Ashok Leyland, the Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group and the country’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, unveiled its premium entry-level light commercial vehicle (LCV) offering ‘SAATHI’ at the ongoing Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. Ashok Leyland is displaying its products at Stand Number H6 - 10, Hall No 06 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Built on cutting-edge LNT technology, SAATHI is designed to be a market disruptor and boasts best-in-class power (45 HP), torque (110 Nm) and a 24 percent greater loading area than its competitors. Its higher mileage, bigger tyres and unrivalled payload capacity of 1,120 kg guarantee outstanding performance and economy. AdBlue is no longer necessary thanks to the ground-breaking LNT technology, which also lessens operating difficulties. SAATHI is positioned as the greatest last-mile urban mobility vehicle in its class because of its exceptional riding comfort and 5-year/200,000-kilometre guarantee. SAATHI's FSD variant is priced at INR 649,999.

Dheeraj Hinduja, Executive Chairman, Ashok Leyland, said, “Ashok Leyland has always been a pioneer in the introduction of new technologies in commercial vehicles.  Introduction of SAATHI reinforces our readiness to lead the transformation in road transport. We remain committed to sustainability, and SAATHI as well as other next-gen vehicles being showcased today are set to raise the bar on customer value proposition in the commercial vehicle business. I am confident that with progressive introduction of new products, we would address growing opportunities in overseas markets competitively, which is a thrust area for us.”

Shenu Agarwal, MD & CEO, Ashok Leyland, said, “With SAATHI, we are trying to shatter a long-held belief that entry-level commercial vehicle customers need to compromise on power, loading capacity, features, comfort and safety. SAATHI brings a ‘no-compromise attitude’ in the entry level SCV segment, bringing pride for operators and additional earnings for the owners. SAATHI solidifies Ashok Leyland's position as a full range commercial vehicle leader in the country.”

The first multi-axle, front-engine, 15-metre completely constructed premium bus in India, the GARUD 15, was also unveiled by Ashok Leyland at the Expo, establishing a new benchmark for the sector. This cutting-edge platform, which was created especially for long-distance intercity travel in India's varied road conditions, maximises bus operators' per-trip revenue by providing the largest saloon space capacity in the industry – 42 sleeper berths – a roomy luggage compartment, and the highest GVW in its class – 22,500 kg. Long trips are made safe and fatigue-free for drivers and passengers thanks to the ergonomically built 3-way adjustable driver seat and a number of other cutting-edge technologies like ADAS and DMS.

Another cutting-edge Ashok Leyland product on exhibit is the nation's first Electric Port Terminal Tractor. This market has been waiting for an electric powertrain solution that offers port freight operators an outstanding TCO and the possibility for port owners to transition to sustainable solutions. They are expected to be among the first to deploy electric trucks. The new eTIRAN Terminal Tractor from Ashok Leyland is set to revolutionise port operations in the nation. It has a 360-degree view and an easy-to-enter/exit air-conditioned cabin, features a customisable battery range of 180-350 kilometres and is outfitted with cutting-edge safety features like hill start assist and ADAS for safety alerts.

Ashok Leyland, one of the country’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nagaland Rural Bank for a strategic vehicle financing partnership. The partnership will see Ashok Leyland get access to customised financial solutions from Nagaland Rural Bank.

The MoU was signed by C Neelakantan, Head -Treasury and Direct Taxation, Ashok Leyland and Velayutham Sadhasivam, Chairman, Nagaland Rural Bank.

Balaji K M, CFO, Ashok Leyland, said, “At Ashok Leyland, we are dedicated to continuously enhancing customer experience and delivering greater value in our products and services. Nagaland Rural Bank is a regional rural bank with a strong presence in the state. With this partnership in place, our customers in the region will have access to comprehensive financing solutions with specially curated easy repayment plans”.

Sanjeev Kumar, President – MHCV, Ashok Leyland, said, “Ashok Leyland is looking forward to collaborating with Nagaland Rural Bank to offer our customers highly attractive financing solutions. This strategic partnership not only strengthens our market presence but also reinforces our commitment to innovation and customer success. With cutting-edge technology and industry-leading total cost of ownership, our products are designed to drive profitability and value for our customers. We remain steadfast in our commitment to deliver exceptional customer experience and build long lasting relationships.”

Velayutham Sadhasivam added, “Nagaland Rural Bank is delighted to collaborate with Ashok Leyland to provide seamless vehicle financing solutions. This partnership underscores our commitment to meeting the diverse financial needs of commercial vehicle customers across the state. We are confident that this alliance will help us expand our reach and offer customized financing options, fostering the growth of businesses in the commercial vehicle sector.”

Eicher Trucks & Buses, a business unit of VE Commercial Vehicles, has announced that it successfully hosted the second Woman Transporters Delegation at its Bhopal plant.

The event saw women leaders in the transport industry exchange ideas, share insights and explore new business opportunities. The discussion revolved around a wide range of topics such as digitisation, alternative fuels and intelligent mobility solutions that provide challenges and opportunities.

The women leaders were given an exclusive tour of Eicher’s Bhopal plant, an interactive session with VECV Executive Management and test drive experience.

Vinod Aggarwal, MD & CEO, VECV, said, “At Eicher Trucks and Buses, we firmly believe that inclusivity and diversity strengthen businesses and drives growth. Technology and digital solutions are transforming the industry, making businesses smarter and more efficient. While we are taking steps to improve diversity and inclusion internally through initiatives like an all-woman assembly line in Bhopal, we thank you for working with us to foster innovative approaches in the commercial vehicle industry."

Bhagwan K Bindiganavile, EVP, Strategic Planning, Brand & Communications, VECV, added, “The Indian CV industry is transforming rapidly, guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Seven Cs for mobility solutions: Common, Connected, Convenient, Congestion-free, Charged, Clean and Cutting-edge. We appreciated the women leaders focus on balancing the new technologies making logistics more efficient with a people-first approach.”

SS Gill, Chief Commercial Officer, VECV; B Srinivas, COO, Eicher Trucks and Buses; Ramesh Rajagopalan, EVP, Customer Service, Retail Excellence and Network Development and Vimal Mulchandani, EVP- Manufacturing Operation, Eicher Trucks & Buses & Volvo Buses also engaged with the women transporters delegation.

Construction and off-road equipment major SANY has launched what it claims is India's first hybrid off-highway 100-tonne mining dump truck – the SKT130S – with localised manufacturing at its Pune factory.

The truck operates with a 925 kW engine, which generates 3200 Nm of torque, 100-tonne payload capacity and a 61 CuM heaped body capacity, designed for mining applications.

Deepak Garg, Vice-Chairman and MD, SANY India and South Asia, said, “The introduction of the SKT130S is a remarkable achievement in our journey towards driving innovation and self-reliance in India’s mining sector. As India’s first 100-tonne diesel-electric hybrid mining truck, the SKT130S demonstrates SANY India’s commitment to delivering high-performance, efficient and safe solutions to meet the evolving demands of the industry. Our focus on localisation not only supports India’s manufacturing vision but also ensures that we bring cutting-edge technology to enhance productivity in mining operations.”

The SKT130S is expected to achieve fuel savings of 20-25 percent compared to conventional mining trucks. A regenerative braking system enables the high-voltage battery to charge during downhill operation.

The truck includes an intelligent control module for operation management and a 10-inch central control screen for navigation and safety. The cabin meets FOPS/ROPS certification standards, aligning with global safety regulations.

Mumbai-based automotive major Mahindra & Mahindra’s Farm Equipment Sector has announced its wholesales of 424,641 units in FY2025, which marks a 12 percent increase compared to 378,386 units sold last year.

This includes 407,094 units in the domestic market and 17,547 units in exports, which marks a growth of 12 percent and 27 percent YoY respectively.

Hemant Sikka, President – Farm Equipment Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra, said “We have sold 32,582 tractors in the domestic market during March’ 25, a growth of 34 percent over last year. The tractor industry has been witnessing good momentum on account of favourable weather conditions, good reservoir levels, strong rabi outlook and positive terms of trade for farmers. Harvest season has commenced in the northern regions and is expected to progress smoothly across the country. Delivery momentum picked up in the last week of March on account of festivities and momentum is expected to continue in Q1 FY2026 on expectation of very good Rabi crop harvest and improved cash flow in the hands of the farmers In the exports market, we have sold 2,352 tractors, a growth of 35 percent over last year.”

 “We have achieved our highest ever tractor sales in FY2025 with a growth of 12 percent. This is driven by very strong retail sales across the country and lowest ever dealer channel inventory,” added Sikka.