DIMO rolls out Tata Prima

Sri Lanka is moving away from conventional methods of goods transportation due to rapid developments in infrastructure, whilst companies and customers increasingly demand for faster and efficient transportation solutions. The government’s policy of focusing on expressways, new airports and sea ports enable part of those demands to be met. The demand becomes complete, only when a cost efficient and reliable solution is found to move larger haulage, in a faster manner. TATA PRIMA is the solution to that demand.

DIMO together with TATA Motors recently unveiled the all new TATA PRIMA to Sri Lanka. The PRIMA was launched at a glamorous event which was held at the Nelum Pokuna, Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre, amidst a distinguished gathering of invitees, which included representatives from TATA Motor India, DIMO and key fleet owners. More than 350 invitees witnessed the grand launch of the TATA PRIMA, which was made colourful and memorable using 3D Projection Technology. 3D projection is a method of mapping three-dimensional points to a two-dimensional plane, creating stunning visuals for the audience.

Head of International Business – Commercial Vehicle Business unit, R.T. Wasan, Regional Head – SAARC and Far East, Rudrarup Maitra, Head – Customer Support, Gupta Avinsah, Area Manager, Rajeev Jaiswal, Country Manager, Arup Baruah and Regional Head – Customer Care, Rajib Ghosh represented TATA Motors at the launch.

 Chairman/MD, Ranjith Pandithage, Director, Ajit Algama, Director, Gladwin Peries, Director, Suresh Gooneratne, GM - TATA, Vijitha Bandara, GM-TATA Commercial Service, Mahesh Karunaratne and GM-TATA Commercial Parts, Dihan Eriyagama were some of the senior management who represented DIMO at the launch.

The new PRIMA range offers tractor-trailers and tippers and combines some of the most advanced technologies used in commercial vehicle manufacturing from around the world. TATA PRIMA opens a new chapter, introduces a new breed of commercial vehicles from TATA Motors – an amalgamation of the best technologies in the world. Tata Motors has relied on know-how and technical expertise from across the world to develop the PRIMA range. It’s an amalgamation of Italian cab design, Engine technology from the USA and Europe, Gearbox expertise from Germany, Chassis frame know-how from Mexico, Sheet metal dies from Japan and Korea and it is combined with Swedish precision on a robotic weld line. And binding it all together are engineers of Tata-Daewoo Commercial Vehicles Company Limited, South Korea.

PRIMA is the ideal solution for lowering the cost of transportation of large haulage over long distances.

Cost per kilometre is the key parameter modern organisations use to evaluate their transportation alternatives. The brand new TATA PRIMA is priced competitively – it is in par with used European Trucks that are imported to Sri Lanka. It comes with a 2 year warranty, unlimited mileage, backed by renowned after sales care from DIMO. In addition, TATA is Sri Lanka’s number one commercial vehicle brand, and has proven to be reliable and compatible to local conditions and terrain, decade after decade. Availability of genuine parts, presence of island wide branches and service facilities and 24 hours roadside assistance ensure that the PRIMA is always in safe hands and will encounter minimum down time.

PRIMA tractor-trailers are equipped with a powerful 267 HP Cummins ISBe engine. More power translates to better pickup and better running speeds on roads. Bigger and standard radial tyres ensure that tyre heating is never a reason for the driver to break his trip early. Drivers end up covering longer distances in a single stretch. The aerodynamic design also helps the vehicle stay stable at high speeds by reducing the air resistance. The use of robust and heavy aggregates (Cummins engine, ZF gearbox, hub reduction rear axles) in the driveline ensures that the lifetime of the major components is high and wear and tear is less. Electronic sensors on the engine help in countering faulty driving practices. This reduces the wear and tear, thereby increasing the life of the aggregate. Indicators on the dashboard of the vehicle ensure that the driver is provided separate warnings in any of the following circumstances – tractor or trailer ABS malfunction, low air pressure in parking/ front or rear air tanks, engine brake operation, opening of driver or co-driver doors, unbuckling of seat belts, Cab in tilt/ Cab not locked, engagement of parking brake, use of main beam, front or rear fog lamps, engagement of differential locks and use of high gear range.

PRIMA is an intelligent truck which comes with a number of features designed to optimise fuel consumption and boost its efficiency. The engine speed at all times is controlled by sensors which detect the load on the engine – to restrict the engine to the optimal performance band. User can decide the idling time interval after which the PRIMA shuts down and saves on fuel consumption. Sensors automatically detect when the vehicle is coasting and restrict the supply of fuel to the engine. The economy mode of driving is defined using an easy to use coloured band system on the instrument cluster. Driving on the green band optimises fuel consumption.

PRIMA boasts of some amazing driver comfort features, which used to be found only in top European brands. World-class cabin for superior driver comfort assures safety for both driver and vehicle. We realise that the driver is the key partner in progress for the transporter. With improved roads and a vehicle capable of delivering more trips per month, it is crucial to create an environment where the driver will be able to drive more per day. Exhaustion caused by heat, noise and vibration are major factors which limit the amount of time a driver spends inside the cabin. Keeping this in mind, the PRIMA range of tractors come with a noise-controlled, air conditioned cabin. Larger tyres, 4 point cabin mounting, fully suspended pneumatic seats and a shock resistant steering wheel ensure that vibration within the cabin is kept at a minimum.

The PRIMA range starts from Rs. 5 million onwards and information pertaining to the PRIMA range can be obtained from any DIMO branch island wide.