Truck maker Paccar said that it is tapping India for component sourcing and developing technology for its global operations, but has no plans now to sell or assemble products in the country.

The work at the technical centre has already begun and the company will hire 200 employees by the end of this year.

The US based Paccar has set up a technical centre in Pune in partnership with technology solutions company KPIT Cummins Infosystems Ltd. Mr Donald J Schulte MD (India Initiative) of Paccar Inc said that "Our focus in India right now is to successfully launch the technical centre in Pune to develop solutions for global requirements and introduce ourselves to the supplier base here.”

He however, did not provide details of the quantum of sourcing Paccar is eyeing from India. He said that "We have just started getting into contact with suppliers here...And work at the technical centre has also begun. By the end of this year we will hire 200 employees.”

Asked about the company's plan to sell and market its trucks in India or plans for setting up an assembly unit here, he said that "India is a very vibrant and interesting market, but Paccar has no plans for vehicle sales in India at this time."

Globally, the company designs, manufactures and markets light, medium and heavy duty trucks under Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF brands.

(Sourced from PTI)