Basic HTML Version
74
MOTORINDIA
l
June 2012
SML Isuzu
planning new vehicle
models to tackle competition
SML Isuzu Ltd., the Japanese
giant with its clear focus on tech-
nology, is planning to expand its
product portfolio with new truck
and bus models to meet the grow-
ing competition.
The plan envisages introduction
of a new bus model fitted with Isuzu
engine in September as well as the
company foray into the heavy com-
mercial vehicle segment in which
competition is hotting up. The
company’s 13T GVW truck, sales
of which commenced recently, has
evoked fairly good response.
Disclosing this to in an exclusive
interview to MOTORIN-
DIA, Mr. K.B. Prasad, Sr.
Vice President - Market-
ing, said that the company
is determined to tackle the
ever-rising competition in
the Indian commercial ve-
hicle segment by expand-
ing the product range.
With a view to enlarg-
ing its market share as
well as production, the
company is gearing up to
utilise the full capacity
of 18,000 units by 2013,
and more and more ve-
hicles will roll out with
Isuzu technology. During 2011-12,
the company sold 13,646 vehicles
compared to 12,870 units in 2010-
11. Short supply of some vital com-
ponents hindered the original plan of
selling more vehicles last year.
Further, he said Isuzu is expand-
ing its Indian operations, as well
reflected in the rise in its equity par-
ticipation from 4.2 per cent to 16 per
cent.
Having been closely associated
with SML since inception, Mr. Pras-
ad has proved a pillar of strength and
steered its growth all through.
w
vehicle zone
By R. Natarajan, Managing Editor & Publisher
Mr. K.B. Prasad, Sr. Vice President - Marketing