Mahindra Navistar Automotives Ltd. (MNAL) has launched MN25, the 25 tonne tipper and the MN40, a 40 tonne tractor trailer. The MN25 Tipper will cost Rs. 23.26 lakh, while the MN40 Tractor Trailer will be available for Rs. 19.3 lakh (ex showroom Pune, BS III variant). Rakesh Kalra, Managing Director, Mahindra Navistar Automotives Ltd., said, “With the introduction of the MN25 Tipper and the MN40 Tractor Trailer, we have entered new segments and further strengthened our range. These high performance offerings are set to redefine the existing parameters of power, fuel efficiency and driver comfort. These high performance trucks are among the most powerful, fuel-efficient, rugged and comfortable tipper and truck offerings to be launched in India. Designed and developed in India with technological assistance from our partner, Navistar, who have over 175 years of trucking experience, both vehicles comes with a world-class cabin which is spacious and ergonomically designed to suit Indian drivers for continuous long hauls. It’s powered by the world-renowned Maxxforce engine which is highly fuel efficient and powerful.”
Nalin Mehta, Chief Operating Officer, Mahindra Navistar Automotives Ltd., said “With the launch of the MN25 Tipper and the MN40 Tractor Trailer, coupled with the heavy trucks MN25 and MN31 launched earlier and the existing range of LCVs, we are now a full range Commercial Vehicle player. Our value-for-money pricing strategy along with far superior product performance itself will help customers earn higher profits and better return on their investments.”
Mehta further clarified “We are focused on the sales and service infrastructure and filling the pipelines with our products. We have already started selling MN25 and MN31 and are receiving a very favourable response from customers. On the network front, by March 2011, we would start business from 45 new dealers, a number which would be scaled up to 100 in the next 18 months to two years. Also, 220 Service points have already been dedicated in the service of our customers”.
Separately, the company has rolled out its mobile service workshop, yet another first in the Indian trucking industry, with the objective of providing ‘anywhere, anytime’, on-road assistance to customers. Coupled with the multi-lingual, 24x7 call centre branded as ‘Now’, which is manned by trained service experts, Mahindra Navistar is all set to unleash a new paradigm in customer service in Indian trucking. To add to this, nearly 430 Roadside Assistance centers are also in place to provide service.
Besides this, MNAL will also draw on the vast pool of M&M auto and tractor channel partners to use as an extended network for servicing customers’ needs. At this stage, 220 Service Points are already in place.
The company aims to create a channel which will be passionate about surpassing customer expectations and willing to go that extra mile. The dealer network aims to set new benchmarks in delivering requisite services and spares to customers in the HCV segment in India.
In 2005, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. and International Truck and Engine Corporation - the operating company of Navistar - entered into a JV to manufacture light, medium and heavy commercial vehicles for India as well as global markets. The joint venture is in the process of addressing every segment of the commercial vehicle market from 3.5 tonne GVW to 49 tonne GVW with variants of passenger transport, cargo and specialized load applications. Mahindra Navistar is in the process of expanding its product line to emerge as a full range commercial vehicle player.
The new HCV product range has been engineered to meet Indian requirements with technological expertise from Navistar with the underlying philosophy of ‘Made in India, Made for India and Made with 175 years of international trucking expertise’. The new range of medium and heavy commercial vehicles is being manufactured at a new green field plant at Chakan, near Pune. The plant, which spans over 700 acres, has been set up with investments of over Rs.4000 crore and is producing other M&M products as well. This will help MNAL leverage the benefits of synergies of an integrated manufacturing facility.