Mr. Nalin Mehta Speaks About The Future Of MNAL

Within a few days of Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) announcing the completion of purchase of the Navistar Group’s stake in Mahindra Navistar Automotives Ltd (MNAL) and Mahindra Navistar Engines Pvt. Ltd (MNEPL), Auto Tech Review spoke to Mr. Nalin Mehta, Managing Director MNAL to understand the roadmap for the company in India henceforth. Increasing market penetration, better understanding of customer requirements and improved product and distribution strategy would be the key growth drivers for the company.

Born in 1958, Mr. Nalin Mehta went on to complete his Bachelor of Technology from IIT, Kharagpur and then followed that up with MBA from Faculty of Management Studies, Delhi University after which he worked with Hindustan Motors for a period of nine years and adding life to the market by launching the Mitsubishi Lancer, which was noticed for many innovative firsts in the Indian Automotive market. He later took over as Chief Operating Officer of MNAL, before taking charge as its Managing Director a year later.

Mr. Nalin Mehta spoke about India being a huge market in itself and by tapping into the right resources the company can reach different heights. At MNAL, we have worked hard to build a great product, a strong product development team, and a modern plant with the best equipments and focusing on improving productivity which are strong reasons for the business to grow. The efforts have largely been directed towards giving the customers a delightful experience by filling-in small gaps in the industry by offering services like a 24x7 call centre and four years of unlimited warranty and focusing on improving productivity.

We are working towards the use of reefer vans which has great scope and potential in the market as there exists an excise benefit if reefer vans are sold directly by a manufacturer. The use of reefer vans would lower operating costs and increase fuel efficiency. Along with reefer vans, we are creating sub-segments in the 25-49 tonne segments offering concrete mixtures integrated with the truck along with looking at readymade, customized solutions.

However, it is known that the trucking industry is very heterogeneous in nature and the biggest challenge faced is real world usage information. As the industry does not organize itself well, for instance, the operators are not able to share the kind of data a developer would want. Hence there is a necessity for more and more accurate real world information, so one can stimulate it.

We are a rising player in the market with a market share of 11% in LCV business; a business that M&M was already in. As far as the HCV’s are concerned, there are about 7,000 HCV’s in the market today with a steady increase in market share month-on-month. We saw an increased market share this January at 4.2%.

Our future looks bright and promising as we are well-positioned to take advantage of a situation which is moving towards modernization. Their focus will remain unchanged from the modern, youth transporter, offering superior services and packaged services.

Outperformers' League Meet at Tiruchengode

The Outperformers' League is an exclusive forum, where Fleet owners interact with other stakeholders in the trucking industry. It provides the perfect platform for them to access first-hand information on crucial business-related aspects and concerns.

The OPL came together once again on March 25^th, 2013 to discuss the specialized segment of Rig and Borewell operators. As per market information, there are close to 4000 rigs owned by operators in and around Tiruchengode today. Therefore, it was fitting that the event was conducted in this small town. A total of 294 people participated, of which 201 unique fleet owners were from the Rig Segment.

Dr. Suresh Kumaram of SKS Auto gave the welcome address at the event. Guest Speaker Dr. Viswesaran, an expert in Hydrogeology and Water Management spoke about the “Thumb Rules for Water Drilling”. Sharing his experiences of working with the Public Water works department, United Nations/ WHO and World Bank projects from across the globe.

Key MNAL customers were also felicitated at the event, Mr. Mohan C (Gem Rock Drillers) who purchased the first MN25 (Converted to Rig Drilling) and Mr. Loganathan (SVB Borewells ) who purchased the Load King (Converted to Rig Drilling for Small Ops). The MNAL sales team also congratulated and appreciated the efforts of SKS Automobiles (Dealer from Salem) for their strong sales effort.

Overall it was another successful event with the joint efforts of the SKS, MNAL and Anantara sales team, who helped further our philosophy of outperformance.

Outperformer’s League- A recap of the year 2012

FLEET OWNER MEETS

A series of 15 ‘Fleet owner meets’ took place all throughout India in different parts of the country starting from the 18^th of May 2012 in Vijayawada. These sessions were attended by all the Fleet owners from their respective cities. The gathering was addressed by various eminent people from the Automobile and Infrastructure Industry who spoke on different aspects of Fleet Management.

Mr. Uttam Ramani, Head Logistics, JSW Steel addressed the gathering in New Delhi on the 19^th of May 2012 and spoke on “Best Practices in Steel Transportation (Road)” along with other renowned people like Mr. Pankaj Joshi, GM – Mahindra Logistics who also presented the potential opportunities for road transportation.

The event was a highly enriching experience for all the Fleet owners as different topics of varying importance were addressed ranging from Tyre Life Cycle Management, Customer Expectations from Fleet Owners to Best Practices in Steel Transportation, Good Practices in Cement Transportation and many more. On the 29^th of October 2012, the final session was addressed by Mr. Pradeep C.Varaiya, Head Training with Indag Rubber Ltd where he provided valuable insights on Tyre Maintenance and its effects on the vehicle which marked the end of the series of events.

DRIVER MEETS

Keeping the welfare and benefit of the truck drivers in mind, Mahindra Navistar organized Truck Driver camps in different cities for the betterment of the truck drivers. The duration of these camps were from 1 to 3 days in cities like Kolkata, Lucknow, Chandrapur, Hyderabad etc where all the truck drivers received proper health checkup which included BMI, Blood Sugar and Eye checkup. Medical kits along with food packets were distributed to each one of them.

In order to build awareness among them Skits were organized in Hindi, Tamil and Gujarati addressing issues like HIV and STD. The drivers received special counseling sessions to educate them on issues of vital importance like HIV and driver safety. A Yoga camp was held by a Yoga expert who conducted exercises relating to the lifestyle of drivers which proved to be beneficial and useful for them.

An initiative has been taken by the Agrawal Packers and Movers who created Driver Kendra, a facility for all drivers who need to take a break from long hours of driving to utilize the retiring facilities and restart their journey afresh. The idea behind this approach is to address the needs of the drivers who are a vital part of this country. The final camp took place in Vijayawada on the 22^nd of January 2013 which was inaugurated by Dealership – Mr. Kishore from Varun Motors. 

Chennai

 

 Vijaywada

Jaipur

 

Lucknow

 

Kolkata

 

Hyderabad

 

Delhi

MPOWERing the Future

On the 23rd of Jan 2013, at the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIMA), the Management Development Program for Youth Transport Entrepreneurs, MPOWER, a new initiative of Mahindra for the nextgen of transport fraternity, was launched.

Mr. Anand Mahindra had shared the guiding philosophy of this pioneering and unique intiative. at the Mahindra Transport Excellence Awards ceremony.  He explained the program to the youth entrepreneurs at the awards as “Take forward your family business with your OWN vision.”

30 young transport entrepreneurs, chosen by invitation and belonging to some of the finest transport companies of India, checked in for the 14 days course which is aimed at professionalizing the Indian transport sector in the long run. This course has been specifically designed keeping the transport sector issues in focus. Half a dozen highly accomplished faculty members of IIMA are running the course that covers subjects like, professionalism, business planning, market & segments, HR practices, service quality, financial management & accounting, supply chain management, legal and regulatory, information technology, industry focused sessions.

The idea is to empower bright minds with skills to improve current operations, while delivering the knowledge to transform the industry in the long term. Mahindra is helping transform these young transporters through this Management Development initiative while helping to drive positive change in the transport ecosystem.The program, MPOWER, which started on the 23rd Jan was concluded on the 5th of Feb ’13 with the valedictory session. 

Mahindra Transport Excellence Awards 2012 Ceremony

A Night that Celebrated Unsung Heroes of Indian Transport

On the 9th of January ’13, curtains finally came down on the process that began on the 25th of July ’13. Of identifying and rewarding the unsung heroes of Indian Transport. Those in our ecosystem who live by the principles of RISE, those who demonstrate the RISE pillars of ‘Accepting No Limits’, ‘Alternative Thinking’ and ‘Driving Positive Change’, in their day to day work.

Many individuals from across the country were part of the big awards. And with 2780 entries, 60% more than last year, each screened by the Experts and Jury members, the awards truly became bigger than ever. Mostly because the awards have never been confined to bigwigs like fleet owners.

Various people from the trucking industry, like fleet drivers, dhaba owners and even highway mechanics, stood a chance to win from the categories of Fleet Owners, Fleet Drivers, Dhaba Owners, Highway Mechanics, Customized Application Builder and Driver Training Initiative. And while each category award created much enthusiasm, the most was caused by the ‘Lady Transporter’, ‘Youth Transporter of the Year’ award and of course, the Super Outperformer Driver. Where we gave away a brand new truck to the winner.

In all, the night gave the trucking Industry 38 new winners. 28 regional and 10 national.

We began the night with the lamp lighting ceremony by Shri Praful Patel, Mr. Anand Mahindra, Mr. M. F. Farooqui, Secretary of Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, Mr. Ambuj Sharma, Joint Secretary, Dr. Goenka, Mr. Nalin Mehta and Mr. Bhaskar Das, Group CEO, Zee Network followed by Dr. Goenka’s welcome speech.

Mr. Patel spoke eloquently about the successes of our group, the vital role we have been playing, the importance of these Awards and how both have touched the lives of so many people in the transport world.

This was followed by Mr. Mehta’s presentation that took the audience through the highlights of the entire Awards process. He stressed upon the fact that the Awards this year are more rewarding with three new categories and also bigger and better, with 2780 entries, 60% more than last year!

Performers from the ‘Sadhya’ Troupe brought alive the three pillars of RISE through a scintillating act. While Zee emcees held the show together and enlivened it with interesting anecdotes.

Moreover, the live band gave the winners a musical applause as they walked up to the stage.

Over 650 invitees attended the Awards Night: Key Account Customers, Financiers, Jury Members, Winners, Nominees, Agency Heads & Teams, Dealers and Mahindra team members.

The Awards began with Customised Applications Builder and then the Driver Training Initiative Category 

The next set of awards was for the Dhaba, Mechanic and Driver Category – the troika of the Transport Lifeline! This was our tribute to the unsung heroes of our industry, who work like a lubricant does for an engine.

The Dhaba winners who were recognized at Awards were all those who had excelled in providing great service and facilities to their customers, the drivers, in addition to fabulous food – a home away from home.

The Highway Mechanics who qualified to win at the awards had all gone beyond the ordinary to support the distressed truck on the road.

Drivers, who move the wheels of our industry contribute in a big way, every time they get behind the steering wheel. The ones who won the award had done even more to reach here!

Mr. Shiv Prasad, a fleet driver with M/s. Artee Roadways Ltd. was the proud winner of the Super Outperformer Driver Award. Having saved Rs. 12 Crores in a year for his transport company through a simple innovation of introducing an aerodynamic element to the roof of his truck. Because of this he won a brand new MN25 from our ‘Chalak Se Malak’ initiative.

Fleet owners invest their fortunes and life to battle the vagaries of Indian transport. Thus making them a true unsung hero. Those who won at the awards were true examples of those who follow the pillars of RISE!

The biggest attractions at this year’s edition was the new and unique category, Lady Transporter and Lady Transport Personality of the Year. A pioneering initiative, where we acknowledged the efforts of those who dared to enter this male bastion…and made a difference!

We had introduced the Youth Transport Personality category in the inaugural edition. This year 297 candidates applied. Almost double the numbers of last year. Not just an encouraging sign, it also shows that we are well on our way to connecting better with the next generation of trucking.

During the Awards ceremony our new initiative, MPOWER was launched by the hands of Mr. Anand Mahindra. MPOWER, Management Development Programme, is a course meant for young transporters. The course is available at Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, who as the knowledge partners have developed the program, sponsored by Mahindra. This is our way of ‘walking the talk’ of our serious commitment to work closely with the transport community, especially the youth and trigger a change…for good. While unveiling the new brand initiate, Mr. Mahindra said, “Last year I had urged my young friends to join your ‘Papa ka Business’, but to grow it according to your own vision. This year, we want to help you prepare yourselves for converting your ideas into business reality. There is a famous Chinese proverb which says, ‘Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.’ Friends, we at Mahindra felt it was necessary for us to play our part in teaching others to fish.”

It was heartening to witness, Mr. Deepak Baid, of Siddhi Vinayak win the Youth Transport Personality of the Year Award. A beaming Deepak came to the stage along with his father, reminding us of the ‘Papa ka Business’ story! Mr. R. C. Baid’s picture of him holding his son’s trophy is worth more than a thousand words.

While speaking about this award (Lady Transport Personality of the Year Award), Mr. Anand Mahindra said, “In the last few weeks, there have been some very shameful headlines on issues concerning the way we treat women. That makes it even more important for companies like ours to empower, encourage and recognize women achievers. The Indian transport industry is a very male dominated one, where women have to struggle to make their mark. So this year we have instituted the Lady Transport Personality of the Year Award as our tribute to women who have challenged the male dominated Indian transport industry and outperformed. Ms. Chitra Shinde, President and Director, Gati-Kintetsu Express Pvt. Ltd. Emerged as the winner in this category. While receiving the award, she mentioned with moist eyes, “If my father were to be here, he would have been very proud today.”

The Award’s philosophy was very aptly summarized by Dr. Goenka who said in his speech, “We are keen that we also focus on what is traditionally called the softer aspects – building a place in the minds and hearts of people from our ecosystem. It is here that the Mahindra Transport Excellence Awards plays a role.” Nothing brings alive this thought more than the group photo below. 38 Outperformers who chased excellence with those who believe in rewarding this top order attribute.

The Mahindra Transport Excellence Awards is an initiative that emotionally connects with us. As it helps build a strong bond with the Indian Transport industry. After the successful conduct of the awards this year, which touched many more stakeholders and evoked strong and enthusiastic participation, we stand committed to come back soon with an even bigger and better Award – the third edition.