As an effect of the sharp drop in cargo movement, truck sales plunged 73.5% to 6,221 units in December 2008 against 24,222 units in December 2007, according to the Indian Foundation of Transport Research and Training (IFTRT) The decline in truck sales is also said to be due to
excess capacity build-up.

* Tractor-trailers of 30-49 tonne range witnessed a maximum drop of 94.7 per cent in December sales at 114 units (2,143 units) - Mostly used to transport high-density cargoes such as cement, fertilizer, timber, ores and steel predominantly to railways for further transportation.

* Sales of Multi-axle vehicles of 25.2-31 tonne sunk 79 per cent to 2,033 units ( 9,587 units).

* Affected by the infrastructure projects in abeyance, sales of Tipper trucks used mainly in construction dipped 73 per cent to 1,462 units (5,358 units) - Virtually due to stoppage of construction and infrastructure projects in many parts of the country in the last three months in the wake of financial crunch.

The 2009 Mahindra Cab Chassis Variant has been launched in Australia. This is a Commercial Vehicle which offers supreme flexibility as buyers pick what occupies the rear of the cabin.

This reminds of me of HCV manufacturers like Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland who retail the Chassis (skeleton with the engine and gearbox) to buyers for them to build the rest of the vehicle as per their needs and requirements at the local coach builder. This is also the first time something like this is being offered in Australia.

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Caddy is technically a commercial vehicle in the UK with no windows or doors behind the front row seats. This obviously will not work in India as a taxi but, certainly has prospects for a parcel van.

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