SML Isuzu Ltd., the joint venture of Swaraj Mazda Ltd., Isuzu Motor Corporation and Sumitomo, has launched the first Isuzu branded truck, marking the entry of Isuzu into the Indian truck segment. The first truck launched with the Isuzu badge is a 12-ton GVW medium duty cargo truck.The vehicle comes with three chassis options – cab and chassis, cab with load body and cab with high deck body. The fully-built truck with cab and cargo body is priced at Rs. 14 lakhs.
This is the first launch for SML Isuzu in the higher hp segment. Normally in this segment most trucks are fitted with 100 to 125 hp engine. The Isuzu IS12T is the first in the segment to be fitted with 150 hp engine. This helps in faster turnaround time resulting in more trips and more productivity for the customer.
The truck is built with more powerful aggregates for heavy duty applications, including Meritor axles, Wabco brake systems and Rane power steering system. It comes with power steering as a standard feature.
The 150 hp Isuzu engine is fitted with common rail direct injection pump which is connected to an ECU. The engine is Euro 3-compliant and Euro 4 ready. The 150 hp engine offers more power which translates into faster turnaround time resulting in more trips. This will help operators make more money out of the vehicle, says a company executive.
Isuzu engines have been tried and tested in the Indian market. The Isuzu LT 134 inter-city luxury bus launched a couple of years ago has become a success in the Indian market. It is the second best-selling luxury bus, next to the Volvo. One of the key factors for the success of the vehicle is its reliable engine, which is a 230 hp Isuzu engine. Based on the success of Isuzu engines in the Indian market, SML Isuzu is confident that the trucks will also perform well in the Indian market.
Isuzu Motor Corporation of Japan has been taking measured steps into the Indian truck and bus market. First it entered the market with a luxury bus and has now launched its truck. Isuzu has acquired four per cent stake in Swaraj Mazda Ltd. Subsequently the company’s name has been changed to SML Isuzu Ltd.
What’s interesting is that the company has launched a 12-tonner, which is closer to the existing range of light and medium duty trucks that the company offers. It’s a more sensible move, instead of directly entering the 16-tonner heavy truck segment, which is a completely different segment with different customers and expectations.
SML Isuzu manufactures and sells light commercial vehicles for goods and passenger applications. Its products include ambulances, buses, dual cabs, and trucks. Currently majority of the stake is held by the Japanese giant Sumitomo Corporation (54.9 per cent). Isuzu own (four per cent) and P/E player Actis holds 5.6 per cent. Isuzu is seriously interested to increase its current stake and take control of the company. Isuzu is leading manufacturer of medium to heavy duty trucks, and Swaraj Mazda is a perfect fit for its Indian dreams.
