Volvo Trucks has introduced its latest Road Train solution in India, featuring the FM 420 model optimised for high-efficiency and long-haul transportation. 

The Volvo FM 420 comes equipped with a 13-litre engine delivering 420 horsepower and 2100 Nm of torque. The truck features advanced technology, including the I-Shift 12-speed automated manual transmission, which automatically selects optimal gearing for both power and fuel economy.

The new Road Train configuration offers approximately 50 per cent higher volume capacity compared to standard 18.75m tractor-trailer combinations. This increased capacity contributes to greater productivity through more cargo with a single tractor while reducing operational costs related to drivers and maintenance. Despite consuming marginally more fuel, the significantly higher load capacity results in better overall efficiency, with two Road Trains able to do the work of three conventional tractor-trailers, leading to reduced traffic and lower emissions.

In his speech, Minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted the critical challenge of high logistics costs facing the Indian economy. Speaking at an event showcasing new transport technology, Gadkari noted that while logistics costs in China stand at 8 per cent and in the USA and Europe at around 12 per cent, India's logistics costs remain stubbornly high at 16 per cent.

"This is why we are not very competitive in the international market," Gadkari explained. He announced that the National Competitiveness Authority (NCA) has set an ambitious target to reduce logistics costs to single digits—specifically 9 per cent—within two years.

The Minister expressed confidence that improved logistics efficiency would significantly boost India's export potential. "In the whole world today, there is a lot of demand, and I am 100 per cent confident that reducing logistics costs will help expand our exports," he stated.

Gadkari emphasised the importance of road quality while acknowledging that modern technology is helping address many transportation challenges. He stressed two key priorities: comprehensive driver training programmes for safer roads and the adoption of new vehicle technologies that can reduce costs.

The Minister noted that while current imports for certain vehicle categories stand at 22 lakh units, India is moving towards domestic manufacturing, which could potentially halve costs and make transportation more economical.

Looking towards the future, Gadkari expressed optimism about electric vehicles, stating: "While I don't know if it's immediately possible for all large vehicles, I am 100 per cent confident that electrification will happen in due course of time."

He praised Volvo for introducing new technology that will improve logistics efficiency, help increase exports, and reduce domestic logistics costs. Gadkari concluded by appealing to all stakeholders and customers to prioritise LNG, CNG, or electric vehicles, emphasising that while they might have higher upfront costs, their long-term value for the country and society would be greater.

Commenting on the launch, Vinod Aggarwal, MD & CEO, VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd., stated, "The Volvo FM 420 4X2 road train is another pioneering introduction by Volvo Trucks for the Indian market. Designed to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of road transport, it aligns perfectly with the ongoing transformation in Indian logistics and the government’s Gati Shakti master plan. Volvo Trucks India is grateful to Nitin Gadkariji, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and ARAI for championing such advancements, and we remain committed to bringing more global innovations to India."

The solution is being operated by Delhivery Ltd.

Suraj Saharan, Co-founder and Chief People’s Officer at Delhivery, said, "We're excited to further strengthen our partnership with Volvo Trucks as we advance towards high-efficiency, sustainable long-haul logistics. From adopting tractor-trailers to LNG and electric trucks, Volvo has been a key enabler in our journey. Road trains are a natural next step, perfectly suited to our high-volume line-haul operations. With India's expressway network expanding rapidly, we look forward to scaling this innovation across more routes in the near future."

Emphasising Volvo Trucks’ unwavering commitment to safety and efficiency, B. Dinakar, EVP & Business Head, Volvo Trucks India, remarked, "Beyond productivity and cost-effectiveness, our focus is on the safe integration of this pioneering solution on Indian roads. I am grateful to the ministry for having certified this path-breaking solution. We will now work to implement this highly efficient and safe transport solution in other suitable sectors."

The new offering includes ultra-modern displays with a 12-inch digital Driver Information Display and a 9-inch touchscreen Secondary Information Display that can show 360-degree vision cameras and real-time driver coaching. Volvo has implemented an electronic stability control system that continuously monitors individual wheels on both truck and trailers, distributing brake pressure as needed for better vehicle stability and safety. For improved manoeuvrability in tight spaces, the Road Train comes with a self-steerable axle for the trailer.

An 810-litre fuel tank is designed for extended operations, allowing the trucks to run around the clock without frequent refuelling stops. The Volvo FM has earned the maximum 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, featuring an air-suspended climate-controlled sleeper cabin with airbag protection for operator comfort and safety. The vehicle's pre-trip diagnostic system checks all vital parameters before departure and alerts drivers to potential issues via pop-up messages on the information display.

The Road Train concept was formally incorporated into regulations in 2020, allowing for vehicle combinations to operate at higher efficiency and capacity in the logistics industry. This development is part of India's ongoing efforts to modernise its transportation infrastructure and improve road train efficiency according to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

Chennai-based automotive major Ashok Leyland has announced that its defence business has bagged multiple orders valued over INR 7 billion. The company has bagged orders to supply vehicles for troop transportation, logistics and other other specialised mobility requirements under the Close-in Weapon Systems (CIWS) program.

The contract orders will see Ashok Leyland supply vehicles with serious off-roading and manoeuvrability capabilities such as the Stallion 4x4, Stallion 6x6, Short Chassis Bus and Mobility System Travelling Platform.

Shenu Agarwal, MD & CEO, Ashok Leyland, said, “For decades, Ashok Leyland has been a trusted partner in defence mobility. We are immensely proud to have secured these new orders, which reinforce Ashok Leyland’s leadership in the sector and reaffirms our commitment to deliver cutting-edge solutions for the armed forces. The defence business remains a key pillar of Ashok Leyland’s future growth.”

Amandeep Singh, President – Defence Business, Ashok Leyland, said, “As a proud proponent of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat,’ we are committed to strengthening India’s defence capabilities through indigenous design and manufacturing in the Defence mobility sector. Our vehicle platforms ranging from 4x4 to 12x12, packed with contemporary Defence specific requirements, including armouring, known for their versatility and durability, remain the backbone of logistics and specialist needs of Armed Forces. As the largest supplier of logistics vehicles to the Indian Army, we take immense pride in supporting our forces and remain committed to delivering these orders on time. Our future Defence order and tender pipeline is also quite robust.”

The 2,900 Gurkha vehicles that Force Motors will supply to the Indian Defence Forces are tailored to meet the diverse operational requirements of both the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force. They are in mission-ready conditions and engineered to perform in demanding defence environments as Light Strike Vehicles (LSV)
The salient properties of the vehicles include a robust build, reliable drivetrain and advanced 4x4 capabilities. Engineered to ensure successful operation in diverse terrains ranging from deserts to mountainous regions, the vehicles add to the count of many vehicles that Force Motors has supplied over the years to the defence forces. These vehicles have excelled in the most extreme environments, offering unparalleled performance, superior ground clearance, the highest water wading capacity in its class and exceptional manoeuvrability. 
Stating that they are honoured to continue our association with the Indian Defence Forces through this substantial order,” Prasan Firodia, Managing Director, Force Motors, mentioned, “Our vehicles are designed with focus on quality, reliability, ruggedness, and performance, aligning perfectly with the operational needs of our defence personnel. This order is a testament to the trust and confidence Indian Defence Forces place in Force Motors.”
 

Eicher Trucks & Buses, part of VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV), has inaugurated its first exclusive dealership for the Eicher Pro X range in Thane, Mumbai.

The new dealership features an interactive digital display and is strategically located around key logistics hub, industrial areas and business districts in the financial capital of India.

The Eicher Pro X is the company’s first electric offering in the small commercial vehicle space, which can be customised (cargo body design, load decks, variants and colour options) to meet the diverse customer needs. 

SS Gill, Chief Commercial Officer, VECV, said, “Today marks a milestone in our journey towards customer excellence. The inauguration of the first Eicher Pro X dealership with AV Motors is not just the unveiling of a new facility, but a testament to our commitment to shaping the future of last mile logistics. This dealership represents the intersection of technology and trust, offering our customers an enhanced experience, backed by best-in-class Eicher Pro X small trucks.”

Ramesh Rajagopalan, EVP, Customer Service, Retail Excellence and Network Development, VECV, said, "The launch of the Eicher Pro X range marks a significant milestone in our journey towards shaping the future of logistics with next-gen, sustainable solutions. The inauguration of the Eicher Pro X exclusive dealership reaffirms our commitment to delivering innovative products and a superior retail and service experience. We wish the AV Motors team the very best as they begin to serve Eicher customers in this region"

The new facility is also connected to Eicher’s Uptime Centre, which enables maximum vehicle availability and operational efficiency. The company shared that its customers will also benefit from highly trained technicians, doorstep service bikes and GPS-enabled on-road breakdown support. The dealership also features dedicated EV charging infrastructure and service bays.

Chennai-based commercial vehicle major Ashok Leyland has denied any plans of finalising to acquire majority stake in SML Isuzu. The company issued the statement as clarification to media reports claiming that talks of a deal among Ashok Leyland, SML Isuzu and Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation were at an advanced stage. 

At present, Sumitomo Corporation has a stake of roughly 44 percent in the Indian unit of Isuzu. In comparison, Isuzu itself holds 15 percent. 

While Ashok Leyland shares shot up by 4 percent based on the reports, SML Isuzu’s indices also rose by 6 percent on the BSE.

In a formal statement addressed to the Stock Exchange, the reports were dismissed as ‘factually incorrect.’ 

SML Isuzu’s expertise in lighter vehicles and Ashok Leyland’s strong position in the commercial vehicle segment would have been ideal and these factors formed the basis for the speculative reports by investors/analysts.

SML Isuzu traces its roots back to 1983 when it was incepted as Swaraj Vehicles to manufacture light commercial vehicles in Punjab. The company currently manufactures trucks, buses and special application vehicles in India.