[ASP_73]

One area that seems to be left far far behind in Indian Automotive scene is 'Truck Body Building'.
Just this one example - From 2020 all the commercial vehicles are made mandatory to have reverse parking sensors. This is a life saving feature as driver is completely blind about the situation at the back of the truck while reversing.
See this picture of a new truck , after building the body , 2 middle sensors are hidden under the body structure and the corner 2 sensors are partially blinded by surrounding structures. This has rendered the parking sensors completely useless.

[Jhinchak]

The only solution to this would be if the Manufacturers start building the bodies themselves. I wonder what's stopping the OEMs. This would result in better quality and can also add additional features in their design and they also can extensively test the trucks.

[abhishek46]

These bodies are built with a different mindset - durability, maximization of loading area, high customization scope, low costs etc.

Safety etc. are not their concern per se.

[ss212]

Ignoring everything else, what surprises me every time I see a truck is the size of the windshield and window area. They're just so tiny. Even the pillar between the two windshield glasses can be so wide.

The designs and layout of bodies built by these local garages is quite immature. But they do allow the owners and drivers customisability options which they appreciate a lot.

If truck companies pay more attention to the needs of the owners and drivers, more completely built trucks will get sold.

[ike]

Originally Posted by Jhinchak

The only solution to this would be if the Manufacturers start building the bodies themselves. I wonder what's stopping the OEMs.s.

Most OEMs do have the option to get the body built from the factory but there are hardly any takers. From what I understand the OEM body costs are also very competitive but not sure about this.

[hserus]

Originally Posted by ike

Most OEMs do have the option to get the body built from the factory but there are hardly any takers. From what I understand the OEM body costs are also very competitive but not sure about this.

OEMs will not provide bodies that facilitate overloaded operation.

[condor]

Originally Posted by Jhinchak

I wonder what's stopping the OEMs. .

outside the fleet operators, its a very cost conscious market. Both for builds, and repairs / re-builds. Options that owners want to choose - side-wall height, material for base of load body, so many options.
Not that fleet operators dont look at costs.

Trucks that are used for rough cargo like construction material/ stones/mud operate in rough & dusty conditions. Sensors will be covered with dust before one realises it, and operators are not going to be bothered about keeping these clean.

Heck, they dont even keep the licence /number plate clean.

[silverado]

Originally Posted by Jhinchak

The only solution to this would be if the Manufacturers start building the bodies themselves. I wonder what's stopping the OEMs.

Some trucks like Mahindra do come with prebuilt bodies, but traditonally truckers prefer wood made body structures which seem to be more abuse friendly and cheaper to repair.

Originally Posted by ss212

Ignoring everything else, what surprises me every time I see a truck is the size of the windshield and window area. They're just so tiny. But they do allow the owners and drivers customisability options which they appreciate a lot.

If truck companies pay more attention to the needs of the owners and drivers, more completely built trucks will get sold.

You have very much answered your own question sir, customatization is what keeps Manufacturers away from body building.

Tiney glass area could also be a cost cutting measure, its easy to replace if cracked rather than one entire piece.

Most owners buy basic chassis and then customize truck bodies according to drivers/owners taste.

[RavSam]

In the rural areas of Konkan, I have seen more number of factory OEM built trucks than these wooden ones. If people here are warming upto this then I guess the newer, more aware generation of these truckers would know more pros and cons and would switch to the pre-built ones.

[hserus]

Originally Posted by RavSam

In the rural areas of Konkan, I have seen more number of factory OEM built trucks than these wooden ones. If people here are warming upto this then I guess the newer, more aware generation of these truckers would know more pros and cons and would switch to the pre-built ones.

Professionally run and large chains, specialised truck bodies such as cold storage, petroleum or chemical carrier etc trucks will come with manufacturer built bodies as they require licensing of various kinds. The empty bed load carriers will continue to be built with wooden panels.

[Rahul Rao]

Originally Posted by ss212

Ignoring everything else, what surprises me every time I see a truck is the size of the windshield and window area. They're just so tiny. Even the pillar between the two windshield glasses can be so wide.

That is for reducing greenhouse area, truck drivers are on road 24 Hrs, and the exposure to harsh sunlight is killing. Lastly they have to face stone throwing from village people and so many drive with a spare windshield with them, replacing a small flat glass windshield can be DIY for the drivers, while a company windshield will need a workshop visit.

Rahul

[ss212]

Originally Posted by Rahul Rao

That is for reducing greenhouse area, truck drivers are on road 24 Hrs, and the exposure to harsh sunlight is killing. Lastly they have to face stone throwing from village people and so many drive with a spare windshield with them, replacing a small flat glass windshield can be DIY for the drivers, while a company windshield will need a workshop visit.

Rahul

This, I had never thought of. Thanks.

Now that you say it like that, I can't recall having seen cracked glass in any of these locally built trucks. I have seen lots of cracked windshields in trucks that have large factory fitted glass.

[Raghu M]

More than the OEMs or body building workshops, the traffic police has a great role in implementing strict rules. The MV act has very good laws but are rarely followed. Imposing heavy fines and ensuring unfit/retro fit vehicles do not ply on roads is a good way to ensure all rules are followed.

Take for example the black film rule for cars. The Apex court has given clear instructions that no one can use tinted glasses. The police executed the rule for 6 months and now what do we see? All auto decor shops are offering the service again. Their justification is simple - even police vehicles are coming to us for tinted glasses, nothing will happen. Go ahead and get it done sir. While the reason and rationale for the rule can be debated, my point is that the public and police care two hoots about rules and standards. Unless the mindset changes, these irregularities will be the norm.

[Lalitha Venkat]

Originally Posted by condor

outside the fleet operators, its a very cost conscious market. Both for builds, and repairs / re-builds. Options that owners want to choose - side-wall height, material for base of load body, so many options.
Not that fleet operators dont look at costs.

Trucks that are used for rough cargo like construction material/ stones/mud operate in rough & dusty conditions. Sensors will be covered with dust before one realises it, and operators are not going to be bothered about keeping these clean.

Heck, they dont even keep the license /number plate clean.

With my little understanding of the logistics operations due to my work, in a HCV, there is a driver and cleaner/loader. Its always as a custom, that the cleaner gets down and guides during reversing. This while is a human intervention, has always helped in avoiding mishaps.

[Storme5257]

Originally Posted by ASP_73

One area that seems to be left far far behind in Indian Automotive scene is 'Truck Body Building'.

Agree with you on this point. In such rapid changes In the industry, trucks (body built) lack much in terms of quality and modernity.
If it was not for the bs6, we would still be using age old engines like in the tata 1512c which used old Cummins Engine.

A question : Even though the body building is economical,
Wouldn't a modern method be more efficient than the conventional obsolete way of making these trucks?