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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Tata Motors, one of the leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, has expanded its electric-CV portfolio with the launch of the Intra EV Pickup at prices starting INR 1.19 million (ex-showroom). The EV is positioned as a high-payload solution for urban and regional cargo requirements.

The Intra EV is engineered for demanding duty cycles across sectors such as e-commerce, FMCG and dairy distribution. It features a purpose-built electric architecture designed to handle diverse Indian weather and terrain conditions.

The e-SCV has 1,750 kg payload capacity with load body options extending to 10.2-feet. It uses a 72kW electric motor generating 230 Nm of peak torque and 23 percent gradeability. It features an IP67-rated 28.2 kWh battery providing a certified range of 211 km on a single charge. The Intra EV supports CCS2 fast charging, enabling a 10-80 percent charge in approximately 55 minutes.

The EV integrates an Electronic Braking System (EBS) for stability and a three-level regenerative braking system to enhance energy recovery. Fleet management is supported via the Tata Motors Fleet Edge platform, which provides real-time tracking, vehicle health monitoring and predictive maintenance data.

The cabin is crash-tested and features Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) and a walk-through design to reduce driver fatigue during extended operating hours.

Tata Motors provides a 6-year or 200,000 km high-voltage battery warranty. It is supported by a network of over 25,000 charging points and 200 dedicated EV service centres across India. The launch follows the deployment of the company's electric buses and the recent introduction of the Ace EV 1000 and Ace Pro EV mini-trucks.

Girish Wagh, Managing Director & CEO, Tata Motors, said, “Our commitment to green mobility is focused on delivering sustainable solutions that are proven at scale and relevant to India’s diverse commercial mobility needs. Building on the strong market response to our electric mini‑trucks and the successful deployment of our electric buses serving commuters across 10 cities nationwide, we rolled out our next‑generation electric trucks earlier this year and are now advancing further with the launch of electric pickups. Through this progression, Tata Motors has established the country’s most comprehensive electric commercial vehicle portfolio across segments. This momentum is being enabled by progressive Government policies and strong collaboration across customers, partners and suppliers, accelerating India’s transition to cleaner and more sustainable mobility.”

Pinaki Haldar, Vice-President & Business Head – SCVPU, Tata Motors, said, “The all-new Intra EV Pickup has been developed with a clear focus on earning capability and everyday usability, combining one of the highest payload capacities in its segment with strong performance, long range and high uptime, all at a segment-beating price. Its comfortable, crash‑tested cabin, car‑like driving dynamics and thoughtfully integrated features are designed to reduce fatigue and improve productivity across long operating hours. As adoption of cleaner technologies accelerates, Tata Motors remains committed to raising industry benchmarks and making electric cargo mobility a practical, confident choice for businesses.”

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Pune-headquartered automotive major Force Motors has reported its domestic wholesales of 36,536 units for FY2026, which marks a 20 percent increase compared to the 30,531 units sold in the previous fiscal year.

For the month of March 2026, the company registered a 14 percent growth with 4,126 units sold.

The company stated it witnessed growth across its product portfolio, supported by demand in passenger mobility, institutional and defence sectors.

Force Traveller continued to maintain a 70 percent market share in the light commercial vehicle segment, with applications in school and ambulance services.

The company’s premium passenger mobility platform Urbania recorded volume growth exceeding 100 percent, while Trax platform saw 70 percent growth with traction from Tier-2 and Tier-3 markets.

Force Motors’ Special Vehicle Division delivered its first batch of 600 Gurkha units to the Indian Army.

At present, Force Motors operates five manufacturing units and an R&D centre in Pune. The company produces and tests engines for all Mercedes-Benz and BMW cars and SUVs manufactured in India.

Additionally, Force MTU Power Systems, a joint venture with Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG, produces 10 and 12-cylinder engines for global power generation and rail applications. Overall exports for the company's four-wheelers grew by 13 percent during the year.

Prasan Firodia, Managing Director, Force Motors, said, “Our performance this year reflects the way we are steadily shaping the business – being more focused, disciplined and aligned to the segments where we know and believe that we can lead. The Force Urbania is setting new benchmarks in premium shared mobility, while the Trax platform is helping improve connectivity across the country. Our Traveller range continues to anchor our presence in the segment, with its market leadership reflecting the deep trust customers place in the brand. At the same time, our continued work with the defence sector reflects the strength of our engineering and our ability to deliver in demanding conditions. We also saw steady growth in our export business, with overall exports growing by 13 percent (4-wheelers only). Given our strong exports’ presence in Gulf markets, we remain mindful of the evolving geopolitical situation and are closely monitoring the developments. As we look ahead, staying close to our customers and paying close attention to their needs & shaping our products and solutions accordingly—will remain a key focus for us. We will continue to build on our strengths with consistency, while staying responsive to evolving market needs”.

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ZF Commercial Vehicle Control Systems India has been awarded a business nomination by a mobility OEM to develop and supply an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite for an upcoming bus platform. The project encompasses system supply, vehicle integration, and validation, with the start of production targeted for Q1 FY2027.

The awarded solution centres on ZF’s OnGuardMAX platform, which utilises multi-sensor fusion including a front camera, mid-range radar and an image processing module. This system is integrated with Short-Range Radar (SRR), an Electronic Braking System (EBS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) to provide comprehensive active safety.

The platform enables Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Driver Drowsiness and Attention Warning (DDAW). It also features SRR units address blind spots to protect vulnerable road users, supporting Blind Spot Information Systems (BSIS) and Moving Off Information Systems (MOIS). The integration of EBS and ESC provides faster braking responses, shorter stopping distances and improved rollover resistance for electric vehicle platforms.

The ADAS suite is engineered to meet GSR 184(E) requirements. The technology has undergone 450,000 kilometres of testing on Indian roads and has received ARAI certification. The architecture is scalable to SAE Level 2 and is designed to support future automation requirements.

Paramjit Singh Chadha, Managing Director, ZF Commercial Vehicle Control Systems India, said, “ADAS was and remains a strategic priority for ZF Commercial Vehicles in India. With a legacy of deep customer understanding and proven technological competence that make commercial transportation safer, smarter and more efficient, we also offer ADAS solutions that fit the specific driving conditions in India and at the same time have the backing of our global expertise.”

Akash Passey, Non-Executive Chairman, ZF Commercial Vehicle Control Systems India, added, “We see a rapid acceleration in India in the adoption of advanced driver assistance technologies that enhance road safety and operational efficiency. ZF Commercial Vehicles Division offers made-to-fit market solutions that address the specific needs of leading and new-age e-mobility OEMs with the strength of ZF’s global engineering expertise and combining it with deep regional insights.”

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VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV), the joint venture between Volvo Group and Eicher Motors, has announced sales of 103,495 vehicles in FY2026, up 14.8 percent YoY, as against 90,161 units sold last year.

This marks the company’s highest-ever annual sales volume since the inception of the partnership in 2008.

The sales performance was distributed across several key commercial vehicle segments, which includes 47,789 Light & Medium Duty (LMD) Trucks (46.1 percent of total sales), 27,867 Heavy Duty (HD) Trucks (25.9 percent of total sales) and 19,363 buses (18.7 percent of total sales).

At present, VECV operates eight manufacturing plants in India, including an Industry 4.0-enabled facility in Bhopal and an engine manufacturing hub (VEPT) in Pithampur that supplies global Volvo Group requirements.

The company maintains a 100 percent connected vehicle portfolio through the Eicher Live telematics platform. Lifecyle support is provided through a pan-India network of over 1,250 touchpoints.

Furthermore, a new Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) plant is under development in Ujjain to focus on drivability and fuel efficiency.

B. Srinivas, MD & CEO, VECV, said, “Crossing the milestone of 1,00,000 vehicles in a year is a significant achievement for VECV and reflects the trust our customers have placed in our products and solutions. This milestone also fulfils a key part of the original vision set at the inception of the Volvo–Eicher joint venture, underscoring the strength and long-term strategic direction of our partnership. As we move forward, we remain committed to driving the next phase of growth through innovation, sustainability, and deeper customer engagement.”

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