commercial vehicle market

2012-02-03T21:06:00.000-08:00

Ashok Leyland presents India’s first 37-tonne haulage truck With a payload capacity of up to 27 Tonnes, the U-3723 H is also India’s most efficient truck

2012-02-03T20:50:00.000-08:00

Ashok Leyland, the Hinduja Group flagship, today introduced India’s first 37-tonne haulage truck with the highest payload of up to 27 tonnes. Built on the contemporary and future-ready U-Truck platform, the U-3723 H guarantees superior performance, durability and best-in-class operational efficiency.
One outstanding feature of the U-3723 H is its five axles - twin steerable front axles, two rear axles and a self-steerable pusher lift axle at the middle that enables the vehicle to carry more loads, far more efficiently.

The auto-lift axle senses when the vehicle is running in an unloaded condition and will automatically lift the axle which translates into additional fuel saving. Engineered to deliver a faster turnaround and better gradeability, the U-3723 H is equipped with the fuel-efficient 225 HP ‘H’ Series engine and a 9-speed gearbox. Further, the 10x4 configuration makes for excellent maneuverability even in arduous operating conditions.

At the launch, Mr Vinod K Dasari, Managing Director, Ashok Leyland, said, “The U-3723 H is truly the most efficient truck in the country and carefully engineered to meet certain specific customer requirements.

With a more stringent implementation of rated payload on one hand and the availability of higher loads on the other, customers have been increasingly seeking higher capacity rigid trucks that can carry more loads translating into better operational economics. Market trends are clearly skewed towards the 31+Tonne category and thus our U-3723 H is perfectly positioned to meet the demands for higher payload capacity, faster turnaround time and better maneuverability.”

The feature-rich sleeper cab is designed to address driver comfort and safety especially during long distance freight operations. Other features include an optional AC and parabolic suspensions with shock absorbers.
Fuel efficiency is further enhanced by the aero-dynamic cab and lower unladen weight. An optimized drive train and 11R20 tyres deliver improved driveability and effortless maneuverability. The deep section frames with bogie suspensions ensure better vehicle stability even at higher loads. A long loading span of 31 feet can easily take loads of any density and dimension. Strong aggregates, a robust chassis frame and suspensions reduce down-time considerably.

The U-3723 H is best-suited for such applications like construction, Ready Mix Concrete, boom pumps and stone marble.

Mahindra Navistar to see cash break-even in a year

2012-02-01T21:47:00.000-08:00

Mumbai: A year after launching heavy-duty trucks to compete with Tata Motors Ltd and Ashok Leyland Ltd, India’s top truck makers, Mahindra Navistar Automotives Ltd expects sales to pay for expenses shortly.

Mahindra Navistar, a 51:49 venture between auto maker Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd (M&M) and truck and engine manufacturer Navistar Inc., sells tractor trailers and tippers ranging between 16 tonnes and 31 tonnes to the construction sector, and heavy-duty lorries to ferry automobiles and consumer goods.

“We shall be able to (see) cash break-even in the next 12 months,” Pawan Goenka, president, automotive and farm equipment sector, Mahindra and Mahindra, told reporters at a press meet.

Pawan Goenka

The joint venture has sold 2,500 trucks, according to Nalin Mehta, managing director, Mahindra Navistar. The firm’s factory at Chakan near Pune in Maharashtra has a capacity to produce 50,000 trucks a year. It currently sells about 300 trucks a month.

India’s medium- and heavy-duty goods commercial vehicles segment grew 8.19% to 187,559 units in the April-October period compared with a year ago, according to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers.

With Daimler India Commercial Vehicles’ Bharat Benz trucks set to enter the market in six months and Beiqi Foton Motor Co. Ltd’s vehicles to be launched in the next couple of years, competition in heavy trucks is expected to intensify.

Mahindra Navistar plans to launch at least two new models—a 49-tonne tractor trailer and a 25-tonne tipper for the mining sector in the second half of the 2012 fiscal year.

Along with a few more variants, these will help the company ramp up volumes and use its factory capacity fully in the next three years, Mehta said.
To be sure, transporters, particularly small operators, are sceptical of new brands in the country.
Deepak Sachdeva, proprietor of New Delhi-based Sachdeva Roadlines Pvt. Ltd that has a fleet of 80 Tata and Ashok Leyland trucks, is wary of the maintenance costs of new brands.

“Even Ashok Leyland and Eicher Motors Ltd, which have been in the market for several years, have very few mechanics in the north,” said Sachdeva.
“There’s no doubt that it’s (Mahindra) a strong brand,” said Ajay Shethiya, an analyst at Centrum Broking Pvt. Ltd. “But it’s a long haul for them before they can dent the market shares of the entrenched firms.”

Mahindra executives are aware of the challenge. Goenka conceded that Mahindra Navistar has taken longer than was expected to increase sales. “They (transporters) trust the brand, but building confidence takes time,” he said.

This, to some extent, delayed the company’s plans to introduce heavy-duty buses and trucks in export markets, Goenka said. Since the firm has established a national reach now, it will focus on the bus, currently under development, and on exporting trucks to South Africa using Navistar’s network.

Mahindra Navistar, which launched its products in October 2010, has set up 50 dealerships and 950 service stations. It plans to double the number of dealerships and increase service stations to 1,200 in 12 months.

“We aspire to do to the commercial vehicles market what Maruti Udyog Ltd did to the passenger car market in the 1980s by ending the monopoly of Hindustan Motors Ltd’s Ambassador,” Mehta said

SCANIA TO SET UP MFG. PLANT IN BANGALORE

2012-02-01T21:01:00.000-08:00

Scania Commercial Vehicles India will be setting up a new plant in the Narasapura industrial area in Bangalore. The company will be investing Rs 2.25 billion in this unit over the next five years with Rs 1.50 billion being invested in the coming year. The first truck will be rolling out by 2013. Initially, the plant will assemble bus and trucks as a CKD. At a later point, Scania also plans to include coach building and service workshops to this facility. Within the next five years, the company plans to roll out 2000 heavy haulage trucks and 1000 inter-city coaches and buses from its plant

PACCAR MAY LAUNCH DAF TRUCKS IN INDIA

2012-01-11T20:05:00.000-08:00

U.S. commercial-vehicle maker Paccar Inc. is studying the possibility of introducing heavy-duty trucks in India from its Dutch unit DAF Trucks NV, as it attempts to expedite its global growth by tapping into emerging markets and partly offset a slowdown in Europe.
Donald Schulte, managing director for India initiatives at Paccar, in a recent interview said the company is considering options to either sell imported fully-built trucks in India or to build an assembly plant.
A foray into India by Paccar would put it into competition with other global truck makers such as Daimler AG, Volvo AB, MAN AG and Navistar International Corp. who already operate here either via their own units or with joint ventures with local companies.
A total of 499,965 trucks and buses were sold in India during April-November 2011, up 20% from a year earlier, according to data issued by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers. The market is dominated by Indian companies such as Tata Motors Ltd., Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. and Ashok Leyland Ltd.
"We see India as a major commercial-vehicle market that is growing," Mr. Schulte said. "We always take a long-term view of a market and we are studying our options for India."
He said Paccar doesn't have a definite time frame to commence operations in India.
Paccar is participating at the ongoing Auto Expo in New Delhi with its DAF brand of trucks. DAF trucks are currently made only in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, and in Westerlo in Belgium.
"We see infrastructure investments, increasing buying power of people will make it a very compelling investment in India for those who want to have a long-term investment," Mr. Schulte said.
Bellevue, Wash.-based Paccar is the second-largest seller of heavy-duty trucks in the U.S. behind Daimler's Freightliner brand. Its North American truck brands are Kenworth and Peterbilt.
As part of its steps to expand in emerging markets, Paccar said recently it had begun constructing an assembly plant for DAF-brand trucks in Ponta Grossa, Brazil. But the company has said it would scale back truck production in Europe.
The company last year started a technical center in the western Indian city of Pune in partnership with KPIT Cummins Infosystems Ltd. Mr. Schulte said the Pune center is the third such facility for Paccar after the U.S. and the Netherlands.
He said staff count in Pune will be expanded to 200 by the end of December from 25 now.

Auto Expo 2012: Man Force forays into bus segment; unveils 'Man Airobus'

2012-01-10T20:46:00.000-08:00

Commercial vehicle maker Man Force Trucks on Saturday announced its foray into the bus segment and said the company is eyeing a 50 per cent jump in overall sales at 6,000 units this year.

The company, which today launched 'Man Airobus' at the 11th Auto Expo here, said bookings for the Rs 60 lakh priced-bus have already started and it plans to sell around 250 units by the year-end.

"Entering into the bus segment is an extension of our product portfolio as we try to become a full scale commercial vehicle manufacturer. The bus segment is a growing market in India," Man Force Trucks Managing Director Sudhir Mehta told PTI on the sidelines of the Expo.

He said the 'Airobus' is placed in the market between the premium bus and rear-engine bus. The new product is a 45 seater inter-city air-conditioned coach powered by 220hp diesel engine. It is being manufactured at the company's facility at Pithampur in Madhya Pradesh, where it has production capacity to make 24,000 trucks a year.

Asked about its sales target this year, Mehta said, "Last year, we had around 4,000 trucks. This year, we plan to sell around 6,000 units including the bus."

Besides, the company said it has lined up three-four trucks to be launched this year.

Last year, Pune-based Force Motors had announced to exit the JV by selling 5.58 lakh shares for 150 million euro (over Rs 1,050 crore) to the Germany-based MAN. "We are still in the process of exiting from the joint venture. The exit will not have any impact on the quality of the existing products," Man Force Trucks Chairman Abhay Firodia said.

Force Motors and MAN formed the joint venture company in 2006. At the time of formation of the JV, the Indian firm was the majority partner with 80 per cent stake, which became a 50:50 partnership in 2008.

TATA MOTORS UNVEILS 3 NEW VEHICLES ( After Maret Spare Parts Dealers should be increase Inventory from 2013 Mid)

2012-01-07T00:15:00.000-08:00

Tata Motors today unveiled at the New Delhi Auto Expo 2012 the company's new LCV & ICV range, and the Tata LPT 3723, India's first 5-axle rigid truck. They will be commercially launched in the next financial year.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. P.M. Telang, Managing Director - India Operations, said, the LPT 3723 will create new segments and generate higher incomes for their owners. As importantly, we are displaying our progress with alternate fuel technologies towards a more comprehensive portfolio for the future."

The Tata Ultra LCV & ICV range will comprise a series of variants from 5 to 14 tonnes. The range will be powered by new generation 3L (138 HP) and 5L (168 HP) common rail (DiCOR) 16-valve engines, offering higher aggregate life, longer service intervals and low NVH.
The sleek and elegant walk-through steel cabin, a dash-mounted cable shift gear and hydraulic cabin tilt mechanism make the driver at home. Ergonomically designed mechanically suspended seats with integral headrest, power steering, which is tiltable, telescopic and collapsible, and clear-lens headlamps will make long drives stress-free in all weather conditions. The instrument cluster -- showing live and trip mileage, clutch and brake wear indicator, seat and door ajar warning, water-in-fuel indicator, economy assistance -- permits continuous vehicle monitoring in drive.
The Ultra's high strength Domex 650 steel rolled chassis frame with high tensile strength and straight long member construction allows the platform the flexibility of multiple wheel bases at multiple payload points. Radial tyres, parabolic leaf springs, tuned shock absorbers and, for the first time in the category, disc brakes ensure safe transit of goods.

The Tata LPT 3723 is India's first 5-axle rigid truck. With a payload of 25 tonnes (ideal for cement and steel movement), it will radically change transportation economics by reducing he cost/tonne-km.
It is powered by a Cummins 6BT 5.9L engine (154 kW power at 2500 rpm) and mated with a 9-speed gearbox, the first in a rigid truck in India. Twin steerable front axles, a twin-drive axle and a tag-lift axle, the only truck to have such a technology, reduces tyre and fuel costs. The turning circle diameter of 21.9 metres makes it more manoeuverable than a tractor-trailer. The air-conditioned cabin, ergonomic dashboard and instrument cluster and stylish interior trims give drivers the comfort to cover longer distances at a stretch.

Tata Ultra 714 truck: Powered by a DICOR 3L engine, the Tata Ultra 714 truck delivers 138 HP and torque of 360 Nm. The truck comes loaded with features like a roof hatch, 12V utility socket, music system, digital clock, cab tilt lock indicator, low fuel level indicator lamp, brake lining wear indicator, air filter service electrical indicator, water in fuel indicator, door ajar lamp and leather finish dashboard.

Tata Ultra 1017 truck: The Tata Ultra 1017 truck comes with a DICOR 5L engine, delivers 168 HP and a torque of 590 Nm. The truck offers HVAC, cruise control, ABS, suspended driver seat, 12V utility socket, music system, power window, electrical mirror, centralised locking, Tachograph Telematics (GPS), digital clock, cab tilt lock indicator, low fuel level indicator lamp, brake lining wear indicator, door ajar indicator, air filter service electrical Indicator, water in fuel indicator, alloy wheels, low washer fluid indicator and leather finish dashboard.

Volvo launches new range of buses

2012-01-04T22:19:00.000-08:00

By 2015, it expects more than 50 % of sales to come from Asia

Volvo on Thursday launched its new range of buses, comprising city bus and coaches, aimed at inter-State routes and cities. The expanded range of Volvo buses in India now includes three new models that are the first-of-its kind in the country and takes the company's bus range to ten different products.

Stating all of developments follow just three months after Volvo announced its ambition to be a $1-billion company in the coming years, Volvo Bus Corporation President Hakan Karlsson said: “About three months ago we promised that we will play a bigger role in the progress of the Indian bus industry and announced an investment of Rs.400 crore. Today, we stand here with a product range that will take us there.”

“Our focus remains to drive quality of life and with our current range we will be spreading the Volvo experience to a larger market in the country. We have defined a clear role for India in the future — as one of the largest markets in the group, a global hub for selected models, local product development and that utilises the synergies we hold as a group in India,” he added.

Mr. Karlsson also pointed out that by 2015, Volvo expected that more than 50 per cent of its sales would come from Asia, mainly China and India.

“We are developing a global hybrid and we will showcase it in the upcoming Auto Expo here…this bus will be launched in India in future.

“We also plan to export buses from India to South America like Mexico and Europe,” he added.

According to Volvo Buses Managing Director and CEO (South Asia) Akash Passey, “We now have the local competence and experience to raise the momentum of change manifold. This is just as we expand our market access and raise standards and expectations.

We are on our way to reaching our vision of a $1 billion company with 5,000 buses produced each year by 2015.”

The company is now selling about 1,000 units every year.

BharatBenz trucks from Daimler by mid-2012

2012-01-04T22:15:00.000-08:00

Plans to manufacture buses in India as there is a ‘huge potential' in the Indian market

Eager to cash in on the fast growing commercial vehicle segment, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) on Wednesday said it would introduce its new range of trucks under the BharatBenz brand by mid-2012.

The wholly-owned subsidiary of Germany's Daimler AG also plans to export trucks from India besides manufacturing buses from its Chennai plant.

“The full range showcase of the new BharatBenz trucks will happen in March …the production starts in April. The market launch will happen in the third quarter of the current year,” DICV Managing Director and CEO Marc Llistosella told journalists here.

In February last, DICV had introduced the new BharatBenz brand for the Indian market.

The company has set up a 400-acre production plant at Oragadam near Chennai with an investment of Rs.4,400 crore in setting up manufacturing and marketing and sales paraphernalia.

The plant will initially produce 36,000 units a year and later expanded to produce 72,000 units by starting 2013 on which the company will spend an additional Rs.350 crore.

Exclusive showrooms

DICV also has aggressive sales plans and is setting up exclusive showrooms in about 100 locations by this year-end. “The total truck market in India (in the 6-49 tonnes range) is estimated to be around 3.4-lakh units and is expected to grow annually at 5 per cent till 2020,” Mr. Llistosella added.

Export plans

On export plans, Mr. Llistosella said the BharatBenz trucks could be exported to markets such as Africa, the Middle-East and Southeast Asia. The company also plans to manufacture buses in India as there is a ‘huge potential' in the Indian market.

Force Motors to launch new variants, products

2011-12-21T00:50:00.000-08:00

Force Motors is aggressively focusing on its newest vertical, the personal vehicle devision, to shed its commercial vehicle maker tag. It will display two variants of its SUV, Force One, at the Delhi Auto Expo next month.

""We will show a four-wheel drive and a concept luxury weekend getaway versions at the Auto Expo, with the latter having luxurious interiors,"" said Prasan Firodia, managing director, Force Motors. He added, ""We will also show a new 26-seater monocoque bus which will go into regular production by April 2011.""

The bus will also have two variants, a luxury version which will seat between 10-18 people and the standard 26-seater. Firodia said these buses are targeted at inter- and intra-city needs with the luxury bus being a scaled down version of the standard-setting Volvo luxury coaches. He declined to reveal the price or the names of these products which wil be anounced in Delhi on January 6.

The bus has been developed internally and is not part of the technical collaboration agreement Force Motors has signed with Daimler AG for vans. Those vehicles are still a year away, Firodia said. The passenger and commercial vehicle maker will also show its hybrid Traveller coach while it plans tyo offer CNG on its small commercial vehicle, the Trump

Tata Motors launches new bus models Divo and Starbus Ultra

2011-12-21T00:46:00.000-08:00

Tata Motors Tuesday launched two new bus models, Divo and Starbus Ultra, priced, respectively, at Rs.66 lakh and Rs.15 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi).

The company said the two models will cater to the growing needs of urban public transport. "With the introduction of the Tata Divo and the Tata Starbus Ultra the company will more comprehensively address the burgeoning need of public transportation," said Ravi Pisharody, president, commercial vehicles business unit.

Divo is a luxury air conditioned coach for inter-city passenger transportation and tourist operations. The bus's design component comes from the company's Spain-based subsidiary Hispano Carrocera.

"Divo offers customised interior features such as different seating layouts in semi-sleeper and seater configurations, wide seats with recline, head flaps and armrests," Pisharody said in a statement.

The bus also sports unique features such as entertainment system, refrigerator, mobile charging points, destination board and public address system.

Divo is powered by a 285 HP Cummins engine coupled with a six-speed overdrive gearbox for higher fuel efficiency.

On the other hand, Starbus Ultra is meant for intra-city transport and is available in luxury, standard, school and deluxe variants.

"These (variants) are available in different seating configurations of 22-46 seater, on different wheelbases," the statement said.

The bus is powered by 497 engine coupled with a six-speed gearbox with overdrive and cable shift mechanism.

Commercial vehicles defy slowdown

2011-12-14T22:38:00.000-08:00

Paradoxically, commercial vehicle (CV) sales have belied expectations of a slowdown in spite of weak Index of Industrial Production (IIP) numbers, month after month. Typically, CV sales display a strong correlation to IIP, which mirrors the state of economic activity in the country. But it’s different this time around.

Growth in industrial activity has slowed to 5% during the first six months of fiscal 2012 as against 8.2% during the year-ago period. But the Indian Foundation of Transport Research and Training (IFTRT), in its monthly analysis, said sales growth was 23% in November for light commercial vehicles (LCVs), intermediate commercial vehicles (ICVs) and multi-axle vehicles.

Although there are jitters about a slowdown in the sector, so far LCVs have been leading the run-up in sales. Market leader Tata Motors Ltd clocked a 25% year-on-year (y-o-y) rise in CV sales in November, mainly driven by a 38% increase in LCV sales. The company has a 58% share of the LCV market, even as other companies such as Force Motors Ltd and Eicher Motors Ltd are registering strong growth and late entrants such as Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd and Ashok Leyland Ltd are also faring well.

According to Umesh Karne, analyst, Brics Securities Ltd, “Buoyancy in the sector is due to demand from the organized retail sector, higher demand in consumer durables, construction in urban areas and replacement demand.” Higher replacement is due to insistence from large customers to provide a younger fleet. Meanwhile, better lifestyle in rural and semi-urban areas, along with a higher movement of agri-commodities, has also led to fleet expansion.
Of course, moderation in truck sales is visible. For November, Tata Motors’ truck sales rose a mere 7% from a year ago, compared with double-digit growth registered during October. Ashok Leyland, which has a strong southern presence in trucks, also posted 53% sales growth for November, albeit on a low base. A report by Edelweiss Securities Ltd hints at a lower single-digit increase in trucks from December.
The IFTRT note on monthly sales says that part of the sustained sales momentum is due to high discounts offered by manufacturers, who had raised prices steeply over the last eight quarters. Analysts estimate growth of about 9% in trucks and a robust 16-17% in LCVs for fiscal 2012. Still, market leader Tata Motors’ stock has underperformed the benchmark indices since the June quarter, perhaps due to its exposure to the passenger vehicles segment, which has been hit by a slowdown.
The outlook for CVs as a whole seems to be clearing up, with the interest rate cycle peaking and raw material costs expected to recede. The only grey area is profit margins, which would adversely affect earnings growth and in turn valuations.

Hyundai plans to launch commercial vehicles in India soon

2011-12-08T20:02:00.000-08:00

Tokyo: Korean auto major Hyundai Motor on Thursday said it is currently studying the Indian market to launch commercial vehicles as part of its global plan to strengthen the segment.

To begin with, the company that mainly sells compact cars in India, is considering to introduce high-end and premium trucks in the country.

A file photo of a Hyundai plant

“There are lots of possibilities to launch commercial vehicles in India. We are currently studying the Indian market. So, we are planning,” Hyundai Motor Company deputy general manager (commercial vehicle marketing team) J. D. Lee told the news agency on the sidelines of the Tokyo Motor Show.
Asked by when the company could launch the commercial vehicles in India, he said, “We hope to launch it very soon.”
Without giving details, Lee said the company is looking at high-end and premium trucks for the Indian market initially. Besides, it is also considering at introducing buses as well.
“We are trying to launch high-end and premium trucks. As far as the models that we have, I think it is not a problem. We have many models all over the world,” he added.
He said the company took time to enter the Indian commercial vehicles market as the low cost ones used to be more attractive there, which is changing now.
“Premium model truck is attractive (now) for the Indian market but we think bus is also profitable,” Lee said, adding the company is deciding which model will be launched.
“Then, we will decide how many units. It is not enough to just launch a product, we have to think about the service part also and that is taking time,” he added.
The company, which Thursday showcased a new luxury bus ‘Universe’ here, said it has gradually expanded its presence in the commercial vehicle segment over the last few years, starting with Japan and South Africa.
Besides, last year it had entered Spain, China, Vietnam and Pakistan as well.

Force Motors sells stake in JV to MAN for 150 mn euros

2011-11-28T19:55:00.000-08:00

Mumbai: Commercial vehicles maker Force Motors Ltd has decided to sell its 50% stake in MAN Force Trucks Pvt. Ltd to its German joint venture (JV) partner and quit the heavy duty trucks segment.

Force Motors will sell nearly 56 million equity shares in MAN Force Trucks to MAN Truck and Bus AG for €150 million (Rs. 1,050.54 crore), subject to necessary approvals, it said in a statement to BSE Ltd.

The Pune-based company had initially held a 70% stake in the joint venture, formed in 2003, but later became an equal partner of MAN Trucks.
“We concluded that they should be allowed to take the full lead,” Force Motors chairman Abhay Firodia said.
Force Motors will continue to supply parts and some critical aggregates to MAN Trucks, he said.
“It’s another step in enhancing our presence in the growing Indian market. We now have a good standing here,” a MAN Truck and Bus spokesperson said on the phone from Munich, Germany.
The joint venture has not been performing optimally, Mint had reported on 15 September.
MAN Force’s plant in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh, which makes heavy duty trucks, has been operating at half its capacity. The factory can produce 12,000 units a year but sells just 6,000 on average.
Nearly 200,000 heavy duty trucks are sold in the country annually, according to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, an industry lobby.
In April-October this year, 162,026 such trucks were sold in the domestic market, an expansion of 12% over the same period last year.
Firodia had earlier said Force Motors had converted its commercial vehicles business into the joint venture with MAN Trucks expecting large export orders, but that never happened.
The heavy duty commercial vehicles segment in India is dominated by Tata Motors Ltd and Ashok Leyland Ltd.
Companies such as Mahindra Navistar Automotive Pvt. Ltd, Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles Ltd and Daimler Commercial Vehicles Pvt. Ltd have also entered the market lately. The latest to join this space is the commercial vehicle maker from China, Beiqi Foton Motor Co. Ltd, which is setting up a manufacturing unit in Chakan, near Pune.
As competition intensifies, it would have been difficult for the joint venture to survive in its current form, said V.G. Ramakrishan, senior director, automotive and transportation at Frost and Sullivan.
“They (Force Motors and MAN Trucks) realized the JV was going nowhere and neither of them was able to add any value. They had to take a decision on how they want to take things forward,” he said.
Shares of Force Motors closed at Rs. 501 apiece, up 0.2% on the Bombay Stock Exchange, while the benchmark Sensex index closed at 15,946.10 points, down 2.6%.
The valuations “seem to be more rational given the company was valued at around Rs. 2,000 crore in 2008, when the JV was realigned,” said the head of mergers and acquisitions at a domestic investment bank, asking not to be identified. “Indian promoters are beginning to be more realistic with valuations and you will see many transactions going through at lower valuations in near future.”