Mahindra Navistar launches two new trucks

Mahindra Navistar Automotives Limited (MNAL), the joint venture between Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) and International Truck & Engine Corporation, yesterday launched two new trucks - a 25-tonne tipper (MN25 Tipper) and 40-tonne tractor-trailer (MN40), to expand its presence in the fast growing commercial vehicle market.

The company expects to gross annual sales of 50,000 units in the next two - three years.

''We have entered new segments with the introduction of MN25 Tipper and MN40, and through these two products we would like to strengthen our range in the fast-growing medium and heavy commercial vehicles (M&HCV) segment,'' said Rakesh Kalra, MD, MNAL.

The Bharat Stage III MN25 Tipper would cost Rs23.26 lakh and the MN40 Rs 19.3 lakh, (ex-showroom Pune), respectively.

Kalra said, ''These high performance offerings are set to redefine the existing parameters of power, fuel efficiency and driver comfort. These high performance trucks are among the most powerful, fuel-efficient, rugged and comfortable tipper and truck offerings to be launched in India. Designed and developed in India with technological assistance from our partner, Navistar, who have over 175 years of trucking experience, the vehicles come with a world-class cabin which is spacious and ergonomically designed to suit Indian drivers for continuous long hauls,'' he added.
 
Nalin Mehta, chief operating officer, Mahindra Navistar Automotives, said, ''We are focussed on the sales and service infrastructure and filling the pipelines with our products. We have already started selling MN25 and MN31 and are receiving a favourable response from customers. On the network front, by March 2011, we would start business from 45 new dealers, a number which would be scaled up to 100 in the next 18 months to two years. Also, 220 service points have already been dedicated in the service of our customers.''

With the objective of providing 'anywhere, anytime', on-road assistance to customers, the company has also rolled out its mobile service workshop. It has also set up a 24x7 call centre and 430 roadside assistance centres.