Heavy commercial vehicle manufacturers talk on the advanced features of their latest vehicle that can improve profitability by increasing fuel efficiency and reducing maintenance costs

 Economic and profitable management of transport operations have brought about increased awareness of mix of vehicles for end to end transport solutions. This in turn has led to an increase in the use of medium and heavy commercial vehicles for long distance haulage and with more highways and better roads; the accent is on heavier vehicles with higher load carrying capacity and better overall operating parameters.

The increasing need for competitive positioning by fleet operators, the convergence of developed and emerging markets and stringent environmental and fuel efficiency regulations underscore the importance of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). However, R N Rao, Director Marketing at AMW Motors Ltd. observes, “This needs a holistic approach, especially in a price sensitive market like India. Even as more and more fleet operators are coming into play, the large volume of single and a few truck owners still constitutes an important segment for manufacturers.”

He adds, “As customers are exposed to more technologically advanced products, they are also thinking of follow-up costs that have an equally important impact on TCO.”
According to Vinod Aggarwal, CEO of VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV) Limited, “While the Indian highway infrastructure has improved in the last few years, diesel prices have remained high (except in recent times) creating stress on the fleet owner’s profitability. This has resulted in the need for high powered, high performance trucks that are also fuel efficient.”

In May 2008 Swedish commercial vehicle major AB Volvo and Eicher Motors Limited (EML) had entered into a joint venture agreement to create VECV with the intent to drive modernisation in the commercial vehicle industry in India and the developing world.
VECV’s business includes the complete range of Eicher trucks and buses, VE Powertrain, Eicher’s components and engineering design services businesses as well as the sales and distribution business of Volvo trucks within India.

Commenting on the advanced features of Eicher trucks that can improve profitability, Mr Aggarwal said, “Eicher Pro 6000 and Pro 8000 series of heavy duty trucks and tippers have been designed and developed to provide an unparalleled business advantage by maximising product performance right through the life cycle of the vehicle and minimising cost of operations. These heavy duty trucks and tippers have been designed to deliver maximum lifetime profitability.”

Eicher Pro 6000 and pro 8000 series of heavy duty trucks have been designed to maximise productivity and deliver best-in-class fuel efficiency, thereby resulting in maximum lifetime profitability for the fleet owner. “Many progressive fleet owners are already experiencing the benefits of these next generation trucks. We are consulting with our customers to understand their needs and application segments and working closely with them to ensure that they realise the profitability that these trucks promise,” Mr Aggarwal informed.

With the aim to be a trusted sustainable transport partner for India, Scania creates value for its customers by delivering world-class vehicles and services. “Our focus is on safe, efficient, low-carbon solutions to enhance customer profitability. Keeping these values in mind, all Scania vehicles come with the promise of market leading productivity, maximised vehicle uptime and outstanding fuel efficiency all leading to the best possible Total Operating Economy (TOE). The performance and operating economy, the long operational life of a Scania Vehicle and our total product and service offerings will result in lesser visits to the workshop which means lower cost of maintenance,” Anders Grundströmer, Managing Director, Scania India and Senior Vice President, Scania Group said.

I-shift for mining
Just three years after the first Volvo FMX was launched, a new one is ready to take performance and productivity to a new level. Rama Rao AS, Senior Vice President, Sales, Marketing and Aftermarket, Volvo Trucks India, VECV said, “The all new Volvo FMX is an extremely robust, powerful and efficient truck for the toughest operating conditions.”
Volvo FMX has been designed considering the learning from Volvo experience in India and global markets in rough deep mining and heavy construction application. Packed with smart new technologies to improve fuel efficiency and features to minimise fatigue on the driver and maximise productivity. “I-shift for Mining” is one of those features (and technology), that improves productivity, driving comfort and fuel efficiency of the vehicle.

The all new Volvo FMX 440 8×4 is being introduced in India with two transmission variants – manual and the automated gear box “I-shift” optimised for mining applications. This I-shift gearbox is Volvo’s 4th generation automated gear box, installed with software particularly optimised for mining operations. 

I-Shift uses its built-in intelligence to quickly and automatically choose the right gears all the times there by improving the fuel efficiency for an average driver. Besides the compact design of the transmission, the secret lies in the intelligent electronic control unit. It is responsible for controlling the pneumatic system that handles the clutch and shifts. By constantly receiving information about vehicle speed, acceleration, weight, road grade, torque demand and more, it can carry out every shift with extreme precision. It also communicates closely with engine, which in turn adjusts revs and engine brake effect for fast and comfortable gear changing.

“The software provides shifting skills that are difficult for even the best of drivers to match. Still if you want to get more involved, you can. The button on the shift selector allows you to step in and change gear manually,” Mr Rama Rao said.

When weight makes the difference
AMW’s heavy trucks for long haulage are suited for a wide range of applications and are built for maximum payload. The trucks have proven their performance in relation to drivability, economy and extremely well engineered transmission. These vehicles are ideal as goods carriers for large as well small fleet owners whose demands for maximum capacity by weight or volume are important parameters. 

“Highly fuel efficient engines, with a matching superior drive line, extra long life ceramic clutch, double chassis, heavy duty gear box, driver comfort, safety and maintenance features make AMW a must for long distance operators. Comparative fuel tests under similar applications and driving terrain have shown even a 5 to 10 per cent higher fuel efficiency has a significant impact on overall profitability,” says Mr RN Rao.

In addition maintenance and repairs, parts support and planned service schedules, training for fleet managers and drivers constitute an important aspect of overall productivity and profitability. According to Mr RN Rao, “Long haulage and heavy go together and as long as you manage every aspect of your operations, the profits are worth their weight.”

Lower costs means higher margins
The Scania R 580 6×4, comes with a 580 hp V8 engine, offers high torque at low speed which is essential for over-dimensional cargo (ODC) transport. “The Scania V8 engine is coupled with great characteristics such as excellent drivability, outstanding TOE and refined vehicle handling and manoeuvring qualities. A pioneer by itself, Scania R 580 is all set to redefine the truck industry in India,” claims Mr Grundströmer.  The Scania P 410 8x4Tipper will later this year come in an updated version equipped with 20 cubic metre rock body developed by one of the world’s leading producers of high strength steel, SSAB. Still equipped with Scania Opticruise, a fully automated gear-changing system for best fuel efficiency and ease of driving, the P 410 now also comes with an option of ‘idle shutdown’, a feature that further strengthens the TOE by lowering the fuel consumption. The complete tipper is significantly lower in weight than current offerings in the market, and with the increased load carrying capacity the customer gets a significantly higher productivity.

“This coupled with our driver training program can help even the most experienced drivers to drive more economically, more safely and make a dramatically positive impact on the customer’s bottom line. The customer can expect to save about 10 per cent on fuel alone, with a significant reduction in emissions. What’s more, tyres will last longer; the powertrain will last longer and consume less oil. And lower costs means higher margins,” assures Mr Grundströmer.

Ensuring lifetime profitability
Eicher Pro 6000, a new generation product range of heavy duty trucks from 16T GVW – 40T GVW with greater fuel efficiency, superior uptime, faster turnaround time and rider comfort targeted for mass and value segment.

Eicher  Pro 8000-EICHER Pro 8000 series is a new generation of heavy duty trucks, tractors and tippers from 25T to 49T GVW, meant for emerging mid premium segment that requires high power and torque combination as well as a greater degree of refinement and sophistication.

The Eicher Pro Series heavy duty trucks and tippers come with telematics (EIcher Live), fuel coaching, and cruise control. It is also equipped with advanced on board diagnostics systems, which enables proactive maintenance of the truck. 

“The Eicher Pro aeries heavy-duty trucks and tippers promise maximum lifetime profitability by delivering class leading fuel efficiency, superior productivity and high driver efficiency,” asserts Mr Aggarwal.

The performance and operating economy, the long operational life of a Scania Vehicle and our total product and service offerings will result in lesser visits to the workshop which means lower cost of maintenance.
Anders Grundströmer, Managing Director Scania Commercial Vehicle India and Senior Vice President Scania Group

Long haulage and heavy go together and as long as you manage every aspect of your operations, the profits are worth their weight.
RN Rao, Director Marketing AMW Motors Ltd.

We are consulting with our customers to understand their needs and application segments and working closely with them to ensure that they realise the profitability that these trucks promise.
Vinod Aggarwal, CEO, V E Commercial Vehicles Ltd.

The all new Volvo FMX is an extremely robust, powerful and efficient truck for the toughest operating conditions.
Rama Rao A S, Senior Vice President, Sales, Marketing and Aftermarket, Volvo Trucks India, VECV