CHENNAI: Daimler Truck today marked a significant milestone in its regional expansion with the opening of Daimler Commercial Vehicles Manufacturing Indonesia (DCVMI)—a cutting-edge greenfield manufacturing facility located in the Cikarang Industrial Area, Indonesia. This strategic investment underscores Daimler Truck’s long-term commitment to Southeast Asia, which is tailored to meet the region’s dynamic and evolving mobility needs. 

The new DCVMI plant spans 15 hectares and has an annual production capacity of 5,000 Mercedes-Benz trucks and buses. With a total investment of IDR 500 billion, this facility embodies Daimler Truck’s commitment towards strengthening the commercial vehicle industry in Indonesia and serves as a cornerstone of the company’s regional growth strategy, acting as a hub for vehicle assembly and distribution across key Southeast Asian markets. What sets this initiative apart is its collaborative foundation, rooted in the precision of German engineering, the strength of Indian manufacturing, and the insight of Indonesian market experience.

India plays a pivotal role in this regional synergy. The new Indonesian facility will be seamlessly supported by Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), based in Chennai, which will supply high-quality Completely Knocked Down (CKD) kits. DICV’s proven excellence in cost-efficient, world-class manufacturing ensures operational efficiency and supply chain resilience, while optimizing localisation and scalability.

Satyakam Arya, Managing Director and CEO, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles, emphasized the plant’s significance as part of Daimler Truck’s long-term strategy in Southeast Asia. “India remains a cornerstone of our global export strategy. Leveraging Indonesia for the ASEAN region is about expanding our reach, not shifting our focus. As DICV becomes further integrated into Daimler Trucks’ global manufacturing network, we will play a key role in building capabilities in Indonesia—transferring knowledge, developing talent, and strengthening the regional ecosystem.”

The opening of DCVMI’s new factory is a concrete realisation of the “Bigger and Better” vision. More than just expanding the scale of its facilities, this step also brings improvements in agility, improved workflow, and the resilience of solutions for customers in Indonesia. This initiative affirms the company’s commitment to providing commercial vehicles that truly meet local market needs, from production efficiency and service reliability to the ongoing adoption of innovation. The collaboration between Daimler’s global technology and the strength of the local Indonesian team serves as a solid foundation, ensuring that every product supports the business growth of customers throughout Indonesia.

“The integration of India’s advanced manufacturing capabilities into our Southeast Asian operations highlights our unified global approach,” Satyakam said. “By combining German engineering excellence with India’s production strength and deep Indonesian market understanding, we are creating a robust platform for long-term success in the region,” he added.

The plant will continue producing flagship models such as the Mercedes-Benz Axor Trucks: 2528 CH, 4928 T, 4028 T, 4023 T, 2528 RMC, 2528 CX, and 2528 C, as well as Mercedes-Benz bus chassis: OH 1626 L and OH 1626 S, specifically designed for the Indonesian market.

Sankaranarayanan Ramamurthi, President Director of DCVMI, stated that the inauguration of the plant marks a new growth phase for DCVMI in Indonesia. “This plant is not merely an addition to our infrastructure—it is a manifestation of our vision to make a tangible contribution to Indonesia’s economy, empower local communities, and build a stronger industrial ecosystem. Each unit produced here reflects not only engineering excellence but also the spirit of collaboration and our confidence in Indonesia’s future. We are committed to continually creating job opportunities, innovating, and contributing to growth in and for Indonesia,” he explained.

DCVMI’s new plant in Cikarang adopts an integrated manufacturing system under one roof, enabling more efficient and streamlined production processes. It is equipped with a test track to simulate various road conditions and an advanced paint booth to enhance paint quality, all aligned with Mercedes-Benz’s global manufacturing standards.

This tri-nation collaboration not only strengthens Daimler Truck’s footprint in Asia but also enables faster innovation cycles, increased flexibility, and a sharper customer focus—delivering vehicles that meet local demands with global standards of quality and performance. 

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PUNE: Mahindra Truck and Bus Division (MTBD), a part of the Mahindra Group, in commemoration of Drivers Day 2024, today announced a Scholarship scheme for girl child of truck drivers through the Mahindra Saarthi Abhiyaan. Through this project, Mahindra is committed to making a small contribution towards transforming the lives of truck drivers’ meritorious girls by supporting their right to higher education.

Mahindra is one of the first commercial vehicle manufacturers to pioneer this initiative and felicitate the selected candidate with a scholarship of Rs.10,000/- along with a certificate in recognition of their achievement. This endeavor marks another significant milestone in Mahindra Truck and Bus Division’s ongoing commitment to the Truck driver community, which was initiated with the Mahindra Saarthi Abhiyaan in 2014. This will be done through a program at 75+ transport hubs pan India with well-defined, transparent, and independent processes. Until now, 10,029 young girls have already benefited from scholarships under the initiative, allowing them to pursue their aspirations.

Vinod Sahay – President of Trucks, Buses, CE, Aerospace & Defence Businesses – Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, Member of Group Executive Board, Mahindra Group, said, “Through the Mahindra Saarthi Abhiyaan, we are not just providing scholarships but opening doors to a brighter future and instilling hope in young hearts. We are dedicated to transforming lives by providing educational opportunities for the daughters of the truck driver partners. By investing in their futures, we are cultivating a generation of empowered women who will contribute significantly to our communities and the economy at large.”

Speaking on the occasion, Jalaj Gupta, Business Head – Commercial Vehicles, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., said, “Our sustained commitment through the Mahindra Saarthi Abhiyaan not only uplifts the daughters of truck drivers, but also fosters a culture of new opportunities and motivation. Through this initiative, we wish to see more women in the commercial vehicle segment and remain steadfast in our commitment to investing in their futures, and developing a stronger, more equitable society where every girl can aspire to fulfill her potential and become the leaders of tomorrow.”

The company has planned to felicitate each girl selected for this scholarship with a direct bank transfer of INR 10,000 and a certificate in recognition of this achievement. The felicitation will be hosted from February to March 2025, at select locations by Mahindra Truck and Bus leadership, wherein 1000 scholarships will be presented to Truck Drivers’ Daughters.

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Specifically designed for heavy-duty refrigeration trucks, this high-roof series has achieved remarkable success in the market with its excellent performance and high reliability since its launch in 2022. With this new upgrade, Thermo King has introduced comprehensive innovations spanning from product design to production efficiency. The upgrade not only expands the driver’s cab of the refrigeration truck by up to 20% but also significantly enhances the energy efficiency by 20%. This series offers the cold chain transportation industry an innovative experience that combines superior performance with lower costs. Looking ahead, the series is set to enter more markets, such as Singapore and Malaysia.

“With over 80 years of experience in global cold chain transportation, Thermo King always adheres to the principles of customer focus, innovation, and excellence,” said Michael Shi, Thermo King Product Management and Engineering Leader, Asia Pacific. “We have optimized our high-roof RV-series vehicle-powered truck refrigeration solutions to exceed customer expectations for efficiency, reliability, and economy. The newly upgraded products quickly became popular choices in the heavy-duty truck market, reinforcing our commitment to advancing the cold chain transportation industry with our customers.“

Greater refrigeration capacity and reliability

Since its launch in 2022, the high-roof RV-series vehicle-powered truck refrigeration units have led the heavy-duty truck market in the Asia Pacific region, driven by strong growth in annual orders and sales. Featuring a series of innovative technologies, the newly upgraded solutions have significantly improved energy efficiency by 20%, offering exceptional performance for heavy-duty refrigeration trucks.

To meet the core demand for refrigeration efficiency in cold chain transportation, these products feature a new evaporator design, an optimized flow channel structure, and a high-fin, low-pressure resistance regenerator. These enhancements significantly improve heat exchange efficiency, ensuring that the high-roof RV-series vehicle-powered truck refrigeration units can consistently deliver powerful refrigeration performance ranging from 8.5kW to 10.3kW in fresh conditions.

The high-roof RV-series vehicle-powered truck refrigeration units are equipped with high-quality Thermo King compressors and an optimized shaft seal design to ensure stable operation at high speeds. Additionally, the built-in ultra-long life fan with a durability of up to 10,000 hours provides a guarantee for long-term uninterrupted operation. To address varying environmental challenges, the units feature three condensing fans, maintaining excellent performance even in extremely high-temperature conditions. By developing a series of intelligent climate control schemes tailored to different application scenarios, Thermo King has further enhanced temperature control accuracy and reliability for various transported goods in cold chain transportation.

Enhanced driver comfort with lower modification costs

In addition to delivering exceptional performance, the upgrade to these products prioritizes an optimized customer experience. The innovative ultra-slim condenser design expands the driver’s cab by up to 20%, making it more spacious and comfortable. This high-roof solution is perfectly suited for a variety of heavy-duty refrigeration trucks. Furthermore, the modular structural design simplifies installation and maintenance, significantly reducing modification costs and achieving optimization in both volume and cost.

Moreover, the upgrade has enabled 80% of the standard parts to be interchangeable, optimizing costs across various areas such as compressors, system components, structural elements, electrical controls, and automated manufacturing. This not only boosts production efficiency but also significantly reduces spare parts costs. As a result, customers can enjoy more economical and efficient product options, making these units an ideal choice for long-distance transportation.

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MUMBAI: Amid India’s rapid infrastructure development and the pressing need for green energy solutions, Godrej & Boyce, part of the Godrej Enterprises Group, has once again taken the lead with its latest innovation. The Material Handling Business of the conglomerate, today announced the launch of lithium-ion battery-powered forklifts featuring an indigenously developed Battery Management System (BMS). This will be the first offering of this kind by an Indian manufacturer. The solution addresses a critical need in the Indian material handling sector by providing a self-reliant and secure Li-Ion battery system.

The benefits of Li-ion technology are extensive and transformative, offering more than 4 times longer battery life compared to traditional lead-acid batteries. Li-ion batteries provide 5,000 charge cycles versus 1,200 for lead-acid, reducing long-term investment. They enable opportunity charging, zero emissions during charging, and reduced maintenance needs. Charging from 20% to 80% takes only 2.5 hours for Li-ion compared to 6 hours for lead-acid, with 30% less energy consumption. Li-ion batteries offer upto 15% more run time to 2 and 3-tonne forklifts. The modular design also allows for scalability. Godrej & Boyce plans to extend this technology to other material handling equipment. Industries set to benefit include automotive, FMCG, consumer durables, retail including e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and other major manufacturing sectors.

Anil Verma, Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer, of Godrej & Boyce, part of the Godrej Enterprises Group said, “India’s logistics sector is at a pivotal juncture, experiencing robust growth driven by infrastructure advancements across sectors such as automotive, FMCG, consumer durables, retail including e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, fueled by rising consumer demand. At Godrej & Boyce, we are committed to ‘Make in India’ strategies, playing a vital role in driving this growth. Our focus on integrating cutting-edge, technology-enabled solutions remains a key priority, addressing the complex challenges of modern supply chains. These innovations are crucial for enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring the sector’s continued evolution. The future of India’s logistics will be shaped by this commitment to nation-building and innovation, securing a more resilient and adaptive industry.”

Anil Lingayat, Executive Vice President & Business Head of the material Handling Business of Godrej & Boyce, part of the Godrej Enterprises Group said, “We are delighted to introduce our Li-ion powered forklift trucks featuring indigenously developed Battery Management System. This launch underscores our commitment to ‘Make in India’ and building self-reliant capabilities in critical technologies for the material handling industry. By leveraging our engineering expertise, we have created a solution that enhances safety and optimizes performance. We believe this is the start of a transformative journey that will revolutionize material handling and inspire industries nationwide to reimagine what’s possible when we commit to self-reliance.“

Developed in partnership with Log9 Materials, the new battery systems integrate lithium-ion cells with 30% localized production with a proprietary Battery Management System (BMS) fully designed and made in India. The business has set a target of 100% localization for the cells by next year.

Traditionally, the Indian market has heavily relied on imported batteries and BMS systems, primarily sourced from China. Localizing this technology underscores the business’s unwavering commitment to the “Make in India” vision and its dedication to fostering a resilient domestic supply chain.

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The SKT105E Electric Dump Truck represents a new era in mining technology, combining local expertise with global innovation. Designed to meet the rigorous demands of open-cast mining operations, this fully electric off-highway dump truck boasts exceptional energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness. With an impressive payload capacity of 70 tonnes, it stands as a powerhouse asset for mining enterprises across the nation.

Deepak Garg, in his address at the launch event, emphasized the significance of the SKT105E in driving sustainable mining practices in India. He stated, “The SKT105E marks a historic moment for Sany India and the Indian mining industry. By localizing production and introducing cutting-edge electric technology, we are not only enhancing operational efficiency but also contributing to the nation’s vision of sustainable development.“

The SKT105E’s innovative design, coupled with its zero-emission operation, makes it an environmentally friendly solution for mining sites. Its advanced electric propulsion system ensures optimal performance while reducing carbon footprint, thereby aligning with India’s commitment to combat climate change.

Furthermore, Mr. Garg highlighted Sany India’s dedication to fostering local manufacturing capabilities and empowering the nation’s economy. He stated, “The SKT105E is a testament to Sany India’s commitment to ‘Make in India’ initiative. By manufacturing locally, we not only create job opportunities but also strengthen the indigenous manufacturing ecosystem.”

The launch event witnessed the presence of Sany India’s senior management, staff, and workers, alongside esteemed guests and industry leaders. Key figures such as Sauro Ray, Head of Mining Business Unit; Sanjay Saxena, COO of Sany India; Daryl Lean, VP of Sany Group; Sunil More, Director of Factory Operations; and Sandeep Laroiya, Senior VP of Customer Support & R&D, graced the occasion.

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PUNE: In a bid to provide solutions to the futuristic needs of the automotive sector, the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) has developed some futuristic solutions and has showcased the same in the ongoing Symposium on International Automotive Technology (SIAT) 2024 at Pune International Exhibition and ConventionCentre (PIECC), Moshi. The Expo is on till January 25th. The prominent features are the showcase of fast charging systems for electric heavy commercial vehicles like trucks and buses, specially made battery management systems for skilling and training purposes, and the hydrogen pavilion.

The world is looking at alternate fuels for the energy needs of vehicles and electric vehicles are steadily gaining popularity. Batteries are one of the most important parts of these e-vehicles and so is the battery management system. Considering the training needs of skilled manpower which will be required to cater to the development and service needs of electric vehicles ARAI academy has introduced a specially designed Battery Management System Trainer (BMST) which is ideally suited for the budding engineers and technocrats for understanding the overall functioning of the battery and its various parts, informed Sanjay Patil from the ARAI Academy. This BMST will have special features like monitoring Individual Cells, Temperature, Pack Level Current, CAN Communication Data, and Real-Time Display. It can be applied in Education and Training, BMS Development, Student Projects, and Hands-on Experience for Industry Professionals.

While the use of electric vehicles is growing, an effective option for fast charging of the vehicle is of paramount importance. Going forward, heavy commercial vehicles like trucks and buses will also be electric ones. Thus, to cater to the need for charging these big vehicles, ARAI is in the advanced stages of developing the Overhead Automated Charging Device (OHACD). These charges of about 600KW capacity would charge the vehicle from 0 to 80% in just 25 minutes. The time taken by the current 100KW charger to charge the passenger car is about 3 – 4 hours. The OHACD technology will be introduced to the market in the next one to one and a half years, stated Abhijit Mulay, Deputy Director of ARAI.

S. S. Thipse, Senior Deputy Director of ARAI said that Hydrogen is a clean fuel and is the fuel of the future. So, ARAI has showcased the latest technology in hydrogen vehicles through a specially dedicated pavilion at the SIAT 2024 Expo. The latest in hydrogen fuel technology is displayed at this pavilion including the H2 Fuel Cell Bus, H2 IC Engine, H2 Type4 Cylinder, H2 Fuel Kit, and H2 ICE Truck. ARAI is developing the testing and certification model for hydrogen-powered vehicles and their components. It is also in the advanced stages of developing a hydrogen-powered engine which will be BSVI-compliant.

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• Offers best-in-class rated payload of 900 kg (Diesel) and 750 kg (CNG Duo)
• Increased deck length of 2515 mm
• Impressive range of over 500 km for Supro Excel CNG Duo
• Enhanced safety feature with Anti-Roll Bar which provides stability
• The Supro Profit Truck Excel series offers competitive pricing, with the Diesel variant priced at ₹6.60 lakh (ex-showroom Pune) and the CNG DUO variant at ₹6.92lakh (ex-showroom Pune).

PUNE: Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M), the market leader in Small Commercial Vehicles (SCVs) in India, proudly announces the launch of the new Supro Profit Truck Excel series, available in both Diesel and CNG Duo variants. Building on the success of the Supro platform, the Profit Truck Excel series has been designed to redefine last-mile connectivity with its superior power, exceptional style, unparalleled safety and unsurpassed comfort.

The Supro, initially launched in 2015, has emerged as a versatile platform catering to the evolving needs of customers. The Supro Profit Truck Excel series offers competitive pricing, with the Diesel variant priced at ₹6.60 lakh (ex-showroom Pune) and the CNG DUO variant at ₹6.92lakh (ex-showroom Pune). Following the success of the Supro CNG Duo, which has contributed to a six-fold increase in the brand’s volume, the new Supro Profit Truck Excel reinforces Mahindra’s commitment to offering versatile platforms with multiple engine and fuel options, modern style, advanced safety and technology features.

Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO – Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. said, “Mahindra’s ‘Rise for Value,’ a pillar of our RISE philosophy, is embodied in our latest offering – the Mahindra Supro Profit Truck Excel. This launch marks a significant stride in the sub-2-tonne segment, showcasing our commitment to empowering businesses and transforming last-mile connectivity in India. The Supro Profit Truck Excel, with its exceptional 500 km range CNG Duo variant, blends power, economy, safety, and comfort, reinforcing our mission to deliver comprehensive, value-driven solutions in logistics and transportation.“

R. Velusamy, President, Automotive Technology and Product Development, M&M said, “The Supro Profit Truck Excel, emerging from our renowned Supro platform, exemplifies Mahindra’s unwavering commitment to technological excellence. It boasts an advanced 5-speed transmission for improved performance, reinforced chassis with increased thickness and 19% more stiffness for enhanced stability, and an anti-roll bar, setting new standards in safety. These elements are meticulously integrated to not only deliver superior performance and efficiency but also to set a new benchmark in payload capacity. This vehicle stands as a testament to our promise of providing efficient, robust, and value-driven solutions, reshaping the less than 2-tonne segment and positively impacting our customers and communities.”

The Supro Profit Truck Excel stands out with its key features, emphasizing mileage, toughness, ruggedness, and the ability to handle versatile loads efficiently. It is designed to cater to the increasing demand for volumetric goods, particularly in the rapidly growing e-commerce sector. The Supro Profit Truck Excel stands out for its best-in-class payload capacity of 900 kg (Diesel) & 750 kg (CNG Duo), enhanced safety feature with an Anti-Roll Bar which provides stability to the 2050mm wheelbase, 5-speed transmission. The Supro Excel Diesel achieves a fuel efficiency of 23.6 Km/l, while the Supro Excel CNG Duo, with a capacity of 105L, delivers an impressive 24.8 km/kg and boasts a remarkable range of over 500 km.

The new SCV is equipped with a powerful 19.4 kW Direct Injection Diesel Engine and 20.01 kW Positive Ignition CNG Engine BS6 RDE-compliant engine, providing 55 Nm and 60 Nm torque respectively. The vehicle features R13 tyres and boasts 208 mm of ground clearance, ensuring higher performance and pickup even with a full load.  The Supro Profit Truck Excel boasts a reinforced chassis with a significantly increased thickness, delivering a remarkable 19% surge in stiffness for unparalleled durability and performance. Complemented by a bolstered suspension, this truck sets a new standard for robustness and resilience.

Key Specifications of Mahindra Supro Profit Truck Excel:

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This was the case yesterday, with the start 20km from the bivouac of Chami and the finish 500 meters away after a 453km special stage. This first loop should damage the standings, both on the bikes, where many riders are missing waypoints, and on the four-wheelers, where the gaps at the finish are quite substantial.

Once again yesterday, the battle raged between the two-cylinder bikes in the motorbike category. But for once, one of the three race leaders was missing at the finish. It was Pol TARRES who, following exhaust problems on his Yamaha 700 Tenere, crossed the finish line almost 13 minutes after his team-mate Alessandro BOTTURI, the day’s winner.

The Italian clawed back two minutes from his compatriot Jacopo CERUTTI, who came very close with navigation problems at the end of the course and even a crash, fortunately not serious for him and his APRILIA 660 Tuareg. As a result, BOTTURI is now just one minute behind CERUTTI overall. Even though he will open the track the next morning, he has gained a certain advantage over his rival and friend. Behind, even if Alessandro RUOSO places his Yamaha 700 Tenere in 4th position ahead of the BETA of Francesco MURATORI, first in the 450 class, it isn’t easy to know exactly the final classification of the stage as many riders admitted to having missed one of the last waypoints of the course. The Motorcycle Jury therefore had a lot of work to do to confirm the standings. Finally, a word about Joan GARCIA PEDRERO, the rider of the HARLEY DAVIDSON PAN AMERICA 1250. The Spaniard, who suffered a fuel pump problem, preferred not to take any risks and avoided the dunes. He nevertheless made it to the finish and despite a few hours’ penalty, he remained in the race.

Pierre-Louis LOUBET and François BORSOTTO are having similar days on four wheels, as they once again won their APACHE. It was their fourth stage victory and one that has enabled them to move up three places in the overall standings. At this rate, the Corsican could be in the top 3 before the end of the rally: “It’s a shame we had a problem on the third day because when everything’s working, you’re in for a treat.” The day’s victory goes to François BORSOTTO, who handled the complicated navigation at the end of the rally very well. The N°260 crew relegated the second SSV of Ricardo SOUSA and Jorge BRANDAO to almost 30 minutes. However, the Portuguese didn’t spare any effort on their CAN AM, but to no avail. They finished one minute ahead of the Pick-Up TOYOTA of Belgians Pascal FERYN and Kurt KEYSERS, themselves three minutes ahead of Hungarians Imre VARGA and Jozsef TOMA also on TOYOTA. The third car was the TOYOTA of Dutchmen Teun STAM and René BARGERMAN, while the third SSV was that of Portuguese drivers Rui and Bernardo OLIVEIRA.

As for the race leaders, Gautier PAULIN and Remi BOULANGER, they placed their APACHE in 7th position at 00:43:20 overall. The runner-up in the Motocross World Championship, taking part in his first Rallye-Tout-Terrain behind the wheel, admitted at the finish that he had found it very difficult to manage his nervous state following a navigation error.

Indeed, this extraordinary champion has always been used to seeing races decided by seconds. He therefore finds it hard to accept conceding minutes. But he still had a smile on his face at the finish and readily admitted that he would have to get used to the philosophy of this new discipline.

The first truck to join Chami was Tomas TOMECEK’s TATRA. The Czech, driving solo in his truck was around 8 minutes ahead of the SCANIA of Dutchmen Aad VAN VELSEN, Michel VAN VELSEN, and Marco SIMMONS and 45 minutes ahead of the GINAF of
Belgians Cedric FERYN, Bjon BURGELMAN and Tom DE LEUW. In the meantime, following problems on this 7th stage for the various leaders at the top of the table, TOMECEK is now in 3rd position in the provisional car-truck general standings.

In the classic race, after a day off, the serious business resumed with three regularity zones and 149 km to cover, or links. Eric and Tom CLAYS are still in the lead in their 1986 TOYOTA BJ73. The Belgians are ahead of their compatriots René
DECLERCQ and John DEMEESTER in their 1980 BOMBARDIER Iltis. Austrian Peter BRABECK-LETMATHE completed the podium, alongside Frenchman Jean Michel GAYTE in a 1998 MITSUBISHI Pajero.

On Wednesday 10 January 2024, the AFRICA ECO RACE caravan heads east towards the village of AMODJAR. The 390km special stage is 100% sand, which could prove complicated given the current heat in Mauritania, which is well over 30 degrees.

STAGE 7 RESULTS BIKES

GENERAL CLASSIFICATION BIKES

STAGE 7 RESULTS CARS-TRUCKS

GENERAL CLASSIFICATION CARS/TRUCKS

Text, Photo & Video Credits: Africa ECO Race 

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Hendrickson (a Boler Company) forayed into India in 2006 through a Joint Venture with Tata AutoComp Systems and in 2011 incorporated a 100% subsidiary named Watson & Chalin India Pvt Ltd to expand its manufacturing footprint for truck and trailer products and serve as a manufacturing base to support global customers in Europe, Middle East, and Asia.

Hendrickson presently has sales and distribution facilities and/or state-of-the-art manufacturing and research and development centers in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Romania, France, Poland, Turkey, India, China, Japan, Thailand, Australia, and New Zealand. With its manufacturing facilities for truck and trailer axles and suspensions, Hendrickson is committed to delivering cutting-edge products tailored to the local geography and terrain in India.

Expressing his delight about the launch of these innovative products in India, Matthew Joy, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Hendrickson, states, “Today, we are excited to introduce these innovative Ride Solutions for trailer applications in India, with the goal of serving and supporting the industry’s evolving needs. Every day, millions of Hendrickson suspension systems and components worldwide carry loads of freight and raw materials, showcasing our commitment to providing durable, lightweight, and high-performing suspension systems and components. Our global presence and dedication to delivering products and services that benefit manufacturers, fleets and owner-operators worldwide are key factors in our success. Our tagline, ‘The World Rides on Us’ encapsulates our brand’s spirit and reflects our 110- years of innovation” added Joy.

Richardo Martin, Vice President of International Operations, adds, “Over the years, we have become a force to reckon with in the industry. Our entrepreneurial attitude fosters a culture of innovation, encouraging all our associates to discover, invent, and modernize. This philosophy enables us to create state-of-the-art products and establish ourselves as an industry leader. We work closely with fleets and truck and trailer manufacturers worldwide, collaborating on new product development. In addition to our innovative products, we provide extensive technical support and training services to ensure the proper installation, operation, service, and maintenance of Hendrickson equipment and aftermarket components. Our ‘Innovation Built In’ philosophy extends throughout our global network of operations and employees. We are committed to serving the transportation industry with cost-effective ride solutions that enhance productivity and profitability”.

Hendrickson India’s commitment to innovation and advanced technology is evident in the unique features and patented technologies incorporated into their products for Trucks and Trailers. As Mohit Khosla, Whole-time Director & Chief Executive Officer for India & Middle East, states, “We are happy to introduce these cutting-edge products in the Indian market. In India, we are committed to continual improvement, ensuring customer trust and safety. We have gained the trust of OEMs, fleets, and owner-operators, thanks to our advanced innovative patented technologies. We are rapidly transitioning into India’s leading axle and suspension system manufacturing company for truck and trailer applications. With the introduction of our new Air and Mechanical Suspensions, we reaffirm our dedication to delivering rugged, high-performance, and cost-effective solutions. These products offer outstanding ride quality and control for various types of trailers on Indian roads, including flatbeds, containers, tankers, bulkers, sidewall trailers, and tip trailers. These suspensions will be manufactured locally as part of the Make in India initiative of the Government of India and will be the lightest systems in the market offering unmatched payload and operating efficiency advantages to their customers. Especially designed and applicated to the Indian terrain, these suspensions exemplify our unwavering commitment to excellence and our mission to drive technology, design, and innovation in the commercial transportation industry.

The Indian market currently witnesses an annual demand of about 40,000 trailers, with mechanical suspensions accounting for about 70% of the market share. The migration to air suspensions has commenced and will gain momentum as the road infrastructure continues to grow and customer expectations demand the adoption of new technologies.

To cater to this growing market, Hendrickson in India is introducing a dual brand strategy of bringing premium products under the Hendrickson brand and cost-effective, locally manufactured products under the Watson & Chalin brand. These options will offer solutions to a wide base of customers all having different business challenges that need to be addressed.”

Hendrickson Severe Duty Suspension (HSDS®):  Premium Suspension Delivering Rugged Performance and Outstanding Reliability with Un-matched Ride Quality for Indian Roads

Since its introduction in 2011 on Indian roads, the HSDS® system has been a premium and trusted solution for various heavy-duty trailer applications, including flatbed, containers, tankers, bulkers, sidewalls, and tip trailers. The HSDS® system incorporates a very lightweight design, enabling the highest payloads and offering maximum reliability and durability. The HSDS system comes in capacities varying from 12T to 14T for the Indian market.

The HSDS system uses a Tyre Inflation and Deflation System (Tiremaax Pro), which increases tyre life by maintaining optimal tyre pressure without human interface. This feature significantly reduces operational costs and increases productivity.

With long recommended service intervals, the HSDS® system minimizes vehicle downtime. The HSDS® system incorporates premium shock absorbers and large-diameter air springs, providing superior suspension performance, stability, and load-carrying capability. These components contribute to a comfortable and controlled ride.

The HSDS system uses patented Tri-FUNCTIONAL bushings, which play a vital role in providing ride stability and ride quality. By enhancing durability and minimizing wear, these bushings contribute to the bottom line of customers by reducing maintenance costs.

TA 14 – Heavy Duty Air Suspension

The TA 14 Heavy Duty Air suspension is designed for Indian applications keeping in mind the Indian road conditions and the changing face of infrastructure in India.  This suspension comes in Top and Low Mount variants offering numerous options to the customers based on their application requirements. This suspension is the lightest suspension system amongst its peers in the market and offers higher payload capability. 

Its technologically advanced design coupled with state-of-the-art manufacturing processes (including friction welding and robotic welding) results in a superior ride quality for drivers and minimum vibrations to cargo. The TA 14 Heavy Duty Air Suspension offers high reliability, and durability contributing to reduced vehicle downtime, minimum maintenance requirements, and best-in-class operational efficiency. This suspension system features dynamically balanced brake drums, enhancing tyre life and ensuring optimal braking performance.

This suspension has been applicated to operate in the harshest of operating conditions and is suitable for various applications including flatbeds, containers, tankers, bulkers, sidewalls, and tip trailers.

Single Axle – Heavy Duty Trailer Axle

The Single Axle is a high-quality axle designed for Indian and global markets. This Single Axle can be coupled with any Air and Tandem or Tridem Mechanical Suspension system, providing a reliable solution for various applications.

The Single Axle is manufactured using a high-strength alloy steel tube, ensuring better durability and long service life. The Single Axle uses friction welded spindles (a manufacturing practice only adopted by Hendrickson and Watson & Chalin in India for Trailer axles) which results in the lowest weight and superior product life. This Single Axle comes with AIS 113 certified brake liners, meeting industry standards for braking performance and ensuring safer operation.

The Single Axle uses a patented dust filter technology for extended wheel end life, and dynamically balanced brake drums for increased tyre life. It includes an outboard drum for easier servicing and heavy-duty bearings for reliable performance in demanding conditions.  

MS 16 – Heavy Duty Mechanical Suspension

The MS 16 Heavy Duty Mechanical Suspension is rated at 16T capacity and is designed to meet the diverse needs of on-road and off-road applications offering exceptional load-carrying capability and performance. The MS 16 Suspension is available in tandem and tridem configurations and features a heavy-duty leaf spring assembly. Its robust construction ensures optimal performance and durability.

The MS 16 Suspension is manufactured with cost-effective, locally manufactured, high-quality components such as equalizers with thicker side plates and highly durable polyurethane bushes in the torque arm. These features contribute to low maintenance costs, reduced downtime, and increase operational efficiency.

The post Hendrickson Innovative Air And Mechanical Suspensions And Axles For Trailer Applications Launched In India appeared first on NRI News.