Mahindra Truck and Bus Division (MTBD) offered two unique guarantees with the launch of the new Blazo at Auto Expo 2016. The first one is ‘Get More Mileage Than Your Current Truck (from Blazo) or Return The Truck!’ The second one offers a service guarantee. ‘In case of a breakdown, MTB will get the truck back on road in 48 hours or will pay the customers Rs. 1,000 per day’.
It is understood that the mileage guarantee is a clear resolve to provide better value proposition to the customers, and the service guarantee is the outcome of MTBD’s strong focus on developing and collaborating aftersales network through various touch-points. MTBD is able to offer this claim on the back of a new fuel smart technology that will be seen in all the variants of the new Blazo.
Powerful switch
Whether or not the Blazo lives upto its promise is yet to be seen, let’s have a look at the fuel smart technology. The FuelSmart is automotive technology at its best. Developed by Mahindra to give customers a competitive edge, the FuelSmart switches let customer choose between superior mileage and unmatched power. “Turn on the Heavy mode when carrying full loads. Use the Turbo mode when transporting big loads over steep inclines or simply switch on the Light mode when running without load. Each mode squeezes the maximum efficiency from the mPOWER FuelSmart engine and gives unbeatable mileage. This is the FuelSmart Advantage,” explains Mr. Nalin Mehta, CEO and MD, Mahindra Truck and Bus Division.
Mahindra’s mPOWER FuelSmart engine with 7.2 L displacement has an immense reserve capacity for relentless outperformance for years. This engine, in combination with the multi-mode switches, delivers uncompromising performance. “The engine offers mileage without compromising on power, pick-up or pulling ability. At the same time, this engine cuts down on emissions to give you cleaner, greener running for years,” claims Mr. Mehta.
Whether the fleet operator is in the business of delivering cement, foodgrains, blocks of stone or frozen food, Mahindra has a truck for every transport application. There are even cowl and chassis models to let you shape the truck to your specific need. Right from the 25 tonne, 31 tonne, 37 tonne, 40 tonne, 49 tonne till the 35-tonne tipper and 31-tonne tipper, customers will always get the FuelSmart advantage and a machine that promises an unbeatable mileage guarantee.
Driver comfort
Mahindra Blazo is MTBD’s most cherished product. It’s built with the knowledge that drivers are the actual wheels of Indian transport and they spend half their lives inside the cabin. Blazo promises a host of features to make drivers comfortable and safe. For instance, the 4-point suspended cabin enhances driving comfort. Controls are ergonomically located to reduce effort inside the cabin and a 4-vent AC system along with factory-fitted fans ensures cool comfort at all times.
Each vehicle is made with the robotic precision and utmost care to ensure the highest standard of reliability. A young, enthusiastic and very well-trained group of technicians, at Mahindra’s Chakan plant, ensures the quality of the vehicles rolling out. Its cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices make it a plant that’s ready to give the world generations of outperforming vehicles. “We’ve anticipated the most unpredictable conditions while building our trucks. That’s why these trucks have several features that deliver solid performance consistently. Like the tag lift axle that reduces wear and tear of tyres, no matter the load, no matter the road. A bogie suspension helps you negotiate different load and terrain conditions,” beams Mr. Mehta.
A 395 mm diameter clutch and a heavy-duty gearbox ensure safe and effortless driving. A strong chassis, reliable S-cam airbrakes with 10 bar pressure and rear leaf suspension make the vehicle extremely sturdy and reliable. A heavy-duty front axle has been fitted in for trouble-free operations for many years. “The design of all these aggregates is such that they are durable, deliver consistent performance and require minimal maintenance,” concludes Mr. Mehta.
A result-oriented fuel technology
Mr. Nalin Mehta, CEO & MD, Mahindra Truck and Bus Division, answers a number of technical questions raised in an extensive interview with him.
The edited excerpts:
Please brief us on the specifications of the new Blazo and the market segment that you are looking to tap with it?
Nalin Mehta: Blazo is our new series of heavy commercial vehicle and the best thing that we have put into this is the fuel smart technology. Essentially it means that we have multiple driving cycles, depending on the road and load conditions. The driver has a choice. So if he is climbing up, he can switch to the turbo mode, it will take him much quicker. If he is unloaded, for instance, he can go for light mode. That’s the kind of technology we have put. It comes with a common rail diesel engine. The payload also has gone up and the curb weight has come down. We therefore can easily claim that we have a truck that is the best in the industry.
This fuel smart technology will result into fuel efficiency. How much can a fleet operator benefit in terms of cost saved?
First of all we are offering this product with a guarantee. Whatever products that you have today, you use the smart Mahindra Blazo, and if you are not satisfied with the fuel efficiency return the truck back to us. We are sure that the fuel efficiency will surpass the customer’s expectation in a similar road and load condition as any other truck might operate.
What are the variants that you are offering with this product?
Well we have under Blazo, the 25 tonne, 31 tonne, 37 tonne, 40 tonne, 49 tonne and the 35 tonne tipper and 31 tonne tipper. So our full range will come with fuel smart technology, multi-mode switches in the Mahindra Blazo range.
How was 2015 and what do you expect in 2016?
We are continuously gaining market share post the recession. For January 2016 itself we have managed 3.5 per cent of market share in HCV, which is a significant rise. Our tippers and tractor trailers are doing extremely well, and on this kind of positive note we have launched the smart truck Blazo. We are now rolling in the right direction.
