JCBL, India’s leading manufacturer of buses and special application vehicles, is focussing on the niche segment where it can add value to its customers. The company has partnered with global leaders in providing industry leading solutions. The latest announcement is the tie-up agreement with Cross Mobil of Germany for manufacturing ambulances. The first set of 150 ambulances have been delivered to the HMRI in Hyderabad.
“We see a growing requirement for good quality ambulances in our country. We already have our range of ambulances under the Lifeplus+ brand and the tie-up with Cross Mobile will further boost our existing product range. Working with cross mobil has been a great experience”, says Mr. Rishi Aggarwal, Director, JCBL
JCBL is targeting niche segments or special-purpose vehicles (SPVs) where there is good growth opportunity. Another interesting segment which the company is targeting is Mobile homes or Recreational Vehicles (RVs). This is a very popular segment in developed markets like the US and Europe, and the concept is catching up very fast in India. JCBL is planning to tie-up with a company which specializes in building mobile homes. These products are slated to hit the market in 2009.
JCBL has traditionally been a very strong player in the school bus segment with its Happy Bus range of products. The company has raised the standards by launching a semi low-floor AC school bus fitted with CNG engine which has been delivered to G. D. Goenka School in Delhi. This is expected to generate a lot of interest from other schools as well.
JCBL has also recently developed couple of Armoured vehicle for Defence and civilian applications like cash van. This is another fast growing segment considering all safety and security situations that we are faced with.
Ambulances, school bus, mobile homes, armoured vehicle and mobile ATM vans – all these are very niche product segments which has significant growth potential in the Indian market.
JCBL is a name synonymous with high quality, safe, superior technology and futuristic styling in Indian automobile industry. Today it has evolved into a highly successful bus coach manufacturing company. The company is also looking at establishing satellite plant in the South catering to regional customers.
JCBL’s product range includes complete range of buses, special application vehicles, election campaign vans, display vans, OB vans, mobile ATM vans, riot control vehicles, mobile homes and offices, life-saving ambulances, cargo boxes and power-packed trailers.
By diversifying into the manufacturing of several high quality luxury coaches, motor homes, ambulances, special utility vehicles and tippers, JCBL has become a name to reckon with in the automobile industry.
JCBL has a continuous growth record for the last 8 years, company is confident of at least 20 per cent in current year. The company has established capacity to manufacture 7,000 buses and for the current year the target is 4,500 units. To develop its competency in component manufacturing, the JCBL Group, through its group company MSL has forged many alliances. The group has a tie-up with APM for manufacturing seats and with the GHE Group (Group Happich Ellamp) for bus interior and components. JV Company MSL Ghe Auto Components has already developed a complete range of locks, hinges, roller blinds and also various options of coach interiors.
JCBL’s biggest strength lies in building and sustaining partnerships. Having established its leadership in the bus segment, the company is now looking very seriously at the cargo movement segment. The group already has a tie-up with Marrel for manufacturing tipper.
