[Stratos]

Eicher unveiled its new generation Pro series truck and bus range at Pithampur, near Indore through VECV (Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles), a 50:50 joint venture formed five years ago. The Pro series will be launched in a phased manner from February '14, thus no information on pricing was shared during the unveil.

The Pro series trucks are aimed at various load-carrying segments:

• Pro 1000 : 5-14 tonne GVW light and medium trucks
• Pro 3000 : 9-14 tonne GVW medium trucks
• Pro 6000 : 16-40 tonne GVW heavy trucks, tippers and trailers
• Pro 8000 : 25-49 tonne GVW premium heavy trucks, tippers and trailers

High Points:

• Volvo currently owns the truck division of Renault, Mack, UD and is present in 192 countries across the world.
• The Pro series will be priced higher than the current range of Eicher vehicles and will replace the old products, one at a time.
• Over 3200 new parts and sub-assemblies have been developed for this particular project.
• Basic engine capacity of the 4-cylinder block has been increased from 3.3 litres to 3.8 litres, thus increasing power from 115 to 140 bhp (Pro 1000 and Pro 3000).
• The Pro 6000 and the Pro 8000 get a new 6-cylinder engine either with displacement of 5 litres or 7.7 litres, churning out 180 to 280 bhp. The 7.7 litre has a torque rating of 1190 Nm.
• The smaller trucks and the buses are fitted with a five speed gearbox, whereas, the Pro 8000 gets a 9-speed transmission.
• The low-floor buses continue to get the old 3.3 litre engine.
• Standard features include tilt and telescopic steering, height adjustable driver seat.
• Optional extras include GPS, Air conditioning (standard in the Pro 8000), stereo, cruise control, Eicher telematics.
• Eicher claims that the Pro series range will be the most fuel efficient in its class, 10% more than the competition.
• Eicher will have lower capacity, lower powered models compared to the ones available from Volvo India to prohibit any direct competition.
• VECV will use the downgraded version of the Euro6 compliant engine in the Pro series variants that are on sale in India, South-east Asia and part of Africa. This engine is supplied to trucks in Europe as Euro6 becomes mandatory from January 1st, 2014.
• The Pro series will be introduced simultaneously in Sri Lanka as well.
• Out of the total sales of approximately 40,000 Eicher trucks and buses manufactured at the Pithampur plant, around 3000 vehicles are exported in either LHD or RHD forms.
• Currently available VE series trucks will continue to be on sale side by side the Pro series.
• Eicher currently has 13.8% market share, selling their vehicles across 274 authorized dealerships and service centers in India.
• Eicher sold 48,262 trucks and buses in 2012.

The biggest visible change is the new front facia. Much better looking than the current rudimentary design. The Pro series in most of its variants comes fitted with a three piece bumper, making it easier to replace it in parts.


The 4-cylinder VEDX 5 engine that powers the Pro 1000 - 3000. The new block has 4-valves per cylinder, capable of producing upto 210 bhp.


The busy instrument cluster. The new engine management system provides various error codes including gear-shift indication and a warning to limit over-acceleration.


The optional pack: Eicher telematics and stereo system.


The Pro 1000 particularly seems to have had the least design modifications. Looks like an ugly touch-up job on a Canter.


The Pro 3000. Let's hope that these body colours also make it to the market after launch and were not restricted only for the display.


The Pro 6000 8x4 looking neat.


6x4 Tipper of the Pro 6000.


The biggest in the range. Pro 8000. Eventually, it will be available as a 6x4 tractor as well.


Seen here in its 8x4 Tipper form.


Skyline Pro school bus.


Skyline Pro staff bus.


The buses get a better looking interior.


Disclaimer: VECV invited Team-BHP and covered all the travel expenses for the event.

[volkman10]

The Pro Series includes 11 new models of trucks and buses, covering the entire 5 to 49 ton gross vehicle weight range. While continuing to address the Indian mainstream market, the new Eicher range also contains models that enable entry into the evolving customer segments in India that require higher power and/or torque offerings. As such, the new vehicle range contains models that will be powered by engines adapted from Volvo Group technology with output up to 280 hp, offering high fuel efficiency, reliability and durability.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=_fN00zkzQcA

Source: press release

[DWind]

I notice 3 windshield wipers! WoW! Is that a first in Indian Automotive Industry? And how does the middle one make a difference?

[Ashley2]

Originally Posted by DWind

I notice 3 windshield wipers! WoW! Is that a first in Indian Automotive Industry? And how does the middle one make a difference?

Its already in AMW. Maybe a case where only with 3 wipers ARAI can be certified. But at times it may be given as an additional feature.

[teamveevee]

Volvo Lite...Looks like the makeover is complete. It may not be very far for VECL to become 100% subsidiary of Volvo.

[Aditya]

VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd. has unveiled its Pro Series range of commercial vehicles in India consisting of 11 new trucks and buses in the 5 to 49 tonne GVW range.

Link to News Article

[directinjection]

Any idea where the cab designing was done?

I would assume VECV would be offering two series of engines, derived from Mitsubishi and Volvo respectively.

[vinair]

Originally Posted by Aditya

VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd. has unveiled its Pro Series range of commercial vehicles in India consisting of 11 new trucks and buses in the 5 to 49 tonne GVW range.

Link to News Article

Attachment 1173968

That's seems to be one hell of a tall truck!! Also, got a very aggressive front look (clearly has some Volvo hints in the design!).

Eicher has been a pretty aggressive player in this segment and has found favorable pitch for good portfolio expansion!

[D33-PAC]

Not the most handsome of CV's available in India, but nice to see them making strides.

A while ago we saw someone in this website post a picture of a white CV that looked exactly like the trailer puller, being tested in chennai or pune.

Someone please bring that thread into this discussion !

[zalaps]

Originally Posted by DWind

I notice 3 windshield wipers! WoW! Is that a first in Indian Automotive Industry? And how does the middle one make a difference?

Originally Posted by Ashley2

Its already in AMW. Maybe a case where only with 3 wipers ARAI can be certified. But at times it may be given as an additional feature.

Many of current Eicher model supports 3 wipers.
in 1990's DCM Toyota Dyna(?) also supported 3 wipers.
And as a child I used to admire it as a truck with THREE wipers!

[procrj]

the advert for the new Pro series trucks

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fN00...e&noredirect=1

[Ashley2]

Originally Posted by zalaps

Many of current Eicher model supports 3 wipers.
in 1990's DCM Toyota Dyna(?) also supported 3 wipers.
And as a child I used to admire it as a truck with THREE wipers!

But is DCM Toyota is different from Eicher Mitsubishi?

One more You tube link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4aMF2Q6Ak8

[zalaps]

Originally Posted by Ashley2

But DM Toyota is different from Eicher Mitsubishi.

Yup. I know that was off topic. Couldn't resist to post!

[GTO]

Note: Stratos' full event report has been added to the opening post . Thanks to Ashley2 for originally creating this thread.

[Thilak29]

What's the right way of pronouncing Eicher ?