Tata Motors launches new heavy trucks for market expansion

Tata FleetMan Telematics also unveiled

Tata Motors’ Commercial Vehicles Business Unit (CVBU) has recently launched six heavy trucks in a move to extend its domestic market dominance. The company has also brought out an intelligent vehicle and driver management solution – Tata FleetMan Telematics Services.

The new six heavy trucks have been designed and built specifically to offer the lowest total cost of ownership (TCO), best-in-class fuel efficiency, longer service runs and enhanced levels of driver comfort, ensuring higher profitability and lower payback period for the fleet operator.

The telematics & fleet management service, branded Tata FleetMan, is mainly meant for commercial vehicle fleet owners and large consigners of goods, and offers advanced telematics solutions to help increase productivity and profitability. Tata FleetMan will initially be introduced on new tractor-trailers, but will be available on the entire Tata Motors medium & heavy commercial vehicle range in the coming months. The service will also be extended to the existing vehicles through aftermarket fitments.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ravi Pisharody, Executive Director – Commercial Vehicles, Tata Motors, observed: “Tata Motors has been in the Indian commercial vehicle space for over six decades. Over this period, we have developed a very deep understanding of the Indian market, bringing world-class technologies at world-class prices, having always paced ourselves one step ahead in meeting our customer needs. The six first-of-its-kind trucks bear testimony to that tradition of the company. Besides products, we have also developed a host of innovative service offerings, which will further our dominance in the Indian market. Tata FleetMan, completely developed in-house, further affirms our expertise in offering solutions which can transform the dynamics of the transport industry.”

The Tata LPT 3723 is the first 5-axle rigid truck in the country and will be the next big game changer in the commercial vehicle segment. This truck can carry around 4.5 tonnes more than the existing 31 tonne MAV (multi-axle vehicle) segment. As a result, it is all set to radically change the economics of transportation in multiple segments by reducing the cost per tonne-km of transportation. It is powered by a Cummins 6BT 5.9L engine (155 kW power at 2500rpm), twin steerable front axles, a twin-drive axle and a tag-lift axle: the only truck to have such a technology, reducing tyre and fuel costs. The turning circle diameter of 21.9 metres makes it more manoeuvrable.

The Tata PRIMA 3138.K has been specially designed for deep mining in coal, iron ore and lignite mines, as well as bulk limestone movement in off-road applications. Considered a tough performer that can successfully tackle every challenge in heavy-duty deep mining operations, its high level of robustness comes with a specially designed stronger chassis frame.

A 4-axle, 31-tonne GVW tipper with a 9-speed Eaton manual transmission or an Allison automatic transmission, the 8X4 tipper is powered by the Cummins ISLe (CRDi) engine which has a maximum power of 380 hp.

The product features include new generation brakes, ABS and hub reduction axle specially designed for mining operations, 19 Cu.mt Hardox HALF PILE Rock body mainly meant for overburden in coal, iron, and limestone applications.

The tipper has a spacious air-conditioned non-sleeper cabin that includes pneumatically adjustable seats and an steering wheel for enhanced driver comfort and faster turnaround.

The Tata PRIMA 4938.S is the first Indian puller-tractor to cater to the needs of customers engaged in the logistics of heavy and over dimensional cargo like windmill components, transformers, rail coaches, etc., which are critical for national infrastructure development. These vehicles, imported till now, are available in India through Tata Motors, at an Indian price.

The vehicle comes with the ISLe 370 hp engine with 1550 N-m torque, making it the most powerful Indian cargo truck today. It is Tata Motors’ world-class PRIMA cabin that comes with standard AC, double sleeper bunks, tilt and telescopic adjustable steering column, pneumatically adjustable seats and power windows. Driver comfort provided in this cabin is on par with global trucks.

The new Tata PRIMA 230 HP – LX range consists of the Tata PRIMA LX 4923.S and Tata PRIMALX4023.S. The new 230 hp range was launched to extend the PRIMA advantage to many more transporters who require a lower power-to-weight ratio.

The vehicle is fitted with a Cummins ISBe electronic engine with common rail injection, for higher fuel efficiency. It comes with India’s first indigenously developed 9-speed gearbox from Tata Motors with an overdrive function that provides superior fuel efficiency.

The vehicle is also equipped with a 430 mm diameter organic clutch and 10-T rear axle to deliver a balanced and robust drive train. The cabin comes with an optional AC, 4-point suspension for reduced vibration and double sleeper bunks to provide maximum driver comfort.

The Tata LPK 3118 is a 4-axle (steerable front axles) tipper developed for coal transportation, earth work, aggregate / sand transportation, as well as port & industrial handling applications. It has been developed to meet the growing demand for high-performance and fuel-efficient tippers in coal supply / earth work.

The LPK 3118, powered by the Tata Cummins 183 hp engine and proven Tata G-1150 gearbox, delivers best-in-class 680 NM torque at 1400 rpm. It also ensures minimum turning circle radius and highest gradability.

Available in 18 cum box type body in tipper version and in RMC application suitable for 8 cum transit mixer, the vehicle cabin is designed to give maximum driver comfort. The vehicle will be available in both day cab and sleeper cab versions.

The Tata FleetMan Telematics and Fleet management service has been designed to address pressing concerns of the commercial vehicle fleet owner. Through advanced Telematics solutions like fuel management, driver management and remote diagnostics, the service combines state-of-the-art IT and telecom equipment and software, with Tata Motors’ expertise in automobile technology, offering one of the most advanced Telematics solutions in the country.

With features like real time fleet tracking, sms Alerts, Geo-fencing and trip management, Tata FleetMan will help fleet owners increase productivity and profitability of their transport business. Carrying an annual subscription charge it will be marketed through the Tata Motors commercial vehicle dealer network.

With these new launches, Tata Motors, the numero uno in the Indian commercial vehicle segment, is vigorously looking to reiterate its authority in the heavy vehicle segment and also take the industry a notch higher in terms of products and technology.

It has strong presence in all segments within the commercial vehicle space and is keen on further strengthening its hold on the domestic market.

Over the years, we have seen revolutionary developments in the Indian commercial vehicle segment, and it is encouraging to see leading domestic players driving the market growth in a big way.