BPW Making It Big In Indian Market

Strong foundation laid with three-pronged strategy of extensive testing, tailor-made products and expanding reach.

- N. Balasubramanian

The Indian trailer market is becoming far more organized than before, especially with the Trailer Code slowly but surely having forward-looking effects on trailer builders and fleet operators alike. One company that is looking to make the most of the welcome change is BPW Trailer Systems India, the local subsidiary of the BPW Group, a world leader in trailer axle and suspension systems.

In line with a market leader’s approach, BPW started of fits Indian mission by extensively testing the 13-ton mechanical suspension and axle on Indian roads as per AIS 113 trailer code norms. With a legacy of 120 years, the company has come up with an India-made mechanical suspension and axle for the domestic market to suit the new axle load norms such as 55 ton, 48.5 ton and 41.5 ton for heavy commercial vehicles. The axle-suspension system has over 70 per cent local content and is one of BPW’s successful product offerings in the market.

A major advantage which global tier-I heavyweights bring to the table is the ability to introduce new technology based on their proven track record in mature markets and help customers in developing markets shift faster. One such area is air suspension which is one of BPW’s focus products at present.

In an attempt to emulate the successful trials of its mechanical suspension, BPW has tested its air suspension on Indian roads. Says Mr. Nagaraj Ubale, Technical Director, BPW Trailer Systems India Pvt. Ltd.: “In April 2017, we started a road test for our air suspension with a tanker from INOX Air Products in Gujarat. We monitored how the product was performing on Indian roads and incorporated the feedback while developing our air suspension locally.”