Auto Expo Interview: Volvo and Eicher showcase future-ready mobility solutions

PUNE: VE Commercial Vehicles, a Volvo Group and Eicher Motors joint venture, is unveiling a range of future ready mobility solutions from the Eicher and Volvo brands at the ongoing Auto Expo 2023.

On Wednesday, the company showcased India's longest 13.5 m electric Intercity Coach and the Eicher Pro 2049 electric 4.9 T GVW truck. Built on Eicher’s proven EV platform, the Eicher Pro 2049 electric 4.9 T GVW truck is specifically developed for economical and clean last-mile applications.

Vishal Mathur, Sr Vice President Sales & Marketing, Light & Medium Duty Trucks, VECV spoke to MICHAEL GONSALVES on a range of issues. 

Q.What can we expect from VECV at the auto expo 2023?

As a successful, 15-year Volvo Group and Eicher Motors joint venture, VECV through the Volvo and Eicher brands is committed to a sustainable, efficient and productive logistics ecosystem through Smart Manufacturing, Alternate Fuels & Smart Support Solutions in India. In line with this vision VECV’s exhibition is under the theme of ‘Smart Sustainability’ for this year’s Auto Expo. As a leader in the Indian automobile industry, the Auto Expo is just the platform to showcase our future-ready range and smart solutions to our stakeholders, partners, and customers. We will be showcasing a wide range of clean mobility solutions powered by a range of alternate fuels like LNG, EV, Hydrogen fuel cell technology and Hydrogen ICE that align with the needs of specific applications. The company is also expanding its Eicher EV range by unveiling India’s first 13.5m Intercity electric coach and entering into EV LMD segment with the unveiling of Eicher 2049 electric truck. We will also be showcasing LNG powered Volvo Truck and an ultra-luxurious bus coach built on Volvo 9600 platform

Q. What is the USP of this EV 2049 truck? What is the applicability for the vehicle? In which markets will the truck be available when launched commercially?

This vehicle will be suitable for sustainable first and last-mile delivery solutions especially for the e-commerce segment. While being eco-friendly this vehicle also reduces the cost of first and last mile deliveries in the e-commerce segment. The vehicle comes with smart technology, connectivity and it has an ergonomically designed interior, aspirational design along with a world class cabin. It is equipped with modern dual tone instrument panel, tilt and telescopic steering and high-capacity battery. In addition to that, it has 4-way adjustable driver seats and digital instrument cluster. It comes powered by a 64 Kwh battery with a range of upt o 174kms and capability of fast charging.

Q.How has e-commerce pushed the sales of LMD trucks?

Covid has created a great impact on customer preferences and their ways of working. Owing to the restriction in movement and limited physical contact, the door-to-door delivery of goods has gained a lot of traction. Most of the e-commerce players have increased supply to various district pin-codes strengthening the hub-and-spoke model, as the result, the demand for LMD is increasing q-o-q now. Demand is coming to service this increasing consumer base in the digital space, and we have also geared up to cater to the evolving needs of the e-commerce players, and that's why we have widened our product range not only in Diesel but in CNG.