Greaves Cotton, a leading diversified engineering company, has announced the appointment of Ramachandra Puttanna as the new Business Head for EV Solutions & New Businesses within Greaves Retail.

In his new role, Puttanna will be responsible for driving the strategic growth plan for Greaves Retail’s electric vehicle (EV) components and new verticals. He will report to Narasimha Jayakumar, CEO, Greaves Retail, as Greaves continues to advance its strategy in sustainable mobility solutions across India.  

Greaves Retail is focussing on being a fuel-agnostic provider, delivering comprehensive sales, service, and spare parts solutions across three-wheelers (3W), two-wheelers (2W), small commercial vehicles (SCVs), electric vehicles (EVs), and construction equipment.

The company specialises in ensuring high vehicle uptime and maximised asset productivity, positioning it among the top three in the aftermarket segment. 

Puttanna come with over 35 years of extensive experience and has worked with companies such as Fenner India, Bosch India, Oman Trading, Magneti Marelli, and ZF Group.

Most recently, he served as Vice-President of the Aftermarket business at ZF Group, where he managed operations across India and the SAARC regions.

He is a Mechanical Engineering graduate from Mysore University, Puttanna has furthered his education with a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management (Marketing) from Bangalore University and an Advanced Program in Business Management from IIM Bangalore.  

“I am honoured to join Greaves Cotton at this pivotal stage in the company’s journey towards sustainable mobility. I look forward to leveraging my experience to drive the growth of Greaves Retail’s new businesses and enhance our offerings for a broader range of customers,” said Puttanna.

Narasimha Jayakumar, CEO, Greaves Retail, said, “We are thrilled to have Ramachandra join us. His proven track record aligns well with our commitment to customer-centric, innovative solutions. Ramachandra’s leadership will be instrumental in advancing Greaves Retail’s new businesses.”

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Delhi-NCR-based electric vehicle company Omega Seiki Mobility (OSM) has introduced its RAGE+ Tipper electric three-wheeler with Hydraulics at Municipalika 2026, priced at INR 450,000 (ex-showroom).

The EV is designed for use by municipal corporations, urban local bodies and government sanitation departments. It is part of the Business-to-Government (B2G) segment, aimed at supporting waste management in high-density urban zones.

OSM has already supplied over 200 electric garbage tippers across India and maintains an order book of 500 vehicles. The company plans to deploy 1,000 tippers in the 2026–27 financial year.

The RAGE+ Tipper is engineered for the operational cycles required by civic authorities. It features an all-metal body and a hydraulic tipping mechanism to facilitate waste unloading. The e-three-wheeler has a claimed range of 250 km on a single charge. It features 15 kWh battery pack, 500 kg load-carrying capacity, IP67-rated charger for weather resistance and comes with 5 years or 200,000 kilometres warranty.

The transition to electric fleets for waste collection is supported by national sustainability targets, such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. These vehicles are intended to lower operating costs and reduce noise and carbon emissions in city environments compared to internal combustion engine alternatives.

Vivek Dhawan, Chief Strategy Officer, Omega Seiki, said, “Municipal mobility is at the heart of India’s sustainability journey. The RAGE+ Tipper reflects our commitment to building robust, zero-emission solutions tailored specifically for urban sanitation needs. With the longest range in its category and an industry-leading warranty, we are enabling municipalities to adopt electric mobility with confidence and long-term economic viability.”

Ashhar Idris, VP – Sales, Omega Seiki, added, “Our focus has been to engineer a product that delivers operational reliability and superior value for government partners. The RAGE+ Tipper not only reduces fuel and maintenance costs but also ensures uninterrupted daily operations with its large battery pack and durable metal body. Municipalika 2026 provides the perfect platform to demonstrate how OSM is driving practical and scalable electric solutions for cities.”

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Zaggle Prepaid Ocean Services has launched a closed-loop CNG fleet card programme in partnership with Adani Total Gas (ATGL). The technology platform was introduced during a CNG drive in Ahmedabad, organised by ATGL and Hyundai Motor India to promote fuel adoption and mobility.

The programme utilises a SaaS and payment infrastructure to manage transactions across the CNG ecosystem. As part of the launch, ATGL presented the Zaggle CNG Benefit Card to Hyundai India and new car owners, providing refuelling benefits of up to INR 15,000 over one year.

The solution integrates real-time vehicle validation via the Parivahan database and uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to authenticate vehicle and transaction details. The platform supports split-payment functionality, allowing for the utilisation of incentives during fuel purchases.

Key features of the platform include:

• Fleet Management: Virtual accounts for funding and real-time limit management for operators.
• Payment Hardware: Android mPOS deployment and Tap & Pay prepaid cards at ATGL outlets.
• Analytics: Dashboards for administrators and fleet owners providing real-time data.
• Onboarding: Automated systems for OEMs and retrofitters to add vehicles to the fleet network.

The closed-loop framework ensures that incentives are redeemed strictly within the ATGL ecosystem, intended to drive recurring spend and improve governance.

Dr Raj P. Narayanam, Founder & Executive Chairman, Zaggle, said, “Our collaboration with ATGL reflects Zaggle’s evolution into a technology-led ecosystem enabler. By integrating compliance architecture, real-time validation and structured incentive management within a closed-loop framework, we are not only digitizing fuel payments but also building a scalable platform that supports India’s transition toward cleaner and more efficient mobility. At Zaggle, we remain committed to empowering customers with smart financial solutions that complement sustainable lifestyle choices.”

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The Renault 5 E-Tech electric has been named the overall UK Car of the Year 2026, securing the top honour from the UK Car of the Year Awards. This accolade follows its earlier win in the Small Car of the Year category. The decision was made by an independent jury of more than 30 leading UK-based automotive journalists, who selected the model as the definitive winner after final voting against other category champions.

Celebrated for its standout design and real-world appeal, the Renault 5 E-Tech electric impressed judges with its successful fusion of retro-inspired aesthetics and modern practicality. The vehicle offers an engaging driving experience paired with efficient everyday usability, qualities that have broad resonance with both private buyers and fleet operators. The award underscores the car’s status as a landmark electric vehicle in the UK market, arriving at a time when accessible and desirable EVs are increasingly in demand.

The Renault 5 E-Tech electric revitalises a cherished nameplate by integrating contemporary technology into a compact, user-friendly package. It features the OpenR Link infotainment system with built-in Google services, a chassis engineered for a balance of agility and comfort and convenient charging options. Depending on the specification, it delivers up to 252 miles (approximately 405 km) of WLTP-rated range and can complete a 15 to 80 percent charge in roughly half an hour.

This year’s UK Car of the Year Awards are supported by Start Rescue, a breakdown assistance provider recognised for its service reliability, having recently earned its seventh consecutive Which? Recommended Provider rating. The Renault 5 E-Tech is currently available with the full GBP 3,750 (USD 5,070) Electric Car Grant, with an on-the-road starting price of GBP 21,495 (USD 29,062).

John Challen, Co-Chairman of the UK Car of the Year Awards and Editor of UK Driver magazine, said, “With its retro styling, the new Renault 5 tugs at the heart strings of those drivers who experienced the original. By adding an immensely fun and entertaining drive, desirability and affordability to that nostalgic element, the French favourite pulled off a resounding victory to be crowned UK Car of the Year 2026.”

Adam Wood, Managing Director, Renault UK, said, “With so many experienced automotive journalists voting for R5 as the UK Car of the Year, the award is something we’re very proud of. It has really hit the spot with retail and fleet customers, and with 2026 being the first full year of sales, plus it being one of the very few EVs to qualify for the full £3,750 Electric Car Grant, R5 is well on its way to being a very common sight on our roads.”

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Dacia is expanding its lineup with the introduction of a new hybrid 150 4x4 powertrain for the Duster and Bigster models, scheduled for release later this year. This development reinforces the brand’s commitment to producing robust and capable SUVs that integrate practicality with everyday usability. The new system is tailored for those who value spontaneity and versatility, offering the flexibility to navigate daily routines as easily as weekend adventures off the usual paths.

By combining electrified efficiency with all-wheel drive capability, the hybrid 150 4x4 enhances the adaptability of both vehicles. It is engineered to perform across a variety of settings, from urban commuting and school pickups to more demanding environments like unpaved tracks and wintry roads. The setup includes a 48V mild hybrid system that supports electric driving, with a combustion engine producing 150 hp and 230 Nm of torque, supplemented by an electric motor contributing an additional 87 Nm.

A six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission manages power delivery, with paddle shifters allowing drivers to take manual control when conditions require it. This feature adds a layer of responsiveness for those navigating difficult terrain, towing or simply seeking a more engaged driving experience. The integration of these elements underscores Dacia’s focus on dependable, adventure-ready vehicles.

Further information regarding UK specifications and market availability will be released in the coming months, leading up to the official launch.

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