COMMERCIAL VEHICLE INDIA MAY 2021 by Next Gen Publishing Pvt Ltd

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Volume 15 Issue 8 • May 2021

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CV industry’s journey in a post-pandemic period FM Logistic deploys EVs Material shortage Indian bus industry developments CNH FAW talks end

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CV_ MAY 2021

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STRAIGHT DRIVE

O “Tough times lie ahead”.

xygen tankers outside hospitals; on the roads, and on ‘oxygen’ trains is once again an indication of how important CVs are for a civil society. This should inturn also reflect the role played by its drivers , operators and the entire ecosystem surrounding them. If the CVs used by politicians to conduct election rallies – Covid-19 or no Covid-19, are important, it is the ones that are engaged in the supply of oxygen, vaccines, medicines and other essentials – not to forget ambulances – that are currently ensuring that the nation’s many activities, often essential, do not come to a standstill. When the Covid-19 pandemic unleashed itself last year, it were the CVs that ensured the nation’s wheels kept on turning. Its drivers and operators braved the harassment of the authorities despite carrying essential goods in what has come to termed as the world’s strictest lock down. The situation hurt the transporters. It hurt the entire CV industry among many others. Despite the risks taken by CV drivers, they were hardly presented a helping hand in need. With the second (Covid-19) wave, the already distressed CV industry could be looking at further damage being caused to it. Tough times lie ahead. Bhushan Mhapralkar b.mhapralkar@nextgenpublishing.net

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what's inside Cover story 21

Apollo CV Awards 2021 A humble tribute to the industry

CV industry’s journey in a post-pandemic period The keynote address of Darrell Huntsman, CEO, Frost & Sullivan, as part of Apollo CV Awards 2021, provided a glimpse of how the CV industry will journey in postpandemic period.

05 Straight Drive Bhushan Mhapralkar 08 Letters 10 CV News Transporters risk losing billions? n Switch Mobility partners Siemens n Michelin sustainable strategy n Chip shortage n Raven 5100 Ultra n Vi integrated IoT solutions n Isuzu completes UD Trucks acquisition n cKers Finance for e-3Ws n Mahindra Treo Zor sales milestone n Ashok Leyland light bullet-proof vehicles n

n n n

Minus Zero tests autonomous 3W? Jaya Hind Industrues expands association SafeStorage Mumbai facility

We welcome feedback, bouquets and brickbats on how this magazine is shaping up. Write to us at cvonline@nextgenpublishing.net or visit us on www.commercialvehicle.in

Commercial Vehicle May 2021 // www.commercialvehicle.in

R YOUICE VO

May 2021 FM Logistic deploys EVs

FM Logistic has deployed a fleet of EVs to address the needs of its client towards sustainable urban deliveries. n n n

n n n n

Smart and innovative trucks Flipkart partners with MLL Rail transport instead of long-haul road carriage? ReadyAssist for EVs Smart CV Tyres Sujan Roy joins Ashok Leyland Etrio partners with Zypp Electric

48 DITA's the name A technology named after a girl or a women makes for an interesting insight.

Local battery tech for e3Ws

Omega Seiki has partnered with C4V to bring solid state battery development to India.

Material shortage

Material shortage may trouble the auto industry as it responds to a good rebound in demand.

54 The New Peterbilt 579 The Peterbilt Motors Company has launched the New 579 truck with aerodynamic changes to improve fuel efficiency. Indian bus industry developments

A number of developments in the Indian bus space are highlighting opportunities as well as the challenges that lie in front.

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Letters Commercial Vehicle Magazine

608, Trade World, 6th floor, C wing, Kamala Mills compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (W), Mumbai - 400013, India. Tel +91 9321546598 Email us at cv@nextgenpublishing.net

Electric cargo carrier

he story on Mahindra Treo Zor provided a good insight into how the electric three-wheeler commercial scene is shaping up. A good understanding of the vehicle and how its manufacturer is aiming at the market provided an insight into why so many electric cargo three wheelers are suddenly being introduced. Some are by established players and some are by start-ups. Their utility and operational value in comparison to the conventional diesel three wheelers makes for an interesting consideration at a time when the fuel, tyre and other commodity costs are fast rising. At the other, the application of AC chargers and the growing commercial vehicle charging infrastructure is something that needs to be looked at. With e-commerce and express delivery logistics companies deploying such vehicles in their fleet, a better understanding of their payload capacity, range, comfort, safety and lifecycle costs is necessary. Electric three wheelers seem to follow the influx of electric two wheelers in the first and last mile logistics area by e-commerce logistics companies like Delhivery and Ekart, and express food and vegetable delivery chains like Zomato and Big Basket. If these electric three wheelers will eventually replace the electric commercial-use two wheelers needs to be looked at. Vaibhav Dhume, Nagpur

A sleeker, smarter truck

he trucking scene has changed quite some in the last one year. It has used the BSVI transition to its advantage in absorbing new customer-centric technologies to make trucks smarter and sleeker. The article on the Tata Ultra Sleek T. Series seemed to suggest that. Adding to the already wide and modular Ultra range of trucks and buses, the Sleek T. Series signals at a distinct shift in market requirements. It also signals the beginning of a rapid travel towards further evolution cycles including hybrid and electric trucks. CNG trucks are already a well established site in last and first mile segments, typically urban and where the respective fuel availability is good. Offering operators the advantage of better performance, efficiency, comfort and low TCO, trucks like these are making a case for absorbing the next round of technologies as the regulations and market requirements will demand. To wish away regulations will be highly risky, and it would be the same regarding customer requirements. With infra changes and the economic developments, a big churn is the way CVs are utilised could be only a few miles away. Ain’t the new sleeker and smarter trucks signaling the same? Vivek Bhat, Mumbai

Editor Test Editor Web Editor Correspondent Head-Design & Production Asst. Art Director Designer Image Desk Production Supervisor Publisher Mentor & Special Advisor General Manager North & East

Bhushan Mhapralkar Aspi Bhathena Ashish Bhatia Deepti Thore Ravi Parmar Ajit Manjrekar Prathmesh Vichare Dipak Gaykar Dinesh Bhajnik Marzban Jasoomani Hoshang S. Billimoria Ellora Dasgupta

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Pen down your views and queries to Commercial Vehicle, Next Gen Publishing Pvt. Ltd, 608, Trade World, 6th floor, C wing, Kamala Mills compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (W), Mumbai - 400013, INDIA. or Login to: www.commercialvehicle.in or Email us on: cv@nextgenpublishing.net

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News

Transporters risk losing billions? W

ith another Covid-19 spike in India and the subsequent efforts to arrest it, transporters are once again risking losing billion dollars, claim sources. They mention that regional lockdowns, curfews and other restrictions could lead to a loss of revenue of roughly Rs.17,800 crore per month. They add that the manufacturing sector has already started showing signs of a slowdown with raw material in short supply. Risking steep price escalation among other effects, the slowdown in manufacturing sector is starting to replicate in other sectors too. This in-turn has started to affect load availability for transporters. Transporters therefore, say sources, are worried about freight rates climbing down further in addition to a fall in utilisation levels. Carrying goods worth USD 150 billion a year, which accounts to about USD12 billion per month, the Indian road transport sector, sources explain, is already starting to lose whatever

momentum it had gathered in the last few months. If this could translate into a worry for financiers, the supply chain across the country has already begun to slowdown.

A minimum impact of 20 per cent on load carriage is expected for April 2021, and would amount to an erosion of couple of billion dollars in revenue for the logistics sector.

Switch Mobility partners Siemens

witch Mobility, forged from the EV capabilities of Ashok Leyland and Optare, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Siemens to build a cooperative technological partnership in electric commercial mobility segment and execute e-mobility projects in India. The MoU is aimed at delivering efficient, cost-effective and sustainable e-mobility solutions to various commercial vehicle customers in India. To achieve this objective, Switch Mobility Ltd., will bring its strong electric commercial vehicle industry experience while Siemens will offer its proven flexible,

Commercial Vehicle May 2021 // www.commercialvehicle.in

high-efficiency and future-ready charging infrastructure technology with efficient and reliable mediumvoltage grid connection solutions. Siemens’ charging infrastructure

management software solution would enhance the energy-efficient operations of the chargers. As part of the MoU, Siemens Financial Services (SFS), the financing arm of Siemens AG, will consider a minority investment in OHM Global Mobility Private Ltd., the Mobility as a Service (eMaaS) platform company to be formed as a subsidiary of Switch Mobility Automotive Limited. The ambitious plan of OHM Global Mobility Private Ltd. through eMaaS is to provide a net carbon zero emission solution to India’s exciting trend towards EV urban buses and LCVs.

news

Michelin sustainable strategy M

ichelin has announced a sustainable strategy for 2030. It is based on the constant search for the right balance between people, planet and profit, according to Florent Menegaux, Managing Chairman, and Yves Chapot, General Manager and Chief Financial Officer, Michelin. Representating the Group’s ambitions, the sustainability report is about a vision based on twelve indicators covering environmental, social, societal and financial performance. In the case of people, it is about achieving higher employee engagement rate, about women in management positions, and about workplace safety. In the case of planet, it is about reducing CO2emissions, achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, and increasing sustainable raw materials content. In the case of profit, it is about driving sustained growth, deriving 20 to 30 per cent of sales from non-tyre businesses, and guaranteeing the creation of significant value. The non-tyre growth territories include development of unrivaled technological leadership in the design and manufacture of tyres purposeengineered for EVs; specialty tyres for mining, earthmover, agricultural, aircraft and other specialty tyres, and expand in service and solutions area that includes flexible composites, medical devices, metal 3D printing and hydrogen mobility.

Chip shortage T

he shortage of semiconductor chips is affecting the automotive supply chain hard, restricting the speed of vehicle manufacture right from a three-wheeler to a big rig. The move to BSVI said to have lead to further escalation in the electronic content onboard every Indian automobile, the chip shortage is claimed to hamper production, a challenge that is likely to continue into next year when the next phase of BSVI emission norms are expected to come into force. An unprecedented surge in demand for electronics and personal computers amid the pandemic, claim sources, has resulted in a shortage of semiconductors. Most semiconductors used in Indian automobiles are imported. The Indian auto manufacturers are in fact known to import electronics and related systems worth nearly Rs.30,000 crore. The chips sourced from a few companies, most of them in US, find use in the various electronic control modules of automobiles. In a report by EY India, Vinay Raghunath, Partner and Automotive Sector Leader, has mentioned that semiconductors are an essential part of the DNA of newage gadgets spanning smartphones, laptops and cars. The post-covid demand growth across sectors has created a sudden splurge in demand for semiconductors which is another supply chain constraint

that automotive manufacturers need to prioritize and address.” Said Yugesh Aglawe, Partner – Supply Chain, Business Consulting, EY India, said, “The current semiconductor shortage will certainly revive with time, however other similar disruptions may occur again.” “Automobile manufacturers, he suggested, should make use of rapid what-if scenario modeling capabilities that are available in modern-day intelligent digital planning solutions to assess such risks in advance.” “The ones who do this will mitigate their risks better and win more often in the market,” Aglawe added. Attributing the chip shortage, which is known to have caused some disruption at the Indian commercial vehicle manufacturers, to the substantial swings in demand due to the pandemic, the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) is known to have said that the sale of auto chips climbed sharply owing to the return of demand.

Raven 5100 Ultra

irla Carbon has announced the launch of Raven 5100 Ultra piano black for high-end automotive and electronic applications. It is, according to John Davidson, Chief - Sales, and Marketing Officer, Birla Carbon, an innovation for the automotive plastics

industry engineered to help them address their customer demands. A next-generation piano black for high-end applications in automotive, consumer electronics, and household appliances segments, Raven 5100 Ultra showcases ultra-high jetness

with an attractive blue undertone. It is compatible with various engineering resins, and has a good balance of dispersion and color performance. It is produced in bead form, which makes handling and transport of the material easier. Commercial Vehicle www.commercialvehicle.in // May 2021

News

Vi integrated IoT solutions

i Businesses has announced new IoT solutions portfolio for smart infrastructure, smart mobility and smart utilities among others. The IoT mobilitay solutions include connected vehicle solution, fleet management solution, auto business benefits, data monetisation (for better insightdriven decisions by analysing data generated of connected vehicle/s), driving behaviour analysis for fleets (through a driving score that takes into account harsh braking, harsh acceleration, and sudden turn events), accessibility to vehicle data (as an automotive OEM, you can create value-added service programs for your customers, thereby increasing after-sales service loyalty), productivity and visibility improvement (prevent delays with visibility on unplanned halts and vehicle idling time), and seamless enterprise integration (with plug-in adapters and APIs for enterprise or mobile application integration).

Isuzu completes UD Trucks acquisition I

suzu Motors has completed the transaction to acquire Japan-based UD Trucks (formerly long known as Nissan Diesel) from the Volvo Group for approximately USD 2.2 billion. The transaction, estimated to have a positive impact on the Volvo Group’s operating income in the second quarter 2021 of close to USD 230 million, includes the creation of a 20 year strategic alliance by the two OEMs with commercial vehicles, the completion of which becomes operation after the completion of the acquisition formalities. Said to have increased the Volvo Group’s net cash position by approximately USD 2.2 billion, the acquisition of UD trucks by Isuzu is also about an entry into the next phase of deriving potential synergies in areas that will encompass formation of a technology partnership. The partnership would leverage the parties’ complementary areas of expertise within both well-known and new technologies and creating a larger volume base to support investments for technology. Exploring further opportunities for even broader and deeper collaboration within the commercial vehicle businesses across geographical areas and product lines for future urban logistics solutions, the two are poised to explore cooperation in the areas of purchasing and logistics, leveraging common technology, as well as the geographical footprint complementarity and volume expansion through a joint alliance office with facilities both in Japan and Sweden.

cKers Finance for e-3Ws A

non-banking financial company, cKers Finance, has announced a debt financing tie-up with Altigreen, an e-cargo three wheeler manufacturer. Setting up an initial line of Rs.30 million for Altigreen to use as a working capital fot manufacture EV components and the cargo L5 e-three wheeler, cKers Finance is bullish about the evolution of a strong EV ecosystem and the growth that it will create for the Indian economy. The company is partnering with companies that are able to showcase a strong business model, proven unit level economics and track record in raising institutional equity. It is leveraging its understanding and research about the developments in the EV ecosystem. Through its e-three wheelers, Altigreen is aiming at the emerging clean energy urban first and last mile delivery applications at e-commerce among others.

Commercial Vehicle May 2021 // www.commercialvehicle.in

News

Mahindra Treo Zor sales milestone

ahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M) has announced the sale of over 1000 units of its Treo Zor electric cargo three wheeler. The sales milestone, as per the company statement, was achieved in a short spane of six months. Claimed to have garnered a market share of 59 per cent in its

category, the e-three wheeler is powered by a eight-kW motor situated besides the live rear axle, omitting the need for a gearbox. Easy to pilot with the absence of ang gears or clutch, the vehicle, fitted with a hydraulic braking system, has a lithium-ion battery to boast of. It takes 3.5 hours for a 48V

Ac charger to fully charge the battery. The range is 80 km and the maxium speed is 50 kmph. Aimed at urban first and last mile deliveries, the vehicle is offered in three variants – pickup, flat bed and delivery van. It is priced upwards of Rupees-three lakh.

Minus Zero tests autonomous 3W?

Ashok Leyland light bullet-proof vehicles A

shok Leyland has delivered first of its kind ‘Light Bullet Proof Vehicles’ (LBPV) to the Indian Air force. Adding to the logistics vehicles the CV maker as supplied to the Indian Army, the LBPV is an adopted version of Lockheed Martin’s (LM) CVNG (Common Vehicle Next Gen). It has been developed under TOT from LM to Ashok Leyland. It is completely indigenised and developed in India, highlighting an ability and understanding of the company to address the extreme endurance application requirements. Ashok Leyland has a dedicated business vertical to cater to the requirements

Commercial Vehicle May 2021 // www.commercialvehicle.in

of the armed forces. This vertical has developed 4x4 to 12x12 machines for defence personnel and logistics applications. The relation of Ashok Leyland began with Lockheed Martin in 2014 with their CVNG Program. Accommodating a crew of 06, and providing ample cargo space to carry substantial mission equipment, the LBPV has extremely high payload fraction. It has outstanding ride quality and low occupant-absorbed power. The crew can easily endure long distance travel off-road, and still be an effective in their combating duties. The crew is also well protected from ballistic and blast threats.

start-up company, Minus Zero, has successfully tested a re-jigged three-wheeler as an autonomous vehicle for over twokilometres on an unregulated street of Jalandhar, claim sources. They cite a video of the same on YouTube, and mention that the test was conducted with a safety technician sitting in the passenger compartment of the vehicle to manually override the control through software in case of any anomaly. Stating that the test was carried out by keeping the local authorities in loop, and on their advice a team of volunteers was kept ready at different intervals on the path to moderate traffic or block the path in case of any anomaly in software, sources say that the successful completion of the test adds to the efforts by companies – big and small, in the Indian mobility space to design and develop autonomous vehicles of varying levels. Minus Zero, they add, is keen to build self-driving cars with Level 5 autonomy using AI and LIDAR tech among others.

News

Jaya Hind Industries expands association

aya Hind Industries Pvt. Ltd. has announced expansion of its 12-year old technical co-operation with KS Huayu Alutech, Germany. Going beyond the association to manufacture automotive cylinder blocks and cylinder heads till 2027, the technical co-operation now includes manufacture of parts for Evs among others. In India, Jaya Hind Industries has four manufacturing facilities – two at Pune, one at Chennai and one at Dewas. A fully integrated company with modern tool manufacturing capabilities and downstream machining facilities, it caters to

clients like Volkswagen, Cummins, Ford, PSA, Daimler, Volvo, Renault Nissan, Maruti Suzuki, Isuzu, Mahindra, Tata Motors, FIAT India, and others. Belonging to the renowned automotive supplier KSPG with operations in Germany and China, KS HUAYU AluTech specialises in aluminum castings for vehicle chassis and body parts. By designing, developing and manufacturing lighter parts, it has been contributing to the OEMs efforts to lower vehicle weight, increse efficiency and lower the carbon footprint.

SafeStorage Mumbai facility S

afeStorage has announced that it has entered Mumbai region by setting up a 40,000 sq. ft. warehouse at Bhiwandi. Claiming to be India’s leading storage solution provider and a 3PL operator, SafeStorage has also announced that the respective warehouse has stated of the art features and would complement the company’s growth, which currently stands at over seven-lakh sq. ft. storage space in total. Successfully serving over 12,000 personal storage clients and over

300 corporate clients, the company has some 30 warehouses across Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai and

Commercial Vehicle May 2021 // www.commercialvehicle.in

Mumbai. The largest warehouse of the company is in Bengaluru at 1.2 lakh sq. ft. It was opened recently. SafeStorage

also commissioned a 40,000 sq. ft. warehouse at Chennai recently. This was followed by the opening up of a 10,000 sq. ft. warehouse at Pune. The features at the new warehouse includes automated quotation and booking process, and customised work order management and customer portal. The web application was recently upgraded by SafeStorage from Code Ignitor to Laravel Framework. The SafeStorage app has been updated from Native to google flutter.

news

Smart and innovative trucks P

ost the announcement of new axle norms in 2018 much water has flown under the CV industry bridge. The shift to applicationbased CVs than tonnage-based CVs is more apparent than ever. The BharatBenz 5228TT, Tata 3118.T and Ashok Leyland 4120 highlight it like no other CVs could. The three expand the scope of a truck to carry more by applying technology and a deeper understanding of the needs of the transporter. If the 5228TT is rated at 54-tonne with a 4x2 configuration making it the tractor-head of its kind that provides such a GCW, the 3118.T enables carriage of 3,500kg higher certified payload than a corresponding 28-tonne GVW rigid truck. This

has a definitive effect on net operating profit by a big margin. If the 5228TT and 3118.T look at bridging the gap between segments and fill up the white spaces, they are smart, innovative and modular. Modular the 4120 AVTR too is. Powered by an engine that could be had with 200 hp and 250 hp power output, the 8x2 truck, had with three cab options, is fitted with a dual-tyre lift axle. Marking the introduction of India’s first fouraxle rigid truck with

a 40.5-tonne GVW, the 4120 AVTR can carry an additional five-tonne load as compared to the standard 8x2 trucks. Its revenue and payload are comparable to a 10x2, and at 28-tonne with the lift axle up, the truck, seeping less diesel, offers an operating cost that is similar to a 6x2 vehicle.

Flipkart partners with MLL

lipkart has partnered with Mahindra Logistics Limited (MLL) to further its commitment to turn its fleet 100 per cent electric and deploy more than 25,000 EVs by 2030. Partnering with MLL will provide Flipkart the advantage of EDEL, which is MLL’s own electric delivery brand since late last year. EDEL in-

turn has partnered with companies in consumer and e-commerce space to provide sustainable last-mile delivery across six cities in India using EVs. As part of its partnership with Flipkart, EDEL will procure different types of EVS from OEMs to establish a pan-India presence. It will scale up beyond its

presence in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Kolkata, and Hyderabad, to top 20 cities by the year-end. Flipkart’s partnership with MLL comes after it announced a tie-up with leading EV makers like Hero Electric, Mahindra Electric and Piaggio sometime back with an intention to deploy their e-vehicles in its logistics fleet.

Commercial Vehicle www.commercialvehicle.in // May 2021

News

Rail transport instead of long-haul road carriage? T

he recent announcement by Maruti Suzuki that it has dispatched 7.2 lakh vehicles on rail rakes in five years has once again put under spotlight the issue of rising preference for rail transport over long-haul road carriage. In FY2020-21, more than 1.8 lakh vehicles were dispatched by rail, accounting for nearly 13 per cent of the company’s total sales. This would account for the highest-ever railway dispatch by the company, as against nearly 88,000 units in FY2016-17. The push for rail and inland water logistics is nothing new in India. Neither are the efforts being taken to ensure that the projects are successful. While a young transporter told CV magazine that rail

will never replace longhaul road transport once the Covid-19 wave passes and rail travel of people resumes normalcy, the rail versus long-haul road transport is claimed to have the background of the government’s efforts to bring down the freight rates in the country. The new axles norms in 2018 on the

back of the transporter’s strike is also claimed to be yet another effort to bring down the freight rates. On the condition of not revealing his name, a transporter drew attention to issues like highway harassment and bribes, high fuel and commodity prices (tyre, oil, AdBlue, etc.), higher acquisition

cost of the (BSVI) vehicle and higher compliance requirements as the factors that have been limiting the transporters ability to operate at lower freight rates. Mentioned an industry source that the thinking behind encouraging higher rail freight is to lower the pollution levels. An effort, he added, is to have less vehicles moving more cargo on the road, saving fuel and lowering the collective carbon footprint. Argued another source, that the flexibility offered by road transport even on a long-haul basis is advantageous. The ability of a truck to facilitate a door step delivery and pickup is something that the railways will never be able to do, he added.

ReadyAssist for EVs

eadyAssist has announced that it has developed a strategy to pan-India roadside assist electric vehicles. This includes 5000 locations for the same across the country. The initiative, ReadyAssist, is claimed to be India’s first from an RSA provider, and bundles with it an umbrella of services for EV owners in India. The customers will get assistance for services such as battery swapping and on-the-spot charging services

Commercial Vehicle May 2021 // www.commercialvehicle.in

through its mobile charge units. Here mobile charging unit implies that the RSA provider will get a portable charge pack which can be directly connected with the electric vehicles to charge it on the spot. The company will also facilitate funding options to its existing mechanics partners so that they can open their own micro charging kiosks at home to support EV owners across urban and rural areas.

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Sujan Roy joins Ashok Leyland A

Smart CV Tyres N

otwithstanding the demand and supply challenges concerning (join with natural rubber) of natural rubber, a key constituent in the manufacture of tyres, outrunning supply, smart CV tyres are the order of the day. They are in-line with the change in market requirements where the focus is clearly shifting from tonnage-based usage to application-based usage. Apollo Tyres has introduced Abhimanyu, a cross-ply rib tyre for steer axles in CVs. Launched on the basis of customers’ feedback, and post many man hours of research and development to perfect the product in terms of performance and application areas, the tyre, produced at the Perambra plant in Kerala, marks a host of innovations on the product design front and on the compounding technology front. Delivering 15 per cent better Initial Tread Mileage (ITM) to ensure maximum profitability for the customers, the tyre has a superior heat ageing resistant casing to provide segment leading durability, retread-ability and casing value. It is suitable for moderate load in regional cargo, tipper and some other segments in trucks. It is suitable for use in

positions in passenger buses. JK Tyre and Industries has partnered with JBM Auto to supply ‘Smart’ radial tyres for the bus maker’s Citylife (CNG) and Ecolife electric buses. An indigenous product, the tyre, according to Srinivasu Allaphan, Director – Sales & Marketing, JK Tyre and Industries, provides real-time information about its health through smart sensors. The tyre is fitted with a tyre pressure and temperature monitoring system to ensure superior mileage, less tear and wear, lower rolling resistance and higher safety. Pioneering radial tyre technology in India, JK Tyre has been working on various new technologies associated with tyres and its value system. The company has also been actively educating and supporting truck and bus operators to help get most value out of tyres. It has invested in dedicated CV tyre centres across the country to help truck and bus operators to address their issues. The association with JBM regarding the ‘Smart’ radial tyres is said to involves an end-to-end tyre management pact involving a team of JK Tyre professionals on a 24x7 basis.

Commercial Vehicle May 2021 // www.commercialvehicle.in

shok Leyland has appointed Sujan Roy as its head for the SAARC region. He will be responsible for sales in the adjoining country markets for Ashok Leyland range of products. Joining Ashok Leyland after a decade-long stint at Tata Motors, Roy will leverage his knowledge and experience from working in the auto industry. Before his stint at Tata Motors as the head of international business, passenger vehicles, and as the head of marketing, electric vehicles (domestic), Roy worked at Volkswagen, Honda, and Mahindra & Mahindra, respectively.

Etrio partners with Zypp Electric

lectric vehicle start-up, Etrio, has associated with two wheeler logistics start-up Zypp Electric to address its last mile delivery needs with an e-three wheeler fleet. As part of the arrangement, Etrio will supply Zypp with 100 Touro electric three-wheelers initially. Over the span of next six to eight months, the supply would be ramped up to 1000 units. Zypp will deploy the its Tourobased fleet in Delhi NCR before expanding to other locations. Etrio will provide end-to-end service support through its dealer network along with a dedicated relationship manager for maximum uptime. Claiming to be the largest last-mile delivery EV player with a fleet of over 1000 e-scooters, Zypp Electric, with the Touro at hand, is said to look at further strengthening its hold on the urban last-mile delivery market, which involves e-commerce, e-grocery, and hyperlocal delivery merchants. Daily shipments are estimated to be over three-lakh in numbers. Zypp Electric is expected to supply the Touro to work with Swiggy, Zomato, Big Basket, Apollo Pharmacy, etc.

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Apollo CV Awards 2021

Cover Story

Apollo

Awards

2021

A humble tribute to the industry

Commercial Vehicle www.commercialvehicle.in // May 2021

Cover Story

Apollo CV Awards 2021

he 12th edition of Apollo-CV Awards (2021) was streamed on Youtube on the evening of April 10, 2021, turning yet another leaf in the life of an event that has come to be the mark a humble tribute to the CV industry and its many stakeholders, including dealers and transporters. Turning virtual against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic for the first time ever, the event accompanied a learning process for many those associated with it. Held amid conditions involving ‘work from home’ and ‘digital ways of working’, the awards was graced by Darrel Huntsman, CEO, Frost & Sullivan, as the keynote speaker. Turning virtual post much deliberation with those from the CV industry as well as those that linked to it, the logistics sector included, the 12th edition did not include panel discussion in its itinerary. Ensuring that all those involved observed the stipulated guidelines of social distancing, mask wearing and sanitizing whenever the need for a field presence arose, the awards began with the nomination call in February 2021. This was unlike every year prior, when the

nominations call was announced in October of the year of consideration. The pandemic environment post paid to the delay, creating challenges in terms of manpower, communications and more. Announced in February 2021, a fourpage nomination form was included in CV magazine, put out on the magazine website and on the magazine’s several social media platforms for better reach. Inviting nomination from both, the fleet side stakeholders and the non-fleet side stakeholders, the nomination call clearly stated the period of consideration (2020 calendar year) and other criteria. There was some worry regarding the nominations that would roll-in given the challenges the CV industry, transporters as well as the other stakeholders faced during the period. The significant transition to BSVI was happened during the period. The worry was largely unfounded as a good number of nominations started rolling in, and before the deadline. Despite the fleet-side categories being brought down to three – small fleet operator of the year, big fleet operator of the year and best CV dealer

The Apollo CV Awards 2021 jury. Clockwise from left: Bhushan Mhapralkar, Editor, CV Magazine; VG Ramakrishnan, Managing Partner, Avanteum Advisors LLP; Shyam Maller, Former Executive Vice President - Sales & Marketing, and Aftermarket, VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd.; Girish Mirchandani, Editor, Transtopics; Kaushik Madhavan, Vice President - Mobility, Frost & Sullivan, and Ruchir Mathur, Product Marketing Manager – M&HCV (Trucks and Buses), APMEA, Apollo Tyres.

Commercial Vehicle May 2021 // www.commercialvehicle.in

Apollo CV Awards 2021

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(L to R) Hoshang Bilimoria, Founder & mentor, Next Gen Publishing Pvt. Ltd.; Satish Sharma, President - APMEA, Apollo Tyres, and Bhushan Mhapralkar, Editor, CV magazine.

of the year, the response was positive. The non-fleet side nominations accompanied a standard template involving technical specifications and a few other values. This decreased the margin for error. At the beginning of March 2021, the jury met virtually. Kaushik Madhavan, Vice President – Mobility, Frost & Sullivan, and VG Ramakrishnan, Managing Director and Founder, Avanteum Advisors, joined from Chennai. Ruchir Mathur, Product Marketing Manager – M&HCV (Trucks & Buses), APMEA, Apollo Tyres, and Girish Mirchandani, Editor, Transtopics, joined from Delhi NCR. As a new jury member, Shyam Maller, Former Executive Vice President – Sales, Marketing and Aftermarket, VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd., joined from Pune. Bhushan Mhapralkar, Editor, CV magazine, joined from Mumbai. The process by no means was an easy task. The non-fleet nominations reflected the undercurrents and complexities that worked their way through the CV industry in 2020. A definite picture about

the new axle norms could be had and influenced a rejig in the categories under consideration. For example, the upper limit of ICV segment increasing to 18.5-tonnes. The transition to BSVI was an important factor. But, that was not the only one as CVs saw an influx of various interesting new technologies, many of them digital in nature and of the kind that leveraged IoT and AI. They made for an important consideration. The emerging shift to applicationbased CVs from tonnage-based CVs too. Highlighting progress in key areas like performance, efficiency, safety, comfort and reliability, the turnout of CVs – trucks and buses, effectively pointed at the changes that swept the CV industry in 2020. Making for a stark as well as a subtle outlook, it made the task of choosing the winners difficult. Especially in the wake of a firm resolve by the CV industry to conquer challenges; to keep moving, and to turn out new and exciting products. Many intricacies evolved during the judging process. There were debates. Domain

knowledge and experience was put to test. Different perspectives and opinions were exerted to arrive at a result that would be truly well considered. The key parameters resorted to were (a) fitness for application, (b) quality of aggregates, (c) fuel efficiency and drive-ability (d) option to have a vehicle better suited for the purpose, (e) price, and (f) sales. The jury unanimously decided to not consider buses this time owing to their lack of sales performance and much movement. The jury also decided to not consider the application builder of the year category for the lack of competing entries. Metric Global vet the fleet and dealer categories by putting them through the wringer. It used the Journey of Excellence parameter derived from the British Quality Foundation. If the picture (in this section) will provide a fair idea of what happened at the jury meet, on the following pages is a synopsis of the keynote address that set the tone of the ceremony. Below are the nominations and the winners.

Commercial Vehicle www.commercialvehicle.in // May 2021

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Apollo CV Awards 2021

SCV of the year Nominees: a) Mahindra Treo Zor b) Tata Ultra V30 c) Tata Ace Gold Petrol

d) Mahindra Jeeto Plus Petrol e) Mahindra Jeeto Plus CNG

Winner: Mahindra Treo Zor

mall Commercial Vehicles (SCV) continue to evolve and innovate in an effort to address the changing requirements of their operators

and end users. Continuing to grow and address their rising aspirations, SCVs are witnessing much technology infusion to stay ahead of the times. Evolving and re-inventing themselves, they are coming their owners and users in terms of technology, performance, efficiency, agility, payload and costs. As an efficient first mile or last mile transportation medium, they have been turning more and more customer-centric. Overcoming regulatory challenges with the use of latest and the best technology available, SCVs are truly coming of age. The winner this year, the Mahindra Treo Zor is a electric three wheeler that could be had as a pickup, flat bed or delivery van. Powered by a eight-kW ‘direct-drive motor that makes it very easy to pilot, the vehicle offers a payload of between 500 and 550 kg. With a GVW of 999 kg, it is equipped with a 48V Lithium-ion battery that takes three hours and 50 minutes to charge fully. An AC charger is supplied with the vehicles that makes for zero tailpipe emission and near silent operation. Of good build quality and innovative nature, the Treo Zor is finding favour with urban delivery logistics companies and e-commerce players.

Pickup of the year Nominees: a) Ashok Leyland Bada Dost b) Tata Yodha 1700 c) Tata Winger BSVI d) Isuzu D-Max Super Strong e) Isuzu D-Max S Cab

njoying the participation of global and local players, pickup trucks have carved out a niche for themselves on the virtue

of their ability to address demanding applications like dairy, vegetables, fish, poultry and construction sit duties among others. Coming to cater to a well-defined clientele, they are about performance, efficiency, payload, robust construction and faster turnaround time. Working their was past regulatory challenges like the BSVI emissions, pickup trucks have come to be quite customercentric, re-inventing themselves in the process and to the extent of bench marking them similar offerings in markets abroad. While some of them are already found in foreign markets, some are on the way, highlighting their ability to be economical to operate; be reliable, efficient and robust. The winner this year, the Ashok Leyland Bada Dost, is had in two variants with a GVW of threetonne and 3.5-tonne respectively. Higher modular in nature, the vehicle is powered by a 80 hp, 1.4-litre BSVI turbocharged diesel engine. It is car-like to drive, and capable of seating three people officially in its cabin. Marking the company’s IPR, the Bada Dost has been engineered to help with higher productivity and comfort.

Commercial Vehicle May 2021 // www.commercialvehicle.in

Winner: Ashok Leyland Bada Dost

Apollo CV Awards 2021

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LCV Cargo Carrier of the year Nominees: a) Eicher Pro 2049 (CNG) b) Eicher 2059XP (16 ft.) c) Tata Ultra T.7 d) SML Isuzu Sartaj GS H75 e) Mahindra Jayo f) Tata SFC 407 Gold RJ

mid what could be termed as a longer duration

Winner: Eicher Pro 2049 (CNG) and Tata Ultra T.7

slowdown beset by some unprecendented

developments, it were the LCVs that seemed to show better traction over other segments when sign of some recovery were visible in 2020. Connected to trends like urbanisation and the changing ways to transport goods and provide services, LCVs have been re-modeling and re-inventing themselves. Changing in form and function, they are showing a robust ability to overcome regulatory challenges and address the dynamic market requirements. The two joint winners this year, promise not just superior productivity and profitability, they also offer a host of new technologies that make they safe and comfortable. If the Eicher Pro 2049 (CNG), which is based on the new and modular Eicher Pro 2000 series platform, points at the development and requirement of alternate fuel CVs with a modern build and productive ability, the Tata Ultra T.7 points at all of those reasons and how an innovative approach could enable bridging of gaps and driving an application-based approach over tonnage-based one. With a GVW of five-tonne, the 2049 (CNG) is powered by a modern 95 hp, three-litre engine. It has a grade-ability of 31 per cent. With the new generation safety cab made at a robotic facility at the Pithampur plant, which includes pasted acoustic windscreen, the Pro 2049 (CNG) features a modern and ergonomic interior. The 1.8 m wide tiltable cabin with sleeping provision remains 10 degree cooler than the outside temperature. It is dual-tone in colour, has a touchscreen music system, and is walk-through. There are disc brakes all-round, a first in its class, and DRL headlamps. There are other key features like the auto M-Booster+ and real-time fuel coaching with the help of a digital instrument cluster. Comfortable and refined, the Pro 2049 (CNG) marks the latest generation modular platform to come out of VECV. The Tata Ultra T.7, at the other end, has a GVW ranging 7300 kg and 7490 kg across four-tyre and sixtyre variants. It features a 1.9 m wide narrow safety (day) cab, which is comfortable and ‘walkthrough’. Offering various load body options, the vehicle has a dashboard mounted gear shifting, and tilt and telescopic steering.

coming to address existing as well as emerging application needs such as

Apart from DRL head lamps and LED tail lamps, the T.7

e-commerce and express logistics, the two winners this year also indicate a

also features buckets seats and a comprehensive digital

significant application-based re-alignment without sacrificing costs and an

instrumentation. Providing an insight into how LCVs are

ability to modernise as well as innovate. Commercial Vehicle www.commercialvehicle.in // May 2021

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Apollo CV Awards 2021

Large Truck Fleet Operator of the Year Nominees: a) Venture Supply Chain Pvt. Ltd. b) Gujarat Logistics c) BLR Logistics (I) Ltd.

Winner: Venture Supply Chain Pvt. Ltd.

he big boys of logistics sector, they excel in service and operations. They have a strong balance sheet to flaunt,

and are always ready to adopt new technologies as well as challenges. The winner this year ― Venture Supply Chain Pvt. Ltd., is headquartered at Delhi. It was founded in 2014, and has had an aggressive approach to disrupt surface transportation business practices. A recipient of Mahindra Transport Excellence Awards (2018), Best National Performer Award from Flipkart (BBD’18), and the Best Performer Award at Amazon Carrier’s Conclave ’20, the company has time and again displayed its quest for excellence. One of the early transport companies to provide speed trucking services to e-commerce players with very low turnaround times,

vehicle movement; has all its vehicles GPRS enabled; has multiple

Venture Supply Chain Pvt. Ltd. Has come to have a fleet of over

vehicle hubs (24) across India; has its fleet monitored regularly

950 vehicles against 11 vehicles at the time of its establishment.

pre and post trip; maintains records of trucks on a fortnightly

Catering to e-commerce, courier and automobile industry

basis; replaces existing fleet every three years; has platform bays

requirements, the company employs over 2000 people, and is

for lower TAT, and does live driver monitoring and alert with the

ISO 9001:2015 certified. It offers to its clients hourly updates on

help of ‘Servision’.

Small Fleet Operator of the Year Nominees: a) S.R.S Travels & Logistics Ltd. b) Sanket Transport LLP c) GCI Logistics Ltd.

ontrary to their size, small fleet operators have come to acquire exemplary standards in business and operations. The

winner this year ― S.R.S Travels & Logistics Ltd., specialises in cargo movement by leveraging its 48 years of experience in the field. As a company that operates a considerable truck fleet (98 nos with 4-tonne and 7-tonne capacity and a loading platform of 8 ft., 20 ft. and 24 ft. length) – it is more famous for its bus operation with a fleet strength of over 750 vehicles, S.R.S Travels & Logistics has invested in a sound infrastructure. It includes branches, godowns across southern states of Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat. Recognised for quality service provision, the company caters to a large number of corporate clients among others. It offers end-toend solutions. The fleet is fitted with GPRS linked diesel matrix anti-pilferage and speed control device; with driver behaviour detection device; video camera surveillance, and an anti-collision device. Handling untoward incidences like accident or breakdown through the traffic control room for immediate action and damage control, S.R.S Travels & Logistics Ltd. has also deployed a mobile inspection squad.

Commercial Vehicle May 2021 // www.commercialvehicle.in

Winner: S.R.S Travels & Logistics Ltd.

Apollo CV Awards 2021

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HCV Rigid Cargo Carrier of the Year Nominees: a) Ashok Leyland 2820 AVTR (Vaccine Reefer)

b) Ashok Leyland 4825 AVTR (10x2) c) Ashok Leyland 3520 AVTR (Vaccine Reefer) d) Eicher Pro 6041 e) Mahindra Blazo X 49 (12x2) f) Tata Signa 4225.T g) Tata Signa 4825.T (10x2)

Winner: Tata Signa 4225.T

ngineered to be a workaholic – ferrying cargo over long distances, heavy commercial vehicles are an important part

of the road transportation industry in India. They are featureintensive and technologically rich. They are also continuing to evolve on the back of regulatory and market requirements.. The winner this year, the Tata Signa 4225.T comes across as versatile and capable. Powered by a 270 hp, 6.7-litre Cummins ISBe engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. A 10x2, the rigid truck – had with a pusher axle or a tag axle, marks not just a transition to BSVI but more in what could be termed as a good mix of fuel efficiency, performance and uptime. Technologically better equipped, the truck features Hill Start Assist (HSA), Engine Brake, iCGT brakes and Unitized Wheel Bearings for greater vehicle

safety sleeper cabin (also available in cowl) makes for fatigue-

control, load and driver safety, and lower operating and service

free, safe and ergonomic driving experience. The adjustable driver

costs. With a grade-ability of 10.2 degree, the truck has a GVW

seat is mechanically suspended; the sleeper berth is wider; the

of 42000 kg. Its load body measures 27.8 ft. in length for the

comprehensive instrument console is digital; there are ample

pusher axle version and 30 ft. for tag axle version. Well-supported

utility spaces, and an advanced telematics system as standard. AC

by solutions like Tata Sampoorna Seva, the truck’s factory-built

is optional.

HCV Tractor-Head of the year Nominees: a) Eicher Pro 6040 (4x2) b) BharatBenz 5228TT (4x2)

c) Eicher Pro 6054 (4x2) d) Ashok Leyland 5425 AVTR (4x2) e) Tata Signa 5525.S (4x2) f) Eicher Pro 6055 (4x2) g) Eicher Pro 6055 (6x4) h) Mahindra Blazo X 55 (6x4) i) Tata Signa 5530.S (6x4)

Winner: BharatBenz 5228TT

andy workhorses, HCV tractor-heads have gained in terms of GCW as part of the BSVI transition. About an ability to carry

more, they leapfrogged in technology and an ability to deliver. Built to ensure better earning potential, they are powerful, long-haul machines. Powered by a (SCR-based) BSVI compliant 281.6 hp, 7.2-litre engine mated to a nine-speed gearbox, the winner this year, the BharatBenz 5228TT stands out as a 4x2 machine with a GCW of 54-tonne. Marking a vehicle that offers the highest GCW available on a 4x2 tractor at 54-tonne, the 5228TT flaunts a modern sleeper cab, the truck, with 24.3 per cent grade-ability at 50-tonne and 23.3 per cent grade-ability at 52-tonne, has cruise control, anti roll bar on both axles, telematics, central locking, pedal support for driver comfort,

with an unique compound to avoid breakage. Of modern build,

cross car beam structure for better safety, 500 mm sleeper

and displaying good build quality as well as fit-finish, the vehicle

berth for driving comfort, twin co-driver seat with head rest for

offers power windows, high power air conditioning, anti roll bar

co-driver comfort and safety, seat belt reminder, three-point

in front and rear axles in PTO variants, driver state monitoring,

seat belt system, and an unbreakable bumper spoiler engineered

air suspended seats as optional features. Commercial Vehicle www.commercialvehicle.in // May 2021

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Apollo CV Awards 2021

MCV Cargo Carrier of the year Nominees: a) Eicher Pro 3019 b) Ashok Leyland 1920 Xpressline

c) Tata Ultra 1918.T

Winner: Tata Ultra 1918.T

ith ICV segment moving up as part of the new axle norms re-jig, MCV segment has shrunk. It has disappeared almost.

Its strength and versatility is however not lost yet. The winner in the category on the cargo side this year, the Tata Ultra 1918.T is versatile, modern and modular. It reflects changing industry dynamics like bridging products gaps. Emerging from a platform that is the most modern to come out of Tata Motors post Prima, the truck is a differentiated offering with modern design and engineering credentials. About enhanced productivity and profitability through superior performance, comfort and class, it has a GVW of 18,500 kg. Elegant looking (with a cab that could be had in day configuration or sleeper configuration) and efficient, the 1918.T, with 9.4-degree grade-ability, is powered by a 180 hp five-litre four-cylinder BSVI engine mated to a six-speed manual

iCGT brakes, a dash mounted gear lever, spacious walk-through

transmission. Light in weight and engineered to offer lower TCO,

cabin, twin fully folding co-driver seat, mechanically suspended

the truck offers highest payload in its segment. It is available in

adjustable driver seat, in-built music system, plenty of storage

multiple deck lengths (17.9 ft, 20 ft., 22 ft., 24 ft and 32 ft.) to

and utility spaces, modern and ergonomic dashboard with digital

suit different application needs. With longer service intervals,

instrument cluster (with self-diagnostic and driver coaching

the vehicle features a two-mode fuel economy switch, GSA and

features), and twin port USB chargers.

Editor’s recognition

ith a 17 ft. deck length and a four-tyre configuration, the vehicle worthy of editor’s recognition is the

SML Isuzu Sartaj GS HG75 rigid truck with a modern cab. Powered by a 101 hp, 3.5-litre BSVI diesel engine, the truck is available in a factory-built container body configuration. Aimed at the new emerging application areas like e-commerce and parcel, the truck makes an important product in the company’s portfolio given its good standing in the bus segments. Carrying the responsibility to support a significant shift at the manufacturer in a year that has been bad for buses due to unprecedented challenges thrown by the Covid pandemic, the Sartaj GS H75 has a five-speed manual transmission. With a GVW of 7400 kg, the truck, with a 10.2 degree grade-ability in first gear, has Air-Brakes, and is ideal for city entry with maximum permissible load unlike a six-tyre truck, which could have restricted entry. Offering best in class payload, the truck has container features like inside camera, door sensors, steel hinges and locking system, lashing arrangement on both side walls, retractable footstep at rear for ease of loading, and ladder on side wall.

Commercial Vehicle May 2021 // www.commercialvehicle.in

SML Isuzu Sartaj GS HG75

Apollo CV Awards 2021

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ICV Cargo Carrier of the year Nominees: a) BharatBenz 1415RE b) Ashok Leyland Boss 1415LX c) Ashok Leyland Boss 1115LE d) Ashok Leyland Boss 1215 24’ Expressline e) Tata 1412 LPT (CNG) f) Mahindra Furio 11 g) Mahindra Furio 14/HD h) Mahindra Furio 12 i) Ashok Leyland Ecomet 1615 (sleeper cab) j) Ashok Leyland Ecomet 1615 (Vaccine Reefer) k) Tata 1512 LPT l) Eicher Pro 2114XP (CNG) m) Eicher Pro 3015 n) Mahindra Furio 16

Winner: Ashok Leyland Boss 1415LX

CV cargo carriers have displayed much resilience in a year that has been marred by the Covid pandemic. Transitioning

successfully to BSVI, they have come to offer higher productivity gains without losing sight of customer-centricity. Versatile and packing modern technologies, they have come to bridge gaps and earn a niche for themselves. The winner this year, the Ashok Leyland Boss 1415LX has a GVW of 14050 kg. It is powered by a 150 hp, 3.9-litre H Series four-cylinder mated to a six-speed manual transmission. With a grade-ability of 22.3 per cent, the truck is had in either of the five variants and corresponding deck lengths of 14.3 ft., 17.3 ft., 20 ft., and 22.2 ft. Featuring it with an advanced telematics system, cable shift gears, music system, tilt and telescopic steering, Advanced Digital Driver Assist (ADDA),

build. It is engineered to offer higher fluid efficiency, better tyre

USB charger, hydraulically tiltable cabin, and sleeper provision in

life, low maintenance, higher reliability and durability, higher

day cab, the Ashok Leyland 1415LX flaunts a modern and robust

safety, and low TCO.

ICV Tipper of the Year

Winner: Ashok Leyland 1920 AVTR

Nominees: a) Tata 912 LPK b) Ashok Leyland Ecomet 1015 c) Ashok Leyland 1920 AVTR

arking a shift in-line with the new axle norms and applicationbased offerings, ICV tippers have come to address some very

unique application areas with their versatile nature. They have come to modernise themselves with an influx of technology and features, in the process, acquiring new abilities and efficiencies. Manoeuvrable, sturdy and capable, ICV tippers are even more appealing in BSVI avatar. The winner, the Ashok Leyland 1920 AVTR is modern, modular and evolved. Powered by a 200 hp, 5.7-litre six-cylinder BSVI engine mated to a six-speed Eaton gearbox, the tipper has a GVW of 18,500 kg. It has a grade-ability of 42 per cent. With a 10.5 cu. m. tipping body – there is an option of 8.5 cu. m. and 12 cu. m. superstructure too, the truck is fitted with a modern ‘Captain’ series cab, which is indigenously designed and factory-made. The modern cab, as a key part of the company’s product modularisation effort, is based on the best principles of ergonomics and international styling to deliver superior comfort, a longer life and optimal performance. Using heavy-duty aggregates,

medium and heavy-duty tippers. Featuring a strengthened chassis,

the 1920 AVTR tipper draws from the knowledge and deeper

the tipper offers superior tyre mileage. It employs heavy-duty axles

market understanding of its maker earned from making and selling

and superior aggregates. Commercial Vehicle www.commercialvehicle.in // May 2021

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Apollo CV Awards 2021

HCV Tipper of the Year Nominees: a) Mahindra Blazo x 28 (6x4) b) Ashok Leyland 2825 AVTR (6x4)

c) Eicher Pro 8028XC (8x4) d) Eicher Pro 8028XM (8x4) e) Eicher Pro 6035T (8x4) f) Eicher Pro 8035XM (8x4 g) Ashok Leyland 3520 AVTR (8x4) h) Tata Prima 3530.K (8x4) i) Tata Prima 3525.K/TK (8x4) j) Ashok Leyland 4825 AVTR (10x4) k) Tata Signa 4825.TK (10x4)

uilt to perform one of the most demanding jobs that a truck would, HCV tippers are dandy machines. They

are strong and robust, and smart and highly productive. The two winners this year, the Ashok Leyland 3520 AVTR and Tata Signa 4825.TK, are no exception. Strong, robust, smart and highly productive, they pack modern technologies and a deeper understanding of the customer requirements. The 3520 AVTR is powered by 200 hp, 5.7-litre H Series six-cylinder diesel engine, and the 4825.TK is powered by a 250 hp, 6.7-litre Cummins ISBe engine. Either BSVI vehicle is equipped with a ninespeed transmission. Available with a 22 cu. m. tipping structure (18 cu. m. optional), the 3520 AVTR is modular and efficient. If the 22 cu. m. superstructure variant is had with a ‘U’ cab, the buyer-operator has a choice of four cabs, fifteen wheels, four engine options and six gearbox options. With 27 per cent grade-ability, the (8x4) 3520 AVTR has a GVW of 35000 kg. It is available with a radial tyre option too. Fitted with a 300 litre fuel tank, the multi-application tipper features driver guidance system, reverse park assistance, unitised bearing hub, and an advanced telematics system. Available with a 29 cu. m. tipping structure, the 4825. TK, available in 10x2 or 10x4, has a GVW of 47,500 kg. Available with radial tyres and a 300-litre fuel tank, the tipper has 23.45 per cent grade-ability in crawler gear. Engineered for higher revenue earning potential, the vehicle, with heavy-duty aggregates, features a threemode fuel economy switch. It also features engine brake, hill start assist and long lasting NGT brakes. Having a tilt switch that prevents accidents, the tipper’s sleeper cabin is designed for fatigue-free operation. If the vertical exhaust avoids dust flare up, the tipper’s advanced telematics system enables real time vehicle tracking, geo-fencing, fuel consumption monitoring and anti-fuel theft. A multi-application tipper that the Signa 4825.TK is, it is fitted with a digital instrument cluster that provides comprehensive information. It enables customers to carry four to five tonne extra load at a marginal cost increase.

Commercial Vehicle May 2021 // www.commercialvehicle.in

Winner: Ashok Leyland 3520 AVTR and Tata Signa 4825.TK

Apollo CV Awards 2021

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Special Application CV of the year Nominees: a) Mahindra Supro Ambulance BSVI b) Eicher Pro 6028TM

(Transit Mixer) c) Tata Signa 2821.K RMC FE+ (Transit Mixer) d) Ashok Leyland 2820 TU (Transit Mixer) e) Eicher Pro 2095XP (Fuel Bowser) f) Tata Ultra T.11 (Fuel Bowser) g) Ashok Leyland Ecomet 1015 (Fuel Bowser) h) Tata Signa 2823.K (Drill Rig) i) Ashok Leyland Ecomet 1415 (Mass Disinfection Truck)

Winner: Tata Ultra T.11 Fuel Bowser

pecial application CVs address special needs of the market. They are built to perform a series of tasks that require them to

be worthy of the job. The winner this year, the Tata Ultra T.11 Fuel Bowser, is built on a highly modular platform that the Ultra range from Tata Motors denotes. It is powered by a 125 hp, 3.3-litre BSVI diesel engine mated to a five-speed transmission. Aimed at doorstep fuel delivery for farm machines, construction site machines, etc., the fuel bowser has a GVW of 10990 kg. Its superstructure includes a six-kilolitre fuel tank and a dispensing unit. Fitted with a modern (safety, walk-through) day cab that makes for fatiguefree driving environment, the vehicle features gear shift advisor, ergonomically dash mounted gear shift lever, spacious cabin,

system and fast USB chargers. The high-points of the machine

adjustable seats, tilt and telescopic power steering, average fuel

include an ability to provide best operating economics, mileage,

economy indicator as part of a digital instrument cluster that

driving comfort, connectivity, tubeless radial tyres, and an air

provides comprehensive information, an advanced telematics

braking system with interlock.

CV Dealer of the Year Nominees: a) Anamalias Agencies (Stadium) b) Jasper Industries Pvt. Ltd. c) M/s Kamal Motors

Winner: Jasper Industries Pvt. Ltd.

n a customer interface of an OEM, CV dealers faced a tough time in 2020. A a key contributor to the CV ecosystem, they

found innovative ways to sustain and grow in 2020. This included devising smarter ways to communicate through measures like digitisation, service schemes and more. They made valiant efforts to retain skilled manpower and employees even as they invested in resources as well as technology upgrade. Evolving some more in 2020, CV dealers responded to market changes, setting yet another example of how efficient and effective they are. The winner this year, Jasper Industries Pvt. Ltd. has Tata Motors as its principal. Reflecting business excellence practices and overall management, the company, established in 1955 at Vijayawada, has come to be regarded as an exceptional business hub for

Motors, it has more than 100 touch points across 13 districts in

automobile services. Having serviced over 1066876 vehicles till

Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Employing over 2500 people, a

date and sold 230503 vehicles till date, the company has come

good number of which are technically skilled, the CV dealership

to be one of the leading businesses in its field, and in Telangana

caters to the entire range of its principal, right from an SCV to the

and Andhra Pradesh. One of the first dealers appointed by Tata

heaviest CV available on the cargo side and the passenger side.

Commercial Vehicle www.commercialvehicle.in // May 2021

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Apollo CV Awards 2021

CV Man of the Year Nominees: a) Girish Wagh, President - CVBU, Tata Motors b) Vinod Aggarwal, MD & CEO, VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd. c) Vipin Sondhi, MD, Ashok Leyland Ltd. d) Satyakam Arya, MD & CEO, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Pvt. Ltd. e) Yugo Hashimoto, MD & CEO, SML Isuzu Ltd.

Winner: Satyakam Arya, MD & CEO, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Pvt. Ltd.

nstrumental in announcing technologically appealing BSVI

announcement to enter the used truck market in August

range of CVs at the beginning of 2020, Satyakam Arya,

2020, eyeing a shift in the CV market to further increase its

steered the company through the thick and thin of 2020. He

reach, DICV, under the leadership of Arya, offered BSVI CVs

was instrumental in guiding it by helping to redraw strategies

with no price increase over BSIV CVs. This had a profound

against the dark shadow of Covid-19. Leading from the front,

effect on Indian CV buyers fondness for initial acquisition

the CV maker under the leadership of Arya transitioned to

cost. Leveraging technology from different Daimler locations

BSVI. It used the opportunity as a big value enhancer. Though

to offer a superior product proposition with stress on high

refraining from announcing the alternate fuel strategy, the

localisation and local manufacture, Arya was instrumental

company, under Arya’s leadership, continued its thrust to

in guiding his company to be agile and sensitive to the

expand network and in-turn, customer reach. Making a big

regulatory environment as well as the customer needs.

Commercial Vehicle May 2021 // www.commercialvehicle.in

Apollo CV Awards 2021

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CV maker of the year Nominees: a) Tata Motors Ltd. b) Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Pvt. Ltd.

c) VE Commercial Vehicles Pvt Ltd. d) Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. e) Ashok Leyland Ltd. f) SML Isuzu Ltd.

Winner: Tata Motors Ltd.

inning the coveted title for the second time in a row. Tata

enhancing modularity through Signa, Ultra and Intra platforms

Motors, despite the sever downturn, continued to drive

in particular, the company made efforts to retain its manpower,

a slew of measures and strategies to keep itself ahead of the

dealers and suppliers. Keeping costs under control by revisiting

competition. As a full-range player, it continued to offer enhanced

its strategies, including those concerning alternate fuel, the CV

value to its customers by introducing BSVI CVs that went beyond

maker consciously steered a shift from application-based offering

mere emission standard transition and instead imbibed new

to tonnage-based ones. It drove a number of initiatives including

technologies that would help up the performance, efficiency,

driver training and customer business coaching (advise) as part of

reliability, productivity and lower TCO parameters. Retaining its

its Sampoorna Seva 2.0 initiative. Profiting from good traction in

position as India’s number-one CV maker, Tata Motors displayed

LCVs and ICVs, the company strived to achieve sales performance

good agility. Introducing smart ‘white space’ products and

that would be fair and closer to expectations.

Commercial Vehicle www.commercialvehicle.in // May 2021

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Apollo CV Awards 2021

CV of the year Nominees: a) Mahindra Treo Zor b) Ashok Leyland Bada Dost c) Eicher Pro 2049 CNG d) Ashok Leyland Boss 1415LX e) Tata Ultra 1918.T f) Ashok Leyland 1920 AVTR g) Tata Signa 4225.T h) Ashok Leyland 3520 AVTR i) BharatBenz 5228TT j) Tata Ultra T.11 Fuel Bowser

Winner: Ashok Leyland Bada Dost

ombining technology and a good understanding

of driving its manufacturer;s ambitions to increase its

of the market, the winner of the CV of the year

market reach in LCVs in the domestic market and explore

title, the Ashok Leyland Bada Dost, highlighting Ashok

new markets abroad. Capable of seating three people

Leyland’s IPR is quite modular in nature. Engineered to

officially in its day cabin with attention to detail like a

be available in CNG and electric fuel alternatives, the

unique parking brake arrangement, the CV rides in the

pickup truck, available in two variants – a three-tonne

footsteps of Dost with an intention to cash its reputation

GVW and 3.5-tonne GVW, is powered by a 80 hp, 1.4-litre

and goodwill in the market. Designed and developed

BSVI turbocharged diesel engine mated to a five-speed

to be made available in various forms and functions,

transmission. Refined and fitted with a robot-built cab

including a cargo van or a ambulance, the Bada Dost is

engineered to provide a car-like driving experience

engineered to offer better fuel efficiency, better comfort

and ergonomics, the vehicle, benchmarked against the

and convenience to the owner-operator, and better

Hyundai H100 and Kia 3700, carries the responsibility

productivity and earning potential.

Commercial Vehicle May 2021 // www.commercialvehicle.in

Apollo CV Awards 2021

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AWARDS A2021

pollo Tyres Ltd., came into inception in 1972 and has since been a trusted name in the business of manufacture Supporting Partner and sale of tyres. With its corporate headquarters in Gurgaon, India, Pantone 201C the company caters to over a 100 countries across the globe. With its products under two global brands - Apollo and Vredestein available in countries across the globe

Associate Sponsor

AWARDS 2021

ith a rich legacy of more than 150 years,Research the Shapoorji Pallonji Group Limited (S P Group) is active in a vast variety of fields. A few of the areas where the S P Group is flourishing are: real estate, infrastructure (ports, power plants, highways, and toll ways, etc), fabrication, EPC (power and steel), Gokak Textiles, construction material (pre-engineered buildings, interior, access flooring), Afcons Infrastructure (marine works, roads, bridges, tunnels, pipelines, and specialist foundation works piling, drilling, grouting), Forbes & Company, agriculture (bio-fuels), and many more. At its core still remains the construction business. In fact, it is one of the most quality-conscious and oldest Indian construction companies. The S P Group serves clients in over 50 countries and has a strong workforce of 60,000 professionals, comprising about 40 nationalities, that delivers the Group’s values and commitments in every project.

AWARDS 2021

Partner Sponsor Associate

through a vast network of branded, exclusive and multi-product outlets, Apollo Tyres has multiple manufacturing units in India, the Netherlands and Hungary.

Supporting Partner

German eyewear brand have always produced frames with emphasis on comfort, Stepper is known for innovation and technology and the use of new materials and processes. Creating the ‘design from Supporting Partner Associate Sponsor the bridge’ concept almost forty years ago to improve the fit and comfort of spectacles, Stepper has created exciting and durable eyewear that fits. As most of the weight of a pair of spectacles falls on the bridge, Stepper designers have been instrumental in creating a perfect fit without sacrificing looks and quality. Offering an extensive range to choose from in metal and other materials for men, women and unisex application, the company has been successful Research Partner in developing a frame for almost everyone. Maintaining that good quality does not come at a premium, Stepper continues to stress on style, quality, durability and desirability.

AWARDS 2021

Supporting Pa

Associate Sponsor

Research Partner

etric Global is a leading Indian Research & Consultancy firm. It specialises in quantitative and model based market research, marketing and business excellence consultancy. Having a pan-India presence in automotive, industrial, B2B and institutional, retail and service sectors, the company offers end-to-end solutions in managing business excellence practices. It has a franchisee network in 50 countries. These market Metric’s proprietary models and use Metric’s analysis and interpretation services. Metric Global is a member of the British Quality Foundation.

Commercial Vehicle www.commercialvehicle.in // May 2021

Cover Story

eginning his keynote address by highlighting three things – recovery from Covid and the direction of economic recovery, adopting change and thriving, and the journey of commercial vehicle industry amid all this, Darrell Huntsman expressed that he is seeing a strong recovery globally on the economic front. Of the opinion that he is witnessing a strong rebound as the world comes out of the challenging year that 2020 was, Hunstman averred that he is looking at five to 5.5 per cent growth across economies globally. He added that different regions will drive different recovery patterns. Of the opinion that anywhere between three and 11 per cent rebound from

Commercial Vehicle May 2021 // www.commercialvehicle.in

region to region will be visible, Darrell said that US is likely to see a economical rebound of between four and 4.5 per cent. In Europe, the growth is looking to be between 4.5 and eightper cent, he quipped. Confident that China will continue to be a strong growth driver for the world economy at eight per cent, Huntsman said that India would see a nice growth spike of 11 per cent despite being hit hard by the pandemic. Terming as fantastic the continued growth in the world economies post an unprecedented Covid challenge in 2020, he mentioned that interest rates in most parts of the world will remain low. “They will remain low as governments provide a stimulus for businesses to re-invent themselves and contribute to the economic growth,” he added. Of the opinion that low interest rates would be a way of governments to ensure continued investment in the manufacturing field among others, Darrell remarked that recovery will be visible in the consumption of crude oil. Emphasising that low interest rates as a way of governments to ensure continued investment in manufacturing and other fields would significantly influence new product development, he cautioned about some moderation in the production of crude oil. Stating that the trend involving a strong push to diversify out of China is particularly relevant for emerging

Cover Story

economies in 2021, Huntsman averred that the opening up of transportation will see an proportionate increase in the demand for crude oil. Remarking that the strong push to diversify out of China would be for manufacturing and other services, he drew attention to the rising labour costs in that country. Pointing at political challenges regarding China as a factor too, Huntsman said, “The Covid pandemic make it risky to have a single source of production in one country.” Stressing on companies continuing to diversify and choose other locations for manufacturing their goods, Darrell said that emerging

economies could stand to gain from efforts to diversify out of China. Touching on the talk that there is a virus and it could be serious, he expressed that a complete lockdown of some of the global economies led to moderation in transportation. The workforce went home; they left their offices and began working from home,” he added. This changed the entire equation, Huntsman said. Winds of change Explaining that a lot of change has taken place since the lockdowns happened, Huntsman averred that the demand for vaccines made sure that many of them were

developed. Many vaccine manufacturing facilities were developed quickly, he added. Speaking of the need to create an effective and efficient distribution network, Darrell said, “There is a need to get those vaccines to millions and millions of people.” Of the opinion that vaccines were quickly developed in the period of 12 to 18 months, he stated that it led to a significant amount of change. Stressing that change is a constant, Huntsman averred, “It is quite likely that change will bring more challenges and more challenges will lead to more opportunities.” Remarking that change should be embraced and seen as an opportunity, he added, “The three things that will drive change are the world population, demand and flow of information, and new technologies. Stating that world population will continue to grow and present an opportunity for each individual to contribute, Darrell expressed this would have a profound effect on productivity. Explaining that demand for information, and its flow around the world is proportional to the population, Huntsman said that the need for information is poised to grow much faster than expected. He termed the development as the one where each individual rises together. “It is like having 7.8 billion mini computers, all of them thinking ‘innovatively’ and solving new problems. Of the opinion that the emergence of new technologies will allow societies to rise and increase the pace of change, Darrell expressed, “With higher productivity and more opportunities there are

Commercial Vehicle www.commercialvehicle.in // May 2021

Cover Story

now 7.8 billion super computers out there.” Expressing that the presence of 7.8 billion super computers is exciting and turbocharging, he said that the same may sound scary but is actually a good thing. “It is a good thing because of the potential it presents to bring people out of poverty,” he added. Stating that it is a development that looks at the aesthetic potential of everyone, Huntsman remarked that it also brings with it challenges like climate change, the ability to feed as many people, and to offer them the quality of life. “This is what the leaders should address,” he quipped. Factors affecting commercial vehicles Drawing attention to factors that affect commercial vehicles, like e-commerce, infrastructure and connected vehicles, Darrell expressed, “e-commerce will continue to be a driver of retail.” “It will be the driver or retail as new business models are born,” he added. Of the opinion that it allows democratization of goods and services, he

Commercial Vehicle May 2021 // www.commercialvehicle.in

remarked, “I could get products to reach any part of the globe from his home.” Emphasising on e-commerce having a significant effect on logistics and warehousing, Huntsman averred that it would also have a significant effect on forward logistics and reverse logistics. “On the infrastructure front, mega projects will need to be driven to enable the use of higher tonnage vehicles,” he added. Pointing at connected vehicles, he said, “These will improve safety and optimise goods transportation.” Confident that the change in infrastructure, and the increase in higher tonnage and connected vehicles will pave way for more data being accessed and analyzed, Darrell said, “Productivity improvement and fleet optimisation will be significant.” Of the opinion that governments will continue to be involved with such an amount of change, he stressed on the need to be aware of, and to understand the regulations put in place. “These would be for environment protection and the safety as well as the wellbeing of everyone,” he quipped. Suggesting that the industry should involve in helping to guide the regulations, Huntsman averred that there will be a need to understand and comply with those regulations too. “The ability to help guide the regulations, be aware of them, and to understand as well as comply with them, will amount to being a good global citizen,” he added. Explaining that electrification at various levels of automobiles will continue to take place, Darrell termed it as inevitable. He mentioned that with infrastructure in

place, electric vehicles will be found across applications and categories. Electric vehicles will mark a major shift, he added. Expressing that much action will take place in the area of driver-centric technologies too, Huntsman said, “This will improve safety, lower the maintenance of fleets and lower their costs.” “The cost of insurance, replacement parts and replacement of vehicles will dramatically alter,” he stated. Revealing that the effect of it will improve productivity, Darrell mentioned, “Technologies will help us to drive safety, and will better prepare us for the future.” “The focus will be on creativity and taking advantage of what is available,” he added. Of the opionion that attention will be on profit born out of a value chain where goods are produced and delivered, Huntsman said that attention will be also on how the advantage of that profit is derived. Stating that value chain analyses will become more and more important for new business models, Darrell expressed, “Based on it, fleets may enter insurance business.” “They will have more data available with them through the use of connectivity than anyone else,” he remarked. Confident that the use of technologies like connectivity will provide fleets with better insight into accident prediction and prevention, he averred, “New and interesting business models will emerge as the economy rebounds.” Mentioning that he is excited about growth rebounding in 2021, Huntsman concluded, “This will have a positive impact on the commercial vehicle industry.”

FM Logistic deploys EVs

In focus

FM Logistic has deployed a fleet of EVs to address the needs of its client towards sustainable urban deliveries. Team CV

M FM Logistic India has deployed first batch of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in Bengaluru, comprising of three-wheelers (Treo Zor) from a leading CV manufacturer (Mahindra & Mahindra) having a payload capacity of 500 kg. Taking approximately three hours for charging and covering a distance of about 80 km in a single charge, the EVs have been deployed to carry out intra-city deliveries for WayCool, India’s fastest growing Agri-commerce company and a leading player in the FMCG and Food segment. FM Logistic India will be helping WayCool to carry out hyper local deliveries to local kirana stores, supermarkets as well as end consumers. Supporting WayCool’s strategy for advancing fleet electrification, the EVs will constitute fiveper cent of the respective company’s total fleet. As part of FM Logistic India’s initial pilot to check for their effectiveness to carry out urban and hyper local deliveries, the EVs will be used to carry out intra-city deliveries for their customers in the FMCG, Food, Pharma and retail segments.

In what is said to be an interesting pilot in terms of EV deployment in view of similar experiments and efforts being undertaken in other parts of the world, this particular move, according to Alexander Amine Soufiani, Managing Director, FM Logistic India, is about the challenges of sustainable development in our strategic vision. It is about the creation of solutions for a sustainable supply chain, he added. Stating that sustainability is at the heart of their operations, Soufiani explained that they were excited when WayCool approached them to develop a green network. “We chalked out a plan to setup a green distribution offer to help fulfill their delivery commitments within city limits. It gave us an opportunity to reducing the impact of our business activities on the environment,” he quipped. Planning to deploy 50 EVs and cover more geographical areas under its green green distribution network by this year end, FM Logistic India is keen to play a key role in urban transportation needs. Specialising in the design of dedicated, pooled and collaborative solutions that are not only cost effective but

Commercial Vehicle www.commercialvehicle.in // May 2021

In focus FM Logistic in India and the world over Said to draw from its principal’s novel Citylogin urban transportation concept to add EVs to its fleet in India and address the need for carbon footprint free urban delivery needs, FM Logistic India is one of the few international 3PL logistics players in the country that has been investing in warehouse space since 2019. It was in 2019 that the France-based company announced a plan to invest USD 150 million over the next five years in its own warehouses and distribution centres in India. Also, announcing that this exercise would lead to employment generation of up to 500 jobs within twelve months, the company has been operating a multi-client facility in Delhi NCR. Expanding its multi-client warehouse in Mumbai and acquiring 31 acres of land in Jhajjar, near Gurugram to build a new warehouse, FM Logistic India is known to operate transport services for Caterpillar across India. This is claimed to involve the management of more than 1,000 suppliers. The other key contract that FM Logistic India known to involve a major European retailer at Pune, the Jhajjar facility of FM Logistic India was designed by its sister concern, NG Concept, and provides

also help their customers to reduce their carbon emissions, the Mahindra Treo Zor electr three-wheelers FM Logistic India has sourced, are offered in three variants – pickup, flat bed and delivery van. With a payload ranging between 500 kg and 550 kg, the vehicles have a GVW of 999 kg. Voted as the SCV of the Year by Apollo CV Awards 2021, the Treo Zor has also finding use with a number of other fleets and e-commerce players to address their needs for a carbon-free sustainable transportation medium in urban regions. Back to FM Logistic India, and the company, to ensure success, is known to have leveraged its French principal’s experience and knowledge in such transportation strategies. FM Logistic, France, launched

70,000 sq. m. warehousing space. Up to 100,000 pallets could be stored. Claimed to manage in-plant warehousing operations for the French stationery maker BIC-Cello at Vapi in Gujarat, FM Logistic India announced some time back that would continue to increase its footprint in India. It also announced that it is investing in new WMS (Warehouse Management System) and TMS (Transport Management System) to provide its customers with more visibility over their shipments. Motivated by the growth potential in logistics offered by the indirect tax reform (GST), the company acquired Pune-based Spear Logistics in 2016. The arrangement with WayCool providing FM Logistic India an opportunity to adopt some of the learnings of the Citylogin concept, which is about sustainable and efficient urban solution improving sales efficiency, decrease environment footprint, reduce congestion in the city, reduce emission (health pollutant and greenhouse gas), reduce noise and upgrade brand reputation, FM Logistic India is one the few logistics players in the country to constantly upgrade technology and seek an efficient transport fleet.

Citylogin in 2014 in Italy, Spain and France to support sustainable and effective urban logistics. The exercise is known to positively impact the delivery of goods in city centres without contributing to pollution, noise, congestion, etc. It is said to use small depots in urban areas and last mile delivery vehicles,

Commercial Vehicle May 2021 // www.commercialvehicle.in

including small hybrid or electric vans. The Treo Zors that FM Logistic has sourced for its client WayCool are expected to be deployed in Bangalore to begin with. They would, as is evident, help WayCool, to carry out its urban delivery commitments in Bangalore and its surrounding areas.

In focus

Local battery tech for e3Ws Omega Seiki has partnered with C4V to bring solid state battery development to India. Team CV

nvesting Rs.200 crore in EV space and launching the Singha and Singha Max electric cargo three wheeler in 2020, Omega Seiki, an Anglian mega network company, has partnered with C4V of USA. It has done so in an effort to develop solid state battery technology in India for use in its electric vehicles. Introducing Rage+ Frost cargo electric three wheeler with a refrigerated container for vaccine and pharma transport in first and last mile applications in 2021, the company will leverage C4V’s advanced cell chemistry expertise spanning 10 years and much R&D. Striving to carve out a niche for itself in the emerging electric cargo three wheeler market in India, Omega Seiki, through its association with the New York-based C4V, is keen to locally produce the bio-mineralized lithium mixed metal phosphate batteries. Claimed to be free of toxic and hazardous components, the batteries, based on solid state technology, are also nickel and cobalt free. They are engineered to offer an energy density of 200 Wh per kg, which is claimed to be 20 per cent more than the lithium ferrous phosphate batteries available in the market. Mentioned Omega Seiki sources, the bio-

mineralized lithium mixed metal phosphate batteries are not only more affordable but safer than traditional batteries as well. Planning to produce batteries with 400 Wh per kg energy density in India, the company is confident of the ‘green’ nature of the bio-mineralized lithium mixed metal phosphate batteries will generate a strong pull. Said Omega Seiki sources that the C4V slid state tech batteries are one of the greenest in the world right now. They are greener from the extraction of raw materials to the manufacturing and recycling stage, they added. Drawing attention to the life cycle assessment certification done by New York State Government’s NYSERDA, Omega Seiki sources said that the C4V batteries have almost 85 per cent less carbon footprint than the ones in the market. They have twice the life cycle of traditional lithiumion batteries, they added. A result of extensive R&D and 10 years of development, the biomineralized lithium mixed metal phosphate batteries, according to Shailesh Upreti, Founder, C4V, display better thermally stability and are custom designed to meet emerging market needs where cell manufacturing supply chain hasn’t yet fully matured. In

serious discussions with several state governments, Omega Seiki and C4V are working to ensure that the batteries are offering on Omega Seiki’s cargo three wheelers in-line with the philosophy of offering end-toend solutions. In the process of starting to test the solid-state batteries in its vehicles soon, the company, in 2020, annouced a partnership with FITT (Delhi), an industry interface organisation established by the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IITD) to jointly work on electric vehicle technologies and advanced research. The collaboration was aimed at innovating alternate energy powered vehicles and other emerging technologies. While the higher density and longer life of the bio-mineralized lithium mixed metal phosphate batteries is by the virtue of their using solid electrolyte, their technology is said to woo automotive manufacturers like Toyota too. Commercial Vehicle www.commercialvehicle.in // May 2021

In focus

Material shortage Material shortage may trouble the auto industry as it responds to a good rebound in demand. Bhushan Mhapralkar

All images for representative purpose only.

M The chip shortage started in January 2021. It was in the making for the sometime as industries found their way out a challenging and Covid ravaged 2020. Realising that a good demand rebound was on its way, industries began to rejuvenate their supply network and alas, they were staring at a material shortage; at a chip storage to begin with as their use in almost every gadget or automobile has become a natural occurrence. Starting to emerge in later 2020, chip shortage found attention after the big automakers the world over began facing material shortage of critical electronic parts and modules involving them. The shortage got more news as automakers began pressuring

Commercial Vehicle May 2021 // www.commercialvehicle.in

Asia’s key chip making economies, South Korea and Taiwan, to prioritize automotive chips, even if it meant they supplied them less to other, smartphone and computer manufacturing customers. Political pressure to prioritise automakers’ needs may have eased things apart from the experience and knowledge of automakers and suppliers to mitigate supply chain challenges, it is an indication that material shortage may be here to stay. Mark Liu, Chairman, TSMC, is known to express that it is different from in the past, when allocation of chip production capacity was based on a first come, first served principle. In India, the shortage of chip-based

in focus

electronic parts and modules caused automakers to revise their production schedules and targets in the face of a returning demand post a year severely affected by the pandemic. With the already fierce competition among tech

companies become cutthroat, the challenge of material shortage is bound to give rise to complex flow arrangements at automakers and suppliers, mentioned an Europe-based industry source. He cited the same as the reason for price

increase of autos across the globe by a good three to seven-per cent. Stating that it were the Covid-19 induced disruptions and closures which affected material supply for industries of all nature, the source stressed that electronics manufacturers raced to book more inventory than they would have in the past once deliveries improved to be not caught by the short again. This has a ripple effect where the material shortage involving chips seemed to get worse, he added. Some commercial vehicle manufacturers and many EV manufacturers (that of electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers) in India were affected by the chip shortage as the transition to BSVI and the push for EVs by the governments has been leading to a considerable rise

Commercial Vehicle www.commercialvehicle.in // May 2021

In focus in electronic content onboard every vehicle. Of the opinion that concepts like IoT, AI and digitisation will become more relevant and define the ways of working at automakers, Vinod Aggarwal, MD & CEO, VE Commercial Vehicles, at a forum, is known to say that an opportunity will be provided by the Covid-19 induced disruption to adopt them – especially digitisation. In chip shortage terms, the adoption of concepts like IoT, AI and digitisation is only going to make it look big unless immediate steps are taken to find ways to ramp up the supply. Chip makers the world over have done that, and in anticipation that the chip shortage would last into 2022 as massive frontloading of demand for chips and other vital components continues. However, for the auto industry, it is not just the chips, another vital material that is causing discomfort is

Commercial Vehicle May 2021 // www.commercialvehicle.in

natural rubber. Used in the manufacture of tyres and other auto components like antivibration pads, the disruption in the supply of natural rubber is causing trouble. Pointing at stockpiling by China and the devastating leaf disease, sources mention that many tyremakers and those that use natural rubber have began procuring them beyond their current need to be not caught unprepared at a later stage. If this is pushing natural rubber

prices up, and in-turn the cost of key automotive components like tyres, the involvement of many small players and their inability to quickly respond to changes or challenges is also said to be yet another reason for natural rubber supply restrictions. Informing that Thailand, Vietnam, and some parts of India is where natural rubber is found in good quantity, an industry source said that the problem is, the knowledge or

in focus

the ability to replace nature rubber with petroleumderived synthetic rubber hasn’t yet reach a stage where such a disruption would be easily overcome. After chip shortage and natural rubber supply constraints, it is copper that is used in critical automotive components like wire harness, starter motor, alternator, radiator, and brake

tube, that is in short supply currently. Likely to cause production and supply chain disruption at auto makers and suppliers the world over, and especially at a time when the push towards electrification is growing, copper, it looks like, will globally, move from a position of small surplus in 2020 to a potential deficit of over 200,000 tonnes at the end of 2021. Pointing at March contracts reaching USD 4.12 per lb., the previous high being February 2011 when they reached an alltime high of USD 4.58 per lb., Natalie Scott-Gray, a senior metals analyst at StoneX, expressed that she expects copper demand in 2021 to rise by about five-per cent yearon-year, outstripping supply,

which would grow by 2.3 per cent year-on-year. In some areas of the physical copper market, supply is claimed to be at its tightest in years. It is likely to come under even more pressure as smelters in China face shrinking profit margins for processing raw ore into refined metal. urging copper prices have driven up the share prices for miners of the metal, in some case by double digits. For the auto industry, this would translate into higher input costs and supply chain challenges at in the mediumterm. Quipped a source that prices over the medium-term will remain on an upward trajectory in relation to how the secondary market for scrap copper contributes.

Commercial Vehicle www.commercialvehicle.in // May 2021

Industry Talk

Indian bus industry developments

A number of developments in the Indian bus space are highlighting opportunities as well as the challenges that lie in front.

Team CV

oa’s Kadamba Transport Corporation is in the final stages of requisitioning private buses to run on two routes - Ponda to Panaji and Margao to Canacona. This move, the state public transport undertaking thinks, will help instil operational discipline and weed out competition. Operating 11 e-buses currently, the organisation is in the process of ramping up the fleet to 30. It is also working on building the supporting infrastructure parallelly. More e-buses are being rolled out in Patna after positive response from the commuters. Mentioned an industry source that

Commercial Vehicle May 2021 // www.commercialvehicle.in

airconditioned e-buses will ply on route number 222 between Gandhi Maidan and AIIMS-Patna, on route number 555 to Patna City, and on route number 888 to IIT-Patna. He said that the e-buses plying from Gandhi Maidan to Patna airport and Danapur since the beginning of March 2021 have received very good response. Close to 20,000 people have commuted daily since its inception, he added. enders for another 575 airconditioned e-buses have been floated in Delhi. By the end of the current year, 1000 e-buses are set to debut in the capital city of India. The number hints at a shift from CNG-buses (3,762 numbers approximately)

as a mainstay to e-buses at a time when Indraprastha Gas Ltd. (IGL) has signed a longterm (10-year) agreement to supply CNG to DTC. Interestingly, the vendor for 300 low-floor e-buses out of the 1300 such vehicles DTC is keen to acquire has been finalised. He will supply 12 m long low-floor air-conditioned buses equipped with features like real-time passenger information system, CCTVs, panic buttons, GPS, etc. The first batch of e-buses has begun plying on the BRTS routes in Rajkot. Under FAME, the centre had approved 50 e-buses for Rajkot in August 2019. The e-buses have been procured on a gross contract

Industry Talk Tata Motors’ new bus ad On the eve of Ramadan, Tata Motors has released an ad that speaks of trust, optimism, solace, righteousness and good deeds. It starts by showing a company owner stranded on a desolate (Middle Eastern) desert stretch after his luxury car breaks down. His senior employee travelling in the (left-hand drive) Tata company bus spots him and signals the driver to stop and reverse. He gets down and rushes to the boss. Some younger employees also follow. The senior employee summons one of them, a young engineer, to repair the luxury car. He checks and diagnoses the fault – a burnt relay. The car has to be sent to the workshop he informs. Sensing the boss’

with the civic body making payments on a per km basis besides providing electricity charging facilities and bearing the electricity cost. According to an industry source, the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) is working to induct 1,500 buses on lease basis. These would include non-AC diesel buses on a gross contract basis. A tender for the same is also in the final stages, the sources added. The city of Lucknow has introduced air-conditioned e-buses for its residents. Aimed at providing a better commuting medium for the city’s residents and ensure good air quality, Lucknow has introduced 40 e-buses. In the coming months the number of e-buses in the city is expected to be ramped up to 700 numbers. Supporting

irritation, the senior employee suggests him to ride the company bus so that he is not late for iftar. Upon reaching his mansion, the boss invites his employees on the bus to his mansion. He introduces them to his family and asks them to join him for iftar.

infrastructure in the form of charging stations is also being put in place. With the second wave of Covid-19 indicating virus mutation and in the process a faster spread, the bus industry in India is staring at an uncertain future. It is not that the future was certain, the second wave has made it even more tough for us to stay in business, expressed a private tourist bus operator from Pune on the condition of not divulging his name. Pointing at the fall in performance since May last year when the first wave of Covid spread through out the nation, he said that many private players have already perished with no business to rely upon. The

second wave risks to take more players out of the field. Despite the local and state governments providing support to private bus operators, and the market showing good progress from the beginning of the 2021 calendar year, private bus operators continue to be hit by factors such as social distancing and the failure of offices and schools to operate at full strength..

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DITA’s the name A technology named after a girl or a women makes for an interesting insight. Milan Olšanský

Technological demonstrator ShkH 155 mm DITA is equipped with a combat tower that can operate in a completely autonomous mode. The crew of the car consists of only two men - the driver and the commander.

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such that the autonomous superstructure functions as part of an automatic charging system and an ultra-modern fire control system. The three make main trumps of a combat vehicle on a wheeled chassis with an interesting and relatively long history within several European, Asian and African armies. The ShkH 155 mm DITA is a direct descendant of the original combat system ShkH Dana 152 mm vz. 77, which came into service in the then Czechoslovak People’s Army in 1977. That, again was over forty years ago. Unique solution It made for a unique solution then. The one that made for a self-propelled cannon howitzer on a wheeled chassis. Aligning well with the then military doctrine of the Soviet Union

and its satellites within the framework of the Warsaw Pact to strike tank alliances with the support of highly mobile heavy artillery, it, as ShKH Dana with a means to direct fire on the line of contact up to 20 km beack from own front called for high mobility and unlike in USSR where due to the geographical conditions, it was common to work with crawler vehicles. The need for really high mobility called for in ordinary buildings areas and on the common road infrastructure of Western European countries, especially the then West Germany, meant that a wheeled chassis would do well. Also the reason why the then command of the Czechoslovak Army (Czechoslovak People’s Army) decided to go for a wheeled chassis. Another strong reason was the existence of the truck

All Image courtesy: Excalibur Army/CSG.

lAt the recent international military technology fair IDEX 2021 in Abu Dhabi (SAE), a state-ofthe-art self-propelled canon howitzer made news because of its technological prowess. It also made news because of its name DITA, which would ideally represent a girl or a women. Presented by Czech companies CSG and Tatra, the selfpropelled canon howitzer, as a technological demonstrator, is based on the proven Tatra 815 model series chassis, which is more than four decade old! A combat superstructure of an automatically charged 155 mm caliber howitzer is located on the chassis. It is situated

International manufacturer Tatra. Within the trade and economic association of Eastern European CMEA countries (Tatra was considered a universal manufacturer of heavy trucks for all members of the CMEA), Tatra enjoyed a strong reputation. Above all, it was in the process of unveiling a completely new range of T 815 heavy trucks, which were developed and tested for ten years! They were developed by taking into account their possible involvement in special military projects. Therefore the type designation T 815 (eight at the beginning of the numerical code was earmarked for military vehicles). The four-axle T 815 chassis (even before the mass production of T 815 began) was chosen as the perfect platform for future armored self-propelled howitzers. The air-cooled supercharged twelve-cylinder engine of the then brand new T3 family, with an output of 275 kW (369 hp) was found to be sufficient and suitable. The only thing that had to be done was to completely change the orientation of the chassis because of the character and uncompromising functionality of the entire weapon system. The chassis was turned ‘facing backwards’ one hundred and eighty degrees to ensure ideal engine fitment. The best in its category All made in Czechoslovakia at that time, and considered to the best in the category as well as top of the tech ladder was the weapon superstructure with a 152 mm cannon, automatic system for charging divided ammunition (grenade and cartridge), layered armor of the cabin and gun turrets

preventing both the passage of 7.62 mm projectiles up close and some effects of mass, biological and nuclear weapons, sights for direct and indirect fire and a great brake reversing device. ShkH Dana served mainly in the armies of Czechoslovakia (407 pieces), the Soviet Union (108 pieces), Poland (111 pieces), Libya (5 pieces) and Georgia (47 pieces). After the economic and social coup of 1989 in Czechoslovakia and the subsequent collapse of the USSR in 1991, the Dana model 77 system was forgotten for a while. New brothers, new fraternity Czechoslovakia, respectively after 1993, only the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic, as independent countries, received new friends, allies and brothers. A different idea emerged, as well as a different military doctrine related to the exchange of parties. Becoming members of the NATO military offensive pact even before the end of the millennium, they came to have a completely different military doctrine. Tanks and heavy artillery were thought to have survived. Gradually, the so-called Cold War ended and the interest of military hawks turned to smart and sophisticated weapons. The socalled Arab Spring came and was followed by the biggest local conflict in Syria. An interesting finding based on the analysis of combat operations in such clashes concerning tanks and heavy artillary made it obvious that the selfpropelled guns had not yet lost their utility value. This prompted the industries of all countries to begin to turn to their World War II roots and

In 2016, another modernization step ShkH DANA 152 mm was introduced in the form of ShkH 152 mm DANA M1M. The first modernization step ShkH DANA 152 mm vz. 77 performed by Excalibur Army in 2011 in the form of ShkH DANA 152 mm M1 CZ.

ShkH DANA 152 mm vz. 77 is by far the best weapon system developed and manufactured in Czechoslovakia. It has served and is serving in several armies in Europe, Asia and Africa.

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international look for the right incarnation in the segment of such weapons for the 21st century. Already at the time of the greatest glory of Dana’s combat systems, there were considerations and even prototypes of possible followers. Thus, for example, the Ondava system came in, which differed only in small details. Later, especially in Slovakia, they came up with the modernization of the Dana system in the form of the redesigned ShkH Zuzana (1992 - 1995) and Zuzana 2 (1996 - 2004). These reflected a near complete reconstruction and especially a new caliber standard (155 mm); the caliber NATO standard. Ironically, the ShkH Zuzana though still prefers to partner with the Tatra 815 chassis, albeit with Tatra T3 eight-cylinder forks to be precise.

Self-propelled cannon howitzer NEXTER CAESAR 155 mm is actually just a carrier and cannon. The Jeo deployment corresponds to a completely different military doctrine than the one for which the DANA 152 mm was constructed and its incarnation up to the DITA 155 mm system.

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Modernisation and innovation Not to be left behind, in 2011, in the Czech Republic either, the first modernisation of the Dana system was marked by the Dana M1 CZ 152 mm with a new modern cabin. Questions were asked, Why modernisation and why use the 152 mm caliber yet? The answer given was a tad complex but was highly effective. It pointed at the continuing use of the system by several armies in Europe. It also underlined the fact that the Dana system is a real and unadulterated weapon system with excellent mobile, shooting and tactical results. The Czech Army, the Slovak Army, the Polish Army and the Russian Army too uses it. The 152 mm caliber, on the top of it all, is supported by an economic argument. With the care of

a good manager, it must be stated that there are still 152 mm caliber ammunition in the stored reserves of the Czech Army for about four-billion crowns (about 18 million USD). They should be used or sold. The company Excalibur Army, however, been long involved in the modernisation of the Dana system, came to be convinced of the fact that it would be difficult to fight windmills in addition to military mills. In 2017, another round of modernisation of the Dana M1M was announced. It brought it the most modern fire control system from the Retia company belonging to the Czechoslovak Group, which also includes the original Excalibur Army. The Army of the Czech Republic hesitated and issued conflicting opinions on the need to

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modernize the Dana system, but also on the purchase of the French Nexter Caesar 155 mm system, this time also built on a standard Tatra chassis - a highly modern unit from Tatra Force to boast of. The Tatra chassis helped the presentation of a modern Dana M1M system to appear in the armament of the army of Azerbaijan. The fact that Kypr is providing 12 pieces of ShkH Zuzana, made for a compelling case. In 2020, Ukraine also ordered 60 new Dana M2 systems. It eventually reduced the order to 22 pieces.

ShkH 152 mm DANA M2 left and technological demonstrator ShkH 155 mm DITA right.

Dana M2 vs. NEXTER CAESAR In June 2018, CSG presented the third round of modernisation of the Dana system with the M2 designation and a new cabin. Changes to the age-old chassis and a new ballistic computer were carried out. The howitzer still had a caliber of 152 mm Commercial Vehicle www.commercialvehicle.in // May 2021

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and its opponents still argued for a ‘small’ range! This, when using ammunition DN1CZ was very solid. The range was almost 30 km. The pressure from staunch members of the NATO Pact, that ‘you do not have a 155 mm standard calibre’ brought to the fore the ShkH Nexter Caesar 155 mm system once again. Leaving aside that 152/155 caliber duel, the literally abysmal difference being in the use of the weapon system, the Nexter Ceaser 155 mm system seemed to gain attention. While Dana in the original solution and in all its modernization steps represents a completely unique highly mobile compact combat device with a high degree of protection of the operator’s crew even on the touch line, the Nexter Caesar, at the end of the day, is only a carrier of the cannon howitzer! Effective firing can only be conducted from an armored or from a highly fortified firing position. This, provided the operating crew, including the driver and commander of the vehicle, is outside the vehicle. The weapon system, in addition, has only

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a semi-automatic charging system. That is, each grenade (weighing approximately 50 kg), each cartridge (weighng approximately 14 kg) must be taken by the cannon operator and placed manually in the charging basket! The crew, in such a situation, undoubtedly, is well exposed to the effects of enemy fire. With the Caesar system, there could be no question of direct shooting in the event of a sudden necessity. Its ability is limited. It is not that good at firing at angles. Especially, considering the placement of the barrel of the howitzer above the carrier’s cabin. Another is the inability to shoot with negative angles of elevation. It must therefore be stated that Dana and Caesar are completely different weapons corresponding to a completely different tactical deployment. CSG does not give up Refusing to cede its modernisation activities, CSG, by virtue of having in its kitty the best weapons system ever in Czechoslovakia, conducted another round of modernisation (read significant modernisation)

in 2021. It presented the DITA ShkH 155 mm system, the most significant change in it being the use of the 155 mm caliber of the NATO standard. The entire system is controlled only by the driver and the commander of the car from the workplace of the chassis cab. This means that a twotower superstructure with a firing diameter of 40 rounds of divided ammunition can work in a fully autonomous mode. There is only an emergency workplace. When using

International ammunition with a so-called gas generator, the range of the DITA system is 155 mm of the desired almost 39 km. The drive is a forked air-cooled eightcylinder Tatra T3-928-90, which thanks to the development, can provide a full 300 kW power. The number would certainly evoke a discussion whether it would not be better to have a 400 kW engine for a 29-tonne heavy vehicle. On the back of the fact that the entire vehicle is scalable in terms of further and future development, there’s another angle to it too. It concerns the air-cooled twelve-cylinder Tatra, which was in the original Dana system. It had a ‘dream’ output of 400 kW and looks set to return to the scene. A part of the modernisation is the use of original Tatra transmission in the DITA system. It is supplemented by an electronic Tatra Norgren gearshift system. The truth, however,

is that one has to learn to live with this system. It is not fot those who get impatient soon. Interestingly, the manufacturer talks about two chassis options - the first being found on the technological demonstrator at Abu Dhabi in the form of the age-old highly mechanical T 815 chassis, albeit with excellent driving characteristics. It is considered as a real iron for combat. A hammer or an ax would not disappoint, as it has little reason to disappoint. The second option is a modern Tatra chassis from the Force series of vehicles. It is replete with a pneumatic suspension system built by Nexter Caesar. The CSG states that this one has the ability to wade up to 1200 mm of water column. Similarly, it can cross 2000 mm, overcome a vertical (470 mm high) obstacle, climb 30 degrees and manage a static lateral tilt of

15 degrees. The modern Tatra chassis with the howitzer on it has 20-inch dia. wheels and R20 14.00 tyres. The DITA with a total length of 13.02 m and a total weight of 29-tonnes should be able to drive on paved roads at speeds of up to 90 kmph. It should drive ‘in the terrain’ at a speed of up to 15 kmph. My own verification - many times - has shown that the ShkH Dana vz 77 152 mm can reach a speed of 120 kmph at 11 m total length and 30 tonnes of total weight on a paved road. This verification is however is from thirty years ago; the time I served with this great weapon! .............................................................. CV is an associate member of the International Truck of the Year (IToY). As part of this association, the magazine provides exclusive articles, written especially by IToY jury members.

The Danish army has decided to purchase NEXTER CAESAR 155 mm systems on a TATRA FORCE 8x8 wheeled chassis with pneumatic suspension and the Czech Army is still deciding, despite having DANA 152 mm systems at its disposal and offering modernization, including the DITA system 155 mm.

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The new Peterbilt 579 The Peterbilt Motors Company has launched the new 579 truck with aerodynamic changes to improve fuel efficiency.

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laiming to offer seven-per cent higher fuel efficiency, the new Peterbilt 579 marks a significant change in terms of market requirements. Made by the US-based Peterbilt Motors Company, the truck is said to offer among the most advanced aerodynamic features and packages ever. Compared to the earlier 579, the new model has a new hood and bumper. It also has, for maximum aerodynamic performance, a seemingly narrow front. The lower

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positioning of the hood apart, the Class-8 truck has aerodynamic mirrors that are a little shorter. Inspired by the look and shape of the Peterbilt bird that is positioned above the crown, according to Jason Skoog, General Manager, Peterbilt, and Vice President, Paccar, the new 579 does not sacrifice the red oval livery. It is considered as unique to every Class-8 Peterbilt truck. The livery is also claimed to pay homage to the tradition of the bird on this brand of trucks. Describing the new 579 as a ‘New Era of Class’, Peterbilt, it

is clear, is betting big. To begin production in April 2021, the new 579, according to Skoog, rub shoulders with the earlier generation ‘UltraLoft’ 579. Full fledged production of the new truck is expected to begin in the second half of 2021. Following in the footsteps of the successful ‘UltraLoft’ 579, which was first showcased in Mid-America Trucking Show in 2012, the new 579 does not simply present aerodynamic changes, but also significant technological changes that would enhance the performance, safety, reliability,

International efficiency and productivity overall. A good indicator of this is the Paccar MX engine that nicely blends efficiency and flexibility. It is an engine that boasts of one million miles in line-haul applications, which translates in the fact that 90 per cent of Paccar MX engines will present almost double the life of comparable engines. At the core is the B10 design life. Paccar MX-13

Paccar MX engine Maximising kilometres on the road and the payload capacity, the Paccar MX 12.9-litre engine powering the new 579 produces 510 hp at the top. The stages below have the engine producing 485 hp, 455 hp, 430 hp, 405 hp and 380 hp. Also had with a Paccar MX-11 engine with a 10.8-litre displacement and power stages of 430 hp, 425 hp, 385 hp, 375 hp, 355 hp and 335 hp, the new 579 is

about a combination of proven technologies and state-of-theart innovations. Either engine, the MX-13 and the MX-11, employs a common rail system to maintain injection pressures of 2,500 bar. This helps in achieving the lowest possible fuel consumption, emission and noise levels. Mated to either engine is a Paccar 12-speed transmission as standard. The buyer has the choice of an

Paccar MX-11

Eaton manual or automated transmission, and also of an Allison automatic transmission. In the case of the axles, the new 579 offers a choice of a Dana, Hendrickson or Meritor front axle with a 12,000 – 14,600 lbs rating. The rear axle could be had by Paccar, Dana or Meritor. Producing a maximum torque of 1,850 lb. ft. in the case of the 510 hp Paccar MX13 powertrain variant,

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the new 579 is also supported by a choice of suspension, including Peterbilt Front Air Leaf, Hendrickson Softek and Taper Leaf at front. At the rear, the truck could be had with a Peterbilt Flex Air, Peterbilt Low Air Leaf, Peterbilt LowLow Air Leaf, Peterbilt Air Leaf, Peterbilt Air Trac, Hendrickson HMX EX, Neway ADZ or Reyco suspension. Sporting a durable three-piece aerodynamic design made of metal with greater resistance to impact, the new 579 looks not just at the best in class aggregates and an ability to meet the finest customer requirements, but also at lowering the TCO. The hood, designed to improve the airflow over the top and around the sides of the vehicle, is part of an effort that includes a bumper with lights in it. The lights comprise three functions: fog lamp, driving lamp and cornering lamp.

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Turning on automatically with the turn signal in low light conditions, the lights provide excellent illumination at both corners of the truck. They improve safety and minimise the chance of an accident. Fitted with LED headlamps that include InfraRed heater elements for lens defrost to ensure no ice and snow collects, the 579 is easy to recognise because of its signature style daytime running lamps. If the LED headlamps consume less energy than the halogen bulbs on the earlier model, the new truck with an aerodynamic hood and threepiece bumper has got new aerodynamically designed rear view mirrors. While the new A-pillar fairing directs air across the side of the cab to improve aerodynamics and reduce noise, new wheelwell close outs provide added aerodynamics and

accommodate more tyre options than ever before. Tandem fairings and wheel covers along with the new chassis fairings reduce drag. The new redesigned and re-imagined chassis fairings enhance serviceability whereas the newly designed front chassis and powertrain helps to reduce noise in the cab by 10 per cent. Providing the driver with additional control and comfort, the new 579 could be had with Aero, Advanced Aero and Advanced Aero with Digital Vision System options. The Aero packages help deliver up to seven per cent improvement in fuel economy, validated through computational fluid dynamics and thousands of miles of onroad validation. The Advanced Aero and Digital Vision System is claimed to provide expanded field of view, improved visibility in inclement weather, night

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vision and selectable views like discrete, merged and look down. Available with full-height aerodynamic cab mirrors as optional; with optional rear fairings to further enhance aerodynamic efficiency; with chassis fairings redesigned for fuel efficiency without sacrificing great entry and exit out of the cab, and tip out features that make it easy to access batteries as well as fuel tanks, the new 579 seeks technological edge through digital display and ADAS. A bold design with classleading functionality, the digital display includes a configurable interface with all critical truck

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systems information and integrated Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) technology and features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and signs recognition. Drivers and fleets can personalise their default view, placing the most relevant information at their preferred location on the screen. Lowering the driver’s workload and enhancing overall safety and uptime, the truck integrates high-definition camera and radar technology to enable features like overspeed alerts, collision mitigation, Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane-Keeping Assist (LKA). LKA utilises an electric motor mounted on the steering column to assist the driver in staying between the travel lanes. Collision mitigation is triggered by a slower moving vehicle or stationary object ahead, and automatically engages the brake system, reducing vehicle speed by up to 80 kph, minimising the likelihood of loss of control situations or collisions. Capable of detecting when the truck is unintentionally drifting out of the travel lane and alerting the driver to take action, the new 579 sounds

an audible alert for the driver and applies foundation brakes to reduce vehicle speed. Side object detection provides visual and audible warnings when vehicles are travelling in the truck’s passenger-side blind spot. A part of the driver’s cockpit or cabin, which has been updated with richer colours and luxurious optional wood trim, the strong arm of technology is felt time and again. Incorporating a 15-inch digital display, which is claimed to be the largest in its class, the truck has its cabins designed to minimise driver distractions while driving. Offering eight feet of headroom, 70 cubic feet of storage and the large mattresses, the new 579 accommodates a television as big as 32-inch; a 1.1-cubic foot microwave, and a clever foldaway ladder that disappears when not in use. The truck could be had with a sound abatement technology, independent heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) with separate controls, an optional fuel-fired heater and multiple no-idle hoteling options. LED lighting throughout provides optimal illumination with energy-saving.

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