French automotive major Renault has announced updates to its Master van range, following the vehicle's performance in the European large van segment in early 2026. The company is introducing modifications to the cabin, safety systems and battery technology across its internal combustion (ICE) and electric models.

The interior now features a redesigned centre console, which provides 90 mm of additional space to improve movement between the cabin and loading area and increase legroom for the middle passenger. Hands-free access and start-up have also been added to improve daily usability.

In terms of safety, the range is now fitted with a driver attention monitoring camera and an electric parking brake with Auto Hold on all front-wheel-drive versions. Electric and automatic models include adaptive cruise control and an enhanced digital instrument cluster.

The E-Tech electric range now features a new battery produced in France. While the capacity remains at 87 kWh, the battery uses mid-nickel chemistry to improve thermal management and charging performance.

Renault is also introducing bidirectional charging, with Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) compatibility expected to arrive in September 2026. Furthermore, a new chassis-cab version with a 40 kWh battery has been added to the range for urban use.

To assist business users, the vehicle includes a 220V socket in the cabin and loading area, providing 3,500W of power for tools. Renault has also incorporated 20 percent recycled plastic, sourced from end-of-life vehicles, into the dashboard.

Frederic Clermont, VP, LCV Product & Revenue, Renault, said, "For nearly 50 years, Renault Master has supported business customers in their day-to-day activities. Voted ‘Van of the Year’ in 2025, the fourth-generation Renault Master gains new versions and features, along with a redesigned more functional dashboard. This new dashboard contains 20 percent of recycled plastic sourced from end-of-life vehicles through our subsidiary ‘The Future is NEUTRAL’. With a wide variety of products and full range of vehicles ‘converted by Renault’ directly at the plant, Renault Master became Europe's leading large van in early 2026."

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Automotive and aerospace component manufacturer Belrise Industries has announced the acquisition of the Tipper Body Business of Hyva India, a subsidiary of JOST Werke.

The transaction carries a total purchase consideration of approximately USD 5.65 million, representing an Enterprise Value to EBITDA multiple of approximately 3.60x.

Hyva India manufactures tipping solutions used across construction, mining, defence and infrastructure sectors, supplying the top five commercial vehicle original equipment manufacturers in India. The business reported EBITDA of approximately USD 1.57 million for calendar year 2025, alongside a return on average capital employed of around 20 percent.

Through the acquisition, Belrise expands its manufacturing footprint by adding three production plants located in Pune, Jamshedpur and Bengaluru. The deal also incorporates a European commercial vehicle original equipment manufacturer into Belrise's client portfolio as part of its positioning as a Tier-0.5 supplier.

Swastid Badve, General Manager, Belrise Industries, said, “We are pleased to welcome Hyva India’s Tipper Body Business into the Belrise family. This acquisition is a strong strategic fit and complements our manufacturing and engineering strengths. It enhances our position in the commercial vehicle value chain and supports our vision of becoming a diversified, global mobility solutions provider. Belrise remains committed to ensuring a seamless transition for customers, employees, suppliers, and business partners, while investing in the future growth and development of the business.”

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Logistics company Flytta Green has introduced a fleet of heavy-duty electric trucks for Dalmia Cement's clinker transportation operations in Assam. The deployment is being executed in partnership with Drivn, which is providing financing and leasing options for the vehicles.

The initiative follows Flytta Green's introduction of retrofitted electric trucks for Dalmia Cement in October 2025. The company's strategy focuses on deploying new electric trucks with a gross vehicle weight of 55-tonnes and above, alongside developing charging infrastructure and exploring solar power integration for fleet operations.

The initial delivery of 15 trucks, manufactured by Montra Electric, was completed last week. An additional 45 vehicles are scheduled for delivery during August and September.

Flytta Green has received expressions of interest for approximately 1,000 heavy-duty electric trucks, with planned deployments spanning the next 18 months across the cement, mining and metals sectors. The initiative is being managed by Ashwin Dichpally, Chief Operating Officer of Flytta Green.

In collaboration with Drivn, Flytta Green plans to deploy 200 trucks during the current financial year, with financing for subsequent vehicles to be funded by international investors. Deployment operations will prioritise the North-East, East and South-East regions of India.

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Switch Mobility, the electric vehicle subsidiary of Hinduja Group, has secured an order to supply 650 electric buses to transport operator Sai Green Projects. The e-buses will be deployed for public transit operations in Mumbai and Pune under Phase II of the Government of India's PM E-Drive scheme.

Under the supply agreement, Switch Mobility will deliver 9-metre electric buses procured through the CESL PM E-Drive Phase II tender framework. Sai Green Projects won the operational rights to run the fleet, which comprises air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned variants. The buses will serve routes managed by the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking in Mumbai and Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal (PMPML) in Pune.

Ganesh Mani, Chief Executive Officer, Switch Mobility, said, "The deployment of 650 electric buses is a significant step towards India’s ambition to reduce emissions, improve operating economics, and modernise public transport systems. At Switch Mobility, we remain focused on delivering reliable and efficient electric mobility solutions that enable operators to transition towards cleaner public transport while ensuring a superior passenger experience. With a growing product portfolio, we are well positioned to support the evolving mobility requirements of cities across India."

"We are pleased to partner with Sai Green Projects in supporting large-scale deployments in Mumbai and Pune under the PM E-Drive initiative. This is the beginning of a long-term partnership where we look forward to covering many green miles together," added Mani.

RG Venkataraman, Chief Commercial Officer, Switch Mobility, said, "This development is a strong testament to our commercial proposition and our ability to deliver at scale for operators across the country. At Switch Mobility, we go way beyond manufacturing great products. Our focus is to make sustainability commercially viable to the operators so they can run efficient, profitable fleets."

Vikas Gupta, CEO, Sai Green Projects, said, "Sustainable living is at the core of what we do at Sai Green Projects. We are proud to partner with a leading OEM like Switch Mobility to take India's vision for clean, efficient, and future-ready public mobility forward. We are confident that these electric buses will enhance the everyday experience of commuters in Mumbai and Pune."

The contract expands Switch Mobility's operational footprint in India, where the manufacturer has supplied over 2,500 electric buses to date across city, intercity and specialised transport segments.

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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."

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