Ashok Leyland Opens New LCV Dealership In Mirzapur

Ashok Leyland LCV dealership

Ashok Leyland, a leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, has inaugurated its 22nd Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) dealership in Uttar Pradesh. The new 3S facility located in Chunar, Mirzapur will further strengthen the company’s presence in North India.

The company’s LCV portfolio includes Saathi, Dost, Bada Dost, Partner and MiTR targeted for a wide range of customers and applications.

Viplav Shah, Head – LCV Business, Ashok Leyland, said, “Recognising immense potential of Uttar Pradesh as a key market for us, we are thrilled to strengthen our presence in the region. Our new dealership in Chunar (Mirzapur) would go a long way in reinforcing our presence in the state. The phenomenal success of our ‘Dost’, ‘Bada Dost,’ and the new ‘Saathi’ range underscores the robustness of our products - thanks to their best-in-class mileage, superior performance, and higher payloads. We take immense pride in our exceptional service retention levels, with nearly 70% of our customers returning to our dealer workshops even beyond the warranty period. This new dealership marks yet another milestone in our journey to provide the best possible experience to our valued customers.”

 

Tata Motors Starts Delivery of 148 Advanced Starbus EVs to Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation

Tata Starbus

Tata Motors, one of India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturers, has started deliveries of an additional 148 advanced Tata Starbus electric buses to the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC).

The Tata Starbus EV is designed for intra-city operations and is equipped with new-gen electric powertrain, Electronic Stability Control, Electronic Brake Distribution and an Integrated Transport System. With a low-floor design, it offers ergonomic seating for 35 passengers.

These e-buses will further complement the 921 e-buses already plying on the Bengaluru roads. The fleet will be operated and maintained by TML Smart City Mobility Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Motors, under a 12-year contract.

Ramachandran R, IAS, Managing Director, BMTC, said, “Tata Motors electric buses already running across Bengaluru have shown outstanding performance, clocking high uptime and meeting public expectations on comfort and convenience. Based on this success, we are pleased to induct an additional 148 e-buses from Tata Motors. These buses will further enhance our ability to offer citizens a safe, sustainable and efficient travel option on a wider network across Bengaluru.”

Anand S, Vice-President and Head – TML Smart City Mobility & Commercial Passenger Vehicle Business, Tata Motors, said, “It is a momentous occasion as we commence deliveries for yet another fleet of our environment-friendly and efficient Starbus electric buses to BMTC as per schedule. We are honoured by the trust shown by BMTC not only for our products but also on our ability to deliver an unparalleled uptime for two years, clocking over six crore cumulative kilometres. We remain committed to supporting their vision for sustainable, public transport by delivering innovative e-mobility solutions backed by technology, service and execution.”

MG Group Unveils New Corporate Identity, Launches Premium Bus Coach Tigra

MG Tigra

MG Group, a leading private coachbuilder in the country, revealed its new brand identity on 5 July 2025 at the company’s flagship event christened ‘Re-born’ in Bengaluru. The new brand identity announced a significant transformation for MG, from a contract manufacturer supporting high-volume OEM production to a product-led, brand-driven, mobility solutions provider.

In addition to a new brand logo, the company also introduced its new premium intercity coach ‘Tigra’, built on a BharatBenz chassis. Interestingly, the company revealed that the new coach is modular in nature and is available on all 13.5-metre coach chassis for domestic and international markets. The coaches will be produced at MG’s Coach Manufacturing Facility in Belagavi, Karnataka where it claims to have made substantial investments have been made in tooling, jigs and quality systems.

Anil Mohan Kamat, Chairman & Managing Director, MG Group, said, “This particular product is on the BharatBenz chassis, but we’ve made it compatible with other OEMs like Ashok Leyland, Tata Motors and Eicher Motors too.”

The event also saw over 400 orders for the Tigra coaches being placed by MG Group customers.  

The Tigra features mood-based lighting, ABS-moulded interiors for safety and PU leather on the seats to provide a premium feel for users. It also gets USB and laptop charging points on every berth, with digital displays designed to guide riders to their seats. DRLs and LED projector-type headlamps with integrated progressive indicators, fog lamps and LED tail lamps with indicators are visible on the outside.

For the unversed, MG Group entered the premium coach segment almost a decade ago. Since its inception in 1996, the company is said to have delivered more than 125,000 bus bodies across various applications, such as intercity, staff, school, mofussil and special purpose segments (ambulance and defence applications).

Sivakumar V, President – Strategy & Sales, MG Group, said, “In the bus and coach body-building industry, progress is never overnight. It’s built on strong relationships, consistent quality, and the ability to evolve with changing transportation needs.”

 

Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Launches New BharatBenz Construction And Mining Range Of Trucks

Satyakam Arya, MD, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles with the new HX and Torqshift series models.

Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), a wholly owned subsidiary of Daimler Truck, has launched its all-new BharatBenz Construction and Mining range, featuring the HX and Torqshift series models.

The company expects demand coming from India's mining and construction equipment sector, which is projected to grow from USD 16 billion to USD 45 billion by 2030.

The introduction of the HX and Torqshift series follows extensive real-world validation, with over 150 trucks undergoing customer trials across India's most diverse construction and mining sites. These trials reportedly showed significant improvements in uptime, operational efficiency and profitability, leading to full-scale production.

Satyakam Arya, Managing Director and CEO, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles, said, "India's construction and mining sector continues to be one of our strongest business pillars, powering the next phase of national development. We're seeing a decisive shift as large contractors invest in owned assets for better control and long-term returns. Many fleets are 8-10 years old and reaching the end-of-life, creating a major replacement cycle. Our extensive customer trials with 150+ trucks have validated the real-world performance and profitability impact these vehicles deliver."

The company’s new product range includes the –

  1. Heavy-Duty Construction Vehicles: The HX series, comprising the 2828C HX and 3532C HX models, are built for extreme durability, high productivity, fuel efficiency and drivability. It is available in two configurations: 280 hp with 1100 Nm torque and 320 hp with 1250 Nm torque. Additional features include Hill Hold Assist, unitised front axle bearings, a wind deflector and advanced driver state monitoring systems.
  2. Specialised Mining Applications: The Torqshift series – 2832CM and 3532CM variants – features Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) for ‘zero lag performance, unmatched comfort, faster TAT and enhanced fuel efficiency’ in demanding mining operations.
  3. Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) Solutions: The 2828C RMC variant with a 9 cubic metre capacity is equipped with the OM 926 BSVI OBD-II engine, generating 280 hp and 1100 Nm torque, ensuring reliable concrete transportation across challenging terrains.

Pradeep Kumar Thimmaiyan, President & Chief Technology Officer, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles, said, "We designed the HX by listening to customers. Priority for vehicles with higher payload capacities, faster TAT and fleet managers demanding lower maintenance costs. Every component re-design addresses real customer challenges. We've prioritised driver safety with full EU ECE R29-03 cabin compliance and best-in-class safety features."

The HX series comes with several notable features:

  • High Gradeability: Up to 60 percent in the 2828C and up to 54 percent in the 3532C, enabling confident climbing with a full load.
  • 360deg Reliability: The frame, axle, braking, and engine are designed for integrated performance.
  • Best-in-Class Warranty: Tailored for long-term ownership confidence.
  • Hill Hold Assist: Prevents rollbacks on steep grades, crucial for mining and construction sites.
  • Unitised Bearing at Front Axle: Reduces maintenance and extends service life, lowering total cost of ownership.
  • Driver State Monitoring: Advanced safety technology that monitors operator alertness.
  • Inter-Axle & Inter-Wheel Diff Lock (IRT 440-11): Provides superior traction control for challenging terrains.
  • Bolster Bogie Suspension with Shock Absorbers: Enhances load capacity, stability, and ride comfort.
  • G131/G131HD Transmission Options: 9F+1R synchromesh gears with a heavy-duty variant for extreme applications.
  • New Improved Rear Axle (IRT440-11): Enhanced with higher capacity for superior performance.
  • Wind Deflector: Improves aerodynamics for better fuel economy.
  • Better Approach Angle: Optimised ground clearance for mining operations and challenging terrain.
  • New Styling: A distinctive rugged design reflecting capability and durability.

Rajiv Chaturvedi, President & Chief Business Officer, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles, said, "Fleet operators increasingly demand maximum uptime and swift maintenance solutions. The HX range helps operators minimise project delays and optimise operations. We're seeing strong demand for factory-fitted features – GPS, hill start assist and driver comfort amenities. Also, safety innovations like reverse cameras and driver state monitoring are becoming customer priorities."

The new models will be available across BharatBenz's 385 dealer touchpoints in India and are supported by comprehensive service infrastructure and 15,000 hours annual maintenance contracts.

Sanjay Kumar Bohra Joins EKA Mobility As Chief Commercial Officer

Sanjay Kumar Bohra

Pune-headquartered alternative energy vehicle manufacturer EKA Mobility has appointed Sanjay Kumar Bohra as its new Chief Commercial Officer (CCO).

In his new role, he will lead the Financial & Commercial strategy for EKA Mobility and the group, driving growth, efficiency and value creation across the organisation. Bohra comes with around four decades of experience across finance, banking and Business Process Services (BPS).

Prior to joining EKA Mobility, he served as the Group CFO at Force Motors, having spent over a decade at the company, leading finance function across domestic and international operations. He has also worked with the likes of Citigroup and Tata Consultancy Services in his professional career.

Dr. Sudhir Mehta, Founder & Chairman, EKA Mobility & Pinnacle Industries, said, "We are glad to welcome Sanjay to the EKA family. His deep understanding of finance, coupled with a strong track record in business transformation and strategic leadership, will be instrumental in propelling EKA’s next phase of growth. He will play a key leadership role not just at EKA Mobility, but across our group, as we scale our operations and expand our global footprint."

Sanjay Kumar Bohra, said, "I am excited to join EKA Mobility at such a transformative time for the automotive and clean mobility industry. EKA’s bold vision, innovation-led approach, and strong commitment to sustainability are aligned with my professional ethos, and I look forward to contributing to the EKA and the group’s continued success and global expansion."