Hindalco launches lightweight, tonnage-increased, all-aluminium freight trailer

December 12, 2019: Hindalco Industries Limited, the aluminium and copper manufacturing company of Aditya Birla Group, launched a new all-aluminium freight trailer in Jaipur, Rajasthan last week.

The high-strength aluminium alloy used in the new freight trailer of Hindalco will be replacing mild-steel while entering into the Rs 1000 crore Indian truck and trailer market. The 34-foot long aluminium trailer is 50% lighter and weighs over 2.5 tonnes less than an equivalent steel trailer. The aluminium freight trailer can ferry materials such as cement, alumina, fly ash, grains, flour, steel coils and cylinders.

“The unique properties of aluminium ensure that the vehicle is safe, strong, durable, efficient and environmental-friendly, in addition to being cost-effective. The trailer is being engineered with inputs from ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) to ensure optimum results. Each trailer saves over 15,000 litres of fuel, and gives off 25 tons less GHGs and helps in achieving BS-VI emission targets. Moreover, each trailer can potentially carry a corresponding extra load of 2.5 tonnes per trip. For Hindalco, Aluminium trailers represent a business turnover estimated at around Rs. 500-600 Cr with 50% adaption,” says the release.

Hindalco has 37 manufacturing units across 11 countries.

Satish Pai, MD, Hindalco Industries Limited said, “Hindalco’s aluminium trailer is one of our big initiatives for India’s logistics and freight industry. At Hindalco, sustainability is integral to our business and this is a significant step to introduce sustainable, engineered transport solutions for the logistics industry. We are happy to commence our journey with UltraTech Cement and hand over our first aluminium trailer to help them reduce their logistics costs through better efficiencies. We will continue to empower and create value for our partners and nurture our environment through our ‘Aluminisation’ mission, which is guided by the purpose of making metals that are greener, stronger, smarter.”

KK Maheshwari, MD, UltraTech Cement Limited said, “The logistics and freight market has really picked up in the last decade due to the improved road network in India. The introduction of a complete aluminium trailer would be a game-changer for the market due to its increased efficiency and support in reducing carbon footprint. We are excited to commission this aluminium trailer designed by Hindalco and look forward to ushering in a new era for the logistics and freight industry.”