Subros commences supplies of Cab AC systems, blowers to truck manufacturers

New Delhi: Thermal products manufacturer Subros has commenced supplies of Cab air conditioning systems and blowers for two categories of trucks since 1 January 2018.

This follows the notification related to the use of air conditioning systems/blowers in truck cabins by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Earlier through a government notification, air conditioning systems were to become compulsory from 1 April 2017 in truck cabins but delays ensued due to issues at OEMs end, as it increases the load on truck engines.

The notification that has come into force from 1 January 2018 mandates the introduction of blowers in truck applications for N2 (3.5-12 tonne) and N3 (above 12 tonne) category of trucks with air conditioning systems becoming optional.

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The company's chairman Ramesh Suri told ETAuto that this is a new business for Subros that has been tied up with OEMs like Ashok Leyland, Tata Motors, Swaraj Mazda, Isuzu and Mahindra Truck and Bus Division. While the majority of customers have opted for blower applications in trucks as per the notification, few customers have chosen air-conditioning fitment as an optional action.

The truck segment is expected to be a growth driver for the auto component maker and will spur its business. The notification is expected to reduce road accidents as it will minimize driver fatigue while on road, especially on long haul routes.

An 8-10 per cent growth is expected from this business annually that is expected to generate a revenue of Rs 175 crore within the next two years.

The truck cabin AC systems/ blowers are being supplied by the company’s Chennai and Pune plants that together have a production capacity of 300,000 units annually.

PK Duggal, V-P - Corporate Planning said that 20,000 blowers/AC systems have been dispatched from 1 January to the OEMs and the company has garnered a 70 per cent market share from this business. The order so far is for an annual 2.4 lakh units.


Subros has invested Rs 25 crore on adding capacity for the truck business at its Chennai and Pune plants, and sees further ramp up when BS-VI emission norms come into force from 1 April 2020. OEMs will then have to migrate to newer engines that will be able to sustain the load of the AC systems.