Lobbying against dieselisation is gaining momentum with the losses incurred by oil marketing companies (OMCs) mounting day by day. Strangely enough, while petrol prices are being raised at regular intervals ñ 8-10 times since February 2010 ñ diesel prices have been revised upward just on two occasions, by Rs. 3 per litre in July last and by Rs. 2 in June 2010. This is precisely the reason why there is a distinct shift in demand for diesel vehicles, despite their being comparatively costlier than petrol vehicles. Official figures reveal that unlike in the past, diesel growth during April-November 2011 has been 7.4 per cent as against the petrol growth of 4.3 per cent. Much worse, diesel growth in November last alone was a hefty 16 per cent against a negative growth of 2.4 per cent in petrol. This perhaps must have prompted the Centre to decide, in principle, to deregulate diesel prices, with its implication of a cut in diesel subsidy.
On its part, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry has for the first time proposed an additional excise duty of Rs. 80,000 on diesel-driven cars in the forthcoming Budget, besides seeking a five per cent import duty exemption for energy and natural gas. Hopefully, the proposed levy will not only discourage dieselisation of the economy but will yield additional revenue for meeting the under-recoveries of OMCs as well as for investment on road infrastructure development. Another positive suggestion made to discourage purchase of diesel cars is that, while the excise on petrol-driven vehicles with ex-factory prices of above Rs. 5 lakhs may be raised from 10 to 12 per cent, that on diesel vehicles may be hiked to 30 per cent. This will enable car manufacturers to concentrate on, and to compete in the production of economy cars.
Periodic fuel price hikes and problems therefrom facing vehicle users, particularly the general resentment among truckers, will continue baffling the Government since 84 per cent of the countryís crude oil requirements are imported at heavy cost. The world crude price which ruled at around $75 per barrel in June 2010 shot to $110 the next year and is now hovering around this rate, though with minor fluctuations now and then. A fuel strategy for the future based purely on alternate sources like natural gas for vehicles, LPG, CNG, etc., is the right solution for the problem. It guarantees least vehicular emission too. Of particular significance in this context is that, in keeping with the world trend, the Indian Government has undertaken a special national hybrid / electric mobility study that provides a fact-base towards formulation of a viable mobility. The study stress is on hybrid electric vehicles having both an IC engine and a battery-powered electric drive.

The seeds of transformation were sown in February 2011, and preparations began in earnest to bring about a trucking revolution in India with world class new age trucks from BharatBenz, the brand dedicated to India by the world leader in trucking, Daimler.
Daimler, one of the worldís largest manufacturers of trucks above 6 tonnes, revealed the first model of the new BharatBenz truck. With its first-ever ëMade in Indiaí truck, BharatBenz will enter the promising Indian market for commercial vehicles. After developing to be the worldís third largest truck market in the past years, the Indian market for trucks over six tons GVW shows a volume of more than 300,000 units in 2011.
Amidst speculation of a slowdown in the Indian market, Mr. Marc Llistosella, Managing Director and CEO, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Pvt. Ltd. (DICV), defiantly said during the sneak preview: ìThe Indian economy and the Indian nation will grow for the next 20 years, and that is for sure. We believe that the backbone of each society is the trucking industry and are very confident that in the next 10-20 years, itís an absolute best time to be here, itís an absolute best place to be, the market which will be the most dynamic market in the next 10 to 20 years.
The new BharatBenz Heavy Duty Truck (HDT) is a synergy of Indian engineering and German DNA. Following in March 2012, BharatBenz will by then unveil its entire truck portfolio in the 6 to 49 tons range.
Mr. Llistosella added: ìBharatBenz mirrors our long-term commitment to India, a commitment to offer modern trucks that will redefine the Indian trucking experience. Our trucks target the modern domestic segment in India, which is showing high growth potential. We are confident that the introduction of modern trucks with improved fuel efficiency, safety features and competitive pricing will make us the game changer in the Indian trucking industry.
The BharatBenz heavy duty truck is built on the Mercedes-Benz Axor platform, while the future medium- and light duty truck is built on the Fuso Canter and Fighter platforms. All new trucks meet the Indian BS III emission requirements. The trucks have been developed in India, for India and by specialist employees from India. Since a truck is an instrument with which a trucker works, the money earned out of it is important. The more the truck costs, the more is the calculation involved; the less it costs, the more the trucker earns, he added.

Trucks developed for India
BharatBenz trucks have been developed with the objective to create specific products for the Indian market. One key to success is to combine high performance of the trucks with fuel efficient consumption.
Our trucks will have optimum fuel efficiency and are technically evolved and designed to deliver better operation costs per ton/km. BharatBenz trucks will offer our customers superior Total Cost of Ownership with better value for money. And the truck drivers will experience a new dimension in terms of handling the vehicle, cabin space and ergonomically seating,î said Mr. Aydogan Cakmaz, Vice President, Product Engineering, DICV.
The engine capacity on offer in these trucks is in the range of 170 to 300 hp. BharatBenz has access to Daimlerís whole range of engines, which could see them increase the range to over 400 hp. However, the company is clear that it does not want to over-engineer and over-power at the moment because power in India comes with a price. If the customer demands a higher hp, the company has it ready in its portfolio.

Extensive testing
The company has been involved in extensive testing of its trucks, covering 40 lakh km under rigorous testing conditions. Mr. Llistosella said: ìTesting trucks is the base for satisfying customers and 40 lakh km (of testing) is a lot. We donít test with the customers, we test with ourselves. Testing is our business, not the customersí business.
The testing has been done in the companyís state-of-the-art test track which is of world class standard and also on Indian roads for practical validation. Since two years, testing is being done practically 24×7, that too in comparison with the existing products in the market.
A lot of R&D has gone into the testing process, and the company is confident that all factors, including overloading and poor road conditions, have been taken into account during testing. In addition, single vehicle owners, who usually overload their trucks, were invited to get first-hand experience of the truck being tested under severest of conditions. Most of the invitees were amazed by the performance of the trucks in such conditions, which won their confidence in the products in the offing at DICV.

“Made in India”
The light, medium and heavy duty range of commercial vehicles by BharatBenz will be manufactured at its new plant at Oragadam, near Chennai. Since the financial crisis in 2008, when the company had to realign its plans, every single step has gone as per plan in terms of time, quality and budget. As of today, the manufacturing plant spreads on 400 acres, build-up is almost complete and try-out productions for engines and transmissions have commenced. DICV has a total dedicated investment of over Rs. 4,400 crores. The initial production capacity of the plant is 36,000 units per year, which can be ramped up to a technical capacity of 72.000 units.
DICV has clear and simple plans to be competitive in a cost-efficient market like India. The company has partnered with around 400-450 suppliers in the Indian market, including some of the leading auto component manufacturers. The localisation rate achieved will be 85 per cent in its products, while the target is to overshoot 90 per cent. An interesting fact to be noted here is that 41 per cent of suppliers come from 50 km around the Oragadam plant and 44 per cent from the rest of India, including Maharashtra, Gujarat and Delhi.
Speaking on being cost-competitive, Mr. Llistosella said: ìEither localise or enhance the Indian supplier landscape significantly, or cost-wise there is no chance (to sustain). We have identified 400-450 suppliers, 75% of whom were not known to Daimler till 2008, not known meaning they were not in relation to Daimler. Now we have a totally new landscape of excellent suppliers in India. We have chosen, I think, the best suppliers, and with these suppliers we grow. We see them as partners to grow with us over the next five to twenty years, a long term relationship.
DICV follows an intensive process while identifying potential partners to ensure that all quality requirements are met. Due to close co-operation with its suppliers, the company gained access to the knowledge of the Indian market.
Mr. Llistosella added: ìWe will localise only when it makes sense, in terms of quality and economy. If this is not the case, we will import. It could come from Thailand, Taiwan, South Korea, even China, when it is quality-wise the best. It should be very cost-competitive but it should be also a BharatBenz, which means it must be much better in terms of quality than what is currently in the market. Itís a promise and a challenge and to make it quality-wise and cost-wise good is a challenge.

Reaching out to customers
BharatBenz is building up its extensive dealership network across India to have about 70 locations on board till the end of this year. It is planning to further extend its activities all over India. As a part of its meticulous dealership strategy, all dealers have been reviewed to meet highest business practices.
ìWe are on schedule with our plans and are geared up for the market launch of our trucks. In addition to a strong dealership network across the country, we also have BharatBenz financial services which is an in-house financial wing which will take care of needs of the customers. We have entered into partnership with leading financial institutions in India, such as HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank, to offer special financing options for BharatBenz customers. On the dealership front, we will continue to expand in a healthy and stabilized manner,î added Mr. V.R.V. Sriprasad, Vice President Marketing, Sales and After Sales, DICV.
Already on board are some of the leading names from the auto and commercial vehicle segment. The company has received 465 applications from Indian dealer companies till date. It would select the best suitable dealer at each location. The dealerships will be single-brand retails dedicated to BharatBenz as part of its aftersales service network.

Plans for the near future
With Benz in its DNA, 4 1/2 years of tailor-made designing for the Indian market, BharatBenz plans to launch 17 to 19 new products in the next 20 months. The first week of March 2012 will witness the premiere of the complete range of BharatBenz vehicles at a show in Hyderabad. The official inauguration of the Oragadam plant will be done in the third week of April this year.
Mr. Sriprasad assertively added: ìThe core is the customers and his needs. We have understood the needs of the customers over the last four to five years, built everything around this brand in order deliver value to the customer. That is where our confidence comes from and not just because we have Benz in the name. We have understood every single nuance of what works for the customer and built it into our products and services.
The company is confident that its 1,150 enthusiastic, dedicated and quality-rich Indian engineers have come out with trucks which are unique to the Indian market and better in key aspects such as performance, fuel efficiency, reliability, service intervals and comfort. The companyís focus is to raise the bar and realise its promise of providing India with a whole new trucking experience. Come 2013, the Indian trucking fraternity will have a trucking experience like never before, one that is bound to make things very interesting in the Indian commercial vehicle space.

With 1,500 exhibitors from 24 countries, 58 new product launches, nine fresh concepts and 12 green vehicles, Auto Expo 2012 in New Delhi really proved a leading global automotive show, demonstrating the might of the Indian auto industry. More than seven lakh people visited the six-day event. The number would easily have crossed the million-mark had the organisers not put a freeze on ticket sales.
Despite shortcomings in the infrastructure and other facilities, the sheer magnitude and scale of the event and the overwhelming visitor response clearly ranked the Auto Expo among the top global auto shows. This was perhaps the last time that Auto Expo was held at Pragati Maidan in Delhi. The venue for Auto Expo 2014 will be shifted to a new world-class facility.
An important question that remains unanswered is as to how long the present format of Auto Expo would continue. On the one hand, there is the car and bike segment, and on the other the truck and bus segment. The target audience for both these segments are entirely different. Then there are component manufacturers who supply to both these segments.
Gone are the days when we had just a couple of commercial vehicle manufacturers displaying a few concept trucks and buses. Auto Expo 2012 had participation from nearly 10 Indian and global truck and bus manufacturers displaying over 50 different models, including 15 new launches. These new products launched at the expo are no more concept vehicles but are vehicles which will hit the road shortly.
All this seems to necessitate a separate show on cars and bikes and related technologies & services, and another show on trucks and buses and the related segments. We can follow the German model with the IAA Car and Bike show in Frankfurt, followed by the IAA-Commercial Vehicle show at Hannover the next year. This pattern is most ideal for India, with scope for expansion in both the segments.
Commercial vehicle segment: The battle begins
The Indian commercial vehicle industry is now in its critical phase. From three to four at the start of this millennium, there are now more than a dozen major players in the truck and bus segment. They keep expanding their product range by making suitable portfolio changes. They are also preparing to stay on top by launching vehicles which are contemporary but at the sametime offering technology relevant to the Indian market and customers. Global players have realised the market dynamics and are developing products which are more relevant and acceptable to Indian customers. It will be interesting to watch the ongoing developments and see how the Indian truck and bus majors withstand the stiff competition from global majors, not just European and Japanese, but Chinese too.
Letís look at some of the interesting launches in the commercial vehicle segment at Auto Expo 2012. As the excitement started building up to the big event, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) made best use of the opportunity to provide a sneak preview to the BHARATBENZ range of trucks that would be unveiled in India. The DICV management team spoke about the companyís plans for the Indian market. A big-bang launch is planned by DICV in Hyderabad in the first week of March. The company has developed a completely new range of trucks for the Indian market after an extensive study of the customer requirement. How these trucks would make a mark in the Indian CV space will be watched with interest.
Market leader Tata Motors had its complete range of trucks and buses on display, right from the 0.5-tonner IRIS to the Prima. But the important launch for Tata Motors was the new LCV platform ULTRA. The Tata Ultra range offers future ready LCV & ICV trucks, ranging from 5-tonne to 14-tonne GVW. The company also showcased Paradiso, a multi-axle, inter-city luxury bus and a 5-axle 3723 truck.
Ashok Leyland had its interesting launches at Auto Expo, including the JANBUS, a single-step, front-engine, fully flat-floor bus, which is the first of its kind in the industry. AL also launched a 5-axle 10X2 truck and the Solo, an LCV bus from the Optare range. Two new light commercial vehicles ñ Stile, a passenger carrier, and Partner, a six-tonne LCV ñ developed with Nissan, its joint venture partner for LCVs, were also displayed by Ashok Leyland.

Volvo continued to strengthen its leadership in the premium bus segment with the launch of its new model 9400 PX, a 14.5-metre luxury coach, 7400 XL, a multi-axle city bus, and the well-engineered inter-city coach 9100.
Asia Motor Works (AMW) made its entry into the luxury bus segment by unveiling its 57-seater bus, the Magnus. The new bus is 14.3-metre long with a front-engine. AMW also unveiled two new trucks, the 4928 TR tractor and 2528 TP tipper.

Man Force forayed into the bus segment by unveiling the ëAirobusí a 45-seater inter-city air-conditioned coach powered by a 220 hp diesel engine.

Mahindra Navistar (MNAL) made its presence felt with its new customised truck applications. Its line-up at the Expo included MN25 (6×4) Transit mixer, MN25 Refrigerated van, MN31 Bulker, MN31 Haulage Tipper, MN25 HD Tipper and Tourister 32-seater CRDe Bus refresh.
The US commercial-vehicle maker Paccar Inc. is reportedly exploring the possibility of introducing heavy-duty trucks in India from its Dutch unit DAF Trucks NV. The company had on display its heavy duty mining truck.
Finally, SML Isuzu displayed its LT 134 luxury bus.

There were a few players who stayed away from this yearís Auto Expo including VECV, Scania and Hino. If the organisers decide to have a separate show for Commercial Vehicles, then we can see increased participation from all other CV majors and even from application builders.

The Indian Commercial Vehicle segment is all set for an interesting battle ahead. By the end of this decade, we might see new leaders emerge in specific segments but Indian CV manufacturers will continue to lead the industry, not just within India, but in many other global markets as well.

Tata Motors sparked off the birth of a new era in the LCV and ICV space with the launch of Tata Ultra 714 and 1017 LCV and ICV at Auto Expo. The Ultra platform combines three key elements redesigned for the future ñ futuristic styling, next-generation performance and redefined comfort and safety that will change the dynamics of transport business.
The Ultra range is powered by an all-new advanced DICOR 3 & 5 litre, 16-valve engine with higher aggregate life, longer service intervals and low NVH levels. It delivers an efficient and smooth ride. Radial tyres, parabolic leaf springs and tuned shock absorbers add to the comfort of the driver and ensure safe transit of goods. High-strength Domex 650 steel-rolled chassis frame with high tensile strength and straight long member construction gives flexibility of multiple wheel base at multiple payload points.
The all-new elegant sleek look, walk-through steel cabin with a dash-mounted cable shift gear, hydraulic cabin tilt mechanism ensures the driver feels at home. Ergonomically designed, mechanically suspended seats with integral head rest, tiltable, telescopic and collapsible power steering gives him the best of driving experience and stress-free long rides.
The Tata Ultra sports a new generation instrument cluster which displays live and trip fuel mileage, and offers clutch and brake wear indicators, seat and door ajar warnings, water in fuel indicator, neutral position, economy assistance, single key operation and a host of other delighters. Disc brakes for the first time in this category ensure effective braking at high speeds and loads. New stylized clear lens head lamps and LED tail lamps make the vehicle ideal for all-weather night driving.
The company feels that the vehicle, made out of a new assembly line in Pune, would be the best in its segment in India. There are a number of reasons for the company to express its confidence in the Ultra, including superior aggregate life, which it believes would be more by at least 50%, service intervals increased by 50%, longer warranty, better mileage and maintenance-free parts. The Ultra would cost more than the existing range. However it would be very competitively priced in the market.
The Ultra 714 is powered by a DICOR 3L engine delivering 138 hp and a torque of 360 Nm. It is fitted with the G400, a 6-speed gearbox. The truck comes loaded with features like a roof hatch, 12V utility socket, music system, digital clock, cab tilt lock indicator, low fuel level indicator lamp, brake lining wear indicator, air filter service electrical indicator, water in fuel indicator, door ajar lamp and leather finish dashboard.
The Ultra 1017 comes with a DICOR 5L engine, delivers 168 HP and a torque of 590 Nm. It has a 6-speed gearbox, the G550. The truck offers HVAC, cruise control, ABS, suspended driver seat, 12V utility socket, music system, power window, electrical mirror, centralised locking, Tachograph Telematics (GPS), digital clock, cab tilt lock indicator, low fuel level indicator lamp, brake lining wear indicator, door ajar indicator, air filter service electrical Indicator, water in fuel indicator, alloy wheels, low washer fluid indicator and leather finish dashboard.
Mr. Sandeep Kumar, Head – Sales and Marketing, Small, Light and Intermediate Commercial Vehicles, Tata Motors, said that the vehicle would be commercially available in the first quarter of next fiscal year (2012-13). The Ultra range will comprise a series of variants from 5 to 14 tonnes GVW. The BS IV vehicle would replace the companyís entire existing range over a period of next two to three years and is tipped to set a new standard in the coming years.
The Ultra range offers future-ready LCV & ICV trucks, making them business assets that will assuredly give the customers a competitive edge. With the new platform, Tata Motors aims to move on the top-line of the LCV segment similar to its efforts with the Prima in the HCV division.

Ashok Leyland launched the JanBus, the worldís first single-step, front-engine, fully-flat floor bus, representing a revolutionary new concept in urban transportation, at Auto Expo 2012. Feature-rich and technologically advanced, the JanBus is an innovative, well-thought-out transport solution that promises passengers easy, comfortable and affordable city travel. The Union Minister for Urban Development, Mr. Kamal Nath, formally launched the bus at the show.
Several unique features have been packed into the JanBus, none more so than the floor, that is 650 mm from the ground and uniformly flat right from the driverís work station to the rear. Passengers therefore do not have to climb any steps after entering the bus, while the stylishly side-mounted seats and seat-mounted stanchions offer ample hindrance-free leg room, which also makes cleaning very easy.
The JanBus has a single step entry and wide doors for quick alighting and boarding and considerable less stoppage time at bus stops. A kneeling option means that the floor height can be further lowered. The bus offers a high degree of customization with multiple options for door placement (available at five locations) and seating layouts. The bus can thus be configured for various applications like BRTS (Bus Rapid Transport System), airport tarmac and normal city travel.
The JanBus is equipped with another unique feature: the Ashok Leyland trade-marked Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) ñ LEYMATIC ñ seen for the first time on city buses in India that saves the driver from strenuous gear shifts and clutch operations and leaves him to focus on the road. The vehicle has superior acceleration, thanks to a 235 hp turbo-charged BS 4 compliant CNG MPFI engine. Another innovative aspect is the front-view cameras that enable the driver to see beyond the vehicle immediately in front of him thus making it ideal for the bumper-to-bumper city traffic and congested roads.
Unveiling the unique bus, Mr. Kamal Nath observed: ìA lot of the transport problems faced by urban India are attributable to the proliferation of private vehicle usage. People, however, will convert to public modes of transport only if they have good, comfortable, affordable and efficient options. With the JanBus, I am confident that Ashok Leyland has gone a long way towards providing a very attractive transport solution both for the passenger as well as the operator.
In his address on the occasion, Mr. Vinod K. Dasari, Managing Director, Ashok Leyland, said: ìThe JanBus is a good example of innovative Indian engineering. Historically, we have been successfully introducing new, passenger-friendly bus solutions, and the JanBus is just a continuation of that tradition. Patents have been applied for the 16 various innovations on this bus alone. For us, the JanBus is also a triumph of our understanding of the needs of our customers and is now ready for rolling out into the market. The JanBus is not only operator- and passenger-friendly, but has been engineered to address pedestrian safety as well with a specially designed fascia.î
The JanBus is replete with other features like an elegant driver work space with a host of friendly assists, air suspension for a comfortable ride, an infotainment system to keep passengers informed and entertained. It is intelligent and high-tech too thanks to its multiplexing, electronically controlled engine and gearshift.
Ashok Leyland, the flagship of the Hinduja Group, also introduced Indiaís first 37-tonne haulage truck with the highest payload of up to 27 tonnes. Built on the contemporary and future-ready U-Truck platform, the U-3723 H guarantees superior performance, durability and best-in-class operational efficiency.
One outstanding feature of the U-3723 H is its five axles – twin steerable front axles, two rear axles and a self-steerable pusher lift axle at the middle that enables the vehicle to carry more loads, far more efficiently. The auto-lift axle senses when the vehicle is running in an unloaded condition and will automatically lift the axle which translates into additional fuel saving.
Engineered to deliver a faster turnaround and better gradeability, the U-3723 H is equipped with the fuel-efficient 225 HP ëHí Series engine and a 9-speed gearbox. Further, the 10×4 configuration makes for excellent manoeuvrability even in arduous operating conditions.
Mr. Dasari further said: ìThe U-3723 H is truly the most efficient truck in the country and carefully engineered to meet certain specific customer requirements. With a more stringent implementation of rated payload on one hand and the availability of higher loads on the other, customers have been increasingly seeking higher capacity rigid trucks that can carry more loads translating into better operational economics. Market trends are clearly skewed towards the 31+tonne category and thus our U-3723 H is perfectly positioned to meet the demands for higher payload capacity, faster turnaround time and better manoeuvrability.î
The feature-rich sleeper cab is designed to address driver comfort and safety especially during long distance freight operations. Other features include an optional AC and parabolic suspensions with shock absorbers.
Fuel efficiency is further enhanced by the aero-dynamic cab and lower unladen weight. An optimized drive train and 11R20 tyres deliver improved driveability and effortless manoeuvrability. The deep section frames with bogie suspensions ensure better vehicle stability even at higher loads. A long loading span of 31 feet can easily take loads of any density and dimension. Strong aggregates, a robust chassis frame and suspensions reduce down-time considerably.
The U-3723 H is best-suited for applications like construction, Ready Mix Concrete, boom pumps and stone marble.

Asia MotorWorks (AMW), Indiaís third largest heavy commercial vehicle manufacturer, showcased at Auto Expo 2012 four exciting new vehicle models, including a luxury bus, to signal its intention to enter the bus market.
The company unveiled the next generation 4928 TR tractor, 2528 TP tipper and a new front-engine luxury bus called MAGNUS. Also on display was a new 37-tonne, 10×4, five-axle, haulage truck called the 3723 HL, which is a first of its kind vehicle in the country and one which the company believes would become the order of the day in the next few years. The new products launched are set to hit the market in the middle of this year.
The Managing Director & CEO of the company, Mr. Anirudh Bhuwalka, said at the launch function: ìThe new trucks you see are keeping in line with our strategy of leading the CV revolution. We have always given our customers, drivers and fleet operators better products to aspire for, which lead to better economics, drive comfort and safety standards which are becoming the norm of the day.
AMW offers trucks ranging from 16 to 49 tons and has pioneered several products in the Indian CV market. The new generation models will complement the existing range of trucks and have been developed by the company indigenously. They very well reflect the companyís increasing expertise in product development and set new benchmarks in terms of aesthetics, features, performance, comfort and safety in the Indian CV market. ìThe trucks come with enhanced engine power, new electronic engines and the overall aesthetics, and the cab built is in line with global standardsî, he added.
The new generation 4928 TR is a 49 ton tractor that features a striking new cabin and is powered by a state-of-the-art, 267 hp, common-rail, electronically-controlled, Cummins diesel engine, mated to a nine-speed Eaton gearbox. The 4928 TR will have a multitude of applications, including movement of container cargo across the upgraded Indian highway network.
AMW, which has a 26 per cent share in the 25-ton and above tipper segment, is set to strengthen its position in this segment with the unveiling of its 2528 TP model. It features a new cabin and is powered by the same engine as in the 4928 TR, mated to a nine-speed ZF gearbox. The model is aimed at the mining and construction segments and will also meet deep mining requirements as they evolve across the country. With this product, the company hopes to offer excellent driving comfort and increased productivity to owners.
The ultra-modern air-conditioned cabin on both models is offered in day and night trim, which was on display at the Expo. It meets global standards of aesthetics, safety and ergonomics and was styled by Stile Bertone in Italy, which is a world leader in automotive styling and design. With a length of 2307 mm, width of 2435 mm and height of 2913 mm, it is one of the largest cabins in the market.
The cabin is also fully suspended to ensure stability and ride comfort, and it has the largest capacity of in-cab storage in the class. Designed to match a contemporary European truck, it also features an LED screen for entertainment, GPS navigation system, and sleeping berths for the driver in the night cabin version. Brimming with confidence over the quality of its products, the company plans to export the trucks to 123 countries across the globe in the next few years.
The highlight of the AMW pavilion at the exhibition was the luxury bus, the new MAGNUS. The 14.3 metre long, 57-seat, inter-city bus is the longest in the country and will offer a host of comfort features to ensure a stress-free journey. The companyís strategy is to offer ëglobal products at affordable priceí, and with this product the company is confident of competing with established players at the very top of the bus market in India, making it an interesting year to watch out for in the Indian bus industry.

Volvo Buses unveiled the worldís first commercially viable hybrid bus – the Volvo 7700 Hybrid – at Auto Expo. Also on display in Volvoís green-carpeted pavilion was the New Volvo bus range, including the Volvo 9400PX coach, the Volvo 9100 coach and the Volvo 7400XL multi-axle city bus.
Volvo commenced the serial production for Europe of the Volvo 7700 Hybrid in May 2010. This bus was developed following several years of research & development of the hybrid technology.
Since its launch, the Volvo Hybrid solution has emerged as a commercially viable bus and has been adopted for regular use in countries in the Americas and Europe. Eight out of 10 customers have thus far returned for repeat purchase of these buses. In December 2011, Volvo Buses had secured orders for over 450 hybrid buses from Mexico, Brazil and Europe.
Mr. Akash Passey, Managing Director & CEO, Volvo Buses in South Asia, said: ìAt Volvo we have what is considered today as the worldís most efficient hybrid solution. The Volvo 7700 Hybrid has been unveiled to showcase our intent and readiness for India. Itís not a concept, itís a reality because itís been out there running on the roads around the world in over 20 countries for over 2 years now. This product is available on road and can be brought into India as and when the market or customers desire.î
The Volvo 7700 Hybrid is equipped with a smaller diesel engine and an electric motor, which can be used independently or jointly. The electric motor is driven by energy from a battery that is charged when the bus brakes. At bus stops, the diesel engine switches off completely. This creates a silent and exhaust-free environment at bus stops. The bus then restarts only with the help of the electric engine. The diesel engine does not start until the bus reaches 15-20 km/hour.
ìItís about green efficiency, reducing emissions, reducing fuel consumption by 35-37% and, most importantly, hazardous emissions down by 50%. We think this is a quantum leap in citiesî, he added.
Another advantage is that the bus generates significant fuel savings regardless of where it operates. Many of the older hybrid solutions are efficient only in highly congested city traffic, but Volvoís technology functions equally well when there is a greater distance between bus stops.
Commenting on the bus design, he said: ìItís based on the parallel integrated design. Itís not a combination of different aggregates taken from different suppliers to make a hybrid bus. Volvo has its blood into it in terms of being involved in the designing process and more or less being the main component designer, being the producer for most of the components.î
The Volvo 9400PX is longer, more spacious and more high-performing and comes with a host of new features to make travel even more comfortable. At 14.5m the Volvo 9400PX is the longest inter-city coach yet in India. It has the unique distinction of being a global introduction, starting from India, and the first product of its type in the Volvo product range too.
The Volvo 7400XL is Indiaís first multi-axle bus with a steered axle. At 14.5m, it is Indiaís first city bus ready to support efficient mass bus-based transport systems to move more people, with fewer buses, quicker & with less resource utilisation. Volvo 7400XL will take the Volvo City Bus Concept to a new level.
Mr. Passey remarked: ìVolvo has always been known in India to have played a leading role in developing the top segments. We have very clearly last year stated our interest to go down in terms of increasing our presence in the Indian bus segment through many different segments in addition to the premium segment we operate today. Keeping that in line, Volvo Buses with its engineering capabilities in India and in Asia has made a bus for Asia, made in Asia, in India; thatís the 9100 coach ñ 11.5 m, which is expected to be about 20-25% lower in price than our current product range which we already have in India.î
The Volvo 9100 coach is an integral part of Volvo Busesí ambition to drive quality of transport across the country to more and more cities and routes. The new coach embodies the Volvo values for safety, quality and care for environment. It is a global introduction, developed in Asia, starting from India. It is a product to cater to Tier 2 & 3 cities in India and takes Volvo buses into new market segments in the country, thereby expanding the market potential significantly.

Why Volvo 7700 Hybrid?

• Proven in widespread commercial operation
• New lighter body design
• Increased passenger capacity
• Up to 37% fuel savings
• 40-50% lower exhaust emissions
• Quiet and emission-free at bus stops
• Optimised for both inner city and suburban traffic conditions
• Backed by a comprehensive business solutions package

All eyes are on Delhi where the sprawling Pragati Maidan is all set to host the five-day Auto Expo 2012, reckoned the second largest automotive event in Asia in terms of its popularity and magnitude after the Shanghai Show, from January 7. Having attracted almost all the leading global vehicle and component manufacturers who have set up shop and keep expanding their operations, India is rated a most influential auto power with the number of exhibitors at the Delhi show, from 24 countries, exceeding 1,500 for the first time. The expo will witness 50 new launches of cars, trucks & buses, two-wheelers and other India-specific products. World tyre majors like Michelin, Bridgestone, Pirelli, Dunlop and Continental and prominent component manufacturers from France, Canada, Germany, Japan and Hong Kong will have a stronger presence in the expo this time than ever before. The other focus areas include alternative fuels, electric and hybrid mobility, etc., with stalls exclusively devoted for the related technologies. The exhibition venue was agog with enthusiastic booking for space going on till the last moment.
India and China, with their resilient economy, enjoy the unique distinction of having led the Asian recovery from the recession of 2008 that ravaged all the countries around the world. Though most of them have managed to come out of the crisis, several others are still reeling under the damage done. There is still optimism among Western circles that India will re-emerge a global auto power after weathering the current slowdown. This is based on the projection made in the much-publicisied Automotive Mission Plan 2006-16 that the Indian auto sector’s contribution to GDP would almost double with its turnover rising to $145 billion by 2016.
The latest development that has cheered both the government and industry in India is that the growth in key infrastructural areas with a weightage of 38 per cent in the overall Index of Industrial Production has bounced back to 6.8 per cent in November after hitting a low of 0.3 per cent in October. This is clear indication that, with comfortable foreign exchange reserves, the economy is in for a major breakthrough in all industry sectors, including automobiles. Foreign investors are as much interested in India as in the pre-recession period when the country’s automotive sector registered a double-digit growth for three years in a row while the industry worldwide reported poor or stagnant growth. It is against this encouraging backdrop that the Auto Expo being held in Delhi assumes special significance.
MOTORINDIA continues to be associated with Auto Expo as Media Partner since 1986.

Around 1,500 participants from 24 countries would be taking part in the show. Companies from Germany, China, Canada, France, Italy, Japan and the UK have already confirmed their participation.
– Mr. Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII

The countdown for the 11th Auto Expo to be held in New Delhi during January 5-11 has begun. A massive overseas participation, bigger contingents from Germany and China, and a strong presence of Indian manufacturers have all resulted in complete booking of space at the venue with 16 halls, 10 hangers and the outdoor space in total comprising 1,15,000 sq. meters.
Addressing a press conference in Delhi on the eve of exhibition, Mr. S. Sandilya, SIAM President, said the international attention on the Indian automotive industry is perhaps at its peak today, with the developed markets either stagnant or declining. India is one of the few markets in the world which is growing and also has a vast growth potential in the years to come. Therefore, the world is looking at India to drive future global growth in the auto sector. Almost every foreign vehicle manufacturer has a presence in the exhibition, and companies that do not yet have their presence in India are expected to enter shortly.
According to him, with the current lull in the market, Auto Expo would aim to generate excitement and fulfill the aspirations of the Indian consumers with its theme and would also position India as a champion of Green Mobility, with a focus on alternative fuels, electric and hybrid mobility, etc., which is a national as well as a global imperative today.

The optimism for future prospects is truly reflected in the auto exposition with the venue bursting at its seams with massive bookings.

The Indian component industry too has in the last few years penetrated the global markets either through partnerships or acquisitions. Global component manufacturers like Visteon, Delphi, Magna and Continental either have a dedicated business in India or are in tie-ups with Indian component manufacturers. Tyre majors like Michelin, Bridgestone, Pirelli, Dunlop, Continental as well Indian heavyweights like Apollo, JK, MRF, etc., too have carved their space in the Indian automotive industry, the Indian firms even gaining international foothold. Increased attention on India is a result of the tremendous growth shown by its economy, especially when global markets are reeling under severe downturns.
Mr. Arvind Kapur, ACMA President, in his address, observed that exhibitors from the auto component industry have a strong presence in Auto Expo 2012. Some of the major component manufacturers from Belarus, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, Switzerland, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey and the UAE  are participating in the show, making it “India’s global automotive show”.
In his concluding remarks, Mr. Vikram Kirloskar, Vice President, SIAM, said that as in the past the 11th Auto Expo would also feature vehicles to be launched in the Indian market in the coming months and years.
Auto Expo 2012 will witness launch of about 50 vehicles, besides display of world class vehicles and designs. India-specific products are also to be unveiled simultaneously for the first time. Component manufacturers would be announcing major innovations in their respective fields, especially their efforts towards green technology.
Auto Expo is rededicating January 5, the first day of the show, as a Goodwill Day as in the previous edition. Although the first day is open exclusively for the media, it would also allow entry to those who are physically challenged. Apart from the innovative additions to the show, it would have its usual focused pavilions for accessories, audio, alternate fuel, gas technologies, design, IT, diesel, garage equipment and the popular ‘asli-naqli’ pavilion.