The company’s new BS-VI range of trucks and buses not only adheres to the revised emission norms but also offer greater comfort and safety
One of the country’s prominent CV players, SML Isuzu launched its BS-VI range Hiroi buses designed for tourists, staff and school applications along with Samrat Reefer van and Sartaj MS container. With this the company delivered on providing ample space in the new BS-VI regime.
Speaking to MOTORINDIA, Yugo Hashimoto, Managing Director and CEO, SML Isuzu, explained: “When the leapfrog was decided we were surprised but luckily we could start BS-VI preparations at a very early stage. It would not have been possible without the cooperation of vendors and suppliers. We are happy that we could get the license and homologation certification, etc., on time.”
On the spacious Hiroi bus range, he added: “We have the front overhang buses with a new door style. We believe this was needed by the market but we could not start it earlier because of the change in engine norms but decided that together with BS-VI we will introduce this. This is our new technology with the new engine which is ready for mass production.” The buses are not only wide and spacious but come with a wide front door, fully reclined pushback seats with three-point seatbelts for superior comfort and safety, ambient lighting and USB ports to keep productivity on the go. There is also a multimedia onboard entertainment system that enhances the travel mood.
The bus also offers an internet-connected EduConnect that can be paired with smart phones and laptops. The company also showcased the Samrat Reefer van with an aim to provide robust solutions for the cold chain industry. The Sartaj MS container, bearing testimony of its global series of truck range, is the longest container in its class of four-tyre trucks for the e-commerce and parcel delivery applications and addresses the higher tonnage needs. It also comes with SML Saarthi (telematics), inner camera, door sensor and retractable footstep at the rear for easy operations.
The reefer van is said to be available in diesel as well as CNG mode too, ensuring efficient total cost of ownership. Replying to a question about the current slowdown in the India and managing inventory ahead of BS-VI, Hashimoto said: “Exports are growing, especially in the surrounding markets of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan which have helped us during the domestic slowdown. Inventory management is a big challenge for us as well our dealer partners. However, we planned it from June and acknowledged that the market is slowing down, following which we reduced the production and luckily by the end of December we were at a controllable level and hence by March we should not have any problems.”