Relaxation in axle norms leads to demand for lower tonnage trucks

Difference between tonnage and volume growth has widened sharply in October

A relaxation of axle load norms is leading to a trend reversal in the truck market. Against the usual trend of tonnage (carrying capacity) exceeding the vehicle sales volume growth, the growth in tonnage is now lower than volume growth. The new axle load norms led to an increase in rated load capacity of trucks, allowing transporters to carry additional weight.

This, along with a relaxation on overloading in certain states, has led to a decline in contribution from higher tonnage vehicles in overall sales. “We are witnessing an increase in demand for higher deck length vehicles. This is indicative