OREANDA-NEWS. September 18, 2012. Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles Business Unit (CVBU) today launched six first-of-its-kind heavy trucks and an intelligent vehicle and driver management solution – Tata FleetMan telematics services.

Among the launches are:

The first 37-tonne, 5-axle rigid truck in the country, the Tata LPT 3723, in the 10x4 configuration.

The top-of-line Tata Prima range has now been further extended with the launch of two new engine capacities of 380hp and 230hp. In the 380hp range, two new models have been launched – Prima 4938 tractor and Prima 3138K tipper. The new 230hp LX range has two new products – Prima 4923 and Prima 4023 tractors.

The Tata Motors Construck range has been further fortified with the launch of the versatile Tata LPK 3118 tipper.

All these six trucks have been designed and built specifically to offer the lowest total cost of ownership, best-in-class fuel efficiency, longer service runs and enhanced levels of driver comfort, resulting in best-in-class profitability and lowest payback period for the fleet operator.

The company also introduced a telematics and fleet management service, branded Tata FleetMan. Targeted at commercial vehicle fleet owners and large consigners of goods, the service offers advanced telematics solutions, which will help in increasing productivity and profitability. Tata FleetMan will initially be introduced on new tractor-trailers, but will be available on the entire Tata Motors medium and heavy commercial vehicle range in the coming months. The service will also be extended to existing vehicles, through aftermarket fitments.

Speaking on the occasion, Ravi Pisharody, executive director, commercial vehicles, Tata Motors, said, “Tata Motors has been in the Indian commercial vehicle space for over six decades. During this period, we have developed a very deep understanding of the Indian market, bringing world-class technologies at world-class prices, having always paced ourselves one step ahead in meeting our customer’s needs. The six first-of-its-kind trucks bear testimony to that tradition of the company. Besides products, we have also developed a host of innovative service offerings, which will further our dominance in the Indian market. Tata FleetMan, completely developed in-house, further affirms our expertise in offering solutions which can transform the dynamics of the transport industry.”

The Tata LPT 3723 is the first 5-axle rigid truck in the country and will be the next big game-changer in the Indian commercial vehicle industry. This truck can carry around 4.5 tonnes more than the existing 31-tonne multi-axle vehicle segment. As a result, it is all set to radically change the economics of transportation in multiple segments by reducing the cost per tonne-km of transportation. It is powered by a Cummins 6BT 5.9L engine (155kw power at 2500rpm), twin steerable front axles, a twin-drive axle and a tag-lift axle - the only truck to have such a technology, which reduces tyre and fuel costs. The turning circle diameter of 21.9m makes it more maneuverable.

The Tata Prima 3138 K has been built specifically for deep mining in coal, iron ore, lignite mines as well as bulk limestone movement in off-road applications. Considered a tough performer that can successfully tackle every challenge in heavy-duty deep mining operations, its high level of robustness comes with a specially designed stronger chassis frame. Tata Prima 3138 K is a 4-axle, 31-tonne GVW tipper with a 9-speed Eaton manual transmission or an Allison automatic transmission. The 8X4 tipper is powered by the Cummins ISLe engine which has a maximum power of 380hp. The product features include new generation brakes, anti-lock braking system and hub reduction axle, specially designed for mining operations. It also has a 19 Cu.mt Hardox half pile rock body specially designed for overburden in coal, iron and limestone applications. The tipper has a spacious air-conditioned non-sleeper cabin that includes pneumatically adjustable seats and an adjustable steering wheel for enhanced driver comfort, which enables the driver to operate for long hours each day, thereby offering faster turnaround time.

The Tata Prima 4938 S is the first Indian puller-tractor to cater to the needs of customers engaged in the logistics of heavy and over dimensional cargo like windmill components, transformers, rail coaches, etc, which are critical for national infrastructure development. These kinds of vehicles, imported till date, are now available in India through Tata Motors at an Indian price. The vehicle comes with the ISLe 370hp engine with 1550nm torque making it the most powerful Indian cargo truck today. The cabin of this truck is the Tata Motors’ world-class Prima cabin, which comes with standard AC, double sleeper bunks, tilt and telescopic adjustable steering column, pneumatically adjustable seats and power windows. Driver comfort provided in this cabin is on par with global trucks.

The new Tata Prima 230hp LX range consists of the Tata Prima LX 4923 S and Tata Prima LX 4023 S. The new 230hp range was launched to extend the Prima advantage to many more transporters who require a lower power-to-weight ratio. These vehicles are fitted with a Cummins ISBe electronic engine with common rail injection for efficient fuel injection. This comes with India’s first indigenously developed 9-speed gearbox from Tata Motors, with an overdrive function which provides superior fuel efficiency. These vehicles are also coupled with a 430mm diameter organic clutch and 10-T rear axle to deliver a balanced and robust drive train. The Tata Prima LX cabin comes with an optional AC, 4-point suspension for reduced vibration and double sleeper bunks to provide maximum comfort to the driver.

The Tata LPK 3118 is a 4-axle (steerable front axles) tipper developed for coal transportation, earth work, aggregate / sand transportation and port and industrial handling application. This product is developed considering increased demand for high performance and fuel-efficient tippers in coal supply / earth work. The LPK 3118 is powered by the Tata Cummins 183hp engine and proven Tata G-1150 gearbox, and delivers best-in-class 680nm torque at 1400rpm. Tata LPK 3118 also has best-in-class minimum turning circle radius and highest gradability, which makes it an efficient performer. The Tata LPK 3118 is available in 18 cum box type body in tipper version and in RMC application suitable for 8 cum transit mixer. The cabin is designed to give the driver full comfort while in operation and will be available in both day cab and sleeper cab version.

The Tata FleetMan telematics and fleet management service has been designed to address pressing concerns of the transport industry and targeted at the commercial vehicle fleet owner.

Through advanced telematics solutions, like fuel management, driver management and remote diagnostics, Tata FleetMan combines state-of-the-art IT and telecom equipment and software, with Tata Motors’ expertise in automobile technology, to offer one of the most advanced telematics solutions in the country. With features like real-time fleet tracking, SMS alerts, geo-fencing and trip management, Tata FleetMan will help fleet owners increase the productivity and profitability of their transport business. The service will carry an annual subscription charge and will be marketed through the Tata Motors commercial vehicle dealer network.