Industry Talk

IN AN INDUSTRY TALK SESSION, V SEETHAPATHI, VICE PRESIDENT, M&HCV PRODUCT LINE, TATA MOTORS LTD. AND RAJESH KAUL, VICE PRESIDENT, SALES AND MARKETING, COMMERCIAL VEHICLE BUSINESS UNIT AT TATA MOTORS LTD. SPOKE TO ASHISH BHATIA ON THE SHARE OF OFF-HIGHWAY AND CEVS IN THE MIX

Q. What is the growth potential in the pit to surface duty cycle vis-a-vis surface transportation?

Seethapathi: As far as deep mining trucks are considered, the entire industry is yet to evolve. This is a fast-growing segment now. To overcome these voids, Tata Motors is working closely with their partner Cummins to develop a high power engine ranging from 350-to 450 hp which is in the pipeline. As far as surface tipping is considered, where grade ability is less than 30 per cent, the industry is poised for growth and the industry has grown over 55 per cent over the last year.

Q. Are you looking at increasing diversification to other mine quarries to lessen your dependence on just coal mining? Do you see a direct bearing on revenues? Kaul: We have products which suit every mining segment, be it granite and or bauxite etc. We have a sizable chunk of the

market share there as well. To answer your question, we are well situated for diverse segments.

Q. Is a higher torque also the growing requirement from customers in such a demanding segment?

Seethapathi: Absolutely! Customers are on the lookout for higher productivity levels. They expect to haul more. Given that there is a limitation of drivers and the skill sets required to drive these modern trucks, customers need higher efficiencies led by a higher power to weight ratio. This is resulting in an increase in trips for the given day. Thus tonnage/kilometre has moved northwards.

Kaul: Also, do look at torque on wheels rather than the torque of the engine. We need to think of the entire drivetrain as just increasing the power of the engine will cost us more in terms of financial and other parameters. Thus we need to get the right combination.