Raises the bar in LMD space with new Pro 2000 series
Eicher Trucks and Buses, part of VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd., has unveiled India’s first BS-VI compliant range of light duty trucks, the all-new Eicher Pro 2000 series. The entirely new range of ultra-modern trucks will expand the light duty portfolio of Eicher and will address a wider range of applications and help enter new segments. The Pro 2000 series has been designed with segment-specific customer needs to deliver significantly higher profitability, loaded with industry-first features for enhanced reliability, safety, comfort and efficiency.
This all-new range of Eicher Pro 2000 series will come with two new engine platforms, built to deliver best-in-class fuel efficiency and a range of power options, compliant with BS-VI emission standards. This new range also has two new smart cabins developed for safe and comfortable driver operation in 1.8 m and 2.0 m configurations. These are equipped with new generation industry-first features such as touch-screen infotainment, Bluetooth and telematics connectivity. The first of its kind range will address the needs of the modern and smart businessman, not just in India but across the world.
The new global series sets fresh benchmarks for driver safety in the CV industry. The new ergonomically designed cabin offers a better turning radius, reduced NVH levels and a comfortable driving environment. The Pro 2000 series will be equipped with Eicher Live, an advanced telematics solution for the business owners to manage trips, fuel and uptime of the range of vehicles. It also offers best-in-class payload and comfort which makes this range ideal for the logistics and intra-city applications.
The two new variants – Eicher Pro 2049 and Eicher Pro 2095XP – will be powered with industry-best features. The Eicher Pro 2049 has been designed to cater to the last-mile distribution with a 1.8m cabin. With a high legal payload of 2.7T, Dual mode M-Booster technology and larger loading space, the mini truck offers the lowest turnaround time to ensure faster delivery. The Eicher Pro 2095XP offers the highest payload of 7.2T in the category and comes with five cargo body options across 14.1, 17.6, 19, 20 and 21.5 feet. The vehicle is a smart choice for a fleet owner, with infotainment and Bluetooth connectivity, better cabin comfort, telematics and fuel coaching, all offering a car-like cabin experience.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vinod Aggarwal, MD & CEO, VE Commercial Vehicles, said: “It is a moment of immense pride for us to usher the automotive industry into its next evolution with the BS-VI emission technology. We have always believed in investing rigorously in R&D to stay ahead in the industry by improving transportation efficiency, and the Pro 2000 series is a testament to that mission. With a strong blend of technology and engineering innovations, we are yet again bringing in a new benchmark for the industry, offering our customers a radically differentiated experience in the CV space. We have a superior and long-standing expertise in manufacturing and exporting base engines for Euro VI requirements of the Volvo Group for the last six years. This extensive experience with Euro VI allows us the first mover advantage to deliver products engineered to cater to the new emission norms in the country. The select models that we unveiled today will be fuelled by our two new BS-VI engine platforms, equipped with all new state-of-the-art cabin and industry-first features”.
On the Eicher Pro 2000 series, he added: “We are leaders and innovators of the Indian light & medium duty (LMD) trucks market, and the new Eicher Pro 2000 series takes logistics and intra-city distribution to the next level, focusing on the driver and his comfort. We believe the winning combination of best-in-class fuel efficiency, better turnaround, more payload, superior cabin aggregates and a competitive price point will help reduce the operating costs for customers, resulting in higher profitability which makes the Eicher Pro 2000 series – ‘Business ka Badshah’.”
The Pro 2000 series is a consolidation of the evolving needs and the business requirements of new age customers. Ranging from technology, comfort, safety and mileage, this series is leader across all these parameters, thus making it ‘Business Ka Badshah’ in the CV industry. It will also be available in the BS-IV range across all markets.
Interview with Mr. Vishal Mathur, SVP – LMD Sales & Marketing, VECV
– By N. Balasubramanian
What are the market needs VECV is trying to cater to with the new Pro 2000 series?
The LMD market requires a new vehicle and the growth of the segment has further hastened the same. Eicher has always been the innovator and leader in the LMD space. In line with our reputation, we have introduced a BS-VI truck in the Pro 2000 series which will take domestic intra-city distribution to the next level.
Driver comfort has been given paramount importance in this platform. Smart cabin, infotainment, fuel coaching, telematics, and international styling & design – all of these reflect changing market needs and deliver not just driver comfort & convenience but also improve safety and bring down the TCO.
We keep studying the market and find out what our customers’ end-users are looking for. Our vision is to drive modernization in the CV space, and the new product is in line with our vision and also in tune with the expectations of our customers.
What is your marketing strategy for the new series?
We look forward to cater to our customers over the entire lifetime of the vehicle. Through the ‘Eicher Lifetime Support Solutions’, our association with the customer spans across pre-sales, sales and post-sales; we have a number of aftermarket offerings, including finance, insurance, maintenance contracts, etc.
We have a strong aftermarket network across the country and are strengthening the same by penetrating further deeper and by offering on-site support, especially in the construction segment. We have connected on-road services so that customers can reach out easily to our aftermarket service vans. If customers look for replacement of the vehicle, we also facilitate exchange of their existing vehicles for new ones.
We have over 278 Eicher authorized touch-points (3S & 2S outlets) across the country and many more touch-points for additional support, which makes us full geared to take the new product to our customers across the country.
Considering the growing competition in the LMD segment, how do you plan to maintain your strong position?
We have been the innovator and leader in the LMD segment for over three decades; we exceed customer expectations by bringing in products that are technologically advanced and improve their profitability. Though there is competition, we are focused on meeting our customer expectations and delivering on our commitments in line with our ‘Pro’ philosophy. We are confident of delivering the best value in the market and continue to grow the way we have done over the last many years.
Eicher Pro 2049 – Salient features
- 2.7T payload, industry best loading space of 10.4 feet
- Best in class mileage with M-Booster technology, all wheel radial tubeless tyres
- Fuel Coaching system and Steering mounted car-like controls
- 1.8m next gen tiltable cabin with improved rigidity and stiffness
- Turning Circle Diameter of 10m for easier manoeuvrability
- Highest seat travel (180mm) in the industry with lumbar supported seats.
- All new 18 cm size Infotainment system with Android one connectivity with touchscreen, micro SD card, USB, FM, and Bluetooth
Eicher Pro 2095XP – Salient features
- 7.2T payload with 5 cargo body options
- Highest fuel efficiency in the segment: Dual mode M-Booster technology and 6- Speed gearbox variant
- Fuel Coaching- A guiding tool for drivers for more fuel saving
- Lowest turnaround time
- Eicher Live telematics for trip, fuel and uptime management.
- 190-litre high density polymer fuel tank for longest mile delivery without stoppage
- Superior cabin strength and rigidity
- Insulated multi-layer carpet for heat and noise reduction
- Comfortable gear shifting with hybrid Gear