Daimlerchrysler launches Atros trucks in India (WITH PHOTO)

Pune, June 23 (UNI) After a gap of 40 years, DaimlerChrysler here today announced its foray into the commercial vehicles segment in India with the launch of two variants of the heavy duty special applications high tonnage- Actros trucks-- the 4040K and 4840K.

Addressing a press conference, CEO and Managing Director DaimlerChrysler India, Dr Wifreid Aulbur said that the state of- the-art trucks as of now would be used for mining applications, an initiative taken after a market survey, ''understanding the Indian market,'' he said. Initially, ''we are looking at selling 800 units, but as the mining industry shows a 10-20 per cent increase the targets would also increase, he said adding that DaimlerChrysler has a 15 per cent share in the global market in the medium and heavy duty truck market. The group performed the best ever in 2005, touching sales of 529,000 units globally as against 304,000 units in 2004. The markets being Africa, Asia, Latin America, US, and Western Europe, Aulber informed.

The Actros 4040K is priced at Rs 55 laks and the 4840K at Rs 65 lakhs. It has high standards of vehicle engineering, safety and drive comfort with a completely built imported chasis. The Actros features a 12 litre engine with delivery output of about 400 horse power at an rpm as low as 1800, which makes it most powerful engine in the tipper segment.

The 'telligent' engine offers features that provide maximum engine management, overload protection, minimal fuel consumption with high power at low rpm, with improved monitoring while the 'telligent' gearbox operates with a 16 speed gearbox, the gear shift is operated with just a flick of the wrist, the combination of easy gear and telligent ensures that the truck selects the ideal gear automatically. The truck has an Axle load compensation, a break through technology that divides the load between the first and the second front axle that helps reduce wear on componets and tyres alike, Aulbur said.

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