Bajaj Tempo Ltd (BTL) has displayed a new range of vehicles at the Auto Expo 2004.

The company plans to introduce the state-of-the-art range of trucks, ranging from 16 tons to 50 tons load carrying capacity.

For this, select technology is sourced from the world leaders in diesel engines & in truck technology, M/s MAN of Germany. The company recently entered into exclusive technical collaboration with MAN which will be contributing its competence as technological partner in developing modern vehicles, cabs and engines. Export of components and assemblies to MAN is a part of the envisaged arrangement, and steps in this direction have already been taken with the first consignment being sent to MAN in January 2004 itself.

The company is planning to set-up two new manufacturing facilities. Sites under consideration are at Chakan near Pune and at Pithampur near Indore for producing engines and vehicles respectively. Initial capacity to be established will be 6000 units per annum.

The new range of trucks will start rolling out of the factory in the year 2005.

According to Mr. Abhay Firodia, chairman and managing director, Bajaj Tempo Ltd, "This move is the beginning of a new phase in the history of the company, both in terms of entering the HCV segment as also in terms of global connectivity for export. The joining of forces by MAN and Bajaj Tempo Ltd is very synergic, as both companies have a tradition of focus on commercial vehicles and are strong on technology. We are very pleased that this arrangement with MAN, the oldest and the most respected diesel engine manufacturing company in the world, renowned for its advanced engineering to achieve rugged, robust and high performance products.

Our stall will also display MAN''s state-of-the-art CNG Bus Engine - among the most environment friendly bus engines in the world. We are also displaying a 1050 HP marine engine from MAN"

At the Auto Expo, the company is displaying the full range of load-carrying vehicles from 0.5 tons to 50 tons capacity. BTL is the only company with a complete range of load carriers. Also on display, is a range of passenger carriers ranging from seating capacity of 6 to 28 seats. With such a large range of vehicles, superior technological capability and manufacturing efficiency, BTL is poised to enter into the l of big vehicle manufacturing.

On exclusive display at Auto Expo, is the Euro-IV capable, most modern, common rail engine. The common rail technology has been recently acquired by BTL through another technical collaboration. This engine will be used for company''s utility and light commercial vehicle range.

The Trax and Traveller vehicles using this common rail engine, where the vehicles are customized by Mr. Dilip Chhabria, are also on display.