Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland bag massive DTC orders
Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland have received massive orders from the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) for supply of buses for its fleet modernisation and expansion. While it is a second order from DTC for Tata Motors valued at Rs. 2,200 crores for supply of 1,625 ultra low-floor buses, with maintenance for 12 years, the deal with Ashok Leyland worth Rs. 11.9 billion is for supply of 875 high-end ultra low entry (ULE) buses, with maintenance for 12 years.
As the Capital prepares for the Commonwealth Games to be held in 2010, DTC has decided to revamp its entire fleet with the additional of 6,000 new low-floor CNG AC and non-AC buses. The Delhi Government has made it clear that all developmental activities related to the Games will be undertaken on a war footing, including the replenishment of the DTC fleet. ‘’We are taking measures to phase out the blueline buses and bring in corporate entities to provide modern, low-floor buses, both air-conditioned and non-airconditioned, for the comfort of the commuters”, said a spokeperson of Delhi Government. Currently, DTC has a fleet of 3,850 buses, of which 655 are low-floor AC and non-AC buses.
The first order for these buses was bagged by Tata Motors in 2007 for supply of 650 buses, and the company fulfilled the order in batches, as per schedule, in 2008. As has been the case with Tata Motors buses already plying in Delhi, these ultra low-floor vehicles make entry and exit extremely convenient, with passengers almost walking into them, rather than climbing. A pneumatically deployed automatic access ramp makes it particularly convenient for those with special challenges, who can even come in with their wheel-chairs. Wide twin doors, at the centre and the front, permit three individuals to simultaneously enter and exit.
The bus interiors are spacious. The seats are ergonomically designed and the corridors wide enough for easy movement. Special features include a communication system connecting the driver to passengers and electronic destination board. The engine, at the rear, reduces noise, heat and vibration levels, while also increasing interior space. Full pneumatic suspension and automatic transmission further add to a comfortable ride. Tata Motors will be responsible for the maintenance of these buses for 12 years. Success of the company ultra low-floor buses in Delhi is encouraging other cities to consider similar transportation solutions.
A comprehensive solution
For Ashok leyland, this single largest order from DTC envisages supply of 350 A/C and 525 non-A/C buses. The actual supply will commence by mid-2009 and will be completed by September next. The maintenance contract valid for 12 years, which is part of the deal, is valued at a further Rs. 7.1 billion. Drivers will be trained at the company’s state-of-the-art Driver Training Institute at Burari, near New Delhi, which has been set up jointly with the Delhi Government.
Said Mr. R Seshasayee, Managing Director, Ashok Leyland: “The uniqueness of this order from DTC is that we have been contracted to offer a truly comprehensive urban transportation solution. Besides delivering these fully-built buses, we will train key personnel like drivers and mechanics and will maintain the buses to ensure uptime, by setting up exclusive maintenance depots”.
Mr. R K Verma, Secretary cum Transport Commissioner & CMD of DTC, said: “We are happy that Ashok Leyland which had spearheaded the induction of CNG in our bus fleet is now partnering us in our modernization drive. I am confident in Ashok Leyland’s capabilities to offer us world class buses and provide the crucial long-term support to ensure uptime”.
The new ULE buses will have a floor height of 390 mm, for step-less entry. The 12-metre-long buses will have 35-seats with a 2x2 configuration. Passenger ride comfort is further addressed through a wide 1100 mm door and kneeling facility for easy entry and exit, as also comfortable grab bars and air suspension. A retractable ramp is a disabled-friendly feature.
These buses will be powered by a 230hp engine and fitted with automatic transmission, speed limiting device and multiplex wiring. The chassis and the body for the fully-built buses will be manufactured at Ashok Leyland’s Alwar plant which had spearheaded induction of CNG technology in Delhi buses, with a supply of over 3,500 CNG bus chassis. The infrastructure has since been augmented for bus body assembly, with ultra-modern facilities like a cubic framing fixture, hydraulic automated paneling, conveyors for automation, body lifting mechanisms, paint booth and a shower testing facility.
To be manufactured to the very exacting and stringent specifications laid down by DTC, the body structures will go through rigorous processes such as 336 hours of salt spray test for corrosion.
Proven technology strength
With its proven strength in technology, Ashok Leyland has won the DTC order at a time when the bus segment is agog with activity with the entry of new players like Volvo and MercedesBenz and the fierce competition therefrom, forcing the existing manufacturers to increasingly resort to newer ways and means of producing high-tech products of popular appeal in order to stay afloat. All the players have realized the importance of expanded R&D and vehicle designing activities too.
Ashok Leyland’s newly-developed city bus with extra features was a major attraction at Auto Expo 2008. The design work on this rare and innovative product started by the company team of young talented engineers in 2006 took just less than 10 months for its completion.
In its endeavour to find out why people are averse to travelling by bus, the team found out after a detailed survey of bus traffic systems in major cities that journeying during peak hours is indeed a pain for the general public. Keeping in mind the affordability factor, the team members went about judiciously mixing and matching the most cost-effective and yet state-of-the-art components and aggregates for building the new vehicle.
It was a learning experience for the team to interact with parts suppliers, constantly follow up for material procurement and resolve issues relating to vehicle integration with various sub-continents. The team could really achieve what it wanted, thanks to its sincerity and dedication to the job on hand.
Growing market share
The Indian bus market was for long dominated by Ashok Leyland and Tata Motors. Now there are other players like Eicher, Swaraj Mazda, Volvo and MercedesBenz.
Ashok Leyland still remains the only Indian source for vestibule and double-decker buses, thereby having the widest range of passenger vehicles to meet diverse customer requirements across the country. Its offer of world-class products of high technology suited to customer requirements at competitive rates accounts for the company’s continued success in the segment.
In the STU segment, with its robust and scientific fleet management system and cost benefit analysis, Ashok Leyland is the preferred brand since its vehicles offer the best cost to value over a vehicle’s life cycle. Further, the company has leadership in the M&HCV passenger segment for many years with 46 per cent market share. It has leadership in the STU segment, with over 60 per cent market share and has its equally strong presence among private operators, with almost 50 per cent market share.
The new bus models proposed to be introduced by the company are the Ultra Low Entry (ULE) buses with a floor height of 390 mm with stepless entry, Semi-Low Floor (SLF) buses with 650 mm entry both in diesel and CNG versions, Tarmac Coaches (with a choice in floor heights of 390 mm, 650 mm and 860 mm) which are already running in some Indian airports, and the Luxura which is a high-end luxury coach.
Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland have received massive orders from the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) for supply of buses for its fleet modernisation and expansion. While it is a second order from DTC for Tata Motors valued at Rs. 2,200 crores for supply of 1,625 ultra low-floor buses, with maintenance for 12 years, the deal with Ashok Leyland worth Rs. 11.9 billion is for supply of 875 high-end ultra low entry (ULE) buses, with maintenance for 12 years.As the Capital prepares for the Commonwealth Games to be held in 2010, DTC has decided to revamp its entire fleet with the additional of 6,000 new low-floor CNG AC and non-AC buses. The Delhi Government has made it clear that all developmental activities related to the Games will be undertaken on a war footing, including the replenishment of the DTC fleet. ‘’We are taking measures to phase out the blueline buses and bring in corporate entities to provide modern, low-floor buses, both air-conditioned and non-airconditioned, for the comfort of the commuters”, said a spokeperson of Delhi Government. Currently, DTC has a fleet of 3,850 buses, of which 655 are low-floor AC and non-AC buses.
The first order for these buses was bagged by Tata Motors in 2007 for supply of 650 buses, and the company fulfilled the order in batches, as per schedule, in 2008. As has been the case with Tata Motors buses already plying in Delhi, these ultra low-floor vehicles make entry and exit extremely convenient, with passengers almost walking into them, rather than climbing. A pneumatically deployed automatic access ramp makes it particularly convenient for those with special challenges, who can even come in with their wheel-chairs. Wide twin doors, at the centre and the front, permit three individuals to simultaneously enter and exit.
The bus interiors are spacious. The seats are ergonomically designed and the corridors wide enough for easy movement. Special features include a communication system connecting the driver to passengers and electronic destination board. The engine, at the rear, reduces noise, heat and vibration levels, while also increasing interior space. Full pneumatic suspension and automatic transmission further add to a comfortable ride. Tata Motors will be responsible for the maintenance of these buses for 12 years. Success of the company ultra low-floor buses in Delhi is encouraging other cities to consider similar transportation solutions.
A comprehensive solution
For Ashok leyland, this single largest order from DTC envisages supply of 350 A/C and 525 non-A/C buses. The actual supply will commence by mid-2009 and will be completed by September next. The maintenance contract valid for 12 years, which is part of the deal, is valued at a further Rs. 7.1 billion. Drivers will be trained at the company’s state-of-the-art Driver Training Institute at Burari, near New Delhi, which has been set up jointly with the Delhi Government.
Said Mr. R Seshasayee, Managing Director, Ashok Leyland: “The uniqueness of this order from DTC is that we have been contracted to offer a truly comprehensive urban transportation solution. Besides delivering these fully-built buses, we will train key personnel like drivers and mechanics and will maintain the buses to ensure uptime, by setting up exclusive maintenance depots”.Mr. R K Verma, Secretary cum Transport Commissioner & CMD of DTC, said: “We are happy that Ashok Leyland which had spearheaded the induction of CNG in our bus fleet is now partnering us in our modernization drive. I am confident in Ashok Leyland’s capabilities to offer us world class buses and provide the crucial long-term support to ensure uptime”.
The new ULE buses will have a floor height of 390 mm, for step-less entry. The 12-metre-long buses will have 35-seats with a 2x2 configuration. Passenger ride comfort is further addressed through a wide 1100 mm door and kneeling facility for easy entry and exit, as also comfortable grab bars and air suspension. A retractable ramp is a disabled-friendly feature.
These buses will be powered by a 230hp engine and fitted with automatic transmission, speed limiting device and multiplex wiring. The chassis and the body for the fully-built buses will be manufactured at Ashok Leyland’s Alwar plant which had spearheaded induction of CNG technology in Delhi buses, with a supply of over 3,500 CNG bus chassis. The infrastructure has since been augmented for bus body assembly, with ultra-modern facilities like a cubic framing fixture, hydraulic automated paneling, conveyors for automation, body lifting mechanisms, paint booth and a shower testing facility.
To be manufactured to the very exacting and stringent specifications laid down by DTC, the body structures will go through rigorous processes such as 336 hours of salt spray test for corrosion.
Proven technology strength
With its proven strength in technology, Ashok Leyland has won the DTC order at a time when the bus segment is agog with activity with the entry of new players like Volvo and MercedesBenz and the fierce competition therefrom, forcing the existing manufacturers to increasingly resort to newer ways and means of producing high-tech products of popular appeal in order to stay afloat. All the players have realized the importance of expanded R&D and vehicle designing activities too.
Ashok Leyland’s newly-developed city bus with extra features was a major attraction at Auto Expo 2008. The design work on this rare and innovative product started by the company team of young talented engineers in 2006 took just less than 10 months for its completion.In its endeavour to find out why people are averse to travelling by bus, the team found out after a detailed survey of bus traffic systems in major cities that journeying during peak hours is indeed a pain for the general public. Keeping in mind the affordability factor, the team members went about judiciously mixing and matching the most cost-effective and yet state-of-the-art components and aggregates for building the new vehicle.
It was a learning experience for the team to interact with parts suppliers, constantly follow up for material procurement and resolve issues relating to vehicle integration with various sub-continents. The team could really achieve what it wanted, thanks to its sincerity and dedication to the job on hand.
Growing market share
The Indian bus market was for long dominated by Ashok Leyland and Tata Motors. Now there are other players like Eicher, Swaraj Mazda, Volvo and MercedesBenz.
Ashok Leyland still remains the only Indian source for vestibule and double-decker buses, thereby having the widest range of passenger vehicles to meet diverse customer requirements across the country. Its offer of world-class products of high technology suited to customer requirements at competitive rates accounts for the company’s continued success in the segment.
In the STU segment, with its robust and scientific fleet management system and cost benefit analysis, Ashok Leyland is the preferred brand since its vehicles offer the best cost to value over a vehicle’s life cycle. Further, the company has leadership in the M&HCV passenger segment for many years with 46 per cent market share. It has leadership in the STU segment, with over 60 per cent market share and has its equally strong presence among private operators, with almost 50 per cent market share.
The new bus models proposed to be introduced by the company are the Ultra Low Entry (ULE) buses with a floor height of 390 mm with stepless entry, Semi-Low Floor (SLF) buses with 650 mm entry both in diesel and CNG versions, Tarmac Coaches (with a choice in floor heights of 390 mm, 650 mm and 860 mm) which are already running in some Indian airports, and the Luxura which is a high-end luxury coach.
Ralf Dieter, Dürr AG’s CEO, commented: “As technology leader, Dürr already addressed the issue of energy and CO2 optimization early on. So, today, we are in a position to offer our customers equipment and systems with which energy and unit costs can be significantly reduced. Our dry separation system clearly underscores the results of our development efforts.”
On the gaskets side, Wolverine is working with most of the Indian gasket manufacturers. Wolverine is also supplying brake shims to local manufacturers of brake friction, and for the NVH application the company is providing damping solutions to select OEMs and engine manufacturers. In the very first year of operation, Wolverine, supported by PRA, will effectively double the sales in the region.
On the occasion Brembo introduced a new brand “Breco”, which is a synthesis of “Brembo company”, has been studied to be - in a carefully defined hierarchy of brands - the brand specifically dedicated to the braking systems of small-to-medium displacement scooters and motorcycles targeted for the BRIC and ASEAN countries.
Moreover, Brembo is also a leader in the racing sector and has won more than 200 championships. Today the company operates in 14 countries of three continents, with 33 production and business sites, and a pool of about 5,800 employees, nine per cent of whom are engineers and product specialists active in the R&D. The 2007 sales totalled Euro 912 million.
Mr. Aggarwal further says: “Since we manufacture with our own indigenous technology, we are able to offer superior quality products at very competitive price. We have been certified by American and European labs, including CE and IMO certification”.
The Dubai-based Western Auto LLC, part of the $7 billion ETA Star Group, is a leading automobile trading, leasing, marketing and consulting company, with global presence, including India. It has recorded a turnover of $440 million in 2007. It has operations in Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Kuwait, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Bangkok, India and China.
In line with the stated vision to establish global leadership in providing quality transport solution, Western Auto has started a new innovative initiative in India, RACE, which is involved in research, analysis, consulting, engineering services in automotive applications and transportation.
Of late, most truck and bus manufacturers have started addressing the customer needs through completely built units. Currently only 10 per cent of the total sales are from fully built units (FBVs) and the balance 90 per cent are spread across a few organised and other largely unorganised body builders. Studies reveal that customers buy FBVs for convenience, ready delivery and full finance availability, but their application requirements or fit are not being completely addressed at the moment.
Mr. Wels says the Indian plant will cater to the growing demand in the Indian market and also to other neighboring Asian market. Apart from bus segment, Mobitec is also looking at the rail segment both for Metro and Intercity express trains.
The eight buses were operated by Stockholms Lokaltrafik (SL), a major bus operator in Stockholm. At that time operating about 3,000 buses, SL was a community-owned bus operator. The buses undergoing tests were placed at the same bus depot and performed operations on the same routes, so that a comparison between the ELSY system and the conventional system could be made.
In India, Gorba Integra is currently working on future projects with all major OEMs and has made trial supplies. In fact, the product has been indigenised to the extent of 95 per cent and small critical parts are being imported. The idea is to manufacture European standard products to suit Indian market and customers without compromising on quality and standards.
Currently, Gorba AG also offers one of the most reliable TFT technologies on the market. The equipment does not have mechanical elements such as a ventilator or hard drive. Thus, throughout their service life, the equipment is not affected by the vibrations of the vehicle or the accumulation of dust in the electronics components.
From fan clutches to door closers, Kendrion LINNIG develops innovative electromagnetic solutions, focusing on its customers’ individual requirements. The company offers complete system solutions for the commercial vehicle and bus / coach industry, which include not only the mechanical drive, but also the electronic control system. The company’s products contribute a valuable share when it comes to comfort, safety, energy saving and environmental protection. The vision of LINNIG is to supply the customers’ components, to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
The company has been studying the Indian market potential. Convinced of the huge opportunities, Kendrion LINNIG has decided to set up a subsidiary in India. The company is in the process of founding the subsidiary in India and at a latter stage is planning to set up a manufacturing facility in India as well. Initially it will import components as CKDs and assemble it in India. Over a period of time, Kendrion LINNIG is planning to indigenise components.
With Volvo, Mercedes and Tata Marcopolo introducing tube-less technology in the market there is scope for growth in this segment. “Globally we have already partnered with Volvo, Mercedes and Scania, and we supply our wheels as an OEM part in most markets.
Allison Transmission, Inc., the world’s leading supplier of commercial duty fully automatic transmissions and hybrid propulsion systems, has taken the next big step in the Indian market by deciding to set up a manufacturing facility for transmission components. The company broke ground recently on the new facility in Oragadam on the outskirts of Chennai, designed to meet the growing global demand for automatic transmissions. The new plant will be operational by 2010.
Founded in 1915, the Allison business, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.A., employs 3,300 people. It has regional headquarters with dedicated support staff in China, the Netherlands, Brazil, India and Japan. With a global presence in 80 countries, Allison has over 1,500 distributor and dealer locations.
In fact, Oragadam is becoming a booming automotive hub which has attracted more than Rs. 60,000 crores of investment from more than 100 Indian and global majors which have chosen to set up their manufacturing facility, says Mr. N. Govindan, Chairman & Managing Director of Sipcot.
As with operations everywhere, whether in North America, Latin America, Europe, or Asia, delivering on the Allison Brand Promise of an automatic experience with an unrivalled combination of quality, reliability, vocational value and customer service is of paramount importance.
