Mahindra Blazo i-TRK launched with 320hp engine, AI-powered fuel-saving tech

Mahindra has launched the BLAZO i-TRK with a 320hp engine, AI-powered fuel-saving technology and a 48-hour uptime guarantee, targeting higher profitability, lower running costs and smarter fleet management.

Mahindra Truck and Bus has launched the Blazo i-TRK in India, positioning it as a technology-focused heavy commercial vehicle aimed at helping fleet operators improve fuel efficiency, reduce downtime and exercise greater control over their trucks.

The new Blazo i-TRK gets a 7.2-litre diesel engine producing 320bhp and 1,100Nm of torque between 1,100rpm and 1,700rpm. Unlike the previous Blazo range, the 320bhp engine is offered across the entire i-TRK lineup. Mahindra says the truck can deliver up to 10 per cent better fuel efficiency, depending on the application and operating conditions.

AI-powered system aims to improve fuel economy

One of the biggest talking points of the Blazo i-TRK is its iFuelSmart system, which Mahindra describes as an AI-enabled automatic drive mode for heavy commercial vehicles.

The system continuously analyses factors such as road gradients, payload and driving conditions and automatically selects the appropriate operating mode. This is intended to reduce dependence on the driver manually selecting modes and deliver more consistent fuel efficiency across different operating conditions.

The 320bhp mPOWER engine also gets Mahindra's TurboMAXX turbocharger, which is designed to improve airflow and low-end torque, along with an OptiFuel air compressor that disengages when the required air pressure has been reached. The latter reduces the amount of engine power consumed by the compressor and frees up more power for propulsion.

Mahindra claims that the combined efficiency improvements could result in up to Rs 15 lakh in additional profit per truck over five years.

48-hour uptime guarantee

Mahindra is also putting a major focus on reducing downtime with the Blazo i-TRK. The truck comes with what the company calls an industry-first 48-hour Uptime Guarantee.

Under the programme, eligible customers can receive 10,000 per day if their truck is not returned to the road within the committed 48-hour period.

The company says its service network includes Mahindra Quick Service Points (mQSPs), positioned within 75km on national highways and 50km on state highways. It has also introduced a Parts Supply Guarantee covering 250 critical parts, with eligible parts promised within 24 hours.

More technology for fleet operators

The Blazo i-TRK is equipped with Mahindra's iMAXX 2.0 connected fleet platform. It provides fleet owners with information on vehicle health, driver behaviour, maintenance requirements and vehicle utilisation through desktop and mobile interfaces.

Among its features are remote AC management and remote vehicle crank inhibit, which allows fleet operators to prevent the engine from being started remotely. The system can also provide alerts for air-filter clogging and DPF performance.

Other features include Distance-to-Empty monitoring for diesel and AdBlue, FleetSense reports and ScoreMAXX driver-performance analytics.

An optional two-way camera-based Driver Monitoring System is also available. It can monitor the road ahead and provide features such as driver recognition, seat-belt monitoring and fatigue or drowsiness detection.

Designed around driver comfort

Mahindra has also upgraded the driver's environment. The Blazo i-TRK gets a three-way adjustable suspended seat designed to reduce vibrations and road shocks.

It also features cruise control, a factory-fitted AC cabin and an entertainment system with Bluetooth, FM/AM radio, USB and AUX connectivity, along with a microphone for hands-free calls.

The truck is offered with a heavy-duty 430mm clutch on 9-speed transmission variants, with an integrated wear indicator intended to improve clutch life and reduce maintenance requirements.

Digital service management

Mahindra's Now24x7 mobile app forms another part of the Blazo i-TRK ecosystem. Fleet operators can use the app to raise and track service requests, book appointments, access service history, request roadside assistance, order spare parts and monitor the location of a breakdown vehicle.

The truck is also offered with long-term mCARE annual maintenance contracts and extended warranty options, including 6-year/6-lakh-km and 8-year/8-lakh-km plans, while tippers can get extended warranty coverage based on engine hours.

The Blazo i-TRK also comes with an aerokit-ready design, allowing aerodynamic kits to be installed more easily while reducing the risk of leakage, rusting and structural damage associated with some aftermarket modifications.

With the Blazo i-TRK, Mahindra is attempting to shift the heavy truck conversation beyond horsepower and payload towards fuel savings, uptime and connected fleet management. The company is banking on these technologies to make the truck a more profitable proposition for transporters over its ownership cycle.

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