While globalization has brought a bevy of cars from global automakers into the Indian market, the commercial vehicle (CV) sector has been a tad slower in adapting to the winds of change. With foreign competition from the likes of Volvo, Bharat Benz and MAN making its presence felt in India, homegrown commercial vehicle makers such as Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland and Eicher have begun launching products that pack in more technology and performance.
Also, lower running costs and high reliability are the other aspects that Indian CV makers are now targeting, given the foreign CV makers's focus on the same. In this vein, Indian commercial vehicle major Ashok Leyland has launched the NEPTUNE range of modern turbo diesel engines for use in its heavy commercial vehicle range spanning trucks and buses. The NEPTUNE platform of diesel engines will be available in power outputs ranging from 160 Bhp-380 Bhp.
Engines based on the NEPTUNE platform are currently available in BS-III and BS-IV emission norms compliant versions, while the platform is capable of supporting BS-V and BS-VI applications in the future. These engines feature electronic engine management systems, for better performance and serviceability. These engines would be made available on a range of Ashok Leyland HCVs in a phased manner.
Ashok Leyland claims that the diesel engines on the NEPTUNE platform have been globally bench-marked for higher fuel efficiency, lower noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels, longer life, greater reliability and lower maintenance. The first truck to feature a diesel engine from the NEPTUNE platform is the Sankagiri Express 3120. Named after a transport hub in Tamil Nadu, the Sankagiri Express 3120 features a 205 Bhp NEPTUNE diesel engine that is mated to a 6 speed manual synchromesh gearbox.
The truck uses twin steerable front axles for better maneuverability. The truck also uses semi-elliptic leaf spring suspension up front that is said to make for longer service intervals and lower maintenance costs. In the past few weeks, Ashok Leyland has faced the ire of shareholders, who have questioned the CV maker's muted results. The launch of the new engine platform could be instrumental in winning new customers and retaining old ones.