ZF Group has taken a prominent position at Prawaas 5.0, India’s premier multimodal transport exhibition, currently underway in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The event, hosted by the Bus and Car Operators Confederation of India (BOCI), runs from 9 to 11 July 2026 at the Helipad Exhibition Centre, gathering industry leaders, government officials and technology providers to deliberate on the future of mobility.

ZF Group is presenting an extensive array of Original Equipment and Aftermarket solutions aimed at accelerating India's shift towards safer roads and cleaner commercial transportation. The company's exhibit spans electrification, braking systems, chassis engineering, advanced safety features and digital connectivity, underscoring its strategic intent to equip the Indian market with innovations that enhance performance and environmental sustainability.

A standout feature is the AxTrax 2, an integrated electric axle for light and medium-duty buses that consolidates the electric motor, inverter, electronic control unit and transmission into a compact housing. This system delivers high efficiency and power output, making it suitable for battery-electric, fuel-cell and trolley bus applications, thereby facilitating local zero-emission public transport.

Complementing this is the RL82A front axle system for city buses, featuring a low-floor design with a wide centre aisle and steering angles up to 55 degrees for improved manoeuvrability in congested settings. The system also incorporates low-maintenance construction and internally ventilated disc brakes, enhancing passenger comfort and active safety in demanding urban environments.

Additional offerings include Door Control Solutions with clamping protection and emergency functions, along with advanced driver assistance systems, electronic braking and stability controls, tyre pressure monitoring and connected technologies like Bus Connect. The Aftermarket division presents fleet-oriented products including 360-degree camera systems, brake components and maintenance essentials to ensure vehicle uptime and lifecycle reliability.

ZF Group India’s leadership is also contributing to industry conversations – Paramjit Singh Chadha, Senior Vice President, ZF Group, will be a lead panellist at the session ‘Electrifying School Bus Transport for a Cleaner Future’, held on 10 July. Through its comprehensive presence at Prawaas 5.0, ZF is reinforcing its dedication to India’s public transport evolution, showcasing safer, cleaner and more connected mobility solutions at Booth 12 A6C.

Akash Passey, President, ZF Group India, said, "India's public transport ecosystem is undergoing a fundamental transformation, driven by rapid urbanisation, sustainability goals and an increasing focus on road safety and operational efficiency. At ZF, we are enabling this transition by bringing together globally proven technologies and local engineering expertise to support our customers across every stage of their mobility journey. Our participation at Prawaas 5.0 reflects our commitment to delivering integrated solutions that not only address today's transportation challenges but also lay the foundation for a connected, electrified and software-driven future for commercial vehicles in India."

Paramjit Singh Chadha, Senior Vice President, ZF CVS India,  said, "The future of bus mobility will be defined by intelligent systems that seamlessly integrate safety, electrification, connectivity and vehicle control. At ZF, we are developing scalable technologies that help OEMs and fleet operators improve vehicle performance, passenger safety, operational uptime and total cost of ownership while preparing for the next generation of commercial vehicles. Through our comprehensive portfolio showcased at Prawaas 5.0, we continue to support India's transition towards smarter and more sustainable public transportation."

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Mahindra Tractors, the leading tractor brand in India and a key entity within the Mahindra Group, has inaugurated a vibrant new brand campaign specifically for the Punjab market. The initiative, titled ‘Duniya Vich Ikko Lalkaar’, was formally launched at a Chandigarh event, headlined by the release of a high-energy music video named ‘Oh Ho Ho Ho’. This contemporary track is a reimagination of Sukhbir Singh’s iconic 1999 hit, ‘Ishq Tera Tadpave’.

The newly released video is a cinematic tour across Punjab, designed to visually represent the scale, advanced technology and robust power of Mahindra’s agricultural machinery. It features prominent artists, including the celebrated ‘Prince of Bhangra’, Sukhbir Singh, alongside rapper and director Parmish Verma. This launch serves as the initial phase of a larger, multi-platform campaign intended to resonate with local audiences by celebrating regional pride and a forward-looking mindset.

At its core, the campaign aims to honour the ambitious and entrepreneurial character of Punjab’s populace while underscoring the brand’s substantial legacy and deep ties to the region. The initiative recognises Punjab’s status as a globally significant agrarian hub and seeks to reinforce the trust that Mahindra has cultivated with local farmers through decades of collaborative growth and mutual progress.

This enduring relationship has allowed Mahindra to stay attuned to the evolving agricultural demands of the state. The company’s commitment to innovation is exemplified by its award-winning tractor platforms, including the NOVO, ARJUN and YUVO TECH+ series. These machines are specifically engineered to provide the power, performance and durability necessary to support the highly progressive farming economy prevalent across Punjab.

Parikshit Ghosh, Sr Vice President & Head – Marketing & National Business Operations, Mahindra Tractors, said, “Mahindra Tractors is a global brand born in India, trusted by farmers across markets and recognised for its power, technology and performance. Through Duniya Vich Ikko Lalkaar, we are celebrating the shared spirit of ambition, confidence and global influence that defines both Mahindra Tractors and Punjabi music. This is an expression of our global offerings, bringing together culture and creativity to connect with audiences in a way that is contemporary and unmistakably Punjabi.”

Sukhbir Singh said, "Growing up, Mahindra Tractors was a common sight on farms, and over the years I have watched this brand become a global success story while staying deeply connected to Indian farming. This journey of Mahindra Tractors resonates strongly with me personally. I am delighted to collaborate with this powerful brand on Duniya Vich Ikko Lalkaar. It was exciting to recreate my song with these campaign lyrics that celebrate the passion, pride and global influence that both Punjab and Mahindra Tractors share."

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The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued a draft notification proposing amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, to introduce Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communication systems in motor vehicles across India.

Under the proposed regulatory schedule, vehicles in categories L, M and N manufactured on or after 1 October 2027 that are fitted with V2V hardware must comply with Automotive Industry Standard 230 (AIS-230). Compliance and mandatory installation of V2V communication systems conforming to AIS-230 will be required for all manufactured vehicles in categories L, M and N from 1 October 2028.

V2V systems enable vehicles to exchange data regarding speed, position, direction and acceleration. The technology provides alerts for safety scenarios including emergency braking, forward collision risks, lane changes and approaching emergency vehicles beyond line-of-sight visibility, acting alongside Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

The technical framework operates on Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) technology utilising the 5.875 GHz to 5.925 GHz frequency spectrum. The Department of Telecommunications exempted this frequency band from licensing requirements via notification G.S.R. 466(E) on 10 June 2026, following recommendations from a dedicated Intelligent Transportation Systems task force.

The AIS-230 standard was finalised following the 56th meeting of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules Technical Standing Committee on 7 May 2026. The standard defines requirements for factory-installed On-Board Units, covering radio performance, receiver sensitivity, Global Navigation Satellite System positioning accuracy, electromagnetic compatibility, cybersecurity provisions and power supply operations. The framework also supports safety alerts including Emergency Brake Alert, Forward Collision Warning, Wrong-way Driving and Emergency Vehicle Alert.

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German steel and technology group Salzgitter has agreed to sell its subsidiary Klockner DESMA Elastomertechnik to German-French industrial group NAME & MAWI Partners S.A.S. (NMP). The transaction forms part of Salzgitter's corporate portfolio adjustments under its ‘Salzgitter AG 2030’ strategy.

The company has not disclosed the financial terms of the transaction, while the completion of the sale is expected in autumn 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.

Headquartered in Fridingen, Baden-Württemberg, Klockner DESMA Elastomertechnik operates within Salzgitter's Technology Business Unit. Founded in 1965, the company manufactures injection moulding machines for rubber and silicone products, employing more than 500 people globally. Its product scope includes mould systems, cold runner systems and automation equipment used across automotive manufacturing, power distribution, medical technology and infrastructure sectors.

Gunnar Groebler, CEO, Salzgitter, said, "The decision to sell Klockner DESMA Elastomertechnik follows a careful strategic review and forms part of the group’s consistent portfolio management.”

The idea is to advance the implementation of its 2030 Group strategy while creating long-term and sustainable prospects for its portfolio companies.

Groebler noted that Salzgitter is convinced Klockner DESMA Elastomertechnik will have ‘strong conditions for further development under its new owner, NMP.’

He concluded that the transaction ‘benefits both the company and its employees by providing a clear vision for the future.’

NMP, headquartered in Weil der Stadt, Germany, and Strasbourg, France, operates 10 companies with 500 employees across Germany, France, Switzerland and Slovakia. The group specialises in splitting, skiving and cutting machinery for materials used in the leather, rubber, footwear and packaging sectors.

Narith Meksavanh, CEO, NMP Group, said that group’s strategic focus on quality and customer service has supported steady growth over the past decade.

He added that NMP is seeking to ‘expand production capacity and strengthen its international sales network in order to meet growing customer demand.’

The acquisition serves both as an opportunity and a solution that will help NMP address industrial challenges by using the capabilities available at DESMA’s locations.

The combined operations further strengthens its market position, particularly in high-growth markets such as the United States, India and China.

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Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has facilitated a landmark achievement in accessible mobility through its ‘Samarth by Hyundai’ initiative. The company supported international para-athlete Chandeep Singh in completing a record-setting cross-country drive spanning over 7,000 kilometres. The expedition, undertaken in a specially modified Hyundai CRETA, saw Singh successfully traverse from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and back to the starting point.

This arduous journey stands as one of the longest transcontinental drives ever undertaken by a para-athlete in India. The customised vehicle proved instrumental as Singh traversed a vast array of challenging terrains and severe climatic conditions. His successful completion of the route not only demonstrated exceptional personal endurance but also served as a powerful testament to the principle that mobility solutions should enable all individuals to chase their goals without barriers.

Consequently, Singh’s feat has earned him a distinguished place in the Golden Book of Records. Beyond this personal victory, the expedition solidifies HMIL’s ongoing dedication to social progress and inclusive mobility. Through ‘Samarth by Hyundai,’ the company continues to champion interventions that improve accessibility, ensure equal opportunities, and empower persons with disabilities.

Virat Khullar, Head – Marketing, HMIL, said, “At Hyundai Motor India, we believe mobility is about empowering people and enabling possibilities. Through our ‘Samarth by Hyundai’ initiative, we are committed to creating a more inclusive and accessible ecosystem where every individual can dream bigger and achieve more. Chandeep Singh’s remarkable journey is a powerful testament to the indomitable human spirit, resilience and determination. We are honoured to have supported him in this historic achievement, which not only finds a place in the Golden Book of Records but also inspires millions across the country to redefine what is possible.”

Singh said, “Completing this 7,000+ km drive from Jammu to Kanyakumari and back, and securing a place in the Golden Book of Records, is a dream realised through years of relentless preparation, grit and belief. This journey was never just about setting a record; it was about showing every person that with determination, the right support and accessible technology, no destination is out of reach. The specially adapted Hyundai CRETA performed flawlessly across every terrain, truly becoming an extension of my body and spirit. I am deeply grateful to Samarth by Hyundai for believing in my vision and helping turn what seemed impossible into a reality for India. Furthermore, I am also grateful to Hyundai dealership network for their unwavering support throughout this remarkable journey.”

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