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MOTORINDIA
l
March 2012
Manatec also manufactures wheel
aligners, wheel balancers, two post
lifts, gas analysers, smoke meters,
head lamp aligners and digital air
tire inflators. The company is keen
on building up scales on the existing
product range.
Mr. Kalaiichelvan Mananathan,
Joint Managing Director, explains
the company’s growth strategy for
the coming years. According to him,
the advantages of Manatec products
are its low cost and easy availability
of spares compared to other prod-
ucts in the market. The main market
for its products is the tyre segment
where wheel aligners and balancers
have become indispensable. Though
initially space restriction was a con-
straint in workshops, now the trend
is changing and the products are be-
ing readily accepted.
In India, usage of service equip-
ment has been more common in pas-
senger car service centers. But with
the introduction of the new genera-
tion trucks and buses, there is a need
for high technology and sophisti-
cated equipment to service vehicles
in commercial vehicle dealerships.
This is a big opportunity opening up
for service equipment manufacturers,
and Manatec is all geared to seize the
opportunity with a range of products.
Manatec is looking to scale new
heights in the heavy vehicle segment
in 2012. Mr. Kalaiichelvan feels that
there is a change in mindset of cus-
tomers with more people talking
about modernisation of heavy vehi-
cle workshops. “This year our focus
will be on the HCV segment. HCVs
are more sensitive to cost than pas-
senger cars. To ensure that they get
the best out of their investment, fleet
operators need to ensure vehicle up-
time by servicing their vehicles at
periodic intervals”.
For example, wheel alignment
has become a standard for the new
generation of trucks and buses. It
ensures better fuel efficiency and
lesser wear and tear of tyres and
other components. Customers have
started realising this.
“Also for the vehicle, tyre dealer-
ships and service centers, they want
to make sure that they get the right
return on the equipment they invest
garage equipment
“Customers are looking for more
cost-effective solutions. We have
our own design which makes a
difference to the customer.”
– Mr. Kalaiichelvan