The 11th edition of Apollo-CV Awards (2020) turned yet another leaf in its life. Held on February 20, 2020, at Mumbai, the event began with a keynote address by Kavan Mukhtyar, Partner & Leader- Automotive, Price Waterhouse Coopers. Receiving strong support from the CV industry, the keynote address was followed by a panel discussion on ‘Green CVs for sustainable mobility’. With Apollo Tyres, which has been a loyal partner since the inception of the awards, providing wholehearted support, the awards paid a humble tribute to the achievements of the CV industry. Work began with the inclusion of nomination forms in the October 2019 issue of CV magazine. They contained a nomination call for both, the fleet side and the non-fleet side of the industry. Nomination calls were simultaneously sent to OEMs, CV dealers, application builders, and transporters over email as well. Other mediums of communication were also used for better reach. With most CV OEMs posting lacklustre sales numbers through much of the 2019 calendar year, there was reason to worry.
While an amount of trepidation prevailed as the nomination process progressed, a good number of nominations rolled in before the jury process could be conducted. Over 780 nominations (approximately 150 numbers more than last year) on the fleet side were received. On the non-fleet side, over 55 nominations were received. The format for filling the technical specifications and a few other values were mailed to CV OEMs along with the nomination form. This would decrease any margin for error. The jury, comprising of Kaushik Madhavan, Director – Automotive & Transportation, Frost & Sullivan; Ruchir Mathur, Product Marketing Manager – APMEA (Trucks), Apollo Tyres; Dilip Chhabria, Founder, DC Design; VG Ramakrishnan, Managing Director, Avanteum Advisors; Girish Mirchandani, Editor, Transtopics, and Bhushan Mhapralkar, Editor, CV magazine, met in Mumbai on January 19, 2020. The process by no means was an easy task. The non-fleet nominations reflected the undercurrents and complexities that worked their way through the CV industry in 2019. A definite picture about the new axle norms could be had unlike last year when an amount of confusion was apparent. Also observed was the continued injection of new technologies to provide transporters with a peace of mind through ‘entire vehicle life’ solutions.
Highlighting progress in key areas like performance, efficiency, safety, comfort and reliability, the turnout of CVs – trucks and buses, effectively pointed at the changes that swept the CV industry in the 2019 calendar year. Making for a stark as well as a subtle outlook, it made the task of choosing the winners difficult. Especially in the wake of a firm resolve by the CV industry to conquer challenges; to keep moving, and to turn out new and exciting products. Many intricacies evolved during the judging process. There were debates. Domain knowledge and the experience were put to test. Different perspectives and opinions were exerted to arrive at a result that would be truly well-considered. The key parameters resorted to were (a) fitness for application, (b) quality of aggregates, (c) fuel efficiency and driveability (d) option to have a vehicle better suited for the purpose, (e) price, and (f) sales. On the awards evening, 24 awards were presented. A new category on the fleet side was introduced this year to honour the performance of transport associations in the wake of the regulatory and economic changes. A total of 76 associations nominated themselves, the key ones being AIMTC and AITWA. Metric Global vet fleet operator and dealer nominations by putting them through the wringer. It used the Journey of Excellence parameter derived from the British Quality Foundation.
A privilege was to host senior representatives of the CV industry at the awards ceremony. It was very interesting to watch them interact with the incumbents. A glimpse was had of the shape of things to come. If the picture (in this section) will provide a fair idea of what happened at the jury meet, on the following pages is a synopsis of the keynote address and the panel discussion that set the tone of the ceremony. Below are the nominations and the winners.
SCV of the year
Nominees: a) Mahindra Supro Minitruck VX/CNG b) Mahindra Jeeto Plus c)Tata Intra V10/V20 d) Maruti Suzuki Super Carry (Petrol)
The Small Commercial Vehicle (SCV) segment continues to grow and address the rising aspirations of buyers and operators. Evolving and re-inventing itself, it is coming to support an aspirational value in terms of performance, presence, comfort and efficiency. An efficient last mile transport medium as part of the hub and spoke arrangement, SCVs are gaining in customer-centricity. The winner this year, the Tata Intra V10/V20 made it to the top because of its ability to empower the operator to achieve higher productivity and reliability. Highly modular in nature, the mini-truck could be had with a 39 hp 800 cc engine or a 69 hp, 1.4-litre engine. Available with a four- and five-speed gearbox respectively, the SCV, offering two payloads and GVW points in its segment, makes for a clever, stylish and profitable transport solution.
Winner: Tata Intra V10/V20
LCV cargo carrier of the year
Nominees: a) Tata Ultra T.7 b) Eicher Pro 2049 c) SML Isuzu Sartaj GS5252 CNG d) SML Isuzu Sartaj GS HG75
The LCV cargo carrier market experienced good movement in 2019 on the back of emerging market trends like rising urbanisation and the resulting trends like e-commerce. Changing in form and function, the segment signalled an ability to address the dynamic requirements of the market by leveraging technology. Promising superior productivity and profitability, the winners this year, the Eicher Pro 2049 and Tata Ultra T.7, point at how white spaces are being addressed by CV makers. The two are engineered to address the dynamic cargo space requirements of the customers in this segment. Fairly diverse in their abilities to serve, quite modular the two are. While the Pro 2049 has a GVW of five-tonnes, the GVW of the T.7 is 7.5-tonnes. Pointing at a growing crowd at the lower end and at the upper end of the segment, the Pro 2049 and Ultra T.7 are modern and driver-centric. They are highly business-oriented and effective in their abilities.
Winner: Eicher Pro 2049 and Tata Ultra T.7
Large Truck Fleet Operator of the Year
Nominees: V- Trans India Ltd. b) Venture Supply Chain Pvt. Ltd. c) Shree Nasik Goods Transport Co. Pvt. Ltd.
Excelling in service and operations, they are the big boys of the logistics industry. With a strong balance sheet to flaunt, they are always ready to adopt the latest technology and practices. The winner this year — V-Trans India Ltd., is headquartered at Mumbai. It was founded 61 years ago with a single second-hand truck and has evolved into a professional organisation that continues to specialise in part load transportation. Looking at new avenues of growth through arrangements like 3PL, the company, with a fleet size of 1100 CVs (including their own as well as attached ones), continues to excel in industry best practices and management. Coming to possess a rare ability to support multi-modal transportation as it conducts over 400 part load services to over 400 existing locations across India, V-Trans is addressing the evolving customer needs well.
Winner: V-Trans India Ltd.
Small Fleet Operator of the Year
Nominees: a) PT Express Lines Pvt. Ltd. b) Sanket Transport LLP c) CCI Logistics Ltd.
Contrary to their size, small fleet operators have come to acquire exemplary standards in business and operations, often inversely proportional to their size. The winner this year — PT Express Lines Pvt. Ltd., started operations in 1975. Having a fleet of over 160 vehicles, of which 76 are its own, the company has come to specialise in addressing the express and logistics needs of all major corporate companies and multi-nationals. Achieving superior results by applying and integrating technologies and lean processes, PT Express is offering both tailor-made and standardized integrated logistics solutions ranging from supply chain management, warehousing and value-added services like single pickup and multi delivery points. It is specialising in delivery through logistics, warehousing and other related services. Expanding operations and moving into specialized areas such as express parcel, packers and movers, express logistics, transportation, warehousing, customs clearance and cold chain services, it is employing industry best practices.
Winner: PT Express Lines Pvt. Ltd.
HCV Rigid Cargo Carrier of the Year
Nominees: a) Tata Signa 2821.T b) Tata Signa 3521.T c) Ashok Leyland 4123 d) BharatBenz 4223R e) Tata Signa 4823.T f) Eicher Pro 6048 g) Mahindra Blaxo X 49
Engineered to be a workaholic – ferrying cargo over long distances, heavy commercial vehicles are an important part of the road transportation industry in India. They are feature-intensive and technologically rich. They are also continuing to evolve on the back of regulatory and market requirements. The winner this year, the Tata Signa 4823.T, is offering a fine mix of fuel efficiency, performance and uptime. Powered by a 230 hp 5.9-litre engine mated to a nine-speed gearbox, the truck, building on the LP legacy range of CVs, has a GVW of 47.5-tonnes, Fitted with a lift axle, the truck, providing a unique combination of value and modern build with its fully-built cabin that makes for better insulation and comfort, is having a 30-feet deck length. Capable of addressing many market needs, the Signa 4823.T has a gradeability of 19 per cent at rated payload. It is well supported by solutions like Tata Samarth and engineered to offer the highest uptime and productivity. Featuring gear shift advisor, the truck could be had with an AC.
Winner: Tata Signa 4823.T
HCV Prime Mover of the year
Nominees: a) Tata Prima LX 5530.S b) Ashok Leyland N 5532 c) Volvo FM 380 d) Mahindra Blazo X 55 e) Eicher Pro 6055
Dandy workhorses, HCV prime movers are about an ability to carry more. Built to ensure better earning potential, they are long-haul machines. Powered by a 275 hp 7.2-litre engine mated to a nine-speed gearbox, the winner this year, the Mahindra Blazo X 55, benefits from the manufacturer’s thrust to provide modern, heavy-duty trucks with a guarantee for higher earning and superior productivity. Offering one of the most spacious and comfort cabins in its class, it boasts of a modern, fully-built safety cabin. With a 55-tonne GVW, the truck points at a good leap in quality, fit-finish and comfort. It is refined and comfortable enough to provide the driver an ability to drive more. Having a gradeability of 19 per cent, the Blazo X 55 could be had with air-conditioning and cruise control. Laced with a walk-through sleeper cabin, three-mode fuel smart tech and advanced telematics, the truck makes for a highly versatile machine.
Winner: Mahindra Blazo X 55
Fleet Operator of the Year – Niche application
Nominees: a) Reshamsingh & Co. Pvt. Ltd. b) Professional Automotives Pvt. Ltd. c) B.M. Roadlines Pvt. Ltd.
There is no better way to describe a speciality than to term it as a niche. It is a place for a few and calls for a good deal of efforts and attention. The winner this year — B.M. Roadlines Pvt. Ltd., started operations 40 years ago. With a fleet size of over 300 vehicles, the company is serving clients in the public and private sector. It is specialising in the bulk transportation of petroleum products and speciality chemicals. Commanding the confidence of its clients time and again, B.M. Roadlines organises regular upskilling and training programmes, often in association with vehicle manufacturers. Given the hazardous nature of the cargo it ferries, the company is putting a good deal of stress on uplifting and bettering its drivers. In good stead in terms of safety and efficiency, B.M. Roadlines is leveraging modern technological offerings to attain higher operating standards and efficiencies. It has stainless steel tankers, acrylonitrile tankers, ISO tankers, LPG tankers, insulated tankers and car carriers in its fleet.
Winner: B.M. Roadlines Pvt. Ltd.
ICV People Mover of the Year
Nominees: a) BharatBenz 917 chassis b) Tata Electric Bus c) SML Isuzu Executive LX 5100 XT Tourist/Staff d) Mahindra Cruzio 42 Staff e)Tata LPO 1212 f) Eicher 10.90 Starline CNG AC Staff
Carving out a niche for themselves, ICV people movers have come to display impressive engineering qualities and specifications. Building on its company’s legacy of producing among the best mid-size buses for a variety of applications, the winner this year, the SML Isuzu Executive LX 5100 XT, measures 9.7 m in length. Aiming at tourist and staff segments, it profits from a stylish exterior and comfortable interior. Had with luxurious pushback 2×2 seating, the vehicle is powered by a 115 hp, 3.5-litre engine mated to a five-speed gearbox. Equipped with semi-elliptic leaf spring suspension at the front and rear, the bus can seat between 26 and 38 people including the driver. Conforming to the AIS 140 and AIS 153 standards, the bus comes across as efficient, refined and comfortable. It possess features like an effective AC system that would address the needs of tourists and staff as per the configuration. It could be also customised to an extent to suit the needs of the operator.
Winner: SML Isuzu Executive LX 5100 XT Tourist/Staff
Promising debut of the year
Nominees: a) Tata Intra V10/V20 b) Eicher Pro 2049 c) Eicher Pro 2095XP d) Tata Ultra T.7 e) Force Traveller Monobus
The year 2019 saw some interesting debuts. Indicative of the future direction with an ability to earn more, they are populating some of the key CV segments in India. Reflecting a change that could be triggered by regulations and dynamic customer requirements, they are supporting a desire to grow and address the exacting needs of the operators well as the end-users. The winner this year, the Force Traveller Monobus, measures 8.4 m in length and is capable of seating 34 people, including the driver. Marking a monocoque design that promises superior stability and comfort, the vehicle is equipped with parabolic leaf spring suspension and powered by a 115 hp 3.5-litre engine. Designed to provide the lowest TCO, the Monobus is quite modern in its appearance and profits from clever packaging. It is aimed at school, staff and tourist application, and has a GVW of 7.3-tonnes. Laced with modern features, the vehicle, owing to its monocoque body construction, is easy to manoeuvre and has a compact turn circle.
Winner: Force Traveller Monobus
Private Sector Bus Fleet Operator of the Year
Nominees: a) Rishabh Bus Pvt. Ltd. b) Gujarat Travels c) Vignesh TAT
Bus fleet management has turned into a serious, professional activity that includes equations like yield per seat, online ticketing, life cycle value of buses, in-bus entertainment and fancy bus shelters. The winner this year — Gujarat Travels, was established in 1982. With a fleet size of 74 buses, it is providing tourist services. Enjoying a good hold in the tour package segment, Gujarat Travels, is providing travel services to destinations like Mount Abu and various cities in Rajasthan like Jaipur and Udaipur. The company is also into luxurious travel and is providing services that connect with cities like Pune, Delhi, Mumbai, and places of religious importance. With a fleet mix consisting of multi-axle Volvo buses, and buses of Tata and Ashok Leyland make, Gujarat Travels is deriving advantage from providing a high level of service to its clients. With a wide variety of buses — AC sleeper, A/C seater, A/C semi-sleeper, and non A/C seating and sleeper, the company is emphasising on safety by providing CCTV cameras, fire extinguishers and other amenities. It is also conducting regular driver training programs. To improve safety and utilisation, the company has fitted its fleet with telematics.
Winner: Gujarat Travels
School Bus of the Year
Nominees: a) Tata CityRide Skool b) SML Isuzu Executive LX c)SML Isuzu BH53 c)5100 d)Eicher 10.90 Starline CNG AC e) SML Isuzu BH53 4240 f) SML Isuzu GS 5100
Ferrying pupils, school buses are about safety, comfort, and punctuality. Impervious to fluctuations in the CV industry, the new breed of school buses are complying with often conflicting parameters as well as standing up to the expectations of parents and school managements. They are also meeting the dynamic requirements of the operators regarding reliability, efficiency and stringent set of operating SOPs. The winner in this category, the SML Isuzu BH53 4240, leverages the ability of its manufacturer to turn out successful mid-size buses, those especially that cater to school, tourist and staff applications. The BH53 4240 can accommodate 42 pupils with a 3×2 seating arrangement. It is powered by a 100 hp 3.5-litre engine mated to a five-speed transmission. Equipped with semi-elliptical leaf spring suspension, the school bus conforms to AIS 153 and AIS 140 standards. Flaunting good refinement levels and fuel efficiency, the bus features comfortable high back seats, three point seat belts, fire retardant interiors, anti-skid vinyl flooring, reverse camera and an inside camera with DVR.
Winner: SML Isuzu BH53 4240
ICV Cargo Carrier of the Year
Nominees: a) SML Isuzu Samrat GS CNG TC b) SML Isuzu Samrat GS XT c) Mahindra Furio 11 d) Eicher Pro 2095 XP d)Mahindra Furio 14 e) Tata LPT 1512 CRX
ICV cargo carriers continue to grow. A result of a customer-centric approach that includes blurring of segment boundaries, ICVs have come to pack modern technologies; earn a solid image and reflect on price as well as the TCO. Pointing at a deep understanding of the market, two ICV cargo carriers — Eicher Pro 2095 XP and Mahindra Furio 14 — attracted the attention of the jury this year. Of the two, the Eicher Pro 2095XP makes a modern truck with a new two-metre wide walk-through cabin. It is powered by a 115 hp 3.3-litre engine mated to a six-speed transmission and packs features like the highest seat travel in its class, car-like cabin with touchscreen infotainment system and an electronic instrument cluster. Equipped with DRL headlamps and a 22-feet load body, the truck also features Eicher’s M-Booster fuel efficiency-enhancing tool.
Drawing from a highly modular platform with a highly ergonomic and spacious cabin designed by Pininfarina, the Furio 14 also marks a thoroughly modern truck. It is powered by a 140 hp 3.5-litre engine mated to a six-speed transmission. Offering real-time driver coaching and fuel smart technology for optimal performance and efficiency, the truck flaunts some unique features like A-pillars with the least rake angle and a forced ventilation system that keeps the cabin cooler by at least five degree Celsius over the competition. Offering cornering lamps for better visibility, the truck displays good refinement and driving comfort. Like its big brother Blazo, it is backed by a guarantee to do business profitably.
Winner: Eicher Pro 2095 XP and Mahindra Furio 14
ICV Tipper of the Year
Nominees: a) SML Isuzu Prestige 2815 b) Tata LPK 1212 HD FET
ICV tippers mark a growing sub-segment under the ICV category. Addressing some very unique municipal, construction and other applications, they are hailed for their ability to manoeuvre through tight spaces and across narrow roads. Drawing from their ICV siblings in the haulage segment in terms of cabin and features, and from the bigger and sturdier tipper cousins in terms of performance, start-ability, grade-ability, etc. ICV tippers are carving out a niche for themselves. The winner this year, the Tata LPK 1212 HD FET, draws from the knowledge and deeper market understanding of its maker earned from making and selling heavier tippers. Using the versatile and familiar LPK cabin, the tipper produces 125 hp from a 3.8-litre engine mated to a five-speed transmission. It features a suitably strengthened chassis and rides on 20-inch dia. wheels. Featuring a 6.5 cubic meter shot-blasted load body with a tipping angle of 48 degrees, the tipper has 30.3 per cent grade-ability and 24.2 per cent re-start-ability. It employs heavy-duty axles and various other aggregates to ensure superior reliability.
Winner: Tata LPK 1212 HD FET
MCV cargo carrier of the year
Nominees: a) Mahindra Furio 16 b) Eicher Pro 3016 AMT c) Tata Signa 1923.K d) Ashok Leyland Boss 1916 e) Tata Ultra EX 1918.T
The strong and versatile MCV segment continues to address the myriad needs of the market through a diverse range of applications and by fulfilling some very unique customer requirements. The winner this year — the Eicher Pro 3016 AMT, is powered by a 165 hp 3.8-litre engine mated to a six-speed AMT transmission. It features a modern, spacious sleeper cabin. Available with a 20 feet, 24 feet and 31.5 feet load body with three wheelbase dimensions respectively, the truck is equipped with parabolic leaf springs at the front and semi-elliptical laminated leaf springs with helper springs at the rear. Providing real-time fuel coaching, cruise control, 23.6 per cent grade-ability and hill start assist, the truck has a GVW of 16.2-tonnes, and is built on a high tensile steel chassis. Featuring an instrument panel with Intelligent Driver Information system, which provides operational data, onboard diagnostics and fuel consumption for efficiency, performance, uptime and safety enhancement, the Pro 3016 AMT makes a superior value proposition.
Winner: Eicher Pro 3016 AMT
CV application builder of the year
Nominees: a) Guru Ram Dass G-Dolfino b)Schwing Stetter Super Seven c) MG Starz d) JCBL Destiny
CV applications can be highly diverse and differ in terms of use; in terms of productivity gains. An outcome of diverse technological inputs, they can mean different business propositions to different people. Of the nominations received, two drew the attention of the jury. One was the G-Dolfino from Guru Ram Dass bodybuilders and the other was the Starz luxury coach from MG Group on the Volvo multi-axle bus chassis. Built on the 12 m long BharatBenz 1623 bus chassis, the G-Dolfino is inspired by the look of a Dolphin in its front and rear appearance. If this provides it with an amount of aerodynamic efficiency, the bus makes for comfortable seating, and is aimed at inter-city tourist application. Had with pushback luxury seats or in a semi-sleeper or sleeper guise, the bus uses premium material for its construction. It efficiently utilises the space to ensure high levels of comfort and ambience.
The MG Starz at the other is about premium luxury travel for highly demanding tourists in a sleeper coach guise. Complying with Volvo’s strict bodybuilding BBM-QA requirements, the Starz finely blends form and function to arrive at a product that not only looks premium but also offers some very premium features in terms of upholstery, amenities, ergonomics and comfort. If the spacious berths are reflective of this, the bus offers a high level of refinement and a premium ride. It also looks at smaller details in terms of on board entertainment, lighting, storage spaces, and a chemical potty. On par with international styling, the Starz stands out with its ability to impress as well as deliver.
Winner: MG Starz
Winner: Guru Ram Dass G-Dolfino
HCV Tipper of the Year
Nominees: a)Mahindra Blazo X 28 b)Tata Prima LX 2825.K c)Tata Signa 2823.K d)Eicher Pro 8028 XM e)BharatBenz 3528CM f)Tata Signa 4223.TK
Built to perform one of the most demanding jobs a truck could be called to do, the winner this year, the Mahindra Blazo X 28 and BharatBenz 3528CM make modern machines that not only pack modern technologies, they have a high build quality to boast of. Engineered to address the demanding needs of the construction and mining sectors, the two trucks are powered by a 275 hp 7.2-litre and 281 hp 6.4-litre engine respectively. Either tipper is equipped with a nine-speed transmission. Had with a box body or a rock body, the Blazo X 28 has a GVW of 28-tonnes. The 3528CM in comparison has a GVW of 35-tonnes. Featuring a modern and spacious safety (day) cabin that ensures good comfort and ergonomics, the Blazo X 28 and BharatBenz 3528CM are also available with an AC. Featuring advanced telematics and real-time efficiency as well as performance indicators to help the operator enhance utilisation and safety, the two tippers are quite versatile. While a multi-drive FuelSmart feature on the Blaxo X 28 ensures a good blend of performance and fuel efficiency, the 3528CM packs is laced with an air-suspended driver’s seat and driver monitoring system that detects any sign of drowsiness. While the 3528CM is a 8×4, the Blazo X 28 is 6×4. Indicative of the two distinct sub-segments within the category, the two tippers found attention of the jury because of their ability to address specific as well as dynamic requirements of the operators. Drawing attention also because of their ability to go that extra mile in terms of performance, efficiency, comfort and safety, the two tippers seem to leverage technology and air certain global aspirational values on the back of their company’s background. The 3528CM draws from Daimler’s global presence and the Blazo X 28, from the journey of its truck-line from the North American Navistar platform.
Winner: BharatBenz 3528CM
Winner: Mahindra Blazo X 28
Special Application CV of the year
Nominees: a) Mahindra Furio 12 Reefer b) Eicher Pro 5019 Boom Pump
Special application CVs address special needs of the market. They are built to perform a series of tasks that require them to be equipped and worthy of the job. An outcome of an extensive study of their target audience, special application CVs are well-engineered and robust. The winner this year, the Mahindra Furio 12 Reefer, builds on the highly modular platform of the Mahindra Furio ICV range. It is powered by a 140 hp 3.5-litre engine mated to a six-speed transmission. Aimed at the agricultural and perishable goods supply chain, the truck, with a GVW of 12-tonnes and a wheelbase of 4500 mm, is highly versatile. Available with a 19 feet, 22 feet and 24 feet load body configuration, the truck is equipped with a day cab and features pneumatic brakes. Riding on 20-inch dia. wheels, the truck has a cleverly designed cabin by Pininfarina, which employs pillars with the least rake angle to create more space inside. The ventilation system keeps the cabin at least five-degree cooler than that of a competitor’s truck.
Winner: Mahindra Furio 12 Reefer
M&HCV people mover of the year
Nominees: a) Tata Starbus LPO 1515 EGR b) Ashok Leyland 11M FESLF CNG c)Eicher 20.15R 12 m Bus Chassis d) BharatBenz 1623 Bus Chassis
Modern inter-city transport systems are the need of the hour with their ability to address the rising need to travel for an increasing number of Indians exposed to some of the best transportation systems around the world. The winner this year — the Ashok Leyland 11M FESLF CNG, is doing duty in Delhi as a semi-low floor city bus. Ferrying a good number of commuters every day, the bus, as part of the growing fleet of 12 m long modern city buses funded by ambitious government schemes like AMRIT to bolster public transport in-line with growing urbanisation is airy and well-built. It is propelled by a 125 hp, six-litre engine mated to a six-speed transmission. Fitted with an air suspension at the rear for a pliant ride, the bus is capable of seating 37 people. It is equipped with a 700 kg CNG tank and boasts of a grade-ability of 27 per cent. Disabled friendly, the bus is equipped with CCTV, ITS and a CNG leak indicator. Conforming to the bus code requirements, the Ashok Leyland 11M FESLF CNG is equipped with a fire detection and suppression system. There is a hydraulic wheelchair lift system as well.
Winner: Ashok Leyland 11M FESLF CNG
Best Practice Adopter of the Year
Nominees: a) Allied ICD Services Ltd. b) BLR Logistiks India Ltd. c) New Jai Shankar Transport Co.
Making it to the top on the virtue of its ability to leverage technology, control costs, seek better operational control, attain good customer focus and excel in business management, BLR Logistiks (I) Ltd., the winner this year, is setting high standards. It is operating for over 50 years, and has come to offer customized solutions to all industrial sectors with a focus on saving costs and providing world class logistics and transportation services. With 78 offices across India and a turnover of Rs.350 crore, the company provides Full Truck Load (FTL), Partial Truck Load (PTL), container load, car carriage, hazardous cargo, surface express cargo, warehousing and distribution, and international fleet management. Also into project and ODC transportation and air-suspension vehicles for custom cargo requirements like medical equipment, the company has a fleet size of over 2500 vehicles. Employing a proactive approach to control violations by means of a 24×7 control hub, BLR Logistiks (I) has invested in robust processes and business practices where drivers are briefed regularly, accidents and anomalies are thoroughly analysed to ensure they are not repeated, and technology like telematics and driver drowsiness alert are leveraged to enhance safety, efficiency and performance overall.
Winner: BLR Logistiks (I) Ltd.
CV Dealer of the Year
Nominees: a) Annamalai Agencies (Stadium) b) Globe CV Pvt. Ltd. c) T V Sundram lyengar and Sons Pvt. Ltd.
They are the OEM’s interface. They make an important element in the CV ecosystem that either conveys a good impression about the manufacturer or otherwise. Exuding much professionalism in the CV industry, dealers are evolving. They are responding to market changes quickly. They are setting a standard through excellent business practices and overall management. The winning CV dealer this year — T V Sundram lyengar and Sons Pvt. Ltd., has more than 150 outlets and sells over 60,000 vehicles. It represents Ashok Leyland CVs, and is the parent company of the TVS Group. Ensuring that the customers get the best treatment and face the least downtime, the dealer is practicing Kaizan and LEAN. Bagging the ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ award in 2017 from the Government of India, the dealer is selling 33 per cent Ashok Leyland’s CVs and has a 6000 strong workforce. Offering value-added services in collaboration with its principal, the dealership is imparting superior sales and service experience to its clients.
Winner: T V Sundram lyengar and Sons Pvt. Ltd.
Best Transport Association of the Year
Nominees: a) All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) b) Karnataka Goods Transporters c) Indore Truck Operators And Transport Association d) All India Transporters Welfare Association
Transport associations have been playing a vital role in the CV industry in the face of rising regulatory pressures and slowdown in demand. The winner this year, the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC), is an apex body of cargo and passenger transporters. It is serving the interests of the transporters for the last 81 years and represents approximately 93 lakh truckers and approximately 50 lakh bus and tourist CV operators. Covering over 3300 talukas, districts , state level federations and transport associations, the AIMTC is effectively representing the demands of the operators to improve road infrastructure; to develop driver resting facilities; to provide parking spaces; to discuss, support as well as oppose legislative or executive measures by all legitimate and constitutional means because of its likelihood of affecting motor transport trade; to safeguard and defend all lawful and legitimate rights and privileges of persons engaged in the business of motor transport trade; to take up, consider, discuss and push forward the viewpoints of motor transport trade, and to organize camps for health checkup as well as up-skill in terms of safety and fuel conservation.
Winner: All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC)
CV Man of the Year
Heading the CV portfolio of Tata Motors since 2017, Girish Wagh steered the company into an agile organisation that is ready to accommodate diverse technologies that may come its way, may it be BSVI, electric, CNG, LNG, Hybrid or fuel cell. Setting the new design language in place for CVs by introducing aspirational products like the Intra and Ultra with the help of chief designer Pratap Bose, Girish drove his team to look at new ways of engineering including modularity to keep costs in control; to keep quality and reliability at the top, and to acquire an ability to place products in any market of the world. Steering his team to work on BSVI technology and to pursue alternate technologies like LNG and electric at the same time, Wagh encouraged the four teams under him – SCV, ILCV, Bus and M&HCV, to deliver better value to their customers through a combination of products and schemes like ‘Samarth’. Putting to good use his experience of working on ambitious projects, he has been instrumental in getting the company to increase its export thrust by exploring new markets in the Middle East, Africa and South-East Asia. Playing a role in Tata Motors bagging large orders for its buses from STUs and witnessing good traction for its electric bus portfolio, Girish has been successful in getting his company to retain its position as the leading CV maker in India by tackling dull market conditions and heavy discounting.
Winner: Girish Wagh, President, Commercial Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors Ltd.
CV maker of the year
Nominees: a) Tata Motors Ltd. b) Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Pvt. Ltd. c) VE Commercial Vehicles Pvt Ltd. d) Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (Trucks & Buses Division) e) Ashok Leyland Ltd. f) Volvo Trucks (India) g) Volvo Buses (India)
Despite the downturn, Tata Motors continued to drive a slew of measures to retain its market share. Amid an atmosphere of heavy discounts in the HDT segments especially, the CV major continued to invest in its strategy to add value to its customer by introducing services like ‘Samarth’, which includes a loyalty program coupled with a unique unnamed driver insurance up to Rs.10 lakhs and hospitalization benefits of Rs.50,000. Ramping up its value added services through the provision of a 24×7 road assistance service to address break-downs, comprehensive AMC packages that could be customized to suit user requirements, vehicle restoration within 48 hours, quick accident repair service, unique insurance packages to cover operators, and genuine parts and service support, Tata Motors managed to retain its leadership position. Going beyond the ‘Drona’ and ‘Acharya’ initiatives to enhance customer value amid extremely dull HDT sales, the company introduced an aspirational SCV platform in the form of Intra. It rolled out new variants of the Ultra ILCV, which marks the rising modularity of CVs coming out the CV maker’s stable. Highlighting with the Intra, the fact that it is prepared to take on the challenges thrown at it, Tata Motors continued working closely with its key suppliers like Cummins to explore new avenues of success with an eye on the future. Under the leadership of Girish Wagh, the CV maker continued to work on new platforms to dial higher modularity and technology. It expanded the Fleetman telematics platform to new products to increase value. Recording good growth in the first three months of the 2019 calendar year, the company saw its sales decline from April 2019 to the tune of 16 per cent on an average through to December 2019. Even as it tackled the challenges it is domestic market, the company continued to increase its thrust on exports.
Winner: Tata Motors Ltd.
CV of the year
Nominees: a) Tata Intra V10/V20 b) Tata Ultra T.7 c) Eicher pro 2049 d)Eicher Pro 2095 XP e) Mahindra Furio 14 f) Tata LPK1212 HD FET g) Eicher pro 3016 AMT h) Tata Signa 4823.T i)Mahindra Blazo X 28 j) BharatBenz 3528CM k) Mahindra Blazo X 55 l) SML Isuzu Executive LX 5100 XT m) SML Isuzu BH53 4240 n) Ashok Leyland 11M FESLF CNG o) Force Traveller Monobus p) Mahindra Furio 12 Reefer
Combining technology and a good understanding of the market, the Mahindra Furio ICV bagged the top title because of its capability to stand out and deliver extraordinary value to the operator as well as the driver. Flaunting a cabin design by Pininfarina with innovative features like a spacious walk-through cabin (dialed by reducing the angle of rake of the A-pillars) and a draft-flow arrangement to keep the cabin cooler by five-degree Celsius when compared to the competition, the Furo drew attention with its ability to combine form with function in an interesting context. Available at various GVW points starting from 11-tonnes and going up to 16-tonnes as of current, the highly modular nature of the ICV along with its ability to deliver among the best performance and fuel efficiency in its category tilted the scale in its favour. Also of particular interest turned out to be features like the sleeping arrangement in a day cabin, real-time fuel coaching assistance, superior ergonomics, refinement and drive-ability. The good comfort and safety levels the Furio is capable of provided also contributed to its elevation to the top. What added to the score was the ICV’s ability to find and invade new white spaces.
Winner: Mahindra Furio 14
Few Glimpses from the event :
Apollo Tyres Ltd., came into inception in 1972 and has since been a trusted name in the business of manufacture and sale of tyres. With its corporate headquarters in Gurgaon, India, the company caters to over a 100 countries across the globe. With its products under two global brands – Apollo and Vredestein available in countries across the globe through a vast network of branded, exclusive and multiproduct outlets, Apollo Tyres has multiple manufacturing units in India, the Netherlands and Hungary. At the end of the financial year 2017, the company clocked a turnover of USD 1.94 billion, backed by a global workforce of approximately 16,000 employees. As of March 31, 2017, the company traded in India on the Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange, with 56 per cent of shares held by the public, government entities, banks and financial institutions.
With a rich legacy of more than 150 years, the Shapoorji Pallonji Group Limited (S P Group) is active in a vast variety of fields. A few of the areas where the S P Group is flourishing are: real estate, infrastructure (ports, power plants, highways, and toll ways, etc), fabrication, EPC (power and steel), Gokak Textiles, construction material (pre-engineered buildings, interior, access flooring), Afcons Infrastructure (marine works, roads, bridges, tunnels, pipelines, and specialist foundation works — piling, drilling, grouting), Forbes & Company, agriculture (bio-fuels), and many more. At its core still remains the construction business. In fact, it is one of the most quality-conscious and oldest Indian construction companies. The S P Group serves clients in over 50 countries and has a strong workforce of 60,000 professionals, comprising about 40 nationalities, that delivers the Group’s values and commitments in every project.
Mirror Now is one of the crown jewels of the reputed Times Group and is one of the most popular news channels on Indian television today. Their crisp, no-nonsense coverage and keen insight into the Indian news landscape have made Mirror Now the go-to news source for the discerning citizen.
With a legacy steeped in history going back all the way to 1947, this American brand has been firmly established as a global powerhouse in the mainstream fashion industry in India and across the globe.
Mazars is a leading independent and integrated international organization that specializes in providing audit, tax, and advisory services. Mazars made sure that the judging procedure was unbiased and in strict conformity with the rules that delivers the Group’s values and commitments in every project.
