Hendrickson has always provided innovative solutions to enhance the mobility experience, especially from the suspension perspective. At IAA 2016, the world’s largest commercial vehicle show, Hendrickson displayed a wide range of their new products and technologies. One such product ULTIMAAX which is also suitable for the Indian mining market, can take higher load was dynamically present at the pavilion.
When MOTORINDIA visited the Hendrickson pavilion at the show, Sanjay Sinha, Chief Executive Officer, TATA AutoComp Hendrickson Suspensions Pvt. Ltd., said: “This product can take much higher level of payload for our customers and provides higher ride comfort. Because of this suspension driver makes more trip per day. We also have product range LUXAIR for buses from 6 to 8 tonnes 8 to 10 tonnes and 13 tonnes providing comprehensive solution.”
While Hendrickson is exploring technology to develop products that makes sense for the customer, similar to the tipper application, the company is also bringing products for the haulage segment and as well as for tractor trailer. “These products HAULMAAX are pretty durable. The Indian market is moving towards longer vehicles hence whether that is a haulage truck or tractor trailer, this product HAULMAAX can go on both of them and the end user gets the payback benefit,” explains Sinha.
Even for antiroll of buses, Hendrickson has a special product which is a little bit expanded with a new design and linkages towards the higher end which gives roll stability and higher level of balancing. This suspension has a lot of opens space in terms of packaging. “We also have a product called Tiremax for tire pressure monitoring (control). Our unique design helps in automated tyre pressure control. This not only inflates the tyres but also helps to maintain the same level of ride height. A balance ride height improve fuel efficiency. We have a patented technology in terms of the connections which helps in managing and maintaining the tyre pressure,” informs Sinha.
In a nutshell, Hendrickson is focused on providing products which are not only light weighted with much higher level of durability but also with higher level of reliability. These are suited to what a customer is looking for different field applications.
Speaking about implementation of these products in India, Sinha says: “Today even the technology platforms that we have in India are on par with the products Hendrickson are making globally. We don’t wait for a global launch first. All these products that I have mentioned here are simultaneously being launched into different application and we are in very advanced state with many of the OEMs to bring this product on various product platforms. All the products that we have done in India currently are 100 per cent localized. For new products there are plans for localization. Within one and a half a year of launch we localize the product in India.”
Notably, Hendrickson has its own system of rubber and linkages. “In Hendrickson we have elastomer as a division which provides us technology for our suspension and suspension requirement. A strong elastomer division supports the heart of our suspension systems,” concludes Sinha.