CHENNAI: In an attempt to cash-in on the rising demand for modern BS IV-compatible engines, Mahindra & Mahindra has invested Rs 600 crore to manufacture Intermediate Commercial Trucks under its new Furio brand. “The MHCV and ICV segments are benefitting from the inherent pull from customers modernising their fleet and replacing them with BSIV compatible engines. The ICVs which range from 7.5 to 16 tonnes have multiple uses including light duty applications, short distance lead, tipper applications in smaller markets and for hilly regions,” said Vinod Sahay, CEO, Mahindra Trucks and Buses Division.
The company will manufacture 21 variants under the brand and will launch seven products before the BS VI norms are enforced in 2020. It plans to launch four trucks in the next two months, two other variants in December and another two in the next quarter. “After the launch, we will be the only company to have products ranging from three-wheelers to 49-tonne tippers,” said Rajan Wadhera, president for the automotive sector at Mahindra & Mahindra.
“We have achieved nearly a 6 per cent market share in Heavy Commercial Vehicle segment through the launch of our Blazo range and in another couple of years, we expect Furio to hit similar levels in the ICV segment,” he added.
The Furio range of trucks boasts of metal bumpers, fenders, lower rake angles, eight outlet ventilation, an air-conditioned cabin — with both the interior and exterior designs developed by Italian engineering pioneer Pininfarina. The trucks come with 80-180 horsepower and a variable 200-850 NM torque.
“The new axle norms have been creating a little confusion in the industry. However, ICVs are totally immune to these norms as they apply only to the more than 16.2 tonnage truck range,” said Sahay.
“The current capacity for manufacturing the Blazo MHCVs are 33,000 units per year, out of which only 22,000 units have only been made. Therefore, we will not have the need to add a new line or facility for making Furio initially. However, we will be spending the `600 crores on designing fee and investments for line modification, among others,” he added.