Regional road connectivity among India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan is very important. However, we have plans to assemble vehicles in Bangladesh in future as the country is developing its road infrastructure, SS Gill, executive vice president and head of International Business, and Company Operated Retail Business for India at VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd, a joint venture between Volvo Group and Eicher Motors Ltd, tells The Business Post’s Rafikul Islam in an exclusive interview.
You have recently launched Eicher Skyline 20.15 Bus in Bangladesh. How does the launch of bus align with Eicher Trucks and Buses’ global expansion strategy for the intercity bus segment?
Since Covid-19 pandemic, the need for public transport has been rising in almost all developing countries, including Bangladesh. The country has developed its infrastructures and built Padma Bridge connecting Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, with many districts.
However, the need for intercity buses has also increased here. So, we find to offer safe, comfortable and reliable bus solution. We have brought the best technology bus which is needed for Bangladesh. In this context, we have launched intercity bus.
Which country’s technology do you use in Eicher bus?
We have a joint venture with Volvo Group for 15 years. From there, we are in world best technology, what is needed in South Africa, Middle East countries and other regions. However, we have tried to understand Bangladesh’s situation what technology is needed.
As Executive Vice President of International Business at VECV, what types of market research and analysis did you conduct to identify the potential of the intercity bus segment in Bangladesh?
After Covid-19 pandemic, we saw that the market was opening up. We planned to bring intercity bus in the market as we have different technologies for intercity segment.
Earlier, we talked with drivers and passengers. They wanted comfortable seats for travel. Market research was the voice of passengers. Besides, passengers wanted to move quickly. Eicher ensures safety, comfort and liability.
We have been supplying buses to Bangladesh for over 25 years. Almost every intercity bus is Eicher. The demand for intercity buses is going up in Bangladesh.
Apart from Rangs Motors, are there any other potential partnerships or collaborations that Eicher is exploring to strengthen its distribution network and customer base in Bangladesh and other international markets?
We have already different partners in Bangladesh. We have two segments like bus and truck. Rangs Motors is our exclusive partner. They have partnered with Eicher for over 25 years. And we have another partner--Runner Motors--for remaining range of trucks.
We have already expanded to 41 countries, including Africa and Middle East countries. We are expanding our market in the globe. We hope that the number of countries will increase to 50 soon.
With the evolving demand for sustainable transportation solutions, what steps Eicher is taking to introduce electric or hybrid bus in the markets like Bangladesh and beyond?
We are ready for new technology. We have vehicles of diesel, LNG, biodiesel, CNG, and electronic buses in some markets. As per the demand for electronic buses, we can introduce the new technology in the market of this country as well.
How does Eicher Trucks and Buses ensure seamless aftersales support and maintenance services for its products in Bangladesh to enhance vehicle uptime and customer satisfaction?
We have a very large network in Bangladesh. Rangs Motors has services across Bangladesh. Similarly Runner Motors has as well here.
We provide 24-hour services. Our parts and services are available across the country. Besides, we have two training centers in the country.
As the bus industry evolves, what are some of the key factors Eicher considered while designing and developing its intercity buses to meet the changing needs of passengers?
We try to meet the passengers’ demand. Passengers want mobile chargers if they travel for long distance. They need comfortable journey and noise reduction.
Passenger seats are much more comfortable. We consider different needs which come from different
markets.
Volvo Group provides services in over 60 countries. Its technology, we can take easily for the relevant markets like Bangladesh.
What is your future plan?
We want regional road connectivity so that people can commute easily among India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan. Discussion is going on in this regard to improve road and transport connectivity here.
We see a lot of progress in Bangladesh. The country has improved its infrastructure. It is setting up 100 economic zones. Now Rangs Motors import buses from India. We have plans to assemble vehicles in Bangladesh.
We are expanding our business globally. Volvo and Eicher are jointly modernising transport in India and developing countries. We have grown nine times in over 15 years. We want to continue with growth and leverage.
Do you face any challenges while doing business in Bangladesh?
I have been doing business here for over 25 years. Now dollar shortage is only challenge in the country. The crisis makes more challenge for businesses while opening letters of credit (LCs) with banks.
Otherwise, Bangladesh and its people are very enterprising. The country’s growth is good. Working environment is also excellent. We are very happy. We have very good and strong partners here.
