Tata Motors is a mainstay of the bus industry in India since the early days. Today, it commands a market share of 44 per cent, and continues to grow leaps and bounds in terms of reach in regional markets, technology-adoption, and product evolution. The brand now boasts a wide array of product portfolio for mass transportation unlike anyone in the country – from tiny Tata Magic Iris to uber-luxurious Magna inter-city coach; standard-floor to low-floor buses; conventional diesels to fully-electric buses, including alternative technologies of CNG, LNG, hydrogen-FCVs, and diesel-electric hybrids!
MOTORINDIA got in touch with Mr. Sandeep Kumar, Head Sales and Marketing – CV Passenger, Tata Motors, to get hold of some action currently happening in the bus industry and his company’s attitudes and approaches towards them. Excerpts from the interview are consolidated below:
Sustainability mobility
There has been a greater emphasis on ‘sustainability’ in the last decade. Given the environmental hazards that are gradually bringing about climate change, all sectors including transportation have begun giving it a serious thought. Developing and planning sustainable means of transport in our cities would not only result in better mobility but also nurture the environment and community well-being. Also, economic efficiency of cities and well-being of urban inhabitants are directly influenced by mobility or the lack of it. Sustainable transport can be achieved through measures pertaining to transportation system management, energy management, capacity management and environmental management.
Bus transportation in India – Growth and trends
As one of the primary modes of commute in India due to low costs of operation and high passenger carrying capacity, the market for buses has witnessed good growth over the years. Having said that, India certainly needs many more buses for efficient transportation. Each year 90,000 to 100,000 new buses are sold but this figure has the potential to double as the industry is yet to achieve its full potential.
The future demand is likely to be driven by customer expectations and there appears an increasing demand for automated-transmission buses as it helps reduce driver stress fatigue. The market for low floor and air-conditioned buses is also witnessing a growth due to customer demand for comfortable travel modes.
Our Public transportation is STU-led and thus restricts the growth potential, due to a number of factors including financial implications. There is a need for progressive action by the Centre or State Government to de-regularize public transport. A clear regulatory framework, including reliable timelines and also consider including private entrepreneurs participating, will help market mature while ensuring better enforcement of road safety standard in this sector.
Technology adoption and improvements
In past ten years, buses at Tata Motors have transformed to become reliable, comfortable, with better NVH and safer. No more truck chassis used, buses are now built on customized platforms specially developed for comfort. The reduced floor height for urban transport is a major boost to improve comfort and make buses disabled-friendly. Furthermore, air suspension, NVH have added to the comfort quotient. ABS, power steering, air brakes have enhanced safety.
The intelligent transport system has made buses safer, more coordinated and improved communication to driver, the commuter inside the bus and outside the bus, as well as the staff responsible for maintenance. We also deploy advanced safety features such as collision mitigation, lane departure warning to improve the road safety.
Hybrids and electrics
With the automotive industry and government increasingly focusing on electrification of automobiles, we are continuously pushing boundaries in the electric or e-mobility space. Finding cleaner alternate fuels for use in public transportation has become an urgent priority now. We have consistently been developing and manufacturing products that can contribute to CO2 reductions across all road transport segments including buses and with early investments in new technologies, we are geared up to further strengthen our market leadership.
Tata motors has signed a contract for the single largest order for hybrid electric vehicle technology, with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), and supplied 25 units of STARBUS hybrid buses. Taking a leap, the company also showcased the country’s first fuel cell bus (12m), LNG powered bus (12m), and 18m articulated bus. Developed indigenously, these buses are safe and comfortable and are economically viable ‘Made in India’ solutions.
With our new range of future ready buses, we will continue to play an active role in mass public transportation, with a commitment towards striking the right balance between sustainable growth and profitability. We will work closely with Government and regulatory authorities to intensify its efforts at tackling pollution, focusing on building alternative transport fuels and infrastructure, for smart cities of tomorrow.
Last-mile connectivity
As the leader in the Indian CV space, Tata Motors comprehends the need for manufacturing a range of sustainable transportation, to meet the fast-changing demand and growing aspiration of the Indian consumers. We cater to customers’ needs with an entire gamut of day-to-day mass passenger transport solutions. We are also presenting electric small commercial vehicles (Magic & Iris Electric) meant for intra-city public transport, and also for LMPT application. Tata Motors will continue to actively participate in the development and implementation of solutions for mass passenger transport in the key markets across the world.
“The market for low floor and air-conditioned buses is witnessing a growth due to customer demand for comfortable travel modes. Finding cleaner alternative fuels for use in public transportation has become an urgent priority now.
– Mr. Sandeep Kumar