The Auto Expo in New Delhi is radiating to better glimpses as trucks of all likes glow exponentially. World leaders Volvo, Daimler and Navistar have showcased their masterpieces as domestic makers refresh for new ventures. The trucks display the sophistication and the indigenous concepts.
Daimler is brushing its face with its Actros to be imported though it has plans to launch new ranges. The company is depending on its Chennai Greenfield plant, invested at Rs4400 crore. Volvo, another giant in the truck industry, has unleashed its vehicle for Rs1 crore.
The trucks carry with them the luxury features – automatic transmission, air suspension systems, adjustable power steering, electronic seats and front and side air bags. All these features are uncommon in many cars of these sector. Further, these trucks have the advantage of regular gizmos. The irony is that many of these ranges do not fit into the allocated pavilions of the Expo.
Volvo is scooping on the technological advancements and infras. Volvo India’s President said that Indian market would find the company’s trucks smooth enough to drive away and the quality, allied with technology would sell. M&M’s MD said that there’s wider scope for trucks and the Indian market would spin off the boom for trucks. He defined the market as a good platform for the new comers, since there is no plateauing.
M&M has an association with the US Navistar under 51:49% basis and has launched two products at the Expo- MN49 and MN40. More variants and buses are also in the offing. The purchase of such costly machines is possible courtesy better surface roads and voluntariness of transporters to invest in best vehicles.
According to the MD of Ashok Leyland, these trucks represent the trucks of the future to meet the needs of growing economy. Tata Motors is in the fray with its next generation truck Prima costing Rs50lakhs. Prima is capable of carrying 50-200 tonne load against conventional 16 tonne load to run 700kms per day against 300-350kms by conventional trucks. The transporters invest huge amount seeking valuable returns and they are most sought after in steel /cement industries. The drivers of these trucks are exposed to extra care and special modes of driving.