AMW to start exports from 2013

The country's third-largest heavy commercial vehicle manufacturer, Asia Motor Works (AMW), is exploring opportunities to export medium and heavy commercial vehicles (M&HCVs) to overseas markets.

"We have trucks in the 16-49 tonne range. The portfolio has a strategic fit with markets in Africa, West Asia and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation countries. We are looking at exporting our products by the end of 2013," said Anirudh Bhuwalka, managing director and chief executive officer, AMW.

He, however, declined to specify the volumes the company is eyeing in markets abroad, but indicated that scaling up global presence would be a focus area for the company over the next few years. "We want to stay sharply stay focused in the M&HCVs category in the domestic market. The second priority area for us would be to commence and ramp up export operations starting 2013." Tata Motors with exports of over 50,000 units is the largest exporter of commercial vehicles in the country.

AMW, which unveiled a 49 tonne tractor, a 25 tonne tipper and luxury coach Magnus during the auto expo, is additionally looking at commencing commercial production of the three products by the middle of this year.

While 4928 TR tractor and 2528 tipper is aimed at consolidating the company’s footprint in the construction and mining industry, the 57-seater bus Magnus has been developed to take on the likes of Volvo. Since its entry in the Indian market in 2001, the Swedish bus maker has ruled the luxury coach segment in the country.

AMW has not disclosed the pricing points of the Magnus but Bhuwalka informed though the luxury bus has been designed keeping in mind features offered by companies globally, the product will be priced competitively. As many as 2,000-2,500 units are sold in the luxury bus segment every year and the numbers are growing.

AMW has the capacity to roll out 50,000 vehicles per annum from its facility in Bhuj, Gujarat. In last three years, the company has invested around Rs 1,500 crore for rolling out new models and for enhancing capacity at its existing unit. AMW currently utilises about 25 per cent of the available capacity at its plant in Gujarat.