- Daimler India Commercial Vehicles
- DICV
- Indian Green Building Council
- IGBC
- Satyakam Arya
- sustainability
Daimler India Commercial Vehicles’ Oragadam Plant Gets IGBC Platinum Certification
- By MT Bureau
- December 23, 2024
Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), a subsidiary of Daimler Truck, has attained a new feat by becoming the first manufacturing facility in India to receive the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Platinum certification under the latest stringent Version 2 standards.
The OEM said that its Oragadam plant was the only facility to get the recognition for its excellence in green manufacturing and sustainability of the 31 factories reviewed.
The IGBC Platinum certification recognises sustainable building practices. DICV’s Oragadam facility has incorporated various measures to attain energy efficiency, water conservation, renewable energy, waste management, and biodiversity enhancement. A key element of DICV business strategy uses a strategic approach to sustainability, guided by the SPUR principle – Source, Produce, Use, Regenerate.
Satyakam Arya, MD & CEO, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles, said, “The IGBC Platinum certification is more than just an accolade; it represents DICV’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation. This achievement goes beyond setting a benchmark for green manufacturing - it underscores our responsibility to make a lasting, positive impact on both the environment and our community. At our manufacturing facility in Oragadam, we prioritise advanced green practices and the well-being of our stakeholders, proving that industrial facilities can not only thrive but also contribute meaningfully to the global sustainability movement. This milestone positions DICV as a leader in sustainable development, and we hope it inspires others in the industry to embrace forward-thinking and responsible sustainability practices.”
Caterpillar Unveils AI And Autonomous Technologies At CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026
- By MT Bureau
- March 03, 2026
Caterpillar, a leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, has announced new technology, service solutions and products at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 aimed at productivity, safety and labour shortages. The company is demonstrating a single platform to connect operations through AI and autonomy.
The American company is showcasing the Cat AI Assistant, designed to help teams reach decisions via recommendations and data interaction. The company also debuted its first autonomous soil compactor, the Cat CS12 and Collision Mitigation technology within the Cat Detect portfolio.
Key technological integrations include:
- Fleet Management: A collaboration with Geotab Inc. integrates on-highway data into the VisionLink platform, allowing management of both Cat and non-Cat assets.
- Remote Operation: Live demonstrations are featuring advancements in construction autonomy and remote equipment control.
- Power Solutions: Displayed units include high-horsepower C3.6 and C13D engines alongside connectivity tools for condition monitoring.
The company launched Cat Compact, a destination for small contractors to buy, rent and service equipment. Additionally, a refreshed Cat Rentals brand and digital solution have been introduced to assist customers in monitoring scaled equipment operations.
Caterpillar has updated its service commitments to include next-day parts and two-day repairs, supported by Cat Credits if these targets are not met.
The event serves as the venue for the Global Operator Challenge finals and the inaugural Global Dealer Technician Challenge, recognising the skills of equipment professionals.
Joe Creed, CEO, Caterpillar, said, “As jobsites become more complex, we’re rapidly innovating to simplify how our customers operate and grow – at any scale. This week, we’re demonstrating how a single platform connects the entire operation – empowering customers with AI and autonomy, redefining service and investing in the people doing the work every day.”
Rod Shurman, Caterpillar Construction Industries Group President, said, “Caterpillar is focused on the challenges customers are dealing with right now: labour, safety and productivity. From AI and autonomy in action to full-fleet connectivity to services commitments, everything we’re showing is built to work where and when customers need it most whether it's on the job, in the shop or at the office.”
Switch Mobility Deploys Electric Double-Decker Bus For Delhi Sightseeing
- By MT Bureau
- February 28, 2026
Switch Mobility, the electric vehicle arm of Ashok Leyland and part of the Hinduja Group, has announced the deployment of its Switch EiV 22 electric double-decker bus for the ‘Dekho Meri Dilli’ sightseeing route in the capital. The initiative is being implemented under the Hinduja Group’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.
The service provides residents and tourists with a zero-emission transport option to visit heritage landmarks. The full-day route begins at Dilli Haat – INA and includes stops at Vijay Chowk, Rashtrapati Bhavan, the National Museum, the National Gallery of Modern Art, the Pradhan Mantri Sangrahalya and the National War Memorial at India Gate.
The Switch EiV 22 is a standard-floor, air-conditioned electric double-decker designed and manufactured in India. The vehicle utilises a lightweight aluminium body and features a rear staircase and a wide rear door for passenger access.
Key technical features include:
- Battery: 231 kWh NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) chemistry battery pack.
- Range: Up to 250 km on a single charge.
- Architecture: 650V system with a dual-gun charging setup.
- Capacity: Seating for 65 passengers.
- Cooling: Liquid-cooled battery technology for thermal management.
The bus components are manufactured domestically to comply with FAME II standards. Switch Mobility currently operates electric double-deckers in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar and Kerala, with a total of 100 electric tourist buses operational across 10 locations in India.
Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman, Ashok Leyland, said, “The double-decker bus has always held a special place in India’s public transport story – it is an icon of belonging, of shared journeys, and of city life. Through this CSR initiative, we are proud to breathe new life into that legacy, right in the heart of our national capital. The ‘Dekho Meri Dilli’ experience is our way of giving back to the communities we serve – offering people a beautiful, emission-free way to rediscover Delhi’s magnificent heritage. At SWITCH Mobility, backed by Ashok Leyland’s strong mobility foundation, we are committed to advancing green mobility not just as a business proposition, but as a responsibility to society and the environment.”
Ganesh Mani, CEO – Switch Mobility and COO – Ashok Leyland, said, “The Hinduja Group has always believed that progress must be purposeful – that growth and giving back must go hand in hand. We are not just offering a ride; we are offering a renewed connection to our history, our culture, and our shared pride as Indians – all while treading lightly on our planet. We are proud to see the Switch EiV 22 carry not just passengers, but the spirit of a greener, more purposeful India — one landmark, one journey at a time. Switch Mobility's electric-first vision, backed by the scale and strength of Ashok Leyland, makes moments like these possible — where innovation is not just future-ready, but people-ready.
Mahindra Launches New Rotavator Series For Heavy-Duty Tillage
- By MT Bureau
- February 27, 2026
Mahindra & Mahindra, a manufacturer of tractors and farm machinery, has announced the launch of a new rotavator series. The range is positioned in the heavy-duty category under the Mahavator and Mahavator HD brands, covering widths from 4 to 9 feet.
The series features a wider mast design intended to improve stability and handling during tillage. According to the company, the structural changes were developed based on market analysis and feedback from farmers to address durability on uneven farm surfaces.
The new series replaces several existing models while sitting alongside Mahindra’s current portfolio. A key technical feature in the lineup is the ‘Tez-e’ Intelligent Rotavator, which utilises integrated Bluetooth technology. This system transmits real-time operational data from the farm to a mobile application to support precision farming.
The products are being manufactured at Mahindra’s dedicated units in Nabha, Punjab and Zaheerabad, Telangana.
The company has also introduced limited tricolour-inspired versions in Metallic Orange, Everest White and Metallic Green.
Dr. Anusha Kothandaraman, Vice President & Head – International Operations & Business Head – Farm Machinery, Mahindra Farm Equipment Business, said, “Farm mechanisation is crucial to farm productivity and rotavators play a crucial role in efficiently preparing farmlands. At Mahindra our newly designed rotavators are developed to further deliver superior performance, while also elevating a farmer’s sense of ownership of the farm equipment that support their livelihood beyond tractors. Offered initially in the 4 to 9 feet category, the new look rotavators will reach farmers through a phased rollout across Mahindra's extensive dealer network.”
- Tata Motors
- V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority
- VOCPA
- Green Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engines
- Sarbananda Sonowal
- hydrogen
- Tata Prima 55-tonne
- Susanta Kumar Purhoit
- Rajesh Kaul
Tata Motors And VOC Port Authority Partner To Deploy 40 Hydrogen-Powered Trucks
- By MT Bureau
- February 26, 2026
Tata Motors has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA) to deploy 40 heavy-duty trucks powered by Green Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engines (H2 ICE). The agreement was signed in the presence of Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
The project involves a trial phase with a single hydrogen-powered prime mover, followed by the deployment of the remaining fleet over the next two years. Funding for the initiative is provided by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways as part of a national strategy to decarbonise maritime logistics.
To support the fleet, VOCPA is developing a 2 MW electrolyser and a hydrogen refuelling station within the port. The trucks selected for this deployment are Tata Prima 55-tonne prime movers. These vehicles utilise H2 ICE technology, which adapts internal combustion principles to run on hydrogen instead of diesel, aiming for zero-tailpipe CO2 emissions.
The Prima trucks include driver-assist safety features and cabins designed to reduce fatigue during cargo handling operations. Tata Motors previously initiated hydrogen truck trials on freight corridors in 2025 and currently operates 15 hydrogen fuel cell buses in India.
Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairperson, VOCPA, said, “Our partnership with Tata Motors marks a transformative step in VOC Port’s push to achieve net-zero emissions. The deployment of green hydrogen-powered trucks will significantly decarbonise our cargo handling operations while setting a benchmark for sustainable port-led logistics in India. To support the phased induction of these Green Hydrogen trucks, the port is also progressing plans to establish a 2 MW electrolyser and a dedicated hydrogen refueling station. This project along with various other initiatives related to green fuels reinforces our commitment towards building a robust green hydrogen ecosystem and positioning VOC Port as a leader in sustainable maritime infrastructure.”
Rajesh Kaul, Vice-President and Business Head – Trucks, Tata Motors, said, “Our collaboration with V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority marks an important milestone in bringing hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucking into real-world port operations. Over the past several months, we have worked closely with the port authorities to assess pathways for hydrogen trucks in cargo handling applications. This pilot will help demonstrate the potential of assessing the TCO parity and with Green Hydrogen in supporting the transition of India’s ports towards cleaner and more sustainable logistics solutions.”

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