Indian international truck makers eye Sri Lankan market

India’s international truck makers are eying the Sri Lanka market where the growing supply chain and logistics sector in the country is anticipated to drive expansion of commercial vehicle fleet over the next five years, industry sources said.

Truck sales in Sri Lanka, which almost entirely depend on imports, have been increasing gradually with major truck importers stepping into introduce a new generation of commercial vehicles to the island, one industry source revealed.

Sri Lanka has also brought down excise tax on small trucks by Rs.300,000 to Rs.700,000 from Rs. 1 million in August last year as part of a programme to boost youth entrepreneurship.

According to Motor Traffic Department statistics, mini truck imports recorded 345 units in November last year slightly down from 370 units in October and significantly down from 1,527 units 12 months ago.

Tata is the segment leader with a share of 73.7 per cent followed by Mahindra with 20.8 per cent.

Light trucks recorded 236 units slightly up from 225 units and significantly down from 752 units 12 months ago. Mahindra is the segment leader with 68.6 per cent share.

The country has imported 180 medium trucks in November up from 158 units in the previous month and slightly down from 188 units 12 months ago. Isuzu is the segment leader with a 58.3 per cent share.

Heavy trucks recorded 89 units down from 130 units the previous month and 119 units 12 months ago. Tata is the segment leader with 48.9 per cent share followed by Lanka Ashok Leyland with 29.5 per cent.

Under this set up, Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) plans to expand the sales network for its light commercial vehicle ‘Super Carry’ as it aims to be a significant player in the Sri Lankan market, MSI sources disclosed.

The company launched Super Carry in September 2016 as it saw new opportunities in the light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment that is dominated by players like Tata Motors and Mahindra and Mahindra, industry source said.

It is exporting Super Carry to countries like South Africa, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Nepal and Bangladesh.

This light commercial vehicle is equipped with a 793-cc diesel engine, and it delivers a mileage of 22.07 km per litre.

At present Suzuki boasts of 18 strategically located branches in the country covering all major cities, Ampara, Anuradhapura, Avissawella, Badulla, Batticaloa, Galle, Gampaha, Jaffna, Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Kuliyapitiya, Kurunegala, Matara, Negombo, Nugegoda, Ratnapura and also operates at the main showroom in Borella.