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