Volvo and Eicher Showcase Future-Ready Mobility Solutions At Auto Expo 2023

BMW X1 Plays The Big Game

VE Commercial Vehicles (A Volvo Group and Eicher Motors joint venture) unveiled a range of future-ready mobility solutions from the Eicher and Volvo brands, at Auto Expo 2023 today. Under the banner of VECV’s vision of smart sustainability, the company showcased its expanded EV and natural gas portfolio. Also on show are a range of alternative fuel prototypes, building on VECV’s leadership in driving modernisation in bus and truck transport in India and the developing world, the company claims.

The Eicher brand unveiled India's longest 13.5m electric intercity coach and the Eicher Pro 2049 electric 4.9 T GVW truck. Built on Eicher’s proven EV platform, the Eicher Pro 2049 electric 4.9 T GVW truck is specifically developed for economical and clean last-mile applications, VE Commercial Vehicles states. Also on display is the Eicher Pro 8055 LNG/CNG truck, designed specifically for meeting needs for clean transport in long-haul applications. While managing longer range on LNG, the Eicher Pro 8055 is capable of transitioning to use CNG fuel by the simple turn of a switch, well suited to leverage the rapidly expanding CNG distributor network.

Volvo Trucks showcased the Volvo FM LNG 420 4X2 Tractor, which is undergoing extensive trials with leading e-commerce operators in long-haul hub-to-hub operations. The Volvo LNG solution is based on the unique diesel-cycle technology that provides 15-20 percent improvement in fuel economy over petrol or Otto-cycle technologies, states the company.

Volvo Buses presented its state-of-the-art 15m Volvo 9600 luxury coach. Built on the Volvo 9600 platform, the coach offers first-class luxury seating for an exclusive travel experience, as per the bus manufacturing company.

VECV also showcased prototype Eicher Hydrogen Fuel Cell Truck and Hydrogen ICE technology engine at the Auto Expo 2023, claims the company. These next-gen technologies are aligned with the Government of India’s Green Hydrogen Mission and offer a promising path to zero tail-pipe emissions.

According to VE Commercial Vehicles, all Eicher and Volvo trucks and buses are supported with a wide variety of support solutions. Enabled by the industry-first 100 percent connected fleet and state-of-the-art uptime centre, these app-based smart support solutions ensure higher productivity and efficiency or trucks, buses, drivers and fleet managers, further reducing their collective carbon footprint.

Speaking on the occasion, Vinod Aggarwal, Managing Director and CEO, VECV, said, “As a successful Volvo Group and Eicher Motors JV, VECV was the first to build and introduce modern BS VI technology in India. Eicher and Volvo trucks and buses are backed by our 100 percent connected ecosystem, which helps deliver on our promise of productivity and uptime for our customers. The electrification of the CV industry has already started with buses, and we believe that a range of alternative fuels, including LNG, ethanol and hydrogen, are essential to lead decarbonisation of the CV industry. Under the banner of smart sustainability, VECV is well poised to harness this opportunity and play a transformative role for the Indian CV industry.”

Tata Motors Intros Air-Conditioned Cabins And Cowls Across Its Truck Range

Tata Motors Intros Air-Conditioned Cabins And Cowls Across Its Truck Range

Tata Motors has introduced factory-fitted air conditioning systems across its entire truck range, marking a significant upgrade for drivers in India. The new AC systems are now available in all cabin models, including the SFC, LPT, Ultra, Signa and Prima, as well as cowl models for the first time.

The advanced air conditioning system features dual-mode operation with Eco and Heavy settings, ensuring optimal cooling while improving energy efficiency. Alongside this comfort upgrade, Tata Motors has also enhanced the power output of its heavy trucks, tippers and prime movers, now delivering up to 320 hp. These trucks also incorporate intelligent fuel-saving technology to maximise efficiency, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.

Additional improvements include duty-cycle-based fuel efficiency features such as engine idle auto-shut and a voice messaging system that provides real-time alerts. These upgrades reflect Tata Motors’ commitment to setting new benchmarks in performance, driveability and driver comfort.

By offering factory-fitted AC across its entire range, including cowl models, Tata Motors is reinforcing its leadership in India’s commercial vehicle market while prioritizing both operational efficiency and driver well-being.

Sudarshan Venu Named Chairman Of TVS Motor Company

Sudarshan Venu Named Chairman Of TVS Motor Company

TVS Motor Company has announced a leadership transition, with Sudarshan Venu set to take over as Chairman and Managing Director effective 25 August 2025. The Board of Directors unanimously approved his appointment in recognition of his significant contributions to the company’s growth and strategic direction during his tenure as Director.

Current Chairman Sir Ralf Speth has informed the Board that he will not seek re-appointment as a Director at the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM). As a result, he will step down as Chairman at the conclusion of the AGM on 22 August 2025. However, to ensure continuity and leverage his expertise, the Board has appointed Speth as Chief Mentor for a three-year term, effective 23 August 2025.

Venu Srinivasan, Chairman Emeritus, TVS Motor Company, said, "I express my sincere gratitude to Ralf for his exceptional leadership as Chairman over the last three years. His contributions have been invaluable in guiding our strategic expansion into global markets and fostering innovation that has significantly strengthened our industry standing. We are grateful for his continued support as Chief Mentor for TVS Motor and in welcoming Sudarshan into his new role. I am confident that Sudarshan, who, in his capacity as Managing Director, has demonstrated tremendous growth for the business, will take the Company to even greater heights.”

Sir Ralf Speth said, "It has been an honour for me to steer TVS Motor Company as its Chairman over the last three years. I am grateful for the support, cooperation and personal friendships developed during my tenure. As I hand over the Chairmanship to Sudarshan, I am confident that under his leadership, the Company will continue its growth journey while championing core TVS values. Sudarshan’s dynamism and passion underscore his vision for the business, and I am confident that TVS is in safe, responsible hands. I wish Sudarshan and TVS Motor a bright future ahead.”                               

Sudarshan Venu said, "I am very thankful to the Board for giving me this singular opportunity. I am really honoured and excited for the future and look forward to their continued support. TVS has been built on our Chairman Emeritus’s commitment to customer centricity, quality and technology. As we look to the future, we have to build on these values while capitalising on new opportunities and reimagining for the future. I am most grateful to him for his continued guidance. Sir Ralf has been instrumental in challenging and mentoring us to expand more globally, onboard international talent, embrace newer processes and invest in future products and technology. I look forward to his continued mentorship as our Chief Mentor. Importantly, TVS has grown due to the passion and energy of the entire team. I look forward to the continued partnership in our shared future.”

Eicher Trucks and Buses Reaffirms Its Commitment to Net Zero Emissions

Eicher Trucks and Buses Reaffirms Its Commitment to Net Zero Emissions

Environment Day On the occasion of World Environment Day, VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV) has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability -aligned with India’s Net Zero commitments. It has measurable strides towards reducing its environmental footprint. In this direction, it recently launched the first ever electric truck, the Eicher Pro X that is capable of zero tailpipe emission operation in mid and last-mile delivery segments. 
With electric buses in operation since 2022 in various states across India, VECV has pushed sustainability-led innovation in its Bhopal plant, inaugurated in 2020. This facility is India’s first commercial vehicle manufacturing unit built on Industry 4.0 principles that seamlessly blends digital intelligence, operator ergonomics and eco-conscious design. 
The integration of AI-powered, real-time energy monitoring systems further optimises consumption and boosts operational efficiency. The Eicher Pro X is built in this plant, which also has an all-woman final assembly line. 
Speaking about the company’s commitment to Net Zero, Vinod Aggarwal, MD and CEO, VECV, said, “In line with India’s Net Zero vision defined by Honourable Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi ji, VECV is committed to delivering future-ready mobility solutions—from electric, LNG and CNG trucks and buses to emerging technologies like hydrogen and fuel cells—as the market matures. Our investments in smart manufacturing, renewable energy, and responsible resource management reflect a holistic approach to sustainable growth. As we celebrate #WorldEnvironmentDay, let's work together to be the change we want to see!”
Aiming to achieve 70 percent renewable energy usage by FY27 and become water positive by 2030. VECV is focussing on improving our gender diversity, energy efficiency, waste reduction, Zero Waste to landfill, plantation and emissions control by executing impactful projects contributing significantly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6, 7, 12, and 13. 
A significant milestone in this journey has been by developing a water body with around 52 million litre capacity in its facility at Bhopal. The water body is sufficient to run the plant for four months. Similarly on the energy front, the company has transitioned to 100 percent LED lighting across all its facilities, replacing close to 5000 conventional lighting fixtures. This move has led to a substantial reduction in energy intensity – from 3.85 GJ/MINR in FY23 to 3.74 GJ/MINR of revenue in FY24. 

Scania India Joins Forces With Multiple Financial Solutions Providers

Scania India Joins Forces With Multiple Financial Solutions Providers

Scania Commercial Vehicles India Pvt. Ltd. has announced strategic service agreements with leading finance facilitation companies to improve financing accessibility for its customers in the mining, infrastructure and transport sectors. 
These arrangements integrate financial solutions into the vehicle purchase journey, making Scania’s high-performance vehicles more accessible, accelerating solutions sales growth and reinforcing the company’s customer-first approach in India’s commercial vehicle industry.
Some of the service agreements include financial solutions providers like True Blue Asset Services Pvt. Ltd. (Hyderabad), CorpCare Investech Private Limited (Mumbai) and Connect Residuary Private Limited (Mumbai). 
Each of them brings extensive experience and a robust network of financial institutions, enabling Scania customers to access a wider range of financing options tailored to their operational and business needs. The collaborations ensure hassle-free loan processing with streamlined documentation and quicker approvals, minimising downtime.
 Customers of Scania India stand to benefit from simplified loan procedures and faster approvals. They can now access custom-built financial products such as structured EMIs, leasing models and flexible repayment terms, making them suitable in view of the price and TCO of Scania’s off-road and heavy-duty commercial vehicles.
 “Our customers operate in some of the most demanding sectors of the economy. Access to fast, flexible financing should never be a barrier to progress,” said Silvio Munhoz, Managing Director, Scania Commercial Vehicles India Pvt. Ltd. “By building strong financial partnerships, we are not just enabling vehicle purchases but empowering businesses to scale with confidence, backed by solutions that support their long-term growth,” he explained. 
Scania India sells heavy duty mining tippers in India with a GVW of 40-tonnes and even above to carry out tasks such as the transportation of overburden from deep inside the mine to outside it. The heavy-duty tippers are made at a greenfield facility on the outskirts of Bengaluru. 
 

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