An exclusive report from MOTORINDIA
Set up in 1977, Hispacold, a well-known Spanish manufacturer of air-conditioning systems for buses and coaches from the Irizar Group, has constantly tried to reinvent air-conditioning technology and has contributed much for the segment’s technological achievements.
It all began a few decades ago when Hispacold used to install air-conditioning parts in buses and coaches. The customers would bring non-AC buses which were fitted with an air-conditioning system with assemblies sourced from suppliers. On realizing the huge potential of the business, the company started developing its own compressors in the 1980s which were gradually upgraded to newer and more advanced ones. Hispacold’s product portfolio at present includes compressors, roof top-units, split systems, brushless motors, central heating, convectors, driver comfort units, control panels and eCO3 air purifier for buses.
Initially, Hispacold catered only to the local demand in Spain and later covered Portugal, France and other parts of Europe. Currently, with a 60 per cent market share in Spain, it has reached out to 130 countries across the globe. The company sells its products either directly to customers or to body-builders who in turn sell them to other countries.
The company has a worldwide service network. Through technical training courses, specific manuals and a precise understanding of each client’s needs, it guarantees total efficiency at all its technical assistance service points.
With its manufacturing facilities in Spain and China and commercial offices in France and Mexico, all the air-conditioning units installed by Irizar are supplied by Hispacold which sold its products to the Indian market through the Irizar-TVS partnership a decade ago. It has supplied its units to Ashok Leyland for its Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses and Foton’s low-floor buses. The collaboration between Ashok Leyland and Hispacold began around nine years ago when the latter supplied the climate system for the former’s luxury vehicle Luxura. The partnership has been consolidated over the years with the impressive performance of Hispacold’s products.
The vehicle had been designed jointly by Ashok Leyland and Hispacold to obtain the highest performance, incorporating an air-conditioning unit for the driver and passengers and an electronic control called Ecomaster Clima. A group of technicians from the Spanish company were sent to India to supervise installation and ensure proper working of the systems.
In 2009-10, Hispacold sold close to 450 units to DTC and around 50 units to Jaipur, all of them imported from Spain. While the supplied units are currently under test, the company is formulating a strategy for the Indian market.
“We are working on new units and products for the Indian market. We have to make a marketing plan to reduce the cost and also produce locally in India. This could involve sourcing components from China, Spain and also local Indian suppliers, but the ultimate aim is to find the right final product”, said Mr. Javier Rodriguez, Asia & Oceania Market Manager.
The company is also keen on working with Tata Motors in the Indian market and heavy-weights such as Volvo and MAN at the global level.