October 4, 2013: Chennai today played host to the inaugural day of The International Commercial Vehicle Fair (TICVF) at the Chennai Trade Centre. The expo, which will go on till October 7, is organised by Chennai-based Edge Shows. Given the current lull in the Indian CV market, it was no surprise to find only regional dealers of Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, Eicher Motors and SML Isuzu displaying their products.

Component manufacturer Roots Industries displayed its range of horns and alternator/starter motor solutions for the CV segment. Roots Industries has recently signed a JV with a Slovenian company to manufacture alternators and starter motors out of an upcoming facility in Coimbatore. Lifts and posts manufacturer Vanjax also showcased its wares, pushing its range of products for the truck repair segment.

Tyre manufacturers were out in their full force with Chennai-based MRF displaying its entire CV portfolio. Apart from MRF, JK Tyres, Ceat and Michelin tyres also rolled out their tyre range. Michelin is currently building a new manufacturing facility outside of Chennai. The plant is expected to go on stream soon.

Apart from the bigwigs, special maintenance tools manufacturers Olympic Industrials, mobile refrigeration solutions manufacturer TransFreez and automatic lubrication systems manufacturer S.V.A Rikkon Lubes showed off their products.

KARTHIK H