LocoNav, Locus in Supply Chain Automation Pact

JK Tyre To Open Tech Centre In Italy

LocoNav, AI-driven full stack fleet tech company, has announced a strategic partnership with Locus to enable digital transformation in the logistics industry by automating supply chain operations. 

As per an IMARC Group Report, the global logistics market is pegged to reach USD 6.55 trillion by 2027, the company said in a release. 

Shridhar Gupta and Vidit Jain, co-founders, said, “Collaboration is the first step to growth and we couldn’t have asked for a better partner than Locus that shares our intent to solve for complex supply chain challenges with modern technology. This partnership will help us unlock great value for the entire ecosystem, further supporting us in our mission to democratise fleet tech.” 

Pranjal Swarup, Director Partnerships, Locus, said, “We are extremely excited about our collaboration with LocoNav and are looking forward to adding more value for enterprise customers with our last-mile optimisation platform. This collaboration will help us empower our enterprise clients with a world class fleet visibility tool.” 

Locus uses machine learning, deep tech and proprietary algorithms to solve complex last-mile problems. Inefficiencies like delays caused by congestion, suboptimal routes, accidents or cargo thefts and excessive fuel consumption - caused by speeding, idling or harsh acceleration, can negatively impact a delivery business, a press release said. 

LocoNav’s fleet management solution (FMS) will help Locus optimise and operate multiple vehicles with ease on a single platform. LocoNav FMS includes offerings like track and trace, fuel monitoring, on-board diagnostics with real-time alerts, rich analytics, customized reports, and more. End-to-end visibility gives clients of Locus an opportunity to enhance their operational efficiency by reining in costs and streamlining the customer experience, the release added. 

LocoNav, currently present in 50 countries, is device agnostic and already compatible with over 2.2k devices from the simplest GPS location trackers to completely integrated Fleet Management Solutions servicing over 5Mn vehicles across different industries. A Series B funded startup, LocoNav, has over 1.5 million mobile app downloads. (MT)

Ashok Leyland Partners Shriram Automall For Certified Used Commercial Vehicles

Ashok Leyland - Shriram Automall India

Chennai-headquartered commercial vehicle major Ashok Leyland has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Shriram Automall India to establish a platform for certified pre-owned CVs. The agreement was signed by Viplav Shah, Head - LCV, Ashok Leyland and Sameer Malhotra, Director & CEO, SAMIL.

The partnership combines Ashok Leyland's commercial vehicle network with Shriram Automall's auction and remarketing infrastructure to facilitate vehicle exchange, disposal and inspection services for fleet operators and single-truck owners across India.

Viplav Shah, said, “We are delighted to partner with Shriram Automall to strengthen our presence in the pre-owned commercial vehicle market. As we continue our journey towards becoming a comprehensive mobility solutions provider, this collaboration marks an important step in expanding our footprint across the entire commercial vehicle lifecycle. By combining Ashok Leyland's deep expertise in the commercial vehicle industry with Shriram Automall's strong network and customer base in the used vehicle segment, we aim to create greater value and a seamless ownership experience for customers.”

Sameer Malhotra, said, "At SAMIL, our vision has always been to build an organised and trusted marketplace for pre-owned vehicles, equipment, and other assets in India. Partnering with Ashok Leyland marks another significant milestone in that journey. Ashok Leyland has earned the trust of millions through its quality, durability, and innovation, and we are proud to collaborate with such an iconic brand. Together, we aim to create greater value for customers by providing a transparent, efficient, and reliable platform that simplifies the buying and selling of pre-owned commercial vehicles across the country."

Force Motors Launches The Urbania Deluxe

Force Urbania Deluxe

Pune-headquartered commercial vehicle company Force Motors has launched the Urbania Deluxe, replacing the current-generation Urbania as its standard offering in the shared mobility segment.

The Urbania Deluxe features a 2.6-litre, four-cylinder turbo diesel engine delivering 100 kW and 350 Nm of torque. It comes with leatherette seats, wood-finish flooring, 16-inch alloy wheels, a power sliding footstep, a TFT instrument cluster, a 23 cm HD touchscreen infotainment system and an 8-speaker Digital Theatre System.

Safety features include 3-point seat belts for every passenger, airbags, all-wheel disc brakes, Electronic Stability Program, Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Engine Drag Torque Control.

The CV is available in three wheelbases and eight seating layouts ranging from 9+D to 16+D configurations through the dealer network, with prices starting at INR 2.87 million ex-showroom.

The Urbania Deluxe comes with Force Care package featuring i-Pulse telematics, a 5-year/500,000 km warranty, a 3-year sensor warranty and 3 years of Roadside Assistance.

Prasan Firodia, Managing Director, Force Motors, said, "With Urbania, we redefined premium shared passenger mobility in India and created an entirely new segment that has found strong acceptance both in India and across international markets. Its success reflects the growing preference for vehicles that combine superior comfort, safety and modern engineering. With the introduction of the new Urbania Deluxe, we are taking this platform to the next level with enhanced performance, premium features and advanced technology to meet the evolving expectations of our customers and deliver the premium travel experience passenger’s demand. As the premium mobility segment continues to evolve, we remain committed to enhancing our products and delivering mobility solutions that set new benchmarks in passenger comfort, safety and performance."

Prawaas 5.0

Prawaas 5.0, an event focused on the public transport industry, concluded on 11 July 2026 at the Helipad Exhibition Centre in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The three-day event marked the 10th anniversary of the Bus & Car Operators Confederation of India (BOCI).

The event recorded 20,129 registrations and hosted 227 exhibitors, 20 startups and 120 speakers across 15 sessions. It saw participation from 31 states and union territories, as well as 11 countries.

During the event, two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed. The first, between Rotary International District 3080 and BOCI Naari, aims to support the skilling and employment of women as drivers. The second, between Rotary International District 3080 and BOCI, addresses the mental well-being of drivers and road safety.

Prasanna Patwardhan, President of the Bus & Car Operators Confederation of India (BOCI), said, "As BOCI completes ten years, Prawaas 5.0 reflects how collaboration, innovation and progressive policymaking are shaping the future of passenger mobility in India. Over the past three days, the exhibition has brought together operators, policymakers, manufacturers, technology providers and entrepreneurs on a common platform to exchange ideas, build partnerships and explore solutions for the sector's evolving needs. The participation and enthusiasm witnessed this year reaffirm our collective commitment to building a safer, smarter and more sustainable passenger transport ecosystem that supports the vision of Viksit Bharat."

The Bharat Prawaas Awards 2026 honoured 72 recipients, including 50 BOCI Excellence Awards and 22 redBus People's Choice Awards. The event was organised by BOCI, hosted by the Akhil Gujarat Pravasi Vahan Sanchalak Mahamandal, and curated by MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications.

Tata Motors Partners UCO Bank For Commercial Vehicle Financing

Tata Motors CV - UCO Bank

Tata Motors, one of the leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UCO Bank for financing solutions.

Through this collaboration, customers will have access to interest rates, loan approvals and processing. The agreement includes loan-to-value funding options and repayment tenures. The partners will coordinate across branches and dealerships to reach customers in urban and rural markets.

Shashikant Kumar, General Manager & Zonal Head – Mumbai, UCO Bank, said, “The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding with Tata Motors Limited marks another significant milestone in UCO Bank’s commitment to delivering innovative and customer centric financing solutions. Through this strategic partnership, we aim to provide seamless, competitive and timely financing for TATA Motors commercial vehicles, enabling entrepreneurs, fleet operators and businesses to expand with confidence.”

Rajesh Kaul, Vice-President & Business Head – Trucks, Tata Motors Ltd., said, “We are pleased to partner with UCO Bank to further strengthen the financing ecosystem for our commercial vehicle customers. Access to organised and competitive financing is a key enabler for our customers' growth, and UCO Bank's strong nationwide presence makes them an ideal partner in this endeavour. This MoU reinforces our commitment to delivering end-to-end solutions, from world-class vehicles to organised financing that empower our customers to grow their businesses with greater confidence and convenience.”

At present, Tata Motors’ product portfolio ranges from 1-tonne to 55-tonne cargo vehicles and 10-seater to 51-seater mass mobility solutions. The company provides services through its Sampoorna Seva 2.0 initiative, the Fleet Edge platform and a network of over 4,500 sales and service touchpoints.