Toyota debuts at SIAM’s Bus & Special Vehicle Show

The 2015 Bus & Special Vehicle Show, organised by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) at the India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, Delhi from January 15-17 is proving to be a big draw with exhibitors and showgoers.

Spread across nearly 3,700 square metres, which is around 25 percent more than the last edition, it sees participation from 31 exhibitors, 10 of them being vehicle manufacturers. Toyota, GM, Isuzu, Renault, Mitsubishi and Toyota are first-time exhibitors at this key trade fair.

Ashok Leyland unveiled the Versa EV from its UK arm Optare plc. Ideal for feeder, airport tarmac and intra-city applications, the low-floor Versa electric bus minimises environmental impact, including zero emissions and zero noise whilst matching the performance of a diesel vehicle. With its low-weight integral structure, the Versa EV can accommodate up to 44 seats, optimising seating. It is available in lengths of 9.7m, 10.4m, 11.1m and 11.8m.

“With increased awareness and sensitivity around environment safety and carbon footprints, the timing for the introduction of an electric bus is optimal. The Versa EV is ideally placed to help deliver on our government’s commitment to make urban transport efficient and reduce our country’s carbon footprint. We are one of the largest providers of electric and hybrid buses in the world and we are proud to bring this to India to help India move up the path of efficient, comfortable, responsible and sustainable urban transport,” said T Venkataraman, senior vice-president, Global Buses, Ashok Leyland.

Tata Motors has showcased a range of commercial vehicles including the Ultra Midi 900mm AC, Ultra BS4 3-litre engine AC vehicle, Ultra BS3 Safe School Bus, 1512 Jupiter Face luxury bus from ACGL, a bus musuem, articulated bus and a BS4 DiCor-engined Winger.  

Mahindra & Mahindra’s exhibits include a 40-seater school bus (Tourister Cosmo BS4), a long wheelbase 40-seater staff bus (Tourister Cosmo BS3) and a Maxximo mini school van; Force Motors is showcasing an ambulance, a Gurkha and a Tempo Traveller. First-timer General Motors is displaying two Taveras and an Enjoy MPV while Isuzu Motors has a mobile service vehicle on show; SMS Isuzu has three buses. Renault India has the Duster SUV and Scala sedan in its stand while Mitsubishi is showcasing a Pajero Sports.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor gave a sneak peek of its soon-to-be-launched Hiace commuter vehicle, showcasing it to potential business customers. First displayed at the 12^th Auto Expo last year, the Toyota Hiace is an evolved product which offers robust flexibility along with superior comfort in inter- and intra-city travels. The Hiace is powered by the Toyota D4-D engine and a four-speed automatic transmission. It is currently sold in over 140 countries worldwide and comes with a seating capacity for 10 passengers (including driver) in a configuration of 4 rows and ample luggage space.

According to N Raja, director and senior vice-president (sales & marketing), Toyota Kirloskar Motor, “We have been continuously studying the market for customer preferences and based on customer needs, we are showcasing the Toyota Hiace which is a product with premium features. The Hiace is sold in 140 countries and has clocked sales of around 6 million units across the world. The Hiace will be the first of its kind offering from Toyota in India. Like all other Toyota vehicles, the Hiace is equally designed to provide unparalleled satisfaction in terms of comfort and safety.”

Speaking to Autocar Professional earlier today, Vishnu Mathur, director-general, SIAM, said: “The 25bps rate cut announced today by the Reserve Bank of India will give a fillip to the commercial vehicle sector. Public transportation has been under great strain for 30 months and we hope that in the next two quarters public transport vehicles will show great growth. The Bus and Special Vehicle Show has a number of vehicles on display, from the latest electric vehicles through to articulated buses and we  expect substantial footfalls. This show addresses the requirements of the State Road Transport Undertakings (SRTUs). Members of the Association of Road Transport Operators are here as are transport secretaries and commissioners of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, South India and Uttar Pradesh. We expect it to be good show for all.”