A new nationwide initiative in the United Kingdom is set to standardise and elevate maintenance standards in the commercial vehicle sector, which has completed its pilot phase and is set for wider rollout. The Maintenance Provision Rating Scheme (MPRS), unveiled at the Commercial Vehicle Show, introduces a tiered rating system for HGV workshops across the UK, aiming to improve safety, reduce MOT failures, and boost compliance.

The scheme offers five levels – Entry, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum – providing commercial vehicle operators with a clear and independent assessment of a workshop’s competency and facilities. By offering greater transparency, the MPRS allows fleet operators to make better-informed decisions on where to service and maintain their vehicles.

The MPRS was jointly developed by a coalition of key industry bodies: Logistics UK, the Road Haulage Association (RHA), Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), Institute of Road Transport Engineers (IRTE), Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) and the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA). It is also backed by government authorities, including the Office of the Traffic Commissioner, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and the Department for Transport (DfT).

A key component of the scheme’s development was an 18-month pilot programme, with Daimler Truck workshops used as a benchmark to define scoring criteria for competency and facility standards. Daimler Truck played a close advisory and operational role throughout the process.

“As an OEM, Daimler Truck UK has welcomed being involved in the development of the MPRS as we believe it is important for the commercial vehicle industry to be setting new standards,” said Amy Carter, Head of Product, Daimler Truck UK. “It has needed a consistent, nationwide rating scheme for a long time.”

Carter added that Daimler Truck sees the MPRS as a crucial step forward in aftersales service. “In the longer term, we hope customers start asking workshops for their MPRS ratings and that dealers start promoting their own scores,” she said. “The MPRS now provides a useful independent benchmark to prove that when a customer sends their fleet into our workshops, they’re being looked after to the highest standards.”

Daimler Truck UK has committed to having MPRS ratings for every dealer in its network by the end of 2025.

Workshops that participate in the MPRS will not only demonstrate their commitment to excellence but also gain a competitive advantage through enhanced reputation. The scheme is expected to drive further investment in staff training and workshop facilities across the commercial vehicle maintenance sector.

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Mumbai-based automotive major Mahindra & Mahindra has no plans to develop electric bus under its own brand, in fact, it is betting on SML Isuzu’s development to roll out its first e-bus offering.

It was in April 2025, Mahindra officially announced its plans to acquire majority stake in commercial vehicle major SML Isuzu, which would play a key role in strengthening its footprint in the CV industry.

At present, Mahindra holds a modest 3 percent market share in this space, compared to its dominant 52 percent share in the <3.5-tonne light commercial vehicle (LCV) market. With the addition of SML’s capabilities and brand strength, Mahindra expects to immediately double its market share to 6 percent, and is aiming for 10–12 percent by FY2031 and over 20 percent by FY2036.

In a recent investor call, Rajesh Jejurikar, Executive Director and CEO, Auto and Farm Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra, revealed that “SML Isuzu has developed its electric bus, whatever we do will be through that entity. There is no plan to do any e-bus in the Mahindra portfolio.”

In theory, this would enable Mahindra to continue to focus on its ICE-portfolio, while the integration of SML Isuzu will enable it to leverage the development of an alternative energy portfolio, such as CNG and electric powertrains in the CV segment.

What would be interesting to note is that with SML Isuzu's electric bus platform, will Mahindra also look at cross-badging as an option? Only time can tell. 

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Tata Motors, one of the largest commercial vehicle manufacturers in India, is set to further strengthen its business with the acquisition of Italian CV major Iveco for USD 4.5 billion, said an Economic Times report.

The move is one of the largest acquisitions for Tata Motors’, and is said to be the second largest acquisition for the Tata Group after Corus.

While there has been no formal announcement from either party on such a negotiation between them, a formal update from Iveco stated that ‘it is engaged in ongoing, advanced discussions with different parties for potential transactions involving its defence business, on the one hand, and the balance of the company (CV business) on the other.’

For the unversed, Iveco operates several businesses: it produces commercial vehicles for road and off-road use, including models with natural gas and ecological diesel engines. Iveco Bus focuses on passenger transport, offering urban and intercity buses, tourism coaches and minibuses, with an emphasis on sustainable mobility solutions like natural gas and electric vehicles. Heuliez specialises in electric city buses, with a history of developing electric mobility products. FPT Industrial manufactures industrial powertrains and alternative propulsion systems for various vehicle types and power generation, also developing electric propulsion and energy storage solutions.

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Japanese truck maker Isuzu Motors and Swedish auto major Volvo Group have signed a new strategic agreement that will support joint development by Isuzu Motors and UD Trucks of a common platform for medium-heavy-duty truck models for the Japanese and other Asian markets, utilising Volvo Group technology.

The announcement builds on the strategic partnership framework agreement originally established in October 2020. This long-term collaboration, set for a minimum duration of 20 years, takes up the possibilities and challenges of the logistics industry of the future, maximising value and benefits for customers as well as for society.

As per the new agreement, Volvo Group will continue to supply key components, especially powertrains along with providing technical support in development and quality assurance.

Masanori Katayama, Chairman & CEO, Isuzu Motors, said, "This new agreement marks a significant milestone in the deepening of trust and collaboration between Isuzu Motors and Volvo Group. By combining our technological strengths and expertise, we are paving the way for the future of medium heavy-duty trucks in Japan and across Asia. And it will further enhance the stability and reliability of our products and services for customers."

Martin Lundstedt, President and CEO, Volvo Group, said, "This setup creates a true win-win. By leveraging shared technology, both parties can drive industrial efficiency and long-term value for customers. It strengthens our ability to grow revenues while contributing to a more competitive offering in the Asian market."

The partners aim to complement each other’s strengths, leverage respective technologies and create larger scale synergies to further strengthen their strategic alliance and address future logistics challenges.

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Eicher Trucks and Buses, part of VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV), has introduced its next-generation 'Pro Plus Series', aimed at redefining India’s Light and Medium Duty (LMD) trucking segment. The new range focuses on enhanced payload capacity, fuel efficiency and intelligent connectivity, while featuring factory-fitted, air-conditioned, ergonomic cabins.

The trucks are equipped with Eicher Live and My Eicher telematics platforms for real-time diagnostics and fleet management. Segment-first features include smart air-conditioning with automatic cut-off to improve fuel efficiency during idling.

Vishal Mathur, EVP – Light & Medium Duty Trucks, VECV, said, “Over the years, Eicher Trucks and Buses have won the trust of customers by delivering solutions that enhance value to their business. With our continued focus on fuel efficiency, uptime, and digitalisation, the Plus range provides customers with a profitable combination of performance and sustainability. These trucks are built not only for today’s needs but also for the rapidly evolving demands of India’s supply chains. The new range is a result of deep customer engagement and future-focused engineering. By combining industry leading vehicle productivity with features that improve driver productivity, we are offering customers a truly differentiated platform that supports both intra-city and longer-haul applications. This range further enables us to lead with value, innovation, and customer-centricity in the LMD segment.”

• Eicher Pro 3018XP Plus: Long-haul truck with 18.25T GVW, 160 HP engine, 2.1m sleeper cabin and fuel tank options of 190L or 425L.
• Eicher Pro 2118XP Plus: 18.25T day-cabin truck suited for intercity logistics, with tight turning radius and 160 HP output.
• Eicher Pro 2059 Plus: 7.5T GVW city logistics truck, offering multiple cargo body configurations and the E366 engine.
• Eicher Pro 2095XP Plus: 11.5T GVW truck with 140 HP, available in multiple wheelbase and body options, suitable for e-commerce and FMCG.
• Eicher Pro 2049 Plus: 5.5T intra-city truck offering high torque, low turning circle and enhanced cargo space.
• Eicher Pro 2110XPT Plus: 14T tipper with 160 HP, 500 Nm torque and rugged design for construction and infrastructure applications.

The new Pro Plus range reflects Eicher’s shift from a vehicle manufacturer to an integrated solutions provider, aligning with the changing needs of India’s logistics and transportation ecosystem.

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