Commercial vehicle manufacturer Ashok Leyland recently held a mini expo at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre in Kolkata to showcase a range of its medium and heavy commercial vehicles (MHCV). The two-day expo from August 21 offered opportunity for visitors to experience not only the latest vehicles but also the comprehensive services and solutions that Ashok Leyland offers.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event to Motoring Trends, Ashok Leyland M&HCV President Sanjeev Kumar said, “Kolkata and other Eastern markets offer a vibrant business environment, a sizable customer base and a welcoming environment for investments. Recognising these factors, we have undertaken market analysis and strategic planning to ensure growth in this promising region. Our long-term vision is to become a market leader in the region and provide exceptional products and services.”

He added, “The state has planned new infrastructure projects like Rastashree to strengthen and improve the connectivity in the state. These new projects are expected to boost the demand for the commercial vehicle industry in the region. We want to support the growth story of the state with our robust and rugged M&HCV products best suited for the state.” 

Commenting on how does the company see the adoption of medium and heavy trucks in Bengal given that small transporters are leaving the sector, he said, ‘The M&HCV market is currently undergoing a significant transformation, where sustainability, connectivity, consumer-centric approaches and adaptability to global economic changes converge seamlessly. As the industry continues to evolve, these trends are likely to shape the landscape, influencing the production, and operation of commercial vehicles in the foreseeable future.”

“The growth of the M&HCV segment is propelled by a convergence of key factors. Urbanisation and industrialisation are driving increased demand for efficient freight transportation, fostering the need for medium and heavy commercial vehicles. Technological advancements, including features like advanced telematics and electric or hybrid options, contribute to both operational efficiency and environmental sustainability, aligning with current market trends,” he added. 

He also noted that changing consumer preferences and stringent regulatory standards influence manufacturers to invest in research and development, producing compliant and technologically advanced M&HCVs. Additionally, economic stability, rising incomes and infrastructure development projects globally contribute to a heightened demand for commercial vehicles. 

Hence the growth of the MHCV market in Bengal and across India is driven by a combination of urbanisation, technological innovation, changing consumer demands, regulatory standards and economic factors. Manufacturers' adaptability to these dynamic elements remains crucial in meeting the escalating demand for efficient, sustainable and technologically advanced commercial vehicles.

Ashok Leyland showcased a diverse line-up of vehicles at the expo including the AVTR 5525AN 4X2 AC, AVTR 4825HN AC, AVTR 4825TN HD AC, AVTR 3532TN 8X4, AVTR 1925 TN 10.5, Partner Super 914 14FT, Boss 1915 22FT, Oyster Vi School (53-seater), Oyster Vi Staff (40-seater), 15 M bus chassis, and AVTR 55T EV.

The company has organised expos in 11 exclusive locations across India to showcase the latest innovations in the M&HCV sector. 

Speaking from the podium, Kumar said, "The mini expo in Kolkata marks a significant milestone as we continue to lead the way in the commercial vehicle segment. West Bengal and Eastern India at large, has been a key market for us. We have always recognised the potential this region has and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead in this geography. The expo is an opportunity for customers to experience our capabilities in driving the future of mobility. We are confident that our vehicles, coupled with our extensive aftermarket solutions, will demonstrate our dedication to providing comprehensive transportation solutions to our customers. We look forward to engaging with our customers and stakeholders at Kolkata."

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Propel Industries Private Limited showcased a large portfolio of construction equipment at Excon 2025 that included four new electric tipper models. The company aso unveiled an all-new connectivity platform and a comprehensive after-sales uptime solution. 
The four new electric tippers include the 90CED (claimed to be India's first ultra-fast charging 90 tonne electric dumper with ADAS Level 1 safety), 70CED (claimed to be India's first 8x4 mining e-tipper with 25 cu m rock body), 560HEV-X (claimed to be Indias first 8x4 construction tipper with 25 cu m box body), 470MEV Gen-2 (caimed to be India's first 6x4 tipper with 20 cu m rock body) in particular. 
The Pulse.ev connectivity platform as a new digital ecosystem built in-house specifically for electric mining and hauling operations includes features such as real-time vehicle health and diagnostics; energy consumption insights; predictive maintenance analytics and fleet optimization suite for multi-shift operations.
"The announcements reinforce Propels commitment to innovation, high-productivity for customers, zero-emission, and future-ready heavy-duty mobility. Since start of EV truck sale in 2023, the brand has expanded its presence across coal, overburden, limestone, iron-ore, stone quarry, marble & granites, and solid waste management segments. Propel trucks have cumulatively covered over 5 lakh operating hours and the first set of 8 trucks have clocked 12,500 hours in 2 years, which is equivalent to 20 hrs per day. This proves the reliability and uptime of the propel electric trucks," said Siddarth Kirtane, President – EV Sales, Marketing and Service, Propel Industries. 

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JCB India launched its largest ever excavator at 52 tonness in India. It did so at the Excon 2025 exhibition in Bengaluru. The excavator, showcased along with over 10 new products, will cater to domestic as well as export markets.  Of the over 10 machines the company showed at the show, there included backhoe loaders with enhanced features in line with the customer-first strategy. JCB India is giving much attention to lower cost of ownership, higher fuel efficiency, improved machine uptime, enhanced safety and ergonomics while designing its new equipment.    With sustainability the factor, the company showcased the hydrogen engine powered backhoe loader that it unveiled in 2023. It announced the expansion of its hydrogen powered construction equipment portfolio at Excon 2025 with a hydrogen-powered genset.  "Excon is a forum that brings together customers, policymakers, contractors, financiers, suppliers, and technology leaders, creating an ecosystem for strategic collaboration and long-term business growth. JCB exports to more than 135 countries from India and this year we also have customers from South Asia, Africa Region and South-East Asia visiting us. Excon allows us to understand evolving market needs and demonstrate how our latest solutions align with both global and India’s infrastructure demands," said Deepak Shetty, CEO and MD, JCB India. 

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JK Tyre & Industries Ltd launched four new Off-the-Road (OTR) tyres at Excon 2025 in Bengluru. Unveiled by Dr R Mukhopadhyay, Director (R&D), JK Tyre, the four new OTR tyres further expand the company's portfolio in construction and mining equipment. 
The Sky Grip tyre for example is engineered specifically for Aerial Work Platforms (AWPs) and Boom Lifts used across construction, infrastructure maintenance, warehousing and industrial operations. The 355/55D625 Sky Grip tyre is designed to offer enhanced stability, superior traction and consistent performance at elevated working heights and is compatible with articulated and telescopic boom lifts, telehandlers and even rough terrain aerial platform. 
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or underground mining requirements, the 14.00-20 VEM AS-UG OTR tyre features a reinforced casing and specialised compound designed to withstand abrasive environments and the rigorous duty cycles of shuttle cars.
“India is witnessing a transformative phase in infrastructure development, and JK Tyre remains committed to support this journey. With the launch of our new OTR range at EXCON, we are strengthening our support for equipment that powers critical infrastructure, enabling greater productivity, durability and operational safety across the country’s construction, mining and industrial projects," averred Srinivasu Allaphan, Director-Sales & Marketing, JK Tyre & Industries. 

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Mahindra’s Construction Equipment business (MCE) launched the Compax mini compactor at EXcon 2025 in Bengluru. The mini compactor, aimed at the road construction industry, packs cutting edge techbology to deliver best-in-cass fuel efficiency and reliability. It is built robust and furthers the standards in the category to ensure better returns to the operators. 

“Mahindra commercial vehicles and construction equipment machines are known for their cutting-edge technology, best-in-class fuel efficiency, robust built and reliability that helps deliver substantially higher earnings and profitability for our customers. The new Mahindra COMPAX reflects the same Mahindra DNA and is poised to deliver higher profits and prosperity to our customers. Our deep understanding of the challenges of the Indian infrastructure ecosystem and strong capabilities of indigenous manufacturing makes our machines, including the new mini compactor, an ideal choice for demanding compaction tasks,” said Dr Venkat Srinivas, Business Head – Mahindra Truck, Bus and Construction Equipment, and Executive Director & CEO, SML Mahindra Ltd. 

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