Daimler Truck has teamed up with Air Products, Amazon, Holcim, INEOS and Wiedmann & Winz to initial customer trials with five Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Trucks. 

As one of the world’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturers with a commitment to COP28 in terms of sustainable transportation, the commercial vehicle major has initiated the initial customer trials of its GenH2 trucks on the basis of its belief that hydrogen-based drive technologies can be an optimal solution for very flexible and highly demanding applications in particular. Applications that are heavy-duty in nature and of the long-distance haulage kind.

Daimler Truck has moved to the initial customer trails after a rigorous testing phase on the test track and public roads of the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Trucks. In an advanced development stage for deployment, the trucks – five semi-trailer tractors – are based on the characteristics of the conventional Mercedes-Benz Actros long-haul truck in terms of payload, range and performance.

Offering a payload of approximately 25 tonnes at a gross combination weight (GCW) of 40 tonnes, the hydrogen powered trucks are fitted with two special liquid hydrogen tanks and a powerful fuel-cell system by cellcentric, the Joint Venture of Daimler Truck and Volvo Group. 

The fuel-cell system of the GenH2 Truck delivers 402 hp (2 x150 kW) whereas the battery provides an additional 536 hp (400 kW) temporarily. The storage capacity of the battery is low at 70 kWh since it is not intended to meet energy needs. It is mainly there on the truck to provide situational power support for the fuel cell during peak loads, for example, where additional power may be need to accelerate and drive uphill under full load. 

The smaller and lighter battery not only facilitates a higher payload capacity, it is recharged with braking energy and excess fuel-cell energy. 

The core element of the sophisticated operating strategy of the fuel-cell and battery system is a cooling and heating system that keeps all components at a suitable operating temperature, ensuring maximum durability. In a pre-series version, the two electric motors are designed for a total of 2 x 308 hp (230 kW) continuous power output and 2 x (442 hp) 330 kW of maximum power. The torque the GenH2 Truck delivers is 2 x 1,577 Nm or 2 x 2,071 Nm. 

The two stainless-steel liquid-hydrogen tanks of the GenH2 Truck have a particularly high storage capacity of 88 kilograms (44 kg each). Consisting of two tubes, one within the other, that are vacuum isolated and connected to each other, the tanks store liquid hydrogen since the energy density is high. The earlier trails conducted by Daimler Truck have revealed that the H2 truck can travel up to 1,047 km with one tank full of the respective fuel. 

Martin Daum, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler Truck, mentioned at the time of start of the trial in Woerth am Rhein where Daimler Truck has a truck test and development centre, “When it comes to decarbonizing transport, we are focusing on battery-electric and hydrogen-based drives. The transformation can only succeed if green energy is sufficiently and comprehensively available – and for this we need both technologies. With regard to hydrogen drives, we are now taking another important step towards series readiness: we are starting the trials of our Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Trucks in real-life daily transport operations with our customers. However, it is important to note that high-performance CO₂-neutral vehicles alone will not be enough to make sustainable transportation successful. This also requires a corresponding charging and refueling infrastructure, as well as cost parity with conventional vehicles. Although policymakers and energy companies are already active here, we urgently need even more momentum, across entire Europe.”

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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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