Eicher joins the local heavy-duty fray

By Martin Pretorius

 If you want a sensible Japanese cabin design, Swedish technology and an Indian pricetag in your next heavy-duty commercial vehicle purchase, Eicher may have just what you're looking for. They've just released their latest Pro 6000 series heavy-duty trucks on the local market, claiming class-leading fuel efficiency and optimised uptime to go with an overall focus on low operating costs.

Two models for now

Two variants from the Pro 6000 series are available from the beginning: the Pro 6016 16T Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) 6x2 freight carrier, and the Pro 6025T 25T GVM 6x4 Industrial tipper.

Doing duty in the former is Volvo Eicher's 5-litre 4-cylinder VEDX5 engine with 180HP, while the latter uses Volvo Eicher's 8-litre 6-cylinder VEDX8 engine with 220HP, both employing electronically-controlled common-rail direct diesel injection. Both of these engines feature Volvo Group's EMS 3.0 engine control system to optimise their power output, fuel efficiency and emission control.

The cabin looks familiar...

The Pro 6000 series cabins are derived from UD Truck's Quester models (UD also being part of the Volvo Group), features an air-suspended driver's seat and climate control, and meets AIS 029 safety standards.

The driver also has access to an information system, which provides real-time data on the truck's operational parameters and fuel consumption, and also allows for advanced on-board diagnostics.

Diagnostic advancement

The diagnostic system warns the driver of faults by means of both audible and visible signals, and provides messages regarding the nature of any malfunctions. Combined with Eicher's expanding service network, this will enable improved corrective and preventative maintenance of the truck, leading to optimised uptime.

Tough enough for Africa?

Local development has verified the new suitability of the new trucks for local operating conditions. "The trucks have undergone rigorous endurance and performance testing for over 100,000 kilometres in South Africa. Together with strong support solutions, the new series promises to deliver maximum lifetime profitability to the customer and fast-track their business growth”, says Surender Singh, vice president and country head of VECV South Africa (a Volvo Group and Eicher Motors joint venture). The trucks will be available through Eicher's 17 local sales outlets

Who is VECV?

VECV (VE Commercial Vehicles) is a joint venture between Eicher Motors Limited and Volvo Group, with Volvo Group holding 45.6% of shares. This joint venture aims to introduce Volvo's truck technologies to a broader audience, and increase representation around the globe. The Eicher Group has business interests in a variety of fields, having diversified into design, engineering, development and production of trucks, buses, and automotive components. They're also involved in added-value areas such as management consultancy services and customised engineering.