Tata Motors demonstrated why and how it has been the market leader in the Indian commercial vehicle industry for decades and continues to do so despite growing competition. The dominant CV manufacturer unveiled a string of interesting new vehicle models at the show, in line with its Horizonext strategy. The new models included the Prima CX 1618.T with a narrower cab than the usual Prima cab, the LPS 4923 with LiftAxle and the Prima 4032.S LNG variant, both first-of-its-kind in the industry. On the bus side, the company showcased the Starbus Urban FE – Parallel Hybrid Bus and the Starbus Urban 9/18 FE – Articulated Bus.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ravi Pisharody, Executive Director, Commercial Vehicles, Tata Motors, said: “We are now taking our Horizonext strategy ahead, reinforcing our product focus to introducing commercial vehicles that bring the global styling aesthetic matched with enhanced comfort and productivity, push the performance envelope, and finally continue with the long-term commitment towards clean fuel alternatives. And we are delighted to showcase each of these three vectors – DesigNext, PerformanceNext and FuelNext – at Auto Expo 2014. These products translate into a great business proposition, combining low cost of ownership with driver comfort, high performance and best-in-class service based on cutting-edge technology”.
New DNA
DesigNext: Tata Motors’ design focus is not limited to passenger vehicles but truly extends into the commercial vehicles to match world-class looks with a key element of design – to offer comfort even while offering enhanced productivity as a function of design. From the unique, specially designed Prima CX 1618.T on display, to the stylish new Ultra 614, a narrow cabin for better manoeuvrability with best-in-class aggregates, to the Ace Zip XL with stylish looks, comfortable interiors, longer load body, Tata Motors continues to draw the balance between utilitarian products that nonetheless offer great styling. The 16 ton Prima comes with a 180 hp ISB 5.9 engine which delivers at least 10 per cent better fuel efficiency.
The vehicle has a narrow cabin called the Prima B-cabin and has a width of 2250 mm as compared to the usual Prima cabin, termed C-cabin, which has a width of 2270 mm. The new vehicle is targeted at delivering Prima comfort and benefits for MCV and city applications, to complement the existing Prima range for HCV applications.
PerformanceNext: Committed to new standards with innovative technology, PerformanceNext is all about catering to customer needs, with new performance standards. For instance, the LPS 4923 LiftAxle is the first prime mover in India with a lift axle technology, and also the country’s first 6×2 tractor in the 49-ton gross vehicle weight (GVW) category. The resultant hub reduction on the drive axle leads to better drivability, longer axle life and lesser wear and tear of the tyres.
The vehicle also sports Tata Motors’ new HCV cab which comes with a new fascia and well-trimmed interiors with options such as HVAC and Telematics. The new cabin offers a totally new standard of comfort with reduced NVH levels and will hit the market in July, replacing the existing cabin in all non-Prima vehicles.
The T1 Race Truck, Prima 4038.S Truck, on display, comes with massive power of 370 BHP@2100 RPM and has undergone modifications to match international standards of the truck racing environment, in terms of enhanced safety and stands for sheer performance.
FuelNext: With FuelNext, Tata Motors has focused on contributing to a cleaner and greener environment, transport efficiency and driving comfort at its best. The Magic Iris Electric is a clean, eco-friendly passenger commercial vehicle and comes with a segment-first solar charger.
The Prima 4032.S LNG, the first LNG HCV in the country, offers a green alternative to diesel and is also a superior fuel compared to CNG thus ensuring better fuel economy.
Talking exclusively to MOTORINDIA, Mr. Vinod Sahay, Head (Sales & Marketing), Medium & Heavy Commercial Vehicles, Tata Motors, said: “The Prima 4032.S LNG is India’s first LNG CV. This 320 hp tractor is a product that is ahead of its time and as a market leader we are here to demonstrate that from a technology point of view we are ready. When LNG is made available across the country, we will introduce the product and deliver its advantages to our customers. We are also looking at taking the vehicle to markets like Russia and China.”
LNG is nearly 10 per cent more fuel efficient than diesel and is a very clean fuel. While CNG has around 75 per cent methane, LNG has 90 per cent methane and is the purest form of natural gas offering many benefits like fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and increased payload to customers.
The Starbus Urban FE – Parallel Hybrid front-engine, clean fuel bus provides ease in urban transportation and ensures lower emissions, reduced running costs and improved mileage. Sharing details in an exclusive chat with MOTORINDIA, Mr. Habib Saleh, Head (Sales & Marketing) – Buses & Vans, CVBU, Tata Motors, said: “With growing emphasis on clean fuel, the Government of India has been encouraging OEMs to bring in hybrid vehicles, and this is our attempt in the space. Since the bus has been developed indigenously, it will give a major cost advantage to customers, apart from reducing the impact on the environment.”
The Government is looking to put over 50 hybrid buses on roads this year.
The Starbus Urban 9/18 FE – Articulated Bus with its single deck and two sections carries more passengers, retains the manoeuvrability needed in urban transportation. This bus can carry up to 70 passengers and is a good solution to reduce traffic congestion. It is also a good option for BRT systems.
With the ongoing talks for the next round of JnNurm across different States, the Government has its focus on Tier-II cities this time, following the preference to major cities in the first JnNurm scheme half a decade back. “We expect smaller buses to take a major share of the orders this time and we will be offering smaller buses which are easier to procure, ply and maintain. We expect around 3,000 to 5,000 buses to be ordered by the end of FY15 and are targeting at least 50 to 60 per cent share of it”, added Mr. Saleh.
As for the inter-city coach market which had dropped by almost 18 per cent in 2013, the company does not see any immediate recovery. In fact, the drop in the HCV bus market was as high as 30 per cent in the southern region. Despite the slowdown, Tata Motors will end FY14 at a 42 per cent share in the segment, two per cent better than its share in FY13.