CEAT has inaugurated its best-in-class Truck Bus Radial (TBR) production line at its Chennai plant. The new line will progressively reach a production capacity of 1500 tyres daily over the next 12 months, marking a significant milestone in CEAT’s efforts to expand its footprint in international markets. 

The new TBR line complements CEAT’s existing production capabilities, including the manufacture of premium Passenger Car Radial (PCR) tyres and Motorcycle Radial (MCR/MCS) tyres. The expansion is expected to enable the tyre major to position itself at an advantage in terms of the growing demand for high performance vehicles in the domestic and international markets. 

Speaking about the development, Arnab Banerjee, Managing Director and CEO, CEAT, highlighted the strategic importance of the new TBR line. "The inauguration of the Truck Bus Radial line at our export centric Chennai plant is a key step in CEAT’s global expansion strategy of offering a complete range of tyres across markets including Europe and the US. By integrating smart technologies and connected systems, we are creating a safer, more efficient, and sustainable workplace. This investment reaffirms CEAT’s dedication to delivering innovative, world-class mobility solutions to our customers worldwide," he stated. 

Jayasankar Kurruppal, Senior Vice President – Manufacturing, CEAT, emphasized the plant’s technological and safety advancements. “Our Chennai plant has consistently set new benchmarks in both operational excellence and employee safety. The new TBR line exemplifies our commitment to creating a safe and smart manufacturing environment. The project has been implemented with in-house development of key equipment, proudly leveraging domestic Indian solutions, allowing us to efficiently manage both cost and timelines," he commented. 

Located in Sriperumbudur and spread across 160 acres, CEAT’s Chennai plant is at the forefront of the company’s global operations. The addition of the TBR line strengthens CEAT’s standing as a hub of advanced manufacturing, underpinned by cutting-edge technology. These standards ensure the plant is equipped with connected machinery, real-time data analytics, and advanced automation, making it a true smart factory that delivers superior efficiency, safety, and quality.

The Chennai plant is a model for the tyre manufacturing industry, having implemented numerous safety initiatives that prioritize employee well-being. The plant has been recognized with prestigious safety certifications, including the British Safety Council 5-Star Award and the Sword of Honour, which highlight its adherence to the highest safety standards.

In addition to its focus on employee safety and digital transformation, the Chennai plant is a leader in sustainability with a 25 percent green cover. Some 40 percent of the plant’s energy is sourced from renewable energy, including a 5 MW solar rooftop installation. Plans to increase this to 50 percent by 2025 are in place. The plant is also a zero liquid discharge facility, reflecting CEAT’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint.

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Mumbai-headquartered commercial vehicle major Tata Motors has launched its all-new 9-seater Tata Winger Plus at INR 2.06 million.

The Winger Plus is aimed at customers looking to offer a premium mobility experience for staff transportation and growing tourist demands. It features such as reclining captain seats with adjustable armrests, personal USB charging points, individual AC vents and spacious leg room. Built on a monocoque chassis, it comes with wide cabin and large luggage compartment, at the same time providing car-like ride and handling, along with robust safety.

Anand S, Vice-President and Head – Commercial Passenger Vehicle Business, Tata Motors, said, “The Winger Plus has been thoughtfully engineered to deliver a premium experience for passengers and a compelling value proposition for fleet operators. With its superior ride comfort, best-in-class comfort features, and segment-leading efficiency, it is designed to drive profitability while offering the lowest cost of ownership. India’s passenger mobility landscape is evolving rapidly—from staff transportation in urban centres to the rising demand for tourism across the country. The Winger Plus is built to serve this diversity, setting new benchmarks in the commercial passenger vehicle segment.”

The Winger Plus is powered by a 2.2L Dicor diesel engine, which produces 100hp of power and 200Nm of torque. It is equipped with Tata Motors’ Fleet Edge connected vehicle platform that provides real-time vehicle tracking, diagnostics and fleet optimisation.

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Switch Mobility, a subsidiary of the Hinduja Group and a leading manufacturer of electric vehicles, has commenced delivery of its Switch EIV12 low-floor electric buses to the Department of Transport, Delhi. The buses are part of a landmark 950-unit order awarded under the CESL tender and were officially flagged off by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.

The deployment marks a significant step in Delhi's transition toward sustainable urban mobility. Manufactured at Switch’s facility in India, the buses are a testament to the company's ‘Make in India for the World’ vision, combining global technology with local manufacturing.

Designed for Delhi’s demanding urban transit, the 12-metre buses can accommodate 39 passengers and are equipped with advanced safety and convenience features, including a wheelchair ramp, CCTV cameras, panic buttons and GPS tracking.

R G Venkataraman, Chief Commercial Officer, Switch Mobility, “We are delighted to commence delivery of our SWITCH EiV12 electric buses to Delhi, reinforcing the capital’s leadership position in sustainable urban transportation. These low floor electric city buses, engineered with advanced global technology and manufactured with pride in India, will significantly enhance Delhi’s public transport ecosystem while contributing to cleaner air and improved quality of life for millions of commuters. This deployment underscores our commitment to empowering Indian cities with intelligent, efficient and eco-friendly transportation solutions that drive progress towards a more sustainable future.”

The new buses utilise the company’s proprietary telematics system, Switch iON, for real-time monitoring and efficient fleet management. Additionally, they feature a streamlined, ultra-low-floor design for easy boarding and are equipped with a fire detection and suppression system for enhanced safety. This rollout aligns with the Delhi Government's aim to have the highest number of electric buses in India, with the potential to reduce CO2 emissions and provide safer commutes for millions of daily passengers.

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Piaggio Vehicles (PVPL), a subsidiary of the Piaggio Group and leading manufacturer of small commercial vehicles, has partnered Hinduja Leyland Finance.

The partnership aims to provide Piaggio Vehicles’ customers access to retail finance options on its three-wheeler range, including electric and Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles in India.

Diego Graffi, Chairman and Managing Director, Piaggio Vehicles, said, “India’s mobility landscape is evolving rapidly. From small entrepreneurs to fleet operators, a new class of owners is emerging, and they need financing that understands their realities. With this partnership, Piaggio and Hinduja Leyland Finance are bringing together the strength of two trusted brands to make vehicle ownership simpler, faster, and more accessible. Together this partnership can enable progress, powered by mobility that people can truly call their own.”

Sachin Pillai, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Hinduja Leyland Finance, said, “This partnership brings together our expertise in vehicle financing and Piaggio’s presence in the three-wheeler segment to help customers acquire and manage their vehicles efficiently. Leveraging our extensive network and reach across India, Hinduja Leyland Finance aims to provide solutions that support last mile connectivity, asset ownership, and income generation for customers across the segment. By combining our financing reach and agility with Piaggio’s product offerings, we are making the 3-wheeler ownership more accessible for the customers through a customised financing process”. 

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Ashok Leyland, the flagship company of the Hinduja Group, has opened a new 3S dealership for light commercial vehicles (LCVs) in Agra, marking its fifth LCV dealership in Western Uttar Pradesh. Operated by channel partner Maya Autotech, the new dealership is equipped with advanced tools and quick-service bays to provide a superior customer experience. It will offer Ashok Leyland's full range of LCVs, including the Bada Dost, Dost, Saathi, Partner and MiTR models.

It was just recently, the company entered the sub-2-tonne segment with the launch of the Ashok Leyland Saathi. Powered by a new-generation 45 hp engine, the Saathi features an industry-leading payload capacity of 1,120 kg and the largest loading area in its class.

On the other hand, the popular Bada Dost is available in five variants and is equipped with an 80 hp BS6 engine, offering high power, mileage, and payload capacity. The Dost range includes the Dost Xl and Dost+ XL, while the Partner is a fuel-efficient load carrier available in both 4-tyre and 6-tyre options. The MiTR bus, built on the same platform as the Partner, comes in staff and school bus variants.

Viplav Shah, Head of LCV Business at Ashok Leyland, said, “Uttar Pradesh has always been a key market for us, and we are delighted to deepen our presence here with the new dealership in Agra. Our journey with customers in this region has been shaped by trust, performance, and shared progress. The new dealership in Agra builds on the remarkable success of our Dost, Bada Dost and now the Saathi range, which continue to earn the trust of customers for their superior mileage, performance, and reliability. Our strong network and an exceptional service retention rate of nearly 70 percent reflect the deep confidence customers place in us. This dealership is another step forward in our commitment to deliver world-class products and unmatched service, ensuring an exceptional experience for every customer.”

Ashok Leyland’s LCVs were developed to meet the specific needs of Indian customers, combining modern technology with competitive pricing. The company has a significant presence in the segment, with over 550,000 LCVs currently operating across India.

All of these LCVs are manufactured at Ashok Leyland's state-of-the-art plant in Hosur. With a network of more than 1,700 exclusive outlets nationwide, the company aims to have an authorised service center every 75 km on major highways.

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