Exports of commercial vehicles up by 13 per cent since 2010: Wilfried Aulbur

The ET ZigWheels Commercial Vehicles Conclave 2015 has churned out some engaging panel discussions. Present at the event was Mr Wilfried Aulbur, Managing Director, Roland Berger, who shared his opinions on the exports of the Commercial Vehicles (CV) industry.

According to Aulbur, the top three players in the industry account for approximately 94 per cent of the total CVs. Among them Tata Motors stands tall as the single largest exporter with its total exports standing at 53 per cent. He states that the major export markets for Tata Motors include Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and South Africa with further expansion plans in ASEAN and Russian regions.

The top-notch official provides a deep insight into the CV industry by revealing that the new entrants have announced strong plans for the future. Aulbur cites the example of VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV) which has plans to export 15 per cent of its sales as opposed to 10 per cent in the last financial year.

He also cited an example of BharatBenz which has started exporting from India to Asian and African markets. Aulbur reveals that the company has plans to export to 15 markets in the near future.

While speaking at the ET ZigWheels Commercial Vehicles Conclave 2015, Aulbur drew attention to the fact that in order to increase exports Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) should develop/modify their existing portfolio in accordance with the norms/laws and customer requirements of the relevant export market. He further emphasises that OEMs should focus on both the sales and aftersales network. 

The top official states that OEMs should develop product portfolio keeping other markets in mind. The companies should also focus on brand building in the export market. 

According to Aulbur, in order to boost the exports of the CV industry, the government should envisage plans like the one charted for Passenger Vehicles to push exports in the CV industry including better tariff plans. He also emphasises that the centre should enter into FTA with key export markets such as South East Asia and Africa to make the India-made CV products more price competitive.

Suppliers on the other hand should invest in infrastructure projects such as roads and ports to develop exports, according to Aulbur. He also stated that suppliers should develop a supply base that can address demands of OEMs for both domestic vehicles as well as export markets, while international suppliers should tap into their global networks to ensure availability of spares for vehicles exported from India.