Starting at a price INR 785,000, Mahindra & Mahindra has launched an all-New Bolero MaXX Pik-Up range engineered to offer path-breaking features and performance. Offering an unprecedented value proposition to customers and operators who are in the e-commerce space, in the cargo space, in the perishable cargo space such as vegetables and fisheries, and in the market load space, the new pick-up range presents new benchmarks for payload capacity, fuel efficiency, safety and overall driving experience. 

Carrying over the core values and strengths of robustness, toughness, reliability, low maintenance and high resale value that are synonymous with the Bolero DNA, the new range has been segregated in two groups. One group of models with a payload capacity ranging from 1.3-tonne to 1.5-tonne is termed as the city range and aimed at last-mile delivery applications. The other group of models with a payload capacity ranging from 1.7-tonne to 2-tonne are termed as the HD range and aimed at applications like long-distance carriage of perishable good, market loads and others.  

Upgrading the 80 hp 2.6-litre diesel engine and CNG engine of the same displacement capacity that does 68 hp to meet the BS VI Phase 2 emission regulations, the company has executed lightweighting changes to the entire architecture to ensure higher payload and better fuel efficiency without sacrificing the intrinsic robustness of the vehicle. The cabin has been revamped to be wider and flaunt a new fascia outside as well as a new dashboard inside. The dash contains an infotainment screen at the top centre, which in turn points at the introduction of a comprehensive telematics suite called iMaxx. Spacious inside and compact outside, the cabin also provides easy ingress. 

Riding on 15-inch and 17-inch dia. tyres, the new Bolero MaXX Pik-Up range benefits for less noise and vibration, better weight distribution, high deck sides, wider wheel track and better stability. Offering load decks that measure up to 10 ft in length, the vehicle range is expected to further strengthened the hold of Mahindra & Mahindra on the pick-up truck market in India – it is claimed to have a 66 percent market share – where it has sold more than two million Pik-Up units since the brand was first launched, the Bolero Maxx Pik-Up range has got side and rear under-run protection to enhance safety. 

Veejay Nakra, President, Automotive Division, M&M, said, “As a company deeply committed to the 'Make in India' initiative, we take immense pride in pioneering and developing products that are not only customer centric but also reflect our commitment to contribute towards India's economic growth. At Mahindra, we constantly strive to enrich the lives of our customers by providing them with versatile vehicles that enable growth and prosperity. The all-new Bolero MaXX Pik-up range offers state-of-the-art features, unmatched power, maximum payload capacities and higher mileage, promising that each journey is productive and fatigue-free for drivers. It stands out as the worthy choice for anyone looking for a truly MaXXimum experience. With this product range we are glad to showcase Mahindra’s unwavering commitment to delivering unparalleled value to customers and establishing new standards of excellence within the pick-up segment.”  

R. Velusamy, President, Automotive Technology and Product Development, M&M, said, "The development of the highly versatile new platform that underpins the All-New Bolero MaXX Pik-Up range is the outcome of over three years of innovative work by a dedicated team of engineers at Mahindra Research Valley. The breakthrough aspect is the ability to offer two series of products of differing cargo lengths and payload capacities ranging from 1.3t to 2t, thereby maximizing efficiency and productivity, while also offering the choice of diesel and CNG. We have significantly upgraded the m2Di engine for this application, by increasing torque and power to cater to payloads of up to 2t, while also offering impressive fuel efficiency. At the same time, we have integrated car-like iMAXX connectivity technology, which is a first in segment. All these winning features combine to make the All-New Bolero MaXX Pik-Up range deliver increased productivity and earning potential while enhancing the driving experience for our customers.” 

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Bombay Logistics has flagged off a fleet of liquefied natural gas heavy-duty trucks manufactured by Blue Energy Motors for commercial operations in Karnataka. The vehicles will operate in the Toranagallu region to support industrial freight transport for JSW Steel.

The LNG trucks are said to offer up to 20 percent higher fuel efficiency compared to conventional fuel equivalents, reducing carbon intensity across long-haul freight operations.

Thimmaraj Kakarla, Managing Partner, Bombay Logistics, said, “For us, the move to LNG is about finding a practical solution that works on the road and makes commercial sense. The performance and fuel efficiency of the Blue Energy Motors trucks were important considerations, while the Blue Energy Motors team’s support throughout the deployment, from vehicle handover and route planning to on-ground assistance, made the transition seamless. As these trucks begin operations for JSW Steel, we see this as a meaningful step towards improving operating efficiency while reducing the carbon footprint of our freight movement.”

Anand Mimani, CEO of EV and New Energy, Blue Energy Motors, said, “We are pleased to support Bombay Logistics in deploying our LNG trucks for demanding industrial operations. For us, the priority is simple: deliver the performance and reliability the customer needs while making the shift to cleaner freight practical.”

At present, Blue Energy Motors maintains an operational fleet of over 1,400 alternative-fuel trucks across Indian freight corridors. The company says these vehicles have recorded over 100 million kilometres and reduced carbon dioxide emissions by more than 30,000 tonnes.

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Ashok Leyland’s battery pack manufacturing plans are designed to boost vehicle integration and open new revenue streams, not just cut costs or meet local-sourcing rules, said Chief Executive Officer Shenu Agarwal during the company’s Q1 FY27 financial results announcement.

The Hinduja Group-controlled truckmaker is building a battery pack plant in Tamil Nadu, with production slated to start in 2027. The facility, located in the SIPCOT Pillaipakkam Industrial Park near Chennai, forms the first phase of a broader INR 75 billion commitment by the group.

Speaking to Motoring Trends on the same, Agarwal's said, “Don't look at the battery pack business just from a cost perspective or localisation perspective. The company will meet local-content requirements to the extent that we can make it more efficient.”

He added that the company is designing its own battery packs and battery management systems in-house, which will let the company integrate it better into its vehicles and create a total cost of ownership advantage for the customer.

The strategy also extends beyond Ashok Leyland's own line-up. “We are also evaluating how to supply the solutions to other automotive players,” Agarwal said, while pointing to rising demand for battery energy storage systems as a separate growth avenue.

“This battery pack business has multiple dimensions,” he noted, adding that the initiative is meant to enhance value for truck and bus customers rather than serve as a narrow cost play.

Earnings call

Ashok Leyland posted a record first quarter with strong domestic commercial-vehicle demand helping the automaker withstand disruptions in international markets and broader geo-political uncertainty.

The company achieved its highest-ever first-quarter revenue, profit before tax and net profit, while its cash position improved by INR 14.31 billion from a year earlier, net of dividend, capital expenditure and investments in group companies, Executive Chairman Dheeraj Hinduja said.

“The business environment tested the robustness of our processes and resilience of our teams and partners. Ashok Leyland has come out stronger, achieving new peaks,” Hinduja said.

Domestic commercial-vehicle industry volumes grew in double digits during the quarter with Ashok Leyland's medium and heavy commercial vehicle truck volumes rising 15 percent from a year earlier.

Domestic light commercial vehicle volumes reached a record 18,874 units, while the company’s overall commercial-vehicle volumes increased 10 percent year-on-year, Hinduja said.

The company also maintained its 14th consecutive quarter of double-digit EBITDA margin underscoring its focus on profitable growth, he said.

Non-commercial vehicle businesses including aftermarket, engines and defence also reported healthy performance, Hinduja said. The company continued to invest in products and manufacturing capabilities including the launch of multi-axle trucks equipped with air suspension, which offers higher payload and lower TCO.

Ashok Leyland also launched a 12-meter fuel-cell bus, which Hinduja described as an industry first.

Its electric mobility subsidiary Switch India recently secured an order for 650 electric buses, while the group’s financing businesses, Hinduja Leyland Finance and Hinduja Finance, reported assets-under-management growth of 20 percent and 13 percent, respectively.

The company remains cautious about global uncertainties but is confident of navigating them on the back of the stronger foundation built in recent years, Hinduja said.

“It was satisfying to see the company deliver in the face of challenges presented by global uncertainties. Our performance demonstrated that the business model we have developed can absorb shocks,” he said.

“We remain cautious of global uncertainties but we are confident of navigating these based on the strong foundation we have built over the last few years,” Hinduja added.

The comments come as Ashok Leyland's international commercial-vehicle volumes fell to 2,461 units in the first quarter from 3,011 a year earlier, primarily because of the crisis in West Asia. Growth in South Asia and Africa partly offset the decline with the company seeing stronger momentum from June.

Hinduja said the company’s domestic performance demonstrates the strength of India's commercial-vehicle market and gives it confidence in its ability to sustain growth despite external volatility.

Ashok Leyland’s battery strategy comes as the company strengthens its portfolio amid robust domestic demand and global uncertainty. By developing battery packs and management systems in-house, the automaker aims to capture more value across the electric-vehicle ecosystem, while exploring external customers and energy-storage applications as additional growth opportunities beyond its core vehicle business.

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Mahindra Truck and Bus, a division of the Mahindra Group, has introduced the Mahindra Blazo i-TRK heavy commercial vehicle range in India.

The vehicle range features Mahindra's 320hp mPOWER engine and the iMAXX 2.0 fleet telematics platform.

The company says the new Blazo i-TRK delivers up to 10 percent higher fuel efficiency compared to previous models. Mahindra has also introduced a 48-hour uptime guarantee for the vehicle range, offering a compensation scheme of INR 10,000 per day in cases where service timelines are not met.

The telematics platform connects vehicle systems to provide fleet operators with operational data, remote monitoring capabilities and maintenance management tools. The integration of connected vehicle technology is intended to support freight movement and fleet productivity across Indian transport routes.

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Eicher Trucks & Buses, a division of VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV), has inaugurated its 11^th Regional Competence Development Centre (RCDC) at Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology (DCRUST) in Murthal, Haryana. The facility was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Haryana, Nayab Singh Saini.

The centre was established in collaboration with DCRUST to provide technical instruction and skill training in commercial vehicle technologies. It covers 7,900 square feet and contains classrooms, workshops, vehicle practice bays, diagnostic tools and training platforms for light, medium and heavy-duty commercial vehicles. It features dynamic driveline models, engine sections, electrical laboratories, a vehicle inspection pit and VECV's mobile training unit.

S S Gill, Chief Commercial Officer, VE Commercial Vehicles, said, “We are grateful to the Chief Minister of Haryana Nayab Singh Saini, the Government of Haryana and our partner, DCRUST, for their support in making this Regional Competence Development Centre a reality. At Eicher, we believe the future of the commercial vehicle industry will be shaped as much by skilled people as by advanced technologies. Through this collaboration, we are creating a strong foundation for future-ready talent and contributing to a resilient mobility ecosystem.”

Sumit Dewan, Senior Vice-President, VE Commercial Vehicles, said, "Through our partnership with DCRUST, we are creating a platform that enables students, faculty and dealership professionals to gain hands-on exposure to advanced commercial vehicle technologies and evolving industry practices. Students from the centre will have the opportunity to serve in their communities through Eicher’s nationwide network of dealerships across Delhi-NCR, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh. The centre will strengthen technical capability across our service network, enhancing customer experience through improved vehicle uptime and operational efficiency.”

The curriculum covers areas including electric vehicles, mechatronics, powertrains, automated transmissions, vehicle electronics, diagnostics, telematics, emission control systems, driver assistance systems and alternative fuels such as CNG and LNG.

The Murthal facility will support the training needs of nearly 50 dealerships across Delhi-NCR, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh. Approximately 150 engineering students from DCRUST will use the facility annually, while the mobile training initiative is expected to reach 600 students per year across technical institutions in the region.

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