Ashok Leyland unveils Saathi at Bharat Mobility Expo
- By MT Bureau
- January 17, 2025
Ashok Leyland introduced the Saathi- a premium entry-level Light Commercial Vehicle- at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo today. The vehicle was unveiled by Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Steel HD Kumaraswamy alongside company Managing Director Shenu Agarwal. The launch of Saathi sets a new benchmark in the entry-level light commercial vehicle segment.
Saathi is built on cutting-edge LNT technology and boasts superior power (45 HP), torque (110 Nm) and a 24 percent larger loading area compared to competitors. It offers a best-in-class payload capacity of 1,120 kg, superior mileage and larger tyres for outstanding performance and efficiency. The innovative LNT technology eliminates the need for AdBlue, simplifying operations. With a 5-year or 2-lakh-km warranty and enhanced ride comfort, Saathi is positioned as the ultimate last-mile urban mobility vehicle, priced competitively at INR 649,999 for the FSD variant.
At the Expo, Ashok Leyland also showcased the Garud 15, the multi-axle, front-engine 15-meter fully built premium bus, designed for long-distance intercity travel. Offering India’s largest saloon space with 42 sleeper berths, spacious luggage compartments and a 22,500 kg GVW, it maximises per-trip revenue for bus operators. The vehicle features advanced systems like ADAS & DMS for a safe, comfortable driving experience.
Additionally, Ashok Leyland unveiled the eTIRAN, an electric port terminal tractor, which promises to revolutionise port freight operations. With a customisable battery range of 180-350 kilometres, an air-conditioned cabinand safety features like ADAS and hill start assist, the eTIRAN is poised to provide a sustainable solution for port owners, ushering in a new era of electric trucks in India.
Commenting on the occassion, Executive Chairman Dheeraj Hinduja observed, "Ashok Leyland has always been a pioneer in the introduction of new technologies in commercial vehicles. Introduction of SAATHI reinforces our readiness to lead the transformation in road transport. We remain committed to sustainability and SAATHI as well as other next-gen vehicles being showcased today are set to raise the bar on customer value proposition in the commercial vehicle business. I am confident that with progressive introduction of new products, we would address growing opportunities in overseas markets competitively, which is a thrust area for us”.
Alluding to Saathi, Agarwal said, “With Saathu, we are trying to shatter a long-held belief that entry-level commercial vehicle customers need to compromise on power, loading capacity, features, comfort, and safety. Saathi brings a ‘no-compromise attitude’ in the entry level SCV segment, bringing pride for operators and additional earnings for the owners. It solidifies Ashok Leyland's position as a full range commercial vehicle leader in the country.”
Sanjay Kumar Bohra Joins EKA Mobility As Chief Commercial Officer
- By MT Bureau
- July 01, 2025
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."
ICRA Expects Indian Commercial Vehicle Wholesales To Grow 3-5 Percent In FY2026
- By MT Bureau
- June 30, 2025
The Indian commercial vehicle (CV) industry is likely to see wholesale growth of 3-5 percent in FY2026, backed by the resumption of construction and infrastructure activities. The report states that while domestic CV wholesale volumes saw a marginal 0.1 percent YoY increase in May 2025, retail volumes witnessed a 3.7 percent YoY contraction.
For the initial two months of the fiscal year 2026 (April-May 2025), CV wholesale volumes declined by 0.7 percent on a YoY basis. The decline in retail volumes, which also saw an 11.3 percent sequential drop in May 2025, suggests elevated inventory levels at dealerships.
Breaking down the performance by segment, the medium and heavy commercial vehicle (M&HCV) segment saw its retail sales volumes decline by 4.4 percent YoY in May 2025, with a significant sequential decline of 18.9 percent. ICRA noted that regional disruptions and the geopolitical situation had some impact on demand for the month. M&HCV (trucks) wholesale volumes are anticipated to register a modest 0-3 percent YoY growth in FY2026, following a 4 percent decline in FY2025.
Similarly, retail volumes in the light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment in May 2025 declined by 3.2 percent YoY and 4.9 percent sequentially, reflecting muted demand. LCV (trucks) wholesale volumes are expected to register a limited 3-5 percent YoY growth in FY2026. The increasing preference for pre-owned vehicles over new ones in this segment has also impacted demand recently.
Despite the subdued performance in May, ICRA forecasts a modest YoY growth of 3-5 percent in wholesale volumes for the domestic CV industry in FY2026, after a marginal 1.2 percent year-on-year decline in FY2025. While M&HCV (trucks) and LCV (trucks) segments are expected to see modest volume growth, the buses segment is projected to experience a relatively higher growth of 8-10 percent for the fiscal year.
The anticipated pick-up in construction and mining activities, coupled with a steady economic environment, is expected to support demand prospects for the LCV (trucks) and M&HCV (trucks) segments. Meanwhile, replacement demand is likely to be a key driver for volume growth in the buses segment.
Ashok Leyland To Supply 200 Trucks To Instant Transport Solution
- By MT Bureau
- June 27, 2025
Chennai-based commercial vehicle major Ashok Leyland has bagged an order to deliver 200 trucks to Instant Transport Solution, a key express logistics player in India.
Instant & XP India, is a leading express logistics player in e-commerce, FCL, LCL and 3PL space, is one of the fastest-growing integrated logistics businesses in India.
It currently operates a fleet of around 2,100 trucks and has placed a substantial order of 200 units of Ashok Leyland’s trucks. The first batch of 100 units of 1916 single axle and 2820 multi-axle haulage trucks were delivered, marking the beginning of this extensive fleet expansion.
Sanjeev Kumar, President – MHCV, Ashok Leyland, handed over the keys to the first batch of 100 trucks to Rajbir Singh Chaudhary, Chairman, Instant Transport Solution, in the presence of senior executives from both organisations.
Sanjeev Kumar, said, “We are delighted to deliver the first batch of 1916 single axle and 2820 multi-axle haulage trucks to Instant Transport Solution. This order underscores the confidence customers place in our robust, innovative and reliable vehicles. As we continue to push the boundaries of technology and customer experience, collaborations like these will help shape a more efficient, future-ready logistics sector.”
Rajbir Singh, said, “We have complete trust in the quality and performance of Ashok Leyland trucks. Their outstanding after-sales support ensures seamless operations for us, while their growing service network further enhances our capabilities. This delivery represents more than just new trucks – it signifies a deepening partnership aimed at advancing logistics efficiency. With Ashok Leyland’s dedication to innovation and our forward-thinking approach to transportation, we look forward to continued success on the road.”
Mahindra Bolero Pik-Up HD 1.9 CNG Launched At INR 1.11 Million
- By MT Bureau
- June 26, 2025
Mumbai-headquartered automotive major Mahindra & Mahindra has launched its all-new Bolero MaXX Pik-Up HD 1.9 CNG small commercial vehicle (SCV) at INR 1.11 million (ex-showroom). The new model expands the company’s popular Bolero Pik-Up brand.
The Bolero MaXX Pik-Up HD 1.9 CNG comes with a 2.5-litre turbocharged CNG engine, delivering 61 kW power, 220 Nm of torque @ 1,200-2,200 rpm and a payload capacity of 1.86-tonne. The SCV is specifically designed for long-distance operations and offers a claimed range of up to 400 km on a single CNG fill, supported by its 180-litre tank capacity. The SCV comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox and power steering.
In terms of connectivity, the Bolero MaXX Pik-Up HD 1.9 CNG is the company’s first CNG pickup offering with iMAXX telematics solution tech, providing fleet operators complete overview of the vehicle performance.
The SCV comes with air conditioning and heating systems for all weather driving, as well as a height-adjustable driver seat for ergonomic support.
The cargo bed designed to support diverse customer needs measures 3050 mm in length. Complementing the vehicle are the 16-inch tyres and durable leaf spring suspension on both front and rear axles.
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