Mahindra Maxximo: Is It The End Of Tata Ace's Successful Run?

The sub-one tonne mini truck segment is a boomingefficient and powerful at pulling loads quicker than
category in India. The efficient movement of roadanyone in its class over steep slopes. This will make
freight plays an important role in the economicmaxximo the most powerful and fastest mini-truck
progress of a nation. Under the hub-and-spokefor last-mile load delivery.
distribution model, the role of small goods carriers isLoad Carrying Capacity:
also becoming important to ensure last-mile orTata Acehas Pickup, Hinged rear tail gate type Load
end-point distribution of goods. In the wake of thisBody with 805 KG of Kerb Weight.
high demand for mini trucks, there are two namesMahindra Maxximohas a large loading area of 3.2 sq.
which set the trends in this category. They aremt. (35 sq. ft.) coupled with 850 kg of rated payload.
TATA ACE and MAHINDRA MAXXIMOSuspension:
Tata created a new mini truck segment in India withTata Acehas parabolic leaf spring suspension at both
the Ace. It converted three wheeler users to 4front and rear. It has Hydraulic double-acting
wheelers. The Ace, launched in May 2005, has been atelescopic type Shock absorbers both at front and
runaway success for Tata Motors. It enjoys 90%rear.
market share.Mahindra MaxximoLeaf-spring suspension at the rear
The small commercial vehicles are increasingly beingwith 6 leaves along with thicker (3.6 mm) wheel rims.
preferred by operators for last-mile load carrying,This coupled with the powerful C2 CRDe engine
apart from being bought by small entrepreneurs.gives maxximo the go-anywhere-capability.
Mahindra is taking advantage of this demand with itsSafety Features:
own Maxximo with world’s most advancedTata Acehas Dual circuit hydraulically activated brakes.
engine in the mini-truck segment.It has Disc brakes in front and Drum brakes (200 mm
Let us see what both these mini trucks have todia x 30 mm) in rear. For parking brakes it has Cable
offer to their customers.operated mechanical linkages acting on rear wheels.
Engine:Mahindra Maxximohas a host of new Safety
Tata Aceis powered by the 700 cc TATA 275 IDIFeatures. It meets stringent frontal crash impact
NA BS-II (and BS-III) engine. It is a 4-stroke, naturallynorms (AIS 029, for N1 category of vehicles) with a
aspirated, indirect injection diesel engine. It deliversfrontal crash protector. A drive-by-wire accelerator
maximum power output of 16 hp @ 3200 rpm andsystem results in quicker response from the engine
maximum torque of 3.8 kgm @ 2000 rpm.allowing for safer overtaking. LSPV (Load Sensing
Mahindra Maxximo is powered by the world’sProportionate Valve) brakes provide more control
first 2-cylinder CRDeengine with DOHC technologyunder braking and the Booster improves
and 4 valves per cylinder and is branded as the C2brake-effectiveness while reducing driver fatigue.
CRDE engine. The C2 CRDe engine provides an idealThe Verdict:
balance between power and fuel economy. It deliversTata Acewill enjoy a big share of the LCV or Mini
18.4 Kw (25 HP) of Power and 55 Nm (5.5 Kgm) ofTruck market as it had introduced the concept of a
Torque which means greater pulling power along with4 wheeler mini truck. It has built a stronghold for
superior fuel economy of 20 kmpl.itself.
Maximum Speed:Mahindra has delivered a winner with Maxximoas it
Tata Acecan deliver a maximum speed of 64 kmph.has the world’s most advanced engine in the
In a task of last-mile load delivery which requiresmini-truck segment and host of other new features.
efficiency and speed, Tata Ace made the job muchThus, making it more technologically advanced than
easier fro the traders and transport operators with aAce. Maxximo is a name to reckon with in the mini
mini-truck that could propel.truck segment now. It is capable of breaking Tata
Mahindra Maxximocan deliver a maximum speed ofAce’s stronghold in the segment.
70 kmph. Maxximo with its advanced engine is highly