Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Daimler Truck (Daimler Truck) has launched the all-new range of heavy-duty Rigid trucks from BharatBenz in the Indian market. 

Powered by an all-new BharatBenz BSVI-Stage2 6.7-litre diesel engine the rigid trucks will offer new payload applications such as bitumen, bulker, petroleum, oil and lubricants (POL) in addition to a variety of existing payload applications. 

The new range of BharatBenz heavy-duty Rigid range will be available to customers with the 2826R (6x2), 3526R (8x2), 3832R (8x2), 4232R (10x2) and 4832R (10x2) configurations and two power options – 250HP and 950Nm and 306HP and 1200Nm. 

Sreeram Venkateswaran, President & Chief Business Officer, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles said, 'With the introduction of our all-new BharatBenz Rigids, we are committed to supporting the evolving needs of the Indian transportation sector. These trucks are not just tools, but reliable partners designed to navigate the dynamic world of logistics and transportation efficiently. Powered by the all-new 6D26 engine, these new trucks bring significant advancements in fuel efficiency and operational flexibility, which directly contribute to a lower total cost of ownership. These engines are specifically designed to handle substantial payloads efficiently, which allows for smoother shifts and high torque delivery at lower speeds. Available in multiple configurations, they offer not only enhanced acceleration but also class-leading peak and flat torque, resulting in maximised operational efficiency and improved driver comfort, reducing fatigue during extended hauls.”

The BharatBenz Rigid heavy-duty trucks are equipped with the EFFI+ package and multi-drive mode functionality. The EFFI+ package introduces several key innovations including ‘Minimal Parked Regeneration’ to reduce unnecessary fuel burn during downtime; ‘Auto Green Band’, which automatically maintains engine speed within the optimal RPM range for efficiency; ‘Auto Idling Shutdown’, which cuts off the engine during prolonged idling to conserve fuel; and ‘Harsh Acceleration Control’, which limits acceleration rates to prevent fuel wastage.

The multi-drive mode feature allows drivers to select between various operating modes tailored to different load conditions, greatly enhancing efficiency during partial or no-load operations. These technologies, along with the advanced common rail injection system and Load Based Speed Control (LBSC), collectively optimise performance and maximise fuel efficiency, ensuring operational cost-effectiveness. 

Diverse applications and safety

The CV maker says the newly engineered joggle frame chassis, constructed with riveted joints, lays a solid foundation for a wide range of applications. This advanced chassis design is deliberately crafted to support multiple new applications such as bitumen, bulker, and petroleum oil and lubricants applications. The trucks are fitted with parabolic-type, grease-free suspension.

To support operational reliability, the trucks come with an impressive million kilometre Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC). 

The rigids are fully compliant with stringent EU ECE R29-02 cabin safety norms. The cabins are aerodynamically designed to sustain vehicle momentum, while comfortable sleeper berths support long-distance journeys. Advanced Driver State Monitoring systems, employing AI and computer vision, vigilantly prevent driver distraction and fatigue. Enhancements also include a more powerful engine brake system, boosting braking efficiency by 28 percent, and reverse cameras to facilitate safer manoeuvrability.

Ashok Leyland, the Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group and the country’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, has opened a new dealership for light commercial vehicles (LCVs) in Siliguri, West Bengal. With this new facility, which happens to be the fifth LCV dealership in West Bengal, the company now has a robust LCV distribution network with more than 800 touchpoints.

Located at Eastern Bypass Road, SBM Warehouse, Eastern Bypass, Bhaktinagar, Siliguri, Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, the new dealership will be managed by channel partner Happie Trucking. The main workshop facility (service and spares) is also strategically located at Debgram, Ware House, Thakur Nagar, New Jalpaiguri, Jalpaiguri, West Bengal. Equipped with advanced tools, quick service bays and sophisticated infrastructure, the facility is all set to ensure superior customer experience.

Viplav Shah, Head – LCV Business, Ashok Leyland, said, “We are excited to further strengthen our presence in this region. West Bengal and Eastern India, at large, have 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. We have been working on creating a strong foothold in the region, and the new dealership in Siliguri will bolster our presence in this geography. The overwhelming success of our ‘DOST Range’ and now the ‘BADA DOST’ can be attributed to the robustness of our products and the extensive reach of our network. All our products have been receiving great responses from our customers, thanks to their best-in-class mileage and class-leading performance, backed by extensive sales and aftersales support. We are extremely proud that our track record of service retention levels is exemplary, with close to 70 percent of our customers returning to our dealer workshops even after the warranty period. We, as always, would remain committed to maintaining and even enhancing the level of customer service and satisfaction. This new dealership is being opened to further strengthen our reach, in line with our commitment.”

VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV), recently hosted Jan Thesleff, the Ambassador of Sweden to India, at its manufacturing facilities in Pithampur. He was accompanied by Markus Lundgren, Counsellor and Head of Trade section, Embassy of Sweden and Sofia Hogman, Swedish Trade Commissioner, Business Sweden.

The CV maker states that its VE Powertrain plant is a successful symbol of India-Sweden collaboration. The facility leverages India’s skilled workforce and technical expertise while positioning VECV as a hub for development and manufacturing that meets global standards. Notably, VEPT has been producing Euro 6 (BS VI) compliant engines since 2013, supplying over 40 countries.

Jan Thesleff said, “Currently, more than 280 Swedish companies operate in India, contributing to sectors ranging from automobiles and communications to healthcare and defence, directly generating over 240,000 jobs. The Eicher-Volvo joint venture exemplifies the strategic benefits of this partnership by harnessing the strengths of Sweden and India and fostering mutual growth and technological advancement. I am thoroughly impressed by the advanced technology products and sustainable manufacturing processes I witnessed today at VECV. Their remarkable achievements epitomise the shared innovation, growth, and sustainable development that Sweden-India partnership continues to deliver for the benefit of both nations.”

Vinod Aggarwal, Managing Director & CEO, VECV, said, “We are honoured to welcome His Excellency Ambassador Jan Thesleff and the team from the Swedish Embassy to our Pithampur facility. Over the past 16 years, the VECV joint venture has not only driven the modernisation of India’s commercial vehicle sector but has also enabled Volvo Group to source world-class engines and components, made in India, for its global requirements. The success of this joint venture is rooted in the principles of trust, mutual respect, and win-win collaboration, combining Volvo Group's technology leadership with Eicher’s deep understanding of the Indian market. VECV looks forward to building on this success in the future”.

At present, the company sells CNG, LNG, electric and diesel trucks and buses in India under the Eicher and Volvo brands.

Manba Finance, a leading non-banking finance company (NBFC), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Piaggio Vehicles (PVPL), the wholly-owned subsidiary of the Piaggio Group, to provide tailored financing solutions to Piaggio three-wheeler customers.

As per the understanding, the partners are set to form a dedicated central coordination team to oversee the implementation. They will focus on key areas such as product structuring, interest rate optimisation, resource allocation, centralised communication, and training to ensure the efficient execution and monitoring of the tie-up.

The MoU was signed by Diego Graffi, CMD, Piaggio Vehicles and Monil Shah, CBO & Director, Manba Finance, in the presence of Amit Sagar, EVP of Sales and Retail Finance, and Nilesh Arya, Head of Retail Finance, Piaggio Vehicles.

The partners state that the collaboration comes as electric three-wheeler sales saw a record high of 65,700 units in October. With this electric three-wheelers are just 16,856 units away from surpassing the CY2023 total of 583,597 units.

“We are proud to collaborate with one of India’s leading three-wheeler manufacturers, a trusted brand among aspiring entrepreneurs across the country. This partnership strengthens our footprint in the three-wheeler segment while enabling us to provide seamless digital lending solutions to our customers," said Shah.

German automotive component supplier Mahle has bagged a new contract from MAN Truck & Bus to supply components for the hydrogen engine of its ‘MAN hTGX’ truck.

The hydrogen truck uses a direct-injection engine with 6 cylinders, 16.8-litre displacement, which produces 383 kW power. Mahle will supply the hydrogen power cell unit, consisting of piston, piston rings, piston pin and cylinder liner. It will also supply components to be used in the valve train.

Interestingly, MAN aims to build around 200 units of the hydrogen truck for selected markets from 2025.

Dr Roger Busch, member of the Mahle Management Committee and Head of Sales, said, “Mahle has successfully transferred its 100 years of expertise in engine components into the future. Our state-of-the-art pistons and other parts make the internal combustion engine fit for hydrogen and thus climate-neutral. Today, we are able to fulfil our customers’ expectations in terms of performance, efficiency and service life.”

The component supplier says it has successfully tested its engine components to meet the specific requirements of hydrogen operation.

The company claims that the Mahle hydrogen power cell unit, in particular the oil consumption of the motor and the so-called blow-by, i.e. the leakage of hydrogen gas into the crankcase, can be reduced to a minimum. This enables a robust and failure-free operation of the motor.

Mahle at present is working on around 30 hydrogen engine projects for customers in the on- and off-highway sector, with more series launches from its customers being planned in 2025.