Since India enjoys several advantages like its resilient economy and emergence as a most ideal investment location in the world, next to China, M&M; is very confident that the new generation Navistar trucks would also be as successful as similar products launched by it earlier.
“This launch is a major step towards fulfilment of the commitment we made in 2005 to develop into a full-line commercial vehicle manufacturer. Mahindra’s strong R&D; capabilities, coupled with Navistar’s extensive experience in the trucking business, will make MNAL a force to reckon with in the Indian commercial vehicle industry,” he added.
Mr. Anand Mahindra also commented: “With the addition of the MN 49 and MN 40 to its product portfolio, Mahindra Navistar is now well poised to cater to a wide spectrum of requirements of the Indian HCV industry. This product line-up makes us a credible player in the commercial vehicle segment.
Mr. Daniel C. Ustian, Navistar Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, in his special address on the occasion, said his company which has its major focus on trucks, buses and engines, was all the while looking for an appropriate partner for its joint venture in India and finally picked M&M; as it proved its magnificent role in the automotive field.
“I am delighted to witness the launch of the MN 49 and MN 40 at Auto Expo. India is an important market for us, and the Mahindra Navistar JV will redefine the trucking industry in India”, he added.
Dr. Pawan Goenka, President, Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., observed: “This is a moment of great pride for us as we unveil the first two products in our HCV portfolio. These trucks have been developed by utilising the combined expertise of both Navistar and Mahindra in technology, product development and the understanding of the trucking business and operating environment in India. This makes our trucks Made in India, Made for India and Made with the best international trucking know-how. They are powered by the high performance MaxxForce 7.2 litre diesel engines which are best suited to outperform in Indian operating conditions.”
In his address, Mr. Dee Kapur, President, Navistar Truck Group, USA, said: “This is a momentous occasion where two leaders in commercial vehicles have joined forces to bring significant operational efficiencies to Indian truck operators. India is an important market in our global growth strategy, and over the next few months we will be introducing a range of products which, I am sure, will revolutionise the HCV industry in India.”
Mr. Steven White, Charge d’Affaires, the Consul General of the US, was also present at the launch function.
With this JV, Mahindra will be in a position to introduce a global technology for its Indian customers. The new vehicle models would be designed specifically to meet the customer requirements.
The trucks from MNAL have been designed, developed and tested for Indian roads and usage conditions and are capable of negotiating the toughest terrain. Made for India and designed by utilizing Navistar Inc’s world renowned trucking expertise of over 175 years, this launch came soon after the unveiling of the JV’s 25 tonne and 31 tonne trucks in Delhi earlier.
The newly-launched vehicles incorporate Navistar’s MaxxForce engine which has been proven across the world for power and fuel efficiency. Their spacious and ergonomic design, coupled with a better power-to-weight ratio and a high load carrying capacity, makes them ideal for quick delivery of goods.
The joint venture is in the process of addressing every segment of the commercial vehicle market from 3.5 tonne to 49 tonne GVW with variants of passenger transport, cargo and specialized load applications. It aims to expand its product line over the next two years to emerge as a full range commercial vehicle player.
The Mahindra Navistar range of medium and heavy commercial vehicles is being manufactured at M&M;’s new greenfield plant at Chakan, near Pune. The plant, which spans over 700 acres, has been set up with investments of over Rs. 4,000 crores and will produce other M&M; products as well.
Both the new trucks which have been rigorously tested meet stringent international safety standards. The spacious and ergonomically designed cabin with various sleeper options also makes them suitable for continuous long hauls.
Advanced MaxxForce engine
At the heart of this range of vehicles is the world renowned MaxxForce diesel engine. This family of engines is most modern in its class in terms of product configuration as well as components technology for the commercial vehicle segment in India. In order to make them more suitable to Indian conditions the engines have been substantially modified.
The engine features both a mechanical injection system with a Bosch rotary pump as well as a high-pressure 1800 bar common-rail fuel injection system. The MaxxForce 7.2 diesel engine to be produced in India is also fully compliant with BS-III and BS-IV emission standards. It outperforms the competition by offering 15 per cent more power and 35 per cent more torque.
The Mahindra Navistar offers best-in-class ride and handling with its four-point suspended cabin and optimized steering and suspension. The manoeuvrability is best in class with a very tight turning circle. Both the road and the in-cab illumination is best-in-class and offers dual tone horns, soft feel switches and indicators with a provision for further add-ons. The vehicle comes with the option of a factory-fitted vehicle tracking system with hands-free two-way communication for ease of tracking.
It has a well-engineered drivetrain with superior efficiency and durability, organic clutch lining with best-in-class life, rugged propeller shaft and rear axle. The heavy duty brakes with wider shoes and 10 bar system pressure ensure reliable braking.
The entire range of tests have been conducted to build reliability and endurance in Mahindra Navistar trucks. The trucks have been extensively tested on specially developed torture tracks to ensure durability beyond a million km and have been validated for actual usage of lakhs of km on Indian roads. These workhorses also feature a strong and durable suspension, rugged chassis aggregates, robust brakes and heavy duty axles matching the superior torque and delivering better life.
Safe and comfortable
Both trucks offer a high degree of safety and comfort for the driver and his co-passengers. The
cabin meets ECE R 29 which is an international standard of safety, protecting occupants in case of any untoward mishap. The unique adjustable seat and steering combination allows drivers of various heights to attain the most suitable driving position and posture. This feature, coupled with windshield width and height, provides the best visibility in the front as well as the sides.
The driver and his co-passengers also have the option of resting on the comfortable 1.78 m x 0.5 m (7 ft x 2 ft) lower bunk and the 1.59 m x 0.5 m (6 ft 3 in x 2 ft) upper bunk with air-conditioning being available as an additional option for added comfort.
The manually operated hydraulic tilt mechanism is easy to tilt and return and can be operated by even a single person. The trucks offer plenty of space below the cabin, allowing easy repair of components such as the engine, FIP, etc. There is no opening in the floor which means that there is less heat, noise and smoke in the cabin which results in better driving conditions and lower fatigue levels.
The cabin can easily accommodate the driver, a co-driver and a cleaner. This allows rotation of driving duties, minimising fatigue. There is ample storage space to carry all the comforts of home with the trucks. This includes the three-compartment storage below the lower bunk and the six-compartment storage in the upper console above the windshield. There is also one console incorporated into the dashboard design.
Mahindra Navistar has put in place an extensive sales and service network to cater to its customers. Besides this, MNAL will also draw on the vast pool of M&M; auto and tractor channel partners to use as an extended network for servicing customers needs.
