JCB India, India’s leading manufacturer of earthmoving and construction equipment, has launched its NXT 215 LC Fuel Master tracked excavator aimed at enhancing the profitability of customers through a significant reduction in fuel consumption. Developed at the company’s factory in Pune, the new machine targets the domestic as well as global markets. 

The NXT 215 LC Fuel Master has been extensively engineered to reduce fuel consumption by 14 percent compared to the previous model. Developed using JCB’s Intelliflow Hydraulics technology, the new machine provides real-time fuel consumption data through the onboard interface screen as well as over JCB’s remote monitoring solution, LiveLink. Additionally, the new ‘auto engine long idle stop’ feature avoids fuel wastage in case the engine is idling for long. This improvement in fuel efficiency can lead to an estimated savings of INR 290,000 per year, claims the company.

Apart from its fuel-saving features, the new machine is also five percent more productive and significantly benefits customers through reduced operating costs. It has been tested for demanding working cycles for Indian operations and comes equipped with a Power Boost function to perform in tough applications, including Rock Breaker applications. The newly introduced LED lights further aid in brighter work area illumination and durable performance.

Deepak Shetty, CEO and Managing Director, JCB India, said, “Innovation has been the cornerstone of our operations in India for over four decades. This new machine has been engineered to enhance the profitability of our customers through a significant reduction in fuel consumption of 14 percent. It will lead to a better return on their investments in today’s competitive working environment. At JCB, the customer is at the centre of all our efforts. Through technology, this new machine will mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs. The JCBNXT 215 LC Fuel Master will be a trusted partner for our customers who are playing a key role in the creation of a world-class infrastructure. This fuel saving is also in line with the government’s focus on reduction of fossil fuels, which has a significant impact on our economy and the environment.”

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.