UK’s TISS in talks with Tata, Ashok Leyland to supply fuel theft-stopping device

TISS Ltd, the UK-based global fuel security and safety specialist, is in talks with several Indian commercial vehicle makers including Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland to supply its new device, used to check third party fuel theft in CVs, as OE fitment.

Christened TankSafe, the device completely stops any siphoning of fuel, skimming and diesel spills. With most Indian fleet operators suffering losses due to third party fuel thefts from their vehicles, the company hopes to get bumper orders from both OEMs and the aftermarket covering fleet operators.

Talking to Autocar Professional at the recently held ACMA Automechanika New Delhi, Matthew Rose, marketing director of TISS, said global fuel prices have increased by more than 45 percent over the past three years. With fuel now accounting for over 40 percent of a truck’s operating cost, it is vital that the fuel inside vehicle is protected.

TISS’ range of fuel security devices are globally recognised as an effective fuel security equipment. The TankSafe range has over 60 models enabling fitment to more than 100 fuel tanks including all global truck models, plant and construction equipment, buses and coaches and vans.

According to the company’s Indian representative J Viswanath, “We are in talks with Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, AMW and Mahindra & Mahindra for possible orders. We are also almost on the verge of closing a deal with a major fleet operator in the country.” However Viswanath declined to identify its potential fleet operating customer.

Many have expressed their keenness in the device, he added but declined to provide any further details over the ongoing business discussions.

In developed markets, fuel pilferage is in the range of 5-10 percent while in India this menace remains up to 25 percent.

Globally, the company is an approved supplier to Volvo, Iveco, Mercedes and MAN and the product is protected by 39 patents (granted and pending) covering 45 territories. Many visiting fleet operators at the ACMA Automechanika trade fair evinced interest in the product, he added. All its products are manufactured at the UK plant in compliance with manufacturing standard BS EN ISO 9001: 2000, said Viswanath.