Hidral Gobel bets big on India, bags breakthrough order for semi-automatic lifts from DTC

Known for its lifts and ramps, the Spanish firm Hidral Gobel, arrived at the Busworld 2019, with a dual ramp product. The new dual ramp had both mechanical as well as electric operational system.

Estefano Perez, Manager – After Sales, Hidral Gobel

Explaining about the product, Estefano Perez, Manager – After Sales, Hidral Gobel, said: “Our new product comes with two ramps, one manual book type and another electric telescopic type. It can be built-in the vehicle floor in one same unit. The idea is to try and make a product which is an easy fit for OEMs.”

As a lot of customers in Europe manufacture, light weight low floor electric buses, the electric ramp is telescopic and has the two ramp surfaces at the same level. It is built in the vehicle floor, so it doesn’t come out below the vehicle chassis as other cassette ramps. The manual book type ramp is at the same height of the vehicle floor. Controlled by PLC with the possibility of connecting a display with diagnosis, the telescopic ramp works with a rack and pinion mechanism that makes durable and reduces the possibilities of incidents.

The company also displayed, lifts and semi-automatic lift plus ramps that can ease passenger movement. Having exhibited in India in 2018, Hidral Gobel is aware about India’s lack of accessibility solutions, not only for differently abled but also for senior citizens, children and working population. “We have been successful to start with Ashok Leyland city buses that they supplied to Delhi Transport Corporation in January 2019. The semi-automatic lifts that we delivered is a good start for us in the country that has a tremendous potential for our products,” informed Perez.

Hidral Gobel currently has an agent in Kolkata and exports the unit from Spain. As the quantity increases, they would look at production in India, to offer better pricing. “With increase in demand we may look at production in India as importing the equipment’s won’t make for a sound business case,” he said. The company manufactures wide range of products designed to facilitate access for people with reduced mobility to different types of vehicles, depending on whether it is an intercity coach, minibus, low-floor bus, van and minivan. “The installation of our platforms and ramps can be done on the steps, in the luggage space under the chassis or inside the vehicle, to different sizes and requirements,” he added.