This 'virtual marketplace' for trucks is aimed at providing road transport operators a convenient one-stop resource over the Internet to sell or exchange trucks from anywhere in the country, as well as information on trucks reconditioned by Shriram at very affordable prices.

This will not only make it easier for existing truck owners to upgrade their fleet, but will also encourage drivers to become truck owners themselves with much lower entry costs. The site was inaugurated by Alok Singh, CEO, Cummins Auto Services Ltd.

Complete online information on affordable trucks
Shriram Recon's detailed website offers the user several choices, catering to every requirement of anyone wanting to sell or purchase a used truck. The truck details include its design, manufacturer, axle type, model, registration, ownership, tax, insurance, price, and even an actual picture of the truck.

A very easy user-interface also allows the visitor to search for a reconditioned truck under various criteria and also get a price estimate for any trucks he may wish to sell. Full details of finance schemes on easy terms, along with warranties and service contracts, are also provided so that the visitor gets a very accurate comparison of a large range of trucks at a glance.

Pioneers in reconditioned trucks
The average age of Indian trucks is over 10 years with poor fuel efficiency, resulting in higher diesel consumption and pollution. Additionally, high maintenance costs push up transportation costs resulting in higher prices for industrial and agricultural products.

It is with this objective that the Shriram group started Shriram Recon Trucks to pioneer the concept of truck exchange and sale of reconditioned trucks in India. To ensure top-class reconditioning and refurbishing so that the trucks look and perform as good as new, Shriram has entered into a strategic alliance with Cummins Auto Services.

Says Shriram Transport Finance Co managing director R Sridhar: ''Our mission is to modernise the country's truck fleet as well as provide an opportunity for people to enter the truck business with lower entry costs. The launch of this website is one of our many initiatives to establish a reliable and an authentic pre-owned truck market.

''The site will provide a weekly market value update of popular models manufactured by Telco, Ashok Leyland and Eicher. This market value is determined on the basis of actual transactions concluded in different parts of the country during that week. We are confident that our website will help people find a suitable solution to all their pre-owned truck requirements, from anywhere in the country.''

In the last two and a half years of its operation, Shriram Recon has already modernised over 3,000 trucks. In November 2002, it opened India's first showroom for reconditioned pre-owned trucks in Nerul, Navi Mumbai.