Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vinod K. Dasari, Director & Chief Operating Officer, Ashok Leyland, explained that the 3116 is being launched to complement the successful 3121 8×2 MAV from the company, which has earned market preference for arduous applications on flat terrains. Market feedback also showed the need for a similar vehicle with even lower operating costs, especially in one way load applications.
“Customers are seeking to improve operational profits by plying higher capacity vehicles that maximize the load. Therefore, within the MAV segment, there is a perceptible shift in favour of the 31T GVW vehicles, constituting 14% of the MAV demand in the first quarter of the current fiscal. We believe that we will grow only if we improve our customers’ profitability. One way to do this is to customize products to their specific needs. And that is why we moved quickly to offer a complementary product in the 31T range”, he said.
The 3116 derives the fuel efficiency advantage from an H series 6ETI-2K engine with optimised power, and a matching driveline. Customers stand to benefit from the inline fuel injection pump, which provides for low maintenance costs as well as excellent mileage. This vehicle is unique, as such an engine with inline pump is not available anywhere in the world. The suspension has been re-engineered for longer life and better vehicle stability, in response to market needs.
Giving an insight into the segmental shifts, Mr. Dasari explained that the MAV segment, pioneered by Ashok Leyland, has grown to become the largest segment accounting for over 60 per cent of the medium and heavy duty goods volume. Ashok Leyland has nearly 100 variants in its MAV range.
Andhra Pradesh, being one of the largest markets for MAVs, was the natural choice for the national launch of the new vehicle. In the State, 8×2 vehicles already constitute 17 per cent of the MAV volume. The 3116 is tailor-made for cement and general goods movement that dominate the State’s transportation sector.
