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.”

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Ashok Leyland, the flagship company of the Hinduja Group and India’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, has entered into a strategic partnership with Tamil Nadu Grama Bank to offer tailored vehicle financing solutions. This collaboration aims to enhance accessibility for commercial vehicle customers across Tamil Nadu by providing customised loan options with flexible repayment plans.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was formally signed by Viplav Shah, Head of LCV Business at Ashok Leyland, and Kannan Ponnuraman, General Manager of Tamil Nadu Grama Bank, in the presence of Mani Subramanian, the bank’s Chairman. Through this alliance, Tamil Nadu Grama Bank will extend end-to-end financial support to Ashok Leyland’s customers, ensuring convenient and customer-centric loan facilities.

With 676 branches spread across Tamil Nadu, Tamil Nadu Grama Bank offers a diverse portfolio of financial products catering to various segments, including agriculture, retail, and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The bank is also committed to advancing financial inclusion by promoting government schemes and delivering affordable banking services to underserved communities.

Ashok Leyland boasts an extensive lineup of commercial vehicles, ranging from light commercial vehicles for intercity transport to heavy-duty trucks and a wide array of buses. Known for their safety features and driver-friendly designs, Ashok Leyland’s vehicles also emphasise sustainability, with alternative fuel-powered buses contributing to eco-friendly transportation solutions. As an industry leader in innovation, Ashok Leyland continues to drive progress in India’s commercial vehicle sector while prioritising environmental responsibility.

Shah said, “We are delighted to partner with Tamil Nadu Grama Bank to offer our customers convenient and attractive vehicle financing solutions. This strategic collaboration will further strengthen Ashok Leyland’s presence in the market and enhance accessibility to our innovative, cost-efficient products. At Ashok Leyland, we are committed to delivering industry-leading value and exceptional experiences for our customers, empowering them to achieve greater profitability and success.”

Subramanian said, “Tamil Nadu Grama Bank is pleased to partner with Ashok Leyland to offer seamless vehicle financing solutions. This association reflects our dedication to serving the diverse financial needs of commercial vehicle customers. We are confident that this collaboration will enable us to extend our reach and provide tailored financing options to support the growth of businesses in the commercial vehicle segment.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.

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