Unveils Intra, Ultra T.7 and SIGNA 4323 – India’s first 6-axle rigid truck
As the only OEM with an end-to-end extensive product portfolio across its passenger and commercial vehicles businesses, Tata Motors is in a unique position to play a complementary role in the smart cities of the future. From public transport to personal cars, from last mile connectivity to BRTS, from emergency response vehicles to commercial utility vehicles, from green and sustainable solutions to vehicles designed to amplify the thrill of the drive – Tata Motors has a product portfolio to connect the aspirations and needs of its discerning customers.
In the commercial vehicles (CV) segment, the all-new Tata INTRA, the stylish, feature-loaded, compact truck that is set to redefine the SCV segment in the country was unveiled. Bollywood Superstar and Tata Motors’ CV business brand ambassador, Akshay Kumar made a grand entry unveiling the Tata INTRA in a dramatic fashion. Also displayed were the SIGNA 4323, India’s first 6-axle rigid truck with a 30-ton payload, the highest in the market and the all-new Ultra T.7, an elegant LCV based on the modular ULTRA platform and with a 1.9-meter, wide cabin. The company also announced its new design language ‘IMPACT 2.0’ for PVs and for CVs ‘Premium Tough’ – a design that reflects a sense of purpose coupled with strength and quality.
Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Guenter Butschek, CEO & MD, Tata Motors, said: “Tata Motors has a long-standing relationship with Auto Expo, with special premieres of leading edge solutions from the company’s passenger and commercial vehicles portfolio. This Auto Expo, we have taken it several notches higher, outlining our plans for the future of India’s Smart Cities and its connected generation. Our ‘Smart Mobility, Smart Cities’ pavilion has been designed keeping the future Smart Cities and emerging market trends in mind. Our exhibits are a clear indication of our capability to meet the growing aspirations of our customers. Our new future ready and PV Architectures, along with the H5X, 45X concepts and the all-new LCV, Tata INTRA, represent the changing face of Tata Motors in our journey towards shaping the future of mobility in the country. From products to presenting experiences and solutions, Tata Motors has always been an enabling force in the Indian automotive industry.”
Spacious pavilion, varied applications
With a hall spanning across 6,000 sq. mtrs., the Tata Motors #SmartMobility pavilion was divided into thematic zones like the Urban High Density Residential Zone, Sports Zone, Smart Energy Zone, Semi-Urban Zone, Inter and Intracity Zone and Rising City Zone. Each of these zones with the product best suited to the customer need complemented by the digital engagements around each exhibit bring alive an engaging experience across the pavilion.
Leveraging the new modular Ultra platform, the Intracity Zone highlighted the all-new Ultra T.7, an elegant LCV with a 1.9-meter wide cabin that will redefine goods transportation in the 7-ton segment, delivering faster turnaround, best-in-class fuel economy and lower total cost of ownership. In addition, on display was the MAGNA Bus, India’s first bus body code-compliant two-axle OEM coach with world-class design and engineering inputs from partner Marcopolo, which is set to transform intra-city travel in India. Completing the line-up is the Xenon Special Police Vehicle showcasing Tata Motors Defence capabilities in the city protection.
Bridging distances between cities, Tata Motors Medium & Heavy Commercial Vehicles range offers increased productivity and longer life making the range an indispensable asset for large captive users, miners or transporters. Standing tall in the Intercity Link Zone are India’s highest tonnage rigid trucks – the SIGNA 4323 – India’s first 6-axle rigid truck with a 30-ton payload, the highest in the market, the Prima 3718 with the first-of-its-kind ‘Haulmaax’ advanced rubber Suspension system, and the Prima 4930.S with the latest, advanced safety and driving features. Catering to the needs of the city under construction, Tata Motors has displayed the Signa 2518 mounted with Schwing Stetter Boom Pump in the Rising City Zone.
Tata Motors has always been at the forefront of technology innovation delivering enhanced value to customer needs. In addition to the dynamic showcase of products, the company displayed its New Generation Diesel Turbotron Engines of 3L and 5L capacities for its commercial vehicle applications. These state-of-the-art engines offer best-in-class fuel economy, excellent performance (flat torque curve & high low-end torque), lower TCO, better reliability and durability.
‘Every stakeholder is important’
In an exclusive interaction with MOTORINDIA, Mr. Girish Wagh, President, CVBU, Tata Motors, emphasises the need to connect with all the stakeholders in the CV industry, the new product Tata Intra, Ultra T.7 and the SIGNA 4323 launched at the Auto Expo Motors Show 2018.
What is the rationale behind the theme for Tata Motor’s Pavilion at this year’s Auto Expo?
Our theme for the show is smart city and smart mobility and the pavilion is divided into PVs and CVs. In CVs we have intra-city and inter-city zones. First of all, we have a new platform for the small commercial vehicle known as the Tata Intra on the new platform. It is a compact truck, a little above the ACE. We are showcasing the Ultra T.7 LCV truck with turbotron engine and a new cabin, rich interiors, fuel efficiency, flat torque and 90-125 hp. This year significant movement has happened in the 3718 the 5-axle truck due to the ban on overloading. Hence, we are unveiling the SIGNA 4323, India’s first 6 axle rigid truck with a 30 tonne payload. Four and half tonnes of weight increase from the current biggest rigid truck 3718, will ensure that the operating cost goes down further and revenue goes up for the owners.
Don’t you think a 6-axle rigid truck may affect the sales of Prima (tractor) as a prime mover?
Wherever tractor-trailer drivers are available they will prefer trailers in 40 tonnes and 49 tonnes. Rajasthan is predominantly a tractor trailer market and for them we are demonstrating our Prima 4930 here. We will continue to work on those requirements. The purpose of the 6-axle rigid truck is to address the unique requirement of driver shortage in other States for tractor-trailer. In India we have shortage of tractor-trailer drivers and hence have demand for rigid tucks. With these we can address the issue of tractor-trailer drivers. It will be in 12×2 as well as 12×4 configuration. Plus, Signa as a brand is fresher than Prima, and Prima continues to retain its premium position. Gradually with every regulation the trucks segment is moving from standard to semi-premium to premium. What some may feel semi-premium may be basic when compared to a premium brand. Also, it is important to take into account that customers are calculating in terms of cost minimisation and profit maximization. With BS-IV and all electrical engines, predictive maintenance or prognostics capabilities have become possible, and we have started working with a few fleet owners. Once we mature those solutions we will start offering it across. Otherwise, on all the vehicles, especially the Signa and Prima, the Fleetman is given as a standard feature.
What do you have on the bus front and for the last-mile passenger transport?
We are launching the Magna coach that meets the bus body code with a 28-seating capacity. It gives very high level of comfort and also has a chemical toilet inside the bus. On the safety side we have the Prima with EBS, done with Wabco. It boasts of active safety features like the lane departure warning system, hill start aid, futuristic Advance Emergency Braking System and rear camera which is likely to become mandatory.
We are also showcasing our 12 m starbus electric, which will be used for bidding for various STUs. It comes in two heights, 400 mm and 700 mm. Also, in electrification we believe that the bus which has predictable routes and also in passenger transportation like the last mile is likely to get electrified first. Here too we have the feeder supporter the magic and the iris electric on display.
We also see a boom-pump and a reefer truck on display. A few words on the uniqueness of these products?
Yes, we have showcased a boom pump mounted on a 6×4 vehicle configuration on Tata Signa 2518.K. engineered to address tough conditions and endure heavy-duty cycles and also have a refrigerated truck with a Carrier AC unit. This vehicle with multi-temperature reefer box will demonstrate the fully built capability of Tata Motors in the fast growing multi-axle containerized freight space with superior features for enhanced drivability like AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) yielding unique benefits like fatigueless driving and better fuel economy and even out the need for skilled drivers. This vehicle will also introduce the Signa range of cabins, which is most appreciated and preferred by the existing tractor-trailer customers, on the 25T GVW truck. Interestingly, we also have the ultra in the LNG version with cryogenic cyclinders. There is a lot of interest from Petronet and IOCL and we are discussing what can be done.
How has the market been post BS-III?
We have focused on a few things. We have increased our level of engagement with our customers and other stakeholders, including dealers, financers and body builders. The CV market is unique as we have to meet the customers as a full group and one unit. Each one is an important stakeholder. Engaging and collaborating with all of them is extremely important. It helps to work on any issue. All dealers have been doing a good job. While interacting with customers we have realized the value they perceive for the product. Operating economics and how does a product perform during its entire operating life-cycle is on their minds. Even the resale value plays an important role. We have started offering the industry first 6 years or 6 lakh km of warranty on our entire range of CVs (drive line-warranty). This shows our confidence post BS-III on BS-IV vehicles.
We have also been doing a multiple number of fuel efficiency tests through our Drona drivers to help customers to train the customer drivers and if any improvement has to be done in the product itself. This happens with direct fleet operators. We believe that the customers buy comfort, which results into ease of business and peace of mind. This initiative comes under our Sampoorna Seva, which also covers AMC, alert service-anywhere. If the vehicle is broken, the customer can call the helpline number. Our promise is to reach there in four hours and make sure that the vehicle is up and running in 48 hours. If not, we will pay the penalty to the tune of Rs. 1,000 per day. We are giving confidence to the customers as we have more than 1,400 touch-points. We are also giving the insurance policy to the driver which is tied to the truck. All thsese come under the Sampoornva Seva program – “Aapke Saath Har Kadam”.
‘We are covering every aspect of the trucking community’
Interview with Mr. Rajesh Kaul, Head – Sales and Marketing, Medium & Heavy Commercial Vehicles, Tata Motors
What will drive fleet operators towards the 6-axle rigid truck?
The main feature of the 6-axle rigid truck is the payload capacity of 30 tonnes, with overall GVW of 43 tonnes. As the country moves towards the rated load application and becomes free of barriers of State borders, demand for higher tonnage vehicles will be far higher. Ultimately, clocking more kms will mean better asset utilization leading to increase in revenue which will be exciting for customers.
You mean you believe in giving what customers want and at the same time showcase what Tata Motors is capable of?
Yes, absolutely. For instance, Prima 4930 has come with Electronic Stability control, Hill assist Aid, and Automatic Traction control which are very much appreciated by the customers. The customer is appreciating that we are able to cover the entire trucking universe through our focus on reliability and low cost that help increase customer’s profitability. Specific action areas like driver assistance through better cabin features and ergonomics are paid attention to. New instrument cluster, better driving seats and better suspensions even in the Signa cabins are special things that we have offered. We have also displayed 3719 Prima with a HAULMAAX rubber suspension, which doesn’t need lubrication. If you would recall, at EXCON we showed ULTIMAAX suspension for tippers, this one is for cargo. We are also covering driver’s children through scholarships and offering various driver-related initiatives to make the profession of driving aspirational. In short, we are consciously covering every aspect of the trucking community.