Eicher trucks come to South Africa!

VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV) – a joint venture of the Volvo Group and Eicher Motors – has established a 100-percent wholly owned subsidiary known as VECV South Africa (VECV SA), which is introducing Eicher trucks to South Africa

Eicher is a well-known name in the world of trucking – and for good reason! The company – a member of the Volvo Group (along with UD Trucks, Volvo Trucks, Renault Trucks and Mack Trucks) – has an established presence in more than 30 countries across the globe and an on-road population of over half a million trucks. Plus, the trucks are known to be both fuel efficient and advanced.

Joint venture with Volvo Group

VECV, which was formed in July 2008, brings the best of two companies together. On the one hand, there is the Volvo Group’s global expertise and world-class technology. Then there is the innovative engineering and proven fuel efficiency from Eicher. Together, this has resulted in the development of the Eicher Pro Series.

Surender Singh Rajpurohit, vice president and country head, VECV SA, says that the new trucks usher in “the pro league of trucking”.

“The Eicher Pro Series is our next-generation truck series, designed to deliver maximum uptime and provide best-in-class fuel efficiency, a higher loading capacity and enhanced driver efficiency and safety,” he tells FOCUS.

Built and tested for South Africa

A medium commercial vehicle with an 8,5-t gross vehicle mass (GVM) and four to five-tonne payload, the Eicher Pro Series truck has been tested for more than 500 000 km across Africa and Asia.

Furthermore, it was subjected to rigorous endurance and performance testing for over 200 000 km in South Africa. It has also been field tested by local operators. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with operators praising the vehicle’s fuel efficiency, comfort and durability.

The first truck to be launched in South Africa – the Eicher Pro 3008 – is powered by the Eicher E494; a four-cylinder, four-value powerplant with common-rail system (CRS) technology.

In addition, the truck features the Volvo Group’s Engine Management System, the EMS 3.0, which maintains the optimum balance between load demand, fuel efficiency and emission control.

The cab boasts a decidedly Japanese-like design, with all the necessary creature comforts. Safety features include an anti-lock braking system, airbrakes, three-point seatbelts and exhaust brakes.

Reliable network Across the country

Eicher trucks will be available at 12 strategic locations across South Africa. VECV SA has partnered with well-established dealership groups such as Imperial Group, BB Motor Group, CMH Group, AAD Group, Billson Trucks, Fleet Dynamics Group and Premier Truck and Bus.

Rajpurohit says South Africa is a strategic market. “It will play a critical role in the future growth of VECV’s international business. The company plans to continuously invest in the introduction of country-specific products and world-class aftersales support,” he tells FOCUS.

Well-prepared aftermarket readiness

VECV SA has joined forces with Bidvest Panalpina Logistics, its 3PL partner. “We have invested
millions of rand in parts availability. Currently the warehouse stocks more than 2 600 line items,” says Rajpurohit.

He is mindful of the importance of aftersales. “The local team has been proactively busy ensuring parts availability and has provided training to technicians. Parts availability and aftersales support are key investment areas,” Rajpurohit concludes.