Date:17/06/2004 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/06/17/stories/2004061701620200.htm

Back `Multi axle CVs, tractor trailers gaining ground'

Our Bureau

Mumbai , June 16

INDIA is now the fifth largest market in the world for multi axle commercial vehicles and tractor-trailers.

In its 2003-04 annual report, Tata Motors said, "The shift that had been noticed towards multi axle vehicles (MAVs) and tractor-trailers continued through 2003-04 and has been primarily driven by the Golden Quadrilateral project."

The industry is expected to continue moving towards MAVs and tractor-trailers as transporters look for faster turnaround time and higher payloads.

"The country is now ranked the fifth largest market behind China, Japan, US and Germany for this category of vehicles."

According to the report, Tata Motors is working on Direct Injection Common Rail Euro IV engines for its passenger vehicles.

The required technology imported last fiscal from AVL List GmbH of Austria and Delphi Diesel System of France is currently under implementation.

"Petrol and diesel engines for the Indica platform with enhanced performance meeting Euro III with European On-Board Diagnostics (EOBD) have been developed. Further work has been taken up on meeting Euro IV emission norms with common rail technology for diesel engines. In case of petrol engines, additional projects are underway to meet Euro IV emission norms," the report said.

Other instances of technology import last fiscal with ongoing implementation include inputs for design and development of passenger vehicles from Institute of Development in Automotive Engineering, Italy, and for design and development of modular cabs in commercial vehicles from Stile Bertone, Italy.

In FY04, Tata Motors spent Rs 151.88 crore (0.98 per cent of its turnover net of excise) on research and development.