Eicher Trucks & Buses, a division of VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV), has announced that it has bagged an order from UPSRTC for 1,621 buses and 42 heavy-duty trucks. The order is part of the Uttar Pradesh Government’s focus on infrastructure development and includes 1,344 units of LMD Built-up Non-A/C Buses (Skyline Pro 3011 L and Skyline Pro 3010 L) for efficient passenger transport, 197 units of Eicher Pro 6016 12m AC Buses, 80 units of Eicher Pro 6016 CNG Bus Cowl Chassis and 42 units of Eicher Pro 3019 Trucks for logistics and parts movement.

Built on the dependable 3000 series platform, the Skyline Pro is a high-end line of light and medium load buses by Eicher. High performance E494 and E474 BSVI engines, which provide the highest fuel efficiency in their class, power the Skyline Pro series of buses. The buses on the Pro 3010 and 3011 platforms are constructed with a modern style and provide commuters with a more pleasant trip, varied seating options, improved visual appeal and an improved quality impression.

The strong E694 CNG engine of the Eicher Pro 6016 CNG Bus, which has an intercooler and turbocharger, can provide up to 150 kW of power. It has a sturdy Domex chassis, rubber-padded suspension for comfortable rides and large-capacity CNG tanks for longer journeys. For tough journeys, the sophisticated IDIS 2.0 system is a dependable workhorse that increases driver efficiency. With its intelligent and effective E494 engine and sophisticated Engine Management System, the Eicher Pro 3019 offers remarkable performance and fuel economy.

Vinod Aggarwal, MD & CEO, VE Commercial Vehicles Limited, said, "We are privileged to have been entrusted by UPSRTC with this significant order, which underscores their confidence in our ability to provide dependable and efficient transportation solutions covering light & medium duty bus and heavy-duty bus operations. This milestone order solidifies our partnership with UPSRTC and Uttar Pradesh – the land of the Maha Kumbh."

NueGo, a leading player in electric bus service in the country, has launched what it claims is India’s first electric AC sleeper bus service for long-distance travel. 

The company’s long-distance e-buses is set to ply on major routes such as Delhi –Amritsar, Bangalore – Chennai, Hyderabad – Rajahmundry, Chennai - Madurai, Vijayawada – Vishakhapatnam and Bangalore - Madhurai. 

The electric sleeper buses are the first in India to be certified/homologated with 450 kWh HV battery providing higher range. They will also feature larger, ergonomic berths with backrests, soft-touch interiors, ambient LED lights, USB charging ports, reading lights, berth pockets and sanitation facilities.

In terms of safety, the company claims the e-buses built on monocoque chassis provide better handling and stability, weight optimised GI tubular construction provides better energy efficiency, ABS brakes, full air suspension with ECAS and a rollover-engineered structure to provide protection to customers.

Devndra Chawla, MD & CEO, GreenCell Mobility, said, “The launch of NueGo’s electric intercity sleeper bus service marks a significant milestone in India’s journey toward sustainable transportation. Designed to offer a safe, comfortable, and premium guest experience, these buses embody our unwavering commitment to a greener, cleaner future. By delivering seamless journeys with a strong focus on environmental The buses will come with a range of 350km per charge, which can be extended to 600km/day using fast-charging. Furthermore, the top speed is limited to 80 kmph for safety.

NueGo is the premium electric bus coach brand from GreenCell Mobility.

Maruti Suzuki India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has upgraded its popular offering the Super Carry with Electronic Stability Program (ESP) function.

The Super Carry now has seven advanced safety features such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) to prevent wheel lock-up, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) to optimise braking across varying loads, Engine Drag Control (EDC) prevents wheel slip during sudden deceleration, Traction Control System (TCS) to provide grip on slippery surfaces, Rollover Prevention steps, Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) and ESP that provides stability around sharp turns.

Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing and Sales, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “At Maruti Suzuki, we are committed to deliver vehicles that empower businesses with power, efficiency, safety, and reliability. The introduction of the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) in the Super Carry underscores our commitment to innovation and customer safety. Trusted for its power, comfort, low maintenance, and profitability, the Super Carry continues to be the ideal partner for our commercial customers. We thank them for their trust and look forward to driving their success together.”

The Super Carry SCV comes with Maruti Suzuki’s 1.2L K-Series Dual Jet, Dual VVT engine and five-speed manual transmission.

The commercial vehicle industry witnessed a decline of 1 percent in overall sales for February 2025.

A total of 79,883 units were sold last month across segments as compared to 80,954 units for the same period last year.

The country’s largest CV maker Tata Motors reported a 8 percent decline in overall sales, with SCV Cargo and Pickup segment witnessing the sharpest drop (-20 percent YoY). The ILMCV Trucks segment, however, showed growth at 11 percent.

Mahindra & Mahindra reported a 4 percent increase in total sales, driven by a 9 percent rise in LCV (2T-3.5T) and a 23 percent jump in LCV >3.5T & M&HCV. However, the LCV < 2T segment dropped 21 percent.

Ashok Leyland experienced modest growth (2 percent overall), with M&HCV Trucks (+1 percent) and LCV (+5 percent) offsetting the M&HCV Bus decline (-5 percent).

Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles grew 6 percent YoY, indicating steady demand.

The slight market decline was led by weaker small commercial vehicle (SCV) and passenger carrier demand, affecting Tata Motors significantly. However, medium & heavy commercial vehicle (M&HCV) trucks and LCVs in the 2T-3.5T range showed resilience, benefiting Mahindra & Mahindra and Ashok Leyland.

While challenges remain in certain segments, sustained growth in the LCV and HCV categories suggests stable demand in core logistics and transportation sectors.

Representational image: IEA

JCBL, a leading bus bodybuilder, has delivered 106 custom-designed staff buses to Mahindra & Mahindra in a record time of three months.

The buses feature 17-inch-wide seats, driver’s cabin partition, digital LED route displays, USB charging points and fans on each seat row. A TV and a six-speaker music system are also incorporated to provide entertainment on the go.

In terms of safety, the buses are equipped with pneumatic passenger door with safety sensor, seatbelts, CCTV cameras with a 30-day recording capacity, panic switches, anti-rust treatment and a Fire Detection and Alarm System (FDAS).

Dinesh Dua, Business Head, JCBL, said, “This project is a testament to our commitment to delivering high-quality, safe, and innovative mobility solutions. Completing one of India’s largest single-customer staff bus orders within just three months reflects our dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction.”