Designing a truck is fundamentally different from designing a passenger car. While passenger cars often prioritise aesthetics, comfort, and the occasional concern for fuel economy, trucks are built around practicality, durability, and the grueling demands of long-distance travel.
However, for Mahindra, designing the new Veero was not just about meeting these expectations but redefining them. With insights from drivers and operators, the company took on the challenge of creating a vehicle that combines functionality with a sense of pride and dignity for those behind the wheel.
Elevating Driver's Experience
Truck driving in India has long carried a stigma, viewed as a thankless and taxing job with little regard for the driver’s well-being. The Veero aims to change this narrative by presenting a truck that drivers can feel proud to own and operate. 'We found that four out of ten trucks remain idle simply because of a shortage of drivers,' Pratap Bose, Chief Design & Creative Officer at Mahindra & Mahindra told Mobility Outlook.
'By making Veero a symbol of pride, we hope to change not just the perception of the profession but also how society views those who make their living on the road.'
The Veero was designed to offer a sense of value to drivers and operators. The Mahindra team conducted extensive research, visiting distribution centers and mandis, talking to drivers and owner-operators. “There are some of the behavioural changes we're observing, as the current generation is accustomed to being on their phones constantly, whether for consuming content or managing their daily lives,” he noted. These interactions revealed a need for a vehicle that not only performs well but also provides comfort, safety, and a touch of modernity that aligns with the evolving expectations of a younger, tech-savvy generation.
Blending Elements Of PVs & Trucks
According to Bose, designing the Veero involved a blend of passenger car-like features with the robustness required for commercial vehicles. The cabin design, for example, was guided by the need for flexibility, allowing space for up to three occupants and enabling the driver to stretch sideways when needed. High-quality materials were chosen for their durability, as trucks often face abuse from multiple drivers during continuous operation.Featuring sliding seats, 36-degree reclining seat backs, height-adjustable headrests add to the comfort. Storage has been thoughtfully integrated throughout, including two glove boxes, a 13 litres of utility space within the centre console, and additional bins behind the seats, offering versatile and practical storage solutions to accommodate a range of needs.
The vehicle’s aerodynamic design also reflects a thoughtful approach to enhancing fuel efficiency, an area where passenger cars and trucks diverge significantly. The rake angle of the A-pillar and the contouring of the front windshield were carefully engineered to minimize air resistance while maintaining the vehicle's desired size and shape.
Comfort and Utility
Mahindra recognised that many truck operators also own personal cars, setting a higher bar for comfort and amenities. Features like air conditioning, often debated in commercial vehicles, were non-negotiable in Veero's design. 'In a country like India, air conditioning in a commercial vehicle should not even be a question,' Bose asserted.
The Veero offers a range of modern conveniences, including advanced tech integrations through the IMAX system, allowing drivers to control up to 80 features, such as pre-cooling the cabin before entering the vehicle.
Interior storage was another focus area, with both lockable and accessible compartments designed to store valuable documents securely. The layout reflects a 'place for everything and everything in its place,' (aligning with Japanese 5S philosophy – sort, set, shine, standardize and sustain) ensuring that drivers can easily reach for controls and store essentials without cluttering the cabin.
Safety, Visibility, Durability
Safety was central to the design of Veero, with features like a full forward cab and a crash-absorbing bumper to enhance driver protection. The visibility aspect was optimised to provide a 270-degree field of view, a crucial factor for city driving and maneuvering in tight spaces. It was evident when we drove the vehicle early this week. And to achieve this, the team worked on reducing the width of the A-pillar without compromising the vehicle's structural integrity.
Durability was addressed through the use of robust materials. Functional aspects and aesthetics were generously and seamlessly blended. For instance, the vertical grab handles with closed fronts prevents dust accumulation. Exterior cladding and modular components were designed to be easily replaceable, minimising repair costs and extending the vehicle's life. “If a part gets scratched or damaged, you can simply replace that specific piece rather than the entire panel,” Bose explained.
A Vehicle For NextGen?
The Veero was also designed with the younger generation of operators in mind. With a connected cabin featuring a 5-inch vertical TFT screen, tech-savvy operators can stay engaged with vehicle data and entertainment options. The vehicle’s tech-forward features aim to align the truck with global standards, making it a vehicle that fits seamlessly into the lives of its users.
From its aerodynamic contours to the thoughtful placement of controls and storage spaces, the truck represents a new way of thinking about commercial vehicle design. It addresses the unmet needs of drivers, introduces a sense of pride in ownership, and offers modern conveniences that were previously reserved for passenger cars. By focusing on the small, yet impactful, details—like dust-proof grab handles and intuitive cabin layouts—Mahindra hopes to not only meet but exceed the evolving expectations of today’s commercial vehicle operators, Bose signed off.
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Mahindra Unveils Veero Raising The Bar In Comfort, Safety, Efficiency