DaimChrys lists Pune for Actros
DAIMLER CHRYSLER India is expanding the scope of its manufacturing activity and is now planning to assemble the heavy-duty vehicle - Actros at its new plant in Pune. Currently, the 35-tonner truck is imported as completely built units (CBUs) for the Indian market.
"We are looking into the feasibility of setting up local assembly for our Actros trucks. The demand for this truck is quite buoyant and we hope to tap into this market further with local manufacturing. However, a decision to that effect is yet to be confirmed," said DaimlerChrysler spokesperson Manas Dewan.
Actros trucks is priced in the Rs.60-75 lakh range. The company brought in Actros trucks to India in June, 2006 and has sold nearly 50-60 units. The trucks are primarily used for mining operations and have been sold in the states of Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. "We plan to assemble these trucks only for local consumption. We have no plans for exports right now," Mr. Dewan said.
The fact that DaimlerChrysler India is contemplating local assembly of trucks shows an increased interest of the company in the commercial vehicle space. "We see the commercial vehicle space as one showing great promise and hope to aggressively position ourselves in that segment," said Mr. Dewan. Currently, the heavy-vehicle segment in India is 850 units, growing at 12-15% per annum.
The commercial vehicles space seems to be gearing up for major action. Key competition for DaimlerChrysler India could come from players like Volvo and Man Force trucks.
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