COMMERCIAL VEHICLE INDIA JUNE 2022 by Next Gen Publishing Pvt Ltd

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Volume 16 Issue 09 • June 2022

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B Dinakar, Executive Vice President, Volvo Trucks India.

Cleaner Off-Highway And CEVs

Game Changer | Gati Shakti - The Scope For Quicker TAT /commercialvehicle

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

Ashish Bhatia

Test Editor

Aspi Bhathena

Correspondents

Deepti Thore, Prateek Pardeshi, Sumesh Soman

Head-Design & Production Ravi Parmar

A Clear Vision

The success of the agenda rests on three pillars: sustained demand creation, a robust operating ecosystem and a stable foundation built around technology and skilling.

ff-Highway and Construction Equipment Vehicles (CEVs) are coming off age. With a clear vision for the industry in 2030, changes are trickling in on ground zero. A biodiesel blend dump truck, an electric excavator, the introduction of CNG engines, and retro fitment of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) kits in dump trucks as a pilot are testimony to the industry moving with the times. This was reaffirmed with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) stepping up the game at Excon 2k21 hailed as the largest South Asian CEV trade fair held in Bengaluru. The June Issue, an off-highway and CEV special draws attention to the go-to-market strategy of some of the leading players in the Indian CEV industry. We met with Industry veterans to gauge the short, mid-and long-term outlays. In line with the Vision 2030, penned by the Indian Construction Equipment Manufacturers Association (ICEMA) with the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), the industry is up for driving the infrastructure growth of the country. It is drastically improving turnaround times with niche product introductions. The success of the agenda rests on three pillars: sustained demand creation, a robust operating ecosystem and a stable foundation built around technology and skilling. On a sombre note, we pay a tribute to a dear colleague Zal Cursetji who lost his life in an avoidable road accident. The focus on introducing active and passive safety systems across segments must mature as every life is precious! Ashish Bhatia ashish@atashishbhatia.com a.bhatia@nextgenpublishing.net

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Girish Shet

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Manager Circulation - North and East Kapil Kaushik Subscription Supervisor Sachin Kelkar Tel +91 9321546598 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. 608, Trade World, 6th floor, C wing, Kamala Mills compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (W), Mumbai - 400013, India Tel +91 91 9321546598 26 B, First Floor, Okhla Industrial Estate, Okhla Phase III, New Delhi - 110020, India Tel +91 11 42346600/78 Fax +91 11 42346679 S.No.261/G.L.R.No.5, East Street,Camp Pune - 411001. Views and opinions expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of Next 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., 608, Trade World, 6th floor, C wing, Kamala Mills compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (W), Mumbai - 400013. Published by Marzban Jasoomani on behalf of Next Gen Publishing Pvt. Ltd., 608, Trade World, 6th floor, C wing, 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., 608, Trade World, 6th floor, C wing, 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 Ashish Bhatia

This Month In CV

THE BOTTOMLINE Ashish Bhatia

08 NEWS

 Intervention to cool stagflation  Crisil: Production volumes of tyre manufacturers to halve

                     

FM at CCI Annual Day Commemoration PM Narendra Modi meets Suzuki senior advisor Olectra Greentech bags BEST order DTC flags off 150 e-buses New rules on third-party Insurance Bharatbenz Dashak limited edition CVs Switch India Corporate Office in Chennai New Bolero City pick-up+ Greaves Cotton new appointments

Cover story

Future Ready CEVs: Doosan Bobcat India is future-ready.

34 Fastracking Zero CEV Emissions: JCB India first fullyelectric excavator.

Technologically Advanced: CASE CE made its presence felt.

Badve Group and EVR agreement Anjali Pandey bags award at CII Excon Lakshmi Venu is MD Sundaram-Clayton Robin Joffe is Partner-MD at Frost & Sullivan MEASA Tata Power partners Hyundai Motor India

Schwing Stetter Is Addressing Technological Voids

Toyota Group MoU with Govt. of Karnataka One mn accident-free work hours at BorgWarner JSPL appoints new CFO KPIT CoE in Kochi STMicroelectronics Semikron ccoperate eCascadia enters series production

SANY Clean CEV Alternatives

ZF and Mercedes-Benz Trucks partner on PTOs Dana e-Powershift for HD electric mining vehicles

Write to us at cvonline@nextgenpublishing.net with your feedback and suggestions or visit us at www.commercialvehicle.in to access the digital first content.

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This Month In CV

22 24 26

Antifreeze Coolants: Valvoline introduced a range of antifreeze coolants Elgi Portable Air-Compressor: ELGi launched two high performance, energy-efficient portable air compressors.

Cover story

Improved Performance And Profitability: Tata Motors split focus.

Relevant Transport Solutions: Upfront interaction with B Dinakar, Executive Vice President of Volvo Trucks India

Cover story

Driving The Transition To Cleaner CEVs: Ashok Leyland for cleaner CEVs.

Mechanisation With Affordable CEVs: Mahindra displayed a range of affordable CEVs that it reckons could give it an edge.

Volvo CE India Expands CEV IV Range.

50 51 52

Dependable Innovation: Cummins vows to deliver dependable innovation. OTR To Stay On Course: JK Tyres with a new series of premium off-highway tyres is ensuring CEVs stay on course.

The Scope For Quicker TAT: The success of Gati Shakti hinges on quicker TAT.

46 Driving Progress: Volvo Trucks India showcased flagship products.

48 Committed to India: Scania India showcased end-to-end mobility solutions.

56 Plugged-In: Social media Highlights.

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Bulletin

Intervention to cool stagflation With the Wholesale Price Index at 15.08 per cent, a nine-year record high and a double-digit rate for the past 13 months, inflation is being deemed as “stagflation” by critics. In the wake of growing discontent with the high inflation rate, the much-awaited government intervention has come the industry’s way. Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman started with the reduction

of excise duty on petrol and diesel resulting in a substantial reduction in retail prices. The cut from the centre was followed by reciprocative measures from state governments like Maharashtra and Rajasthan which announced a VAT reduction. Announcing a revenue implication of Rupees One lakh crore for the Centre, the FM went on to reduce customs duty on raw materials

Crisil: Production volumes of tyre manufacturers to halve The production volumes at tyre manufacturing companies could halve to six to eight per cent this fiscal. Estimated to settle at 2.5 million tonnes, compared with 12-14 per cent last fiscal, the lower demand could be driven by the replacement, commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles segments besides demand from export markets. The moderation is expected to be a factor in the growth last fiscal benefitting disproportionately from the low-base effect of the preceding two fiscal. Back then, it was known that volumes had contracted due to an economic slowdown induced by the Covid-19 pandemic. Operating margins should rise to 12 per cent this fiscal, up 200 basis points (bps) from last fiscal’s decade low of 10 per cent as price hikes ease the pressure from high input costs. The credit profiles of tyre makers are expected to remain stable,

Commercial Vehicle June 2022 | www.commercialvehicle.in

good news for stakeholders. Better cash accruals should help fund higher Capital Expenditure (CapEx) and keep debt metric healthy, as per the Crisil analysis of India’s top six tyre manufacturers, accounting for 80 per cent of the Rs.75,000 crore revenue of the sector. The sector derives 60 per cent of its volume from the replacement market and 27 per cent from OEMs with export volumes making up the rest.

and intermediaries of plastic products where import dependence is deemed high. The Government announced Sitharaman is also calibrating customs duty on raw materials and intermediaries for iron and steel while opting for a reduction in import duty on some raw materials of steel. It will also levy export duty on select steel products to prioritise domestic distribution.

FM at 13th Annual Day Commemoration of CCI At the 13th Annual Day commemoration of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), FM Nirmala Sitharaman outlined the challenges of competition in Indian and global contexts. In her address, she appreciated the CCI for taking timely initiatives during the peak of the pandemic to ensure continuity of regulatory work. “To speed up recovery, companies need to scale up. Scaling up is already happening, and CCI should have a proactive understanding of what is shaping markets in this process, especially in M&As,” she opined. Citing the threat of cartelisation hovering over the infrastructure growth planned for the country, she underlined the threat of rising input costs. Referring to the adverse impact on supply chains, she called upon CII to understand the technical nuances of digitalisation and understand whether they were being used fairly, effectively and transparently. Ashok Kumar Gupta, Chairperson, CCI highlighted that CCI has been constantly upgrading its investigation toolkits and techniques to unravel anti-competitive conduct, which is often shrouded in secrecy.

Bulletin

PM Narendra Modi meets senior advisor Suzuki in Tokyo In his Tokyo visit, PM Narendra Modi met up with Osamu Suzuki, Senior Advisor at Suzuki Motor Corporation. Hailing Mr Suzuki’s association and contribution to India, the PM appreciated the transformational role played by Suzuki Motors in the Indian automotive industry. The application under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for automobile and the auto components sector by Suzuki Motor Gujarat Pvt. Ltd. and Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. were also brought up in the discussions. The two also discussed various investment opportunities to strengthen the ties further. This includes setting up infrastructure for electric vehicles, battery packs and recycling centres to attain sustainable growth. Also discussed were strategies to build a local innovation system, including skill development

Olectra Greentech bags BEST order Olectra Greentech Ltd (Olectra) is back in the STU game. It has been able to overcome a technical requirement failure in the past to bag a record 2,100 bus orders from BEST,” as per a company statement. Evey Trans Private Ltd. (EVEY) received the Letter of Award (LoA) from BEST as a confirmation. EVEY shall procure these 2,100 e-buses directly or through its Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) - Olectra. The company will supply the e-buses on a Gross Cost Contract (GCC) or Opex basis for 12 years and is expected to deliver these over the next year. Olectra shall undertake maintenance of these buses for the duration of the contract. “Running the largest electric bus fleet in India’s financial capital is a matter of pride. We will deliver the buses as per the schedule and will give the best commuting experience to the citizens of Mumbai,” K V Pradeep, Chairman and Managing Director, Olectra Greentech Ltd. mentioned.

Commercial Vehicle June 2022 | www.commercialvehicle.in

under the Japan-India Institutes of Management (JIM) and Japanese Endowed Courses (JEC).

DTC flags off 150 e-buses Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) flagged off 150 e-buses (first batch of 300 buses) at the hands of Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, from the Indraprastha Depot. The CM along with transport minister Kailash Gehlot rode the feature-laden bus that include CCTV, twoway central command, panic buttons and a hooter backed by a control centre at Kashmiri Gate, exuding pride. Specially abled commuters can look forward to a kneeling ramp and women commuters can look forward to dedicated, pink coloured seats. The Delhi government is known to have allocated Rs.1,862 crore for the procurement of 2000 electric buses over the next decade. The centre will bear a cost implication of Rs.150 crore for incentivising commuters. Commuters in Delhi will get a three day free-ride window while women commuters gain a weekly free pass for the buses. The new fleet of buses includes buses from OEMs like Tata Motors. DTC has also built three dedicated e-bus depots at Mundela Khan, Rajghat and Rohini sector 37 with dedicated charging stations and parking bays. The buses can be tracked and booked on the One Delhi app.

Bulletin

New rules on third-party Insurance The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), in consultation with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDA), has published Motor Vehicles (Third-Party Insurance Base Premium and Liability) Rules, 2022 vide notification dated May 25, 2022. The rules shall come into force with effect on June 01,

Bharatbenz ‘Dashak’ limited edition’ CVs

BharatBenz 1617 MDT and 5528 HDT trucks in Fiery Red, as well as a 36-seater bus in Pearl White, have been introduced by DICV as the ‘Dashak’ limited edition range. The new edition trucks and buses will have a ‘Dashak’ decal to commemorate the company’s 10th anniversary with special features. The 1617 Medium-duty truck (MDT), which comes fully equipped with air conditioning, a music system, and cameras, is designed for e-commerce and express delivery fleet operators looking for a safe and comfortable ride over shorter distances. The limited edition vehicles unveiled will be delivered to customers across India soon.

Commercial Vehicle June 2022 | www.commercialvehicle.in

2022. As per the notification, the base premium for thirdparty insurance for unlimited liability has been notified for various classes of vehicles. It implies discounts in premium including a 15 per cent discount for educational institution buses. A discount of about 15 per cent and 7.5 per cent on the premium has been notified for electric and hybrid electric vehicles, respectively.

Switch India Corporate Office in Chennai Switch Mobility Ltd., the Hinduja Group inaugurated its new corporate office, in Chennai. The new office was inaugurated by Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman, Switch Mobility Ltd, in the presence of Dr Andy Palmer, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Switch Mobility Ltd, Shom Hinduja, Director, Switch Mobility Ltd, and Mahesh Babu, Director and CEO, Switch India and COO, Switch Mobility Ltd. At the inauguration, Mahesh Babu stated, “As we step into our new corporate office in Chennai, our young and enthusiastic team is all excited to ‘Switch On’ to a new era of mobilising India towards a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future.” The move is a significant step to penetrate India after taking major steps to penetrate markets like the UK and Europe. The move also marks the the end of the Optare diesel range of buses as the company pushes for sustainable

Bulletin

Mahindra Bolero City pik-up in Maharashtra and West Bengal Mahindra & Mahindra has launched the Bolero City pick-up, further strengthening its LCV fleet. The company claims exceptional mileage, segment-leading payload capacity and cargo width, and peak engine torque as its differentiating features. The model has a lower turning radius, thus the company claims it is easy to manoeuvre on crowded city roads. Harish Lalchandani, VP, Marketing, Mahindra Automotive said, “We are pleased to offer another addition to our hugely successful Bolero pick-up range – the New Bolero City

pick-up suited for intra-city transportation. Our constant endeavour to engineer and deliver best-in-class products on performance, reliability, and profitability has resulted in

continued market leadership for Mahindra in the pick-up segment over the last 22 years.” The new offering is priced at Rs.7,97,000 (Ex-showroom, Mumbai).

New Appointments at Greaves electric Mobility

Badve Group and EVR agreement on RFPM

Sanjay Behl has been appointed Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Greaves Cotton subsidiary, Greaves Electric Mobility. Behl will report to the Managing Director and Group CEO Nagesh Basavanhalli. He will be responsible for spearheading the growth of the electric mobility business at the company. In the past, he has held several leadership roles across Nextqore Inc. as the cofounder, and in leadership roles at Reliance, Nokia and Hindustan Lever. In a recent initiative, in line with the growth plans, the company has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sun Mobility to deploy swappable batteries for the latter’s electric vehicles across India. Ram Rajappa, Chief Technology Officer, Greaves Electric Mobility said, “Together with Sun Mobility, we would be addressing one of the critical elements in EV adoption in terms of range anxiety, providing an uninterrupted journey.” Anant Badjatya, the CEO of Sun Mobility, added, “Sun Mobility has always been committed to bringing forth technologically superior, convenient, and sustainable solutions to the EV space and this mirrors well with Greaves Cotton’s aim to bring about the best products for an uninterrupted future in mobility.”

Badve Engineering and Israeli startup, EVR Motors have announced their strategic collaboration to manufacture the latter’s proprietary Trapezoidal Stator – Radial Flux Permanent Magnet (RFPM) electric motors in India. Claimed to be half the weight and size of similar competing motors, RFPM motors are equipped with superior power and torque performance. The Pune-based tier1 automotive component firm has already initiated the joint development and localisation process of these motors at one of its facilities in Pune. These motors are designed for two- and three-wheelers. It is also currently developing prototypes to cater to Indian OEMs. The company aims at scaling up its production to an annual capacity of half a million units by mid2023 to meet the increasing EV demand. Best suited for adoption in the multi- terrain Indian landscape, these motors provide an enthralling experience to Indian riders, claimed Sumedh Badve, President-EV Division, Badve Engineering. “This partnership is in line with our core vision of sustainability and net-zero emissions through green mobility,” he added.

Commercial Vehicle June 2022 | www.commercialvehicle.in

Bulletin

Anjali Pandey awarded at CII Excon Anjali Pandey, Engines and Components Business Unit Leader, Cummins India bagged the Committed Leader’ award at the recently concluded CII Excon 2K21. She has been recognised for her outstanding commitment in promoting diversity, equity, and Inclusion in the workplace. After receiving the award, Pandey commented, “I am grateful to CII EXCON for honouring me with this distinguished award since it is a true reflection of our efforts of creating a workplace where our people win with the power of difference. Of the opinion that diversity and inclusion are not just the right things to do but it is the right way of running the business by fully capitalising on the value that

diversity can bring, she cited active measures at Cummins India to increase its female representation over the past few years. This is known to have resulted in an increased gender diversity ratio from five to 32 per cent over the last two decades. The company also drives various initiatives to provide equal opportunities to women, including ‘Women in Technology’, gender balance during recruitment, ensuring pay parity, gender-neutral workstations, Cummins women’s empowerment network, flexible work arrangements, and award-winning breast feedingfriendly facilities for new mothers, all of which are strongly supported by leadership.

Lakshmi Venu is MD Sundaram-Clayton

Robin Joffe is Partner-MD at Frost & Sullivan MEASA

Lakshmi Venu took over as the Managing Director (MD) of Sundaram-Clayton Ltd. (SCL) moving up the ladder from being the Joint MD of Sundaram Clayton. Known to have led Sundaram Clayton from the forefront for over a decade, she is regarded by many as the lead architect of the company’s global footprint. Her decision to set up a foundry in the US, three years ago in 2019, in Dorchester, South Carolina is seen as a strategic breakthrough for the company. It benefitted from the US-based customers who were looking for on-shore foundry units to reduce supply chain risks and curtail their carbon footprint, in turn. Directly responsible for making SCL a globally, competitive foundry, she is credited with building deep customer relationships with Cummins, Hyundai, Volvo, Paccar and Daimler. R Gopalan, Chairman, Sundaram-Clayton expressed, “Lakshmi brings deep customer understanding and has developed strong relationships with global customers. She has successfully chartered a strategy to have a global footprint to build a competitive advantage. I am confident that she will continue to transform Sundaram-Clayton into a world-class auto component manufacturer.”

Frost & Sullivan appointed Robin Joffe as PartnerManaging Director (MD) of its Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) operations. He brings over 25 years of international business experience in diverse markets like Asia, the United States, and Europe. He is credited with successfully designing, implementing, and driving growth strategies. He is also credited with the grooming of top talent, and identification of new markets to grow revenues and profits across industries and continents, from the start-up creation process to giving direction to mature businesses. Known to excel in sales and channel management, strategy mapping, and business transformation across sectors such as Information and Communications Technology, and Financial Services, before this appointment, Joffe spearheaded Frost & Sullivan’s Japan operations, which happens to be the company’s fastest-growing markets. Joffe has led in senior management positions during his stint with Gartner Inc. and was responsible for establishing the Gartner Japan operations.

Commercial Vehicle June 2022 | www.commercialvehicle.in

Bulletin

Tata Power partners Hyundai Motor India Tata Power has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hyundai Motors India Ltd. (HMIL) to form strategic partnerships. The partnership will aim at facilitating the development of a robust EV charging network to accelerate the adoption of EVs across India. The MoU was signed in the presence of Unsoo Kim, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, HMIL and Dr Praveer Sinha, CEO and MD, Tata Power at the HMIL’s Corporate Headquarters in Gurugram, Haryana. Tata Power’s DC 60 kW fast chargers will be installed by HMIL across 34 of its EV Dealerships in 29 cities, in addition to the existing AC 7.2 kW chargers. HMIL aims at enhancing customer

Toyota Group MoU with Govt. of Karnataka Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Toyota Kirloskar Auto Parts today announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Karnataka to invest Rs.4,100 crore from a total investment outlay of Rs.4,800 crore to contribute to the country’s vision of “Make in India” and to enable a faster reduction in carbon emissions. In the presence of Dr Murugesh R. Nirani, Minister of Large & Medium Industries, Government of Karnataka, Ravi Kumar, IAS, Chief Secretary of Karnataka State, and other dignitaries, the MoU was signed by Chief Minister of Karnataka, Basavaraj Bommai and Vikram S. Kirloskar, ViceChairman, Toyota Kirloskar Motor. This investment is expected to boost local manufacturing of electric powertrain parts and components thereby catering to India’s e-mobility vision.

Commercial Vehicle June 2022 | www.commercialvehicle.in

convenience by developing a wide network of fast charging stations through this collaboration and it also looks at offering special tariffs for its customers. Tata Power, on the other hand, will supply end-to-end home charging solutions, from charger supply to installation for Hyundai EV customers. Under this partnership, Tata Power will operate and maintain the charging stations and HMIL will provide space and necessary administrative approvals through its dealerships. These charging stations will be accessible through Hyundai and Tata Power EZ Charge Mobile App. for all-electric vehicle customers.

One million accidentfree working hours at BorgWarner As of January 2022, the BorgWarner Chennai plant completed one million accident-free working hours. A large number of hours without recordable incidents was rewarded with the CEO safety award. In addition to the recognition by BorgWarner’s top management, the award included prize money of USD 20,000 (Rs.15,30,552) which will be donated to regional charity organisations, as is a tradition within the corporation. “We are exceptionally proud to receive this company award. Our high standards for workplace safety are paying off and the award gives us an incentive to continue improving these measures,” stated Shailesh Jha, Plant Manager, BorgWarner Emissions, Thermal & Turbo Systems, Chennai.

Bulletin

JSPL appoints new CFO Jindal Steel and Power Ltd. (JSPL) announced the appointment of the new Chief Financial Officer, Ramkumar Ramaswamy. Managing Director, V R Sharma and Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), Pankaj Lochan. In Mr Ramaswamy’s own

New KPIT CoE in Kochi

KPIT Technologies Ltd. announced the establishment of a software Centre of Excellence (CoE), in Kochi. The centre will be built in collaboration with PathPartner Technology, a partner since 2021. KPIT’s strategic alliances with global OEMs and tier1s, as well as its focus on building softwaredefined vehicles, are known to have helped generate new opportunities in the automotive and mobility domains. Citing the skilled manpower seeking a challenging work environment, a great work culture, flexibility, and rapid growth - all while remaining close to home, Rajesh Janwadkar, Sr. Vice President, and Member of Executive Board, KPIT Technologies, said, “We plan to tap into the talent from different hubs of India and continue to look for engineers who are passionate about automotive technologies. Today’s skilled talent demands quality and challenging work, autonomy, with a clear purpose.” Over 200 new jobs will be added immediately at the Software Excellence Center in Kochi.

words “It was a day well spent with the Leadership Team of JSP!” Ramaswamy in his previous role was heading Vedanta Limited as the Chief Financial Officer besides a 14-year stint at Shell, and a brief stint at TVS Electronics.

STMicroelectronics Semikron cooperate

STMicroelectronics has cooperated with Semikron to integrate siliconcarbide power technology in next-generation electric-vehicle drives. STMicroelectronics will supply Silicon Carbide (SiC) technology for the eMPack® Electric Vehicle (EV) power modules from Semikron. According to Karl-Heinz Gaubatz, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Technical Officer (CTO), Semikron, “ST’s industry-leading SiC device-manufacturing capabilities and in-depth expertise with the technology-enabled us to integrate these cutting-edge semiconductors with our advanced manufacturing processes, which enhance reliability, power density, and scalability to meet the needs of the automotive industry.” Edoardo Merli, Power Transistor Sub-Group General Manager and Executive Vice President of STMicroelectronics commented, “In addition to its trans formative effect in e-mobility, our SiC technology, now in its third generation, is driving increased efficiency, performance, and reliability in sustainable energy and industrial power-control applications.” Engineers from ST and Semikron have also cooperated to integrate the advanced STPOWER SiC MOSFETs, which control power switching in the main EV traction inverter, with Semikron’s innovative fully sintered Direct Pressed Die (DPD) assembly process.

Commercial Vehicle www.commercialvehicle.in | June 2022

Bulletin | international

eCascadia enters series production Daimler Truck and its U.S. Freightliner brand recently unveiled the all-electric eCascadia, which will go into series production in 2022 after more than one million miles (1.6 million kilometres) of pilot testing in daily customer operations. A typical range of 230 miles (370 kilometres), depending on vehicle configurations was clocked. The eCascadia is powered by an e-axle, a compact unit that combines an electric motor, transmission, and specialised electronics. It comes with a dual

motor (470 hp) or a single motor (450 hp) (320 hp). Customers can choose from three battery sizes and average zero-to-full charging times. These include options with 194 kWh (one and a half to three hours), 291 kWh (two to four hours), and 438 kWh being the most popular (two to six hours). Customer deliveries are expected to begin in 2022, bringing Daimler Truck and their US based customers one step further towards attaining the goal of CO2-neutral transportation.

ZF and Mercedes-Benz Dana e-Powershift for HD electric mining vehicles Trucks partner on PTOs for e-trucks ZF Friedrichshafen and Mercedes=Benz Trucks have partnered for Power TakeOffs (PTOs) for electric trucks. The eWorkX will be harnessed to drive onboard electrical equipment. Wilhelm Rehm, Board Member at ZF said, “ZF is advancing the electric transformation of the commercial vehicle industry for a more sustainable future. A mechanical interface, the eWorkX features electric motors with a 50 kW capacity, an inverter and a control unit. The applicationspecific software is coupled with a cooling system and a hydraulic pump. It is known to have been applied on the eActros quipped with a hook loader from Meiller, a leading tip trailer company also into hook lifts and skip handlers.

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Dana Incorporated (Dana) has brought in a new Spicer Electrified™ e-Powershift transmission for electrified heavy-duty mining vehicles. The modular, flexible twospeed transmission comes with a Power Take-Off (PTO) functionality aimed at delivering high efficiency and superior performance in a compact package. Jeroen Decleer, Senior Vice President, Off-Highway Drive and Motion Systems for Dana Incorporated said, “The new e-Powershift transmission showcases how we are leveraging our comprehensive portfolio of electrification technologies to provide mining OEMs with complete solutions that can help accelerate their journeys to e-Mobility.” The dual-motor version supports continuous power outputs up to 322 hp (240 kW) with the single-motor configuration delivering 161 hp (120 kW) output. Deemed suitable for small- to medium-sized loaders and trucks used in underground mining, as well as construction wheel loaders, large lift trucks, and terminal tractors, the dualmotor configuration (shown at MINExpo®) is claimed to deliver the optimal tractive effort in every duty cycle without torque interruption. The unit will be subjected to prototype testing for which it will be made available to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) by the end of this year. The transmission will be shown as part of a complete system that includes heavyduty Spicer® axles and Spicer® driveshafts. Commercial Vehicle www.commercialvehicle.in | May 2022

Gone Too Soon We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of our colleague, Zal Cursetji

man of many talents and one of the most genuine people to have graced our company, Zal was very energetic, always had a smile on his face, and constantly lifted the spirits of those around him. His humour would find a way to cheer everyone up in just about any situation. It’s now been years that I have known Zal and there never was a dull moment with him around. He might be 39, but had the spirit of a teenager. To me, he was more than a colleague. He was a big brother who always looked out for me and went out of his way to keep me safe on our many adventures together. Zal vouched for me when I applied and, because of him, I was able to showcase my talents at Bike India magazine and believe in myself again. For that, I will forever be in his debt. He always motivated me to do better and helped me see my potential. I have learned so much from him and I will always keep those teachings in mind. I am thoroughly going to miss those rides with him and exploring places while he would enthusiastically tell me stories about his past. Whenever he introduced me to new bikers, he would start off by praising me, followed by making fun of all of the immature things I have done. I will never forget his unique personality and the many occasions we had just having a good laugh. His legacy will surely live on in all of the people’s lives he touched. Even though it’s still hard to believe what has happened, I know that you are in a better place now. Rest and ride in peace. You will always have a special place in our hearts.

— Azaman Chothia

Surely the life of any party and a bubbly soul altogether. So talented with song, guitar, bike, and fluffing things up to immense proportions. I’ll keep my eyes on the road and my feet straight, buddy. Ride in peace. — Jim A fun-loving person whose world revolved around things he was passionate about. Motorcycles were among those passions and I am glad we got to share that during his time at Bike India. Ride in peace, Zal. — Joshua A great colleague and always the life of a party. He always found time to answer my queries and was a gem of a person. It is a little-known fact that he was loved in the artist and designer community and he shall be missed. — Kurt

Our trips and shoots together are memorable. Always so kind-hearted and humble to each of us. I have enjoyed our adventures and I still wear the Nike sneakers you gave me on our trip to Indore. I miss you, buddy. Rest in peace. — Apurva Zal, our bundle of joy. A man with a heart of gold. We’ll always miss you. — Glen I’ll always remember you, Zalu. Rest easy and bask in the heaven’s glory. So long, dear friend. — Saurabh Zal was a great colleague and an even better friend. He was an absolute joy to

It is very difficult to put your feelings into words when you lose someone very close to you. Dear Zal, you were highly talented and you excelled in whatever you did. The only regret I have is not doing a riding school with you, which was your last question to me: ‘Boss, when are you doing the RE race school?’ Your best quality was that you were a very good human being. Ride in peace, my friend. You may be gone, but you will never be forgotten.

— Aspi Bhathena

work with quick quips and well-timed humour both during office hours and outside. He would spread joy wherever he went. — Sahej Zal was extremely entertaining company. There is no question about his intense passion for motorcycles; something we both share. He was deeply loved by so many people and I pray that his family finds a semblance of peace and the strength they so desperately need in this impossible time. Motorcycles are inherently dangerous, yet we ride because we love them and the emotions they stir up. But there are no guarantees; stay safe out there. — Anosh

Commercial Vehicle www.commercialvehicle.in | June 2022

Product Launch

Antifreeze Coolants

Valvoline introduced a range of antifreeze coolants. Deepti Thore looks at the proposition of even operating temperatures in extreme drive conditions.

@DeeptiT9

vehicle is dependent on various lubricants to stay up and running. Coolants are crucial here! Here again, the breed of an antifreeze coolant is deemed quintessential for extreme temperatures to help the vehicle keep an even temperature when operational. Like most fluids in a vehicle that need to be drained and replaced at regular intervals in order to function, the coolant levels need to be monitored periodically and checked at least twice a year—before the summers and the winters. To address the need of optimising engine performance in such varied and extreme climatic conditions, Valvoline offers

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a range of Antifreeze engine coolants for different duty cycles. The Cummins JV partner recently made its presence felt at the concluded Excon 2K21. The most common variety of liquid antifreeze is an IAT coolant formula, or Inorganic Additive Technology. ZEREX™ Original Green, a type of IAT coolant, is claimed to be a decade old, proven formula aimed at corrosion resistance. Another common antifreeze formula is Dex-Cool®, a coolant formula approved for use in GM vehicles. The ZEREX™ Dex-Cool coolant also complies with multiple industry specifications to make for a wider acceptance. Contrary to

green coloured base, the base of the latter is distinguished by its orange sheen. The good part is that the new generation coolants can also be used in older generation vehicles by using special additives available in the market. Solutions like AlugardPlus® are widely available. In other products, Zerex™ G-05™ which is of HOAT (Hybrid OAT) is a silicate coolant distinguished by a yellow sheen. The ZEREX™ G-48 Hybrid OAT (HOAT) is phosphate-free and turquoise in colour. ZEREX™ Asian Vehicle Phosphated HOAT (P-HOAT) is available in either blue or pink base while the ZEREX™ G-40, another silicate variant HOAT(Si-OAT) has

Product Launch

Sandeep Kalia, Managing Director at Valvoline Cummins Pvt. Ltd.

a purple hue. The company also recently introduced an advanced, Glycol-based fullantifreeze coolant claimed to generate a high cooling formulation that offers extralong service life and superiorcorrosion resistance. Antifreeze coolants like conventional coolants have a 50:50 mix of a specially formulated solution diluted with water. The chemical ethylene glycol is known to be used as a base to create a liquid. As the ambient temperature switches from hot to cold or vice versa, the coolant is pumped throughout the engine block to maintain an even operating temperature.

Antifreeze does more than just regulate temperature contrary to popular notion. It also aids in the maintenance of a corrosion-free environment when maintained at optimal levels. Some of the directly known use cases include keeping the radiation from freezing or overheating. Valvoline offers a variety of coolants and caters to diverse markets like American, Asian and the European, from motorcycles to passenger vehicles to the commercial vehicles (including solutions for agri and off-highway segments). Each can of coolant is formulated to keep its designated engine type optimally operational. While the company continues to develop different formulations to fill the white spaces, there is a threat of acquisition looming large. According to a Wall Street Journal report, Saudi state oil giant Aramco is eyeing the acquisition of Valvoline’s lubricants business which also includes the antifreeze coolant

range. The company, in 2021, hinted at wanting to separate its profitable, retails business from the global operations business. Beyond Internal Combustion Engines (ICE), the company is also known to be gearing up to meet the demands of e-mobility as per recent revelations by Sandeep Kalia, Managing Director at Valvoline Cummins Pvt. Ltd. Earlier this year, it piloted its EV services in the U.S. at its retail stores as a testimony. In line with the vision to extend stateof-the-art prognosis as a service solution to owners, OEMs and fleet operators. These services extend to battery replacement, tyre rotations, cabin airfilter replacement, wiper replacement and safety inspections in phase-one of the strategy to establish itself as the numero uno supplier of fluids to EVs. In Asian markets, the company in partnership with Shanghaibased car maintenance service provider Tuhu is already catering to hybrid, plugin hybrid and BEVs. XEV is the suite of Valvoline motor oil, battery protection fluid, transmission and brake fluids. These strategic moves came in the wake of the company anticipating a market shift!

Commercial Vehicle www.commercialvehicle.in | June 2022

product launch

Elgi Portable Air-Compressors ELGi launched two high performance, energy-efficient portable air compressors. Sumesh Soman looks at the low TCO and energy efficiency proposition.

@SumeshSoman

ir compressors play a crucial role in auxiliary mounts on Construction Equipment (CEs). At the recently concluded Excon 2K21, Elgi Equipments Ltd. launched a range of high performance, energy-efficient, and reliable electric and diesel, portable air compressors. The electricpowered PG 110E -13.5, and the diesel-powered PG 575 – 225 joined forces with the diesel-powered PG 500-185, PG 330-100, and the electricpowered PG 90E and PG 55E trolley mounted portable air compressors. Speaking on the sidelines of the launch, Rajesh Premchandran, Director, ISAAME (India, South

Commercial Vehicle June 2022 | www.commercialvehicle.in

Asia, Africa, and the Middle East), Elgi Equipments Ltd. expressed, “We are happy to launch our new electric and diesel portable air compressors which will offer our customers low maintenance costs with high energy efficiency and enhanced productivity.” The product launches are timed to the spurt in infrastructure investments in the country. With government intervention, infrastructure is a key pillar of the USD five trillion economy in the making. According to a recent industry report by Ernst & Young Pvt. Ltd. the infrastructure sector in India is estimated to grow at a CAGR of approximately seven per cent over the next five

years. The Government plans to invest an estimated Rs.102 lakh crore earmarked for projects to be undertaken by 2024-25. “We are excited and well poised to address the opportunity. At ELGi, we continue to focus on understanding our customer’s stated needs, and unstated wants and deliver the right compressed air solutions,” averred Premchandran. The framework ELGi’s electric-powered portable air compressors are powered by IE3 motors integrated with proprietary ŋV profile air ends, claimed to deliver high productivity and reliability for drilling operations. The electrically

product launch

Rajesh Premchandran, Director, ISAAME (India, South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East), Elgi Equipments Ltd.

driven compressor has a capacity of 110 kW with a 490 CFM and a maximum working pressure of 14.5 bar. These compressors also feature a Reverse Direction Switch (RDS) and single-phase preventer for better safety. The threestage filtration system makes these portable compressors suitable for operations in dusty environments, with claims of delivering an unmatched performance under the toughest site conditions. The company also claims an increased operational life, low Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), and bestin-industry, service support. The portable compressors will have extensive usage across various applications, including construction, blue metal quarries, coal mining, iron ore mining, granite mining, marble mining, sandstone mining,

Jairam Varadaraj, Managing Director, ELGi Equipments Ltd.

sandblasting, shotcrete, and pigging, to name a few duty cycles. Banking on new products for growth The consolidated Profit After Tax (PAT) for the fourth quarter (Q4FY22) was Rs.73.1 crore compared to Rs.43.4 crore in the same period, a year ago (Q4FY21). Consolidated PAT for the fiscal is pegged at Rs.178.4 crore compared to Rs.102.5 crore in FY21. The company hopes to build further in the next fiscal (FY23) and is banking on the new product launches. A company statement read, that the compressor business’ performance in the domestic

market has exceeded plans owing to strong demand and the go-to-market initiatives. Barring the Middle East, Africa, Australia, and the South-East Asian Countries that were affected by Covid-19 lockdowns, other geographies registered satisfactory sales and market share growth. An official statement in regards to the outlook for FY23 read, “While we remain optimistic and are well prepared to achieve our revenue targets, inflation, wars and political unrest could soften demand and affect margins. However, we are reviewing our processes and initiating actions to avoid margin erosion.” Strategic investments in the global markets are said to have helped the company in FY22 with the bulk of its growth attributed to North America, Europe, and Australia.“It would be wise to brace for this levelling of activity and focus inward on productivity and cost optimisation,” concludes Jairam Varadaraj, Managing Director, ELGi Equipments Ltd.

PG110E-13.5 Parameters

Specifications

Motor

IE3

Capacity

110 kW

Air flow Working pressure

490 CFM 14.5 bar

Key feature

Reverse Direction Switch (RDS)

Key feature

Three-stage filtration system Commercial Vehicle www.commercialvehicle.in | June 2022

Industry Talk | Exclusive

Industry Talk Relevant Transport Solutions In an industry talk session, B Dinakar, Executive Vice President of Volvo Trucks India - VE COMMERCIAL VEHICLES speaks to Ashish Bhatia about pushing the envelope with relevant transport solutions.

@atashishbhatia

Q. How are you pushing the envelope to meet the demands of relevant transport solutions with the heavy-duty FM and FMX range? How content is team Volvo Trucks India with the outcome and market acceptance? A. Our products launched late last year (2021) concentrated on how we increase productivity, improve operational efficiency and meet the growing demands of the applications. The new range of trucks launched, worldwide, has us improving many features. To give an example, the entire cabin is new. So, it comes with larger operator visibility. The main focus was on improving driver comfort in order to bring down fatigue and extract the best possible productivity by offering the best drive experience as a whole. In the case of exteriors and interiors, we’ve pushed

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Industry Talk | Exclusive

productivity to the next level by giving the requisite greater comfort so the driver in turn can focus on the job. The engine management systems as the software layer within the transmission unit are upgraded to the next level and are at par with the global benchmarks. The braking system is improved and we’ve introduced the downhill cruise control as a new feature for the driver to manage heavy loads. The driver can set the speed for himself, for example, 10 kmph and so on which he can reset by pressing the accelerator or the brake pedal to bring it back to 20 kmph or lower as may be desired. So, it is an absolute safety feature. This is in addition to already existing features like an Electronic Braking System (EBS). In the case of Over Dimensional Cargo (ODC) trucks, there is a heavy load at the back and the market has solutions like only stretch braking. So, when taking a turn, it follows a certain pattern and on braking, there is a swing away from the centre. In this context, these are the very important feature inclusions as a means to enhance productivity and take it to the next level. An estimated 6,000 trucks are already pressed into the operation worldwide and in Europe, for example. The kind of response received by Volvo Trucks across the globe was fantastic. The R&D team are a happy lot.

Q. Tell us in-depth about the offerings in this new product mix? Which of these is a flagship and are there any segment-first offerings? The last time you mentioned, it was the FMX 460 BSIV. A. So now what has happened in last year’s introduction of six trucks is what we have concentrated on each segment. It is split between the mining segment, the construction and infrastructure segment and the on-road segment. So, each segment has got a new flagship vehicle. The concentration is on expanding beyond the mining segment where we will continue to sustain our leadership with the new introductions. At the same time, we would like to extend to other segments like express logistics, express cargo logistics, ODC solutions and road construction to give an example. Most importantly, for road construction, we have introduced a truck with 22 Cu. m. FM 420, a 4x2 tractor powered by a 30-litre engine and the FM 500 which is the puller. In combination, for mining, we have introduced the FMX 460 20.3 Cu. m. and the FMX 500 with 23 Cu. m. besides the FMX 460 with 33 Cu. m. particularly for coal transport. So, we have arranged the set for each and every segment to enable customers to benefit from the highly productive and operational efficiency focus points of the new range.

Q. Is the payload for crawling still restricted to about 150-tonne in India? How does it compare to the global 325-tonne benchmark? A. As you know, the axle weights have improved. While this is still applicable here, in the case of the ODC truck there is a need for a combined weight. This can go up to under 195-tonne on technical distinguishing. The combination with whatever is applicable right now from the Indian regulatory authorities, we understand that customers will follow the law of the land including taking special permissions and designated routes for such loads. They will be able to get the best out of our offerings. Q. You had crystal gazed how privatisation (MDOs) would translate to the demand for multi-axle dump trucks. Like most OEMs did you also have to re-engineer products and aggregates to bear the higher loads under the revised axle load norms? A. Our trucks have aggregates that are already designed for higher technical weights. So when we introduce a flagship 8x4 truck, to comply with the CMVR on road is one thing but the axles and the capacities are built for off-road applications. So our trucks delivered to customers, when it is plying on road, they are required to restrict the load to CMVR norms. In the case of off-road, the technical

Commercial Vehicle www.commercialvehicle.in | June 2022

Industry Talk | Exclusive

weight can be higher than that. That’s why people who have seen the trucks are well accepting it in the coal mining segment where these trucks ply pit to surface and not surface to surface a reason behind us gaining the market share in the niche segment. We already factored it, unlike other manufacturers who felt the need to re-engineer. Q. You have also focused on enhancing driver comfort! I have driven the previous generation FMX 440 8X4 in a mine. What room for improvement has been addressed in the new models? A. The truck through the cabin is enhanced. For example, we have improved visibility by 10 per cent. The side view from the glass has been enhanced with encapsulation. In all, there are five views covering blind spots. We reduced the A-pillar size but strengthened it. This helped in enhancing the entire front glass with a curve design for better visibility. The noise levels have been reduced by ~20 per cent compared

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to the predecessor. The console has been designed to hand hold the driver through the entire coaching. Each truck comes with three trip meters. Say, the truck is driven by three different drivers, each driver will have a login password to enter before he starts the truck and customised coaching will commence. This will look at excess acceleration, how he can reduce it, and the braking pattern. Some trucks are fitted with a side indicator display and allow the driver to connect their mobile. This is to encourage the driver to just hold the steering by being mobile hands-free. The side view mirror comes with a dedicated camera to alert the driver. It gets activated when the driver turns the left or right-hand side indicator on. It gives a complete view for example of the left side when the driver is seated to the right. Each truck comes with four additional cameras. Especially for trucks like the FMX 500 with the heavy 23 Cu. m. load body where the drivers value the enhanced

surround visibility. The steering is the Vehicle Dynamic Steering (VDS) which is an ultra-responsive steering designed to offer precision and eliminate fatigue. Q. Why was it possible for you to introduce these when acquisition costs are a weighing point for fleet owners in a tough economic environment? Have these additions become more affordable compared to the past? A. We don’t give the product but sell a product transport solution to customers on a total accumulated cost basis. The initial cost might be high but the total value proposition will be higher. For example, the FMX 500 comes with a 38-tonne rear axle load of six times the earlier generation. The front axle loads are increased by one-tonne and so the total vehicle comes with an additional eight-tonnes. So the kind of productivity is improved and the kind of cost per tonne calculation by using this vehicle is phenomenally higher. The cost increase is justified as a result. Every HD customer is

Industry Talk | Exclusive

graduating and conscious about the productivity on offer. So, to reiterate, our trucks are best meant for productivity and the TCO considerations. Q. There is a belief that passenger vehicles are gadgets loaded. How far behind or ahead are CVs? A. It is in CVs that more focus should be on the driver interaction How focused is the driver? Or how fatigued is the driver? These are the focus areas for us. That’s the reason this interaction with the console is very important for us. Through ‘Volvo Fuel Watch’ it is known how the difference between the best drivers who compete, the difference between fuel efficiency attained by the first and last driver is 20-30 per cent. You’re choosing among the 15-20 sites wherein we take the best drivers from each customer. That means, a lot depends on the driver when you drive this particular vehicle and it is as you said responsible for the high TCO. You’re giving that entire cost into the hands of a driver who has to deliver

the goods for you. With one just one press of a button, the console gives the pretrip measurements. Eight or nine features that include fuel level or adblue level or the oil pressure, everything comes there. So otherwise the maintenance guy undertakes a vehicle surveillance and then takes each and everything on a dipstick to gauge the difference. He will note all of it and takes around 30 minutes for each vehicle. Now we reduce it to one minute. So then, you know, this is the productivity level improved. So the driver is at peace once the process is complete. He is just left with concentrating on road. Driving is not just driving it is planning and driving. So you plan the route, you have to plan the road, you have to see where to accelerate, where to brake, where to turn and as a result of all of it, the efficiency goes up. So the driver can concentrate on planning his trip when all other things are taken care of by the vehicle.

Q. How have you tweaked the offerings to meet a vast spectrum of duty cycles? A. The Volvo Trucks 8x4, our flagship 20.3 Cu. m. are well accepted and well placed, positioned in the mining segment. They have proved the distribution of the best TCO when it comes to express logistics launched earlier for customers like Delhivery. Initially, these express cargo logistics providers were clocking 12,00015,000 kms per month, today on our truck, they’re able to clock 25,000 kms which was a dream. Now, with this truck and the comfort levels, I’m hoping for 30,000 kms to get the best out of this truck. So, the Turn Around Time (TAT) is the most important thing for us. For example, in road construction, we have introduced a new truck aimed at improving the efficiencies. The operator can look at completing the road project in 18 months compared to 24 months earlier. These work contracts are bound contracts. If they fulfil it ahead of time, its a bonus. Like that, in each segment, Commercial Vehicle www.commercialvehicle.in | June 2022

Industry Talk | Exclusive

we have ensured customers stay connected with their business using our highly productive trucks. Q. How is Volvo Trucks India looking to diversify even in segments like mining itself? A. A lot of marble quarry owners and granite quarry owners are taking our trucks. They are reaping the benefits out of this range. In blue metal particularly when road construction is graduating from 23 kms per day to 33 kms per day and up to 37 kms per day. We are making history on that front as a country. So there are the new metal requirements which will always drive higher loads demand where we expect our trucks to offer higher productivity levels. Q. Tell us about the order progress on Delhivery where 25 Volvo FM 4X2 tractor-trailer combinations (road trains) were to be delivered? Have you fulfilled that order and how is the partnership progressing? A. We have already delivered the initial 25 trucks. Subsequently, we are giving more trucks to them. The engagement is continuous and they are also getting the best out of our trucks. Together we are in this journey learning from one and other as partners in progress. Q. How are you up skilling customer driver pools for piloting such sophisticated vehicles? A. With such sophisticated vehicles there is always a burden of questioning whether I am doing the right thing or not. We want to

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lessen that burden. So what we’re doing is the very simple that the 12-inch intuitive console relays all inputs as the hub of activities. With the ‘Volvo Connect’ and ‘Dyna Fleet’ using driver trainers we ensure that a constant training is put in place over a one-off initiative with the customers. It is a continuous process and we go to the customers and give them a program in such a way that all these drivers are trained

A tremendous improvement has been realised for road construction and greenfield projects. It has brought the impetus on productivity and TATs. further and improved further in their efficiencies. Q. What is the current TIV for the premium HD trucks? A. 400+ hp trucks are at an estimated 1500-1600 units. We expect to reach near the highs of 2015 close to 1800 units as we further diversify in to the construction segment etc. It is a growing market for us. Q. What are some of the efficiencies that you have added both upstream and downstream in your value chain? A. The entire network was geared up for the rollout of these trucks in terms of meeting after sales requirements and up skilling

competency requirements of technicians etc. It’s a continuous development process for us. On the retail front again, we manage our sales end-to-end minus a dealership model. The Sales touch points are given a feel of the trucks for them to be convinced ahead of convincing the customers. Our last launch was a very good platform to build upon. Q. Have the systems to gauge demand changed drastically? A. Worldwide, there is a gap between demand and supply. Everything in combination means that lead levels have increased. Previously, the overseas logistics had also been impacted. They had to rework routes leading to delays etc. All of it was modulated courtesy excellent synergies between Sweden and India with respective teams continuously monitoring the external environment. The programme planning is such that it is able to meet the demand. Even after ensuring all measures are in place, the supply-demand gaps can always surprise. The semiconductor issue will spare none but we have a well-oiled system in place to address these issues at a granular level by placing orders with a five month and beyond lead time. We are not reducing our order placements by any means just extending the lead times if need be. This covers the production spares to ensure manufacturing isn’t impacted. The assembly lines in India are rolling out the new and improved cabins which is also a feat for us. We are also hand holding our service dealers to ensure

Industry Talk | Exclusive

transparency. I would especially like to laud our technicians who did not leave customer sites even during the peak of Covid-19, staying within the confines. Q. How are the 12 Uptime centres playing their part in customers reaping the benefits? A. Nobody else can boast of such a strong network of uptime centres in the industry. We are the first on Volvo Trucks and the VE Commercial Vehicles side to come up with it. The centres work very closely with customers on five packages. It ensures the maximum fleet utilisation with the predictive failure alerts and interventions for the benefit of the customer and the driver pool on the training front. The fuel efficiency services with ‘Volvo Connect’ map ~7000 vehicles with a dedicated team to analyse the big data. Reports are sent out to the customers to act on it and thereby improve their competencies.

From a project leader to a project manager has to follow certain safety protocols. We are engaging with customers to secure that entire ecosystem beyond current levels. It is a core principle at Volvo Trucks along with quality and environmental care. We are also introducing modular workshops as part of this improvement exercise. Q. How have recent government interventions for the industry impacted business? A. Interventions like commercial coal has encouraged private players to enter coal mining. MSME

The challenging area is the availability of skilled drivers and continuous financial stability of customers.

Q. How is the plant utilisation and has there been any capacity augmentation at the Hoskote facility We know that VECV has done so with the Bhopal plant? A. We are operating one shift in a five day working week at Hoskote, and the capacity meets our current demand with a room for scaling up.

qualification barriers have been removed to reduce the entrant barriers for them. E&B clause removal has ensured healthy competition. It has improved tender participation eligibility. A tremendous improvement has been realised for road construction and greenfield projects. It has brought the impetus on productivity and TATs. We find ourselves to be a custom fit for these requirements.

Q. Any alterations to the on-site servicing and the parts availability arrangements? A. Today there is impetus on ensuring safety to whomsoever that may come in contact with the Volvo Trucks at the customer site.

Q. In the recent changes to the mining laws, the Ministry of Coal finalised an agenda document for 2021- 22. It emphasises on minimising human intervention at the unloading and transportation stage. Could we

expect autonomous haulers to be deployed in mining pits as a result? A. Autonomous solutions and cleaner solutions on alternative fuels and BEVs are available with us globally. The moment the market is looking at it as an option and one of the beneficiaries is the customer we are prepared to introduce the market fitting products. There is no gap in development and introduction of market desired products. Most importantly, its not sufficient that just my truck is autonomous to explain further. The entire ecosystem has to facilitate it. Be it automatic braking or platooning and beyond mining we are closely watching developments of ports another suited environment for such advanced technologies. Cost of introduction and the benefit to customer is paramount here. Q. Does the ongoing LNG pilot in heavy earth moving machines excite you? A. It excited from the very beginning when there was an inkling. It also puts me in a stage where I have to gauge the prospect of it transforming into business. If it makes a business case going forward we would want to be present in it. Q. Your thoughts on voluntarily scrapping vehicles despite the fitness of the vehicle? A. There are different school of thoughts in different segments. Say, in ODC where the vehicle has aged, operators don’t mind progressing to new generation vehicles. In regions like Mumbai, Commercial Vehicle www.commercialvehicle.in | June 2022

Industry Talk | Exclusive

vehicles older than 10 years are not allowed within city limits compelling customers to opt for scrappage. It is one of the reasons driving my ODC sales up. In other segment fleets, if our trucks are utilised 24x7 for a period of say 5-7 years, customers are able to realise the cost benefit out of the truck and realise their RoIs. Then these operators will use the aged fleet as ancillary equipment. Customers in that segment shouldn’t be unhappy to voluntarily retire such a fleet. Q. Does the increasing adoption of rail freight threaten conventional surface road transport especially the longhaul? Rail is claimed to have a

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carbon footprint of one-third of surface transportation? A. Yes, it has been a crucial development. However, since we are into segments where productivity matters the most be it express cargo logistics etc, We are confident of preventing erosion of margins. We are also crucial for the operator loading and unloading points especially where there is an interchange of tractors. It is one tractor-trailer combination versus one tractor that can off load a trailer and return. If that is the case, rail freight can’t match our speeds. In my opinion we are largely insulated being in super niche segments. Q. The growth and challenge areas for Volvo Trucks in India?

A. We are highly bullish on our mining prospects. We would also like to expand to road construction, and the express cargo logistics industry. Coal transport is another growth driver that we have been able to identify. So beyond coal overburden we are also expanding to coal transport and irrigation segments. The challenging area is the availability of skilled drivers and continuous financial stability of customers. If the customer is willing to risk with a short term view using less productive vehicles, it could be challenging to persuade them. For customers in it for the long term, the total transport solution will be the best from Volvo Trucks India to meet their needs of highly productive and efficient operations.

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Future Ready CEVs

Doosan Bobcat India is future-ready. Prateek Pardeshi draws attention to clean, IoT-powered solutions.

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(Centre) Hyunsoo Kim, MD and CEO of Doosan Bobcat India with the Consul General, Republic of Korea, suppliers and team at the Excon 2k21 pavilion.

oosan Bobcat India Pvt. Ltd. (Bobcat) demonstrated its future-ready Construction Equipment Vehicles (CEV) range. The Bobcat loaders and excavators drew attention to their capability to run even on loose soil courtesy of a heavy downpour at the Excon 2k21 venue. It made a statement with the clean, electric E10e, a mini compact excavator known to have been sourced as a fully-assembled unit from the Bobcat Czech Republic Innovation centre. The company also displayed the S70, S450, S650, and S770 loader range; two backhoe loaders for the SAARC region and the Latin American markets; Bobcat B900 CEV B760 backhoe loaders with attachments, and the compact E20z, E27, and E30 excavators this year. A testimony to offering modern equipment, the company highlighted its ‘MaxControl’ solution that is known to enable remote operations through hand-held mobiles. The flagship electric CEV was the showstopper. The all-electric E10e compact excavator

with a 1.32-tonne operating weight draws power from the Schabmueller AM (TSA200) motor with a 7.53 kW output. The motor in turn draws power from the lithium-ion battery pack. With the ability to pass through standard doors with a 710 mm width, the compact E10e is said to have been designed to fit within the standard machine envelope. This in turn helps to

maintain a Zero Tail Swing (ZTS) profile. In effect, the excavator’s housing doesn’t extend beyond the vehicle’s tracks when rotating about its axis.). The E10e has a max power output of 7.5 kW. The Bobcat B900 backhoe loader interestingly was found to draw power from an Ashok Leyland H4C42422, 74 hp turbocharged engine capable of developing a torque of 336 Nm at 1400 rpm. In contrast, the B760 backhoe loader is powered by a Perkins 4404D 44T, 94 hp turbocharged engine that develops a rated peak torque of 392 Nm at 1400 rpm. Bobcat claims the S70 is the smallest skid steer loader in the world and powered by a 23.5 hp Kubota/D1005-E4B-BC-3 (Tier 4) engine. The latter works with an operating weight of 1.31-tonne. It develops a peak torque of 62.8 Nm at 2200 rpm. United Skid tracks are the chosen supplier for rubber tracks for models ranging from 864 to T870.

Commercial Vehicle www.commercialvehicle.in | June 2022

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Fastracking Zero CEV Emissions JCB India launched the first fully-electric excavator at Excon 2k21. Prateek Pardeshi shares its capabilities among other KEY exhibits in line with the vision, road to zero emissions.

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CB India has fasttracked its road to zero Construction Equipment Vehicle (CEV) emissions. In line with the vision, the company showcased eight CEVs at Excon 2k21. It also showcased two gensets at Excon 2k21. This year, the company especially caught the attention of the B2B visitors with its excavator segment led by the first fully-electric excavator, claimed to have been built in India. Deepak Shetty, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director at JCB India mentioned, “The JCB 19C-1E is the industry’s first fully-electric excavator in India and is integral to JCB’s ‘Road to Zero’ initiative, a programme that

Deepak Shetty, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director at JCB India we have been working on for the past few years.” In the excavator segment, the products launched at Excon 2k21 included a brand new JCB 19C-1E, a fully electric mini excavator, and shared the booth space with the 35Z HD and 37C HD new mini excavator aimed at potential opportunities as a result of smart infrastructure scaling up. The company also launched a 22-tonne hydraulic excavator on the NXT platform specially designed for Indian applications. For industrial applications, the company showcased the four-tonne telescopic handler, an articulated boom lift AJ48 D, and a natural gas genset, the G125 NG. Electric excavator The showstopper, JCB 19C-1E electric mini excavator draws power from a three-phase AC, permanent magnet motor. Delivering a constant motor, the power output of 7 kW and peak power of 20 kW, it offers the operator three performance operating modes depending upon the deployed duty cycle. For example, the L (Light) revs the engine at 1200 rpm, G

Commercial Vehicle June 2022 | www.commercialvehicle.in

(General) at 1600 rpm, and H (Heavy) at 1800 rpm. A set of four 48V manganese, lithium-ion batteries power the motor for a full day of operations on a single charge. With a gross capacity of 19.8 kWh, the battery can be charged using on-board and off-board (fast charger). The Onboard charging is further split into a 110V charger requiring up to 10.5 hrs for a full charge and a 230V charger to charge in half the time (five hours). A fast charging option has the battery charge to its full capacity in 2.5 hours. Building on the 2GO hydraulic isolation system, the new models have equipped with the latest generation and offers secondary safety prevention of external machine movement, reduction in accidental operation and comes with a retrofitted option for operators. The autoidle and auto kick-up redistribute power from the Power Control Unit (PCU) to enhance battery life. Claimed Shetty, that the machine has been tested extensively and has various built-in features that enhance safety and performance. With zero emissions and low NVH levels, the new machine is deemed an ideal fit for infrastructure development projects. In addition, JCB introduced the 35Z HD mini excavator with a maximum operating weight of 3.79-tonne powered by the net engine power of 25.34hp (18.9 kW), and with a 0.11 Cu. m. bucket. This CEV is claimed to be suited for work in confined spaces to fill up the void left by mid-size excavators.

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Smart Sustainable And Technologically Advanced CASE Construction Equipment made its presence felt at Excon 2k21. Prateek Pardeshi draws attention to the product launches as a fitting tribute to a 180-year old legacy.

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Fabrizio Cepollina, Vice President CNH Industrial Construction Segment in Africa, Middle East and Asia Pacific

ASE Construction Equipment launched six new Construction Equipment Vehicles (CEVs) at Excon 2k21. Following the inauguration of a new India Technology Center (ITC) in Gurugram, Haryana the CNH Industrial N.V. American brand headquartered in Italy extended the celebrations of its 180-year old existence. Fabrizio Cepollina, Vice President, CNH Industrial Construction Segment in Africa, Middle East and Asia Pacific AME and APAC, CNH Industrial, said, “At CASE India, it has been our passion to deliver the best quality for our customers in India as well as international customers. Our recently launched state-of-the-art Indian Technology Centre will significantly contribute towards developing smart, sustainable and technologically advanced equipment for India and export markets.” The company, at Excon 2k21, launched the CASE DNA S-shaped boom mounted on the CASE770 NXe backhoe loader. Aimed at offering a better ground reach, it can also be mounted on high body trucks that offer uninterrupted visibility. The boom has a reach of up to 4.40 maximum digging depth and is an articulated and hydraulic assist type. CASE also introduced the 770 EX Plus backhoe with its USP of two auto-selection

modes that are claimed to enhance fuel efficiency by up to six per cent. The CEV, notably, is powered by the Ashok Leyland h4c4 3.84-litre, a 74 hp CEV-IV compliant engine. The 851 FX CP variant includes a four-Wheel Drive (4WD) giving operators the needed boost of traction for tough terrains. The company also showcased a vibratory roller, characterised by its protruding treads and a drum to densify soil, asphalt, or other materials by combining static and dynamic forces to increase the load-bearing capacity of the surface. In the compactor segment, Case unveiled the 1107EX Soil Vibratory Compactor, which includes a 25 mm drum and turbocharger with a pre-cleaner, powered by the Ashok Leyland 3.84-litre CEV-IV engine producing a power of 100 hp. In the excavator segment, Case introduced the CX220C LC-

HD Excavator, which features a new seven-inch display for operators looking to closely watch the performance metric like Rear-view camera, engine running hours, hydraulics info, engine temperature, fuel level, head lamps, and wipers, etc. The excavator has a cutting force of about 132 kn arm digging force and 152 kn bucket digging force. The 845C Motor Grader on display is a multipurpose construction machine for flattening surfaces in grading projects. The motor grader is installed with an FPT 6.7-litre CEV-IV engine producing a power of 173 hp. At the launch, Alok Jha, DirectorSales & Marketing, India & SAARC – CASE Construction Equipment said, “We are taking this momentum introducing next-generation machines to our range of products that are designed, developed, and manufactured in India.

Commercial Vehicle www.commercialvehicle.in | June 2022

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Addressing Technological Voids Schwing Stetter is addressing technological voids to meet customer demands. Prateek Pardeshi looks at the outcome taking the shape in the form of new products.

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pioneer of concrete construction equipment, manufacturer Schwing Stetter India, unveiled 14 new products at Excon 2k21. With growth projected in the demand for CEVs, the company has addressed technological voids backed by extensive Research & Development (R&D). Fully aware that the development and commercialisation have to converge into customer affordability, the company has moved to a new range of hybrid and biofuel products.

Commercial Vehicle June 2022 | www.commercialvehicle.in

Schwing Stetter announced a collaboration with KOEL and Mahindra to make use of a (B7biodiesel blend in CEV Stage IV engines. This will aid in slashing the product’s Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) according to V.G. Sakthikumar, Managing Director, Schwing Stetter India. “The team has used the pandemic lockdown period for R&D and has come up with modern solutions. It is a true testimony of our hard work during the pandemic. Claimed to have built technologically superior, efficient and cost-

V.G. Sakthikumar, Managing Director, Schwing Stetter India effective products, the company showcased 14 products that comprised of CEs, road machines, excavators apart from Material Handling Equipment

Cover (MHE), concrete machinery, a mobile service unit and the batching plants. Construction equipment The ZL33FV wheel loader on the show is powered by a WeiChai 230 hp WP4.6NG135E502 engine with a 3.3-tonne payload capacity. Coupled with a powershift transmission with F4 and R2 gears, it boasts a 40 kmph forward top speed and 30kmph reverse top speed. The ZL55GV wheel loader is powered by a 230 hp WeiChai WP7G234E501 engine with a 5.5-tonne payload capacity. Coupled with a powershift transmission with F2 and R1 gears, it boasts of a 40 kmph and 17 kmph speed respectively. The XS163J soil compactor brings along an HVAC cabin to ensure driver comfort. The XCMG Motor grader GR 1705 focuses on driver visibility brought to life by a trapezoidal cabin with a 15-tonne operating weight and an articulated frame. Concrete Machinery The company showcased the Boom pump S 47 SX III, a newly launched truck-mounted concrete pump based on a three-axle Tata Signa chassis. The five articulation arms with a capacity of 245 kN ensure safety with the boom boasting of a 46.10m vertical reach. According

to Sakthikumar, it’s the longest and lightest truck mounter pump available. The company partnered with Mahindra on the Self Loading Mixer (SLM) 4600 SV powered by the 110 hp Mahindra CEV-IV engine. The AM9 FHC2, a concrete mixer is built on the Tata Prima LX 2830.K. Similarly, the company offers mixers of Ashok Leyland AVTR series, Eicher Pro series, BharatBenz 8x4 and Prima series chassis. In terms of sales, Sakthikumar stated that Tata and Ashok Leyland chassis commanded the highest volume of sales. The truck-mounted crane XCT150 Y offers a fully extended

boom length of 75m. XCMG is known to have manufactured the superstructure. It also showcased a crawler crane XGC150-1A with a 150-tonne boom lift capacity. The mobile service van built on a Tata 1212 LPT BSVI truck chassis includes a workbench and cabinet, bunk bed, multidrawer trolley, and an Elgi air compressor powered by an Eicher TMTL 15 kVa genset, and features a welding machine, a pneumatic oil pump with hose among other accessories. The company also showcased XE 38U, a compact mini excavator powered by a Yanmar engine, and XE 215-i LC powered by a Cummins engine. The products have opened new export markets like Israel, Saudi, the USA and Brazil to name a few.

Commercial Vehicle www.commercialvehicle.in | June 2022

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Banking On Clean Alternatives SANY Heavy Industry India is confident of a good market acceptance of its Excon 2k21 exhibits. Prateek Pardeshi looks at the cleaner, niche products.

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onstruction Equipment Vehicles (CEVs) are transitioning to clean emission norms and alternative propulsion systems. SANY Heavy Industry India Pvt. Ltd. (SANY India) gave a preview of its focus areas for the next decade. The company brought in its flagship products powered by

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B5 biodiesel, a five per cent, low-level biofuel blend in the petroleum diesel fuel. SANY collaborated with different engine manufacturers to realise its vision of offering clean solutions using which customers can realise lower Total Cost of Ownerships (TCO). To mark the two decades of its India existence, the company displayed 22 new products. According to a company release, Deepak Garg, Managing Director of SANY, India and South Asia, the company as a result of

its market acceptance is in a dominant position. “We have launched several products in the previous editions of Excon. The response has been quite reassuring, we expect the same or rather a phenomenal response this year,”he mentioned. “Since our product quality and supremacy is unbeatable in the market today, we foresee a record number of booking in this event and later as well,” he added further. Key launches The company drew eyeballs with its dump truck, the biodiesel blend compatible Monster Sany SKT105S mining truck. The dump truck has an operating

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weight of 105-tonne with a 70-tonne payload capacity. It has a rated, peak engine power of 530 hp at 2100rpm and a max torque of 2300 Nm. Notably, the hydro-pneumatic suspension technology replaces the traditional leaf-spring structure in a coming of age evolution. The truck comes with a loading capacity of about 38/44 Cu. m. (struck/heaped). The SANY road grader used to flatten the surface during grading projects. In this motor grader segment, SANY unveiled the CEV-IV compliant STG170 C-10. Drawing power from the Cummins QSB6.7 series engine that produces 173 horses at 2200 rpm and 880 Nm at 1300 rpm. The width of the moldboard is 12 ft. (3660 mm). In the excavator segment, SANY unveiled the SY225C10HD GENe Series, also a biofuel blend compatible machine specially developed for the

Deepak Garg, Managing Director of SANY, India and South Asia 22-tonne, premium segment for the Indian market. The biofuel blend compliant 26-tonne class new generation SY260C10HD GENe Series excavator draws power from a proven six-cylinder CRDI engine. The 24.4-tonne heavy-duty SY240C-9HD GraMa excavator is specially designed for marble and granite quarries. The 39-tonne SY390C-10HD GraMa excavator is equipped with a robust scoop bucket to handle granite and marble. Positioned as the flagship in the mining segment, SY870-10HD mining excavator with a ripper’s arm

offers a best-in-class, arm integrated ripper attachment designed to replace blasting in mining overburden removal. With the SY580-10HD, SANY has brought to the market, advanced technology driven 10 series of its large class excavators in the 55-65-tonne category as an optimum solution for its the mining customers. The SY215-9LC pile braker is claimed to be India’s first customised excavator with a pile breaker attachment, featuring multiple highly efficient hydraulic cylinders which have a chisel end at the cylinder rods that can break and uproot concrete pile structures. The SY215-9LC with a drill attachment is deemed apt for demanding applications like coal mining, limestone mining, bauxite mining and iron ore mining. In the Material Handling Equipment (MHE) segment, the company showcased the SRSC45V reach stacker for use in ports, wharfs, and storage yards to work with containers. The SCP320C1 Forklift will tackle heavy loads in a confined area like the SMHW48 material handler to load/unload bulks or cargos in ports or terminals. The company also launched four cranes including the STC200 CEV IV truck mount crane with a 20-tonne lifting capacity. To enhance operator utility, the company also launched the SR65 Piling Rig, the special chassis, high drilling performance, brand new driving wheel, large travelling motor reducer and contemporary operator cabin on the SR65 with another efficient drilling and superfast soil compacting variant in the SR125 Piling Rig.

Commercial Vehicle www.commercialvehicle.in | June 2022

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Improved Performance And Profitability At Excon 2k21, Tata Motors split its focus between improving performance and profitability. Ashish Bhatia and Prateek Pardeshi bring out the broader strategy behind the exhibits this year.

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n the eve of Excon 2k21, Tata Motors’ leadership delved deep into its strategy behind the off-highway and Construction Equipment Vehicle (CEV) exhibits this year. Paying equal attention to performance leading to profitability for the operator, the company this year focused on offering a higher revenue generation through enhanced productivity, improved TAT, and enhanced drive ability. To attain its objectives, special attention was paid to packing the products with features like powerful and reliable engines, fuel economy modes, platforms with a higher power-to-weight

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ratio, mature BSVI compliant systems, gear shift advisor, heavy-duty drivetrain with reliable aggregates including York axles, Black diamond pneumatic suspensions and the Hyva tipper systems. The relatively enhanced NVH level for the cabins will also enhance the ride. In terms of utility, the products boast 20 plus features explained by V Seethapathi, Vice President, M&HCV Product Line, Tata Motors Ltd. and Rajesh Kaul, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Commercial Vehicle Business Unit at Tata Motors Ltd. Averred Seethpathi and Kaul that the company would particularly focus on maintaining a

leadership position in the Internet of Things (IoT) and connective services besides ensuring the safety of the vehicle and the fraternity. The leadership drew attention to the Total Industry Volume (TIV) in the CE segment looking promising to set the context. Within the volumes, the Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) segment was cited as the fastest-growing segment with a growth of ~69 per cent attributed to the growth in real estate and infrastructure development projects. To meet the demand in its focus segments, Tata Motors lined up “enriched” variants of the Signa and the Prima range of trucks. The company showcased surface tippers including the Prima 2825.K, Signa 3525.TK Ultimaax 52WB, Signa 4825.TK 68WB, and the Signa 5530.S 4x2. For the mining and quarry, the company showcased the Prima 2830.K and the flagship Prima 3530.K. It showcased RMC on the Signa 2825.K Re-PTO, Prima 2830.K Re-PTO and the 3530.K Re-PTO as a coming-off age of cement mixers known to use a slave engine PTO unit for firing the auxiliaries. The USP in the Prima range was an Articulated Tail Door (ATD) deemed as a gravitydefying tech addition to give the operator more precise control in steep gradients. This signals the enhanced efficiency of the master engine in itself

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Industry Talk and a trend that can be expected to sustain itself with higher powerto-weight ratio solutions hitting the market. The company highlighted enrichments like the suite of anti-fuel theft, Improved Current Generation Technology (ICGT) brakes, advanced telematics through ‘Fleet Edge’, engine braking and the Hill Start Assist (HSA) capabilities. The trucks also don a new instrument cluster that relays advanced driver information, selfdiagnostic signalling and trip mileage. LED tail lamps, vertical exhaust with stainless steel heat shield procured from Jindal Stainless, and New Generation Technology (NGT) brakes also made the list. The latter, for example, offers higher tyre life and reduces the probability of tyre bursts as a direct bearing on the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). At Excon 2k21, the display also included the other mainstays like the Yodha pickup and the Ace HT+ at the lower end of the segment as last- and mid-mile solutions on offer.

In an industry talk session, V Seethapathi, Vice President, M&HCV Product Line, Tata Motors Ltd. and Rajesh Kaul, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Commercial Vehicle Business Unit at Tata Motors Ltd. spoke to Ashish Bhatia on the share of off-highway and CEVs in the mix

Q. What is the growth potential in the pit to surface duty cycle vis-a-vis surface transportation? Seethapathi: As far as deep mining trucks are considered, the entire industry is yet to evolve. This is a fast-growing segment now. To overcome these voids, Tata Motors is working closely with their partner Cummins to develop a high power engine ranging from 350-to 450 hp which is in the pipeline. As far as surface tipping is considered, where grade ability is less than 30 per cent, the industry is poised for growth and the industry has grown over 55 per cent over the last year. Q. Are you looking at increasing diversification to other mine quarries to lessen your dependence on just coal mining? Do you see a direct bearing on revenues? Kaul: We have products which suit every mining segment, be it granite and or bauxite etc. We have a sizable chunk of the

market share there as well. To answer your question, we are well situated for diverse segments. Q. Is a higher torque also the growing requirement from customers in such a demanding segment? Seethapathi: Absolutely! Customers are on the lookout for higher productivity levels. They expect to haul more. Given that there is a limitation of drivers and the skill sets required to drive these modern trucks, customers need higher efficiencies led by a higher power to weight ratio. This is resulting in an increase in trips for the given day. Thus tonnage/kilometre has moved northwards. Kaul: Also, do look at torque on wheels rather than the torque of the engine. We need to think of the entire drivetrain as just increasing the power of the engine will cost us more in terms of financial and other parameters. Thus we need to get the right combination.

Commercial Vehicle www.commercialvehicle.in | June 2022

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Driving The Transition To Cleaner CEVs Ashok Leyland has taken a step for cleaner CEVs. Prateek Pardeshi looks at the ENGINE exhibitED in line at Excon 2k21.

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he rollout of CEV Stage IV emission norms last year was deemed by many as the tipping point for manufacturers to deliver cleaner engines. Those like Ashok Leyland leveraged the Bharat Stage VI Research & Development (R&D) and the learnings from the rollout of BSVI models to take an early mover’s advantage in CEVs. Dheeraj Hinduja, Executive Chairman, Ashok Leyland in a company release stated, “Ashok Leyland aims to make India’s CNG engine sector self-reliant, and to be one of the leaders in the ‘Make in India’ narrative.” Ashok Leyland showcased the CNG H-series four-and six-cylinder engine variants for its offhighway and CEV customers and launched it amidst much fanfare. At Excon 2k21, Ashok Leyland also displayed the six-cylinder A-series of diesel engine alongside. The company also displayed its aftermarket solutions

H-series four cylinder CNG engine

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(Centre) Dr N Saravanan, Chief Technical Officer, Ashok Leyland Ltd. including an Exhaust After Treatment System (EATS) at the trade fair. Speaking on improving fuel efficiency with the use of alternative fuels, Dr N Saravanan, Chief Technical Officer, Ashok Leyland Ltd. shared, “With the increasing need for better fuel efficiency and use of alternate fuels, we have a solid pipeline of such technologies.” In the H-series four-cylinder CEV IV engine range, through three engines, the company will cater to power output requirements ranging from 74-130 hp at upto 2200 rpm. With all the three engines known to be suitable for scaling up to CEV Stage-V emission norms with SCR or DPF, the base engines are a testimony to the CV major being in the game for the long run. Offering the best-

in-class power, these engines come with a 500-hours drain interval. Under its H series sixcylinder CEV Stage-IV range, the company will work with four engines on the desired power outputs. H4 airless EATS, DEF tank (airless), and H6 Air assisted EATS were on display too. The H series CNG engine stands out with the turbocharge resulting in a higher torque, ECU-controlled gas leak detection, improved cold-start capability, better fuel economy, durable engine valves and valve seats for CNG operation with better drivability, and claimed transient response. In the case of the A-series six-cylinder CEV Stage-IV engine, the company has the 300 hp A6C430022 and the 360 hp A6C436022 in its portfolio.

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Industry Talk Migrating to CNG CEVs

In an exclusive Industry Talk session, Rajesh R, Vice President of Defence and Power Solution Business, Ashok Leyland Ltd. spoke to Prateek Pardeshi on CEVs taking a cleaner route. we see an opportunity to partner with them on a case-to-case basis. We are also looking at a self-service model that will take care of the requirements in those specific projects.

Q. What is the ideology behind introducing CNG in CVs (haulage and people movers) and CEV segments? A. For the CV industry, CNG already exists in our portfolio. However, for the CEV segment, I do agree it’s a new concept. We believe the migration will happen much faster than expected. Q. Could you highlight the differentiators of CNG CEVs? A. Ashok Leyland has been a prominent player in the CV segment. The industry has been occupied with diesel-powered engines for a long time. We want to be a pioneer in the CNG CEV segment and leverage the learnings from the CV segment for the CE segment. CNG may not be used in some industrial applications, for example, the portable compressors per se as the latter can work on natural gas. In the terms of efficiency of the platform, CNG has a better TCO and better reliability. Speaking overall, it’d be a win-win for the customer. Looking at the long term prospects of the CNG migration, the customer will still have the option to choose between diesel and CNG. Q. Is there a void in CNG infrastructure that needs to be addressed? A. I don’t think there are availability constraints in the case of CNG. More and more mines already have diesel

storage, and similarly, CNG filling stations can also be a possibility for them. Q.Is the new H-series CEV CNG engine the same as the Ecomet CNG? How does the emission compliance vary? A. It is not a one-on-one match as the power and torque of CEV as we know is more as compared to commercial vehicles. But yes, the base platform remains the same. Also, as of today, there are no emission compliance requirements for CEV CNG engines. Q. How promising are the export opportunities in the CEV segment? A. Exports is a different ball game altogether, nevertheless, we would like to look at options where more company’s set shop in India. They also export some of the equipment built in India. As our country is considered a manufacturing hub for most of the companies and the whole equipment is exported to neighbouring markets,

Q. What are the recent developments in the Defence segment? A. We already have the Stallion which has come a long way from 4x4 to 6x6, and now in the Super Stallion, we have brought in the 12x12 combination. We are now looking at developing smaller platforms to cater to LCV requirements as it’s a large volume game. We don’t want to stop at soft cabs. We also want to develop armoured cabs in line with the light, bulletproof vehicles segment. Q. Is an electric Dost on the cards? A. I think it’s already in the pipeline. My team from Switch Mobility is already working on it. Q. How are you tackling the supplychain bottlenecks?? A. It’s a global shortage, for instance, semiconductors and everyone is facing this issue. But we are trying to build alternates. In effect, it is an alternative chip that we are talking about. We are working closely with the manufacturers on how we can migrate, from being a one complete chip dependency to another design as an alternative. Commercial Vehicle www.commercialvehicle.in | June 2022

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Volvo CE India Expands CEV IV Range Volvo CE India expands the CEV IV range. Prateek Pardeshi looks at the new additions to the range launched late last year.

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olvo Construction Equipment India (Volvo CE) wants to leave its mark on the infrastructure development in India. To further this aspiration, the company expanded its CEV IV compliant range first launched in November 2021. The company lined up a total of seven CEVs which comprised of four road construction vehicles and three excavators. Highlighting safety, reliability and fuel efficiency as core differentiators of the range. Commenting on the launch, Dimitrov Krishnan, Managing Director, Volvo CE India Pvt. Ltd., and CoChairman, Excon, said, “The portfolio of our products and services is matched by the ever-expanding horizons – we are constantly innovating to

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Dimitrov Krishnan, Managing Director, Volvo CE India Pvt. Ltd., and CoChairman, Excon meet our customers’ future needs.” Committed to the growth, sustainability and advancement in technology, Melker Jernberg, President of Volvo Construction Equipment, flagged off the uptime centre and simulator on wheels. Road machines and excavators The SD 110 CD soil compactor has an operating weight of 12-tonne, powered by a CEV IV 99 hp VECV engine (we think it is the EE494, four-cylinder, 3.8-litre engine). The P7320 ABG track paver is the latest to join the paver range in India. The made in India track paver has an operating weight of 23-tonne, powered by the D6J 188 hp engine at 2800 rpm. It offers a 300mm paving thickness and three- to nine-

metre paving width. The DD 90C Asphalt Compactor has an operating weight of 9.6-tonne powered by a 74 hp VECV E483 TCI CEV-IV engine. It has a dual-frequency setting of 36-50 Hz which is known to aid the engine to adjust its output based on the job requirement besides facilitating higher roller speeds. It also aids in reducing vibration system power consumption by 50 per cent. It offers a 54-79 kN centrifugal force. Operators can look forward to a 4.3-inch LCD display to showcase critical metric like speed, impact spacing metre, trip metre, total working hours, engine rpm and the coolant temperature. The L 120H wheel loader comes with an operating weight of 21-24-tonne and is powered by a 273 hp D8J CEV-IV engine. It has a static tipping load at a full turn of 13.5-tonne. It has a 3.6 Cu. m. bucket capacity equipped with ROPS and FOPS tilt able cabin, a rear view camera and the patented TP linkage. The company also showcased the EC300DL BH excavator has an operating weight of ~ 33-tonne and is powered by a Volvo tier3, 231 hp D7E engine. The EC 480D with Vibro Ripper comes with a 52-58-tonne operating weight and is powered by the 335 hp D13 engine.The EC 200D comes with a 21-22-tonne operating weight powered by a 165 hp D5 engine.

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Driving Progress

Volvo Trucks showcased its might at Excon 2k21 with flagship products. Prateek Pardeshi caught up with the team to understand the significance.

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olvo Trucks India (Volvo Trucks) brought in its flagship products at the Excon 2k21. Launched in September 2021, the company showcased the Volvo FMX 500 8x4 off-road dump truck and the Volvo FM 420 8x4 23 Cu.m construction tipper as complete transport solutions. Given its expertise in coal overburden removal projects as well as iron ore, bauxite, and manganese among other mining applications, the company with the Volvo FMX 500 drew attention to the 15 per cent higher loadcarrying capacity aimed at boosting mining productivity even further (Refer to January 2022, Cover story for in-depth product details). With the FM

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420, Volvo Trucks is looking to redefine offerings for road construction, irrigation, and quarry operations. Averred B. Dinakar, Executive Vice President, Volvo Trucks India, VE Commercial Vehicles, “Volvo Trucks continues to further its promise to keep driving progress through excellent products and innovative solutions. Backed by world-class service, Volvo Trucks India now has a wider range of transport solutions to cater to the unique and demanding requirements of various applications in India as both mining and construction segments pick-up momentum.” At Excon 2k21, Volvo Trucks introduced the ‘Fuel Efficiency’ service that facilitates driver

skill enhancement using next-generation, advanced analytic. Through the ‘Fleet Assist’ service, the company offers advanced features like combining trip information with truck route prediction using constant learning algorithms that aid in reducing fleet idle time thereby increasing utilisation. Through ‘Uptime Care’, operators can monitor their fleet uptime including vehicle wise repair status, and overall fleet utilisation to name a few features. Fully integrated with ‘Volvo Connect’, Volvo Truck’s telematics solution provides customers with the most up-to-date, relevant information in real-time in a bid to offer optimised operational efficiency, uptime,

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Industry Talk

Enhancing Customer Productivity

In an exclusive Industry Talk session, B. Dinakar, Executive Vice President, Volvo Trucks India and Jonas Nilsson, Vice President, India and Indonesia spoke to Prateek Pardeshi on the Excon 2k21 lineup aimed at enhancing customer productivity. Dinakar: Our market share is about 75 per cent in the premium highend trucks segment. We are now growing into new segments like road construction, and also the long haul for the express cargo, where we see a logistics customer requirement.

Q. How have the launches from 2021 translated into business? Dinakar: The new models launched in September 2021 have been well received by customers, broadly. The customers have welcomed the trucks with the higher capacity and improved productivity by 15 per cent compared to the previous generations. Our sales have increased and we’ve been able to meet customer requirements both in terms of productivity enhancement and operational efficiency enhancement. Q. What do you mean by driving customer progress? Jonas: It’s a wide array of things. It’s something we have associated with the brand for over decades of our presence in the country. We are always striving for bringing innovations. Progress encompasses productivity. As a premium brand our trucks are regarded as relatively expensive, but we strive to make a case for customers by driving productivity and thereby progress. Q. How are you progressing on the upcoming norms?? Jonas: It’s already available on our trucks. So it’s more like legislation is catching up with us. We are ready for OBD two, for example.

Q. Have the recent supply chain bottlenecks hampered operations and product rollouts? Jonas: The semiconductor crisis has affected everyone for sure but we have been relatively successful in prioritising customer deliveries and getting trucks delivered to the market. The adaptive cruise control is something that is easily available from us and it’s something that we will evaluate to introduce for the Indian market in the future. Q. What is the market share of Volvo trucks in the premium segment?

Q. Have the customers demanded solutions like the Volvo FH series? Jonas: We’re looking at the lineup we have in our factory today. It doesn’t have the FH but we always have the option to bring the FH into India as well. But we believe the FM series cater to most of the requirements. we can deliver if someone is interested to have the top of a line product. But our offerings meet most expectations already today. Any requirements for Globetrotter assets are yet to be signalled here. We have all the lineup of vehicles with us, however, we don’t want to introduce variants just for the sake of introducing them. We would like to offer the best value proposition as we sell on it. That value proposition is then delivered as a transport solution. Just to give you an example, a customer with a tractor-trailer earlier had only rigid trucks. From doing a run of up to 12,000 kms today he is able to clock 25,000 kms, which is a testimony to Volvo Trucks driving progress. We will introduce new solutions when the time is right! Commercial Vehicle www.commercialvehicle.in | June 2022

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Committed to India

Scania India showcased end-to-end mobility solutions at the Excon 2k21. Prateek Pardeshi draws attention to the lineup as its commitment to India in a decade-old journey.

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cania Commercial Vehicles India Pvt. Ltd. (Scania India) showcased an array of solutions in a bid to reiterate its commitment to India. To drive home the point, the company pulled out all stops at Excon 2k21. It showcased its top of the line tip truck G-500 XT for the mining segment. Built for tough terrains, the 8x4 workhorse was displayed alongside a suite of aftermarket solutions. The latter included genuine spare parts and engine lubricants, a service exchange engine and an industrial engine. Johan Schlyter, Managing Director, Scania Commercial Vehicles India Pvt. Ltd. in a company release stated, “It is a great opportunity for us to showcase our G-500 tipper and industrial engine which is a strong testament and commitment to the Indian market. With the exponential growth that the mining and construction business has had in the past few years, we are set to be a part of this evolution with our holistic solutions and products that cater to our customers and their businesses.” The G-series boasts a modern design to offer the best of utility and ergonomics in a safe build. The G-series cabin showcased, featured a low roof design. The design aids in the operator benefiting from a maximum load length and or payload carrying capacity. The G-500 XT was fitted with an

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XMOR mining tipper body with a tipping angle of ~49 degrees and a load tray with a volume of 22 cu.m. At the heart, the flagship G-500 XT is powered by a BSVI 12.7-litre inline six-cylinder engine rated for peak power delivery of 500 hp and a peak rated torque of 2500 Nm at 1000-1300 rpm. The engine is

mated to a 14-speed rangesplitter manual synchromesh transmission unit (14+2R). The genuine spare parts and engine lubricants display covered genuine AdBlue (DEF) prescribed for its engines. Jointly participating with its long-standing partner in Larsen & Toubro, the latter has been an exclusive distributor of the company since 2007 for its supply to the construction and mining segments. To establish itself as a one-stop shop, Scania India also drew attention to driver coaching, fleet management service, and power solutions in the experience zone.

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Mechanisation With Affordable CEVs Mahindra displayed a range of affordable CEVs that it reckons could give it an edge. Prateek Pardeshi looks at the advancements made.

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ahindra & Mahindra displayed a range of affordable Construction Equipment Vehicles (CEVs) at the Excon 2K21. Aimed at smaller projects run by smaller contractors, the company according to Jalaj Gupta, Business Head, Commercial Vehicles Business Unit, Mahindra & Mahindra Limited, wants to enhance its market share with products like the RoadMaster G75 Smart. Averred Gupta, “The existing RoadMaster range of motor graders has already captured over 20 per cent market share, and we are confident that G75 Smart will further strengthen our position while transforming the construction of small roads in India, which constitute nearly 60 per cent of the roads in the country.” In line with the strategy, Mahindra Construction Equipment has expanded its range. Positioned

Jalaj Gupta, Business Head, Commercial Vehicles Business Unit, Mahindra & Mahindra Limited for spreading and grading applications on rural, semi-rural, and district roads, as well as for land development, internal housing, and commercial roads, the company also showcased the Mahindra EarthMaster VX and EarthMaster SX SMART Backhoe Loaders, Roadmaster G9075 and RoadMaster G9595 Motor Graders. The new launch of RoadMaster G75 Smart draws from the DNA of the erstwhile RoadMaster with the proto first showcased in 2016. Building on the proposition of affordable mechanisation, the G75 draws its power from a 74 hp Common Rail Diesel Injection (CRDi) CEV IV engine that generates 345 Nm of torque in the 1200-1500 rpm

range. Its auxiliary attachments include a three-metre (10 ft.) wide blade with a 50-degree rotation angle. The compatible hydraulic pump comes with a higher maximum pressure of around 20MPa. Taking its utility to the next level, Mahindra has integrated the hardware with the iMAXX telematics solution which relays crucial performance metric like service reminders, and geofencing alerts to the operator. The G75 comes with a one-year manufacturer warranty. The CEVs were accompanied by the HCV range which encompassed the BlazoX 28 transit mixer and the BlazoX 35 tipper with a 22 Cu. m loading capacity. The Furio 7 tipper and the fuel bowser made up the I&LCV range with the Supro mobile service unit and the Bolero Camper pickup making their presence felt. Mahindra additionally showcased three CEV engines. The company drew attention with a 170-265 hp range Stage IV stock engine. It also displayed a Stage V engine with a 55-110 hp range customisable for the respective duty cycles. The company also displayed a 4.8-litre 135-170 hp range engine which can be used for wheel loaders, excavators, etc. The company also displayed after treatment solutions including Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC), Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) suitable for 7.2ltr 265hp stage IV and stage V engines.

Commercial Vehicle www.commercialvehicle.in | June 2022

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Dependable Innovation

Cummins vows to deliver dependable innovation at Excon 2k21. Prateek Pardeshi brings out the CEV engine range capabilities.

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Anjali Pandey, Engine Business and Components Business Leader, Cummins India

echnology agnostic engine manufacturer, Cummins Inc. has its hands full with the innovation, development, commercialisation and after sales of commercial vehicle engines including off-highway and Construction Equipment Vehicles (CEVs). At Excon 2k21, the company reminded of its diverse offerings from fossil-fuel based engines to cleaner engines like alternative engines including BEV solutions like range extenders, from a 2.8-95-litre engine displacement. Speaking on brand presence in India, Anjali Pandey, Engine Business and Components Business Leader, Cummins India said, “This year’s EXCON is special as we are celebrating 60 years of our presence in India. We are proud of our legacy, and we will continue to deliver on our brand promise of innovation and dependability.” Anjali Pandey won the Women Building IndiaCommitted Leader Award for her outstanding contribution to diversity and inclusion at the workplace. At Excon 2k21, the company

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marked its 60th Anniversary in India with the showcase of the B4.5 and B6.7 CEV IV compliant engines. The B4.5 CEV IV engine as per the nomenclature is a 4.5-litre engine with a power range of 121-173 hp that develops a peak torque of 705 Nm. The overall weight of the engine is 397 kg (dry). Measuring 825 mm in length, 850 mm in width, and 890 mm in height, the engine is deemed suited for applications like soil compactors, 14-20-tonne excavators, and three-to 3.5-tonne wheel loaders, pavers and motor graders. Compared to six-cylinder engines, the B4.5 is claimed to offer better fluid economics. To prove its mettle, the engine has been subjected to over 18,000 hours of test cell and field validation in Indian conditions. The B6.7 engine with a 6.7-litre displacement churns out 173-260 hp at and develops a peak rated torque of 1100 Nm. With a 610 kg (dry) weight, the engine measures 1015 mm in

length, 780 mm in width, and 1140 mm in height. Claimed to be the highest-selling engine variant globally, it is deemed apt for motor graders, five-tonne wheel loaders, 25-35-tonne excavators, cranes, and harvesters. In India, Cummins is known to have deployed the B6.7 BSVI variant for haulage applications. The company is known to have sold an estimated 90,000 units. Both the engines are fitted with the Fleetguard fuel filter. LF16015 on the B4.5 and FF5421 on the B6.7 engine. It also showcased the compact nine-inch single module after treatment system. Claimed to be 60 per cent smaller and 40 per cent lighter than its predecessors, it is claimed to not only improve the emissions reduction but also offer improved heat management and retention claimed to in turn better the fuel efficiency. With a UL2 urea dosing system integrated, it offers enhanced NOx reduction. With a Cummins 250 kVA QSB 6.7 Diesel Genset on display, the company also showcased aftermarket solutions including funnel fuel filters, consumable, genuine parts, and overhaul kits. In line with the spirit of ‘OneCummins’, the company was joined by Joint Venture (JV) partners in Valvoline Cummins Pvt. Ltd. and Fleetguard Filtrum Pvt. Ltd for the joint product and solutions under the respective JVs.

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OTR To Stay On Course JK Tyres with a new series of premium off-highway tyres wants to ensure CEVs stay on course. Prateek Pardeshi shares first impressions.

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rip and traction decide the acceptance of Off-highway Tyres (OTRs). These are two major aspects driving offhighway applications, especially in the mining and construction segments. VK Misra, Technical Director, JK Tyre & Industries Ltd. presiding the launch of the wheel loader tyre 45/6545 58PR VEM 63 L5 TL, motor graders and telehandlers 14.0024 GTL Champ 16 PR G3 TT, 12.00-24 Hard Rock Champion 20PR E4 TT and 16.00-25 VEM 045 44PR E3 TT, said, “Our new premium OTR range is created with an advanced technology and is particularly designed to deliver increased mileage and exceptional traction in the most demanding of situations.” “The new tyres feature a longer tread life and wear and cut resistant tread compounds to provide extended service life and be tailored to offer superior stability,” he claimed. Keeping in mind the requirements of niche customers, under the premium off-highway segment, JK tyre is banking on the 45/65-45 58PR VEM 63 L5 tyre designed for wheel loaders. The tyres are claimed to offer an extra load carrying capacity and casing reliability. The tubeless tyres with large, broad lugs and a large contact surface offer higher stability. These have a tough nylon casing that aids in the extra loading capacity on offer. This tyre is

the most recent addition to the wheel loader portfolio. Further, 14.00-24 GTL Champ 16 PR G3, designed for motor graders and telehandlers are backed by a larger tread claimed to enhance stability while working with heavy loads. According to Misra, the tyres are developed using a sample tread designed first at the software layer of the product development lifecycle leveraging 3D printing. On examining it, once the desired properties are attained, a mould is manufactured with an opex of Rs.50-60 lakhs. In this manner, the company is able to save development costs, upfront, as a result of eliminating a trial and error risk associated with a fully built prototype. For the mining segment, the company’s 12.0024 Hard Rock Champion 20PR E4 TT stands out with reduced block shuffling ability which reduces tread shuffling and reduces tyre wear. The lesser stone entrapment refers to the

tread cuts and debris holding as a result of the plying on offroad terrains. Explained Misra, it was designed to leverage the centrifugal force to ensure optimal traction. For the new age tippers, suited for harsh terrains, the company is banking on the 16.00-25 VEM 045 44PR E3 TT. These tyres are designed using low heat dissipating tread compounds for efficient running and longer tread life. Misra drew attention to the synergies with the Raghupati Singhania Centre named after Dr Raghupati Singhania, Chairman and Managing Director at the company as a global tech centre. He also highlighted the role of the new CoE built as a Joint Venture (JV) with IIT Madras. Treel Mobility Solutions, one of the JK tyre acquired companies, showcased various ‘Smart tyre’ technologies powered by IoT-based telematics solutions.

Commercial Vehicle www.commercialvehicle.in | June 2022

Game Changer

The Scope For Quicker TAT The success of Gati Shakti hinges on quicker TAT. Deepti Thore evaluates this scope for transformation in roads, mass transport and logistics infrastructure.

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n this year’s Union Budget, infrastructure continued to be one of the focus areas. The FM laid down priorities that also included the National Master Plan(NMP), PM GatiShakti, which was cited as a transformative approach for economic growth and sustainable development. Of the seven engines driving it, roads, ports, mass transport and logistics infrastructure found a prominent mention in the speech. Planning and development of major infrastructure projects in silos by different departments have always been a chaos in terms of coordination. It has not only

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posed to be inconvenient for departments but it has also led to wasteful expenditure. To deal with such issues, encourage holistic planning from different stakeholders and to streamline the entire process of the infrastructure development, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, introduced ‘PM GatiShakti’ programme which incorporates the infrastructure schemes of various Ministries and State Governments including Bharatmala, Sagarmala, inland waterways, dry/land ports, UDAN etc. All the departments now have visibility of each other’s projects through a centralised

portal. The programme is a giant stride towards the country’s target to meet the five trillion USD economy. Aimed at generating multiple employment opportunities, cutting down on logistics cost, improving supply chains and making local goods globally competitive, the 100-lakh crore project, PM GatiShakti supports multi-modal connectivity to provide integrated and seamless connectivity for faster movement of people, goods and services. The PM GatiShakti programme is based on six main pillars which include Comprehensiveness,

Game Changer

Prioritisation, Optimisation, Synchronisation, Analytical and Dynamic. On the basis of these, various Ministries and Departments will have visibility of each other’s activities providing critical data while planning & execution of projects in a comprehensive manner. Different Departments will be able to prioritise their projects through crosssectoral interactions. For the transportation of the goods from one place to another, the plan will help in selecting the most optimum route in terms of time and cost. The programme will help synchronise activities ensuring coordination between each department. The master plan will use the latest satellite imagery for visual understanding; facilitate coordination among all stakeholders; synchronise implementation of projects; offer planning tools for route planning; facilitate land acquisition, permissions, and congestion reduction; and implement dashboard-

based periodic monitoring for progress. Multi-modal connectivity The multi-modal connectivity enabled by the GatiShakti will help facilitate the last-mile connectivity of infrastructure and also reduce travel time for people. PM Gati Shakti, includes 22 Greenfield Expressways, 23 key infrastructure projects ,35 Multi-Modal Logistics(MMLPs) & other highway projects proposed for improving multi-modal connectivity. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) has made significant progress under the programme aimed at improving multi-modal connectivity and last-mile connectivity across the country. Mumbai Port Trust has also taken the lead in transforming the logistics sector through a slew of multimodal connectivity projects founded on two pillars, namely cargo-related projects and Sea Tourism. Sabarmati Seaplane service is another such example for multi-modal connectivity.

Ongoing Projects Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) has undertaken multiple projects aligning with the PM’s initiative of ‘Gati Shakti’. It is involved in projects including Coastal Berth, JNPA SEZ, Centralized Parking Plaza, Fourth Container Terminal, Road Widening, Dry Port at Wardha & Jalna, Berthing facility for ROPAX/ RORO, Common Railyard, Additional Liquid Cargo Jetty etc. which will be a catalyst for port-based industrialisation in India and make the EXIM trade even more efficient with ease of operation. These will also bolster the nation’s economy. According to Sanjay Sethi, IAS, Chairman, JNPA, “JNPA is the leading port in the country that provides state-of-the-art facilities. These projects under Gati Shakti will contribute to all-inclusive progress and development of the nation.” Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust(JNPT) plans to invest Rs. 4,300 crore under PM Gati Shakti project to develop the second phase of the fourth

Commercial Vehicle www.commercialvehicle.in | June 2022

Game Changer

terminal and an SEZ, he confirmed. The first phase was completed in December 2018, building a 30 mtpa terminal at an investment of Rs. 4719 crore. The JNPT SEZ aims to set a new benchmark in port-led industrialisation. It is developed by Nhava Sheva Business Park which will meet the requirements for EXIM trade. The flyover at JNPA North Gate Complex is connected to National Highway 348, 348A, and port terminals, ensuring ease of transport; and smooth vehicular traffic resulting in fuel cost reduction. It is one of the crucial initiatives under Sagarmala projects. The work of Palwal Elevated Highway on NH -19 in Haryana has also been completed. The 3.25 km long, four-lane elevated structure has been constructed at a total cost of Rs. 215.24 crores. The 3,300 km long East - West Corridor connecting Silchar to Porbandar, is a part of Golden Quadrilateral, a dream project of revered Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The section from Ghoshpukur to Dhupiguri on NH31DA passing through

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Sanjay Sethi, IAS, Chairman, JNPA Fulbari, Fatapukur, Jalpaiguri, Maynaguri and culminating at Dhupguri in West Bengal is a strategically important section of the E-W Corridor. It has significantly increased the connectivity and has proved to be a gateway to NorthEast states having immense strategic and socio-economic importance. Passing through the Chicken Neck, it connects the trade routes with the neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan. Also, it has reduced the travel time by approximately one hour between Siliguri and Alipurduar in West Bengal. Recently a foundation stone was also laid by the Union Minister, Nitin Gadkari, for 12 National Highway Projects and seven CRIF Projects in Hyderabad. Some of the major

Expressways and Corridors, which are under construction stage are Delhi – Mumbai Expressway, Ahmedabad -- Dholera Expressway, DelhiAmritsar-Katra Expressway, Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway, Ambala-Kotputli Expressway, Amritsar-Bhatinda-Jamnagar Expressway, Raipur-VZG Expressway, Hyderabad-VZG Expressway, UER II, ChennaiSalem Expressway and ChittorThatchur Expressway. Some of the major key infrastructure projects, which are under construction stage include construction of Zojila Tunnel (Ladakh), roads to connect Krishnapatnam Port (Andhra Pradesh), a major bridge over Middle Strait Creek (Andaman & Nicobar Islands), two- laning of Lalpul-Manmao changing road (Arunachal Pradesh), six-lane bridge over Ganga bridge at Phaphamau (UP) and 4-lane bridge over Brahmaputra between Dhubri-Phulbari (Meghalaya). As a part of its recent achievement, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) team accomplished the Guinness World Record for successfully completing

Game Changer

the construction of 75 km continuous bituminous concrete in a single lane on NH 53 between Amravati and Akola Building world-class infrastructure The seven engines highlighted by the Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman during her speech at the Union Budget 2022, are supported by the complementary roles of Energy Transmission, IT Communication, Bulk Water & Sewerage, and Social Infrastructure. To build world class infrastructure to support road transport, the aim is to build 25,000 km of national highways in 202223, develop a unified logistics interface and open source mobility stack. Rs.20,000 crore will be mobilised through innovative ways of financing to complement the public resources. The need is for multimodal connectivity between urban transport and railway stations. The focus should also be on the ‘National Ropeways Development Plan’ and capacity building for infrastructure projects.

For the seamless multimodal movement of goods and people(mass transport), according to Sitharaman, the data exchange among all mode operators will be brought on Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP), designed for Application Programming Interface (API). This will provide for efficient movement of goods through different modes, reducing logistics cost and time, assisting just-in-time(JIT) inventory management, and in eliminating tedious documentation. Most importantly, this will provide real-time information to all stakeholders, and improve international competitiveness. She said open-source mobility stack, for organising seamless travel of passengers will also be facilitated. The PM GatiShakti will

address voids through social development projects over and above the central and state schemes in place. The budgetary allocation included an Rs.1,500 fund to kickstart the development programmes. Under the ‘Vibrant Villages Programme’, villages on the Northern border will gain access to accelerated development of infrastructure, and road connectivity expected to boost the demand for vehicles in the region. The industry will also watch out for contracts to be tendered for implementation of multimodal logistics parks at four locations through PPP mode in 202223. 100 PM GatiShakti cargo terminals for multimodal logistics facilities were also announced with a three-year development plan.

Commercial Vehicle www.commercialvehicle.in | June 2022

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