SML Isuzu recently launched its new Global Series (GS) models and ‘SML Saarthi’, its new telematic solution. The two models launched at a gala event in Bangalore were Samrat HD 19’ SMD Truck and Samrat 17’ HD Truck.
The series was unveiled earlier this year at Auto Expo. The launch now is aimed at increasing SML Isuzu’s market share in India.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Junji Tonoshima, Sr VP – Marketing, Isuzu, said: “We started selling our models more than 30 years ago. Now, heeding to the voice of our customers, we have brought in new design for the cabin following the Isuzu design philosophy. It took us a feasibility study of five years before we changed the design.”
The feasibility study helped the company understand the market requirements and thereby adapt the range to suit Indian customer needs.
Mr. Tonoshimo added: “Modifications were made according to the new body codes. And the two twin LCVs boast of air brakes, besides which soon to be launched are our range of vacuum brake models too.”
Mr. Naval Kumar Sharma, GM – Marketing, SML Isuzu, shared: “The automotive industry is at an all-time high. Fleet operators are changing their fleet before the onset of BS-VI vehicles in 2020. So, prior to that, we are expecting a pre-buying spree and we feel that the market will definitely be looking up.”
Also present at the launch was the main dealer for SML Isuzu in India, Burma Automotives, the 3S dealers for the brand, and since their inception in 1965 they have been the top spare parts dealers for SML Isuzu.
Global Series with global features
The aim was to achieve 100 per cent localization with this range. The world-class cabins boast of aesthetically pleasing and new designs in headlamps with clearer lens and multi-focal reflection with high intensity lighting.
Mr. Sharma said: “The series also has Gen Next CAN based electronic meter set with multi-information display. Our manufacturing set-up boasts of global standards, and this is reflected in the state-of-the-art robotics that is used in meeting the international benchmarks at our cabin welding shop. Our CED paint shop delivers not only high quality paint with a superior surface finish but lasts long too. And these are environmental friendly processes too.
The global series offers ‘best-in-class fuel efficiency, increased driver comfort, better drive-ability, higher uptime, reliability, optimized maintenance cost and loading capacity’, according to the official reports. Economy of style and design ensures that there is unrestricted clean supply of air to the engine which leads to fuel efficiency and power and to achieve this, the air cleaner is now installed to the right side.
Mr. Sharma further recounted the world-class features: “Enough space between the engine and cabin also allows better air circulation around the engine to keep its operational temperature low. The box type chassis with fault-free alignment gives enhanced life to tyres.”
SAARTHI iConnect
The ‘advanced’ telematic solution SML Saarthi has been jointly developed by SML Isuzu and Minda iConnect to offer a comprehensive service support and fleet management system. It comes with mobile application that the driver can use to navigate to the nearest service center in case of a need or emergency.
Mr. Sharma said: “Minda iConnect provides the hardware and the USP of the solution is its flexibility and competitive cost. With Saarthi, real time vehicle tracking is possible 24×7.”
All vehicles in the Global Series range are installed with the Saarthi devices while the buses that SML Isuzu has manufactured since April this year are equipped with it too.
SML Isuzu is planning to launch the entire Global Series truck range by the end of 2018. As of now, the new GS is available in their Sartaj, Super, Tipper Supreme, Prestige, Sartaj HG 72 models and some in CNG too.
Impetus for domestic & export biz growth
Following the launch in Bangalore, SML Isuzu launched the Global Series trucks in Chennai on September 26. Sharing details of the Global Series project while addressing the media in Chennai, Mr. Naval Kumar Sharma revealed that the new trucks are made in India using advanced robotic techniques, with the company having invested close to Rs. 200 crores for the product development, technology upgradation and also for expanding the production capacity to 25,000 units at its Nawanshahr plant in Punjab.
In line with its name, the new truck range gives SML Isuzu an opportunity to enter new global markets such as Nigeria and Ghana and is expected to boost the company’s exports from around 800 units last year to a target of close to 1,500 units in the current fiscal.
In the domestic market, the company hopes the Global Series would help improve its market share from the existing 12 per cent to over 20 per cent in the 5 to 12 tonne space.