Company foray into last-mile connectivity segment
In a bid to enter the last-mile connectivity segment for people in small and medium enterprise business, Eicher Trucks & Buses, part of VE Commercial Vehicles, announced its foray into the sub-5T category of commercial vehicles, with the launch of Eicher Pro 1049 (Eicher Pro 1000 series). The new model comes with the longest cargo body of 10 feet and highest payload of 2.7 tonnes (4.9T GVW) in the segment.
“This compact, powerful, spacious and fuel-efficient mini truck has been designed to cater to the last-mile distribution in urban, semi-urban and rural areas across the country,” announced Mr. Shyam Maller, Senior Vice President, VE Commercial Vehicles.
He said: “The Light and Medium Duty Segment (LMD) in the commercial vehicle industry, especially in the sub-5T category has great potential to grow as it addresses the critical last-mile connectivity and distribution network in rural, semi-urban and urban areas. In 2015, the market size of the 3.5T – 5T LMD segment stands at 8080 units and the growth in this segment looks very promising. 2016 Q1 has been great for us”.
He added: “In LMD, Eicher Trucks & Buses commanded 33.8 per cent market share and grew by 31.7 per cent outpacing industry growth of 25.5 per cent. The Eicher Pro1049 marks our entry into the critical sub 5T segment and we plan to leverage this opportunity significantly and enhance Eicher’s market share in the LMD segment.’’
The Eicher Pro 1049 offers best-in-class fuel efficiency and better turnaround time in Sub 5 Ton GVW category. The robust payload capacity and loading area makes the Eicher Pro 1049 the most profitable for multiple segments within intra-city distribution. “Our field study shows that compared to the current mini trucks in the market our Eicher Pro 1049 will help a tomato dealer carry 168 carats, 18 more than the closest competitor can offer. On the same lines, 150 water bottles of 20 ltrs each, 90 gas cylinders, 50 milk cans, etc.,” revealed Mr. Maller.
Commenting on the value the Eicher Pro 1049, he said: “The Eicher Pro 1000 series is an indigenously designed vehicle at our Pithampur plant that targets the value segment with best-in-class rated payload, high fuel efficiency, superior uptime and lower maintenance cost for transport operator, enabling faster trips and maneuverability and therefore meeting timely delivery and pick up requirements.”
Eicher Pro 1049 is readily available at the company’s authorized dealerships at all key locations pan India. Aligning with the business ambitions of the customers and providing lifetime profitability in the segment, Eicher also launched a multi-level marketing campaign- Mini Truck Mega Space. With a tag line ‘Bada Karo. Bada Bano’ highlighting the key USPs of the Eicher Pro 1049- extra loading space advantage and profitable growth and progress providing freedom to go beyond current boundaries and do something bigger.
In line with this marketing campaign, Eicher started engaging with customers nationwide starting with Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Delhi NCR, Chennai and Bangalore from April. In phase II, the company plans to expand its promotions in other critical markets like Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Assam and West Bengal.
Interview with Mr. Shyam Maller, Senior Vice President, VE Commercial Vehicles
How do you think the new Eicher Pro 1049 will add value to the customers in grocery and last-mile connectivity?
The new Eicher Pro 1049 comes with the longest cargo body of 10 feet and highest payload of 2.7 tonnes (4.9T GVW) in the segment catered to food & vegetables, milk, egg, poultry, water bottle & LPG cylinder distribution, e-commerce and grocery. As mentioned in the presentation earlier our field study has shown remarkable business growth like carrying capacity of 150 water bottles of 20 litres each, 90 gas cylinders, 50 milk cans, etc., which are higher than the nearest competitors.
What is the price point that you are launching the truck with and when can we see the vehicle at the dealerships?
Our BS-III version comes at a price of Rs. 7 lakhs ex-showroom and BS-IV will come at a price of Rs. 8 lakhs. The vehicle will be available at all the 275 3S dealerships pan-India with immediate effect.
Do you plan to launch a CNG, petrol or other hybrid model in the near future given the talk of environmental protection and pollution control in the country?
Yes, we plan to launch a CNG model in the next 3 to 6 months.
Since it is a mini-truck segment, does it have enough power to climb the city flyovers with the load it carries?
Eicher Pro 1049 comes with an E483 Turbocharger with Intercooler that offers 95 HP @ 3200 rpm in BS-III version and E483 4 Cylinder CRS that offers 95 HP @2600 rpm in the BS-IV version. The max Torque or pulling power for steep slope and gradients in the city the vehicle offers 285Nm @1440 rpm in BS-III and 300Nm @ 1600-1800 rpm in BS-IV version.
What about the cabin comfort and safety the Eicher Pro 1049 offers to drivers?
Our cabin has a superior hybrid gear shift lever, tiltable and telescopic steering, a deck height of 1290mm for ease of loading and unloading and a four-way adjustable seat. It gives a premium feeling to the driver and utmost comfort and convenience.