Commercial vehicle manufacturer Ashok Leyland recently held a mini expo at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre in Kolkata to showcase a range of its medium and heavy commercial vehicles (MHCV). The two-day expo from August 21 offered opportunity for visitors to experience not only the latest vehicles but also the comprehensive services and solutions that Ashok Leyland offers.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event to Motoring Trends, Ashok Leyland M&HCV President Sanjeev Kumar said, “Kolkata and other Eastern markets offer a vibrant business environment, a sizable customer base and a welcoming environment for investments. Recognising these factors, we have undertaken market analysis and strategic planning to ensure growth in this promising region. Our long-term vision is to become a market leader in the region and provide exceptional products and services.”

He added, “The state has planned new infrastructure projects like Rastashree to strengthen and improve the connectivity in the state. These new projects are expected to boost the demand for the commercial vehicle industry in the region. We want to support the growth story of the state with our robust and rugged M&HCV products best suited for the state.” 

Commenting on how does the company see the adoption of medium and heavy trucks in Bengal given that small transporters are leaving the sector, he said, ‘The M&HCV market is currently undergoing a significant transformation, where sustainability, connectivity, consumer-centric approaches and adaptability to global economic changes converge seamlessly. As the industry continues to evolve, these trends are likely to shape the landscape, influencing the production, and operation of commercial vehicles in the foreseeable future.”

“The growth of the M&HCV segment is propelled by a convergence of key factors. Urbanisation and industrialisation are driving increased demand for efficient freight transportation, fostering the need for medium and heavy commercial vehicles. Technological advancements, including features like advanced telematics and electric or hybrid options, contribute to both operational efficiency and environmental sustainability, aligning with current market trends,” he added. 

He also noted that changing consumer preferences and stringent regulatory standards influence manufacturers to invest in research and development, producing compliant and technologically advanced M&HCVs. Additionally, economic stability, rising incomes and infrastructure development projects globally contribute to a heightened demand for commercial vehicles. 

Hence the growth of the MHCV market in Bengal and across India is driven by a combination of urbanisation, technological innovation, changing consumer demands, regulatory standards and economic factors. Manufacturers' adaptability to these dynamic elements remains crucial in meeting the escalating demand for efficient, sustainable and technologically advanced commercial vehicles.

Ashok Leyland showcased a diverse line-up of vehicles at the expo including the AVTR 5525AN 4X2 AC, AVTR 4825HN AC, AVTR 4825TN HD AC, AVTR 3532TN 8X4, AVTR 1925 TN 10.5, Partner Super 914 14FT, Boss 1915 22FT, Oyster Vi School (53-seater), Oyster Vi Staff (40-seater), 15 M bus chassis, and AVTR 55T EV.

The company has organised expos in 11 exclusive locations across India to showcase the latest innovations in the M&HCV sector. 

Speaking from the podium, Kumar said, "The mini expo in Kolkata marks a significant milestone as we continue to lead the way in the commercial vehicle segment. West Bengal and Eastern India at large, has been a key market for us. We have always recognised the potential this region has and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead in this geography. The expo is an opportunity for customers to experience our capabilities in driving the future of mobility. We are confident that our vehicles, coupled with our extensive aftermarket solutions, will demonstrate our dedication to providing comprehensive transportation solutions to our customers. We look forward to engaging with our customers and stakeholders at Kolkata."

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Prawaas 5.0, India’s premier multimodal passenger mobility event, is scheduled to take place from 9–11 July 2026 at the Helipad Exhibition Centre (HEC) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

Guided by the central theme, ‘Towards Safe, Smart & Sustainable Public Transport,’ the flagship event will gather government authorities, fleet operators, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), technology developers and investors to accelerate the adoption of integrated, efficient and environmentally responsible public transit systems.

The 5^th edition of the event is organised by the Bus and Car Operators Confederation of India (BOCI) and is hosted by the Akhil Gujarat Pravasi Vahan Sanchalak Mahamandal and co-hosted by both the Gujarat Luxury Cab Owners Association and the Gujarat Tourist Vehicles Operators Association. MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications serves as the event curator.

As India's transit sector undergoes a structural transformation driven by electrification, regulatory safety updates, and digital network integration, Prawaas 5.0 aims to serve as a catalyst for fostering dialogue between state transport undertakings, central policymakers and private fleet operators.

The event will also showcase intelligent transport systems (ITS), digital ticketing frameworks, AI-driven fleet telematics and clean-energy mobility solutions.

It provides an on-ground platform for new vehicle product launches, strategic business matchmaking and infrastructure investment.

Building upon its previous editions, the three-day convention is projected to secure comprehensive representation from all 36 Indian States and Union Territories. The last edition attracted over 15,000 industry professionals, more than 10,000 bus & car operators and featured over 300 leading mobility companies.  The event was attended by more than 1,500 delegates, supported by over 60 expert speakers across technical panels and industry conferences.

The large-scale exhibition will serve as an interactive arena for stakeholders across the commercial mobility value chain to address current operating challenges, such as unit economics and infrastructure constraints, while establishing partnerships to modernise India's passenger transport network.

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Tata Motors, one of India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturers, has launched the all-new Intra V40 small commercial vehicle (SCV).

Engineered for high-load last-mile applications, the Intra V40 integrates a CNG and petrol bi-fuel powertrain designed to reduce operating costs and provide fuel flexibility across diverse transport routes.

The Intra V40 is built upon a hydroformed chassis to maximise structural strength, stability and vehicle refinement under heavy loading conditions. It features a best-in-class payload capacity of 1,525 kg alongside a 2,960 mm (9.7 ft) long load body to maximise volumetric cargo capacity.

It is powered by a 1.2-litre engine that generates 58 bhp of maximum power and 106 Nm of maximum torque. The SCV comes with a 110-litre CNG tank for extended operational range, paired with a bi-fuel architecture to ensure continuous operation across varying fuel availability zones.

The Intra V40 features a modern walk-through cabin, car-like driving dynamics and front disc brakes to enhance driver comfort and vehicle control during extended operating shifts.

The addition of the Intra V40 establishes a comprehensive bi-fuel and electric product matrix for Tata Motors in the SCV and pickup categories. The company’s alternate fuel options now span multiple payload points across both bi-fuel/CNG range – Ace Pro Bi-fuel, Ace CNG 2.0, Intra V20 Gold and all-new Intra V40. And the electric vehicle range consists of Ace Pro EV, Ace EV 1000 and Intra EV Pickup.

To support fleet operators, the Intra V40 comes integrated with Tata Motors’ standard digital and service ecosystem. This includes Sampoorna Seva 2.0 for end-to-end vehicle lifecycle support and the Fleet Edge telematics platform, which provides real-time operational insights, predictive maintenance tracking, and fleet uptime optimisation.

Pinaki Haldar, Vice-President & Business Head – SCVPU, Tata Motors, said, “The shift towards alternate fuels in last-mile cargo transport is accelerating, driven by the need for lower operating costs and greater flexibility. Tata Motors is at the forefront of this transition, with a clear focus on building the strongest and most comprehensive alternate fuel portfolio in the small CV and pickup segment. With the all-new Intra V40, we further strengthen our bi-fuel range and consolidate our leadership in alternate fuel mobility, while our expanding electric portfolio supports a calibrated transition towards greener last-mile transportation.”

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Piaggio Vehicles (PVPL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Italy's Piaggio Group, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the State Bank of India (SBI) Lucknow circle. The strategic partnership is designed to leverage the Uttar Pradesh Government’s CM Yuva Yojna, a flagship initiative targeting employment and self-reliance for 150,000 youth across the state through small business ownership.

The agreement was signed by Amit Sagar, Executive Vice-President for CV Domestic Business and Retail Finance at PVPL and Vibhash Kumar, Deputy General Manager at SBI.

Under the collaboration, SBI’s network of over 1,600 branches across central and eastern Uttar Pradesh will provide retail financing solutions for Piaggio’s entire three-wheeler portfolio, encompassing both Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) and Electric Vehicle (EV) platforms.

The credit structure, operating under the combined guidelines of the state-level CM Yuva Yojna and federal Mudra schemes, targets eligible youth entrepreneurs aged 25–40 years. The partnership introduces financial terms to lower the total cost of ownership:

• Interest Structure: zero percent interest loans enabled by a 100 percent government interest subsidy.
• Loan-to-Value Ratio: Funding coverage spanning 85 percent to 90 percent of the total vehicle cost.
• Repayment Profile: A fixed four-year repayment tenure with no external guarantor requirements.
• Capital Incentives: Full refund of the initial margin money upon successful completion of the loan repayment cycle.

To streamline the onboarding process, Piaggio India will set up dedicated CM Yuva Help Centres across its authorised dealership network in Uttar Pradesh. These walk-in centres are designed to offer application guidance, documentation verification, and direct financing coordination within the showrooms.

Amit Sagar, said, “India’s mobility landscape is evolving rapidly. From small entrepreneurs to fleet operators, a new class of owners is emerging, and they need financing that understands their realities. Through this partnership, Piaggio India and State Bank of India are bringing together the strength, trust, and reach of two respected institutions to make vehicle ownership simpler, faster, and more accessible. By leveraging the Uttar Pradesh Government’s CM Yuva Yojna which offers eligible young entrepreneurs 0% interest free financing, government-backed subsidies, and simplified access to business ownership; we are creating meaningful opportunities for self-employment and enterprise development at scale. This initiative goes beyond vehicle financing; it is about enabling aspirations, fostering entrepreneurship, and contributing directly to employment generation for the youth of Uttar Pradesh. Piaggio India remains committed to supporting inclusive economic progress through practical, sustainable, and accessible mobility solutions.”

Vibhash Kumar, added, “This collaboration combines SBI’s trusted financial capabilities and extensive network with Piaggio’s established leadership in the three-wheeler segment to create meaningful livelihood opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs across Uttar Pradesh. Through CM Yuva Yojna, we are committed to supporting youth-led enterprise by making affordable financing widely accessible, thereby strengthening self-employment, last-mile connectivity and long-term economic development.”

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Volvo Trucks India has introduced the Volvo FMX Edge, an off-road dump truck configured for heavy-duty mining operations. The vehicle was unveiled at the company’s manufacturing facility in Hoskote, Bengaluru.

The development of the truck follows the deployment of the company's FMX500 8x4 platform, which has more than 3,000 units operating across Indian mine sites. The FMX Edge has been designed to align with changing structural trends in the domestic mining market, such as the deployment of higher-capacity excavators and the demand for predictable material handling cycle times.

The FMX Edge features a 31.2 cubic metre SAE heap body capacity and a 2.8-metre-wide body configuration. This design is engineered to support material loading compatibility with high-volume industrial shovels and to manage overburden movement. The vehicle incorporates electronic stability control and vehicle tracking mechanisms intended to minimise operational downtime and maintain fuel efficiency during full-load duty cycles.

The truck rollout was followed by an application-led demonstration session at the Volvo CE Customer Centre Ground. The presentation was conducted jointly by Volvo Trucks and Volvo Construction Equipment to showcase integrated machinery solutions for bulk material handling and extraction processes.

Per-Erik Lindström, Executive Vice-President, Volvo Trucks International, said, “India is a cornerstone for Volvo Group’s future and an increasingly important market for Volvo Trucks. The launch of Volvo FMX Edge reflects our commitment to Indian customers and to solutions designed around real operating needs. Built on Volvo’s global expertise and shaped by Indian mining requirements, the Volvo FMX Edge is a strong example of our focus on customer success, sustainable progress and long-term growth.”

B Srinivas, Managing Director and CEO, VE Commercial Vehicles, said, “Volvo Trucks has earned the trust of Indian mining customers over nearly three decades by delivering solutions that perform in real operating conditions. The Volvo FMX Edge is a natural evolution of this journey. It is engineered around customer outcomes like productivity, safety, uptime, efficiency and lifecycle value. With FMX Edge, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting India’s mining sector with solutions built for confidence and long-term partnership.”

B Dinakar, Business Head of Volvo Trucks India, added, “The Volvo FMX Edge has been developed with a clear purpose – to help mining customers achieve better outcomes every day. It is not just about capacity; it is about confidence, predictability, safety and lifecycle value. Shaped by inputs from mine sites, project teams, maintenance teams, operators and drivers, the Volvo FMX Edge represents Volvo Trucks’ response to the needs of modern mining operations.”

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