Knorr-Bremse, a global leader in rail and commercial vehicle systems, unveiled its expanded Technology Center India (TCI) in Pune, India, underscoring its commitment to advancing transportation technologies. With a multi-million-euro investment, the new building complex hosts R&D and technical support facilities for rail and commercial vehicle systems divisions.
The new state-of-the-art facility, inaugurated last week, will house over 1,300 experts focused on key areas, including mechanical engineering, hardware and software, IT, and simulations.
The TCI serves as a vital innovation hub for Knorr-Bremse Group, offering its global sites a broad spectrum of R&D, engineering, and IT services. This latest multimillion-euro investment is set to solidify Knorr-Bremse’s foothold in the burgeoning Indian market.
Marc Llistosella, CEO of Knorr-Bremse AG, said, “The expansion of our Technology Center India is a significant investment for Knorr-Bremse. We want to drive growth through our Rail and Truck divisions – both in India, as an emerging mobility market, and in other key markets. As a global development centre, the expanded TCI will play a central role in enhancing our business and creating pioneering transportation technologies.”
Arun Bhat, Managing Director of TCI, said, “The new building will enhance our R&D capacity in workforce and project volume. Our investment underscores India’s importance as a promising market and a highly attractive engineering and development hub. This will enable us to satisfy complex customer needs and manage the anticipated market growth in India and worldwide.”
The extended complex, adjacent to the existing TCI centre established in 2012, was completed in record time, thanks to meticulous planning and swift execution. The additional capacity will drive product development and innovation in critical areas, such as next-generation braking systems for trains and trucks.
Embracing sustainable practices, the new complex adheres to Green Building standards, aligning with Knorr-Bremse’s Climate Strategy 2030. Notably, a significant portion of the facility’s energy needs will be met through solar power generated by rooftop panels.
At the inaugural event, a range of groundbreaking innovations was showcased, promising safer, more efficient, and eco-friendly travel on India’s roads and railways. Rail Vehicle Systems products like AirSupply Smart, revolutionizing compressed-air supply for braking systems, and CubeControl, enhancing braking system efficiency, took the spotlight.
Commercial Vehicle Systems unveiled the GSAT Global Scalable Air Treatment system and GSBC Global Scalable Brake Control ECU 2, representing modular advancements in commercial vehicle braking and control systems. These innovations underscore Knorr-Bremse’s dedication to shaping the future of transportation.
ICRA Expects Indian Commercial Vehicle Wholesales To Grow 3-5 Percent In FY2026
- By MT Bureau
- June 30, 2025
The Indian commercial vehicle (CV) industry is likely to see wholesale growth of 3-5 percent in FY2026, backed by the resumption of construction and infrastructure activities. The report states that while domestic CV wholesale volumes saw a marginal 0.1 percent YoY increase in May 2025, retail volumes witnessed a 3.7 percent YoY contraction.
For the initial two months of the fiscal year 2026 (April-May 2025), CV wholesale volumes declined by 0.7 percent on a YoY basis. The decline in retail volumes, which also saw an 11.3 percent sequential drop in May 2025, suggests elevated inventory levels at dealerships.
Breaking down the performance by segment, the medium and heavy commercial vehicle (M&HCV) segment saw its retail sales volumes decline by 4.4 percent YoY in May 2025, with a significant sequential decline of 18.9 percent. ICRA noted that regional disruptions and the geopolitical situation had some impact on demand for the month. M&HCV (trucks) wholesale volumes are anticipated to register a modest 0-3 percent YoY growth in FY2026, following a 4 percent decline in FY2025.
Similarly, retail volumes in the light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment in May 2025 declined by 3.2 percent YoY and 4.9 percent sequentially, reflecting muted demand. LCV (trucks) wholesale volumes are expected to register a limited 3-5 percent YoY growth in FY2026. The increasing preference for pre-owned vehicles over new ones in this segment has also impacted demand recently.
Despite the subdued performance in May, ICRA forecasts a modest YoY growth of 3-5 percent in wholesale volumes for the domestic CV industry in FY2026, after a marginal 1.2 percent year-on-year decline in FY2025. While M&HCV (trucks) and LCV (trucks) segments are expected to see modest volume growth, the buses segment is projected to experience a relatively higher growth of 8-10 percent for the fiscal year.
The anticipated pick-up in construction and mining activities, coupled with a steady economic environment, is expected to support demand prospects for the LCV (trucks) and M&HCV (trucks) segments. Meanwhile, replacement demand is likely to be a key driver for volume growth in the buses segment.
Ashok Leyland To Supply 200 Trucks To Instant Transport Solution
- By MT Bureau
- June 27, 2025
Chennai-based commercial vehicle major Ashok Leyland has bagged an order to deliver 200 trucks to Instant Transport Solution, a key express logistics player in India.
Instant & XP India, is a leading express logistics player in e-commerce, FCL, LCL and 3PL space, is one of the fastest-growing integrated logistics businesses in India.
It currently operates a fleet of around 2,100 trucks and has placed a substantial order of 200 units of Ashok Leyland’s trucks. The first batch of 100 units of 1916 single axle and 2820 multi-axle haulage trucks were delivered, marking the beginning of this extensive fleet expansion.
Sanjeev Kumar, President – MHCV, Ashok Leyland, handed over the keys to the first batch of 100 trucks to Rajbir Singh Chaudhary, Chairman, Instant Transport Solution, in the presence of senior executives from both organisations.
Sanjeev Kumar, said, “We are delighted to deliver the first batch of 1916 single axle and 2820 multi-axle haulage trucks to Instant Transport Solution. This order underscores the confidence customers place in our robust, innovative and reliable vehicles. As we continue to push the boundaries of technology and customer experience, collaborations like these will help shape a more efficient, future-ready logistics sector.”
Rajbir Singh, said, “We have complete trust in the quality and performance of Ashok Leyland trucks. Their outstanding after-sales support ensures seamless operations for us, while their growing service network further enhances our capabilities. This delivery represents more than just new trucks – it signifies a deepening partnership aimed at advancing logistics efficiency. With Ashok Leyland’s dedication to innovation and our forward-thinking approach to transportation, we look forward to continued success on the road.”
Mahindra Bolero Pik-Up HD 1.9 CNG Launched At INR 1.11 Million
- By MT Bureau
- June 26, 2025
Mumbai-headquartered automotive major Mahindra & Mahindra has launched its all-new Bolero MaXX Pik-Up HD 1.9 CNG small commercial vehicle (SCV) at INR 1.11 million (ex-showroom). The new model expands the company’s popular Bolero Pik-Up brand.
The Bolero MaXX Pik-Up HD 1.9 CNG comes with a 2.5-litre turbocharged CNG engine, delivering 61 kW power, 220 Nm of torque @ 1,200-2,200 rpm and a payload capacity of 1.86-tonne. The SCV is specifically designed for long-distance operations and offers a claimed range of up to 400 km on a single CNG fill, supported by its 180-litre tank capacity. The SCV comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox and power steering.
In terms of connectivity, the Bolero MaXX Pik-Up HD 1.9 CNG is the company’s first CNG pickup offering with iMAXX telematics solution tech, providing fleet operators complete overview of the vehicle performance.
The SCV comes with air conditioning and heating systems for all weather driving, as well as a height-adjustable driver seat for ergonomic support.
The cargo bed designed to support diverse customer needs measures 3050 mm in length. Complementing the vehicle are the 16-inch tyres and durable leaf spring suspension on both front and rear axles.
Mahindra Launches Furio 8 LCV Trucks In 4-Tyre & 6-Tyre Cargo Variants
- By MT Bureau
- June 20, 2025
Mahindra’s Truck and Bus business (MTB), part of the Mahindra Group, has launched the Mahindra Furio 8 – a modern range of Light Commercial Vehicle trucks, which comes with ‘Get the Highest Mileage or Give the Truck Back’ guarantee.
The Furio 8 range is manufactured at Mahindra’s Chakan facility and will be introduced in two variants – 4-tyre cargo and 6-tyre cargo.
Vinod Sahay, President – Trucks, Buses, CE, Aerospace & Defense, Member of the Group Executive Board, Mahindra Group, said, “The launch of the new Mahindra Furio 8 range of LCV trucks with the guarantee, ‘Get The Highest Mileage or Give the Truck Back’, will help our customers earn the highest operating profit from their Furio 8 in this category. The new truck series sets new benchmarks of excellence and customer-centricity while reflecting our serious commitment to the segment and confidence in our products”.
Dr Venkat Srinivas, Business Head, MTB & CE, added, “Mahindra Furio 8 is engineered to deliver higher earnings, lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), minimal maintenance, and unmatched safety, comfort, and convenience – ensuring profit, peace of mind and higher prosperity for our customers.”
The Furio 8 comes is offered with Double Service Guarantees: 36-hour guaranteed turnaround at workshops or INR 3,000 per additional day; Back on road in 48 hours or INR 1,000 per additional day. The trucks are equipped with Mahindra iMAXX telematics technology, offering benefits like location tracking, geofencing, vehicle health monitoring, driver performance analytics and fleet dashboards among others.
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