BS-IV-ready Pro 5000 series launched
VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd. (VECV), the leading commercial vehicle player, is maintaining a steady growth year after year, even during the turbulent times. In 2016-17, the company achieved an overall growth of 12.6 per cent as against four per cent of the industry. Also, VECV is the only player in the commercial vehicle industry which has not been hit by the change in norms from Euro-III to Euro-IV from April 1. Anticipating the problem arising out of the Euro norm change, the company has cut down 50 per cent of its production from December 2016, which has resulted in the lowest stock of Euro-III vehicles which can be exported.
This was disclosed by Mr. Vinod Aggarwal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd., while addressing a press conference in Mumbai on the occasion of the launch of the Pro 5000 series vehicles. According to him, the company has achieved a moderate growth in all segments, thanks to its special focus on advanced technology products. The Pro 5000 series comes with i3 EGR technology which is innovative, contemporary and efficient. Also, the Pro 5000 series will ensure more productivity, mileage and economical cost.
Asked about the reason for the company to opt for EGR engines in the new series of trucks against the proven SCR already used in the Pro 6000 and 8000 series, Mr. Aggarwal revealed: “Customers looking only at initial cost of acquisition may want to go for the Pro 5000 series with BSIV technology rather than the SCR in other series whose initial acquisition cost is higher but is good at total cost of ownership.”
Standardization and differentiation
With the launch of these advanced technology trucks range at competitive prices, Eicher plans to strengthen its presence in the heavy-duty segment, and this reinforces its vision of driving modernization in commercial transportation.
Mr. Aggarwal further stated: “The new E694 engine also has advanced features based on Volvo Group’s Engine Management system EMS 3.0 and offers first-in-the-industry features like fuel coaching and cruise control at a competitive price. The HD trucks segment continues to be the biggest potential area of growth for us and the launch of Eicher Pro 5000 series will enable us to further enhance our market share in the segment.”
The Eicher Pro 5000 series is a new range of highly durable BSIV trucks designed and developed to deliver unmatched reliability through highly efficient E694 engine with i3-EGR technology from Volvo Group’s EMS 3.0, tough and robust aggregates and Intelligent Driver Information System. These trucks are designed to deliver best-in-class fuel efficiency and optimized operational cost, leading to quick returns on investment.
With respect to the additional features in the Pro 5000 series and citing the example about how the series gives customer options, the MD & CEO added: “The Pro 5000 series comes with a torque level of 620-720 HP, whereas the torque level of Pro 6000 series 750-920 and Pro 8000 has the torque level of 1050-1250. We have products diversified to meet various application demands and utmost fuel efficiency.”
BSIII inventory, performance and aftermarket
Referring to the performance and BSIII inventory Mr. Aggarwal stated: “VECV grew by 12.6 per cent overall at 58,600 trucks and buses as against the industry growth of only 4 per cent. Since we also keep our inventory planned we were not impacted heavily due to the sudden ban of selling BSIII vehicles. We had cut down the production to 50 per cent post demonetization. Owing to this we have only around 1,000 vehicles in our plant and around 400-500 with our dealers. Looking at the future, we will explore exporting and converting some stocks.”
Further, commenting on the aftermarket support solutions to the customers, he said: “Eicher offers innovative and customized service solutions to partner the individual customer needs throughout the vehicle life cycle from purchase to maintenance to resale. Our unique offerings like Dial-a-Part and GPS enabled mobile service vans leverage the technology to ensure quick response and maximum uptime for our customers. Apart from these services, there are a lot of innovative solutions like ‘Eicher Freedom – AMC Package’, ‘Eicher Sure – Used Trucks Business’, and most importantly ‘Eicher Promise – to put the vehicle back on road in time’ to ensure highest level of productivity for our customers, leading to better profitability and prosperity for them.”
True to its tag line ‘Har Challenge Ke Liye Ready’ Eicher Pro 5000 series will be available with an unmatched combination of key product advantages and innovative lifetime support solutions. It is really ready to take on every challenge and will be available across all major markets of VECV.
Mr. S.S. Gill, Sr. Vice President & Head – Heavy Duty Trucks, VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd., in his presentation, highlighted the nine-year success story of the Volvo-Eicher partnership which made VECV a technology leader in the country. The company has already sold over 12,000 BS-IV trucks in India.
Replying to a question, Mr. P. Ravishankar, Executive Vice President – Sales, Marketing & Aftermarket, VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd., told MOTORINDIA that since the Pro series vehicles come with a highly advanced technology, the company offered necessary training to the drivers. Also, the company owned company operated (COCO) initiative has helped it record higher growth in different segments. Further, the company recently won major orders from State Transport Undertakings, including KSRTC, BMTC, etc.
By R.Natarajan, Managing Editor & Publisher and Rajesh Rajgor