Tata Motors Launches All-New LPO 1622 Bus in Qatar
- By MT Bureau
- June 18, 2025
Tata Motors has expanded its footprint in the Middle East with the launch of its all-new LPO 1622 bus in Qatar through its official distributor Al Hamad Automobiles. Marking the company’s first Euro VI-compliant bus in the region, the LPO 1622 is purpose-built for staff transportation, offering advanced safety features, superior comfort and low total cost of ownership.
The bus is powered by a 220hp Cummins ISBe 5.6L engine and delivers 925Nm of torque; it comes in 61- and 65-seater configurations. Key features include Electronic Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, Cruise Control, ABS and ergonomic seating. Its rugged design and durable components are tailored to meet the demands of fleet operators in Qatar.
Asif Shamim, Head of International Business, Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles, said, “The Middle East continues to be a strategic focus for Tata Motors, where our products have consistently delivered value across a range of applications. With Qatar being a key market, we are pleased to further strengthen our presence with the launch of the all-new LPO 1622 bus, designed to offer higher profitability to customers and superior comfort to passengers. Supported by a strong and responsive after-sales ecosystem, we remain committed to delivering reliable, advanced mobility solutions tailored to evolving needs and requirements.”
Mohamed Yousef Al Mana, Chairman, Al Hamad Automobiles, said, “We are proud to continue our long-standing partnership with Tata Motors and support the expansion of their commercial vehicle portfolio in Qatar. As a trusted partner, our focus remains on providing comprehensive after-sales support through our wide service network and easy availability of genuine spare parts. With dedicated teams and infrastructure in place, we are fully committed to ensuring maximum uptime, operational continuity, and long-term value for our customers across the country."
Tata Motors also showcased its enhanced Euro V-compliant Prima range of heavy trucks – Prima 4040.K, 4440.S, 4040.T and 6040.S – aimed at meeting the country’s infrastructure and construction demands.
Force Motors Reports INR 1.85 Billion Net Profit For Q1 FY2026
- By MT Bureau
- July 25, 2025
Pune-headquartered automotive major Force Motors has announced its financial results for Q1 FY2026, with revenue of INR 23 billion, up 22 percent YoY.
The EBITDA came at INR 3.57 billion, up 35 percent YoY and net profit at INR 1.85 billion, up 55 percent YoY. The company attributes that its domestic sales volume grew 26 percent, fuelled by robust demand across the flagship models – Urbania, Traveller and Trax.
Prasan Firodia, Managing Director, Force Motors, said, “We are pleased with the strong start to the new financial year. This growth can be attributed to our consistent focus on meeting customer expectations, capitalizing on domestic momentum, and improving internal efficiencies. The continued trust of our customers and the unwavering effort put in by our teams have been pivotal to this success. With positive indicators in the domestic market, we remain optimistic about sustaining growth in the coming quarters. Our investments in innovation, reliability, and expanding our dealer network will further strengthen our market position.”
Scania's Q2 Sales Dip Amidst Market Challenges, Electrification Push Continues
- By MT Bureau
- July 25, 2025
Volkswagen-owned Swedish commercial vehicle brand Scania has reported a challenging second quarter for 2025, with sales revenue declining 10 percent to SEK 49.9 billion and operating profit down 44 percent to SEK 4.5 billion.
The company attributed headwinds such as geopolitical turbulence, delayed customer investments and reduced truck deliveries – particularly in Latin America, as key factors impacting demand.
Furthermore, Scania has announced that it will adjust global production rates in the latter half of the year to align with market conditions, though European truck order intake strengthened, offsetting declines elsewhere. However, Scania maintained a stable 17.9 percent market share in Europe's heavy truck segment.
On the other hand, it anticipates tailwinds such as strong performance in the bus sector and resilient growth in service revenue (up 5 percent currency-adjusted). Scania also advanced its electrification strategy, expanding its electric bus portfolio and introducing the Megawatt Charging System for rapid truck charging.
However, Christian Levin, President and CEO, Scania and TRATON Group, highlighted the disappointingly low 1.5 percent adoption rate for heavy BEV trucks in Europe, calling for urgent political alignment on infrastructure, energy pricing, and regulation to meet carbon reduction targets.
The integration with TRATON Group continues, with the new TRATON R&D business now operational, and Scania's third global production hub in China is on track to open in Q4 2025. Levin expressed confidence in Scania's strong position to shape the industry's future despite current instability.
Ashok Leyland Partners Chhattisgarh Rajya Gramin Bank For CV Retail Finance
- By MT Bureau
- July 21, 2025
Chennai-headquartered commercial vehicle major Ashok Leyland has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chhattisgarh Rajya Gramin Bank (CRGB) to enter into a strategic vehicle financing partnership for its Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicles (MHCV) customers.
The MoU was exchanged between D S Madhusudhan, Head Sales - Finance, Ashok Leyland and Vijay Vasant Raikwad, General Manager – Credit, Chhattisgarh Rajya Gramin Bank. Sreeji, Zonal Manager - Central, Ashok Leyland; Saikat Mandal, Regional Manager – Chhattisgarh, Ashok Leyland and Amarjeet Singh Khanuja, AGM – Credit, Chhattisgarh Rajya Gramin Bank were also present at the event.
K M Balaji, Chief Financial Officer, Ashok Leyland, said, “Ashok Leyland is happy to partner with Chhattisgarh Rajya Gramin Bank. Our collaboration with Chhattisgarh Rajya Gramin Bank enables us to offer comprehensive financing solutions, with flexible and customized repayment plans, ensuring greater convenience for our customers leveraging the Bank’s network in state of Chhattisgarh.”
Sanjeev Kumar, President – MHCV, Ashok Leyland, said, “We are delighted to partner with Chhattisgarh Rajya Gramin Bank to offer attractive and accessible financing solutions to our customers. This strategic collaboration further strengthens Ashok Leyland’s market leadership and customer-centric approach. Our advanced products are engineered to deliver the industry's best total cost of ownership, enabling greater profitability for our customers. We remain committed to delivering exceptional experiences across every touchpoint.”
Vijay Vasant Raikwad, General Manager – Credit, Chhattisgarh Rajya Gramin Bank, said, “We are proud to partner with Ashok Leyland. The partnership will offer customised offerings to customers across Chhattisgarh. Our diverse financial offerings aim to deliver convenient and comprehensive financing choices. We believe this partnership will fulfil the business needs of both organisations, creating a significant positive impact and paving the way for continued progress and success in the commercial vehicle sector.”
Lohia Auto Launches Youdha EPOD At INR 270,000, Targets INR 10 Billion Revenue By 2030
- By Mohnish Bose
- July 17, 2025
Lohia Auto has launched the Youdha EPOD at INR 270,000, marking its maiden entry into the competitive L5 electric vehicle segment.
The newly launched EPOD is equipped with a 6-kilowatt motor delivering 50 Nm of torque and is powered by an 11.8 kWh LFP battery. It offers a certified range of 227km on a single charge (upto 180-190km of real-world claimed range) and gets dual driving modes – City and Boost. Built with Indian road conditions in mind, the EPOD also features a 300mm water-wading capacity and a ground clearance of 155-160mm. It also gets an auxiliary battery at the rear which helps the primary battery ‘wakeup’ for a start.
At present, Lohia Auto’s manufacturing facility in Kashipur, Uttarakhand, has an installed annual capacity of 100,000 units. Through passenger and cargo EVs, the company targets a revenue milestone of INR 10 billion by 2030.
Ayush Lohia, CEO, Lohia Auto, said, “The Youdha EPOD reflects values of sturdiness, reliability, aspiration and affordability. It is meant to be sold to drivers, fleet owners and entrepreneurs, reflecting success and independence that is driven by the future. We are not just offering a vehicle – we’re offering economic empowerment.”
To begin with the electric autorickshaw will first be rolled out in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Assam, with a phased expansion planned over the coming quarters. The geographies are said to be chosen on the basis of high three-wheeler usage density, high EV adoption potential and a quickly growing base of self-employed drivers seeking efficient mobility solutions.
In line with the above, he spoke about the epod blending robust performance with aspirational identity while keeping the driver’s needs at the centre, reflected in Yodha’s tagline “Chalao Aan Se, Kamao Shaan Se (Drive with victory, earn with pride).”
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