Scania Commercial Vehicles India recently handed over 60 trucks to one of India’s largest private port operators, Krishnapatnam Port Co. Ltd. (KPCL), making this a new business model ever, for Scania in India.
The trucks handed over includes the recently launched Scania P 410 8×4, the most powerful 8×4 tipper in the coal transportation tipper segment. This truck is powered by Scania Opticruise, an automated gear-changing system for best fuel efficiency and ease of driving, with the highest possible carrying capacity for port inter-carting of coal. This is a long term partnership for Scania and KPCL. Scania will establish a dedicated operating lease fleet along with a service workshop at the port so as to maintain best uptime and turn around efficiencies.Scania will also deliver 5 workshop containers for service on site backed by driver training center at the port to enhance the operations of Krishnapatnam Port.
Speaking on the occasion, Anders Grundströmer, Managing Director, Scania Commercial Vehicles India and Vice President Scania Group, said, “This is a very proud moment for us.This is proof of the confidence that customers in India have in us. KPCL has chosen Scania as its transportation partner and we are sure that over time they will see the benefits of a lower TCO.”
Mr.Anil Yendluri, Chief Executive Officer,KPCL, said: “This is an important association for us as Scania offers cost-effective transport solutions which directly impact our business. We are very excited to be associated with Scaniaandare happy to unveil Scania’s P 410 8×4 in India. We strong believe that Scania will help improve our profitability and look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship.”
He added, “We are also working with Scania on other significant areas such as logistics and transportation solutions for LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) and container transportation.”
Krishnapatnam Port Company Ltd. (KPCL) was created through a mandate from the Govt. of Andhra Pradesh to develop the existing minor port into modern, deep water and high Productivity port, on BOST (Build–Operate-Share-Transfer) concession basis for 50 years. The port is being built in three phases. Post the completion of the first phase in a record time of 18 months, Krishnapatnam Port was dedicated to the nation on July 17, 2008. Currently the second phase of development is underway. The port has numerous strengths such as its area, location, weather and the credentials of CVR Group that is promoting this port; it is soon be poised to become one of the biggest ports in the world.
Scania targets an annual roll-out of 2,500 heavy haulage trucks and 1,000 inter-city multi-axle buses and coaches from the plant within five years. The first truck is expected to roll out in April 2013.TheNarasapura manufacturing facility near Bangalore is expected to further boost the company’s salesand service offering, bring in a wider selection of models and shorten delivery times.