Researchers at the automotive major Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd have developed the fuel smart technology that helps optimise use of fuel in trucks carrying heavy payload.
The company claimed that this was being deployed for the first time in the country by any vehicle manufacturer. The automotive company, which has invested Rs 12 crore on the development of this technology, has applied for its patent, Arun Malhotra, Chief Sales, Customer Care Officer, Automotive Division of M&M, said.
Basically, this is an intelligent product which enables the driver of a truck, (in this case, Maximo Plus), to switch to power mode and eco mode respectively. When there is high demand for power when carrying heavy load or driving on a gradient, the driver presses the power mode.
"And other times, the driver opts for eco mode which helps bring down the overall fuel consumption by over 15 per cent. This can be switched on or off, any number of times," he told
Malhotra was in Hyderabad to launch their latest mini truck Maxximo Plus which has been packed with the fuel smart technology.
He said that the company R&D teams based out of Chennai have developed the product which has been deployed for the first time in the country in this new vehicle. In a market which is extremely price and fuel efficiency sensitive, he said, "This will help the owner save more."
While the commercial vehicle category in the country is under pressure due to the current economic conditions, the mini truck segment, which caters to the last mile requirements in urban areas, continues to grow.
M&M has a market share of about 22 per cent in this segment and expects to increase it as it rolls out more models, including some customised requirements for cold storage usage.
The Maximo Plus is being offered at Rs 3.47 lakh and Rs 3.55 lakh ex-showroom in Hyderabad.
Our Kolkata Bureau adds : The company may also consider using its patent-pending fuel saving technology for passenger vehicles.
Asked whether the company would use this technology for commercial passenger vehicles and other segments, Vivek Nayer, Chief Marketing Officer, Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra, told reporters: “…the technology is with us. So, we can decide. Nothing is decided (yet). First, let us see the response to this product, (and) then we will decide.”
The modified edition of Maxximo is priced at Rs 3.53 lakh and Rs 3.59 lakh for Bengal and Kolkata market respectively.