VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV), the joint venture of Volvo Group & Eicher Motors Ltd, launched Eicher trucks (pronounced ‘eye-sher’) at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit earlier this month. Eicher showcased its Pro series range of trucks including the Pro 6000 heavy-duty freight carrier and construction tipper ranges.
The VECV joint venture had already set up its base in South Africa last year, in form of a 100% wholly owned subsidiary known as VECV South Africa (PTY) Ltd the vision of “integrating global technology with local commercial transportation ecosystems”. global technology with local commercial transportation ecosystems.”
According to Surender Singh (Vice President and Country Head at VECV South Africa (Pty) Ltd): “VECV brings together the Volvo Group’s global expertise and world-class technology along with the innovative engineering and proven DNA of fuel efficiency from Eicher. This approach has resulted in the development of Eicher Pro series, a range of next generation trucks, which together with a growing service network in South Africa, is ushering in a ‘Pro League of Trucking’.
“The Eicher Pro Series has been designed and developed in a modern, high-tech, multi-facility manufacturing plant which also houses a next-generation engine plant in India – built in collaboration with the Volvo Group. The facility not only manufactures heavy-duty engines, but also supplies Euro VI compliant automotive engines internationally to the Volvo Group. On the Pro Series assembly line, the state-of-the-art production processes include a robotic cab weld shop, a CED paint shop and a 100% hot test facility, all of which are aimed at achieving quality and reliability in line with top international standards.
“The massive product development initiative for the entire Pro series range involved an investment of three million hours of engineering effort, 77 million kilometres of testing and 50 000 hours of engine development. The new trucks will meet the needs of discerning customers, who demand vehicles with higher fuel efficiency, durability, greater comfort & safety, as well as intelligent features. These new generation Eicher trucks are designed to improve transportation efficiency through superior uptime, thereby reducing logistics costs leading to better profitability for the operators,” said Singh.
In the first phase of its introduction, Eicher is introducing the Pro Series of haulage trucks, which will be followed by construction tippers later this year. The haulage trucks have been tested for more than 500 000 kilometres across Africa and Asia, and subjected to rigorous endurance and performance testing for over 200 000 kilometres in South Africa. This truck has been put into actual usage across various applications of few renowned fleet operators. “Testing results have turned out extremely positive especially in terms of fuel efficiency and uptime of the trucks’’ affirmed Singh.
“Eicher Pro series is a complete range of new generation trucks that is set to deliver non-stop performance . It is powered with a next-generation engine with common rail technology and Volvo Group Engine Management System (EMS 3.0). This world-class technology has high processing capability, optimum balance between load demands, fuel efficient operation and emissions control with added advantage of quick and guided diagnostics – all leading to higher fuel efficiency, superior uptime and lower maintenance. These Eicher Pro series trucks come equipped with an ergonomically designed cabin, with AC and heater, meeting AIS 029 safety standards. The trucks are also equipped with airbrakes, ABS and exhaust brakes to ensure driver safety” he said.
Eicher trucks will be available across the country at 14 strategic locations in South Africa ensuring sales and aftersales support. VECV has joined hands with some of the country’s dealership groups such as AAD Group, BB Motor group, BilIson Trucks, CMH Group, Fleet Dynamics, Imperial Group & Premier Truck and Bus.
At the launch, Surender Singh also said “It is indeed is a proud moment for us to launch the Eicher Pro Series of trucks in South Africa. This is a strategic market and it will play a critical role in Eicher Trucks & Buses’ international business. The company plans to continuously invest in introduction of country specific products and aftermarket infrastructure.”
Further commenting on the aftersales he said: “The local team has been proactively busy ensuring parts availability and technical training to technicians before the start of sales, as its primary focus area. To further enhance a high level of professionalism and quality of support for Eicher trucks, we have joined hands with Bidvest Panalpina Logistics (BPL) as our 3PL partner. A huge investment has already been made to take care of the parts availability. Currently the warehouse has a parts availability of over 2 600 line items.”
Eicher is present in more than 30 countries, including key regions such as South East Asia, Africa and the Middle East with on road population of 500 000 trucks and buses.
Caption:
- Eicher enters the South African market with the Pro series 3008.
- Surender Singh(Vice President and Country Head at VECV South Africa (Pty) Ltd presents the attributes of the Eicher Pro Series.
- At the official launch are: Antonie Bekker, Director Aftermarket; Surender Singh, Vice-President and Country Head; and Mark Diab, Director Sales.