Indian automobile maker, Eicher Motors has unveiled new 'Pro' series range of future generation trucks and buses. The timing of the launch coming at a time when the Indian commercial vehicle (CV) segment has been on the decline for many quarters now.
Eleven products (both trucks and buses) in the 5 to 49 tonne range was unveiled by the company. The products will be ready for delivery from February 2014 in a phased manner from its `1,800 crore joint venture (including plant and enhancing existing plant) with Swedish CV giant Volv
Speaking on the occasion, Siddhartha Lal, Managing Director and CEO of Eicher Motors said that the current CV market is underserved and the 'duopoly' has taken their customers for granted. On the timing of the unveiling, Vinod Aggarwal, CEO of Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles said that the new range would help provide the key to access the large Indian mainstream markets.
The new Pro series trucks and buses will be powered by the new generation engines adapted from Volvo group technology with power capacity of 180-280 bhp specifications, new cabin features and other driver and fuel assistance features. The JV plans to export these engines (Euro III to Euro VI) to European markets.
Joachim Rosenberg,Executive Vice-President, Volvo Group Trucks Sales & Marketing and JVs, Asia Pacific said, "With the launch of the Pro series of trucks by Eicher, our strategy in Asia gets further strengthened."
The Indian CV segment saw a de-growth of 15.97% in April-October 2013. In the sub segments, M&HCV saw a de-growth of 26.04%, according to data by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers.
Eicher currently has a total market share of close to 5% in the heavy duty truck range (25-49 tonne) and 13.8% (2013-domestic sales YTD) in their entire range (5-49 tonne) in the segment.
Vinod Aggarwal said that the plant was currently producing close to 5,500 units per month and close to 60,000 units per year. "We can easily ramp upto 1,00,000 units per year," he said.
Pro series Range
Pro 1000 series= 5-14 ton = Light and medium duty trucks
Pro 3000 series =9-14 ton
Pro 6000 series = 16-40 ton
Pro 8000 series = 25-49 ton
Buses= new platform
