Mahindra Truck and Bus (MTB), part of the USD 20.7 billion Mahindra Group, has introduced BLAZO X HCV range of trucks, an upgrade of its popular BLAZO trucks.
The BLAZO X addresses the rising fuel cost woes of transporters by delivering higher mileage than the BLAZO and ensuring a unique and unmatched mileage guarantee of ‘get more mileage or return the truck’.
The new BLAZO X features many improvements including better efficiency in the vehicle’s air management system, rolling characteristics, and the vehicle’s rotating parts among others. In fact, fuel is a major component of a transporters’ operating cost and the launch of BLAZO X comes at a time when fuel prices are continuing their upward spiral. The new BLAZO X series will be available in all platforms, viz., haulage, tractor-trailer and tipper and is equipped with the BLAZO’s hugely successful FUELSMART technology.
The company has also announced the setting up of its express North-South Service Corridor on the 3,800 kms long stretch, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. This comprises 41 service touchpoints, one every 100 kms, with a guaranteed service reach of 4 hours or Rs. 500 compensation for every hour of delay. This is the second such corridor after the Mumbai-Delhi service corridor which caters to nearly 30% of truck movement.
Speaking on the occasion, Rajan Wadhera, President, Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. said, “The BLAZO pushed the boundaries for Mahindra since its launch on several fronts, be it volumes and market share or the industry first guarantees which laid the foundation for a turnaround of the business. Today as we launch the new BLAZO X series of HCV trucks, we have further enhanced our customer value proposition of ‘Har Cheez Guarantee Ke Saath’ and will create higher benchmarks in performance and earnings.”
Wadhera added, “In fact given the spiraling fuel prices, there wasn’t a better time to introduce the BLAZO X, with the benefit of extra mileage. I firmly believe that the BLAZO X will reaffirm our customers’ faith in Mahindra’s ability to create class leading products and set higher standards for the Indian CV industry.”
Vinod Sahay, Chief Executive Officer, Mahindra Truck and Bus Division, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. said, “The launch of the BLAZO X will further strengthen our position in the market. With 21,000 BLAZO trucks already on Indian roads, our BLAZO range of HCVs are well entrenched in important segments such as car carriers, tankers, cement bulkers and the coal industry, with their proposition of best value for money brand, mileage superiority and low cost of ownership. Today, MTB is well on its way to becoming a formidable force in the Indian CV market, being the number 3 player in certain segments and markets. Going forward we intend to be the number 3 player in the overall HCV segment.”
There is an increase in the share of modern trucks, such as BLAZO, with higher power to weight ratio, better aggregates and modern comfortable cabins. Hence, going forward more and more modern trucks will be seen on the roads since these are better suited to carry additional loads given the new axle loading norms. They can also make faster trips in the borderless era of GST and deliver higher fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs.
Today MTB is already the number 3 player in certain segments and certain markets such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Punjab, Bihar and Jammu & Kashmir in the HCV category. Within just 2.5 years of the BLAZO HCV series launch, MTB has witnessed substantial increase in volume and doubled its market share growth. MTB’s HCV volumes grew by 79% as of H1-FY2019 compared to a 56% industry growth, garnering a market share of 4.9%.
