Tata Motors Truck World, an advanced trucking expo, was held at Salem, the largest trucking centre in Tamil Nadu, during February 5-7. A unique initiative, this first-of-its-kind event by Tata Motors showcased the company’s extensive offerings in the medium and heavy commercial vehicles space, all under one roof. This is the third such event, the first two being held earlier in Delhi and Vijayawada.
Conceptualised to reach out to the ever-discerning Indian trucking customers and their families, Truck World enabled Tata Motors to showcase the latest trucking technologies related to vehicle design, quality, reliability and safety. The event had separate areas for product display, hospitality, customer care, etc.
In his inaugural address, Mr. K. Nallathambi, President, Namakkal Taluk Lorry Owners’ Association (NTLOA) and the State Lorry Owners’ Federation – Tamil Nadu, said: “The transportation sector in Salem, Namakkal and Sankagiri feels very happy to have the Tata Truck World show in the region. We thank the management of Tata Motors for having taken this decision, though the sale of these vehicles here is not as much as in other regions. The OEM has displayed its entire range of vehicles here today. These trucks have been strictly meeting the emission norms. The Prima truck, in particular, has a lot of unique features like driver comfort, fuel efficiency and faster turnaround, as also a number of value-added services.”
Mr. M. Sateesh, Head – Marketing – HCV – Cargo Trucks, Tata Motors, in his keynote address, said: “Tamil Nadu is a key market for M&HCVs. The State is open to new technologies and new product introductions. We chose Salem since it is one of the important centres for launching our new products and showcasing them. The customers need not go to the dealerships to see all the products, services and technology. We have brought all this at your doorstep. We also plan to have such shows at a few more centres in the State. We are planning to have it in Kolkata next.”
The fully-built Tata Motors vehicles, with HVAC cabins, CRDI engines, four-year AMC and warranty are the lowest in terms of total cost ownership and operation. With diesel prices coming down and interest rates moderated, the industry is expected to do much better than in the past. “We will also be able to see a major shift in tonnage. Our 37-tonne segment is doing extremely well both in terms of vehicle performance and fuel efficiency. We have till today sold 1,50,000 vehicles of the Tata 3118 model in India. The company’s 3718 truck also has been doing well in all the regions, with excellent mileage,” he added.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Mr. V. Rajasekhar, Area Manager – TN 2, Commercial Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors, said that the company which has 65 per cent market share proves its clear leadership in the CV space in India.
On the occasion, the keys for different Tata vehicle models were handed over to customers.
At the show, Tata Motors displayed 29 medium and heavy commercial vehicles, its service-related brands like Tata Genuine Parts, Tata Delight and Tata Fleet Man. The company’s key vendor partners, financiers and service providers were also present. Service-related workshops were conducted for customers, mechanics and drivers.
A truck-art zone had been set up at the venue with an artist who created colourful floral patterns and depictions on the Tata truck. The adorned vehicle was an example of moving art under which various vehicle parts were decorated differently.
Overall, the event proved a game changer for Tata Motors.
