“With a pronounced thrust on optimum vehicle utilisation and productivity, there occurs a segmental shift in the tipper market from basic economy to value products of higher tonnage, tech features, and power outputs”. Mr. A.S. Rama Rao, EVP – Sales, Marketing & Aftermarket, HDT, VECV, discusses on the state-of-affairs and various other aspects of construction and mining tipper segments in the Indian market.
Excerpts:
How do you see the tipper segment growing in India? Can you share us the sales figures of construction tippers and heavy-duty mining tippers in FY 2017-18?
The CV industry is on a roll with an excellent growth trajectory since September 2017 and has touched its peak in 2018 with a 20 per cent growth YoY, thanks infrastructure push by the government and supportive regulations. Backed up by strong fundamentals and overall positive macro outlook, the volume of tippers has been significantly strengthened contributing around 30 per cent to overall sales of heavy CVs. The demand for tippers is finally on upward spree this financial year, while the segment registered significant growth at 6 per cent in FY 2017-18.
At present, the market is moving away from 6X2 models. The 6X4 tippers are the most preferred lot, capturing almost three fourth of the total sales of rigid dump trucks. Higher engine hp products are more in demand. However, recent norms on overloading restriction have pushed the demand for higher GVW (8X4 tippers and 10X4/ 10X2) tippers. The smaller 16T tippers are preferred in hilly regions like HP, J&K and North East.
How optimistic is this segment in the current fiscal and immediate future?
We expect the boost in construction equipment and tippers to continue as we anticipate a lot of push on developmental projects in the coming year with an expected growth of 10 per cent. Further, demand for higher GVW tippers continues as there are segmental shifts taking place with the market moving from basic economy trucks to higher tonnage and value products (tractor, trailer and multi-axle trucks) for higher economics of operations and profitability among others.
What are the unique customer requirements and challenges associated with heavy-duty tippers used in mining applications?
As mining activity takes place 24 hours a day, there is a need for trucks that are reliable and run 24×7 on difficult terrains with heavy loads. To maximize truck utilization, on-site service and spares support is required to help the trucks running all the time. This helps achieve higher uptime and productivity, to meet project deadlines and maximize profit.
There is a fair demand for better and powerful trucks with latest technology in the recent times. Customers are preferring products with higher torque and power output to match the aspired levels of productivity both in construction and mining.
How is VECV adapting to the changing needs of this segment? Briefly touch upon the technological innovations that are happening in dump trucks.
To address the higher output requirements, Volvo Group technology engines are at the heart of our tipper series. Two high performance engines – VEDX8 7.7 litre and VEDX5 5 litre engines that deliver 330 HP and 210 HP respectively – are highly reliable with a high service life and have proven their mettle under tough operating conditions across a variety of applications. Further, the innovative ‘mileage booster+’ technology, coupled with proven EMS 3.0 makes the truck apt for optimum drivability, comfort and profitability.
On driver comfort and safety, the Eicher Pro series trucks are designed with an ergonomically designed ultramodern truck cabin for comfortable driving and higher driver efficiency. Mandatory fitment of Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) for the domestic market has unlocked several opportunities for us. All trucks have the ABS system as part of safety requirements to help customers gain certain values in fuel efficiency.
How are dumper trucks in India embracing telematics and fleet management technologies?
In India telematics and fleet management have gained a lot of traction in the last few years. We are in fact one of the fastest growing telematics markets and the installations in CV is expected to grow to 9.3% in 2023 (from 2.4% in 2016), as per a research conducted by Frost and Sullivan.
Truck makers are now realizing that telematics is not just about monitoring, but also about achieving transparency in business processes and efficiency. Remote diagnosis and assistance can help owners in getting improved uptime, while OEMs can benefit from reduced warranty costs through preventive actions, and enhanced customer satisfaction.
Eicher has pioneered the use of intelligent technologies in its tippers to bring a significant improvement in quality, efficiency and productivity. It is one of the first OEM to introduce the ‘Fuel Coaching’ system in its Pro Series trucks, which enables the driver to improve his driving and achieve better fuel efficiency. ‘Eicher Live’ strives for proactive maintenance of the truck, while ‘Eicher Live’ services give the owner and our aftermarket teams a thorough view of vehicle performance, utilization and uptime. Features like Dynamic Service Reminders allow us to alter the truck’s service plan.
How do you create brand awareness and reach out to the customer in the mining segment? How do you rate your aftermarket reach?
We at Eicher have embarked on a mission to usher in new levels of vehicle maintenance and aftermarket support in the domestic market. Dealers and service engineers are our brand ambassadors. With 284 authorized service centers, 140 EGPs, 2500+ retail centers for parts and a wide network across cities and national highways, Eicher ensures a convenient touch point, anywhere and anytime. Service levels for en route support further gets augmented through 225+ GPS enabled and networked ‘Eicher Service vans’ which provide round the clock assistance to customer’s vehicles for en route service requirements.
In addition, Eicher has a set of expert technicians available 24X7 that do real-time tracking to enable faster service to the customer, hence facilitating faster turnaround time for en route breakdowns. This service also gives real-time SMS updates to customer coupled with ‘Eicher Live’ telematics system.
Aftermarket service is also supported by a country wide service network ensuring that our products deliver best-in-class productivity at all times. Eicher on-road emergency service provides round the clock assistance in case of en-route breakdown. By this way, Eicher aims to provide the best on-road and off-road assistance for its customers.