Ashok Leyland, the Indian flagship of Hinduja Group and the country’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Indian Bank to provide finance facilities for its M&HCV dealers.

Through the cooperation, Ashok Leyland's M&HCV dealers will have easier access to finance solutions, enabling them to improve company operations and effectively manage their working capital. Dealers may grow their operations with ease thanks to Indian Bank's customised financing alternatives, which offer better liquidity, quicker loan approvals and competitive interest rates. This partnership underscores Ashok Leyland's dedication to empowering its dealer network and promoting sustainable growth in the commercial vehicle sector by guaranteeing increased financial flexibility.

C Neelakantan, Head of Treasury and Direct Taxation at Ashok Leyland, and Saurabh Dalmia, Head of Cash Management at Indian Bank, signed the MoU in the presence of Madhavi Deshmukh, National Sales Head of MHCV at Ashok Leyland, Ashutosh Choudhury, Executive Director, Roopali Singh, DGM-CMS Vertical, and Munash Dalal, AGM-CMS Vertical, who were representatives from Indian Bank.

Balaji K M, CFO, Ashok Leyland, said, “Ashok Leyland is delighted to partner with Indian Bank to offer customised finance solutions to our valued M&HCV dealers. With Indian Bank’s expansive network of 5,880 branches across India, we can cater to our dealers in every region. This strategic partnership will strengthen Ashok Leyland's market position. We remain committed to delivering exceptional experiences to our customers.”

Madhavi Deshmukh, National Sales Head – MHCV, Ashok Leyland, said, “The strategic collaboration with Indian Bank will deliver exceptional financing solutions to our valued dealers, extending our market reach and reinforcing our commitment to innovation and partner success. This partnership will provide tailored financing solutions designed to meet the unique requirements of our dealers. We remain dedicated to fostering long-lasting relationship with our dealer network.”

Ashutosh Choudhury, Executive Director, Indian Bank, said, “Indian Bank is pleased to partner with Ashok Leyland to provide their dealers seamless and tailored financing solutions. This collaboration reaffirms our commitment to supporting the diverse financial requirements of businesses in the commercial vehicle sector. With Indian Bank’s best-in-class processes, we are confident that more dealers will benefit from this partnership, enabling them to scale their operations and drive business growth.”

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Building on a strong heritage that enables the Swedish commercial vehicle manufacturer to provide a modular system to its buyers where they can pick and choose aggregates to attain a solution that most suits their application needs, Scania’s Longline cab – through series production – is being offered as a low-volume, factory-certified solution for those that want extended space, comfort and flexibility.
Combining Scania’s CrewCab and S-series high-roof cab to create a product that no other OEM currently offers from factory, the respective cab will be made in Laxå, with chassis built in Södertälje. A natural evolution of a concept that has long been appreciated by customers, according to Lars Gustafsson, Head of Trucks, Scania, the Longline cab will come with a limited interior configuration behind the seats, including options such as a standard bed with storage or shelving – or a more open layout. 
The focus is on clearly defined mounting points, enabling customers to design interiors according to their specific requirements. Many customers are expected to further personalise their vehicles through custom paint and interior solutions. 
Born out of a market demand and a desire to improve driver conditions, the Longline cab aims at those who are keen to attract and retain drivers – a key challenge in the transport industry at current. 
“The cab is not only about space but about creating a better working environment for drivers. This is increasingly important for our customers,” said Gustafsson. “Longline is adapted according to the European IVD legislation (Increased Vehicle Dimensions, that has been enabled for customers all over Europe to purchase longer vehicles,” he added. Sales are slated to begin in April 2026. 
The 11-litre Super powertrain from Scania, on the other hand, claims to be the most efficient combustion powertrain platform ever. Relevant for a wide range of operators, including companies running urban routes and longer inter-city routes, the engine offers superior fuel efficiency and a power output of 350, 390 and 430 hp. Capable of handling certain applications, which a 13-litre engine does, the 11-litre Super powertrain offers remarkable fuel efficiency indeed. It also offers much longer engine lifespan, improved serviceability and compatibility with renewable fuels. The new Variable Valve Braking (VVB)technology enhances safety of operation. 
The superior fuel efficiency is the basis of VVB, which combines the compression release brake technology from the new 13-litre engines with the cam phaser technology from the new Super 11, creating an impressive braking power of up to 350 kW. With the VVB capable of replacing the retarder, resulting in 80 kg weight saving, the 11-litre Super powertrain is capable of up to two million kilometres, a 25-percent increase on the previous equivalent. 
 

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Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), a subsidiary of Daimler Truck, has inaugurated three service centres in the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh. The workshops, located in Jhansi, Kabrai and Chitrakoot, are operated by PPS Trucking. The expansion is intended to support commercial vehicle movement in mining and infrastructure corridors.

The new centres cover over 110,000 sqft and include 18 service bays with an annual capacity to maintain 7,500 vehicles. The facilities feature diagnostic systems and provide 24x7 roadside assistance using a fleet of 5 mobile vans.

They will provide maintenance, repairs and express services for BharatBenz trucks and buses. The workshops also include rest areas for drivers and are staffed by 64 technicians.

DICV states Bundelkhand region is a hub for minerals such as granite, sandstone and limestone, which are used in the construction and cement industries.

Rajiv Chaturvedi, President & Chief Business Officer, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles, said, “In Bundelkhand’s mining and infrastructure belt, every hour a vehicle is off the road is a cost our customers cannot afford. With our expansion into Jhansi, Kabrai and Chitrakoot, we are putting world-class service and genuine spares exactly where the demand is highest. Faster turnaround, higher vehicle availability, better operational efficiency – that is what this network means on the ground. BharatBenz is committed to being a true uptime partner for fleet operators in every high-activity corridor,” said

Rajiv Sanghvi, Managing Director, PPS Trucking, added, “Our partnership with BharatBenz is built on the shared vision of offering customer-centric and quality service. With these new facilities at Jhansi, Kabrai and Chitrakoot, we are delighted to be now even better positioned to support BharatBenz customers across Bundelkhand’s high-potential mining and industrial routes. This expansion brings us closer to our customers and reinforces our commitment to providing faster, seamless service support, enhancing vehicle uptime and driving greater profitability for our customers.”

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DAF Trucks N.V., a wholly-owned subsidiary of PACCAR Inc, a leading technology, design and manufacturing company focussing on light, medium and heavy-duty commercial vehicles, has promoted Jim Walenczak to the position of President.

Effective on 1 July 2026, he succeeds Harald Seidel, who is scheduled to retire on 17 July 2026.

Walenczak joins DAF Trucks following a 15-year tenure with PACCAR, during which he held several leadership roles most recently the Vice-President of PACCAR and General Manager of Kenworth Truck Company.

Previously, he was Assistant General Manager of Sales & Marketing at Kenworth and has served as Assistant General Manager – Operations at PACCAR Parts.

He holds an MBA from the University of Washington, is a Stanford Graduated and has completed his Bachelor's in Marketing.

On the other hand, Seidel retires after a 25-year career with PACCAR. Since 2022, he has served as PACCAR Vice-President and DAF President. His previous roles within the company included DAF Finance Director, Group Controller, and various controller positions within marketing, sales, and PACCAR Parts Europe.

Preston Feight, Chief Executive Officer, PACCAR, said, “We sincerely thank Harald for his friendship, leadership, and significant contributions to the success of PACCAR and its customers”.

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Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, has marked the 21st anniversary of its iconic Tata Ace by launching the all‑new Ace Gold+ XL. This milestone in last‑mile mobility introduces a thoughtfully evolved variant designed for higher payloads and longer body applications. The Ace Gold+ XL extends the legacy that originally reshaped small cargo movement in India while continuing to support a growing and diverse base of entrepreneurs.

To celebrate 21 years of the Chhota Haathi, Tata Motors has also rolled out a nationwide campaign titled Ikkis Saal Bemisaal. This initiative focuses on entrepreneurs who have built their livelihoods around the Ace. Customer‑centric measures include additional benefits of up to INR 21,000 for women entrepreneurs, reinforcing the company’s longstanding commitment to inclusive growth.

Engineered with an eight‑foot load body and a one‑tonne payload capacity, the Ace Gold+ XL enables higher cargo volume per trip to improve owner profitability. The vehicle uses advanced Lean NOx Trap technology, eliminating the need for Diesel Exhaust Fluid and thereby reducing operating complexity and maintenance effort. A 700-cc turbocharged diesel engine delivers 22 PS of power and 55 Nm of torque, offering a lower total cost of ownership, improved uptime, and dependable performance for demanding last‑mile logistics.

Supported by Tata Motors’ comprehensive small commercial vehicle ecosystem, the Ace Gold+ XL joins a portfolio that spans diesel, petrol, CNG, bi‑fuel and electric powertrains for payloads from 750 kilogrammes to two tonnes. The company’s Sampoorna Seva 2.0 lifecycle support programme, along with over 2,500 service and spares outlets and the Star Guru network of trained technicians, ensures assistance at every stage of ownership. Through this latest variant, Tata Motors continues to power entrepreneurial growth and strengthen last‑mile logistics across the country.

Pinaki Haldar, Vice President & Business Head – SCVPU, Tata Motors Ltd., said, “With the launch of the all‑new Ace Gold+ XL, Tata Motors advances the next chapter of India’s most transformative commercial vehicle – one that continues to evolve to meet the needs of modern intra‑city and last‑mile logistics. Extending the Ace’s relevance into higher‑load applications, the Ace Gold+ XL is designed to deliver greater efficiency, reliability, and pride of ownership for today’s entrepreneurs. Launched in 2005, the Tata Ace pioneered India’s four‑wheel small commercial vehicle category and redefined last‑mile logistics by enabling entrepreneurship at scale. The Ace’s enduring relevance is reflected in an industry‑first milestone: for 21 years, one Ace has been sold every 4.25 minutes – earning the trust, respect, and loyalty of over 2,600,000 owners across the country.”

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