Spheros, which has been a benchmark-setter in the manufacture of cost-effective, eco-friendly and reliable bus heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems globally, has rolled out its CC 275 air-conditioning unit in the Indian market. The German firm entered India through Spheros Motherson Thermal System Ltd. (SMTL), a 51:49 JV with the Samvardhana Motherson Group. The company had already introduced its CC 175 and CC 225 models in the Indian market, and since its founding in 2006, the JV has succeeded in making Spheros the most sought-after bus air-conditioning brand amongst OEMs, STUs and other passenger carriers in the country.
In an exclusive interaction with MOTORINDIA, Mr. Christian Müller, Chief Technical Officer, SMTL, said: “We have been a leading developer and manufacturer of HVAC systems for buses and have the complete range of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning solutions. In the bus air-conditioning segment, we have a broad range of products ranging from the smallest 4 KW unit to the 80 KW unit suitable for articulated buses. We also offer customized solutions for double-deckers buses and further bus concepts. After our CC 175 and CC 225 which are doing well in the market, we are now extending our product lines by launching CC 275.”
Asked to shed some light on the new product, he shared: “CC 275 is a very lightweight product with a 30 KW capacity. This powerful rooftop unit for hot and humid countries like India has been specially designed to ensure reliable climate comfort in buses. Like the other product lines, this too is in tune with European standards. Ideal for both initial equipment and retrofitting, it guarantees a cool interior at extreme outside temperatures. Technology-wise, it is a step ahead as it is lighter, needs less refrigerant charge and has enhanced ambient credentials. It is a greener product in terms of fuel consumption and recyclability. It would be equipped with a new technology like multi-channel condenser while its four radial blowers work at a very low noise level. Weighing just above 100 kg in weight, it would be catering to large midi buses and smaller city buses of, say, 8 to 11 metres in size. In the second half of this year, we will be launching a new generation of 40 KW unit too.”
When quizzed whether the products are customized for the Indian market, he stated: “Usually, we do our basic concepts in Germany and finetune or even downsize certain elements to make the product competitively priced without any compromise in quality. While some parts are customised for the Indian market, we try to have the local content as high as possible but when it comes to the critical parts, we source it from either of our plants in Germany, Italy, the US, Brazil or China.”
On the domestic front, the company is also looking to bag orders from global players like Volvo, Scania and Daimler. Mr. Müller confirmed that talks are going on, and affirmed: “We are consolidating upon our existing relations with European-OEMs in India as well.” The company has also started supplying to JCBL in Punjab.
Meanwhile, SMTL is also looking to widen its export base in order to offset the decline in sales in the domestic market. The company has already shipped out its products to the Middle East, Africa, some parts of Asia like Indonesia and Australia. “We are hopeful of exporting over 1,000 units this year. In the domestic market too, we are looking for similar numbers this year,” shared Mr. Müller.
New facility
Just a month ago SMTL shifted its operations to a new facility from its initial plant, both located at Noida. The new plant covers an area of 2,500 sq. metres and has a capacity to produce 5,000 units per annum in two shifts. This move will enable SMTL to enhance productivity, implement lean manufacturing principles and improve export logistics, says Mr. Cyril Xavier, Chief Operating Officer of SMTL. Inside the plant premises, the company develops, tests and manufactures primarily its CC-series and Aerosphere air-conditioners for both domestic and overseas markets. Despite the ongoing recessionary condition, SMTL managed to clock a Rs. 500 million turnover and is now poised to earn Rs. 650 million this financial year. Once the market revives post the Lok Sabha elections and orders start trickling in from OEMs and JnNurm tenders, it is targeting an annual revenue of Rs. 1,000 million.
Currently, SMTL enjoys around 30 per cent share in the Indian bus air-conditioning market and over 50 per cent in the city-bus segment. India is one of the world’s biggest and fastest growing markets in the bus air-conditioning segment, though only around seven to eight per cent of the buses are air-conditioned at present.