Aggressive Eicher rolls out 11-strong all-new Pro series truck and bus range

Pithampur, December 2, 2013: Eicher has unveiled its entire new range of future-generation trucks and buses at an event in Pithampur.

The all-new product range, called the Eicher Pro series, comprises 11 new products (both trucks and buses) that cover the 5- to 49-tonne gross vehicle weight range. The range will be launched in a phased manner starting February 2014.

While continuing to address the large-sized value segment, the new range marks the entry of the Eicher brand into the emerging premium segment that requires higher power and torque combination as well as a greater degree of refinement and sophistication.

With the new Pro series, the manufacturer aims to give Indian trucking a truly professional offering that leads to higher productivity and profitability for the customer. The new trucks and buses promise to deliver best-in-class fuel efficiency, higher loading capacity, superior uptime and overall vehicle lifetime profitability.

The vehicles have a brand new Pegasus-based front styling and showcase a quantum leap in virtually all aspects from exterior design to engine technology through to cabin features. The new heavy duty truck range will be powered by new-generation engines adapted from Volvo Group technology with power capacity of 180-280hp with high fuel efficiency, reliability and long life.

Olof Persson, president and CEO, Volvo Group, said: “The trucks launched today are the embodiment of our joint efforts over the last five years. The vital combination of the Volvo Group’s world-class technology and Eicher’s frugal cost expertise and management has created a range that will set new standards among customers with high demands on profitability, flexibility and driver effectiveness.”

Speaking at the occasion, Siddhartha Lal, managing director and CEO, Eicher Motors, said, “The Volvo Group and Eicher Motors came together five years ago with a vision to modernise the Indian commercial vehicle industry and we are here today to present the most professional, holistic and progressive approach to Indian trucking. Our philosophy of ‘Go Pro’ implies that our customers can truly work with and rely on a professional partner. Eicher’s products, service and attitude are truly professional, and this enables our customers to become more productive, profitable and prosperous in their work and life”.

In addition to other senior executives from Volvo Group, Joachim Rosenberg, EVP, Volvo Group Trucks Sales & Marketing and JVs, Asia Pacific and Philippe Divry, senior VP, Trucks Joint Venture India were also present at the occasion.

Commenting on progress of the JV, Joachim Rosenberg said, “Today Eicher is considered as the fifth brand in the competitive portfolio of Volvo Group brands. It is an integral part of the Volvo Group’s strategy to expand in Asia and other growth markets. With the launch of the Pro series of trucks by Eicher, our strategy in Asia gets further strengthened. With the improvement in infrastructure and road network in India, there is a requirement of more effective transport chains. The new Pro series of trucks being revealed today is in a prime position to meet these requirements.”

Speaking at the occasion, Vinod Aggarwal, CEO, VE Commercial Vehicles, said, “The Eicher brand has got a strong foundation with the most advanced manufacturing facilities and product quality, backed by an all-India dealership and service reach that is highly capable. In addition, the new Pro series will provide our customers the best end-to-end solutions for their commercial transportation requirements.”

VECV claims it has doubled sales volumes between 2008, when it started operations. It recorded sales of 23,775 units that year; in 2012, it sold a total of 48,262 units. Its market share from 7.8 percent in 2008 has risen to 13.8 percent in the year to date, 2013. While it now has a 5 percent share in the HCV segment, it has a 31 percent share in the light and medium buses segments.

According to Siddhartha Lal, "All other players are a decade behind (in terms of the business model) than Eicher". Eicher is currently the most profitable truck company in India. Business for VECV, which plans to enter only markets where it can be a significant player, has crossed the US$ 1 billion (Rs 6,246 crore) mark. The CV maker currently enjoys a 10 percent EBITDA margin.

SUMANTRA BAROOAH

Photographs: Flagship 49-tonner model and medium-duty Eicher engine.