Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has concluded its 33rd iCARE (i, Community Action to Reach Everyone) activity on 19 January at Government High School, Doddagholarahatti, near Kengeri.

Together with 100 students from the host school, 200 eager iCARE volunteers participated in this powerful project, designing and constructing interactive STEM models including hand pumps, solar energy systems, geo boards and electromagnets. This initiative, which coincides with International Education Month, demonstrates Toyota's commitment to developing young brains via hands-on learning, encouraging a ‘learn by doing’ methodology that is essential for developing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

By connecting theory and practice, STEM kits play a critical role in revolutionising classroom instruction. These kits provide underfunded schools with priceless access to interactive learning resources that foster creative problem-solving and thinking. Students are empowered to build a strong foundation for future academic success and professional success when STEM kits are incorporated into the classroom.

This project reflects TKM's all-encompassing approach to social responsibility and is a component of the iCARE programme for FY 2024–2025. TKM made educational murals and supplies at GHS Kannahalli, conducted a clean-up campaign at Irregowdana Lake in Bidadi and upgraded the facilities at GHS Ullal Upanagara in Kengeri earlier in 2024. These initiatives demonstrate TKM's dedication to community empowerment, environmental sustainability and education.

Sudeep Dalvi, Chief Communication Officer, Senior Vice President & Head State Affairs, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “The iCARE programme is a true testament to our commitment to creating a meaningful and sustainable impact in the communities we serve. At Toyota Kirloskar Motor, we strongly believe that education is the cornerstone of building a brighter future, and STEM education, in particular, is key to fostering curiosity, innovation and problem-solving skills among students. The provision of STEM kits is essential in bridging the learning gap by offering students hands-on tools that turn theoretical knowledge into practical understanding. Through this 33rd iCARE activity, we aimed to create practical, hands-on learning experiences for young minds that not only help them grasp theoretical concepts but also inspire them to innovate and apply these learnings in real-world scenarios. The overwhelming participation of our volunteers and students highlights the power of collaboration and shared purpose. We remain steadfast in our mission to empower communities, and we are committed to driving more such initiatives that touch lives and make a lasting difference.”

Mumbai-headquartered automotive major Mahindra & Mahindra has announced the price of the CNG variant of the Veero LCV.

First revealed in September 2024, the Veero CNG is available in two trims – the 1.4 XXL SD V2 CNG variant is priced at INR 899,000 (ex-showroom), while the 1.4 XXL SD V4 (A) CNG trim is priced at INR 939,000 (ex-showroom).

The Veero CNG is based on Mahindra’s modular Urban Prosper Platform (UPP), with a claimed mileage of 19.2 km/kg, offering a maximum range of 480 km with the 150-litre CNG tank. A 4.5-litre petrol tank for emergency extends the combined range to over 500 km.

In terms of payload capacity, the Veero CNG offers 1.4 tonne and 3035 mm cargo length. For safety it comes with driver-side airbag, adherence to AIS096 crash safety standards, high-strength steel construction and features like a False Start Avoidance System. The cabin also features driver plus two occupants, an air conditioner, reclining driver’s seat and a first-in-segment TFT cluster.

The company shared that the Veero LCV has a 20,000 km service interval.

Mumbai-headquartered diversified, multi-product, multi-fuel company Greaves Cotton has appointed Parag Satpute as the new Managing Director (MD) and Group CEO. In his new role, he will be responsible for Greaves Engineering, Greaves Retail, Greaves Finance, Greaves Technologies and Excel Controlinkage.

Satpute an automotive industry veteran brings with him over 29 years of experience and last held the position as the President of Bridgestone’s Fleet Business in Europe within the Global Business Unit Bridgestone Mobility Solutions. Prior to that he had led Bridgestone India as the MD.

He started his career with Sandvik as a Product Manager in 1997, and by 2014, he had become MD and Chairman of the Board (subsidiaries) for India operations.

He holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from Pune University and an Executive MBA from Warwick Business School.

Ashok Leyland, one of the country’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, has inaugurated three new M&HCV dealership outlets of Sahu and Sons Truckings in Jharkhand. These include two outlets in Ranchi and one in Serengdag, which now takes the company’s presence of having 30 M&HCV touchpoints in the state.

The 3S dealership in Ranchi is spread across 60,000 sqft and features 10 bays. It will serve customer needs in Ranchi, Hazaribagh, Gumla, Chatra, Koderma, Ramgarh, Khunti, and Simdega. The facility is equipped with tools and equipment, including wheel alignment machines, pneumatic systems and four dedicated accident repair bays with modern repair system facilities for the M&HCV segment. The second outlet inaugurated in Ranchi is a sales dealership.

Madhavi Deshmukh, National Sales Head - MHCV, Ashok Leyland, said, “Jharkhand is an important market for us, and we are delighted to expand our presence in the region with three additional touchpoints. We aim to leverage the region's thriving economic activity, expanding infrastructure projects, and increasing demand for commercial vehicles. Our partner, Sahu and Sons Truckings, through these new outlets, will help us meet the distinct demands of our customers in this region by offering tailored solutions.  We want to be a part of the growth and help our customers with the best products.”

Vivek Vishal, Director, Sahu and Sons Truckings, said, “We are thrilled to partner with Ashok Leyland and expand our presence in Jharkhand. The three new outlets will solidify the brand’s position as a significant player in the region. Ashok Leyland has consistently been a trusted and preferred brand in Eastern India. With this partnership, we aim to take its legacy forward by reaching more customers and providing end-to-end mobility solutions for their unique transportation needs.”

Chennai-based commercial vehicle major Ashok Leyland has inaugurated its new 3S (sales / service / spares) dealership outlet – Grover Motors in Ludhiana, Punjab.

The facility is spread across 104,000 sqft with 30 bays and marks the 17th M&HCV touchpoint for the company in the Punjab region. The dealership will be operational 24x7 featuring modern tools and equipment such as wheel alignment machines, pneumatic systems supported by mobile service vans, 8 accidental repair bays featuring advanced repair systems and trained technicians to ensure seamless service.

Anil Dhingra, Head Aftermarket-MHCV, Ashok Leyland, said, “We are excited to further strengthen our presence in Northern India. This region has always been an important market for Ashok Leyland. We have been working on establishing a strong foothold in the region, and the new outlet will bolster our presence in this geography. Our partner, Grover Motors, with its strong presence in the territory, will ensure we grow our family of customers while ensuring we serve them better. We aim to contribute meaningfully to the larger ecosystem in the area with our innovative mobility solutions. The new outlet represents another step towards achieving our vision of being among the Top 10 CV makers in the world.” 

Kulwant Singh Grover, MD, Grover Motors, said, “We are delighted to further strengthen our partnership with Ashok Leyland and address the growing demands of customers in Punjab. The new outlet will enhance the brand's visibility in the region. Ashok Leyland has been a trusted and preferred brand in Northern India, renowned for its reliability, durability, and better total cost of ownership. We are committed to providing best-in-class ownership experience to our customers, and we look forward to not only expanding our customer base but also fulfilling their diverse transportation needs comprehensively by delivering complete mobility solutions through this partnership.”