Sat, May 25, 2013 09:06:15 AM
Bangkok Post
Sat, May 25, 2013 09:06:15 AM
Bangkok Post
Tata Motors plans to introduce rigid and utility trucks to the Thai market to complement its heavy-duty commercial vehicles after its sales and service network becomes strong enough to serve local customers, possibly after 2015.
"We are now ready to go full speed ahead with heavy-duty vehicles," said Ajit Venkataraman, chief executive of Tata Motors Thailand.
Currently, only Novus tractor trucks imported from Tata Daewoo in South Korea are available in the Thai market.
Since launching late last year, both the diesel and CNG versions of Novus with 420 HP have seen light sales.
"We have only sold more than 30 tractor trucks so far, partly because competitors' products remain in short supply because of the floods," said Sompong Polcharoen, head of heavy commercial vehicles at Tata Motors Thailand.
Tata's one service centre for heavy-duty trucks is at Poo Chao Samingprai in Samut Prakan. The Indian auto giant will soon set up two more service centres at Mahachai in Samut Sakhon and Khon Kaen.
The route from Bangkok via Chon Buri to Laem Chabang where the deep-sea port is located will be the marketing target for Novus.
To strengthen Tata's commercial vehicle lineup, Mr Sompong said the rigid trucks (10- and six-wheelers) including utility trucks such as concrete mixers, fire trucks and garbage trucks, will be introduced soon after its sales and service network has been upgraded.
Both 10- and six-wheelers will be made locally to avoid steep import duties.
He said Thailand is geographically suitable for cargo transport by truck because it sits between Singapore and Southern China as well as Myanmar and Vietnam.
"Thailand will become a key land bridge for cargo transport by truck in the region as long as the rail system remains inadequate," said Mr Sompong.
Mr Venkataraman said Novus tractor trailers received a good response from Thai customers.
Tata launched two heavy-duty Xenon pickup trucks yesterday in both diesel and CNG.
