Vectra 4-axle trucks on roads by mid-'07

The UK-based NRI company Vectra Group, through its Indian arm Tatra Vectra Motors (TVML), will hit Indian roads for the first time with four-axle trucks by mid-2007.

Designed in Czechoslovakia, Vectra's multi-axle truck will have superior technology with two steering front axles coupled with more payload capacity.

TVM, formerly known as Tatra Trucks India, is a joint venture between Tatra A S of Czech Republic (a part of Terex corporation, US) and the Vectra Group, having varied business interests in UK, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, CIS, Singapore and India.

Tatra Vectra had developed off-highway trucks in the country and has supplied these to Indian defence forces.

"To begin with, Tatra Vectra will manufacture 500 trucks a year and will increase the production gradually," says Ravinder Kumar Rishi, chairman, Vectra group.

At present, there is no four- axle truck running on the Indian roads. Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland are also exploring the option of coming out with four-axle trucks.

The plan comes at a time when the Supreme Court has banned overloading on trucks, with a huge penalty clause for those violating the order. While two-axle trucks can carry a load of 35 tonne, three-axle vehicles can carry upto 40 tonne.

"There is no four-axle truck available in the Indian market. Though several automotive majors have announced their plans of launching four-axle trucks," says Sunil Vichare, former president of Maharashtra Heavy Vehicles & Interstate Containers Operators' Association.

About pricing , Vectra group Director (marketing) Jojo Alexander said the group is still working on the pricing strategy, and other technical specifications.

The proposed truck is planned to manufacture at its manufacturing plant, located in Hosur, Tamil Nadu. The Hosur facility includes an engine assembly and testing plant, a cabin welding shop, a frame fabrication shop and a test track.

"India is going to be our global auto component sourcing centre. With regard to advanced technology, we will do a back to back sourcing from our Czech factory and other locations which will have cost advantage too," says Alexander.

Vectra Group is also planning to introduce new and compact construction equipment in India through its another subsidiary, Terex Vectra.

Founded in the 1970s the Vectra Group has a multi-dimensional portfolio of companies that operate in various business domains across the world including engineering, automotive, material handling and construction equipment, real estate with recent additions into the Services & IT sectors.

Vectra Chairman Rishi had acquired Global Vectra Helicorp in 2004, which was recently listed on the Indian bourses. Global Vectra Helicorp has posted a higher net profit at Rs 5.27 crore for the third quarter ended December 31, 2006 while bottomline soared to Rs 7.81 crore.