Tata Motors and Cummins Inc. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the design and development of low and zero-emission propulsion technology solutions for commercial vehicles in India, including hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines, fuel cells, and battery electric vehicle systems. 

Tata Motors and Cummins Inc. have been associated with other since 1993 with an intention to develop and offer the most modern drivetrains in the commercial vehicles that the former builds. The partnership between the two majors, driven by a shared ideology, common vision, values of integrity, teamwork and excellence, has grown from strength-to-strength over the last three decades. 

Interestingly, India will be one of the first markets to receive Cummins’ Hydrogen engines, an important technology that promises to help decarbonise.  

N Chandrasekaran, Executive Chairman, Tata Sons, and Chairman, Tata Motors, said, “The shift to sustainable mobility is irreversible and Tata Motors is committed to be amongst the leaders of green mobility. We are taking definitive steps to drive this global megatrend forward in each of our businesses. Working with partners who share the same vision is essential for this transition and we are delighted to strengthen our long-standing relationship with Cummins for their next generation, hydrogen propulsion systems. We are excited to indigenize the cutting-edge hydrogen technology to offer our customers an expanded portfolio of green and future ready commercial vehicles, accelerate the adoption of sustainable mobility in the country, and to contribute towards India’s ‘net zero’ carbon emission goals.” 

Tom Linebarger, Executive Chairman, Cummins Inc., said, “Climate change is the existential crisis of our time, and this collaboration between Cummins and Tata Motors accelerates our ability to address it. Cummins is well-positioned to help our customers successfully and seamlessly transition to economically viable decarbonized solutions. Cummins and Tata Motors have a strong history of partnership, and the next step into low and zero-emissions technologies is an exciting development for zero-emissions transportation. Our collaboration in India is an important milestone for Cummins and Tata as we work together to accelerate the shift to a carbon-free economy and a zero-emissions world. We strongly believe that this collaboration is a significant step forward to achieving India’s Green Hydrogen Mission. I am excited to enable powering a cleaner and greener India.”
 

Chennai-based automotive major Ashok Leyland has announced that its defence business has bagged multiple orders valued over INR 7 billion. The company has bagged orders to supply vehicles for troop transportation, logistics and other other specialised mobility requirements under the Close-in Weapon Systems (CIWS) program.

The contract orders will see Ashok Leyland supply vehicles with serious off-roading and manoeuvrability capabilities such as the Stallion 4x4, Stallion 6x6, Short Chassis Bus and Mobility System Travelling Platform.

Shenu Agarwal, MD & CEO, Ashok Leyland, said, “For decades, Ashok Leyland has been a trusted partner in defence mobility. We are immensely proud to have secured these new orders, which reinforce Ashok Leyland’s leadership in the sector and reaffirms our commitment to deliver cutting-edge solutions for the armed forces. The defence business remains a key pillar of Ashok Leyland’s future growth.”

Amandeep Singh, President – Defence Business, Ashok Leyland, said, “As a proud proponent of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat,’ we are committed to strengthening India’s defence capabilities through indigenous design and manufacturing in the Defence mobility sector. Our vehicle platforms ranging from 4x4 to 12x12, packed with contemporary Defence specific requirements, including armouring, known for their versatility and durability, remain the backbone of logistics and specialist needs of Armed Forces. As the largest supplier of logistics vehicles to the Indian Army, we take immense pride in supporting our forces and remain committed to delivering these orders on time. Our future Defence order and tender pipeline is also quite robust.”

The 2,900 Gurkha vehicles that Force Motors will supply to the Indian Defence Forces are tailored to meet the diverse operational requirements of both the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force. They are in mission-ready conditions and engineered to perform in demanding defence environments as Light Strike Vehicles (LSV)
The salient properties of the vehicles include a robust build, reliable drivetrain and advanced 4x4 capabilities. Engineered to ensure successful operation in diverse terrains ranging from deserts to mountainous regions, the vehicles add to the count of many vehicles that Force Motors has supplied over the years to the defence forces. These vehicles have excelled in the most extreme environments, offering unparalleled performance, superior ground clearance, the highest water wading capacity in its class and exceptional manoeuvrability. 
Stating that they are honoured to continue our association with the Indian Defence Forces through this substantial order,” Prasan Firodia, Managing Director, Force Motors, mentioned, “Our vehicles are designed with focus on quality, reliability, ruggedness, and performance, aligning perfectly with the operational needs of our defence personnel. This order is a testament to the trust and confidence Indian Defence Forces place in Force Motors.”
 

Eicher Trucks & Buses, part of VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV), has inaugurated its first exclusive dealership for the Eicher Pro X range in Thane, Mumbai.

The new dealership features an interactive digital display and is strategically located around key logistics hub, industrial areas and business districts in the financial capital of India.

The Eicher Pro X is the company’s first electric offering in the small commercial vehicle space, which can be customised (cargo body design, load decks, variants and colour options) to meet the diverse customer needs. 

SS Gill, Chief Commercial Officer, VECV, said, “Today marks a milestone in our journey towards customer excellence. The inauguration of the first Eicher Pro X dealership with AV Motors is not just the unveiling of a new facility, but a testament to our commitment to shaping the future of last mile logistics. This dealership represents the intersection of technology and trust, offering our customers an enhanced experience, backed by best-in-class Eicher Pro X small trucks.”

Ramesh Rajagopalan, EVP, Customer Service, Retail Excellence and Network Development, VECV, said, "The launch of the Eicher Pro X range marks a significant milestone in our journey towards shaping the future of logistics with next-gen, sustainable solutions. The inauguration of the Eicher Pro X exclusive dealership reaffirms our commitment to delivering innovative products and a superior retail and service experience. We wish the AV Motors team the very best as they begin to serve Eicher customers in this region"

The new facility is also connected to Eicher’s Uptime Centre, which enables maximum vehicle availability and operational efficiency. The company shared that its customers will also benefit from highly trained technicians, doorstep service bikes and GPS-enabled on-road breakdown support. The dealership also features dedicated EV charging infrastructure and service bays.

Chennai-based commercial vehicle major Ashok Leyland has denied any plans of finalising to acquire majority stake in SML Isuzu. The company issued the statement as clarification to media reports claiming that talks of a deal among Ashok Leyland, SML Isuzu and Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation were at an advanced stage. 

At present, Sumitomo Corporation has a stake of roughly 44 percent in the Indian unit of Isuzu. In comparison, Isuzu itself holds 15 percent. 

While Ashok Leyland shares shot up by 4 percent based on the reports, SML Isuzu’s indices also rose by 6 percent on the BSE.

In a formal statement addressed to the Stock Exchange, the reports were dismissed as ‘factually incorrect.’ 

SML Isuzu’s expertise in lighter vehicles and Ashok Leyland’s strong position in the commercial vehicle segment would have been ideal and these factors formed the basis for the speculative reports by investors/analysts.

SML Isuzu traces its roots back to 1983 when it was incepted as Swaraj Vehicles to manufacture light commercial vehicles in Punjab. The company currently manufactures trucks, buses and special application vehicles in India.