Infrastructure push and supportive regulations rolled out by the government have amplified volumes of Tippers contributing 30 per cent to overall heavy commercial vehicle (HCV) industry, says Rama Rao A S, Senior Vice President and Head- Sales, Marketing, VE Commercial Vehicles Limited.

Please share your outlook for CV segment in India.
The CV industry is on a roll with excellent growth trajectory since September 2017. The industry has touched its peak in 2018 with a 20 per cent growth YoY, on the back of government’s infrastructure push and supportive regulations. Backed by strong fundamentals and overall positive macro outlook, the volumes of Tippers have been significantly strengthened contributing 30 per cent to overall industry of heavy commercial vehicles. The demand for tippers is finally on upward spree this financial year, while the segment registered significant growth at 6 per cent in FY17-18 YoY.

At present, the market is moving away from 6X2 to MAVT; 6X4 Tippers are the most preferred category, capturing almost three fourth of the total sales of rigid dump trucks. Higher 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.

What is the major challenge faced by CV industry currently?
We are noticing several 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. In terms of technologies, features such as telematics and fleet management tool will start playing a crucial role towards mobility. There is a need of better and powerful trucks with latest technology to match the demand and meet the required levels of productivity both in construction and mining. Many progressive companies are already realising the benefit of deploying better power to weight ratio trucks with latest technologies (automatic transmission, telematics, advance safety system) and customers are getting into data analytics and advanced telematics for better fleet utilisation and staying ahead in market.

Tell us about your new product launches catering to the demand from construction and mining industry.
Eicher has been championing the growing needs of the industry with its next generation Tippers. The Eicher Pro Series 6000 and 8000 (haulage trucks and tippers) come with innovative features, intelligent systems and optimised powertrain that work together to achieve best-in-class fuel efficiency for over 16 different applications.

We have recently launched Eicher Pro 6037HT and Pro 6049 in the 37 tonnes and 49 tonnes category.
The new Eicher Pro 6037HT Haulage Tipper, the latest addition to its range of Tippers, provides higher GVW and load carrying capacity. It is suitable for long haul surface to surface transportation of aggregates & minerals. With fuel-efficient four-cyclinder, four-valve engine built on a global platform and a new generation cabin with a host of safety features, Eicher Pro 6037HT ensures higher productivity and profitability for its owners.

The all new Eicher Pro 6049 is a radical shift to address the mass market for prominent core segments in 6×4 tractor category, to deliver higher performance and peak power at 250 HP, but available at competitive price point of 280 HP. It manifests the prowess of the Eicher Pro 6000 series and offers a refined trucking experience with the superior VEDX BS IV SCR engine, newly designed ergonomics and robust Eicher aggregates for best in-class fuel efficiency. The all new Eicher Pro 6049 is a unique combination of modernisation and cost efficiency.

Features such as telematics and fleet management tool will start playing a crucial role towards mobility.
Rama Rao A S, Sr. Vice President & Head- Sales, Marketing, VE Commercial Vehicles Limited