Fully-built trucks could gain in popularity

According to a media report, truck manufacturers are likely to produce only fully-built trucks in the days to come. The production of trucks without chassis or load bodies might be discontinued altogether.

The report suggests that the upcoming BS6 emission norms, safety regulations, and new axle norms will result in an increase in demand for fully-built trucks. The growth is expected to come over the next few months. Only 50% of the trucks in India come with factory-fitted bodies and cabins. The remaining get their bodies built and fitted later on. The truck and bus body building industry, which is crowded and largely unorganised, is estimated to be worth Rs. 700 crore annually.

The upcoming emission and safety regulations are expected to add a lot of electronics and sensors to the trucks. Getting the bodies built outside could get the electronics to malfunction. Therefore, it would be necessary for the trucks to come with factory-fitted bodies. The new axle norms will allow trucks to carry heavier loads. This could lead to higher wear and tear of the vehicles.

The need for factory-fitted cabins is also increasing due to the demand for air-conditioned cabins. 15% of medium and heavy commercial vehicles come fitted with AC and the number stands at 10% for light commercial vehicles. These figures are expected to grow as demand increases, especially for E-commerce freight, which requires a quick turnaround time.

Source: Economic Times