“Five years ago as a newcomer, we promised to transform the commercial vehicle segment – this year, we have proven to lead the change in our industry as an established player. With an even sharper focus on products, technologies and our customers, BharatBenz is all set to enter the next stage”, indicates Mr. Erich Nesselhauf, Managing Director and CEO, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles. Read on for his insights on the industry and why he feels BharatBenz is best-prepared for the long-run.
Excerpts:
BS-IV implications & readiness
At BharatBenz, we had made the strategic decision last year to only focus on BS-IV vehicles, and we have worked relentlessly for more than a year to achieve this. Consequently, we gradually phased out BS-III in our business system and have made the switch to produce only BS-IV vehicles in March, exactly according to plan.
We are now counting down for the launch of our all-new range of BharatBenz trucks, featuring our clean and fuel-efficient BS-IV technology package. We could not have chosen a better timing to introduce these fresh new products.
DICV’s entire BharatBenz product range of trucks above 9 to 49 tonnes has been available as BS-IV variants since August 2015. By the end of March 2017, more than 1,000 BharatBenz BS-IV trucks have been delivered to customers and clocked up more than 200 lakh kilometres. DICV has collected extensive feedback from these early customers, which has been very positive: besides the further improved fuel economy, customers appreciate the fact that BharatBenz BS-IV vehicles also accept BS-III fuel, if required.
BharatBenz BS-IV vehicles meet the upgraded norms using a system based on SCR technology proven in hundreds of thousands of Daimler commercial vehicles in many markets for over a decade. DICV had tested this technology in Indian operating conditions for over a million kilometres before starting to roll it out to customers in 2015. The SCR technology uses an aqueous urea-based fluid called AdBlue, which is sprayed into the exhaust stream to break down dangerous nitrogen oxides emissions into harmless nitrogen and water. AdBlue consumption is only a fraction of fuel consumption, so refill intervals are fewer. AdBlue is available nationwide at all BharatBenz dealerships and other outlets. Apart from meeting the stringent emission regulations of Bharat Stage-IV norms, the vehicles also provide better fuel economy to customers. SCR technology assures better combustion efficiency deriving maximum out of fuel, calls for minimum modification on engine and is also immune to varying fuel quality.
Since our market launch in 2012, BharatBenz BS-III products are already ahead in terms of power ratings. This largely remains the same in BS-IV also starting from 140 Hp for Medium Duty Trucks up to 280 Hp in Heavy duty segment. We have already been selling BS-IV products for the last one year and the performances of these vehicles are quite encouraging. For a long haul segment which typically runs for 80,000 kms a year, we can expect a significant fuel saving, over existing BS-III.
BharatBenz since inception, has been selling only electronically controlled engines which has proven reliability in Indian and overseas markets. Customers can expect same quality and durability, the strengths of which are carried over. At BharatBenz, customers can expect a hassle-free BS-IV transition experience also in terms of customer service. Superior aggregates and longer service intervals will certainly reduce the maintenance cost and no. of visits of vehicle for servicing to the dealership. This is supported by our widespread network across the country including our mobile service vehicles which are available on call; and the best news for our customers: our entire product portfolio of BharatBenz BS-IV trucks comes at the price level of our BS-III trucks. Best-in-class trucks have never been more affordable.
AC Cabin
Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) continues to advocate the mandatory introduction of AC (air-conditioning systems) in trucks as an important step to boost traffic safety across India. Consequently, the company does not support the latest proposal by the majority of India’s commercial vehicle makers to replace true AC with a simple, blower-based system. Air-conditioning in trucks is not a comfort or luxury feature – it can help prevent serious accidents as it helps the drivers to stay fit and focused during long hours even in the most adverse environmental conditions. The only advantage of this blower system is that it is cheap – it ends right there. There is technically no way how it could bring the cabin temperature down below outside temperature, so it does not provide any meaningful benefits to keep the driver alert and fit. In fact, a blower unit will actually increase the temperature and dust level inside the cabin.
BharatBenz ‘profit technology’ is here
Reiterating its ambition of revolutionizing the Indian truck industry, DICV launched its all-new BharatBenz range of heavy-duty trucks, just a week after the nation-wide switch to BS-IV emission norms. The new trucks are equipped with proven technology to meet the new BS-IV emission standards, and deliver significantly better fuel economy as well as lower maintenance costs. Coming in three product families of haulage trucks, construction trucks, and tractors, the all-new range is set to take productivity, efficiency and safety to the next level.
Speaking at the launch event, Mr. Erich Nesselhauf, Managing Director and CEO, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles, said: “Under the tagline of ‘Profit Technology’, we are introducing our all-new BharatBenz heavy-duty trucks – designed to deliver the best-in-class package of productivity, efficiency and safety. We are convinced that BharatBenz trucks are the best fit for customers to drive their business.”
DICV has done multiple improvements across the entire vehicle such as optimized auxiliaries, aerodynamic changes, and friction reductions. A host of power-packed features, including the following, would help bring down maintenance costs which would translate into a significant benefit over the lifecycle for customers:
- High-durability design of all aggregates including clutch and brake lining.
- Longer, synchronized driveline oil change intervals.
- Differential lock buzzer to warn when differential lock is active.
In addition, significant vehicle weight reductions have been achieved which generate corresponding payload improvements of up to 400 kg.
On the safety front too, the trucks offer a string of exciting features:
- Cruise control for fatigueless driving.
- LED accented lamp and dual chamber head lamp for better visibility.
- Reverse camera / display to cover blind spots (in the premium variant).
- Tubeless tyres for higher stability and tire life.
- Air-conditioning to keep the driver fit and alert (optional equipment).
- Fuel theft protection device.
Apart from the added features, the vehicle interiors have been revamped with a new, washable seat fabric that provides even more seating comfort and allows easy maintenance. The premium variant comes with features like all-black interiors and a dashboard with a wooden look that further elevates the ambience of the driver’s workplace.
The most exciting part of the launch event was the announcement of the pricing of the new trucks, the company offering the all-new range at absolutely no price hike compared to its existing range of vehicles. With over 1,000 BS-IV BharatBenz trucks already on Indian roads, the company has signaled its intentions of going for a great share of the market with its aggressive pricing strategy.
Overall, the BharatBenz trucking revolution continues, and just went a notch higher with the launch of the all-new range.
BharatBenz & AC – quick facts
+ Has been selling AC throughout its 9-49 ton range from day one onwards. As BharatBenz vehicles are sold only as fully built vehicles, customers can rely on the hassle-free experience of a perfectly integrated AC system ex-factory.
+ Company continuously working to remove the misconception that AC leads to additional fuel consumption: non-AC trucks are typically driven with open windows, which significantly drives up wind drag and hence fuel consumption. In direct comparison, efficient AC trucks can even offer a better mileage. Feedback from AC truck customers also indicates that AC trucks cover more kilometers every day due to less driver fatigue. This adds to the overall profitability for truck customers. As GST opens up state borders and logistics become even more efficient, transporters will benefit from these extra miles every day.
+ With AC making the workplace safer for truck drivers especially during long-distance hauling, BharatBenz also expects to see some positive effects on the transportation sector’s ability to attract new drivers, not least due to the strong competition from other industries like the growing ride-hailing services. BharatBenz Expects a complete AC rollout to lead to economies of scale, which should bring down the cost quickly throughout the entire industry – as the most recent example of the mandatory requirement of ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) has demonstrated.