Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles Ltd (VECV) unveiled an electric light truck at the inaugural edition of Bharat Global Mobility Expo in January 2024. It was the only commercial vehicle manufacturer to unveil a new product. What it was not, was the only commercial vehicle manufacturer to display an alternative fuel technology vehicle. 

If the passenger vehicles are witnessing the influx of new technologies in the alternative fuel technology domain and in ADAS, commercial vehicles (CVs) are quickly catching up. They too are attracting a lot of investment in technology to ensure a lower TCO and higher uptime. A look at the CVs that were launched in the post pandemic period and it would be clear that a lot of new technology on emissions, performance, efficiency, comfort and safety side has gone into CVs. 

CVs also performed very well in terms of sales in the post pandemic period, albeit with a lower base level. They may not have attained the peak of 201-12, their performance was not lacking in lustre either. Segments such as buses showed a smart recovery from a very low base during the pandemic period. In FY2022-23, commercial vehicles recorded a growth of 34 percent with sales of 9,62,000 units as compared to the sale of 7,16,000 units in FY2021-22.

In the 2023 calendar year, 9,78,385 commercial vehicles were sold, marking a single digit growth figure. In the third quarter of FY2023-24, commercial vehicles recorded a growth of 3.5 percent with the sale of 2,35,167 units. While the SIAM President Vinod Aggarwal may have termed the performance in terms of sale of the auto industry as satisfactory, some analysts and observers have began expressing that a slowdown is on the way. 

Leading ‘ratings’ organistion Crisil has mentioned in its recent report that revenue growth of CV makers will moderate to between five and seven percent in the next fiscal despite the operating margins being steady and the realisation being better. 

With stable commodity prices, the moderation of between five to seven percent – against an estimated growth of nine percent in FY2023-24 – is likely be because of a hike in vehicle prices. What is ironic is that the growth moderation is expected to take place despite higher average realisations on the back of better growth in M&HCVs and stable raw material (especially steel, iron and aluminium) price.

With operating margins expected to be a good 10-11 percent in the next fiscal, Crisil’s study of four commercial vehicle manufacturers accounting for over 70 percent of the market share is indicative of a certain moderation in the commercial vehicle space. 

M&HCV demand is contingent upon activity in key end-user infrastructure related sectors — roads, real estate, mining and construction, besides transportation and replacement demand. LCV demand, on the other hand, is dependent on last-mile connectivity and e-commerce players.

The Crisil report takes into consideration the four CV makers that account for over 70 percent of the market share. It states that a vital factor that will lead to growth moderation will be an increase of vehicle prices. 

Says Anuj Sethi, Senior Director, CRISIL Ratings, “Revenue growth of CV makers will be driven by higher realisations next fiscal. We expect domestic revenue growth for M&HCVs to lower to 2-3 percent (~ 5 percent this fiscal), and this too will largely be driven by demand for buses. The likelihood of brief slowdown in infrastructure spending owing to general elections and continuing high interest rates shall impact overall M&HCV growth. Demand for LCVs is seen subdued this fiscal due to high-base effect and moderation in spends by e-commerce players. A similar trend is expected next fiscal as well.”

Domestic sales, accounting for over 90 percent of total volume, are expected to inch closer to the previous peak of ~10 lakh units seen in fiscal 2019. Export volume, however, will continue to be sluggish due to continuing inflationary headwinds and economic slowdown in key markets such as Sri Lanka, Africa, and Latin America.

This fiscal operating margin is seen reaching pre-pandemic peaks of ~10 percent, supported by price hikes to offset higher cost of compliance on emission norms, better realisations due to increased sales of M&HCVs and stable raw material prices. This trend is expected to be sustained next fiscal too. That said, in the event of continued sluggishness in sale volumes, discounts offered by CV makers may increase, and partially impact operating margins.

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Scania Commercial Vehicle India (SCVI) has inaugurated its new corporate office in Bengaluru, marking a significant milestone in strengthening its footprint in the country in the presence of Jan Thesleff, Ambassador of Sweden to India. Also present were Silvio Munhoz, Managing Director, Scania Commercial Vehicles India Pvt Ltd; Martin Stahlberg, Senior Vice President Asia and Oceania at Scania CV AB; senior Scania leaders; key customers; dealer partners, and senior members from Business Sweden and finance partners.
Reinforcing its long-term commitment to India, the new office in Bengaluru follows the launch of Scani Super and the announcement of the White label financing programme in partnership with Axis Bank, which is aimed at providing customers with accessible and competitive financing solutions for purchasing Scania trucks in India.
Confirming that its Regional Product Centre (RPC) in Narasapura will remain fully operational with end-to-end capabilities and support customers with tailored solutions across key segments, SCVI officials mentioned that the recently developments leading up to the inauguration of the office in downtown Bengaluru reflect the Swedish commercial vehicle manufacturer’s continued focus on expanding its presence in India, strengthening its ecosystem and building a more locally anchored and responsive business to meet evolving customer needs.
With uptime, efficiency and business resilience impetus rising, Scania is aiming for greater agility and shorter response times. It is strengthening its market presence and the support ecosystem around customers. The Bengaluru office will play a key role there, enabling stronger collaboration, faster decision-making and superior customer engagement. It will also play a vital role in dealer engagement, engagement with financial institutions and other stakeholders. 
The Bengaluru office will also serve a hub to attract and nurture a strong talent pool, bring together skilled professionals who will drive innovation, operational excellence and long-term growth for the company in India.
Ambassador Thesleff expressed that it is a pleasure to witness this important milestone for Scania in India. “The inauguration of the new Bengaluru office reflects not only Scania’s continued commitment to the market but also a strong vote of confidence in India’s growth and long-term potential,” he added.
Reflecting on Sweden and India sharing a deep and expanding partnership, building a collaborative atmosphere across trades and in innovation and sustainability, Thesleff said, “The new Scania office in Bengaluru underscores the Swedish manufacturer’s focus on future-ready mobility solutions and sustainable development as well.” 
Munhoz stated that India is a strategically important market for Scania and the focus is on building a business that is closer to customers, is faster in response and stronger in execution. 
“The new Bengaluru office not only enhances our ability to collaborate more closely with customers and partners but also strengthens our access to a highly skilled talent pool, enabling us to build a future-ready organisation,” he added. 
Martin Stahlberg, Senior Vice President Asia and Oceania at Scania CV AB, articulated, “From a global perspective, India represents a key market for Scania’s long-term growth and capability development. The inauguration of our Bengaluru office reflects our commitment to strengthening our local presence while enhancing how we support customers and partners in the region.” “This milestone reinforces our focus on building sustainable capabilities and delivering long-term value in markets that are central to Scania’s global growth journey,” he stressed. 
Located in the heart of Bengaluru, the Scania office in Bengaluru will serve as a hub for key functions, supporting closer coordination across teams and enabling greater agility and responsiveness in a market that continues to be central to Scania’s regional ambitions.
The new office was inaugurated in the presence of senior Scania leadership, key customers, dealer partners, senior members from Business Sweden and finance partners. Designed in line with the Scania Way and Swedish open work culture, the office features collaborative layouts, functional design, and sustainability-focused elements such as energy-efficient lighting, climate control systems, and the use of sustainable and recyclable materials where feasible.
 

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Ashok Leyland has launched 'Twin Fuel' variants of the Dost and Dost+ XL pickup trucks in an effort to deliver sustainable customer-centric mobility solutions. The models are equipped with advanced technology that allows seamless switching between Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and petrol, offering customers unmatched flexibility and peace of mind. The Twin Fuel technology addresses one of the most pressing concerns for CNG vehicle users – range anxiety and the fear of not finding a CNG pump along their route. With dual-fuel capability, customers can seamlessly switch between CNG and Petrol, ensuring uninterrupted journeys and the freedom to travel longer distances without compromise mentioned Amandeep Singh, President – LCV, IO, Defence & Power Solutions, Ashok Leyland, at the launch. 
"The launch of our Twin Fuel Dost and Dost+ XL is a significant step in our journey towards sustainable and customer-focused innovation," he explained. "We believe this will set new benchmarks in the LCV segment and reinforce our leadership in providing future-ready mobility solutions," Singh observed.  
Viplav Shah, Head - LCV Business, Ashok Leyland, expressed, "The Dost range already has the trust of hundreds of thousands of small businesses. With the introduction of TWIN FUEL variants, we are empowering small businesses and fleet operators with greater choice and efficiency. The vehicles are designed to provide operational flexibility by running on CNG for cost efficiency and petrol for extended range and eliminating availability anxiety, while delivering lower emissions that reduce the carbon footprint and support India’s sustainability goals. We believe this innovation will resonate strongly with entrepreneurs and fleet operators across India."

Distinguishing itself with a benchmark payload capacity of 1218 kg, an extended driving range of 400 km and having a large CNG tank of 120 litres, the twin fuel Dost comes with an additional petrol tank of five litres as a back up fuel supply. In the case of Twin Fuel Dost+ XL, the payload is of 1410 kg, the CNG tank is of 148 litres and an additional petrol tank is of five litres. The resultant range that is delivered is a good 500 km, addressing a key challenge faced by urban and semi-urban logistics operators, last-mile delivery businesses and small enterprises. 

The Twin Fuel Dost is priced at INR 820,ooo ex-showroom and the Twin Fuel Dost+ XL is priced upwards of INR 875,000 ex-showroom. 

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Tata Motors Ltd has rolled out the one millionth commercial vehicle from its Lucknow facility, commemorating more than three-and-a-half decades of its presence in Uttar Pradesh and its contribution to industrial excellence, economic growth, skill development and sustained livelihood creation. 
At a time when India’s commercial vehicle industry is undergoing rapid transformation towards cleaner, smarter and more efficient mobility solutions, this milestone underscores Tata Motors’ leadership in shaping the future of mobility. The milestone vehicle, a zero-emission electric bus, highlighted the shared commitment of Uttar Pradesh and Tata Motors to green mobility, aligned with the state’s net-zero 2070 vision and the company’s net-zero target of 2045. It was flagged off by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, and N Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons Ltd, in the presence of the Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak; Girish Wagh, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Tata Motors Ltd, and eminent ministers as well as public representatives. Also present were senior bureaucrats, government officials and senior leaders from Tata Motors.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said, “The rollout of 10 lakh trucks and buses from Tata Motors’ Lucknow facility is a moment of pride for the entire state. It is a recognition of the state’s capabilities and immense potential, as well as of its talented people. Our vision is to transform Uttar Pradesh into a one trillion-dollar economy, with industry and entrepreneurs playing a pivotal role in this journey. The state offers a conducive ecosystem for scalable businesses, supported by a vast consumer market, a young, skilled workforce and seamless connectivity.” “Tata Motors’ success in Uttar Pradesh reflects the strength of this ecosystem and reinforces our commitment to fostering responsible industrial growth, creating jobs, building skills and advancing sustainable socioeconomic development,” he added. 
Established in 1992, Tata Motors’ Lucknow facility has evolved into one of its most significant commercial vehicles manufacturing hubs, producing trucks and buses that meet global standards across multiple powertrains, including zero emission electric and fuel cell electric vehicles. Spread over 600 acres, the plant combines manufacturing scale with a strong focus on people and sustainability—supporting over 8,000 livelihoods, building industry relevant skills through flagship training programmes, and operating as a water positive facility powered by 100 percent renewable energy, underscoring Tata Motors’ commitment to inclusive growth and sustainability ingrained responsible industrialisation. 
The facility also supports a robust supplier ecosystem, enabling MSMEs and ancillary industries across Uttar Pradesh and beyond. Speaking on the occasion, Chandrasekaran averred, “The production of Tata Motors’ 10th lakh (one millionth) commercial vehicle from its Lucknow facility reflects the strength of our longstanding partnership with Uttar Pradesh. Over more than three decades, this collaboration has demonstrated how industry, government and communities can come together to drive industrial excellence, create livelihoods and build capabilities at scale. We are deeply grateful to the Hon’ble Chief Minister and the entire state for their continued support and for fostering a progressive, growth-oriented approach. As Uttar Pradesh accelerates its journey towards sustainable and inclusive growth, we remain firmly committed to contributing to its progress and to shaping a future ready mobility ecosystem.”
The landmark production milestone of 10 lakh (one million) vehicles underscores Tata Motors’ enduring commitment to Uttar Pradesh—anchored in manufacturing excellence, people-centric growth and responsible industrialisation. As the company advances its net zero journey, the Lucknow plant will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping a cleaner, smarter and more sustainable mobility future for India. It is the only Tata Motors’ plant that produces trucks and buses. Commercial vehicles above four tonnes and up to 55 tonnes are made at the plant on Dewa Road to the north of Lucknow city. 
The integrated facility produced around 56,000 vehicles last year and is structured such that trucks and bus chassis are made in one half of the plant. Bus bodies are built in the other half and sent to the other half to be married with the chassis. The ratio of buses and trucks produced is 25:75. The integrated facility also has a vendor park that houses Tata Group suppliers under Tata AutoComp. There are other vendors that have facilities in the vicinity of the plant as well. 

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Bajaj Auto has introduced its range of electric three-wheelers under the Bajaj WEGO brand. The portfolio includes multiple passenger and cargo variants, positioning it as a significant entry in the Indian electric three-wheeler segment.

The e-three-wheelers utilise an electric drivetrain featuring a two-speed auto transmission, a battery management system and regenerative braking technology.

The passenger line-up is divided into three categories based on range and application. The 50 Series (P5009, P5012) is intended for intra-city use, offering ARAI-certified ranges of 213km and 272km, with prices starting at INR 311,908. The 70 Series (P7009, P7012) is designed for shared urban commuting, providing ranges of 182km and 259km at prices from INR 323,001. The 90 Series (P9018) serves semi-urban and rural shared mobility requirements with a range of 296km, priced at INR 448,303.

For the logistics sector, the C9009 and C9012 cargo variants are built for last-mile delivery, offering ranges of 149km and 207km, with pricing starting at INR 387,371. Technical features across the range include hill hold, climb mode, Bluetooth connectivity and a digital LCD cluster. The vehicles are supported by a 5-year warranty and a service network of over 1,500 touchpoints.

Samardeep Subandh, President - Intra-City Business, Bajaj Auto, said, “With Bajaj Wego, we are launching the most comprehensive range of electric three-wheelers under a single brand. Each product is purpose-built to meet the distinct needs of diverse customer segments. The P50 series is optimised for high-frequency operations in congested urban environments, the P90 series is designed for longer distances and higher capacities and the C90 series delivers high range and loading ability for intra-city goods transport. Bajaj Wego is poised to play a transformative role in the three-wheeler segment by offering customers the right product for their specific needs.”

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