Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) has achieved record sales and revenue performance in CY 2023. 

In 2023 the manufacturer’s domestic truck and bus sales grew by 39 percent and revenue grew by 21 percent over 2022. DICV’s bus volumes doubled in 2023, growing 107 percent over 2022. Its cumulative sales (including domestic and export) from January to December in 2023 grew by 13 percent whereas its parts business grew by more than 21 percent over 2022. 

In January 2023, DICV transitioned its entire BharatBenz truck and bus portfolio to comply with OBD-II regulations with a focus on reducing total cost of ownership, increasing the productivity of its trucks and offering industry-leading service intervals in India.

The record performance in 2023 was driven by multiple initiatives that DICV undertook. Last year, the company met its annual target by establishing 350 sales and service locations across India. Manufacturing operations were streamlined and made cost effective by introducing many digitalization initiatives such as automated workforce planning and predictive maintenance using data, and many other initiatives that are in the phase of completion. On the sustainability front, nearly 85 percent of DICV’s manufacturing operations are run on renewable energy and nearly 90 percent of its plant functions on upcycled water, reducing over 27,000 tonnes of carbon footprint. 

The proposition that BharatBenz customers benefit from are industry-leading longer service intervals, best-in-industry manufacturer’s warranty, 48-hour service / repair uptime through its ‘Rakshana’ initiative and fuel efficiency improvements. These and many more factors contribute to the excellent total cost of ownership that BharatBenz commercial vehicles deliver cumulatively.

DICV is also ready to launch all its MY24 BharatBenz heavy-duty trucks in the coming months. The first to be launched will be the all-new BharatBenz Rigid range, followed by trucks with the newly-introduced Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) and the all-new Construction and Mining truck heavy-duty range.

Rigid Heavy-duty range- Scheduled for market launch in April 2024, the Rigid heavy-duty range will be available in the following configurations: 2826R (6x2), 3526R (8x2), 3832R (8x2), 4232R (10x2) and 4832R (10x2). These trucks will be powered by an all-new 6.7-litre, common-rail BS6 Stage two BharatBenz engine designed to deliver better acceleration, class-leading peak torque, better durability and drivability than before resulting in fewer gear changes. It will also prove to have unmatched reliability in Indian conditions. The new rigid range of trucks will also offer bitumen, bulker, Petroleum Oil & Lubricants (POL) payload applications, widening the range of its customer base with its improved layout and ‘cigar type’ After Treatment System (ATS). 

Construction and Mining heavy-duty range- The BharatBenz construction and mining heavy-duty trucks have been completely re-engineered for superior functionality and comes with many segment-first features. Offered in 2828C and 3532C configurations, they are optimized to suit surface transport construction applications and terrains, have a high-power engine, class-leading torque, a higher yield strength chassis, new service-free wheel hubs, new axles, all-new suspension with higher ground clearance, rear shock absorbers and hill-hold assist as standard fitment. 

12-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) introduced- BharatBenz trucks will be offered with the proven and world’s best 12-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) variants for the first time in its tractor trailer and mining MY24 models. To be offered in 4032TT, 5532TT, 3532CM and 2832CM for long haul and mining applications, the new AMT, which has served over 500,000 trucks globally, ensures a jerk-free transmission of power to the wheels with reduced shifting time, improves reliability, reduces the need for overhaul and can be operated with a convenient steering column shift stick, thereby enhancing driver comfort.

The high value proposition that BharatBenz customers benefit from are industry-leading longer service intervals, best-in-industry manufacturer’s warranty, 48-hour service / repair uptime through its ‘Rakshana’ initiative and fuel efficiency improvements. These and many more factors contribute to the excellent total cost of ownership that BharatBenz commercial vehicles deliver cumulatively.

 “Having set new benchmarks in the industry, gained a large customer base in the construction and mining space and with a progressive tractor trailer portfolio in the last decade, we felt that we should go back to the drawing board to revamp everything that our heavy-duty trucks had under their skin and offer customers something new in 2024. So, the MY24 BharatBenz range is more superior than ever with respect to total cost of ownership, technology, reliability, safety, comfort and serviceability. With our new trucks we are ready to intensify our presence in the construction and mining space with tippers that are far superior to their predecessors. We are soon launching an all-new Rigid heavy-duty range that will offer best-in-class fuel efficiency, power, torque, safety, reliability and service benefits. We are introducing the world’s best 12-speed Automated Manual Transmission in our portfolio will deliver an effortless driving experience and class-leading fuel efficiency like it has done in approximately 500,000 of our trucks around the world,” said Sreeram Venkateswaran, President and Chief Business Officer (domestic sales and customer service), DICV

“Our best-ever sales and financial growth, since inception, was spearheaded by excellent demand for our tipper and tractor trailer product lines which grew 53 percent and 79 percent respectively compared to CY2022. A slew of strategic initiatives that we undertook in 2023 also helped us take informed decisions on costs, tackle headwinds effectively and sharpen our focus on key areas of our business. We have started CY2024 with great confidence and with an ever-stronger product portfolio, engineered and packaged to drive business growth to new heights in 2024. Our aim was to challenge ourselves and up the game on total cost of ownership, uptime and reliability, all of which our customers will benefit from with our new MY24 heavy-duty truck portfolio. These trucks reflect our highly evolved product development capabilities, which are being put to good use for creation of new products to help answer future mobility requirements,” commented Satyakam Arya – Managing Director and CEO, DICV.

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In a landmark move for Japan’s commercial vehicle sector, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation and Hino Motors have signed definitive agreements to integrate their operations. The merger will take place under a new holding company set to be established by April 2026, with Tokyo as its headquarters.

The new combined entity will have over 40,000 employees with the scale, resources and technology leadership to disrupt the commercial vehicle landscape in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. It will own 100 percent of Mitsubishi Fuso and Hino Motors.

The integration is the result of a collaboration between four major automotive players: Daimler Truck AG, Mitsubishi Fuso, Hino Motors and Toyota Motor Corporation. Both Daimler Truck and Toyota plan to acquire a 25 percent stake each in the newly listed holding company, which will in turn fully own Mitsubishi Fuso and Hino. The new entity is expected to be listed on the Prime Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange, with Karl Deppen, current CEO of Mitsubishi Fuso, appointed as CEO of the holding company.

The partnership is designed to bring Mitsubishi Fuso and Hino together on an equal footing, with joint efforts across commercial vehicle development, procurement and production. It aims to enhance operational efficiency, improve global competitiveness and bolster the automotive industry across Japan and Asia.

The alliance underscores the companies’ shared vision of supporting society through sustainable mobility. A key focus of the integration will be addressing the urgent challenges facing the commercial vehicle industry, including decarbonisation, logistics efficiency and the development of CASE technologies (Connected, Autonomous, Shared and Electric mobility) alongside the adoption of hydrogen solutions.

Karin Radstrom, CEO, Daimler Truck, said, “The now decided integration of Mitsubishi Fuso and Hino Motors is truly historic. We are bringing together two strong partners to form an even stronger company and to successfully shape the decarbonisation of transportation. Together, Mitsubishi Fuso and Hino Motors have great potential to leverage scale – and scale is key to win in the technological transformation of our industry. Karl Deppen is an experienced and strong leader who comprehends the whole value chain of our business and I’m therefore convinced that he can bring the new company to the next level.”

Koji Sato, CEO, Toyota Motor Corporation, said, “We believe that the future is for us to build together. Today’s final agreement is not the goal but the starting line. Our four companies, aiming to achieve a sustainable mobility society, will continue to create the future of commercial vehicles together.”

Karl Deppen, CEO, Mitsubishi Fuso and designated CEO of new holding company, said, “Today is a great day for all our stakeholders. We are shaping the industry by bundling our strengths. With a strong new company we combine our two trusted brands, our resources, competencies and expertise to even better support our customers in their transportation needs in the future. I feel honoured and excited to be the designated leader of the new company and am grateful for the trust and encouragement from Toyota and Daimler Truck to make it happen.”

Satoshi Ogiso, CEO, Hino, said, “Cooperation among these 4 companies is truly ‘once-in-a-lifetime opportunity’. In addition to operational synergy, we can expect immeasurable synergy affection from synthesising different culture and climate of us. Under commonly aimed aspiration, we are confident with building strong and resilient team to empathising with each other and contributing to society. As a new commercial vehicle company rooted in Japan, we collaboratively create ever better future.”

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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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