A humble tribute to the industry

The 12th edition of Apollo-CV Awards (2021) was streamed on Youtube on the evening of April 10, 2021, turning yet another leaf in the life of an event that has come to be the mark a humble tribute to the CV industry and its many stakeholders, including dealers and transporters. Turning virtual against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic for the first time ever, the event accompanied a learning process for many those associated with it. Held amid conditions involving ‘work from home’ and ‘digital ways of working’, the awards was graced by Darrel Huntsman, CEO, Frost & Sullivan, as the keynote speaker. Turning virtual post much deliberation with those from the CV industry as well as those that linked to it, the logistics sector included, the 12th edition did not include panel discussion in its itinerary. Ensuring that all those involved observed the stipulated guidelines of social distancing, mask wearing and sanitizing whenever the need for a field presence arose, the awards began with the nomination call in February 2021. This was unlike every year prior, when the nominations call was announced in October of the year of consideration. The pandemic environment post paid to the delay, creating challenges in terms of manpower, communications and more.

 

 

 

 

 

Announced in February 2021, a four-page nomination form was included in CV magazine, put out on the magazine website and on the magazine’s several social media platforms for better reach. Inviting nomination from both, the fleet side stakeholders and the non-fleet side stakeholders, the nomination call clearly stated the period of consideration (2020 calendar year) and other criteria. There was some worry regarding the nominations that would roll-in given the challenges the CV industry, transporters as well as the other stakeholders faced during the period. The significant transition to BSVI was happened during the period. The worry was largely unfounded as a good number of nominations started rolling in, and before the deadline. Despite the fleet-side categories being brought down to three – small fleet operator of the year, big fleet operator of the year and best CV dealer of the year, the response was positive. The non-fleet side nominations accompanied a standard template involving technical specifications and a few other values. This decreased the margin for error.
At the beginning of March 2021, the jury met virtually. Kaushik Madhavan, Vice President – Mobility, Frost & Sullivan, and VG Ramakrishnan, Managing Director and Founder, Avanteum Advisors, joined from Chennai. Ruchir Mathur, Product Marketing Manager – M&HCV (Trucks & Buses), APMEA, Apollo Tyres, and Girish Mirchandani, Editor, Transtopics, joined from Delhi NCR. As a new jury member, Shyam Maller, Former Executive Vice President – Sales, Marketing and Aftermarket, VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd., joined from Pune. Bhushan Mhapralkar, Editor, CV magazine, joined from Mumbai. 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 2020. A definite picture about the new axle norms could be had and influenced a rejig in the categories under consideration. For example, the upper limit of ICV segment increasing to 18.5-tonnes. The transition to BSVI was an important factor. But, that was not the only one as CVs saw an influx of various interesting new technologies, many of them digital in nature and of the kind that leveraged IoT and AI. They made for an important consideration. The emerging shift to application-based CVs from tonnage-based CVs too. 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 2020. 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 experience was 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 drive-ability (d) option to have a vehicle better suited for the purpose, (e) price, and (f) sales. The jury unanimously decided to not consider buses this time owing to their lack of sales performance and much movement. The jury also decided to not consider the application builder of the year category for the lack of competing entries. Metric Global vet the fleet and dealer categories by putting them through the wringer. It used the Journey of Excellence parameter derived from the British Quality Foundation. 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 that set the tone of the ceremony. Below are the nominations and the winners.

The Apollo CV Awards 2021 jury. Clockwise from left: Bhushan Mhapralkar, Editor, CV Magazine; VG Ramakrishnan, Managing Partner, Avanteum Advisors LLP; Shyam Maller, Former Executive Vice President – Sales & Marketing, and Aftermarket, VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd.; Girish Mirchandani, Editor, Transtopics; Kaushik Madhavan, Vice President – Mobility, Frost & Sullivan, and Ruchir Mathur, Product Marketing Manager – M&HCV (Trucks and Buses), APMEA, Apollo Tyres.

(L to R) Hoshang Bilimoria, Founder & mentor, Next Gen Publishing Pvt. Ltd.; Satish Sharma, President – APMEA, Apollo Tyres, and Bhushan Mhapralkar, Editor, CV magazine.

SCV of the year
Nominees: a) Mahindra Treo Zor b) Tata Ultra V30 c) Tata Ace Gold Petrol
d) Mahindra Jeeto Plus Petrol e) Mahindra Jeeto Plus CNG

Winner: Mahindra Treo Zor

Small Commercial Vehicles (SCV) continue to evolve and innovate in an effort to address the changing requirements of their operators and end users. Continuing to grow and address their rising aspirations, SCVs are witnessing much technology infusion to stay ahead of the times. Evolving and re-inventing themselves, they are coming their owners and users in terms of technology, performance, efficiency, agility, payload and costs. As an efficient first mile or last mile transportation medium, they have been turning more and more customer-centric. Overcoming regulatory challenges with the use of latest and the best technology available, SCVs are truly coming of age. The winner this year, the Mahindra Treo Zor is a electric three wheeler that could be had as a pickup, flat bed or delivery van. Powered by a eight-kW ‘direct-drive motor that makes it very easy to pilot, the vehicle offers a payload of between 500 and 550 kg. With a GVW of 999 kg, it is equipped with a 48V Lithium-ion battery that takes three hours and 50 minutes to charge fully. An AC charger is supplied with the vehicles that makes for zero tailpipe emission and near silent operation. Of good build quality and innovative nature, the Treo Zor is finding favour with urban delivery logistics companies and e-commerce players.

Pickup of the year
Nominees: a) Ashok Leyland Bada Dost b) Tata Yodha 1700
c) Tata Winger BSVI d) Isuzu D-Max Super Strong e) Isuzu D-Max S Cab
Winner: Ashok Leyland Bada Dost

Enjoying the participation of global and local players, pickup trucks have carved out a niche for themselves on the virtue of their ability to address demanding applications like dairy, vegetables, fish, poultry and construction sit duties among others. Coming to cater to a well-defined clientele, they are about performance, efficiency, payload, robust construction and faster turnaround time. Working their was past regulatory challenges like the BSVI emissions, pickup trucks have come to be quite customer-centric, re-inventing themselves in the process and to the extent of bench marking them similar offerings in markets abroad. While some of them are already found in foreign markets, some are on the way, highlighting their ability to be economical to operate; be reliable, efficient and robust. The winner this year, the Ashok Leyland Bada Dost, is had in two variants with a GVW of three-tonne and 3.5-tonne respectively. Higher modular in nature, the vehicle is powered by a 80 hp, 1.4-litre BSVI turbocharged diesel engine. It is car-like to drive, and capable of seating three people officially in its cabin. Marking the company’s IPR, the Bada Dost has been engineered to help with higher productivity and comfort.

LCV Cargo Carrier of the year
Nominees: a) Eicher Pro 2049 (CNG) b) Eicher 2059XP (16 ft.) c) Tata Ultra T.7 d) SML Isuzu Sartaj GS H75 e) Mahindra Jayo f) Tata SFC 407 Gold RJ
Winner: Eicher Pro 2049 (CNG) and Tata Ultra T.7

 

 

 

 

 

Amid what could be termed as a longer duration slowdown beset by some unprecendented developments, it were the LCVs that seemed to show better traction over other segments when sign of some recovery were visible in 2020. Connected to trends like urbanisation and the changing ways to transport goods and provide services, LCVs have been re-modeling and re-inventing themselves. Changing in form and function, they are showing a robust ability to overcome regulatory challenges and address the dynamic market requirements. The two joint winners this year, promise not just superior productivity and profitability, they also offer a host of new technologies that make they safe and comfortable. If the Eicher Pro 2049 (CNG), which is based on the new and modular Eicher Pro 2000 series platform, points at the development and requirement of alternate fuel CVs with a modern build and productive ability, the Tata Ultra T.7 points at all of those reasons and how an innovative approach could enable bridging of gaps and driving an application-based approach over tonnage-based one. With a GVW of five-tonne, the 2049 (CNG) is powered by a modern 95 hp, three-litre engine. It has a grade-ability of 31 per cent. With the new generation safety cab made at a robotic facility at the Pithampur plant, which includes pasted acoustic windscreen, the Pro 2049 (CNG) features a modern and ergonomic interior. The 1.8 m wide tiltable cabin with sleeping provision remains 10 degree cooler than the outside temperature. It is dual-tone in colour, has a touchscreen music system, and is walk-through. There are disc brakes all-round, a first in its class, and DRL headlamps. There are other key features like the auto M-Booster+ and real-time fuel coaching with the help of a digital instrument cluster. Comfortable and refined, the Pro 2049 (CNG) marks the latest generation modular platform to come out of VECV.
The Tata Ultra T.7, at the other end, has a GVW ranging 7300 kg and 7490 kg across four-tyre and six-tyre variants. It features a 1.9 m wide narrow safety (day) cab, which is comfortable and ‘walkthrough’. Offering various load body options, the vehicle has a dashboard mounted gear shifting, and tilt and telescopic steering. Apart from DRL head lamps and LED tail lamps, the T.7 also features buckets seats and a comprehensive digital instrumentation. Providing an insight into how LCVs are coming to address existing as well as emerging application needs such as e-commerce and express logistics, the two winners this year also indicate a significant application-based re-alignment without sacrificing costs and an ability to modernise as well as innovate.

Large Truck Fleet Operator of the Year
Nominees: a) Venture Supply Chain Pvt. Ltd. b) Gujarat Logistics c) BLR Logistics (I) Ltd.
Winner: Venture Supply Chain Pvt. Ltd.

The big boys of logistics sector, they excel in service and operations. They have a strong balance sheet to flaunt, and are always ready to adopt new technologies as well as challenges. The winner this year ― Venture Supply Chain Pvt. Ltd., is headquartered at Delhi. It was founded in 2014, and has had an aggressive approach to disrupt surface transportation business practices. A recipient of Mahindra Transport Excellence Awards (2018), Best National Performer Award from Flipkart (BBD’18), and the Best Performer Award at Amazon Carrier’s Conclave ’20, the company has time and again displayed its quest for excellence. One of the early transport companies to provide speed trucking services to e-commerce players with very low turnaround times, Venture Supply Chain Pvt. Ltd. Has come to have a fleet of over 950 vehicles against 11 vehicles at the time of its establishment. Catering to e-commerce, courier and automobile industry requirements, the company employs over 2000 people, and is ISO 9001:2015 certified. It offers to its clients hourly updates on vehicle movement; has all its vehicles GPRS enabled; has multiple vehicle hubs (24) across India; has its fleet monitored regularly pre and post trip; maintains records of trucks on a fortnightly basis; replaces existing fleet every three years; has platform bays for lower TAT, and does live driver monitoring and alert with the help of ‘Servision’.

Small Fleet Operator of the Year
Nominees: a) S.R.S Travels & Logistics Ltd. b) Sanket Transport LLP
c) GCI Logistics Ltd.

Winner: S.R.S Travels & Logistics Ltd.

Contrary to their size, small fleet operators have come to acquire exemplary standards in business and operations. The winner this year ― S.R.S Travels & Logistics Ltd., specialises in cargo movement by leveraging its 48 years of experience in the field. As a company that operates a considerable truck fleet (98 nos with 4-tonne and 7-tonne capacity and a loading platform of 8 ft., 20 ft. and 24 ft. length) – it is more famous for its bus operation with a fleet strength of over 750 vehicles, S.R.S Travels & Logistics has invested in a sound infrastructure. It includes branches, godowns across southern states of Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat. Recognised for quality service provision, the company caters to a large number of corporate clients among others. It offers end-to-end solutions. The fleet is fitted with GPRS linked diesel matrix anti-pilferage and speed control device; with driver behaviour detection device; video camera surveillance, and an anti-collision device. Handling untoward incidences like accident or breakdown through the traffic control room for immediate action and damage control, S.R.S Travels & Logistics Ltd. has also deployed a mobile inspection squad.

HCV Rigid Cargo Carrier of the Year
Nominees: a) Ashok Leyland 2820 AVTR (Vaccine Reefer)
b) Ashok Leyland 4825 AVTR (10×2) c) Ashok Leyland 3520 AVTR (Vaccine Reefer) d) Eicher Pro 6041 e) Mahindra Blazo X 49 (12×2)
f) Tata Signa 4225.T g) Tata Signa 4825.T (10×2)

Winner: Tata Signa 4225.T

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 4225.T comes across as versatile and capable. Powered by a 270 hp, 6.7-litre Cummins ISBe engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. A 10×2, the rigid truck – had with a pusher axle or a tag axle, marks not just a transition to BSVI but more in what could be termed as a good mix of fuel efficiency, performance and uptime. Technologically better equipped, the truck features Hill Start Assist (HSA), Engine Brake, iCGT brakes and Unitized Wheel Bearings for greater vehicle control, load and driver safety, and lower operating and service costs. With a grade-ability of 10.2 degree, the truck has a GVW of 42000 kg. Its load body measures 27.8 ft. in length for the pusher axle version and 30 ft. for tag axle version. Well-supported by solutions like Tata Sampoorna Seva, the truck’s factory-built safety sleeper cabin (also available in cowl) makes for fatigue-free, safe and ergonomic driving experience. The adjustable driver seat is mechanically suspended; the sleeper berth is wider; the comprehensive instrument console is digital; there are ample utility spaces, and an advanced telematics system as standard. AC is optional.

HCV Tractor-Head of the year
Nominees: a) Eicher Pro 6040 (4×2) b) BharatBenz 5228TT (4×2)
c) Eicher Pro 6054 (4×2) d) Ashok Leyland 5425 AVTR (4×2)
e) Tata Signa 5525.S (4×2) f) Eicher Pro 6055 (4×2) g) Eicher Pro 6055 (6×4) h) Mahindra Blazo X 55 (6×4) i) Tata Signa 5530.S (6×4)

Winner: BharatBenz 5228TT

Dandy workhorses, HCV tractor-heads have gained in terms of GCW as part of the BSVI transition. About an ability to carry more, they leapfrogged in technology and an ability to deliver. Built to ensure better earning potential, they are powerful, long-haul machines. Powered by a (SCR-based) BSVI compliant 281.6 hp, 7.2-litre engine mated to a nine-speed gearbox, the winner this year, the BharatBenz 5228TT stands out as a 4×2 machine with a GCW of 54-tonne. Marking a vehicle that offers the highest GCW available on a 4×2 tractor at 54-tonne, the 5228TT flaunts a modern sleeper cab, the truck, with 24.3 per cent grade-ability at 50-tonne and 23.3 per cent grade-ability at 52-tonne, has cruise control, anti roll bar on both axles, telematics, central locking, pedal support for driver comfort, cross car beam structure for better safety, 500 mm sleeper berth for driving comfort, twin co-driver seat with head rest for co-driver comfort and safety, seat belt reminder, three-point seat belt system, and an unbreakable bumper spoiler engineered with an unique compound to avoid breakage. Of modern build, and displaying good build quality as well as fit-finish, the vehicle offers power windows, high power air conditioning, anti roll bar in front and rear axles in PTO variants, driver state monitoring, air suspended seats as optional features.

MCV Cargo Carrier of the year
Nominees: a) Eicher Pro 3019 b) Ashok Leyland 1920 Xpressline
c) Tata Ultra 1918.T

Winner: Tata Ultra 1918.T

With ICV segment moving up as part of the new axle norms re-jig, MCV segment has shrunk. It has disappeared almost. Its strength and versatility is however not lost yet. The winner in the category on the cargo side this year, the Tata Ultra 1918.T is versatile, modern and modular. It reflects changing industry dynamics like bridging products gaps. Emerging from a platform that is the most modern to come out of Tata Motors post Prima, the truck is a differentiated offering with modern design and engineering credentials. About enhanced productivity and profitability through superior performance, comfort and class, it has a GVW of 18,500 kg. Elegant looking (with a cab that could be had in day configuration or sleeper configuration) and efficient, the 1918.T, with 9.4-degree grade-ability, is powered by a 180 hp five-litre four-cylinder BSVI engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Light in weight and engineered to offer lower TCO, the truck offers highest payload in its segment. It is available in multiple deck lengths (17.9 ft, 20 ft., 22 ft., 24 ft and 32 ft.) to suit different application needs. With longer service intervals, the vehicle features a two-mode fuel economy switch, GSA and iCGT brakes, a dash mounted gear lever, spacious walk-through cabin, twin fully folding co-driver seat, mechanically suspended adjustable driver seat, in-built music system, plenty of storage and utility spaces, modern and ergonomic dashboard with digital instrument cluster (with self-diagnostic and driver coaching features), and twin port USB chargers.

Editor’s recognition
SML Isuzu Sartaj GS HG75

With a 17 ft. deck length and a four-tyre configuration, the vehicle worthy of editor’s recognition is the SML Isuzu Sartaj GS HG75 rigid truck with a modern cab. Powered by a 101 hp, 3.5-litre BSVI diesel engine, the truck is available in a factory-built container body configuration. Aimed at the new emerging application areas like e-commerce and parcel, the truck makes an important product in the company’s portfolio given its good standing in the bus segments. Carrying the responsibility to support a significant shift at the manufacturer in a year that has been bad for buses due to unprecedented challenges thrown by the Covid pandemic, the Sartaj GS H75 has a five-speed manual transmission. With a GVW of 7400 kg, the truck, with a 10.2 degree grade-ability in first gear, has Air-Brakes, and is ideal for city entry with maximum permissible load unlike a six-tyre truck, which could have restricted entry. Offering best in class payload, the truck has container features like inside camera, door sensors, steel hinges and locking system, lashing arrangement on both side walls, retractable footstep at rear for ease of loading, and ladder on side wall.

ICV Cargo Carrier of the year
Nominees: a) BharatBenz 1415RE b) Ashok Leyland Boss 1415LX
c) Ashok Leyland Boss 1115LE d) Ashok Leyland Boss 1215 24’ Expressline
e) Tata 1412 LPT (CNG) f) Mahindra Furio 11 g) Mahindra Furio 14/HD
h) Mahindra Furio 12 i) Ashok Leyland Ecomet 1615 (sleeper cab)
j) Ashok Leyland Ecomet 1615 (Vaccine Reefer) k) Tata 1512 LPT
l) Eicher Pro 2114XP (CNG) m) Eicher Pro 3015 n) Mahindra Furio 16

Winner: Ashok Leyland Boss1415LX

 

ICV cargo carriers have displayed much resilience in a year that has been marred by the Covid pandemic. Transitioning successfully to BSVI, they have come to offer higher productivity gains without losing sight of customer-centricity. Versatile and packing modern technologies, they have come to bridge gaps and earn a niche for themselves. The winner this year, the Ashok Leyland Boss 1415LX has a GVW of 14050 kg. It is powered by a 150 hp, 3.9-litre H Series four-cylinder mated to a six-speed manual transmission. With a grade-ability of 22.3 per cent, the truck is had in either of the five variants and corresponding deck lengths of 14.3 ft., 17.3 ft., 20 ft., and 22.2 ft. Featuring it with an advanced telematics system, cable shift gears, music system, tilt and telescopic steering, Advanced Digital Driver Assist (ADDA), USB charger, hydraulically tiltable cabin, and sleeper provision in day cab, the Ashok Leyland 1415LX flaunts a modern and robust build. It is engineered to offer higher fluid efficiency, better tyre life, low maintenance, higher reliability and durability, higher safety, and low TCO.

ICV Tipper of the Year
Nominees: a) Tata 912 LPK b) Ashok Leyland Ecomet 1015
c) Ashok Leyland 1920 AVTR

Winner: Ashok Leyland 1920 AVTR

Marking a shift in-line with the new axle norms and application-based offerings, ICV tippers have come to address some very unique application areas with their versatile nature. They have come to modernise themselves with an influx of technology and features, in the process, acquiring new abilities and efficiencies. Manoeuvrable, sturdy and capable, ICV tippers are even more appealing in BSVI avatar. The winner, the Ashok Leyland 1920 AVTR is modern, modular and evolved. Powered by a 200 hp, 5.7-litre six-cylinder BSVI engine mated to a six-speed Eaton gearbox, the tipper has a GVW of 18,500 kg. It has a grade-ability of 42 per cent. With a 10.5 cu. m. tipping body – there is an option of 8.5 cu. m. and 12 cu. m. superstructure too, the truck is fitted with a modern ‘Captain’ series cab, which is indigenously designed and factory-made. The modern cab, as a key part of the company’s product modularisation effort, is based on the best principles of ergonomics and international styling to deliver superior comfort, a longer life and optimal performance. Using heavy-duty aggregates, the 1920 AVTR tipper draws from the knowledge and deeper market understanding of its maker earned from making and selling medium and heavy-duty tippers. Featuring a strengthened chassis, the tipper offers superior tyre mileage. It employs heavy-duty axles and superior aggregates.

HCV Tipper of the Year
Nominees: a) Mahindra Blazo x 28 (6×4) b) Ashok Leyland 2825 AVTR (6×4)
c) Eicher Pro 8028XC (8×4) d) Eicher Pro 8028XM (8×4) e) Eicher Pro 6035T (8×4) f) Eicher Pro 8035XM (8×4 g) Ashok Leyland 3520 AVTR (8×4)
h) Tata Prima 3530.K (8×4) i) Tata Prima 3525.K/TK (8×4)
j) Ashok Leyland 4825 AVTR (10×4) k) Tata Signa 4825.TK (10×4)

Winner: Ashok Leyland 3520 AVTR and Tata Signa 4825.TK

 

 

 

 

 

Built to perform one of the most demanding jobs that a truck would, HCV tippers are dandy machines. They are strong and robust, and smart and highly productive. The two winners this year, the Ashok Leyland 3520 AVTR and Tata Signa 4825.TK, are no exception. Strong, robust, smart and highly productive, they pack modern technologies and a deeper understanding of the customer requirements. The 3520 AVTR is powered by 200 hp, 5.7-litre H Series six-cylinder diesel engine, and the 4825.TK is powered by a 250 hp, 6.7-litre Cummins ISBe engine. Either BSVI vehicle is equipped with a nine-speed transmission. Available with a 22 cu. m. tipping structure (18 cu. m. optional), the 3520 AVTR is modular and efficient. If the 22 cu. m. superstructure variant is had with a ‘U’ cab, the buyer-operator has a choice of four cabs, fifteen wheels, four engine options and six gearbox options. With 27 per cent grade-ability, the (8×4) 3520 AVTR has a GVW of 35000 kg. It is available with a radial tyre option too. Fitted with a 300 litre fuel tank, the multi-application tipper features driver guidance system, reverse park assistance, unitised bearing hub, and an advanced telematics system.
Available with a 29 cu. m. tipping structure, the 4825.TK, available in 10×2 or 10×4, has a GVW of 47,500 kg. Available with radial tyres and a 300-litre fuel tank, the tipper has 23.45 per cent grade-ability in crawler gear. Engineered for higher revenue earning potential, the vehicle, with heavy-duty aggregates, features a three-mode fuel economy switch. It also features engine brake, hill start assist and long lasting NGT brakes. Having a tilt switch that prevents accidents, the tipper’s sleeper cabin is designed for fatigue-free operation. If the vertical exhaust avoids dust flare up, the tipper’s advanced telematics system enables real time vehicle tracking, geo-fencing, fuel consumption monitoring and anti-fuel theft. A multi-application tipper that the Signa 4825.TK is, it is fitted with a digital instrument cluster that provides comprehensive information. It enables customers to carry four to five tonne extra load at a marginal cost increase.

Special Application CV of the year
Nominees: a) Mahindra Supro Ambulance BSVI b) Eicher Pro 6028TM (Transit Mixer) c) Tata Signa 2821.K RMC FE+ (Transit Mixer)
d) Ashok Leyland 2820 TU (Transit Mixer) e) Eicher Pro 2095XP (Fuel Bowser) f) Tata Ultra T.11 (Fuel Bowser) g) Ashok Leyland Ecomet 1015 (Fuel Bowser) h) Tata Signa 2823.K (Drill Rig) i) Ashok Leyland Ecomet 1415 (Mass Disinfection Truck)

Winner: Tata Ultra T.11 Fuel Bowser

Special application CVs address special needs of the market. They are built to perform a series of tasks that require them to be worthy of the job. The winner this year, the Tata Ultra T.11 Fuel Bowser, is built on a highly modular platform that the Ultra range from Tata Motors denotes. It is powered by a 125 hp, 3.3-litre BSVI diesel engine mated to a five-speed transmission. Aimed at door-step fuel delivery for farm machines, construction site machines, etc., the fuel bowser has a GVW of 10990 kg. Its superstructure includes a six-kilolitre fuel tank and a dispensing unit. Fitted with a modern (safety, walk-through) day cab that makes for fatigue-free driving environment, the vehicle features gear shift advisor, ergonomically dash mounted gear shift lever, spacious cabin, adjustable seats, tilt and telescopic power steering, average fuel economy indicator as part of a digital instrument cluster that provides comprehensive information, an advanced telematics system and fast USB chargers. The high-points of the machine include an ability to provide best operating economics, mileage, driving comfort, connectivity, tubeless radial tyres, and an air braking system with interlock.

CV Dealer of the Year
Nominees: a) Anamalias Agencies (Stadium) b) Jasper Industries Pvt. Ltd. c) M/s Kamal Motors
Winner: Jasper Industries Pvt. Ltd.

An a customer interface of an OEM, CV dealers faced a tough time in 2020. A a key contributor to the CV ecosystem, they found innovative ways to sustain and grow in 2020. This included devising smarter ways to communicate through measures like digitisation, service schemes and more. They made valiant efforts to retain skilled manpower and employees even as they invested in resources as well as technology upgrade. Evolving some more in 2020, CV dealers responded to market changes, setting yet another example of how efficient and effective they are. The winner this year, Jasper Industries Pvt. Ltd. has Tata Motors as its principal. Reflecting business excellence practices and overall management, the company, established in 1955 at Vijayawada, has come to be regarded as an exceptional business hub for automobile services. Having serviced over 1066876 vehicles till date and sold 230503 vehicles till date, the company has come to be one of the leading businesses in its field, and in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. One of the first dealers appointed by Tata Motors, it has more than 100 touch points across 13 districts in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Employing over 2500 people, a good number of which are technically skilled, the CV dealership caters to the entire range of its principal, right from an SCV to the heaviest CV available on the cargo side and the passenger side.

CV Man of the Year
Nominees: a) Girish Wagh, President – CVBU, Tata Motors
b) Vinod Aggarwal, MD & CEO, VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd.
c) Vipin Sondhi, MD, Ashok Leyland Ltd. d) Satyakam Arya, MD & CEO, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Pvt. Ltd.
e) Yugo Hashimoto, MD & CEO, SML Isuzu Ltd.

Winner: Satyakam Arya, MD & CEO, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Pvt. Ltd.

Instrumental in announcing technologically appealing BSVI range of CVs at the beginning of 2020, Satyakam Arya, steered the company through the thick and thin of 2020. He was instrumental in guiding it by helping to redraw strategies against the dark shadow of Covid-19. Leading from the front, the CV maker under the leadership of Arya transitioned to BSVI. It used the opportunity as a big value enhancer. Though refraining from announcing the alternate fuel strategy, the company, under Arya’s leadership, continued its thrust to expand network and in-turn, customer reach. Making a big announcement to enter the used truck market in August 2020, eyeing a shift in the CV market to further increase its reach, DICV, under the leadership of Arya, offered BSVI CVs with no price increase over BSIV CVs. This had a profound effect on Indian CV buyers fondness for initial acquisition cost. Leveraging technology from different Daimler locations to offer a superior product proposition with stress on high localisation and local manufacture, Arya was instrumental in guiding his company to be agile and sensitive to the regulatory environment as well as the customer needs.

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.
e) Ashok Leyland Ltd. f) SML Isuzu Ltd.

Winner: Tata Motors Ltd.

Winning the coveted title for the second time in a row. Tata Motors, despite the sever downturn, continued to drive a slew of measures and strategies to keep itself ahead of the competition. As a full-range player, it continued to offer enhanced value to its customers by introducing BSVI CVs that went beyond mere emission standard transition and instead imbibed new technologies that would help up the performance, efficiency, reliability, productivity and lower TCO parameters. Retaining its position as India’s number-one CV maker, Tata Motors displayed good agility. Introducing smart ‘white space’ products and enhancing modularity through Signa, Ultra and Intra platforms in particular, the company made efforts to retain its manpower, dealers and suppliers. Keeping costs under control by revisiting its strategies, including those concerning alternate fuel, the CV maker consciously steered a shift from application-based offering to tonnage-based ones. It drove a number of initiatives including driver training and customer business coaching (advise) as part of its Sampoorna Seva 2.0 initiative. Profiting from good traction in LCVs and ICVs, the company strived to achieve sales performance that would be fair and closer to expectations.

CV of the year
Nominees: a) Mahindra Treo Zor b) Ashok Leyland Bada Dost
c) Eicher Pro 2049 CNG d) Ashok Leyland Boss 1415LX e) Tata Ultra 1918.T
f) Ashok Leyland 1920 AVTR g) Tata Signa 4225.T
h) Ashok Leyland 3520 AVTR i) BharatBenz 5228TT j) Tata Ultra T.11 Fuel Bowser

Winner: Ashok Leyland Bada Dost

Combining technology and a good understanding of the market, the winner of the CV of the year title, the Ashok Leyland Bada Dost, highlighting Ashok Leyland’s IPR is quite modular in nature. Engineered to be available in CNG and electric fuel alternatives, the pickup truck, available in two variants – a three-tonne GVW and 3.5-tonne GVW, is powered by a 80 hp, 1.4-litre BSVI turbocharged diesel engine mated to a five-speed transmission. Refined and fitted with a robot-built cab engineered to provide a car-like driving experience and ergonomics, the vehicle, benchmarked against the Hyundai H100 and Kia 3700, carries the responsibility of driving its manufacturer;s ambitions to increase its market reach in LCVs in the domestic market and explore new markets abroad. Capable of seating three people officially in its day cabin with attention to detail like a unique parking brake arrangement, the CV rides in the footsteps of Dost with an intention to cash its reputation and goodwill in the market. Designed and developed to be made available in various forms and functions, including a cargo van or a ambulance, the Bada Dost is engineered to offer better fuel efficiency, better comfort and convenience to the owner-operator, and better productivity and earning potential.

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.

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 multi-product outlets, Apollo Tyres has multiple manufacturing units in India, the Netherlands and Hungary.

A German eyewear brand have always produced frames with emphasis on comfort, Stepper is known for innovation and technology and the use of new materials and processes. Creating the ‘design from the bridge’ concept almost forty years ago to improve the fit and comfort of spectacles, Stepper has created exciting and durable eyewear that fits. As most of the weight of a pair of spectacles falls on the bridge, Stepper designers have been instrumental in creating a perfect fit without sacrificing looks and quality. Offering an extensive range to choose from in metal and other materials for men, women and unisex application, the company has been successful in developing a frame for almost everyone. Maintaining that good quality does not come at a premium, Stepper continues to stress on style, quality, durability and desirability.

Metric Global is a leading Indian Research & Consultancy firm. It specialises in quantitative and model based market research, marketing and business excellence consultancy. Having a pan-India presence in automotive, industrial, B2B and institutional, retail and service sectors, the company offers end-to-end solutions in managing business excellence practices. It has a franchisee network in 50 countries. These market Metric’s proprietary models and use Metric’s analysis and interpretation services. Metric Global is a member of the British Quality Foundation.