Joerg says that as a strategy, MAN Trucks India is very clear about the segments that it wants to address. At present, the Company wants to focus on the 16 tonne to 49 tonne range with higher horsepower trucks. "We still have a lot of market segments quite heavily dominated by domestic manufacturers. These are the sectors where we cannot compete because the customer demand in that segment is different from what we want to offer.
"But we see a huge potential in the upper segment or what we describe as the ‘premium budget' segment. Whatever you call it, we see a growing potential in that market and here we want to get a piece of the cake," he mentions.
Made in India and for India
Earlier this year, MAN Trucks India rolled out the New CLA EVO range whose market introduction coincided with the BSIV emission norms that came into effect on April 1, 2017. The series includes tippers, rigids and tractors, besides special application trucks that address diverse customer requirements.
"The CLA EVO range is something that we have specifically made to address the Indian market conditions and customers' requirements. We have always listened to our customers to understand their changing requirements. The new CLA EVO range is a good example of our ability to develop solutions in India, for India. MAN trucks are seen as a reference for strong performance over long duty cycles. Going forward, we will work towards bringing newer solutions to raise the bar for our customers," Joerg adds
The new range of trucks is powered by the proven MAN D-0836 common rail engine that delivers 250HP and 300HP based on the application. Joerg is confident that in the new economic scenario, this new range of trucks would do quite well. "With the implementation of GST, demand for haulage trucks is expected to rise.
"The MAN long haul trucks can operate up to 20 hours duty cycles, which will benefit operators in terms of faster turnaround. The engines have been enhanced to deliver more power, while being fuel efficient. Besides the product range, we are also expanding our after sales service network in order to cater to requirements across all key routes and locations."
Joerg says that MAN Trucks India will continue to develop its products to meet the market demands or to even be a little advanced. "This was also the reason why we designed and developed the CLA range because the old approach of the European manufacturers having a European product and then down grading it again and again for the Indian market does not work. So we need to have the right product hitting the market demand," he says.
What are the things that Joerg sees working in the favour of MAN Trucks in India and what are the things that he would like to improve upon? "What works for us are factors like product performance, reliability, fuel economy, horse power, payload, rupees per kilometre and so on. We believe that our product is offering the customer added value and the customer is ready to pay for that added value," he states.
Read the July 2017 issue for the complete interview or download a PDF copy at http://www.themachinist.in/latest_issue/worldwidemedia/2017-Jul
