SML Isuzu: Driving R&D Above Par

In conversation with Mr. M. S. Ramta, Senior Vice-President (R&D and Product Development) - SML Isuzu Ltd. (SMLI), on the OEM’s state of affairs on various processes of research and development, in the run up to the emerging market needs and various regulatory compliance, including BS-VI emission norms.

- Dhiyanesh Ravichandran

One of the leading commercial vehicle manufacturers in the light and medium duty segments for decades, SML Isuzu has embarked on a new era of manufacturing since last year. This is in’t an exaggeration, one can out-rightly notice a plethora of changes happening at various levels within the company’s product design, development and manufacturing by leveraging its in-house capabilities and global expertise of its partners to the fullest extent possible.

The next-generation ‘Global Series’ truck range, for instance, best exemplifies the brand’s manufacturing evolution in pursuit of changing market needs and consumer preferences. Under the skin of the new Isuzu-designed cabin lies SMLI’s in-house ability to rework the platforms and completely localise the same to stay cost-effective. The company has already operationalised a new assembly line for cabin and truck chassis, and has increased the number of engineers dedicated to R&D consistently over the last two years.