TATA tackles the test

Putting two models forward for Truck Test 2012 shows you have confidence that your products are the right ones for the job – and TATA is set on proving this point.

TATA is ready to prove its “truckability” in Truck Test 2012, and to show how serious it is about having the right vehicle for the right application, the company has entered not one, but two different 6×4 models. These two vehicles, the Novus V3TXF 7548 and the recently launched Prima 4938S, are from new ranges in the company’s portfolio.

“These vehicles are best suited to the truck test as they offer world-class technology and aggregates to ensure operators of the best reliability, durability and fuel consumption,” says Shaheer Abrahams, general manager: sales and marketing at TATA Automobile Corporation SA. “We want fleet owners to see each truck as a business tool that will be a good return on investment,” he continues.

With the kind of specs they boast, Abrahams expects the vehicles to perform optimally and prove their worth alongside the more established players in this segment.

Hauling an Afrit Interlink – best suited to the long-haul application expected of the vehicle – the Novus is the brand’s most powerful model. This is thanks to its 15-litre Cummins ISX engine, which produces a substantial 354 kW (475 hp) and 2 509 Nm toque. Coupled to an 18-speed Eaton Ultra Shift automated manual transmission (AMT), the Novus offers a substantial gross combination weight (GCW) of 75 tonnes.

The model comes with the necessary conveniences including cab air-suspension, hill assist and cruise control, and also offers the option of double bed – not that this will be needed on the test.

Truck Test 2012 will be one of the first platforms for TATA’s new 275 kW (370 hp) Prima to prove its might – this vehicle was only launched recently, at the Johannesburg International Motor Show late last year. With a GCW of 49 500 kg, the Prima will run the test with an Afrit tri-axle trailer. Abrahams expects the flat torque curve afforded by the 8,8-litre Cummins ISLe Euro-3 engine to provide leading fuel economy and performance (the engine produces a maximum of 1 550 Nm torque between 1 200 and 1 400 r/min). This vehicle too is fitted with an Eaton transmission, this time a nine-speed manual, and features a three-stage Jake brake for efficient braking.

It is equipped with a data logger that helps measure vehicle performance and driving practices along several parameters on a daily basis and, with its powerful engine, ensures faster trips and higher profitability. The tractor is specially designed to facilitate long-distance travel, and is ergonomically designed for driver comfort. The cabin is air-conditioned and has reclining seats (driver’s suspended), an adjustable steering wheel and arm rests for driver comfort. It has two sleeper bunks with an ambience control system for controlling conditions within the cabin to ensure a comfortable sleep.

“We expect that, following the test, potential customers will become aware of the overall capability and performance of TATA’s 6×4 truck tractors,” says an enthusiastic Abrahams. “Truck Test 2012 is certainly a positive sign that OEMs are indeed willing to give customers a true reflection of the individual products available for relevant applications.”