Daimler Truck has teamed up with Air Products, Amazon, Holcim, INEOS and Wiedmann & Winz to initial customer trials with five Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Trucks. 

As one of the world’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturers with a commitment to COP28 in terms of sustainable transportation, the commercial vehicle major has initiated the initial customer trials of its GenH2 trucks on the basis of its belief that hydrogen-based drive technologies can be an optimal solution for very flexible and highly demanding applications in particular. Applications that are heavy-duty in nature and of the long-distance haulage kind.

Daimler Truck has moved to the initial customer trails after a rigorous testing phase on the test track and public roads of the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Trucks. In an advanced development stage for deployment, the trucks – five semi-trailer tractors – are based on the characteristics of the conventional Mercedes-Benz Actros long-haul truck in terms of payload, range and performance.

Offering a payload of approximately 25 tonnes at a gross combination weight (GCW) of 40 tonnes, the hydrogen powered trucks are fitted with two special liquid hydrogen tanks and a powerful fuel-cell system by cellcentric, the Joint Venture of Daimler Truck and Volvo Group. 

The fuel-cell system of the GenH2 Truck delivers 402 hp (2 x150 kW) whereas the battery provides an additional 536 hp (400 kW) temporarily. The storage capacity of the battery is low at 70 kWh since it is not intended to meet energy needs. It is mainly there on the truck to provide situational power support for the fuel cell during peak loads, for example, where additional power may be need to accelerate and drive uphill under full load. 

The smaller and lighter battery not only facilitates a higher payload capacity, it is recharged with braking energy and excess fuel-cell energy. 

The core element of the sophisticated operating strategy of the fuel-cell and battery system is a cooling and heating system that keeps all components at a suitable operating temperature, ensuring maximum durability. In a pre-series version, the two electric motors are designed for a total of 2 x 308 hp (230 kW) continuous power output and 2 x (442 hp) 330 kW of maximum power. The torque the GenH2 Truck delivers is 2 x 1,577 Nm or 2 x 2,071 Nm. 

The two stainless-steel liquid-hydrogen tanks of the GenH2 Truck have a particularly high storage capacity of 88 kilograms (44 kg each). Consisting of two tubes, one within the other, that are vacuum isolated and connected to each other, the tanks store liquid hydrogen since the energy density is high. The earlier trails conducted by Daimler Truck have revealed that the H2 truck can travel up to 1,047 km with one tank full of the respective fuel. 

Martin Daum, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler Truck, mentioned at the time of start of the trial in Woerth am Rhein where Daimler Truck has a truck test and development centre, “When it comes to decarbonizing transport, we are focusing on battery-electric and hydrogen-based drives. The transformation can only succeed if green energy is sufficiently and comprehensively available – and for this we need both technologies. With regard to hydrogen drives, we are now taking another important step towards series readiness: we are starting the trials of our Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Trucks in real-life daily transport operations with our customers. However, it is important to note that high-performance CO₂-neutral vehicles alone will not be enough to make sustainable transportation successful. This also requires a corresponding charging and refueling infrastructure, as well as cost parity with conventional vehicles. Although policymakers and energy companies are already active here, we urgently need even more momentum, across entire Europe.”

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Tata Motors has introduced factory-fitted air conditioning systems across its entire truck range, marking a significant upgrade for drivers in India. The new AC systems are now available in all cabin models, including the SFC, LPT, Ultra, Signa and Prima, as well as cowl models for the first time.

The advanced air conditioning system features dual-mode operation with Eco and Heavy settings, ensuring optimal cooling while improving energy efficiency. Alongside this comfort upgrade, Tata Motors has also enhanced the power output of its heavy trucks, tippers and prime movers, now delivering up to 320 hp. These trucks also incorporate intelligent fuel-saving technology to maximise efficiency, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.

Additional improvements include duty-cycle-based fuel efficiency features such as engine idle auto-shut and a voice messaging system that provides real-time alerts. These upgrades reflect Tata Motors’ commitment to setting new benchmarks in performance, driveability and driver comfort.

By offering factory-fitted AC across its entire range, including cowl models, Tata Motors is reinforcing its leadership in India’s commercial vehicle market while prioritizing both operational efficiency and driver well-being.

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TVS Motor Company has announced a leadership transition, with Sudarshan Venu set to take over as Chairman and Managing Director effective 25 August 2025. The Board of Directors unanimously approved his appointment in recognition of his significant contributions to the company’s growth and strategic direction during his tenure as Director.

Current Chairman Sir Ralf Speth has informed the Board that he will not seek re-appointment as a Director at the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM). As a result, he will step down as Chairman at the conclusion of the AGM on 22 August 2025. However, to ensure continuity and leverage his expertise, the Board has appointed Speth as Chief Mentor for a three-year term, effective 23 August 2025.

Venu Srinivasan, Chairman Emeritus, TVS Motor Company, said, "I express my sincere gratitude to Ralf for his exceptional leadership as Chairman over the last three years. His contributions have been invaluable in guiding our strategic expansion into global markets and fostering innovation that has significantly strengthened our industry standing. We are grateful for his continued support as Chief Mentor for TVS Motor and in welcoming Sudarshan into his new role. I am confident that Sudarshan, who, in his capacity as Managing Director, has demonstrated tremendous growth for the business, will take the Company to even greater heights.”

Sir Ralf Speth said, "It has been an honour for me to steer TVS Motor Company as its Chairman over the last three years. I am grateful for the support, cooperation and personal friendships developed during my tenure. As I hand over the Chairmanship to Sudarshan, I am confident that under his leadership, the Company will continue its growth journey while championing core TVS values. Sudarshan’s dynamism and passion underscore his vision for the business, and I am confident that TVS is in safe, responsible hands. I wish Sudarshan and TVS Motor a bright future ahead.”                               

Sudarshan Venu said, "I am very thankful to the Board for giving me this singular opportunity. I am really honoured and excited for the future and look forward to their continued support. TVS has been built on our Chairman Emeritus’s commitment to customer centricity, quality and technology. As we look to the future, we have to build on these values while capitalising on new opportunities and reimagining for the future. I am most grateful to him for his continued guidance. Sir Ralf has been instrumental in challenging and mentoring us to expand more globally, onboard international talent, embrace newer processes and invest in future products and technology. I look forward to his continued mentorship as our Chief Mentor. Importantly, TVS has grown due to the passion and energy of the entire team. I look forward to the continued partnership in our shared future.”

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Environment Day On the occasion of World Environment Day, VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV) has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability -aligned with India’s Net Zero commitments. It has measurable strides towards reducing its environmental footprint. In this direction, it recently launched the first ever electric truck, the Eicher Pro X that is capable of zero tailpipe emission operation in mid and last-mile delivery segments. 
With electric buses in operation since 2022 in various states across India, VECV has pushed sustainability-led innovation in its Bhopal plant, inaugurated in 2020. This facility is India’s first commercial vehicle manufacturing unit built on Industry 4.0 principles that seamlessly blends digital intelligence, operator ergonomics and eco-conscious design. 
The integration of AI-powered, real-time energy monitoring systems further optimises consumption and boosts operational efficiency. The Eicher Pro X is built in this plant, which also has an all-woman final assembly line. 
Speaking about the company’s commitment to Net Zero, Vinod Aggarwal, MD and CEO, VECV, said, “In line with India’s Net Zero vision defined by Honourable Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi ji, VECV is committed to delivering future-ready mobility solutions—from electric, LNG and CNG trucks and buses to emerging technologies like hydrogen and fuel cells—as the market matures. Our investments in smart manufacturing, renewable energy, and responsible resource management reflect a holistic approach to sustainable growth. As we celebrate #WorldEnvironmentDay, let's work together to be the change we want to see!”
Aiming to achieve 70 percent renewable energy usage by FY27 and become water positive by 2030. VECV is focussing on improving our gender diversity, energy efficiency, waste reduction, Zero Waste to landfill, plantation and emissions control by executing impactful projects contributing significantly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6, 7, 12, and 13. 
A significant milestone in this journey has been by developing a water body with around 52 million litre capacity in its facility at Bhopal. The water body is sufficient to run the plant for four months. Similarly on the energy front, the company has transitioned to 100 percent LED lighting across all its facilities, replacing close to 5000 conventional lighting fixtures. This move has led to a substantial reduction in energy intensity – from 3.85 GJ/MINR in FY23 to 3.74 GJ/MINR of revenue in FY24. 

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Scania Commercial Vehicles India Pvt. Ltd. has announced strategic service agreements with leading finance facilitation companies to improve financing accessibility for its customers in the mining, infrastructure and transport sectors. 
These arrangements integrate financial solutions into the vehicle purchase journey, making Scania’s high-performance vehicles more accessible, accelerating solutions sales growth and reinforcing the company’s customer-first approach in India’s commercial vehicle industry.
Some of the service agreements include financial solutions providers like True Blue Asset Services Pvt. Ltd. (Hyderabad), CorpCare Investech Private Limited (Mumbai) and Connect Residuary Private Limited (Mumbai). 
Each of them brings extensive experience and a robust network of financial institutions, enabling Scania customers to access a wider range of financing options tailored to their operational and business needs. The collaborations ensure hassle-free loan processing with streamlined documentation and quicker approvals, minimising downtime.
 Customers of Scania India stand to benefit from simplified loan procedures and faster approvals. They can now access custom-built financial products such as structured EMIs, leasing models and flexible repayment terms, making them suitable in view of the price and TCO of Scania’s off-road and heavy-duty commercial vehicles.
 “Our customers operate in some of the most demanding sectors of the economy. Access to fast, flexible financing should never be a barrier to progress,” said Silvio Munhoz, Managing Director, Scania Commercial Vehicles India Pvt. Ltd. “By building strong financial partnerships, we are not just enabling vehicle purchases but empowering businesses to scale with confidence, backed by solutions that support their long-term growth,” he explained. 
Scania India sells heavy duty mining tippers in India with a GVW of 40-tonnes and even above to carry out tasks such as the transportation of overburden from deep inside the mine to outside it. The heavy-duty tippers are made at a greenfield facility on the outskirts of Bengaluru. 
 

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