The globalisation of the world's truck manufacturing scene as well as the anticipated growth of the Indian and Chinese economies have seen all major players entering the sub-continent's truck market. 2013 has seen the first long-term investments starting to come to fruition.
Volvo, for example, is boosting its joint venture with Eicher Trucks in India, where a new range of trucks is close to release. The new model, the Eicher Pro 8000 Series, is the Indian market version of the UD Quester model range, launched in Thailand earlier this year and also earmarked for release in China. In fact, the Eicher engine plant in India is already producing five and eight litre engines for the Quester range.
At the same time, Paccar and Iveco are looking to enter the Indian market too. This follows the introduction of Daimler's new 'Bharat Benz' range onto India earlier this year, using elements of the Mercedes Benz and Fuso truck ranges to come up with a new model range to suit the Indian market.
Paccar may be interested in promoting elements of the DAF truck range on the subcontinent, but also try to source components for its global range from India. The US-European truck maker can already draw on a technical centre in Pune, where it is currently designing and developing solutions for its global operations.
Iveco, meanwhile, had a stuttering start after its failed joint venture with AMW. However, the Italian truck giant is now planning to make an entry into the Indian truck market under its own steam, with the company's robust Trakker models likely to be the first to be introduced into some of the tougher Indian freight applications.
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