Eicher is a relatively new player in the HCV bus segment. The company has very strong presence in the light and medium commercial vehicle segment. Infact, it enjoys strong leadership position in some of the segments.
The RESLF city bus is currently doing trial runs at Indore, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Vashi (Navi Mumbai). The company is planning to induct the city bus in one of the cities in the North for trial runs by February 2010.
Based on the performance of these buses and the feedback received from the city transport corporations, the company has started participating in enquiries and tenders that have been floated by transport corporations recently. Eicher is confident that it will make a significant entry in the city bus market very soon.
Currently the company is offering a Diesel BS III Non AC bus. In 2011 Eicher plans to launch both Diesel & CNG BS IV AC & Non AC variants. The commercial launch of the product will be in March 2011. The RESLF is come with a floor height of 650 mm.
In the Inter-city bus segment, Eicher offers a 20.15 bus chassis based on the HCV platform. It’s a Front Engine Chassis available in BSII and BSIII versions which are now being sold in increasing numbers in both domestic and overseas market and is compatible for all types of bus applications except the air conditioned Intercity coach. The company is also exporting fully built buses on this platform to the Middle East.
In the HCV bus chassis, Eicher offers three variants, 9, 10 and 11.3 meter versions with 5340 and 5840 wheel bases. The company has sold over 250 units of 20.15 buses and bus chassis during the current year 2010.
In the first phase of line extension and consolidation (as regards the HCV Bus Platform) in the year 2011, Eicher plans to introduce its flagship brand Skyline on this platform mainly catering to the requirements of Staff Transportation and Educational Institutions. In the second phase the company is planning to enter the Intercity Luxury Bus Market with a 12 Mtr Chassis. This however will be a year late, likely by 2012.
In the light and medium duty bus segment, Eicher offers a wide range of buses from 12 – 51 Seater in both Chassis & Built Up options. The variants are available in Diesel BS III & BS IV and CNG BS IV options. In the fully built bus segment, Eicher has two very successful brands, the Skyline and Starline. The Skyline, is a highly visible premium brand which was awarded the `LCV Bus of the Year’ Award in 2010. The Starline offers value for money. The company offers Executive as well as School buses in both Brands. Eicher has sold over 5000 buses in the light and medium duty segment in 2010. In 2011, the company is planning to launch the Skyline and Starline with new Wheelbase options and features to offer enhanced comfort and safety as per the bus code of CMVR.
