Infrastructure development to lead growth of mega trucks in India: Frost & Sullivan

India and China will see marginal allowance in the extension on truck weight and length in the long run, along with infrastructure developments in India that will play a key factor on development of mega trucks in the country, says a report titled ‘Global Mega Trucks Market, Forecast to 2025’ by Frost & Sullivan’s Mobility team.

Mega trucks are set for growth. Along with easing traffic congestion, lowering emissions, cost per ton, and growing freight demand, mega trucks can improve fleet operational efficiency and enhance capacity. However, significant obstacles lay ahead with serious questions around safety and the impact on infrastructure and the environment.

The report highlights overcoming legislative hurdles and negative public opinion to be a critical aspect in promoting mega truck usage. By improving safety features and advocating the use of light-weighting technologies, the trucking industry could boost the feasibility of mega trucks.

The global sales penetration of mega trucks is expected to increase from the current 3.4 percent to 5.7 percent in total heavy duty (HD) truck sales from 2016 to 2025, with units growing at a compound annual growth rate of 10.6 percent.

“Digital transformation and autonomous trucking will play an important role in expediting the adoption of mega trucks through better connectivity and safety features. With bigger engines and higher payload capacities, mega trucks are expected to incorporate more value features, especially in developing markets,” said Frost & Sullivan Mobility, research analyst, Marshall Martin. “Mega trucks in the future will be built on common platforms for similar markets such as China, India, and South America.”

Global Outlook

As per the report, the growth of mega trucks is highly dependent on lawmakers in specific regions laying down regulations that take into account the impact on infrastructure, environment, society and other modes of transport.

- Australia leads the current use of mega trucks in terms of penetration rates.

- Mega trucks are allowed nationwide in the Scandinavian region, but are not allowed to cross over the European border.

- In Germany, mega trucks are only allowed on selected routes in some states.

- Spain has recently run mega trucks with special permits on specific routes.

- Sweden is currently running trails for trucks that are 32m (105ft) long and weigh 90 tons.

- Trials have occurred for mega trucks in France and the United Kingdom, but have been rejected.

- Driven by a strong mandate and support infrastructure, North America is expected to accommodate more mega trucks.

According to Martin, the proliferation of mega trucks, where on average two mega trucks would replace three normal-sized trucks. This would have a negative impact on the sales of trucks, which would affect revenues of the truck-manufacturers. The companies should look towards creating alternate sources of revenue through investments or acquisition of companies that present safety, lightweighting, telematics, and mobile-based freight aggregation fields.