New Delhi/Jamshedpur: Tata Motors on Tuesday unveiled 17 next-generation trucks at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, marking one of the company’s most comprehensive launches in the commercial vehicle segment. Addressing mediapersons from Jamshedpur on the sidelines of the event, Rajesh Kaul, Vice President and Business Head – Trucks, described the occasion as historic and outlined the company’s strategy built on three core pillars—profitability, safety and progress, with sustainability as a key enabler.
Calling the launch a “momentous occasion,” Kaul said Tata Motors has introduced 17 truck variants across multiple categories to meet diverse customer needs. “We are launching 17 types of trucks in the country, and these trucks are built on three basic pillars. The first pillar is profit,” he said.
Focus on Higher Profitability for Customers
Explaining the profitability pillar, Kaul said profits for transporters increase when vehicles can carry more load and complete more trips efficiently. “Profit comes when the vehicle gets more load capacity and takes more trips. That requires more power, more torque and higher payload approvals,” he said.
According to him, Tata Motors has set new industry benchmarks in payload capacity and performance. “In several categories, our trucks now offer more than 1.8 tonnes of additional payload. These vehicles are more capable and can deliver 30 to 40 per cent higher profits to customers,” Kaul said.
Fuel efficiency is another critical factor contributing to profitability. Kaul highlighted Tata Motors’ long-standing partnership with Cummins for engines, noting that Cummins has manufacturing facilities in Jamshedpur, Pune and other locations. “Cummins is our engine partner, and together we have worked extensively to improve fuel efficiency across our range,” he said.
Tata Motors has introduced a dedicated Fuel Efficiency (FE) series across its truck portfolio, including 55-tonne prime movers in 4×2, six-wheel, and ten-wheel configurations, as well as 6×2 variants launched on Tuesday. “In all categories, we are launching a fuel-efficiency series. We have done a lot of work on the engine, and we call it ‘N equals to 1’,” Kaul explained.
He elaborated that the ‘N=1’ philosophy means every customer is treated individually. “Each customer runs a different application, on a different route, with a different load. Based on that, we customise the vehicle so that fuel efficiency is best in class for that specific use,” he said.
Kaul said the FE series was introduced in tractor segments last month and is now being extended across all trucks. “The 6.7-litre trucks we offer will now come with this FE approach. This is our first pillar—profit,” he said.
Mining and Tipper Segment Gets a Boost
Referring specifically to Jamshedpur and the mining belt of Jharkhand, Kaul highlighted the launch of the Prima 3540.K deep mining tipper. “For mining areas like Jamshedpur, we have introduced the Prima 3540.K tipper. It comes with an 8.5-litre engine and, for the first time, delivers 1,800 Newton metres of torque,” he said.
He added that the vehicle is equipped with a 12-speed automated manual transmission, another first for Tata Motors in this segment. “This will bring a major transformation in the tipper space. It will set a new benchmark, especially for deep mining applications,” Kaul said, adding that the vehicle was showcased prominently at the event.
Safety as the Second Pillar
Safety and driver comfort form the second pillar of Tata Motors’ truck strategy. Kaul said the company considers safety a promise rather than just a feature. “Drivers stay away from home for 20 to 25 days at a stretch. If vehicles are safe and comfortable, productivity increases. Better roads and safer vehicles mean more trips,” he said.
He noted that Tata Motors has adopted European crash test norms across its truck platforms. “Our Prima, Signa, Ultra and upcoming Azura platforms comply with ECE R29 European crash test standards. We have raised cabin safety standards significantly,” he said.
Kaul added that Tata Motors often goes beyond government-mandated safety norms. “Whenever the government brings in safety regulations, we try to move two to three steps ahead,” he said.
One of the key highlights is the introduction of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Level 2 features. “We are beginning with ADAS Level 2. This includes lane departure warning systems, driver management systems, and reverse parking cameras that alert drivers through sound or buzzers if someone is behind the vehicle,” Kaul said.
While full autonomous trucking is still some distance away, Kaul said Tata Motors is steadily moving in that direction. “Our autonomous platform may be a little far, but we are progressing step by step, starting with ADAS Level 2,” he added.
Progress Through New Platforms and Technology
The third pillar, according to Kaul, is progress. This includes new platforms, new engines and wider application coverage. “In the Intermediate, Light and Medium Commercial Vehicle (ILMCV) segment, we are launching an all-new platform called Azura,” he said.
Kaul explained that the Azura platform comes with a new 3.6-litre engine delivering higher power and torque. “The engine produces 170 to 175 PS and 600 Nm of torque. It is designed for multiple applications,” he said.
Giving an example, Kaul referred to the agricultural supply chain between Nashik and Mumbai. “Nashik is famous for onions, grapes, fruits and vegetables, while Mumbai is a large consumption market. Vehicles running between these cities need to be fast, reliable and efficient so that produce reaches the market quickly,” he said.
He added that reliability directly impacts revenue. “If the vehicle is reliable, more trips can be made. Faster turnaround means earlier market entry and better prices. That leads to higher revenue,” Kaul said.
Explaining the economics, he said, “Revenue comes from more trips and more load. Cost comes down when you have the lowest total cost of ownership (TCO). With our 3.6-litre engine, TCO is the lowest in its class. When cost is less and revenue is more, profitability improves.”
Kaul said the Azura platform will be available across multiple tonnage segments, including 7-tonne, 9-tonne, 12-tonne, 14-tonne, 16-tonne and 19-tonne trucks.
Strong Push for Electric Commercial Vehicles
As part of the progress pillar, Tata Motors has also strengthened its focus on sustainability. “We have added a sustainability pillar, and you will see that through our electric vehicles,” Kaul said.
He stated that Tata Motors currently has the largest range of electric commercial vehicles in the trucking space in India. “Today, we are showcasing electric trucks ranging from 7 tonnes to 55 tonnes,” he said.
The electric lineup includes E.7, E.9, E.12 and E.28 models, with the E.28 being a tipper, as well as a 55-tonne electric prime mover. “These electric trucks are designed for various applications, including tippers and plant movers,” Kaul said.
Confidence in Operations and Scaling Up
Kaul also expressed confidence in Tata Motors’ manufacturing and operational capabilities. Referring to Vishal Badshah, Vice President – Operations, Kaul said, “Vishal ji, who earlier headed the Jamshedpur plant and now leads operations, has given me full confidence.”
He added that Tata Motors can quickly scale up production to meet market demand. “One of the best things about Tata Motors, whether in Jamshedpur or Pune, is that we can immediately gear up production. Our operations team has assured us that we will scale up quickly so customers can adopt these new products soon,” Kaul said.
Engagement with Ground-Level Stakeholders
Thanking the Jamshedpur media, Kaul emphasised the importance of ground-level connect. “You are connected with transporters, end customers, suppliers and logistics providers. When people like you join us, the entire commercial vehicle ecosystem benefits,” he said.
Summing up the launch, Kaul said the unveiling of 17 products marks a significant milestone for Tata Motors. “This is a very special occasion for us. With profit, safety, progress and sustainability at the core, we are confident that these next-generation trucks will redefine benchmarks in the Indian commercial vehicle industry,” he said.
