Swaraj Mazda to manufacture medium, heavy commercial vehicles

New Delhi: Light commercial vehicles manufacturer Swaraj Mazda Ltd (SML) is all set to enter into the medium and heavy commercial vehicles (M&HCV) segment. The company at present manufactures vehicles in the five- to nine-tonne category.

Having signed a technical assistance agreement with Japanese automobile major Isuzu, SML is learnt to be finalising a range of products for the domestic market. The company has already commenced testing of a new product, a 16-tonne single-axle vehicle. According to sources, the company is keen to develop offerings for both the carrier and passenger segment.

Products in the passenger segment could include premium buses similar to the ones Volvo is selling in the domestic market. SML will also set up an in-house facility for making bus bodies. Further, the company aims to have a target for localisation at the level of 85 per cent for the new products in the next four to five years.

SML's facility in Punjab is also undergoing expansion, as part of an investment plan announced earlier. Last year, the company had planned to increase capacity by investing about Rs160 crore over the next three to four years. The investment would increase the company''s production capacity to 36,000 vehicles from 10,000 units per year.

According to market analysts, the new launches would enable SML to cater to diverse segments of the market and increase its overall market share in commercial vehicles.