Showcases versatile range of five vehicles
Reaffirming its commitment towards sustainable public transportation, India’s leading bus brand Tata Motors showcased five public transport vehicles at the fair.
Offering a comprehensive range of buses catering to the entire gamut of day-to-day travelling needs – from luxurious intercity travel options, to safe transport and driver-friendly choices, Tata Motors has pioneered technological innovations in the bus segment, and is fully equipped with a range of buses powered by alternate fuels aimed at reducing pollution and promoting an eco-friendly transport system in the country.
The new range of transport solutions that were on display were – Starbus Ultra AC 22-Seater Push back, Starbus 12-Seater AC Maxi cab, WINGER 12-Seater, Tata 1515 MCV Staff Bus and MAGNA intercity coach.
Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and advanced safety features, these new variants exhibited superior design, excellent fuel economy and a longer service life, making commute enjoyable and safer.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rohit Srivastava, Product Line Head – Passenger Commercial Vehicle, Tata Motors, said: “Buses from Tata Motors are a hallmark of excellence and the range has adapted innovations to suit both Indian and global travel conditions. Under our Turnaround 2.0 strategy, we are aggressively focusing on introducing new range of products with improved features and state-of-the-art technological advancements.
Our priority is to provide efficient, clean, safe, accessible and affordable value propositions to our customers. Our exhibits at the show are a testament of our best-in-class solutions tailored to the bus segment in India, with special focus on driver and passenger comfort and safety.”
Mr. Sandeep Kumar, Head Sales & Marketing – Passenger Commercial Vehicle, Tata Motors, added: “We are pleased to be part of Busworld India 2018 as a platinum sponsor. It is an excellent platform to showcase our revolutionizing range of buses providing the customers with the perfect blend of convenience, comfort and smart travel options.
Through our product offerings, we are shifting the paradigm for new age products and mobility solutions, not just for the passengers but for drivers too.”
On the sidelines of the exhibition, MOTORINDIA had an elaborate interaction with Mr. Rohit Srivastava and Mr. Sandeep Kumar. We bring you edited excerpts:
Tata Motors is making its debut at Busworld India. What drove you to take part this time and what is your communication to the bus industry through this platform?
Rohit Srivastava (RS): Our message to the industry is the showcasing of the complete range we have. From the traditional buses to the ultra-model that we have. We are here to showcase our contemporary world-class range.
Low NVH, climate control, AC buses both for staff and city bus segments. We have strong presence in electric buses, and claimed 65 per cent of the market with the tenders we bagged in six cities. We have a complete range of electric buses from 9- to 12-m, 400 mm to 900 mm floor height, in both AC and non-AC variants.
Sandeep Kumar (SK): Tata Motors is committed to providing five key things – Affordability, Safety, Sustainability, Quality and Accessibility. Recently even the honorable supreme court said on making at least 10 per cent of buses in India accessible and Tata Motors is committed towards the cause. This is our strong message from the Busworld platform.
Bus Body Code is driving quality, safety and comfort in the buses being built in our country. How has the market, especially bus fleet operators, accepted the norms? Are we heading in the right direction in this regard?
RS.: We are heading in the right direction. As far as Tata Motors is concerned we have fully bus body code compliant buses and they have been so since 2015. We are sure, even all other stakeholders are happy as standardization will help everybody in terms of uniformity and it also impacts the cost. Plus, it also makes buses safer for public transportation as Bus Code aims to define the standards, be it for seating, fabric, safety, etc.
What is the status of the orders Tata Motors bagged to supply e-buses to the six cities? Do we increasingly see more cities take the EV route?
SK.: As per the schedule, we are on track to deliver these buses by end of October to all six cities. The FAME I scheme created an opportunity for 390 electric vehicles of which 255 are with Tata Motors which is around 65 per cent market share.
RS.: EVs have found a lot of acceptance world over where probably they are a better solution. At Tata Motors we are ready with multiple solutions like CNG, diesel hybrids and are also the first OEM to have 65 per cent market share in full EVs. Our contribution to the entire eco-system as an OEM would always remain and we always want to be the leader.
We as a country have a wide spectrum of people and every solution will find its space. It also depends on the infrastructure support. Like for example, we will need diesel supply to support the BS-VI emission norms; as OEMs, we are ready with the technology. So, the entire eco-system needs to grow together for all solutions to become successful.
The overall bus market volume fell last year (FY18). How is the market performing this year – please give us a segment-wise review? What is Tata Motors’ expectations in terms of sales & growth for FY19?
SK.: Unlike the cargo segment, the bus industry is not so cyclical. It will be unfair to comment on a one-year dip. A lot of STUs plan to retire their fleet in a span of 8 to 10 years. So, a dip happens if, an STU has bought 2,000 buses during a particular year, the next year they will not buy so much. So, if 3 to 4 large STUs do not buy in a year, the market declines. We should not look at a particular year’s dip and come to any conclusions.
RS.: Overall, the bus industry is growing at a CAGR of nearly 18 per cent to 20 per cent. The passenger mass transportation market has the potential to grow in India, as big as it is in China, but there needs to be larger participation from private players. Privatization and public private partnership, is the way to go to encourage and improve mass transportation and make it affordable as well as sustainable.
Key product highlights
MAGNA intercity coach: Offered as a complete solution for intercity application, MAGNA is India’s First Bus Body Complaint (BBC) luxury intercity bus. It is available in two power nodes (180 HP and soon to be launched 230 HP).
The new age coach with a 35-44 ranging seating capacity and a generous boot space of 7.5 cubic meter; is backed by reliable aggregates like Cummins ISBe 5.9 engine, TATA G750 gearbox, VOITH Retarder and Marcopolo bus body. MAGNA’s eye-catching exteriors and well-appointed interiors ensure passengers arrive refreshed from the journey.
Starbus Ultra AC 22-Seater Push back and Starbus 12-Seater AC Maxi cab: Targeting the staff and tourist segment, Starbus Ultra AC 22-Seater Push back and Starbus 12-Seater AC Maxi cab are built by Tata Marcopolo offering a refreshing look and best-in-class features such as individual charging points, hand rest on all seats, Push back luxury leather seats with maximum comfort, power steering, air brakes and LED lighting to enhance the interior look.
The Starbus Ultra AC 22-Seater PB comes with the New Generation Turbotronn Engine 140Hp offering 7 lakh km first overhaul life and lowest NVH in its class.
On the other hand, Starbus 12-seater AC Maxi cab comes with 4SP CR engine offering smooth operations. Other aggregates like GB-550 gearbox fitted with cable shift mechanism, radial tubeless tyres, parabolic suspension and tiltable steering ensures best ride comfort for both passenger as well as driver.
WINGER 12-Seater: With a 2.2 L DICOR Engine and a Flat Torque curve, the Winger 12-Seater is a game-changing product that will address the pressing need of product performance and fuel efficiency for the Tour and Travel operators.
Tata 1515 MCV Staff Bus: Keeping in mind the demand for a Fully Built Bus from STU or Staff application Tata 1515 MCV bus emerges as an ideal business partner for any operator.
Made on proven 1515 chassis and supported by trustworthy aggregates like Cummins ISBe 5.9 engine, TATA G600 Gearbox and Tata Marcopolo body; the vehicle showcases features like three-point seat belts, reverse camera with display, USB mobile charging points and GPS with Wi-Fi.