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Volume 14 Issue 10 • July 2020
Rising fuel prices
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.com ponentsindia www.autocom July 2020 Vol 7 Issue 05
COMPONENTS
INDIA
tes Headwinds JK Tyre Negotia
s e i r e S g n i r p JAI BSVI S E SUPPLIERS
E AUTOMOTIV
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STRAIGHT DRIVE
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“Not reflecting well on the health of the CV industry, the current situation does not bode well for the nation’s economy Either.”
ruckers took to honking for one-minute every day, starting from July 01 and ending on July 07, 2020, with a hope that the Government would respond to their key demand for insurance cover for drivers as frontline warriors amid Covid-19. Following a steep and near continuous rise in fuel prices across much of June 2020, the honking act seemed to be inspired by a similar act by US truckers outside the White House, drew the attention of US President Donald Trump. Hoping that the honking act of Indian truckers is successful, it would complement the efforts of the CV industry striving to get back on track after a hiatus of over two months. It is no secret that the CV industry and the road freight (transport) fraternity are finding the going tough. If the BSVI tech has made CVs costlier, a lack of capital and confidence has made CV operators wary of what the future holds for them. It is perhaps for the first time that they seem to be running low on optimism. Especially the smaller players, which account for roughly 60 to 70 per cent of the total road freight (transport) fraternity. Not reflecting well on the health of the CV industry, the current situation does not bode well for the nation’s economy either. Bhushan Mhapralkar b.mhapralkar@nextgenpublishing.net
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AVTR from Ashok Leyland AVTR from Ashok Leyland combines BSVI technology with modularisation. 05 Straight Drive Bhushan Mhapralkar 08 Letters 10 CV News BBluRevolution by BluSmart n Suppliers hit by rising labour costs n Bus operators seek relief n Truck drivers honk n Eicher Skyline Pro 6016 n M&M vehicle ownership schemes n JCB India reduces manpower n Daimler India MoU with TN Gov. n Meru partners MakeMyTrip n ‘Sarpanch Plus’ from M&M n ‘RQBE QUICK’ and Assessment RPA n
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MSRTC to carry goods Growth from e-commerce DTC to procure electric buses Truck capacity utilisation improves
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
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Commercial Vehicle July 2020 // www.commercialvehicle.in
R YOUICE VO
July 2020 Covid-19 test bus
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With Novel Coronavirus showing no signs of disappearing yet, testing is looked upon as among the best ways to tackle the deadly menace. n n n n n n n n n
New CV buyers? Panic button and fuel sensor devices Supro Ambulance Tata Motors to shelve ‘Drona’ initiative? CV makers extend extensive support Three-wheeled Covid-19 test centre? Apollo Tyres’ Andhra plant ALL Phoenix delayed? DICV next-gen tractor
Rising fuel prices
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Rising fuel prices and quiet road freight (transport) fraternity may well indicate a lull before the storm.
30 Hydrogen Fuel Cell CVs Europe may be pushing for hydrogen fuel cell CVs, work in this regards is also being carried out in India.
46 Buses, and more buses
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Doorstep fuel delivery A little known start-up is striving to change the very dimension of refuelling in India.
57 Justice Prevails
The post Covid-19 world order is expected to bring about a drastic change in the bus ecosystem.
Re-energising the bus ecosystem
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A recent webinar organised by Busworld India saw experts discuss measures to reenergise the bus ecosystem.
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Commercial Vehicle www.commercialvehicle.in // July 2020
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Letters CVs and the exodus of migrant labourers
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he article on the difficulties faced by migrant labourers and how CVs -- trucks and buses, came to their rescue. If the mention of some of the drivers ferrying migrants refusing to take even a single paisa was mentioned in the article, I have known of instances where drivers have charged a hefty sum from the migrant labourers to let them ride in their vehicles. Some took it under the pretext of using it to bribe the authorities to let the labourer ride their vehicles. Some that I know of, charged the labourers on some other pretext or the other. If such drivers outnumbered the noble ones who did not charge a single paisa or refused to take the labourers on board because that would entail a safety risk, as well as the risk of harassment from the authorities, the flight of labourers across the country during April and May 2020, offered many a chance to make a quick buck. CVs may have played a key role in ensuring that the labourers got closer to their destination faster and with some comfort than they would have if they would have walked, the movement also highlighted the fact that greed came in the way of the thinking of many minds. It was a business opportunity for many as trucks and buses full of migrant labourers met with accidents; saw truckers dump the migrant labourers onboard in the middle of nowhere and take flight. Naveen Das, Navi Mumbai
The plight of CV industry
I
t was by accident that I stumbled upon the CV magazine webinar video, ‘CV industry shifts gears’, involving the participation of VG Ramakrishnan, Managing Partner, Avanteum Advisors; Kaushik Madhavan, VP - Mobility, Frost & Sullivan; Mahendra Arya, President, AITWA, and Prasanna Patwardhan, President, BOCI, on Youtube. It made for a good insight into how the CV industry is currently meeting the challenges in front of it, and if it is getting the help expected of the Government due to Covid-19. It came as a shock to listen to Mahendra Arya and Prasanna Patwardhan that the Government hasn’t provided any help to the truck and bus segments. It may be easy for Patwardhan to say that they would park their buses in front of the RTO and call it quits, the fact is, there is more at stake than the naked eye can see. There are businesses at stake with so many employees on the roll. There are people like drivers who are regarded for their skill and are not easy to replace. If one would consider the amount of people the truck and bus industry employs, it is quite unusual for the Government to have not paid attention to their problems and offered help. While it is also necessary to understand the story on the other side, relaxations in terms of taxation, road toll, insurance, and a safety cover to drivers as frontlines warriors are some of the factors the Government could consider in the interest of economy and how the sector could contribute to the nation’s GDP.
Rahul Bhardwaj, Delhi
Commercial Vehicle Magazine
105-106, Trade World, B-Wing, 1st Floor, Kamala Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (W), Mumbai - 400013, India. Tel +91 22 43525252 Email us at cv@nextgenpublishing.net Editor Test Editor Web Editor Correspondent Head-Design & Production Art Director Asst. Art Director Image Desk Production Supervisor Publisher Chief Executive Officer General Manager North & East
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Manager Circulation - North and East Kapil Kaushik Subscription Supervisor Sachin Kelkar Tel +91 22 43525220 Apple Newsstand & Magzter Queries help@magzter.com Zinio Subscriptions Queries http://in.zinio.com/help/index.jsp Territory Sales Incharge (SIP) Mr. Srinivas Gangula (Hyderabad) Cell +91 09000555756 Territory Sales Incharge (Circulation) Vidyasagar Gupta (Kolkata) Mob: 09804085683 Regional marketing offices Next Gen Publishing Pvt. Ltd. 105-106, Trade World, B-Wing, 1st Floor, Kamala Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (W), Mumbai - 400013, India Tel +91 22 43525252 26 B, First Floor, Okhla Industrial Estate, Okhla Phase III, New Delhi - 110020, India Tel +91 11 42346600/78 Fax +91 11 42346679 Unit No:509, 5th Floor, ‘B’ wing, Mittal Towers, MG Road, Bengaluru -560001, India Tel +91 080 66110116/17 Fax +91 80 41472574 Cenetoph Elite, No.5, Cenetoph 1st street, Teynampet, Chennai - 600018, India Tel +91 044 421-08-421/044 421-75-421 Devendra Mehta - Mob No.- 09714913234 Ahmedabad S.No.261/G.L.R.No.5, East Street,Camp Pune - 411001. Tel + 91 20 26830465 iews and opinions expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of Next V Gen Publishing Pvt. Ltd. Next Gen Publishing Pvt. Ltd. does not take responsibility for returning unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or other material. All material published in COMMERCIAL VEHICLE is copyright and no part of the magazine may be reproduced in part or full without the express prior written permission of the publisher Printed by Marzban Jasoomani Next Gen Publishing Pvt. Ltd., 105-106, Trade World, B-Wing, 1st Floor, Kamala Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (W), Mumbai - 400013. Published by Marzban Jasoomani on behalf of Next Gen Publishing Pvt. Ltd., 105-106, Trade World, B-Wing, 1st Floor, Kamala Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (W), Mumbai - 400013, Printed at Kala Jyothi Process Pvt. Ltd, 1-1-60/5 RTCX Roads, Hyderabad - 20. Published at Next Gen Publishing Pvt. Ltd., 105-106, Trade World, B-Wing, 1st Floor, Kamala Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (W), Mumbai - 400013. All readers are recommended to make their own independent enquiries before sending money, incurring expenses or entering into commitments in relation to any advertisement appearing in the publication. Commercial Vehicle does not vouch for any claims made by advertisers for their products and services. The editor, publisher, printer and employees of the publication shall not be held liable for any consequence in the events of such claims not being honoured by the advertisers. All disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of competent courts and forums in Mumbai only. Editor Bhushan Mhapralkar
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News
BluRevolution by BluSmart
Suppliers hit by rising labour costs I A
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s part of its BluRevolution initiative, electric taxi operator, BluSmart has announced that it has successfully covered 4.75 million km in the form of 1,75,000 zero-emission trips in the DelhiNCR region. Also announcing that their cabs were deep cleaned and sanitised twice a day during the charging time, the company is keen to expand its market reach. To do so it is banking on the prospect of emission free ride in an electric cab. Positioning
itself as a smart urban electric radio cab operator, BluSmart is confident of attracting suave and informed commuters to avail of its cabs.
Bus operators seek relief S
tating that they suffered heavy losses during the Covid-19 induced lockdown period, bus operators from Pune through their association submitted a letter to the Government seeking relief. The operators urged the Government to eliminate various taxes and extend vehicle insurance by six months; provide relief in road tax for one year, concession in GST for one year, insurance worth 50 lakhs for association staff by declaring them Corona warriors, and charge no interest on a bank loan for six months. Highlighting their plight, the bus operators mentioned in their letter,
Commercial Vehicle July 2020 // www.commercialvehicle.in
Photo credit : Sakal times
f the shortage of labour at various industrial centres despite resuming operations is causing pain, the rise in labour costs has begun to hurt industries across the board, and especially the suppliers and SME units. A sharp increase in labour costs due to the exodus of skilled workers from cities as they strive to ramp up output in line with the ambitious projections of their OEM client has most suppliers worried. With most operations being labour intensive, suppliers are worried about the expression of many workers not being keen to head back to cities and instead make a living by participating in local job creation schemes. Suppliers are also worried about the rising cost of sanitisation and due to precautionary measures like social distancing. Stating that they have not got a single paisa of the ambitious Rs.20 lakh crore stimulus package announced by the Government, a SME auto supplier, on the condition of not revealing his name, mentioned that capital is in short supply in an environment where there has been no income whatsoever for the last two months. Any inquiry for finance is met with a reason that they are yet to get clarity on the stimulus package announced by the Government, he said.
that in the absence of relief they will protest in front of the Collector’s office and the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) office by parking their buses. The letter, the association said, was submitted to Pune Divisional Commissioner Deepak Mhaisekar, Regional Transport Officer Ajit Shinde, and MLA Siddharth Shirole in June 2020.
news
Truck drivers honk I
n a campaign that is said to have been inspired by the US campaign where truckers honked outside the White House to draw the attention of their President, truck drivers resorted to one-minute of continuous honking every day from July 01 to July 07, 2020, in India. They drew the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Government (as well as the various state governments) with the support of their truck owners and various transport associations working for the welfare of truck drivers. Highlighting their demand for protection in the form of an insurance cover as frontline warriors in the times of Covid-19 pandemic, truck drivers honked to convey a message that they have played a key role in keeping the country’s
complex supply chain from derailing. As one of the key element of the road freight (transport) fraternity, which has claimed to have not received any help from the Government in the current trying times, drivers parked their vehicles at the nearest toll plaza parking area or at a safe place to honk when the clock struck 12 at noon every day for seven days. They hoped that the Government would take notice of their need to be protected. They hoped that the Government would not overlook their contribution towards the smooth turning of the nation’s wheels.
M&M vehicle ownership schemes M
ahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M) has announced the introduction of customised vehicle ownership schemes for Covid-19 caretakers and essential service providers. These include and attractive discounts of upto Rs.66,500. The CV maker has also announced a scheme where the buyer could start paying the cost the next year of having bought the vehicle. This involves funding of up to eight years; upto 100 per cent on road
funding; 90 days moratorium, and purchase of BSVI pickup truck by payment of EMI equivalent to BSIV pickup as well as a 50 per cent processing fee waiver for doctors.
Eicher Skyline Pro 6016
V
E Commercial Vehicles has announced the launch of its new bus, Eicher Skyline Pro 6016. Powered by a 210 hp 5.1-litre BSVI Volvo engine, the bus measures 11.7 m in length and has a GVW of 16.2-tonnes. Capable of seating up to 62 people with a 3x2 seating layout for applications like stage carriage, the bus, built at Eicher’ Baggad plant (Pithampur), is equipped with advanced technology features and quality aggregates. Finding its way to a noble cause as a mobile Covid ICU unit at Hyderabad by the Grace Cancer Foundation, the Pro 6016 is fitted with an engine protection system for better engine life, intelligent driver information system (IDIS 2.0), fuel coaching and cruise control, which improves driving comfort and efficiency. Available with a fuel-efficient Exhaust After-treatment System (EATS), the bus has different driving modes that could be used as per the road and load conditions. Fitted with a sturdy Domex steel chassis, the Pro 6016 had an engine exhaust brake and larger pneumatic brakes for superior control. With the option of multiple wheelbases to choose from, the bus could be had with a lightweight 425-litre HDPE fuel tank. Unique about the Pro 6016 are a flat driver area, sandwich-type compact engine hood, a bigger alternator and a larger clutch. Commercial Vehicle www.commercialvehicle.in //July 2020
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News
JCB India reduces manpower J
CB has laid off 400 permanent employees in response to the drop in demand for its products, claim sources. They mention that the earthmoving and construction equipment maker took this decision in view of the time it would take for the market to return to normalcy. Drawing attention to the company’s workforce strength of 8000 people across facilities India, and out of which 4000 are permanent employees, sources said that the company has been adversely affected due to slowdown induced by the Covid-19 pandemic. They add that employment of a sizable number of contractual and temporary workers has also been discontinued. The contractual and temporary workforce fluctuates with demand, sources informed.
Meru partners Daimler India MoU with TN Gov. MakeMyTrip P
D
aimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Tamil Nadu to expand its production capacity at Oragadam. The MoU entails an investment of Rs.2277 crore. Producing four brands of trucks and two brands of buses at Oragadam for the domestic and export markets, DICV by expanding the production capacity is said to be looking at increasing its reach in the existing market and exploring new markets. As a key player in Daimler Group’s global CV endeavour, DICV has until now exported roughly 30,000 vehicles and 125 million parts. It has sold more than one-lakh trucks since 2012 (domestic and exports combined).
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Commercial Vehicle July 2020 // www.commercialvehicle.in
rovider of cab services across major airports in India, Meru has partnered with MakeMyTrip to increase its reach. In what is termed as a win-win arrangement, the cab operator will provide sanitised and safe cab services as part of MakeMyTrip’s end-to-end contactless journey initiative for air travellers. Extending a seamless and connected air travel experience on a single platform which enables booking of flight tickets, Meru and MakeMyTrip would thus ensure ozone sanitisation for controlling the spread of virus and bacteria inside the cab and high-safety hygiene procedures for drivers and riders at all touchpoints. Steps would be taken to minimise the exposure of the driver-partner and the passenger throughout the trip. Other measures within the cab include Air-protect Barrier sheet between the rider and the driver-partner, and availability of alcohol-based hand sanitiser in the cab.
news
‘Sarpanch Plus’ from M&M
‘RQBE QUICK’ and Assessment RPA
M
ahindra & Mahindra’s (M&M) Farm Equipment Sector has launched a new Sarpanch Plus range of tractors. Marking an upgrade of it’s popular 575 ‘Sarpanch’ model, the new ‘Sarpanch Plus’ range, spanning multiple horsepower points between 30 hp and 50 hp, is designed and engineered to improve farmers productivity and earnings. Powered by an advanced, fuel efficient longstroke engine, the ‘Sarpanch Plus’ range could be booked online, and is backed by an industry leading
R warranty spanning six years. Accompanying special finance and customer schemes, the new tractor range is developed to meet the evolving demands of modern farmers through attractive styling and ergonomic design.
MSRTC to carry goods
T
he Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation’s (MSRTC) move to carry goods during the lockdown has received good response, entailing the organisation to look at it as yet another attractive earning stream. To support the endeavour, the organisation is contemplating the conversion of 3,000 old buses into goods carriers; buses that are either 10-year old or have completed 6.5 lakh kms. The MSRTC is known to have identified 310 such buses. A target of modifying 10 buses across 31 divisions is claimed to have been relayed. The process is done such that the buses could be reset to their original state if desired. Interestingly,
the Nagpur division of the MSRTC is claimed to have transported about 100 tonnes of material already, earning Rs.70,000.
aheja QBE General Insurance (RQBE) has launched a new live streaming solution for motor claims settlement called ‘RQBE QUICK’. It is a live streaming app. in iOS for quick and convenient processing. Designed and developed for hassle-free claims experience, ‘RQBE Quick’, post initiating the process, offers the ability of the same to be tracked and settled, elevating transparency. It also offers the flexibility to book and schedule survey appointments. Allowing survey via mobile app. or through a link as per the customer’s convenience, the app. eliminates the process of physical inspection of the vehicle by a surveyor, saving time and effort. The innovative assessment tool, Assessment RPA (Robotic Process Automation), at the other end, helps convert pre-invoice or invoice into claims assessment accurately by enabling the claims team to release the delivery order within 10 minutes of receiving the pre-invoice or invoice.
Commercial Vehicle www.commercialvehicle.in //July 2020
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News
Growth from e-commerce
T
he year FY2019-20 brought business growth to many transporters and logistics players in the form of e-commerce. The rising tilt of buyers to shop from the comfort of their home or office rather than visit a brick and mortar showroom, ensured that transporters dealing in e-commerce were in demand. Those engaged in linehaul as well as in last mile delivery saw their business growing as e-commerce companies expanded their portfolio and strived to reach more pin codes. With the entry of big international players
in the e-commerce space, followed by mergers and acquisitions, e-commerce logistics players saw their business grow. FM Logistics, for example, in its results for the fiscal year 2019-20, which ended on March 31, 2020, reported a revenue growth of more than 15 per cent in India. It witnessed good business traction from e-commerce and has customers like an e-commerce clothing company in India for which it handles around 80,000 orders per day. FM Logistics also has a leading furniture retailer as its clients in India.
Truck capacity utilisation improves
P
ost the relaxation of curbs imposed during the lockdown, trucks are witnessing a rise in their utilisation level. Claiming that the number of trucks moving freight doubled to 2.2-2.5 million in May 2020, sources mention that the increase in capacity utilisation has been 30 to 35 per cent in May 2020. A major of the trucks are however said to carry essential goods. The Rs.20 lakh crore stimulus package having failed to offer any relief to the road freight (transport) fraternity, an industry observer mentioned that if the economic activity does not pick up quickly a big chunk of transporters is on the verge of being
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Commercial Vehicle July 2020 // www.commercialvehicle.in
wiped out. Stating that examples like TCI fleet utilisation level rising 50 to 70 per cent are rare, he informed that of the 70 per cent small truck operators, many are on the verge of simply going under. Confirming strong agriculture output as one of the reasons to boost truck utilisation, Bal Malkit Singh, Chairman of the Core Committee, All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC), averred that significant overcapacity in the market has to be quickly dealt with. “The next two months will be critical in determining whether the jobs of truck drivers (and truckers) are saved,” he added.
DTC to procure electric buses U
nder the FAME India Phase II Scheme, Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) is looking at 1,000 electric buses in its fleet, claim sources. This would be in addition to the induction of 1,000 CNG buses whose tender has already been passed. The electric bus project, issued by the Union ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, would involve private operators in a first of its kind publicprivate-partnership under the build-own-operatetransfer model. The private operator, mention sources, will provide 300 air-conditioned and the rest 12 m long low-floor electric buses to DTC on a contract of 11 years. With an ability to run at least 120 km with passengers and AC on a single charge the buses would be paid for by DTC as per the kilometre cost under the ‘Operating Expenses’ (OPEX) model. To be capable of doing more than 200 kms per day with 18 hours of continuous operation, the buses would be supported by a charging infra set by the operator at three depots, inform sources. The electricity cost for charging these buses will be paid by the operator, they add.
news
New CV buyers?
W
hile transport organisations like AITWA have advised their members to refrain from buying new trucks for the next one year, and instead concentrate on sustaining their staff, drivers, existing assets and the business, a survey by a website has revealed that close to 85 per cent of the customers are willing to buy new CVs post the lockdown. The survey has also revealed that 50 per cent of the customers are interested in booking their next truck online. Terming these trends as highly surprising, some of the transporters that CV spoke to, said that they could think of buying a new or used truck only if they see a rapid rise in their earning ability. A few transporters drew attention to the good days at the beginning of this decade. Conducted to understand the digital buying behaviour
T of CV customers during the Covid-19 crisis, the survey participants are said to be young business owners who are also decision-makers. As per the survey, the CV customers have also expressed that they are looking for finance.
Supro Ambulance M
ahindra & Mahindra (M&M) has announced the launch of Supro Ambulance. Developed in-house on the Supro van platform, the ambulance is powered by a 47 hp BSVI diesel engine mated to a five-speed gearbox. Capable of seating five attendants apart from the patient and driver, the vehicle is certified by AIS 125 norms and is a Type B ambulance. Available in two variants, LX and ZX, at a price of Rs.6.94 Lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai), the Supro Ambulance is backed by a two-year (60,000 km) warranty. With the first batch of 12 ambulances
Panic button and fuel sensor devices
finding its way to the Maharashtra Government’s fleet, the vehicle, with its compact dimensions, is suitable for operations in a city as well as in rural and semi-urban regions where manoeuvrability and the ability to reach quickly would be of prime importance.
he Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) will soon fit panic buttons, ultrasonic fuel sensor devices and Automatic Vehicle Location Systems (AVLS) on its buses, claim sources. They add that the AVLS system will entail transfer of data in real-time to a central server and support the establishment of a management information system for intelligent use of the data. Revealing that the three systems have been functional in 40 local buses, sources inform that the rest of the CTU fleet, which consists of 173 buses plying on long routes, will soon feature them. Expected to elevate safety and security, the three systems, mention sources, will be fitted by the company that wins the tender application floated online by CTU. The tender application has also called for the fitting of panic buttons in buses CTU is also said to be looking for six new Passenger Information System (PIS) boards and the maintenance of eight PIS boards, old and new.
Commercial Vehicle www.commercialvehicle.in //July 2020
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News
Tata Motors to shelve ‘Drona’ initiative? T
ata Motors is close to shelving the ‘Drone’ initiative it started in 2014 to increase customer reach, claim sources. Drawing attention to the termination of 110 ‘Dronas’ out of a 128 strong ‘Drona’ team by the CV maker, they mention that decision was born out of the need to visit all the cost centres and re-align them as per the current market environment. Hired as third party associates, the ‘Dronas’ were instilled to help the company to establish a strong bond with their
customers by addressing their operational and other needs amid rising competition. Inform sources that the hardships faced by the
CV makers extend extensive support A
s truck and bus operators look at resuming operations post the Covid-19 induced lockdown, CV makers are extending extensive support to them. Helping them to address their pain points, the manufacturers are working closely with their respective customers to provide almost all kinds of assistance, including finance. Supporting their clients by identifying the pain points in every link of the transport value chain, CV makers are offering round the clock helpline services that go well beyond the distribution of masks and sanitisers. Tata Motors, for example, has put in place 900 emergency response teams
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Three-wheeled Covid-19 test centre?
I manned by 4000 trained and experienced technicians at key transport hubs and corridors. Ashok Leyland, apart from training its workforce and associates in handling the new modular BSVI mid- and heavyduty truck platform AVTR, has been working closely with its customers to ease their challenges. Supporting the cause of operators as well as drivers, CV makers like VE Commercial Vehicles, SML Isuzu, Force Motors, and others, are extending much help.
Commercial Vehicle July 2020 // www.commercialvehicle.in
road freight (transport) fraternity at the moment is challenging the existence of many operators. They point at 70 to 80 per cent of the operators having one or two vehicles. Underlining the lacklustre response to the transporters call for help by the government, sources explain that the ripple effect of the challenges faced by the road freight (transport) fraternity is certain to affect the CV manufacturers as well. At least in the short-term.
n the fight to contain the spread of Novel Coronavirus, Gujarat’s Anant National University has unveiled two cargo three-wheeler variants with an ability to test for the virus and provide oxygen. Termed as far more affordable when compared to other mobile mediums, the three-wheelers could be operated by any government or non-government body that is approved by ICMR with the help of a driver and a health worker trained to handle the X-ray machine and oxygen supply. While the swab collection variant is priced at Rs.5.11 lakh, the more comprehensive x-ray test variant is priced at Rs.11.5 lakh. Fitted with a diesel generator on top of the vehicle to power the equipment, the three-wheelers can help test over 500 patients a day. Capable of reaching out to areas where the lanes are narrow and access difficult, the Covid-19 test three-wheelers have isolation chambers for the patient, health worker and the driver of the vehicle. The University is in discussion with governments of various states to roll out their designs.
MAGAZINE THE POWER OF READERSHIP MAGAZINES! up by 0.9 crores - IRS Q1 2019 MAGAZINES EMERGE AS THE SUPERHERO AGAIN! All media is growing, and Print continues to grow despite the general belief that Print is declining. Readership is largely influenced by two things - literacy level and your disposable income. If you have money, then only will you buy a newspaper. Luckily in India, both those things have moved upwards. Ashish Bhasin, CEO - Greater South and Chairman & CEO - India, Dentsu Aegis Network and Chairman, MRUC I am very happy that Print is growing across all languages, and that Print titles in Digital are doing well too. The Print industry in India is still robust and effective, unlike in the Western world. Shashi Sinha, CEO, IPG Mediabrands, India What is disappointing is the fact that niche publications that serve an important segment have consistently been ignored. A different methodology must be used to ensure correct findings for such publications, but sadly both Neilsen and the MRUC Technical Committee have so far not done this.� Hormusji Cama, CEO, Mumbai Samachar I am happy to see that Print numbers are growing because it also proves the point that everything is not wrong with Print, and Digital is not the only way to go forward. It justifies the argument that Print has an established sort of acceptance. Indranil Roy, CEO, Outlook Group
PRINT IS GROWING No. of additional readers added since IRS 2017 Dailies - 1.8 crores Magazines - 0.9 crores Total number of Print Readers - 42.5 crores
Magazine Advertising actually works! *INDIAN READERSHIP SURVEY (IRS) 2017 : BETWEEN 2014 AND 2017, MAGAZINES SAW A 75% INCREASE WITH 38 MILLION NEW READERS.
News
Apollo Tyres’ Andhra plant A
pollo Tyres has commissioned its greenfield manufacturing facility at Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh. Spread over 256 acres, the facility will roll out passenger vehicle and commercial vehicle radials. Having a capacity to roll out 15,000 passenger car tyres and 3,000 truck-bus radials per day by 2022, the facility, deploying state of the art manufacturing technologies, is built over an area of 2,16,000 sq. m. and employs around 850 people. Marking the company’s seventh unit globally, the Chittoor facility is fairly automated and uses IT-driven systems and robotics.
A
Featuring a modular layout, the new facility is expected to add to the leading tyre maker’s ability to increase its market reach amid the talk of the government further curbing the import of tyres from low cost destinations.
DICV next-gen tractor D
aimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) has launched a BSVI 4x2 tractor called the 5228TT. A first of its kind in its segment, according to Daimler India sources, the tractor is specifically designed for applications like cement, tankers, parcel, market load and tip trailers. Flaunting the highest GCW available up to 54-tonnes, the tractor is claimed to have Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) by the virtue of its unique axle configuration and performance. Featuring a hub reduction axle and sturdier frame to offer load-bearing capacity akin to a 6x4 tractor, the
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ALL Phoenix delayed?
5228TT is capable of rough terrain travel. With a GCW of 51-tonnes, and up to 54-tonnes with the use of air suspension combinations, it is powered by a fuel-efficient 280 hp OM 926 engine mated to a nine-speed gearbox. The fuel tank capacity is 455 litres.
shok Leyland’s (ALL) ambitious Phoenix light-CV project has been delayed due to the challenges posed by Covid-19, claim sources. They mention that the company has postponed the launch of vehicles under the Phoenix codename to SeptemberOctober 2020. Expected to range in the five- to 8-tonnes category, the Phoenix project by ALL has been in the works for the last two to three years and aimed at helping to secure a foothold in the burgeoning LCV market in India. Said to consist of high degree of modularity, the project is expected to spring an all-new range of BSVI LCVs with varying deck length, GVWs and cabin configurations to aim at different applications. The project is also expected to have at least two different engine and driveline options and an amount of configurationability for the buyer. Closing FY2019-20 with a negative working capital of Rs.700 crore and about 35 per cent lower capex spending, ALL, it is clear, is keen to ensure that the Phoenix project gives it the much needed traction in the LCV segments.
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Cover Story
AVTR from Ashok Leyland AVTR from Ashok Leyland combines BSVI technology with modularisation. Deepti Thore
U
nveiling its modularisation strategy last year along with the move up to BSVI emission control technology, Ashok Leyland has launched a new range of trucks in the 18.5-tonnes to 55-tonnes range under the AVTR nomenclature. Highlighting an ability to be at home in the Indian market as well as the exports markets in either a right-hand drive guise
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or a left-hand drive guise, the new modular BSVI trucks (the SCR and iEGR-based BSVI technology is termed as ‘i-Gen6’ and ‘Mid-NOx’ by the company) are configurable by the buyer as per his requirements of duty cycle, load and other factors. Empowering CV buyers from different walks of life to configure a vehicle of their choice, may it be mining, construction, e-commerce, cement, etc., the AVTR CVs
could be had in over six lakh combinations. Offering the buyer the ability to choose key aggregates like engine (there is a choice of five engines from 200 hp to 600 hp), chassis (as per the loading span, loading type, etc.), suspension, cab, axles, wheels, drivetrains, and load body or superstructure, the new modular BSVI CVs from Ashok Leyland have been broadly positioned across rigid, tipper and tractor segments.
Cover Story
Stopping short of the kind of configuration-ability Scania offers to its truck buyers, the AVTR CVs from Ashok Leyland signal a significant change in the surface transport ecosystem in the country as well as the world in the face of some unprecedented challenges like the Covid-19 pandemic. Conducting a virtual launch of its new medium- and heavyduty modular BSVI trucks, the CV maker, reiterating its
ambition to be the 10th largest CV player in the world through reliable and differentiated products and solutions, revealed that it invested Rs.500 crore in the new project. Vipin Sondhi, Managing Director and CEO, Ashok Leyland, expressed, “Arriving at a time when the business environment looks volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous, the AVTR CVs reflect an ability to innovate; to offer path breaking and customer-centric products.” He mentioned, “The AVTR CVs offer agility, frugality and speed.” Stressing on the short span of (three years)
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to develop BSVI technology against the time-frame of 8 to 10 years in advanced markets to develop BSVI technology, Sondhi averred, “For us, it did not amount to just an upgrade. It instead amounted to a journey
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that would spring a unique modular product strategy.” By the CV buyer, for the CV buyer Carrying out substantial changes to its plants (the
economic slowdown provided just the opportunity), the AVTR medium-duty and heavy-duty CVs started development some four to five years ago. Work began by looking at what the market wanted, and what the future of trucking would look like. Remarked Sondhi, “Apart from the strengths and technologies, we looked
cover story
at implementing stronger processes. We banked on extensive testing in our test laboratories as well as in the challenging field conditions.� An outcome of much testing and validation, the AVTR CVs are thus poised to bridge the gap between the CV maker and its customers and take it to a new Commercial Vehicle www.commercialvehicle.in // July 2020
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operating level. Witnessing the involvement of 450 engineers, four million man-hours and six million km of testing and validation, the new modular BSVI CVs, according to Anuj Kathuria, COO, Ashok Leyland, have been designed by the customer and for himself. Ashok Leyland only delivers them. If the ability to change drive orientation from right to left or vice versa should provide an in-sight into the AVTR CVs breeding potential, the fact that they are engineered to further lower the TCO is worth tagging. Said Kathuria, “The AVTR CVs have been designed and engineered to significantly improve operator profitability.” Offered with a choice of different cabs and a cowl-chassis, the new modular BSVI CVs from Ashok Leyland have been fitted with durable aggregates that promise best-in-class performance, superior reliability, maximum uptime and superior mileage.
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Designed and developed to drive manufacturing synergies internally and drive the company’s ambition to explore new markets (exports markets of Gulf and the African continent for example) as well as new territories on the outside, the AVTR CVs have been built to deliver outstanding stakeholder value. Claimed to offer superior fluid dynamics, the new modular BSVI trucks are known to leverage developments in IoT and AI. The TCO advantage Laced with safe and ergonomically well-designed cabs that are modern and spacious, the AVTR CVs have longer oil drain intervals and filter change intervals (up to 25 per cent for fuel filter change for example) in the interest of lowering the TCO. Employing maintenance free aggregates in areas like suspension, driveline and axles, which require no greasing, the new modular BSVI CVs, according to N.
Saravanan, CTO, Ashok Leyland Ltd., provide the customer with a big advantage of digitally communicating with his or her vehicle in the interest of monitoring its performance, its upkeep and achieving higher business sustainability. Doing away with the need to adjust the clutch booster and CSO cable, the AVTR CVs, said Saravanan, provide the buyer (operator) a significant advantage to configure his or her vehicle and connect with it in an environment that is fluid and challenging. Revealing that modularisation has actually helped lower the manufacturing costs as the number of parts (inventory) have reduced, the supply chain has got streamlined right up to the dealer and spares end, Saravanan informed, “The AVTR trucks have fewer parts, standardised interfaces and modules.” Subjected to rigorous testing (in every possible terrain, every possible environmental
cover story conditions and every possible load application condition) spanning over six million kilometers and involving over 100 prototypes, the AVTR CVs, as per the Ashok Leyland officials, present new possibilities and opportunities to buyers to increase his earning potential despite the challenges. Expected to present new possibilities and opportunities to the CV maker as well, the new modular BSVI CVs were treated to over two lakh hours of stimulation tests and over 30 hours of system tests during their development. Like lego sets, according to Saravanan, they combine different aggregates under the prospect of modularity to arrive at different models; models that are best suited for their field of operation. Undergoing rigorous lab level tests and field level tests (like anti-lock test brake test, cab durability and strength test, double lane change test for safe handling, high altitude and high temperature test, etc.) to evaluate their accessibility, durability, efficiency, performance and more, the new BSVI modular CVs from Ashok Leyland have their interfaces well-defined and wellconfigured. They are thus wellpoised to take the customer to the next level of trucking, according to Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman, Ashok Leyland. Advantage modularity Employing a nodo bracket for integration of mountings such as the steering gearbox, cab, two hook, front spring eye, foot step support, radiator stay rod and cab tilt cylinder among others, the AVTR CVs offer a loading span flexibility for every
Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman, Ashok Leyland
Vipin Sondhi, Managing Director and CEO, Ashok Leyland.
N. Saravanan, CTO, Ashok Leyland
Anuj Kathuria, COO, Ashok Leyland
two feet and with thickness options ranging from six-mm to eight-mm (with common hole pattern). Possessing a common engine (250 hp with H6/N4/ N6 variations) and flywheel interface, they come with a differentiated speed gearbox (with six-, eight-, and nine-speed ratios as well as an AMT). Fitted with a bigger radiator for higher ground clearance and superior cooling system performance, the AVTR CVs have a common radiator mounting location with varying fan shroud and a front mounted air intake system at a common position, making it easy to achieve left or right driving orientation. The steering gearbox design is also oriented such. With an Ad-Blue to fuel filling ratio of 1:2, the new modular BSVI CVs from Ashok Leyland possess a higher (60-litres) Ad-Blue tank
capacity. Employing a non-corrosive plastic fuel tank (the buyer could choose either a 220-litre tank, a 300-litre tank or a 375-litre tank depending on his need), the AVTR CVs could be had with two fuel tanks of 375-litre capacity each as well. Witnessing well-defined efforts to reduce weight and improve performance as well as efficiency, the new modular BSVI CVs feature parabolic suspension and semi-elliptic leaf springs. A part of the suspension setup are heavy duty spring brackets, which offer 25 per cent higher loading. With a front axle ranging from seven-tonne to 10-tonne capacity, and of the zero drop axle variety, the vehicles also feature disc brakes for superior braking performance. If the mining trucks have a higher
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cover story ground clearance compared to the haulage trucks, for superior stability and lower centre of gravity, the NGC cab of the AVTR CVs is designed to ensure better visibility. While a (G45 D/S) cowl chassis is also available, the new modular BSVI CVs could be had with either of the cab types -- NGC D/I/S, G91 D/S and G45 D/S. Differentiated solutions Giving the buyer the choice of two stage suspensionNRS suspension, slipper end suspension and Bogie suspension, the vehicles are had in varied axle configurations such as 6x2, 6x4, 8x2, 8x4, 10x2, 10x4 across rigid, tipper and tractor applications. The new modular BSVI CVs come with a FSD load body, HSD load body, box body, and a rock body. Building on its traditional product stance, the AVTR CVs are about future product development through data mining and the reinforcing of its CV maker’s digital initiatives like iAlert, Leykart, etc., that extend beyond the realm of manufacturing and selling the CV in terms of value. Pointing at the indulgence of CV buyers in customisation post the purchase of a CV to make it even more suitable for the purpose of its application, Kathuria mentioned, “The modularity built into the AVTR platform takes such trends and requirements into consideration.” Aiming at providing the customer with a CV that he could configure and such that he does not have to indulge in aftermarket customisation, Ashok Leyland, with the AVTR CVs, it is clear, is looking at differentiated solutions.
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With the ‘i-Gen6’ emission technology also termed as MidNox tech, the new modular BSVI CVs are leveraging technologies like telematics to help not only its maker with remote monitoring (and diagnostics, preventive maintenance, etc.), but its operator with a rare ability to communicate with his or her machine in the interest of safety, security, reliability and better revenue earning potential. Providing training to the stakeholders (drivers and mechanics especially) to get the most out of the AVTR CVs, Ashok Leyland is, parallely, increasing its market reach by expanding its network. Aiming at one touch point every 50
km from the current count of 3000 touch points, the company is keen to gather a pie of the entire lifecycle costs of the vehicle rather than be just content with making money by manufacturing and selling it. It has gathered that there is more money to be made in the life of the vehicle after selling it rather than just manufacturing and selling it. Seeding some AVTR vehicles with select customers for real-world feedback, the company, through the new modular BSVI CVs is keen to create a new identity for itself. An identity that it would want to take to its lighter range of products as well.
Special Report
Covid-19 test bus With Novel Coronavirus showing no signs of disappearing yet, testing is looked upon as among the best ways to tackle the deadly menace. Deven Lad It is very warm and dry. The weather in Pune is typical of summers in this part of India. In a typical middle-class locality in the city an usual looking bus roll downs the road and comes to a halt by the side of the road. It has ‘Aarya’ written at the front; on the large front glass. The sides have stickers from the top to the bottom, and from the front to the rear. They announce in no uncertain terms that this is a Covid-19 test bus. With ‘Krsnaa Diagnostics’ written in bold, it does not take long to understand that this bus has rolled into the locality to power a campaign to test the people here for the deadly
viral infection, thousands of kilometers away from where it is known to have originated in China. One of the three such buses that were perhaps leased from Aarya Trans Solutions, a Pune-based company that specialises in bus operations for segments like staff, school, tourist, etc., the bus, measuring 12 m in length, is built on the Tata LPO 1618 chassis. Designed for mass screening, which, according to sources, would account for over five million tests a month, based on symptoms such as fever, oxygen levels and x-rays, the bus has a front single
entry door. A person, after being registered on the desk manned by personnels located adjacent to the bus is escorted into the bus by a PPE clad technician for collection of swab samples and for carrying out other tests. Sans any seats, the passenger compartment of the bus has been suitably modified to ensure that the samples are collected as per the prescribed norms and the staff manning the mobile test centre is not exposed to the risk of catching the infection. Said to have reduced the test cost for Covid-19 by up to 80 per cent, the test bus is an initiative of the IIT
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Alumni Council. Designed and developed to help the Government of Maharashtra to fight the tide of Novel Coronavirus in the state by complementing its other measures, the test bus (there are three of them) has a RTPCR swab collection facility. Taking a little over a week to modify the Covid-19 test bus from a conventional bus with an ability to carry roughly 35 to 40 passengers, the 180 hp front-engine machine is based on Kodoy technology stack. Mentioned Ravi Verma, President, IIT Alumni Council, that the bus employs indigenous technology and is the first of its kind to have an onboard genetic testing facility, AIbased teleradiography and contactless sample collection facility. Worked upon by a team of carpenters, fitters and electricians among others, the Covid-19 test bus, according to Adarsh Karnawat, Director, Krsnaa Diagnostics, has been well-designed and executed to perform the task it is intended to. “It is designed and developed to help effectively isolate high-risk suspects,” he added. Pressed into service on May 01, 2020, the indigenous
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Kodoy technology architecture of the bus is about sample selection and telemedicine. It is also about algorithm-based pooled genetic testing and indigenous mega labs capable of up to five million tests per month per lab. Capable of being operated in adverse climate conditions, the test bus has 384 sq. ft. of lab space onboard. Supporting the ability to collect samples to carry 10 to 15 tests per hour are the advanced digital x-ray, blood test and swab collection technologies. Having two compartments for the staff and suspected patients, according to Pallavi Jain, Managing Director, Krsnaa Diagnostics, the bus is set to get wireless robotic tele-operated ultrasound lung probe as well as nanopore gene sequencer in the next phase of development. Providing an insight into the working of the testing process as far as the test-bus concept goes, Jain averred, “Each patient undergoes x-ray scanning, the results of which are had in 20 minutes. If any patches of pneumonia or Covid-19 are detected, the concerned health officer is informed immediately. The person is then advised to take
the swab test. Till the results are had, the person is asked to self-home quarantine.” While information of the next phase is not out yet, the Covid-19 test bus (actually three of them) has caught the fancy of other states fighting a similar battle as the State of Maharashtra. If the usability of the three test buses could be gauged against the population density of some of the cities in Maharashtra as compared to many other states in India, the Government of Delhi is known to have introduced a test bus laced with artificial intelligence technology as well. It is said to be capable of rapid testing, and is claimed to have an onboard thermal testing facility, separate airtight cabins for doctors and technicians, and facilities for contactless testing of patients. Known to have been structured on an airconditioned Tata 1512 bus chassis provided by CRPF, the Covid-19 test bus, according to sources, has a separate ambulance zone to evacuate critical patients and separate entry gates for doctors and patients. Capable of testing 700 to 800 patients per day, the Covid-19 test bus is also complemented by smaller
Special Report
testing vans built on the Tata Ace platform. These vehicles, according to the sources, are helping the Delhi Government to reach out to communities in densely populated areas of the state. At Hyderabad, a startup called Vera Healthcare has launched a Covid-19 bus
with ‘Intelligent Monitoring Analysis Service Quarantine’( iMASQ). It is designed to carry doctors and nurses onboard. Travelling to various locations in the city and in other areas of the state, the bus provides medication stock, has a collection facility, and provides remote consultation
as well in-house quarantine berth with a ventilator. Claimed to cover 3000 to 10,000 houses within a three km radius each day, the bus, according to Vera Healthcare sources, is leveraging artificial intelligence technologies to fight the menace of deadly Novel Coronavirus.
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Hydrogen Fuel Cell CVs Europe may be pushing for hydrogen fuel cell CVs, work in this regards is also being carried out in India. Bhushan Mhapralkar
T
he stakeholders of CV industry in Europe and government representatives of the European Union came together on March 05, 2020, at Sofitel Brussels to discuss about paving the road to a carbon-neutral Europe through a shift to hydrogen fuel cell trucks. At the core was the need for dramatic
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changes in the transport sector to meet carbon neutrality targets foreseen by the Green Deal – a 90 per cent reduction in GHG transport emissions by 2050 to achieve climate neutrality, which could be achieved only by fully decarbonizing the truck sector. Pointing at a directive on CO2 emission for heavyduty vehicles, which sets
ambitious targets for the most pollutant trucks, those that came together at Brussels steered the discussion in the direction of turning the big challenge of carbon neutrality by 2050 into an opportunity by investing heavily in innovative technologies such as hydrogen. Pointing at the need to trigger infrastructure
Special Report
investments and boost demand for hydrogen fuel cell CVs, Jorgo Chatzimarkakis, Secretary-general, Hydrogen Europe, dwelled into the need for producing hydrogen and supplying it safely throughout Europe. Pointing at how fleet operators in Europe have put in place a sustainability strategy, a big chunk of which is based on fuel efficiency and emissions, Henrik Hololei, Director-General, DG MOVE, stressed on the growing importance of zero emissions in Europe. Stating that many companies have already defined targets for 2025, he pointed at a survey conducted by Toyota Europe, which indicates that 72 per cent of the sample audience favoured hydrogen as an alternate fuel medium of choice for CVs. They simply voted for FCEVs. Attracting Indian CV manufacturers like Tata Motors
to hydrogen fuel cell CVs are key indicators like driving range, shorter refuelling time and CO2 emission reduction potential. The Indian CV maker displayed a hydrogen fuel cell bus at its plant in Pune two years ago. Back to Brussels, and adding strength to the thought of hydrogen fuel cell CVs, a haulier from Netherlands expressed that the respective fuel mediums would provide better flexibility when compared to CVs running in electricbattery technology or catenary. Averred another logistics services provider from Germany that there is a dearth of fuel cell trucks that address their needs. A good number of transport industry stakeholders that gathered at Brussels were of the opinion that they would not hesitate to buy a fuel cell truck by
2030 given the developments that are witnessing. Most said that their trucks do on an average 500 km a day, and fuel cell technology would therefore work out to be advantageous. Stressing on factors like the setting up of a robust hydrogen infrastructure throughout Europe and its commercialisation, Ismail Ertug, Member of the European Parliament, expressed that there was a need for European green hydrogen strategy in order to use all synergies across the EU and stimulate economic growth.” Marking the unveiling of a letter of intent -- ‘Joint call for the deployment of hydrogen fuel cell trucks: a needed shift towards a carbon-neutral society’ – with an aim to promote fuel cell trucks and show that the supply side is preparing to
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deploy the vehicles, all those who gathered at Brussels on March 05 were unanimous in their expression to have in place an efficient supply chain system to promote hydrogen fuel cell CVs. Mentioned Hololei, that hydrogen is the most promising pathway for decarbonisation. “It is ideal for heavy duty trucks and buses,” he added. In India, the Starbus for city operation that Tata Motors displayed two years ago was developed in association with ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation). In what would make it even more interesting, India’s largest power producer and a central PSU under Ministry of Power, NTPC Ltd, has invited global expression of interest (EoI) to provide
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10 hydrogen fuel cell-based electric buses and an equal number of hydrogen fuel cell-based electric cars in Leh and Delhi with an aim to decarbonise mobility. IOC and Tata fuel cell bus
trial_caption: Tata Motors and Indian Oil Corporation went to trial with a hydrogen fuel cell bus in March 2018. Apart from private players in India, the Government too is keenly following the
Special Report
developments in hydrogen fuel domain in order to reduce emissions. One of the senior officials of oil PSU, S.S.V. Ramakumar, Director, R&D, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), is known to have expressed that hydrogen fuel cell technology for heavy vehicles like trucks and buses would help tide over the disadvantages or limitations posed by batteryelectric vehicles. Among the auto makers in India, Hyundai is yet another manufacturer, which has shown interest in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. In Europe, the company has gone to the extent of announcing its plan for hydrogen CVs. At the ‘IAA Commercial Vehicles 2018’ show in Hanover the company
announced that it provide 1,000 heavy-duty fuel cell electric trucks and an adequate supply chain for renewable hydrogen over a period of five years in association with H2 Energy. In fact, Hyundai’s hydrogen-powered 18-tonne trucks are set to hit the roads in Switzerland in the second half of this year. The intention of this is claimed to be an effort to highlight the ability of hydrogen fuel cell CVs to get very close to the current (equivalent CVs) in terms of TCO. At Brussels, on March 05, Mark Freymüller, CEO, Hyundai Hydrogen Mobility, mentioned that their focus is on hydrogen availability,
quality, price, logistics, certification and audit, and long-term viability. Keen to approach new markets by finding partners for hydrogen production and refuelling infrastructure, the Korean company is seeking a first runner advantage. Looking for associates to secure service and maintenance as well as spare part availability, it is driving the TCO gap equation on a number of factors that are dear to the European fleet transport community as of now. One of the key bits for example is the variation in diesel prices across European Continent, and influenced majorly by taxes. Looking at a variety of factors that affect
Hyundai Fuel Cell truck is set to hit the roads in Switzerland later this year.
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Daimler and Volvo team_caption: Daimler and Volvo have teamed up to develop hydrogen fuel cell CVs.
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CV operations, internally and externally, Hyundai, as part of its ambitious hydrogen fuel cell CVs strategy is working on several fronts at the same time. Keen to get the supply chain and the aftermarket arrangement right, Hyundai is looking at a combination of interests from different sectors, economies of scale and various other factors to achieve its hydrogen CV goals. With 43 major companies representing the whole supply chain to deliver carbonneutral hydrogen freight pledging their support in terms of a travel towards zero carbon emission in Europe, Switzerland, it is clear is at the forefront of activities. It is the nation in Europe that is poised to roll out heavy duty hydrogen technology trucks before others could. Announcing that their ambition is to produce CO2neutral vehicles in Europe by 2039, Dr Jan Krönig, Head
Commercial Vehicle July 2020 // www.commercialvehicle.in
of Strategy Daimler Trucks & Buses, expressed at Brussels that their focus is on three crucial factors – attractive vehicle range, costs of CO2 neutrality H2 and Government actions. Drawing attention to his company’s 25 years of experience in fuel cell technology, Dr Kronig said, “LH2 as an alternative to diesel has its own set of benefits and challenges.” “The benefits as of now include long distance application and TCO parity,” he added. “The challenges as of now,” he averred, “include infrastructure and partnering.” Mentioned an expert at Brussels that hydrogen infrastructure could still take up to 10 years to develop. Rolf Huber, Chairman, H2 Energy, Switzerland, expressed that there is a need to look at hydrogen vehicle infrastructure as a basis to buffer, distribute energy and decarbonise sectors. Hinting at a future replete with 100
per cent renewable energy devoid of any subsidies, Huber mentioned, “The need is to structure three pillars, H2 production, H2 supply chain and H2 refuelling, of the hydrogen infrastructure.” In its fight against climate change post the Paris Agreement, Europe is looking at mobility – heavy vehicles especially, as a means to decarbonise quickly. It is coming to find hydrogen and fuel cells as the key to this. Aware that there is still a long way to go in order to make hydrogen technology fully workable and commercial, the people of the continent are striving to achieve the same. The Hydrogen Congress at Brussels was an effort in part in the same direction no doubt, and it brought to spe e d the development that have be e n achieved unti l now. It al so provided a gl i mpse o f what could be achi eve d and by whe n.
In focus
Doorstep fuel delivery
A little known start-up is striving to change the very dimension of refueling in India. Deven Lad
T
he definition of fuel in Oxford dictionary as material that is used to produce heat or power is quite explanatory. It clearly hints at the importance of fuel and how the world would come to a standstill in
its absence. The endeavour of a little-known startup called Repos Energy to deliver fuel at the doorstep of those who need it to run their machines -- CVs, tractors, etc., assumes importance in this context. On May 01, 2020,
the company kicked off an initiative to deliver diesel fuel to the doorstep of farmers in Pune district for their farm equipment. In five talukas of Pune district, Repos Energy’s four mobile petrol pumps (bowsers) dispensed diesel to Commercial Vehicle July 2020 // www.commercialvehicle.in
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In focus
All images are for representative purpose only.
over 10,000 farmers in a brief span of 18 days. It pressed into service truck (on Tata Ultra 1014 chassis) bowsers to support the farmers during the lockdown, and against the backdrop of the fast approaching sowing season. If the Tata Ultra 1014-based bowsers were found suitable because of their ability to manoeuvre past narrow village lanes and roads connecting the villages across Pune district, the company -- Repos Energy, is ensuring that its strategy ensures a win-win
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for it as well as its customers. Supporting customers during the lockdown, and in response to their inability to reach the fuel pump with their machines or vehicles, Repos Energy, according to Ayush Prasad, Pune Zilla Parishad CEO, offered an attractive yet valuable solution to the farmers in his district. He described the business proposition of Repos Energy as the one that best fit their requirements. Addressing the fuel consumption needs of 100 villages and amounting to
roughly 6000 litres per day, the exercise of delivering fuel at the doorstep of farmers by Repos Energy has brought to the fore a new business model that is flexible and with an ability to adapt as well as evolve. If the Pune Zilla Parishad took the initiative to connect Repos Energy with the Gram Panchayats in its district, the ability of the same model being replicated across India would lead to a near complete overhaul of the way fuel has been dispensed until now.
in focus
Backed by a robust IoT system, the Repos Energy business model, like many radio cab operators, makes good use of an app. Established by Aditi and Chetan Walunj in 2017, the company, leveraging its fleet of four mobile fuel dispensers by picking up diesel from certified pumps in the region that they operate and deliver the same to the doorsteps of users, was invited by the Government of India in March 2018 for a pilot project of doorstep delivery of fuels. Enjoying the support of Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, Repos Energy has expanded to 350 mobile
petrol pumps on ownership basis and partnership basis model in 30 cities across India. Of the opinion that the success of their business model is the need for fuel by small- and mediumsize commercial industries, Chetan mentioned, “While participating in my family’s petrol pump business for five years, I realised that there was a huge gap in the supply chain and fuel distribution. A research we undertook, revealed that around 76 per cent of the fuel was consumed by commercial vehicle and equipment users.” “We also found that these users often found it tiresome to bring
their equipment or vehicles to the petrol pump time and again,” he added. Helping the users of commercial vehicles and equipment like tractors, other farm and construction equipment, to overcome the risky practice of sending barrels to the petrol pump laden on a truck or on a tractor trolley, Repos Energy structured a model that would use new technologies to their advantage. The decision to choose the Tata Ultra 1014 chassis was based on the findings of the research, which called for the need to travel over narrow village roads as part of the last mile
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In focus travel. Terming the business proposition as a mobile retail fuel pump on wheels, Chetan said that their inspiration to build the bowsers was born out of the use to refuel aircrafts at airports. A visit to the company’s facility at Chakan, Pune, and it is not surprising to see a fleet of Repos bowsers that look not very different from those found at airports. These are a replica of aircraft refuellers, quipped Chetan. He informed that the company has rolled out 60 new mobile petrol bowsers recently. “We are keen to hike their number to 1000,� he said. The rising number of fuel bowsers could involve a fine-tuning of a franchise model of operation. It would include regional franchises operating a fleet of fuel bowsers much like Repose is doing with a capacity of anywhere between 1000 litres and 6000 litres. Chetan refused to divulge any details and instead mentioned that their growth plan is wellchalked out and on track. Offering better consumption monitoring services and real-time notifications on a smart mobile application, Repos Energy is operating in accordance with the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO). It is adhering to the safety and other standards prescribed by the organisation. The IoT part involving Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) devices employed in the bowsers are programmed to enable an authorized person only to dispense fuel. When he is doing so, notifications are sent to the relevant
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authorities. The bowsers are also equipped with GPS, brake interlocking and remote throttles. Having a Smart Fuel Dispenser (SFD) unit onboard (with a monitoring setup) that prevents unsafe on-site storage, the bowsers also allow, courtesy sensors, to live track as well as monitor the amount of fuel dispensed. Better control is thus achieved over the operation. Receiving close to 250 orders a day, Repos Energy delivers on an average
50,000 to 60,000 litres of diesel a day. Currently working with two business models -- Company Owned and Company Operated (CoCo), and Dealer Owned and Company Operated (DoCo), Repose Energy is working in close cooperation with public sector OMCs like Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum. It is doing so where the dealer takes 60 per cent of the margin in a CoCo model. In the DoCo model, the dealer
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gets 80 per cent of the margin and Repos gets 20 per cent of the margin. Three key elements of the operation offered by the company include the bowser, the licence to operate it and an app. Tying up with over 150 partners (and dealers) in India who serve around 300 fixed customers, the gross margin on diesel stands at roughly Rs 2.20 per litre, according to Chetan. This is divided between the dealer and Repos Energy, he informed. He revealed further that some auto manufacturing companies in the Pune region are among their major clients. Experiencing a rise in demand of up to 15000 litres a day from 10000 litres a day during the lockdown in the Pune region, Repos Energy has seen demand emerge
from diverse sectors like Healthcare. The company, said Chetan, delivered fuel to 12 major hospitals in Pune. Quipped Aditi, that their company continues to supply diesel in the range of 500 litres to 2000 litres to hospitals. These include hospitals like Aditya Birla Hospital, Jehangir Hospital, National Information Centre, and Sahyadri. The diesel supplied by Repos Energy is used to power their backup gensets. Also supplying fuel to waste management depots of civic bodies, entities under essential services, some verticals of Pune Municipal Corporation, National Information Centre (NIC), and even some residential societies (order above 50 litres), the company has come
to witness its annual turnover rise to Rupees-three crore from Rs.70,000 in the first year of operation. It now has 150 partners in 30 cities. Making its presence felt in various Indian cities and regions, Repose Energy is currently working with a team of 150 people. It is aiming at a sale of 16 crore litres of diesel a day in the next five years. Looking at new opportunities and new sectors for growth as well as an ability to address their fuel needs, the company is re-inventing itself as it grows. It is driving at good speed with the goal of dispensing no less than 65 per cent of diesel in the country per day through its mobile dispensation business model.
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Rising fuel prices Rising fuel prices and quiet road freight (transport) fraternity may well indicate a lull before the storm.
R
ajesh Patil (name changed on request) is a small transporter at Belgaum with eight tankers that carry molasses from sugar factories in the region down south for further processing. Seven out of the eight trucks he owns are in operation currently. While one truck is undergoing repair (an activity hampered by the shortage of skilled workers), he is experiencing little demand for his operational fleet. The lack of demand after two months of compulsory shutdown is adding to his worries. He is also worried about the onset of rainy season and the floods it could bring. Floods last year in the region not only hampered
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Bhushan Mhapralkar DIESEL PRICE RISE IN MUMBAI
1-Jun-2020 68.21 8-Jun-2020 69.02 9-Jun-2020 69.78 10-Jun-2020 70.38 12-Jun-2020 71.58 13-Jun-2020 72.18 16-Jun-2020 73.75 17-Jun-2020 74.32 19-Jun-2020 75.53 21-Jun-2020 76.69 23-Jun-2020 77.76 24-Jun-2020 78.22 25-Jun-2020 78.34 business but also damaged many trucks. Stating that the compulsory shutdown for two months led to drivers, workshop technicians,
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spotters and many such people with a hand-to-mouth existence to turn to weird jobs like selling fruits, vegetables, and liquor to make a living, Patil informed that the fate of transporters and engineering goods manufacturers is the same. “We have trucks but no drivers to drive them, likewise the engineering goods manufacturers have the machines but no workers to operate them,� he added. Of the opinion that the skilled workers who were until now making his profession and many others professions tick have warmed up to new streams of avenues and are not keen to return to their earlier work areas, Patil averred that his priority is
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In focus
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to stay afloat. “For us, the foremost challenge is to survive,� he said. Battling shortage of drivers among others against the background of steady fuel price rise, Patil is worried that he will have to fold his business very soon. From his talk of despair, it does not take long to understand that he is trying
hard to not join the ranks of many fellow businessmen who found it prudent to close down their business and simply sit at home. The going is tough than it was last year, when demand started waning, he rued. The Covid-19 induced lockdown has completely changed the business environment and there is
no handholding from the government to ensure survival, he expressed. Stating that he can’t even think of availing a loan to save his business that is about the same scale as a typical SME, Patil remarked that he is hoping for demand to make an early comeback. If it will make an early comeback, is hard to answer.
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What in part could answer if demand will make an early comeback is the price of the fuel, said an industry analyst. He pointed at the everyday fuel price rise currently on (diesel at the time of writing this article had gone up by roughly Rs.10 per litre), and
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opined that the downside risk to the economy seems to have further increased. While truckers and bus operators fight for waiving of road toll tax, protection for drivers against health hazards, no hike in insurance cover, and a few other things until
the business environment and the economy improves,, the rise in fuel prices is baffling all and sundry. Remarked a medium-scale transporter from Pune on the condition of not revealing his name, that the fuel price rise has led to an ironic situation where players
in focus with deep pockets seem to eat into the business of those players whose pockets are not as deep. Not agreeing to the prospect of big fish eating the small fish however, he averred that a new business order is in the making as the country and its businesses come out of the shadow of Covid-19. Said a truck operator from Indore, again on the condition of not revealing his identity, that there is no one to listen to their plight. Not even those at the local and regional level, and nor those at the centre. The recent phenomenon of continuous fuel price rise looks like ‘the fence is eating the crop,” he rued. Of the opinion that not a single fuel hike has been rolled back in the last 30 years, Mahendra Arya, President – All India Transporters Welfare Association (AITWA), mentioned that (fuel) it is perhaps the only source of income for the government. Stressing on the current environment, which is demanding, Arya expressed, “No matter how much one protests, there will be no roll-back.” So, it is better that we transporters concentrate on more important and immediate challenges at hand, he added. On the condition of not disclosing his name, a Nagpur-based transporter said that he expects a big chunk of single or two truck operators to shut shop in the current environment where the fuel prices are being hiked every day. There’s already low demand, and the constant rise in fuel prices is only depleting any possibility of making money, he added. With the
single and two truck operators amounting to roughly 75 per cent of the road freight (transport) fraternity, it would be safe to assume that a big chunk of the road transport is badly affected. If it will perish will depend on how soon or how skillfully they pass on the fuel price rise to their clients, mentioned a transporter from Mumbai. He stated that the consumer should have benefited from lower (international crude) fuel prices, but it is the government that seems to be rather keen. Remarked an industry observer that the structure of fuel in the country is such that the government is always the winner. It is the one that subverts price decontrol. It is the one that
leaves the consumers and fuel retailers behind to trail along; to play catch up. Coming at a time when trucker and bus operators are resuming business after a compulsory leave of over two months due to the Covid-19 induced lockdown, the fuel price rise is said to be hurting where commodity prices, and in-turn inflation would shoot many times up. Informed Prasanna Patwardhan, President, Bus & Car Operators Confederation of India (BOCI), that the fuel price hike would have a debilitating effect on public transport sector. It would push the sector, which is already under severe duress due to policy apathy, further down. Of the opinion that the
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(fuel) price hike will force operators to pass on the hike to passengers, sending ticket prices through the roof, Patwardhan remarked that fuel price rise is driving up the prices of all the commodities and services. Mentioned an industry analyst, that the current fuel price rise is wiping away almost any chance of businesses getting back on their feet after a two-month long hiatus. As they open their businesses, they will suddenly warm up to the fact that the people of this country are seriously lacking in buying power. The very ability that would put the country on a high growth tragectory. With the government said to manage its deficit against the lack of sizeable income sources in the backdrop of Covid-19, the worry of inflation rising are making a
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comeback. If inflation does rise, it will create ugly and unprecedented challenges, said an analyst. With taxes making up for nearly twothirds of the retail selling price, the recent phenomenon of fuel price hikes is going to burn a deeper hole in the already depleted pockets of Indian consumers, further subduing the chance of an early economic recovery, said the industry observer. He informed that a typical truck consumes 45000 litres of diesel at a rate of 2.5 km per litre per year, which amounts to Rs.34 lakhs approximately. Stressing that fuel costs amount to roughly 57 per cent of the total operating costs of a CV operator, he reasoned that truck and bus operators look to be under severe duress. Mentioned an industry analyst that the rise
in fuel prices starting early June 2020 is partly linked to a 162 per cent rise in Brent crude oil prices, from a low of USD 16 per barrel in April 2020 to rough USD 42 per barrel by June 19, 2020. Providing a peep into the other side of the development, he remarked further that the Indian OMCs suffered heavy losses when global crude oil prices crashed in March 2020. Due to the lockdown the rise in excise duties and cess was not passed on to the consumers but absorbed by the OMCs. It is only now that they have begun to pass them to the consumers. As CV operators struggle to get back on their feet, claiming to have received no attention from the government and in the face of little demand for work, the hike in diesel prices is said to to be affecting the demand
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for BSVI vehicles as well. With many state governments hiking VAT in addition to an increase in excise duties, rising diesel prices are said to be putting CV operators in a spot against numerous other challenges they are facing. Many, mentioned a state transport association member, will be wiped out as they are already on the verge of going under. He pointed at how their debt is rising and the chances of the situation spiraling out of control once the bank moratorium period is over. The most challenging period for the 70 to 80 per cent of the road freight (transport) fraternity will be only after the moratorium period is over and the operating costs simply go out of control, stated another industry observer. He mentioned that the rise in diesel prices may help the governments to keep their revenue streams alive, it is very likely to come at the cost of the country’ supply chain collapsing. Explaining that transporters with fixed
(longer-term) contracts will have only limited scope to renegotiate their contracts on account of the rise in fuel prices, the observer said that only those who have the ability to absorb the price increase to an extent will very likely stay in business. Against the lack of demand, the hefty diesel price increase will only lead to truckers refraining from bringing their trucks on the road, said an observer. Those who have realised the value of their trucks or close to
doing so will quite likely to scrap them and reduce the scale of their business in an attempt to sustain their business, he added. He said further that the better road quality network has ensured that the CVs are able to return higher efficiency, but that is not all, as freight rates haven’t increased in the recent times, the earning ability of truckers in the face of regulatory changes, compliance needs and market requirements has taken a beating.
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Buses, and more buses The post Covid-19 world order is expected to bring about a drastic change in the bus ecosystem. Deepti Thore
A
s the world comes out of the shadow of Covid-19, a new world order is in the offing. It is also expected to drive a drastic change in the bus ecosystem. A recent webinar -- ‘Outlook On The Bus And Coach Industry Post-Corona’ -- organised by Busworld delved on this. It was experts from the field engaging in a discussion that would anticipate as well as accurately pin-point the changes that would affect the bus ecosystem. Witnessing the participation of over 1050 people, the webinar, moderated by Jan Deman, Director, Busworld Academy, saw Dan Pettersson, Senior Vice President Business
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Unit Chassis, Volvo Bus Corporation, draw attention to the state of bus markets around the world in relation to the pandemic. Stating that many (bus) markets are at different stages of crisis, Pettersson mentioned that some are functioning reasonably well while some others are beset by some additional challenges. He cited the example of Australia where the bus industry continues to operate at a decent speed. “Unlike Australia, a few other markets around the world are facing additional challenges like lockdown still being in force; challenges like currency devaluation and credit crunch,” Pettersson informed. Of the opinion that markets
experiencing additional challenges like currency devaluation and credit crunch are finding the going tough, Pettersson explained that his company is supporting its customers to sustain their businesses. Pointing at the telematics data derived by Volvo, which suggests that the public transportation or city buses are least affected on a global basis as they enjoy certain priority in recovery plans, Pettersson averred, “Each country is working on a recovery plan to revive the economy. This in-turn means that investments in public transportation would be prioritised because of their ability to provide big economic benefits and generating job opportunities.”
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Stating that politicians are aware of the employment opportunities provided by the bus industry the world over, Pettersson expressed that electrification will either speed up or slow down depending on whether it is part of the national recovery plan. Fearing bankruptcies emerging from smaller tourism company categories, which would potentially lead to consolidation, price pressure and overflow of used buses resulting in a fall of used (tourist) bus prices, he averred, “A rise in demand for urban and intercity bus services globally once normalcy returns will lead to new world order in the bus industry.� Challenges and opportunities Expressing worry about buses in many markets around the world standing still, Pettersson mentioned that competitiveness in service
standards, comfort and safety will rise to a new level among city bus operators. It would inturn create new opportunities in the area of prevention and sanitisation measures. Citing an example of a range of new protection and sanitisation features offered by the North American unit of Volvo, Pettersson averred that new design requirements are made necessary. Of the opinion that new seating configurations and use of screens will dot future bus designs, he said that superior ventilation will be of importance. Informing that Volvo has been gradually opening up its production
facility all over the world, Pettersson hoped that things will soon get better. Stating that assessment on recovery, predictions on ramp up and long-term opportunities would be the three key factors that will underline the recovery path of the global bus industry, Marc Hofmann, CEO, CheckMyBus (Germany) explained that demand will come back as the situation improves. Sharing an analysis indicating a slow return of demand in an environment post Covid-19, he cited an example of Italy where there is a 118 increase in utilisation. In Portugal, it is
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132 per cent, and in Germany, it is 74 per cent, he added. Co-relating the same to the decrease in infections, Hofmann said, “User interest as well as transactions will grow as more and more bus operators resume operations.” Drawing attention to a few markets around the world where the situation is tense, he averred that where it is improving, a surprising trend is that the elderly are willing to board the bus once again. Hofmann stated that the road to 100 per cent occupancy and in-turn profitable operations will go through measures like entry control, investment, technology and protection of the bus staff. Digitising for success Expressing confidence in the bus industry seeing better opportunities coming its way, Hofmann pointed out that live ticket sales and packed terminals will be the thing of the past however. This will drive digitisation, he said. Of
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the opinion that people are looking at adopting shared mobility rather than invest in a private vehicle for economic and ecological reasons, Hofmann said, “Bus is likely to be a winner in modal split.” On the subject of shuttle services, Tobias Stüber, CEO, Flibco, Luxembourg, stressed on the need to attain full occupancy. He drew attention towards a poll carried out by his company, where a good chunk of the sample audience expressed their preference for door2gate service as being economical. Stüber informed that his company is looking at providing a digital platform and sales platform in the form of driver apps. With the capability to collect and analyse data in realtime, Flibco, which transports roughly 1.9 million passengers per year, is taking data driven decisions. Operating over 729 buses and employing over 1500 people, Flibco is also leveraging data it gets
from the airport regarding departure and arrival times and passenger flow to rampup its operations. Looking at delivering safe service to its customers, Flibco, according to Stüber, is monitoring the evolution of the situation closely. Revealing that a pole carried out by his company saw 80 per cent participants say that they were willing to go on a holiday after the government opened the borders, Stüber said, “The use of masks and face protection, gloves, temperature measurement, disinfecting the bus, social distancing, contactless ticketing, retrofitment of air conditioning with additional filters and making it possible to enter the bus from the back door will be of importance.” Informing that inter-city, school and airport bus services are shut down, PierrePaul Pharand, CEO, Keolis (Canada) mentioned that the current utilisation levels of the bus industry in his country is
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about 50 per cent. Revealing that the employees in the bus industry are facing a financial crisis, Pierre-Paul Pharand said that there is a need to deal with slow emerging post-traumatic stress syndrome apart from the health and safety of employees. Stressing on driver safety, Pharand mentioned the need to make design changes in buses to retain its attractiveness as a public transport medium. Speaking the need to run marketing campaigns to convince people to use public transport (buses and coaches), he averred, “An opportunity lies in increasing the level of service and reducing financial losses.” Informing that social distancing in Canada is twometres, Pharand said that 52 passenger coaches are being allowed to carry only 14 people as of now. Spelling
a curious situation where new buses cannot be bought to support social distancing norms due to paucity of funds, Pharand remarked, “We will have to adapt to what we have, at least until the ridership is back.” Stressing on social distancing as a big challenge, Donald DeVivo, President, DATTCO Inc. and
Chairman, American Bus Association(ABA), USA, said that the need to return to full occupancy is quickly emerging as it is turning out to be impractical to operate buses with less occupancy. Some bus sectors worse off than others Drawing attention to the US Commercial Vehicle July 2020 // www.commercialvehicle.in
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bus industry contributing 15 billion revenue and 1,00,000 motorcoach jobs, DeVivo said that roughly 88,834 jobs in the motorcoach sector (summing up to six-billion dollars in terms of wages) have been impacted . These amount to an output of USD 15 billion approximately, he added. Fearing that two-thirds of motorcoach industry activity will be lost in 2020 (including the loss of 64,000 jobs and about USD 11 billion dollars in sales), DeVivo averred that the school bus industry is completely shut down. Citing that motorcoaches are providing scheduled intercity services, he explained that commuter services are limiting themselves to essential workers and charter services are non-functioning. Informing that transit service ridership has drastically reduced, DeVivo said, “There is a long way to go, and with a lot of
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help from the government.� Hoping an early return of students to university campuses, to college sports, albeit with safety and security measures in place, he expressed that things will get back to normal by spring hopefully. Stating that the bus industry in India faced numerous challenges, D.R. Dharmaraj, Joint Secretary,
BOCI, India, mentioned that the burden of maintaining the fleet and paying the employees is making the situation complex. Revealing that there are 1.5 million private buses and 0.15 million government owned buses in India, Dharmaraj averred that utilisation came to a near standstill from a peak of about 300 million trips by private buses per day amd 75 million
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trips by government per day during the two months lockdown period. Stressing upon the Indian bus industry contributing close to eight-per cent of the GDP, he said that not much help is coming its way for it to recover quickly. Stating that it is becoming difficult for bus operators to honour their loans, Dharmaraj explained that many jobs in the field have been lost. Citing an example of Bengaluru Municipal Transport Corporation, which has not been able to run a single of its 6000 bus fleet during the lockdown, he said that the economic challenges are mounting as the passenger count per bus is down from 80 passengers per bus per trip to 20 passenger per bus per trip in the post-Covid-19 environment. Of the opinion that intercity buses will take a long time before they can operate at full capacity soon, D. R. Dharmaraj said that the
limitation of funds is likely to pose a big challenge in expanding the bus count if the number of buses were to be operated with norms like social distancing were to be taken into account. He urged the government to provide the necessary financial assistance to the bus industry in India. Stating that the fuel costs (which account for 40 per cent of the operating costs in buses) should be reduced (India saw
a steep rise in fuel cost in June 2020), Dharmaraj said that peak hours should be staggered owing to social distancing at the time when there is maximum flow of commuters. Expressing that the government should reduce vehicle tax, GST and waive off the interest on loan, he remarked that tourist buses could be temporarily used for public transportation services to account for the shortfall.
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Re-energising the bus ecosystem A recent webinar organised by Busworld India saw experts discuss measures to re-energise the bus ecosystem. Deven Lad
C.R.C. Mohanty, Environment Programme Coordinator at the United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD)
accessibility and connectivity, which is key to development.
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fter a compulsory leave of a little over two months, the bus industry in India has begun to shift gears. It is doing so amid numerous difficulties, the most acute being the need for working capital and a reduction in occupancy rate due to the need for social distancing. A recent webinar organised by Busworld India highlighted these challenges and got experts to discuss ways to reenergise the bus ecosystem. Moderated by Kulwant Singh, Advisor, Busworld Academy, the webinar, drawing the attendance of over 500
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people, got experts to look at ways to get the bus industry to find its animal spirit once again. Expressed C.R.C. Mohanty, Environment Programme Coordinator at the United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD), that public transport should be resumed as early as possible. “This would increase connectivity, which is important to ensure that labourers, farmers and many others find their means of livelihood once again,” he mentioned. Stating that buses are a key contributor for sustenance, Mohanty said that they have been providing
Stressing on India Accounting for only 0.8 per cent of the world’s bus population, Mohanty said that there was a need for another two lakh buses in view of the growing demand in the urban sector and to improve ruralurban connectivity. Explaining that there were only 14 buses for every one-lakh worth of population in India, he averred that connectivity is crucial for the country’s economy and activities to once again gain the necessary form and function. Suggesting that the restoration of public trust is essential to resume transportation, Mohanty urged bus operators to take stringent measures like sanitisation, wearing of masks, crowd control, and contactless ticketing. Expressing that the Government should facilitate
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the need for finance by the bus industry, he called upon the operators to support their drivers and other staff. Challenges, and more challenges Explaining that there was a need to provide drivers, other staff and even the passengers with hygienic washroom facilities, Mohanty pointed at the need for secured parking and the provision of hygienic food and water to the bus staff. Suggesting bus manufacturers to consider changing their bus design methodology to incorporate AI and features like transparent separators, he averred that every bus industry stakeholder should strictly follow the rules laid down by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to fight the pandemic. Announced Shivayogi C. Kalasad, Managing Director, Karnataka State Road Transport
Corporation (KSRTC), said that they have been paying much attention to employee and passenger safety. Stating that his organisation has been into the movement of labourers, Kalasad informed that KSRTC has a fleet of 8500 buses and 32000 employees. Revealing that Covid-19 has made them look inward, he mentioned that they are facing operational,
financial, fleet and health management challenges. Practising sanitisation, providing protection gear to employees and following the guidelines laid down by the government and regional authorities, KSRTC, said Kalasad, has also taken to manufacturing masks at its workshops. Regularly conducting awareness programmes, the organisation
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Smart transport also took to operating 20 mobile clinics for Covid-19 testing and awareness. Old buses, said Kalasad, were converted for the purpose. Ferrying 1.19 lakh labourers to 76 different states until June 01, 2020, KSRTC, with a ridership of three-million, chalked a schedule starting with the operation of 1000 buses in the first week after resuming operation after a hiatus of two months. Mobilising another 1000 buses in the next week, the organisation has come to operate 3500 buses thus far. Witnessing the financial cost of running the bus fleet to exceed that of the income, KSRTC is being supported by the Karnataka State Government by provision of salaries for the staff. Confident of more and people taking to travel by buses amid the practise of safety measures by operators, Suresh Chettiar. Vice President, Volvo Bus Corporation, and Business Head, Volvo Buses South Asia, opined that the bus industry was facing challenges of high level of investment and fixed costs. Rising operating costs Stressing on the move to BSVI affecting costs, Chettiar mentioned a significant change in the nature of buses and their operating-ability was in the offing. Informing that the virus and the lockdown induced by it has impacted the overall ecosystem (which drives the economic activity and employment by moving 80 per cent passengers per trip inclusive of rail and air), Chettiar said the dynamics of transportation as a whole
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Suresh Chettiar. Vice President, Volvo Bus Corporation, and Business Head, Volvo Buses South Asia
has changed. Stressing on the reduced passengers count per bus, he said, “It is quite likely that the operating costs are exceeding the revenue earned.� Informing that Volvo Buses (India) has resumed operations, Suresh mentioned that future challenges include supply chain operations and demand-side recovery. Of the opinion that the government should support bus operators
financially, he stressed that collaboration at various levels, including that with STUs and within private bus operators groups (under the aegis of BOCI), will play a major role in re-energising the Indian bus industry. Chettiar informed that his company would build buses with advanced features for health and safety. Sharing that three phases -- lockdown, recovery and a new normal, will play a key role in the journey of the bus industry in India henceforth, Nupur Gupta, Senior Transport Specialist, World Bank, mentioned that public transport suffered significantly during the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns. “Worldwide public transport has dropped by 80 to 100
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per cent,” she said. Providing an example of China where the ridership level was 35 per cent in Shenzhen and a fair 70 per cent in Beijing, Gupta averred that there was a need for a national bus rejuvenation scheme to ensure public bus sustainability; to create a statelevel public transport strategy which would articulate the state vision and provides public transport in a city of certain size. She added, “Considerable fragmentation is ensuring that there is clarity on how to move forward.” Gupta opined that institutional arrangement, funding and ITS would help to develop sustainable bus operations in a city. Real-world crowd and
fleet management Dr. Yoga Adiwinarto, Managing Director, Transjakarta Indonesia, expressed that their bus rapid transit (BRT) system in Jakarta saw a 10 per cent drop during the pandemic. A strategy to deal on an immediate, mid-term and long-term basis was chalked out for the system that is also the world’s longest of its kind, he informed. Spanning 240 km, the Jakarta BRT system has a fleet of 3000 vehicles. Experiencing a revenue drop of up to 50 per cent, the Jakarta BRT system saw its passenger capacity go down by 50 per cent. With crowd management posing a new challenge since the
queues at the bus station got longer during peak hours, the Jakarta BRT system, said Adiwinarto, they came up with war zone models where standby buses are positioned at a certain location to ease crowd at transit stations during peak hours. Peak hour headways are also adjusted based on crowding, he added. Engineering peak and offpeak management procedures where 60 per cent of the peak buses are sent back to the depot during off-peak due to low demand, the Jakarta BRT system has banned all-cash transactions including even the ones like smart card topups.
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Chairman of BOCI Chattisgarh, Navsharan Singh, expressed that government response has been lacking. He mentioned that the industry has been seeking relief from the government in the area of taxation for at least six months until an amount of normalcy is had. Singh also spoke about the need for the insurance companies and the government should look into the challenges faced by bus operators. Drawing attention to private bus operators in many states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh having gone on strike due to their inability to sustain or operate anymore, Singh said, “Given the gradual ramp up from the initial 30-50 per cent to 100 per cent, the challenges faced by the bus operators should be considered with impunity.� Singh also pointed out at the shortage of workers as many
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have chosen to return to their villages having lost confidence in their ability to sustain in cities. Said Kulwant Singh, in his ending remarks that it would take a lot of efforts and implementation of innovative ideas by the bus industry to achieve a sense of normalcy once again. Thanking the participants, he said that help from the government would go a long way in ensuring the bus industry in India gets back on its feet and starts rolling.
Commercial Vehicle June 2020 // www.commercialvehicle.in
flashback
Justice Prevails
H
ighlighting the trend of overinflated electricity bills in rural India, the 2018 Hindi movie, Batti Gul Meter Chalu, features an Eicher 10.90L Starline bus of Uttarakhand Transport Corporation. It appears right at the start where one individual onboard the bus narrates a story to the other individual. He starts by depicting the two characters of the movie, Sushil Kumar aka S.K (played by Shahid Kapoor) who as a corrupt lawyer makes money through out-of-the-court settlements and by blackmailing businessmen whose products do not match their advertising claims and Sundar Mohan Tripathi (played by Divyendu Sharma) who starts a printing press that is charged with an inflated electricity bill of Rs.1.5 lakh (which gets further inflated to Rs.54 lakhs the next month). Both are childhood friends. Nauti (played by Shraddha Kapoor) at the other end, is a fashion designer who thinks the world of herself. In her quest to decide if S.K. or Tripathi make better husband material, she decides to date either for a week each. S.K., having seen Nauti with Tripathi, starts avoiding both. As the case of inflated electricity bills spirals up the legal ladder, Tripathi approaches S.K. for help. S.K. refuses and the circumstances which follow, lead to Tripathi attempting suicide. Hearing of the news, S.K., overtaken by guilt, picks up a legal battle with the electricity
company who is responsible for charging Tripathi’s press with the inflated bills. He finds himself against Gulnaar Rizvi (played by Yami Gautam) as the opposite side lawyer. As he is turning the case in his favour, Tripathi appears. Revealing the circumstances that led to him attempting suicide, Tripathi is cleared of any wrongdoing (with six months imprisonment and Rs.40,000 fine for attempting suicide). The court cancels the electricity company’s license and orders it to pay Tripathi Rs.10 lakh as compensation. The Eicher 10.90L makes yet another appearance as the storyteller ends his story onboard the bus. Capable of seating 40 people with a 2x2 seating arrangement, the bus is powered by 107 hp, 3298 cc, four-cylinder E483 TCI CRDI diesel engine. It has a GVW of 8850 kg, and measures 9045 mm in length. Featuring semi-elliptic leaf springs and telescopic dampers at the front and rear, the bus has a wheelbase of 5165 mm. Featuring hydraulic power steering the bus is equipped with a 100-litre fuel tank. Fitted with a fivespeed manual transmission, the bus has a pneumatic
Commercial Vehicle www.commercialvehicle.in // July 2020
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