Commercial Vehicles in India: News & Updates

[Vishwas]

Re: Upcoming Commercial Vehicles in India

I did not know about this, if it's true then it's really sad cos even though they are underpaid they do not show their frustration on customer they are very courteous and helpful.

One of the driver's in KSRTC told me when i travelled to Mysore.

The buses would most probably be fitted with Vacuum based toilets which are also making their way into the trains as well. Wonder if they mentioned anywhere what kind of toilet is installed

The most common type used in the buses are mainly of Chemical Toilets, but i am not sure what kind these buses use.

 

[surya.appus]

Re: Upcoming Commercial Vehicles in India

To me, Volvo is still miles ahead in styling.

 

[visran]

Re: Upcoming Commercial Vehicles in India

To me, Volvo is still miles ahead in styling.

Styling is a very Subjective matter, and moreover there is only limited option's a Bus Manufacturer can do.

 

[S Class]

Re: Comparison: Tata vs Ashok Leyland H/LMVs

When can we see trucks like these in India ?
And how many of you like such trucks with bonnet ?

 

[visran]

Re: Comparison: Tata vs Ashok Leyland H/LMVs

When can we see trucks like these in India ?
And how many of you like such trucks with bonnet ?

These truck's come with very powerful engine which our our road's are are not prepared to accept, nor the driver's are matured enough to drive it.

 

[Vishwas]

Re: Comparison: Tata vs Ashok Leyland H/LMVs

I heard that in chennai mostly everyone is interested in DOST than TATA 407. And I dont think tata ace may not be in the same segment to compete with DOST. Just my thought.

No, Dost actually competes with Tata's super ace. In TN Dost is the first preference than Ace.Why? good engine and for Brand image

When can we see trucks like these in India ?
And how many of you like such trucks with bonnet ?

For these things to hit our roads, The Govt should construct 6 lane highways else it gobbles large space, moreover the engines are very powerful(>600 hp)
it would be difficult to tame the monster in crowded places

These truck's come with very powerful engine which our our road's are are not prepared to accept, nor the driver's are matured enough to drive it.

For these things to hit our roads, The Govt should construct 6 lane highways else it gobbles large space, moreover the engines are very powerful(>600 hp)
it would be difficult to tame the monster in crowded places.

 

[Vishwas]

Re: Upcoming Commercial Vehicles in India

Note: Posts moved.

 

[visran]

Re: Upcoming Commercial Vehicles in India

After incurring losses of Rs55 crore in four years, air-conditioned Volvo buses operated by the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) have started making profits, according to deputy chief minister R Ashoka.

The corporation, which has 567 air-conditioned buses in its fleet, introduced the service in January 2006 with 25 buses, mainly running on routes connected to ITPL and Electronics City. In the first year, BMTC incurred a loss of Rs2.71 crore and losses went up to Rs32 crore in 2009-10 as a number of buses in the fleet was increased. However, in 2010-11, the corporation managed to post a profit of Rs4 crore and in 2011-12, the profit went up to Rs14 crore.

Reacting to a question on the floor of the legislative council, Ashoka said: “All the air-conditioned buses are making profits while ordinary buses are recording losses. Keeping in mind the requirement of the people, we are increasing the number ordinary buses; in the existing fleet, 95% of buses are ordinary buses.”

The minister said that the separate division established by the BMTC for operating Volvo buses yielded good results, adding that BMTC buses connecting IT corridors such as Electronics City and ITPB are eliciting encouraging response from commuters.

Airavat Bliss to ply in Bangalore-Mumbai route Reacting to demands by MLCs that KSRTC should operate recently inducted Volvo buses—with facilities such as chemical toilet, pantry, Wi-Fi connectivity and individual TV panels—in long-distance routes, the minister said KSRTC would induct more buses into the existing fleet and operate them in long-distance routes.

On July 18, KSRTC launched six Airavat Bliss buses in Bangalore-Chennai and Bangalore-Tirupati routes.

BMTC’s Volvo buses enter profit era - Bangalore - DNA

 

[visran]

Re: Upcoming Commercial Vehicles in India

The Indian small and light commercial vehicle segment, which is one of the fastest growing segments in the country is expected to more than double by 2015-16 and grow at 18.5% compounded annual growth rate for the next five years, according to research report published by leading research agency Frost & Sullivan called 'Strategic Assesment of Small and Light Commercial Vehicles Market in India.'

The small and light commercial vehicle segment which stood at 3,53,620 units in 2010-11, Frost & Sullivan says will touch 8,27,920 units by 2015-16. SCV goods carrier is expected to account for around 70 per cent of this volume.

The research report says, economic changes in India have fuelled growth in the commercial vehicle market and other factors have helped skew the market in favour of small and light commercial vehicle. These segments have just entered its rapid growth phase and they are expected to continue growing in the next 5-10 years.

The Indian CV market is polarizing towards the small and light CV segments with the market share of medium CVs (MCVs) declining. This trend is intensified by many factors. For instance, the restriction on medium and heavy CVs' entrance into metro cities has made it necessary for logistics companies to procure SCVs and LCVs for within-city delivery of goods. Availability of low cost LCVs with high power and gross vehicle weight (GVW) capacities has also eaten the market share of MCVs.

However, the entrance of global CV majors into the Indian market through joint ventures with local majors is expected to make it very competitive, with many new and better products hitting the market. Nonetheless, local majors like Tata Motors Ltd (TML), Ashok Leyland (AL) and Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) will continue to dominate the market due to their widespread network in India and increasing acquisitions abroad.

"As competition increases, it is important to strategically position products as early in their lifecycle as possible to capitalize on the market trends," said Frost & Sullivan Automotive Research Analyst. "Inflation caused by polarization and de-regulation of fuel prices, among other factors, has a direct impact on earnings of the organization."

Manufacturing in India is a key strength, especially for low cost trucks, which can generate a good business opportunity in growing global markets such as Mexico, Brazil, Africa and China. Domestic companies can attract high volumes as these products provide similar configurations at lower costs, noted the report.

"Designing the right product to be placed strategically in the market is critical for the long-term growth of the OEMs," concluded the Analyst. "The best combination of product and partner will ensure technological superiority a better market share of the OEM."

Small and Light CV Segment to more than double to 8 lakh units by 2015-16: Report - The Economic Times

 

[THE XOVER]

Re: Upcoming Commercial Vehicles in India

Any info when TATA will launch much anticipated Y series trucks?

Here is spy pic,courtesy ICB.in:

 

[S Class]

Re: Upcoming Commercial Vehicles in India

After incurring losses of Rs55 crore in four years, air-conditioned Volvo buses operated by the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) have started making profits, according to deputy chief minister R Ashoka.

But real profits are those which are made after covering the losses, if any. Hence, for the buses to be in profit, they first need to make 55 Cr profit to BREAK-EVEN & only after that, they can claim to be in profit.
But by the time this happens, the buses will already be in process of being phased out !!

Any info when TATA will launch much anticipated Y series trucks?

Here is spy pic,courtesy ICB.in:

This is again in Pune. This I think will sit above 407 & below 1612.
No idea but will ask Storme chap if he has any.

 

[S Class]

Volvo-Eicher JV to drive in new-generation trucks

MUMBAI: Volvo, the world's second-largest truck maker, will soon renew its global rivalry with top player Daimler on the Indian roads through its joint venture with Eicher Motors.

Even as Daimler India gears up to launch its BharatBenz range of trucks within a few months, the Volvo-Eicher venture is readying a whole new range of trucks right from 5 tonne to 49 tonne and above with new platforms, engines and cabins.

"We want to make a big breakthrough in the heavy duty trucks," Siddhartha Lal, MD of Eicher Motors, said. "We have new engines from Volvo's global platform and we will have full new modern truck product range powered by these engines," he added.

While Lal declined to share the specifics, industry insiders said the new trucks will be based on Volvo's UD platform (from Nissan Diesel) and will be priced at a 10% premium to the existing range.

The new range is expected to help VE Commercial Vehicles, the joint venture between Volvo and Eicher, expand its presence in medium and heavy truck segments (25-49 tonne), where the company has minimal share. VECV showcased its entire range-which will take 2-3 years to hit the road-to dealers and suppliers in May. Industry sources say they will match BharatBenz trucks in quality and cost parameters.

One of the suppliers working on the project says the new Volvo range will offer stiff competition to Tata Motors Prima and Ultra trucks as well as Ashok Leyland's U Truck. Industry experts say Eicher's attempt to enter the heavy-duty truck space in 2005-06 did not get a good response from the market and that's how the tie-up with Volvo came about four years ago. "With Volvo's global platform and engines, VECV could now have a compelling product proposition in the core medium and heavy duty truck market, which will bridge the critical gap in the portfolio and could make the company a serious player," V G Ramakrishnan, senior director, Frost & Sullivan said.

VECV has already invested 700 crore in the business and it has lined up another 1,000 crore for the next few years, which will go into R&D, engine manufacturing facility, bus body building plant and new paint shop. Lal, the company MD, said VECV targets 15% share in the Indian heavy-duty truck market by 2015, up from 3.4% now. It has 11% share in the overall truck market, thanks to 31% share in the light duty and medium duty segment of 5-12 tonne.

Volvo-Eicher JV to drive in new-generation trucks - The Economic Times

 

[visran]

Re: Upcoming New Car Launches in 2012

Volvo Buses today commenced trials of the Volvo 9400PX – India’s first multi-axle coach at 14.5m, with steerable tag-axle in Bangalore. Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Home & Transport, Government of Karnataka, Shri. R Ashoka flagged off the bus from the KSRTC central office. Akash Passey, Senior Vice President – Business Region International, Volvo Bus Corporation & Chairman of the Board, Volvo Buses in India and Manish Sahi, Managing Director, Volvo Buses in India were present on the occasion. Senior officials from the State Government as well as the senior management of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) were also present at the ceremony.

The Volvo 9400PX is a global introduction from Volvo Buses in India and was unveiled at the Auto Expo 2012 in New Delhi in January. It is the first and the longest multi-axle intercity coach in the country at 14.5m but equipped with a steerable rear tag-axle it offers almost the same manoeuvrability as a typical coach. The Volvo 9400PX comes with a host of new features to make travel even more comfortable.

The Volvo 9400PX is built on the new light-weight Volvo PX platform, which provides even better grade ability and acceleration as well as enhanced stability & larger luggage space. The new coach also offers a much higher performance like never before with the new Volvo 11-litre engine that offers 370hp. A key feature is the steerable tag-axle for better road handling and manoeuvrability.

Akash Passey, Senior Vice President – Business Region International, Volvo Bus Corporation and Chairman of the Board, Volvo Buses in India said, “The Volvo 9400PX is an important milestone for Volvo Buses in India. Since 2001, each year, we have introduced a new concept or product in India. We keep this momentum and take an important step forward. The introduction of the Volvo 9400PX is even more special. First, because it is a global introduction from India, and has been developed keeping in mind the evolving customer, passenger and driver needs in India. Next, it is a continued sign of our local product development capabilities, where the Volvo 9400PX has witnessed a very close collaboration between our engineers in Sweden & India together.

“This coach continues to raise the standards of technology and features that further enhance the safety, comfort and performance. With additional capacity it offers attractive transport economy to the customers alongwith a list of features to help improve fuel efficiency, drive comfort and the overall passenger experience. The Volvo 9400PX can easily navigate tight road conditions thanks to the steerable tag-axle. KSRTC is the first operator in India to conduct these trial operations and we are confident that drivers & passengers will experience a new standard in inter-city bus transport with the Volvo 9400PX.”

Another key feature of the Volvo 9400PX is the Volvo I-Shift gearbox. This automated gear changing system provides high drive & ride comfort, better fuel economy and offers high braking power of 400 to 600 kW. In fact, the Volvo I-shift since its operation has been the most popular option for both Volvo Trucks and Buses in Europe, The Volvo 9400PX’s spacious interiors offer a range of opportunities for customers to incorporate a variety of passenger conveniences from pantry, toilet, VOD and a range of other features – for smooth long-distance travel.

This intercity coach offers an all-new dimension of comfort in road travel as you glide on for miles. It is in its own class and an inspiration to travel, like never before.

The Volvo 9400PX is part of the successful 9400 range of coaches in India. From the first coach introduced in 2001 to the Volvo 9400XL multi-axle coach launched in 2008, Volvo Buses has changed the way people experience bus travel in India. Today, Volvo coaches traverse the length & breadth of the country connecting cities – big & small – and helping people reach their destination in safety, comfort and luxury.

The Volvo 9400PX intercity coach is built at the state-of-the-art manufacturing plant of Volvo Buses in Hoskote near Bangalore. The factory and overall profile of being a complete transport solutions provider, gives Volvo Buses a unique ability to be in the best position to understand the needs of the Indian market and configure products accordingly.

 

[toyoubala]

Spotted Testing Tata Ace with 'Test' Stickers

Location: Coonoor Ooty Road.
Date taken: 4-Aug-2012.
Although this was taken a month back, when we were on a small trip to Ooty, I was bit reluctant to post here due to my lack of exposure to this segment. Decided to post it today anyway and expecting our members to throw more lights on this one.

 

[THE XOVER]

Re: Spotted Testing Tata Ace with 'Test' Stickers

It could be dicor version of Ace to give it more power ,mileage and exposure to the BS4 cities.