Basic HTML Version
MOTORINDIA
l February 2012
23
vehicles – Stile, a passenger carrier, and Partner, a six-tonne LCV –
developed with Nissan, its joint venture partner for LCVs, were also
displayed by Ashok Leyland.
Volvo continued to strengthen its leadership in the premium bus
segment with the launch of its new model 9400 PX, a 14.5-metre
luxury coach, 7400 XL, a multi-axle city bus, and the well-engi-
neered inter-city coach 9100.
Asia Motor Works (AMW) made its entry into the luxury bus seg-
ment by unveiling its 57-seater bus, the Magnus. The new bus is
14.3-metre long with a front-engine. AMW also unveiled two new
trucks, the 4928 TR tractor and 2528 TP tipper.
Man Force forayed into the bus segment by unveiling the ‘Airo-
bus’ a 45-seater inter-city air-conditioned coach powered by a 220
hp diesel engine.
Mahindra Navistar (MNAL) made its presence felt with its new
customised truck applications. Its line-up at the Expo included
MN25 (6x4) Transit mixer, MN25 Refrigerated van, MN31 Bulker,
MN31 Haulage Tipper, MN25 HD Tipper and Tourister 32-seater
CRDe Bus refresh.
The US commercial-vehicle maker Paccar Inc. is reportedly ex-
ploring the possibility of introducing heavy-duty trucks in India
from its Dutch unit DAF Trucks NV. The company had on display
its heavy duty mining truck.
Finally, SML Isuzu displayed its LT 134 luxury bus.
There were a few players who stayed away from this year’s
Auto Expo including VECV, Scania and Hino. If the organis-
ers decide to have a separate show for Commercial Vehicles,
then we can see increased participation from all other CV
majors and even from application builders.
The Indian Commercial Vehicle segment is all set for an in-
teresting battle ahead. By the end of this decade, we might see new
leaders emerge in specific segments but Indian CV manufacturers
will continue to lead the industry, not just within India, but in
many other global markets as well.
w