Ashok Leyland Limited showcased 10 to 12 M&HCVs at the CIDCO Exhibition Grounds in Vashi, Navi Mumbai, recently. Terming the event as a two-day ‘Mini Expo’, the commercial vehicle major organised the event as part of its strategy to hold such events across 11 locations in India to demonstrate its commitment to innovation and customer engagement. 

Featuring two simultaneous circuits, the events – aimed at taking the cutting-edge technologies closer to customers and enthusiasts – include an interesting 15 m front-engine multi-axle bus chassis and a range of tippers (almost all of them being air-conditioned to meet the regulation regarding the same that will come into force by mid-2025) used in the infrastructure and real estate construction activities that are particularly dense in the region in Navi Mumbai, Mumbai and their surroundings.  

To progress to Ahmedabad and Indore as part of the second circuit, the ‘Mini Expo’ – held at Bengaluru prior to this – also saw the showcasing of an electric truck on the Boss platform and an LNG truck on the AVTR modular platform. 

While the AVTR 8x2 LNG truck is called as AVTR 3522 LNG (for long-haul transportation), the BOSS EV truck is a 14-tonne 4x2 offering with a power output of 120 kW (rated) and 240 kW (peak). It has a high voltage Lithium-ion battery pack of 201.5 kWh and a low voltage battery of 24 volt and 110 Ah. The price is INR 11 million ex-showroom approximately, according to sources close to the company. 

The other trucks that the commercial vehicle major displayed at the exhibition were the AVTR 5525AN 4X2 (tractor) with air-conditioning as standard; AVTR 4825HN 10x2 with double tyre lift axle (with air-con as standards) and 30 ft cargo deck length; AVTR 4825TN HD 10×4 48-tonne tipper with air-conditioning as standard; AVTR 3532TN 8X4 35-tonne tipper; Boss 1915 4x2 truck with a 22 ft deck length; Ecomet 1615 8.5 CuM Tupper with 4x2 configuration and 8.5 cubic meter superstructure;  Oyster Vi School (53 seater) bus, and Oyster Vi Staff (40 seater) bus. 

Sanjeev Kumar, President – M&HCV, Ashok Leyland, said, "The Mini Expo in Mumbai marks a significant milestone as we continue to lead the way in the commercial vehicle segment. It 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 Mumbai."

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Piaggio Vehicles, a subsidiary of the Piaggio Group, has launched two new diesel cargo three-wheelers in India – the Ape Xtra Bada 700 and the Ape Xtra 600 priced at INR 345,000 and INR 288,000 (ex-showroom Maharashtra), respectively.

The new three-wheelers are designed to strengthen the company’s position in the last-mile cargo sector and compete with entry-level four-wheel cargo small commercial vehicles (SCVs).

The Ape Xtra Bada 700 introduces features intended to set new industry standards in the three-wheeler cargo category. It features the company's 700 DI diesel engine, providing pulling power and enhanced torque. The vehicle debuts India's first 7 feet cargo deck, allowing for larger and longer loads. It offers a segment-best 750 kg payload capacity, the largest in any three-wheeler cargo vehicle. Other features include a new platform, a digital cluster, 12-inch radial tyres, a new cab and an industry warranty of five years.

The new Ape Xtra 600 features Piaggio's newly developed 600 DI diesel engine, offering improved mileage, better gradeability, and enhanced load-carrying performance. The vehicle is positioned as a reliable and efficient option at an accessible price point.

Diego Graffi, Chairman & Managing Director, Piaggio Vehicles, said, “At Piaggio India, we have always believed in pushing the boundaries of innovation in the last-mile mobility segment. The Ape Xtra Bada 700 is a landmark product that disrupts the cargo 3-wheeler category with industry-first features in engine capacity, deck size and payload. It is designed to empower customers with more productivity and superior earnings. Alongside, the Ape Xtra 600 continues our commitment to delivering efficient, high-value solutions. With these new diesel cargo products, we strengthen our Ape legacy and reiterate our focus on customer-centric engineering.”

Amit Sagar, Executive Vice-President, CV Domestic Business & Retail Finance, Piaggio Vehicles, added, “Cargo mobility demands are changing rapidly, with customers expecting higher power, higher payload, better comfort, and stronger performance. The Ape Xtra Bada 700 addresses all these needs with a fresh, powerful new platform and several industry-firsts that directly enhance profitability for customers. It provides the most efficient, economical, and affordable option for a Cargo 3W and provides a compelling alternate to the four-wheeler cargo vehicles with an advantageous Opeco and TCO. The Ape Xtra 600 also brings improved capabilities to our strong diesel cargo portfolio. We are confident that these products will further strengthen our leadership in the cargo three-wheeler market.”

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IVECO, a manufacturer in alternative propulsion, has demonstrated the endurance of its gas-powered heavy vehicles with the IVECO S-Way CNG truck travelling over 1,000 kilometres on one refill of compressed natural gas (CNG).

The test was carried out under real-world conditions by French journalists Fabien Calvet and Loic Fieux, driving between the Belgian and Spanish borders. The tractor unit towed a loaded curtain-sided semi-trailer with a gross combination weight of 30 tonnes, confirming the S-Way CNG’s efficiency and viability for daily operations. The result showed an average consumption of below 21 kg / 100 km over the distance, combined with quick refuelling.

The truck's gas engine is said to have delivered smooth, responsive and quiet performance, with handling comparable to a diesel model. The journalists noted the vehicle's high-performance engine brake and intarder hydraulic retarder offered strong braking, while the full air suspension enhanced driving comfort.

The model tested uses the xCursor 13 engine by FPT Industrial, producing 500 hp and 2,200 Nm of torque. This engine is designed to meet future Euro VII emissions standards and is paired with a second-generation ZF TraXon 12-speed automated gearbox.

The vehicle was equipped with new 620-litre tanks, providing a total capacity of 1,240 litres equivalent to at least 190 kg of CNG. This capacity represents an 18 percent increase over the previous generation.

IVECO utilised multiple systems to maximise fuel efficiency:

• Predictive GPS systems worked to recover kinetic energy on downhill sections and adjust engine speed ahead of climbs.
• Intelligent energy management features, including a controlled alternator and a dis-engageable air compressor, ensure energy is only consumed when necessary.
• Aerodynamic improvements such as deflectors, side fairings and mirror-cams help to reduce drag.

The gas-powered trucks offer a transport solution that is both sustainable and cost-effective, supported by an established European refuelling network. Operators can utilise the approximately 4,300 bioLNG and 800 BioCNG stations currently in operation.

When running on biomethane, which is produced from organic waste, the trucks can reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by an average of 95 percent, alongside lower fine particle and nitrogen oxide emissions compared to diesel. The European gas refuelling network is set to expand further, with 50 new stations scheduled to open in 2026.

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Chennai-based Daimler India Commercial Vehicles has announced the appointment of Torsten Schmidt as its new CEO. He is set to succeed Satyakam Arya, who has been nominated as the designated President and CEO of Hino Motors in Japan.

Schmidt, currently CFO of Mercedes-Benz do Brasil, has been with Daimler since 1997. Over the course of nearly three decades, he has held various roles across Germany, India, Japan and Brazil, having led teams across sales and central function at Daimler Truck, Mercedes-Benz Trucks and Daimler Truck Asia.

Achim Puchert, CEO Mercedes-Benz Trucks: “Torsten is an experienced and respected leader whose global and intercultural expertise are matched by a proven ability to deliver results. His strong leadership qualities, strategic vision, financial proficiency, and comprehensive knowledge of the entire value chain make him the perfect fit for his new role and to drive our business forward. My heartfelt thanks go to Satyakam - an outstanding leader with exceptional expertise in commercial vehicle operations and a deep commitment to customer success. Satyakam has been a driving force behind Daimler India Commercial Vehicles’ success and together with his team he has established a solid footprint. We wish him all the best in his new role.”  

In his new role, Torsten Schmidt will report to Achim Puchert, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Trucks.

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Eicher Trucks and Buses, a business unit of VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV), has launched the Eicher Pro X Diesel, expanding its offering in the 2-3.5 tonne Small Commercial Vehicle (SCV) segment.

The new diesel model follows the earlier release of the Eicher Pro X EV, providing both electric and diesel options for customers and regions requiring diesel power.

The Pro X Diesel features a new E449 diesel engine developed to deliver fuel efficiency and power for performance across terrains. The model is built as an 'Expert' solution for small firms, fleet operators and first-time buyers, focusing on performance, uptime and ownership.

The vehicle includes the segment’s largest cargo deck (10 feet 8 inches) and offers a long service interval of 30,000 km. This combination is intended to increase the goods carried per trip and reduce operating costs. The Eicher Pro X Diesel has been tested across India’s varied conditions for use in applications such as e-commerce, FMCG and regional logistics.

Vinod Aggarwal, MD & CEO, VE Commercial Vehicles, said, “With the launch of the Eicher Pro X Diesel, we are taking another significant step in transforming last mile logistics in India. The Eicher Pro X range – now available in both electric and diesel variants – reflects our commitment to serve our customers as they transform logistics in India’s Amrit Kaal. Co-created with customers, the range combines Eicher’s proven expertise in fuel efficiency, reliability and superior uptime with the operational flexibility that many businesses seek from a diesel powertrain. This launch strengthens Eicher’s presence in the rapidly evolving small commercial vehicle segment and aligns with our vision to partner India’s progress with smart, sustainable and efficient logistics solutions.”

S S Gill, Chief Commercial Officer, VE Commercial Vehicles, said, “The Eicher Pro X Diesel is a state-of-the-art product designed for customers and drivers in the large SCV segment. It introduces segment-leading comfort and safety features, including a crash-test certified metallic cabin, ergonomic D+2 seating, driver state monitoring system (DSMS) and daytime running lamps (DRL). Intelligent connectivity through the My Eicher App, predictive diagnostics, remote immobiliser and real time monitoring through the 24x7 Uptime Centre support further enhances operational control and security, delivering peace of mind for owners.”

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