Switch Mobility delivered its first set of SWITCH EiV 22 to Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST), Mumbai. This first set of deliveries is part of the 200 electric double decker buses order for BEST. According to Switch Mobility, SWITCH EiV 22 is equipped with the latest technology, ultra-modern design, highest safety and best-in-class comfort features.

The electric double decker has a lightweight aluminium body construction with an advanced architecture. It can ferry nearly twice the number of seated passengers as a comparable single decker bus, with just an 18 percent increase in kerb weight. With contemporary styling and feel-good interiors and exteriors, the electric double decker boasts of wide front and rear doors, two staircases and an emergency door complying with the latest safety standards. The AC offers effective cooling in India’s hot climatic conditions, while the seating for 65 passengers is the maximum number of seats to be offered in the given footprint. Each seat has a lightweight cushion and the interiors come with car-like comfort for passenger convenience. This state-of-the-art electric double decker serves as a solution for urban commuting as they occupy less road, terminal and depot floor space per seated passenger. SWITCH EiV 22 is a 231-kWh capacity, two-string, liquid cooled, higher density NMC chemistry battery pack with a dual gun charging system. This enables the electric double decker to have a range of up to 250 kilometres for intra city applications.

Mahesh Babu, Chief Executive Officer, Switch Mobility, said, ‘’Switch is committed to its vision of democratising zero carbon mobility through innovative, technologically-advanced products like the SWITCH EiV 22, India’s first electric double decker that was launched in August 2022. Today, we are delighted and proud to deliver the first of the 200 electric double deckers to BEST. The SWITCH EiV 22 will carry forward the legacy of double deckers in Mumbai in this decade and beyond, and further enhance the sustainable footprint that BEST has embarked upon in recent times. With superior customer comfort and customer delight, we are certain that SWITCH EiV 22 will transform public transport in Mumbai, and bring back many iconic, fond memories for Mumbaikars."

Lokesh Chandra, General Manager, Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport, said, ‘’It’s a historic moment for BEST to induct India’s first AC electric double decker bus in its fleet. Fulfilling the vision of green and clean mobility of Honourable PM Shri Narendra Modi ji, the procurement of these buses is done under the National Clean Air Program (NCAP). Under the guidance of Honourable CM, Shri Eknath Shinde ji and Honourable DCM, Shri Devendra Fadanvis ji to make public bus transport in Mumbai at par with global standards, these electric double decker AC buses will provide a world-class travel experience to Mumbaikars. Fitted with live tracking devices, CCTV cameras and panic buttons for women safety, these buses will be 100 percent digital with a ‘tap-in tap-out’ facility and will run on 100 percent green (solar) energy.’’

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Pune-headquartered automotive major Force Motors has reported its domestic wholesales of 36,536 units for FY2026, which marks a 20 percent increase compared to the 30,531 units sold in the previous fiscal year.

For the month of March 2026, the company registered a 14 percent growth with 4,126 units sold.

The company stated it witnessed growth across its product portfolio, supported by demand in passenger mobility, institutional and defence sectors.

Force Traveller continued to maintain a 70 percent market share in the light commercial vehicle segment, with applications in school and ambulance services.

The company’s premium passenger mobility platform Urbania recorded volume growth exceeding 100 percent, while Trax platform saw 70 percent growth with traction from Tier-2 and Tier-3 markets.

Force Motors’ Special Vehicle Division delivered its first batch of 600 Gurkha units to the Indian Army.

At present, Force Motors operates five manufacturing units and an R&D centre in Pune. The company produces and tests engines for all Mercedes-Benz and BMW cars and SUVs manufactured in India.

Additionally, Force MTU Power Systems, a joint venture with Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG, produces 10 and 12-cylinder engines for global power generation and rail applications. Overall exports for the company's four-wheelers grew by 13 percent during the year.

Prasan Firodia, Managing Director, Force Motors, said, “Our performance this year reflects the way we are steadily shaping the business – being more focused, disciplined and aligned to the segments where we know and believe that we can lead. The Force Urbania is setting new benchmarks in premium shared mobility, while the Trax platform is helping improve connectivity across the country. Our Traveller range continues to anchor our presence in the segment, with its market leadership reflecting the deep trust customers place in the brand. At the same time, our continued work with the defence sector reflects the strength of our engineering and our ability to deliver in demanding conditions. We also saw steady growth in our export business, with overall exports growing by 13 percent (4-wheelers only). Given our strong exports’ presence in Gulf markets, we remain mindful of the evolving geopolitical situation and are closely monitoring the developments. As we look ahead, staying close to our customers and paying close attention to their needs & shaping our products and solutions accordingly—will remain a key focus for us. We will continue to build on our strengths with consistency, while staying responsive to evolving market needs”.

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ZF Commercial Vehicle Control Systems India has been awarded a business nomination by a mobility OEM to develop and supply an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite for an upcoming bus platform. The project encompasses system supply, vehicle integration, and validation, with the start of production targeted for Q1 FY2027.

The awarded solution centres on ZF’s OnGuardMAX platform, which utilises multi-sensor fusion including a front camera, mid-range radar and an image processing module. This system is integrated with Short-Range Radar (SRR), an Electronic Braking System (EBS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) to provide comprehensive active safety.

The platform enables Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Driver Drowsiness and Attention Warning (DDAW). It also features SRR units address blind spots to protect vulnerable road users, supporting Blind Spot Information Systems (BSIS) and Moving Off Information Systems (MOIS). The integration of EBS and ESC provides faster braking responses, shorter stopping distances and improved rollover resistance for electric vehicle platforms.

The ADAS suite is engineered to meet GSR 184(E) requirements. The technology has undergone 450,000 kilometres of testing on Indian roads and has received ARAI certification. The architecture is scalable to SAE Level 2 and is designed to support future automation requirements.

Paramjit Singh Chadha, Managing Director, ZF Commercial Vehicle Control Systems India, said, “ADAS was and remains a strategic priority for ZF Commercial Vehicles in India. With a legacy of deep customer understanding and proven technological competence that make commercial transportation safer, smarter and more efficient, we also offer ADAS solutions that fit the specific driving conditions in India and at the same time have the backing of our global expertise.”

Akash Passey, Non-Executive Chairman, ZF Commercial Vehicle Control Systems India, added, “We see a rapid acceleration in India in the adoption of advanced driver assistance technologies that enhance road safety and operational efficiency. ZF Commercial Vehicles Division offers made-to-fit market solutions that address the specific needs of leading and new-age e-mobility OEMs with the strength of ZF’s global engineering expertise and combining it with deep regional insights.”

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VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV), the joint venture between Volvo Group and Eicher Motors, has announced sales of 103,495 vehicles in FY2026, up 14.8 percent YoY, as against 90,161 units sold last year.

This marks the company’s highest-ever annual sales volume since the inception of the partnership in 2008.

The sales performance was distributed across several key commercial vehicle segments, which includes 47,789 Light & Medium Duty (LMD) Trucks (46.1 percent of total sales), 27,867 Heavy Duty (HD) Trucks (25.9 percent of total sales) and 19,363 buses (18.7 percent of total sales).

At present, VECV operates eight manufacturing plants in India, including an Industry 4.0-enabled facility in Bhopal and an engine manufacturing hub (VEPT) in Pithampur that supplies global Volvo Group requirements.

The company maintains a 100 percent connected vehicle portfolio through the Eicher Live telematics platform. Lifecyle support is provided through a pan-India network of over 1,250 touchpoints.

Furthermore, a new Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) plant is under development in Ujjain to focus on drivability and fuel efficiency.

B. Srinivas, MD & CEO, VECV, said, “Crossing the milestone of 1,00,000 vehicles in a year is a significant achievement for VECV and reflects the trust our customers have placed in our products and solutions. This milestone also fulfils a key part of the original vision set at the inception of the Volvo–Eicher joint venture, underscoring the strength and long-term strategic direction of our partnership. As we move forward, we remain committed to driving the next phase of growth through innovation, sustainability, and deeper customer engagement.”

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IVECO BUS, a brand of Iveco Group, is participating in the EU–Regional Business Forum – West Africa Corridors (CALAO) in Abidjan from 30 March to 1 April 2026. The company is showcasing its transport solutions and expanding its industrial footprint across Africa, where it currently operates in 40 countries.

The company has maintained a 40-year partnership with the Abidjan Transport Company (SOTRA). In January 2022, IVECO BUS established a Daily minibus assembly line in Koumassi, Côte d’Ivoire, making it the first African nation to host such a facility.

The recent fleet deliveries include 300 CROSSWAY LE buses and 50 EVADYS coaches delivered to SOTRA in Côte d'Ivoire (2025), bringing the total IVECO BUS fleet in the country to over 1,450 units. Furthermore, 370 CROSSWAY buses were delivered to Senegal in 2024 to reinforce the DAKAR DEM DIKK fleet.

At present, the OEM offers a multi-energy range including biofuels, natural gas, electric and fuel cell technologies.

• CROSSWAY: An intercity and school transport vehicle with over 70,000 units produced. It features the IVECO CURSOR Euro III engine and cataphoresis protection for durability in diverse climates.
• DAILY Minibus: A 17-passenger vehicle powered by a 146 hp Euro III engine, configured for shuttle and school missions.
• CREALIS BRT: A Bus Rapid Transit solution. Abidjan currently operates 100 18-metre CREALIS CNG (natural gas) units. The model is available in 12- and 18-metre versions with various alternative powertrains.
• E-WAY: A battery-electric range available in four lengths (9.5 m to 18 m). These vehicles utilize 69 kWh NMC batteries and support both depot and opportunity charging.

IVECO BUS provides a service ecosystem that includes technical training and the availability of genuine spare parts for up to 15 years post-production. The brand also implements knowledge transfer programmes to facilitate independent fleet management and local industrial localisation.

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