Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) has launched a 19.5 tonne front engine bus chassis called the BB1924. Designed specifically for India's rapidly expanding intercity passenger transport segment, the bus will suit the needs of operators seeking higher payload capacity, lower operating costs and enhanced passenger comfort. 
Entering a bus market that is valued at USD 51.09 billion and expanding at 5.36 percent CAGR through 2030, the new bus chassis will be available across BharatBenz's extensive network of 398 authorised touchpoints across India, ensuring convenient access and pan-India delivery support. 
To make acquisition seamless, BharatBenz has partnered with 15 plus leading banks and NBFCs including HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and Bajaj Finserv, offering competitive financing with interest rates starting at 8.5 percent per annum and flexible EMI tenures up to five years. DICV's commitment regarding the bus extends well beyond the point of sale through industry-leading after-sales support with every BB1924 bus chassis backed by a comprehensive six-year or 600,000 km powertrain warranty and 24x7 roadside assistance across the country. 
The company is guaranteeing 95 percent parts availability within 24/48 hours through its robust localised supply chain, minimising downtime and ensuring operational continuity. Operators can further enhance their fleet management through predictive maintenance enabled by IoT-based telematics, while comprehensive driver and technician training programmes are conducted in regional languages ensure optimal vehicle performance. 
Commenting on the launch, Andamuthu Ponnusamy, Head of Bus Business, DICV said,
“The BB1924 represents a paradigm shift in how we think about intercity mobility. By combining advanced safety features, industry-leading localization, and a focus on total cost of ownership, BharatBenz sets a benchmark for value and reliability in intercity mobility. Our extensive field trials with leading operators across routes like Mumbai-Pune, Delhi-Jaipur, and Chennai-Bangalore have demonstrated significant reduction in total cost of ownership compared to existing solutions.

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Caterpillar has announced an expanded collaboration with Nvidia to develop AI-enhanced solutions for machines, manufacturing facilities and supply chains. The partnership focuses on applying physical AI to heavy equipment to assist with autonomy and site management.

The automaker is utilising the Nvidia Jetson Thor platform to enable real-time AI inference on its construction, mining and power equipment. This technology provides a foundation for autonomous operations and in-cab assistance. Machines will process sensor data via edge computing to provide safety alerts, productivity tips and real-time coaching to operators. In mining and construction environments, these systems are designed to process data points in milliseconds to navigate changing jobsite conditions.

At CES 2026, the company debuted the Cat AI Assistant, a tool embedded in digital and onboard products. Built using Nvidia Riva speech models, the assistant uses voice activation to help users manage equipment settings, perform troubleshooting and access maintenance information. The system draws from Caterpillar’s Helios unified data platform to provide context-specific recommendations to dealers and customers.

Caterpillar is also implementing an Nvidia AI Factory to automate manufacturing processes, including forecasting and production scheduling. The company is developing digital twins of its factories using Nvidia Omniverse and OpenUSD. These virtual models allow engineers to simulate and optimise factory layouts and production flows before physical implementation.

Joe Creed, CEO of Caterpillar, said, “As AI moves beyond data to reshape the physical world, it is unlocking new opportunities for innovation – from job sites and factory floors to offices. Caterpillar is committed to solving our customers’ toughest challenges by leading with advanced technology in our machines and every aspect of business. Our collaboration with Nvidia is accelerating that progress like never before.”

Jensen Huang, Founder and CEO, Nvidia, said, “For a century, Caterpillar has built the industrial machines that shaped the world. In the age of AI, Nvidia and Caterpillar are partnering across the full spectrum – from autonomous construction fleets to the AI data centres powering the next industrial revolution.”

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Pune-headquartered automotive major Force Motors has reported domestic wholesale growth of 49 percent in December 2025, reaching 2,952 units compared to 1,985 units in December 2024.

The automaker stated that for YTD FY2026 it sold 24,920 units, marking a 25 percent growth over the same period last year.

Quarterly performance showed momentum with Q3 domestic wholesales rising 47 percent to 8,427 units, up from 5,723 units in the corresponding quarter. The company attributed these figures to demand across its vehicle platforms, specifically the Traveller and Urbania ranges. According to the company, the tour and travel segment is showing signs of revival through fleet expansion and intercity movement, while school mobility remained steady.

Prasan Firodia, Managing Director, Force Motors, said, “December has been another strong month for us, and it is encouraging to see positive momentum across our core platforms. We are beginning to witness clear signs of revival in the tour and travel segment, supported by rising intercity movement and renewed fleet expansion. School mobility has also remained steady through the holiday period, reflecting growing institutional confidence as we head into the new year. The continued traction for Urbania across urban and emerging markets, along with the commanding market leadership of the Traveller range, underscores the trust customers place in Force Motors. Together, these trends point to a broad-based strengthening of demand and give us a solid foundation as we step into 2026”.

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Mumbai-headquartered Tata Motors has reported its domestic commercial vehicle (CV) sales of 107,918 units for Q3 FY2026, which marks an 18 percent YoY growth, as compared to 91,260 units sold last year.

For December 2025, domestic CV sales stood at 40,057 units, up 24 percent YoY, over 32,369 units sold a year ago.

On the other hand, the company sold 2,451 units in the international market, up 63 percent YoY.

Girish Wagh, MD & CEO, Tata Motors, said, “The sales momentum ignited by GST 2.0 and the festive surge in Q2FY26 continued into Q3FY26, driving growth and lifting overall sentiment of the commercial vehicles industry. Tata Motors registered double-digit sales growth in Q3FY26, powered by a strong rebound in construction and mining activity post the extended monsoon, along with sustained demand from core sectors and auto logistics. Continued strength in SCVs and Pickups further amplified performance, resulting in wholesales of 115,577 units, with 21 percent YoY  growth over Q3FY25 and 22 percent sequential growth over Q2FY26. Going forward, we expect demand to strengthen in Q4FY26 across most commercial vehicle segments. Key drivers in 2026 will include the government’s sustained infrastructure push and expansion in end-use sectors, both of which are expected to fuel positive momentum for the industry. With an optimised portfolio ensuring superior product availability, a decisive pricing strategy, and deeper customer engagement through intensified market activations, Tata Motors is well-poised to unlock demand across segments, paving the way for continued success.”

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Chinese automotive major Dongfeng Motor Industry (DFMIEC) has launched the Dongfeng X9 fuel tractor in Vietnam.

The company showcased the X9 tractor alongside other models, including the X7 tractor, X3 tractor and various cargo trucks.

The event included technical briefings on the fuel performance and mechanical specifications of the X7 and X3 models. Currently, Dongfeng tractors rank among the top five CV players in the Vietnamese market. The introduction of the X9 is intended to expand the company's product matrix as the local government seeks to reduce logistics costs and transition towards high-quality transport infrastructure.

Wang Long, Chairman of DFMIEC, said, “Vietnam is one of the most dynamic and promising countries in the ASEAN region, with its industrialisation and urbanisation processes accelerating continuously, bringing broad growth space for the logistics industry. Driven by three major favourable factors – the expansion of infrastructure and logistics networks, the transfer of manufacturing industries and the rapid development of the digital economy, the market demand for logistics and transportation vehicles has maintained a steady growth. DFMIEC will move forward hand in hand with its partners to contribute to the development of Vietnam's transportation industry.”

The principal of the Vietnamese partner noted that the collaboration has reached a deeper level with the arrival of the X9. Dongfeng plans to continue its international strategy by investing in localised development and expanding its overseas footprint. The company intends to focus on resource investment to support the upgrading of the logistics sector in the ASEAN region.

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