Krishnapatnam Port Co takes delivery of over 60 Scania trucks

Bangalore, August 8, 2013: Scania Commercial Vehicles India recently handed over 60 trucks to one of India’s largest private port operators, Krishnapatnam Port Co Ltd (KPCL).

The trucks handed over include the recently launched Scania P 410 8x4, the most powerful 8x4 tipper in the coal transportation tipper segment. This truck is powered by Scania Opticruise, an automated gear-changing system for best fuel efficiency and ease of driving, with the highest possible carrying capacity for port inter-carting of coal.

This marks the beginning of a long-term partnership for Scania and KPCL. Scania will establish a dedicated operating lease fleet along with a service workshop at the port so as to maintain best uptime and turn around efficiencies. Scania will also deliver 5 workshop containers for service on site backed by a driver training centre at the port to enhance the operations of Krishnapatnam Port.

Anders Grundströmer, managing director, Scania Commercial Vehicles India and vice-president, Scania Group, said, “This is a very proud moment for us, proof of the confidence that customers in India have in us. KPCL has chosen Scania as its transportation partner and we are sure that over time they will see the benefits of a lower TCO.”

Anil Yendluri, CEO, KPCL, said: “This is an important association for us as Scania offers cost-effective transport solutions which directly impact our business. We strong believe that Scania will help improve our profitability and look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship. We are also working with Scania on other significant areas such as logistics and transportation solutions for LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) and container transportation.” Krishnapatnam Port Company Ltd. (KPCL) was created through a mandate from the government of Andhra Pradesh to develop the existing minor port into modern, deep water and high productivity port, on BOST (Build–Operate-Share-Transfer) concession basis for 50 years. The port is being built in three phases. While the first phase was completed in 18 months, currently the second phase of development is underway.

Scania invests in India

Scania has targeted an annual rollout of 2,500 heavy haulage trucks and 1,000 inter-city multi-axle buses and coaches from its all-new Narasapura plant, being set up with an investment of Rs 250 crore near Bangalore, within five years. The first truck is expected to roll out in April 2013. The Scania Regional Product Centre, India will also be the centre of the company’s commercial operations in the country.

The industrial operations will consist of final assembly of trucks with bodywork and building of complete coaches with bodywork. The head office of Scania’s Indian company, complete with a service workshop and a central parts warehouse, will be housed at the same site.

Scania has been represented in the Indian market since 2007, when a partnership was initiated with Larsen & Toubro (L&T). L&T has successfully established Scania’s trucks and services and has developed a close partnership with customers in the mining industry. L&T currently operates about 10 Scania service workshops at various mining sites in the country.

In 2011, Scania set up Scania Commercial Vehicles India to boost its presence through sales to additional segments of the Indian commercial vehicle market. The company recently launched a new range of on-road haulage truck models specially adapted for the Indian market - the R 500 6x4, the G 460 6x4 and the P 410 6x2. The P 410 8x4 mining tipper was launched in December 2012.

Photograph: Anders Grundströmer, managing director, Scania Commercial Vehicles India, handing over the keys to Krishnapatnam Port Co officials.