The next-generation of Prima range of heavy commercial vehicles has been launched in Bhutan by Tata Motors in collaboration with Samden Vehicles Pvt. Ltd. and State Trading Corporation of Bhutan Limited. Named as the World-Smart Truck range the new vehicles are claimed to provide a combination of power, driver comfort, and performance with decent fuel efficiency, and safety. The launch marks Tata Motors’ efforts towards changing the trucking landscape in Bhutan, based on increasing customer demand for new-age commercial vehicles. Initially, the Tata Prima will be introduced in the tipper and cargo segment, with different combinations of drivelines, for varied applications.
The new Prima range gets an Italian cab design, updated interiors and features, engine technology from the USA and Europe, gearbox expertise from Germany, chassis frame know-how from Mexico, and sheet metal dies from Japan and Korea, combined with Swedish precision on a robotic weld line. Due to these international inputs, the range is referred to as the ‘World-Smart Truck’ by Tata Motors.
The automaker has launched three Prima offerings – the Prima LX 2523.T in the cargo segment and the Prima LX 2523.K and Prima LX 2528.K in the Tipper Construck segment. Said to be equipped with strong aggregates and a robust chassis frame and suspension, the Prima range can meet the highest operating standards under extreme conditions. The new commercial vehicles are also claimed to feature improved build quality, comfort, driving dynamics and economy, and lowest total cost of ownership as well.
The new generation cabins of the Tata Prima offer new comfort-focused interiors. The cabin can also be fitted with an air-conditioning unit for additional comfort.The Prima LX 2523.T is a multi-axle offering, with a GVW of 25 tonnes and a performance Cummins ISBe 5.9 common rail engine, generating 230 hp. This engine is derived from the Cummins 6BT commercial vehicle, along with Eaton’s 6-speed gearbox. The driveline upgrade also includes the heavy-duty Tata RA 110 rear axle. The Prima boasts the widest cabin available on multi-axle trucks in India &Bhutan and is based on a 4-point cabin suspension system, with mechanically suspended seats, AC, and wide bunks, providing the driver with improved visibility, safety, and driving comfort.
The Tipper Construck customers will get to own the PrimaLX 2523.K and Prima LX 2528.K that have been specially designed with features that ensure maximum power and productivity. They are powered by a CRDi engine by Cummins, coupled with Tata G1150, 9-speed gearbox.
Commenting on the launch, Ravindra Pisharody, Executive Director, Commercial Vehicles Business Unit, Tata Motors expressed that the launch of the Prima World-Smart range of heavy commercial vehicles in Bhutan is an important milestone in Tata Motors’ continued expansion in the country and the South Asian region. As a major player in the region, Tata Motors is committed to shaping the commercial vehicle industry there, with the latest global technologies, giving the Bhutanese customer competitive business advantages, with the trusted credentials of the Tata Motors brand. The Tata Prima shaped by technology, know-how, and expertise with global standards of power, durability, payload, emissions, and safety, will enable commercial vehicle customers to upgrade to a new-age truck, with new-age global specifications and systems, a result of customer feedback combined with years of experience in the trucking business. The launched range is world-class in every sense.
