EV, LNG dominate VECV’s display of sustainable and smart mobility solutions at Bharat Mobility Expo

VECV Showcase Bharat Mobility Global Expo 3

VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV), a joint venture between Volvo Group and Eicher Motors, has unveiled its sustainable and smart mobility range at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. Showcasing a mix of trucks, buses and services, the offerings emphasise eco-friendly designs, future-ready technologies and driver-centric features.

The showcase inlcuded the Eicher Skyline Pro-E 13.5m intercity electric coach, which is a cutting-edge electric bus designed to revolutionise intercity transportation. With its advanced monocoque platform and silent driveline, this state-of-the-art vehicle offers passengers a quiet, comfortable and eco-friendly travel experience.

For demanding mining operations, the Eicher Pro 8035XM E-smart tipper sets a new benchmark. As the most powerful tipper in its class, it delivers unparalleled performance, durability, and reliability, making it ideal for the toughest conditions.

The Volvo 9600 sleeper coach redefines premium travel by blending luxury and comfort. Equipped with first-class seating, this vehicle is the perfect choice for tourism and intercity journeys, catering to passengers seeking a superior travel experience.

The Volvo FM 420 tractor with ADAS brings innovation to India with the introduction of the camera monitor system. Replacing traditional side mirrors with cameras and display units, this feature enhances driver safety. Combined with Volvo Trucks’ I-Shift technology and advanced driver assistance systems , the tractor delivers 420 HP, exceptional fuel efficiency, and sustainable performance for construction and logistics applications.

Designed for mineral transport, the Volvo FM 420 LNG tractor with tip trailer is a robust vehicle featuring higher ground clearance, heavy-duty pneumatic suspension, and versatile tyres suitable for both on- and off-road conditions. Paired with a 38 cu.m tip-trailer, it is specifically tailored for coal transport operations.

Marking a significant milestone, VECV is introducing its first electric SCV range under the Eicher brand. The launch of Eicher’s EV-first SCV range represents the company’s entry into the 2-3.5T segment, signalling a strong commitment to electrification and sustainable mobility.

Commenting on the occassion, Managing Director Vinod Aggarwal remarked, "At VECV, we are committed to delivering modern and sustainable solutions to Indian Commercial Vehicle customers. Bharat Mobility Expo 2025 provides a platform to showcase our diverse range of products and demonstrate our leadership in meeting the rapidly evolving needs of our customers. Our trucks and buses, backed by our uptime promise to deliver sustainable and efficient transport systems critical to India's growth trajectory."

All Eicher and Volvo vehicles are supported by industry-first innovations including a 100 percent connected fleet and a cutting-edge uptime centre. Eicher’s app-enabled smart support solutions empower trucks, buses, drivers and fleet managers, enhancing productivity while significantly reducing carbon footprints.

B Srinivas Becomes MD & CEO Of VECV, Vinod Aggarwal Elevated As Chairman

VECV

VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV) has announced the appointment of B Srinivas as Managing Director and CEO, effective 1 April 2026.

At present, he serves as the Chief Operating Officer and will now succeed Vinod Aggarwal. He has worked with Eicher for over three decades across product strategy, purchasing, sales and marketing. He previously led the Eicher Bus business and served as Head of Product Strategy and Purchasing between 2022 and 2024.

Aggarwal, who has led VECV for 16 years, will now become the Chairman of the Board. He replaces Sofia Frandberg, who completes her three-year term as Chairperson, and will continue to be on the Board of VECV.

In addition, Rajinder Singh Sachdeva has been nominated to the Board following his retirement as Deputy CEO and Chief Transformation Officer. He replaces Raul Rai, who steps down as Director.

The leadership shift comes as VECV continues its strategy of expanding into new segments and markets. Since its formation in 2008, the joint venture has invested in capacity and technology to increase its presence in the Indian commercial vehicle market.

Siddhartha Lal, Chairman, Eicher Motors (EML), said, “I am delighted with the appointment of B Srinivas as the new Managing Director and CEO of VECV. It strengthens our well calibrated, long-term strategy and continuity at VECV. I have personally worked with Srinivas for over twenty-five years and seen his hands-on and inclusive leadership style. He is a thoughtful and courageous leader, and is willing to make changes and strategic shifts towards achieving the company’s long- term goals. I believe the company will benefit tremendously from his leadership – combining his customer focused approach, technological acumen and collaborative style. I wish him the best in his new role and look forward to working with him.”

Vinod Aggarwal, added, “My heartiest congratulations to Srinivas as he steps into the role of Managing Director & CEO of VECV. With over three decades of experience, he brings along a deep understanding of our legacy, versatile experience of the business and a strategic vision to scale new heights. I am confident he will accelerate our growth trajectory. I wish him great success and look forward to working with him as I transition into my new role as the Chairman of the company.”

B Srinivas, said, “My journey with Eicher has been truly remarkable. Having spent thirty-one years here in various capacities both in commercial and technical roles including the last two years as the Chief Operating Officer of VECV, I am looking forward to embarking on this next phase. I would like to thank the Board of VE Commercial Vehicles. for this opportunity, and entrusting me to drive our growth trajectory alongside my team.”

Mahindra Truck And Bus Opens New 3S Dealership In Hubli

MTB - Hubli

Mahindra’s Truck and Bus Division has inaugurated a Sales, Service and Spares (3S) dealership in Hubli, Karnataka, in partnership with Indhu India Motors.

The facility includes seven service bays capable of maintaining more than seven vehicles per day, it also provides driver lodging, 24-hour breakdown assistance and AdBlue supplies. This expansion follows four years of volume growth for the division and brings Mahindra’s national network to more than 200 3S dealerships and 400 secondary service touchpoints.

At present, the Mahindra Group currently holds a 7 percent market share in the Indian truck and bus industry, with a 24 percent share specifically in the Intermediate and Light Commercial Vehicle (I&LCV) bus segment. The company has set a target to increase its total market share to 10-12 percent by FY2031 and over 20 percent by FY2036.

It’s current commercial vehicle range includes the BLAZO X, FURIO, OPTIMO and JAYO models. These vehicles are integrated with iMAXX, a telematics solution designed to provide fleet owners with data and control over transport operations.

The company offers two specific service guarantees for its truck range:

Roadside Support: A guarantee to have vehicles back on the road within 48 hours, or the company pays the customer INR 1,000 per day.

Workshop Turnaround: A guarantee of vehicle turnaround within 36 hours at a dealership workshop, or the company pays INR 3,000 per day.

Vinod Sahay, President – Trucks, Buses & Construction Equipment, said, "Delighted to inaugurate our new state-of-the-art dealership in Hubli. Indhu India Motors becomes another new dealership of Mahindra Trucks and Buses in Karnataka. Together, Mahindra Trucks and Buses and SML now have over 200 3S dealerships and over 400 secondary service touchpoints for trucks and buses across the country, providing world-class customer care to our valued customers. The Mahindra Group now holds close to 7% market share in trucks and buses, with a 24 percent market share in I&LCV buses. We are targeting to increase our market share to 10-12 percent by FY2031 and over 20 percent by FY2036."

Dr Venkat Srinivas, Business Head – Mahindra Trucks, Buses & Construction Equipment, added, “Our obsession with customer-centricity has driven us towards creating disruptive value propositions for our customers. Be it the guaranteed higher mileage of our entire product range, or the most advanced telematics solution – iMAXX, which gives the fleet owners complete control over their transport business or a rapidly growing network of dealerships and other formats of after-sales support paraphernalia, we are committed to impart the best customer experience in the Indian Commercial vehicle industry."

IVECO BUS Announces CKD Production And Distribution Agreements In Uzbekistan

IVECO - Uzbekistan

IVECO BUS has signed two agreements in Uzbekistan to establish Completely Knocked Down (CKD) production of the DAILY minibus and nationwide distribution of its product portfolio. The move marks an expansion of the manufacturer's presence in Central Asia.

Production is scheduled to commence in May 2026 in partnership with Asaka Motors International. Distribution operations will be managed by ASAKA EFVI TRUCK AND BUS JV. The partners have set a target of 500 units in the first year, with plans to increase annual production and sales to 1,000 units within three years.

The CKD project is intended to support the development of an industrial ecosystem in Uzbekistan. By combining engineering with local manufacturing, the initiative aims to facilitate job creation and technical skills transfer within the national automotive sector.

The initial production programme will focus on the DAILY minibus, including diesel and electric versions. The vehicles are intended for use in urban and intercity transport, corporate fleets and tourism. Local assembly is expected to manage the total cost of ownership and reduce delivery times.

Sascha Kaehne, IVECO BUS AMEA Bus Commercial Operations, said, “The agreements signed in Uzbekistan represent an important step in our international growth strategy. By establishing local CKD production and a robust distribution structure, we are building a solid foundation for long-term development in Central Asia.”

Jalilov Avazbek, CEO, Asaka Motors International, added, “We are proud to collaborate with IVECO BUS to deliver advanced transport solutions in Uzbekistan. This partnership strengthens our industrial capabilities and supports the modernization of passenger mobility in the country.”

NEMBHARAT Announces Insurance Cover And Employment Guarantee For Cab Drivers

NEMBHARAT

NEMBHARAT, a zero-commission ride-hailing platform, has formalised a welfare framework for its commercial driver partners. The scheme includes an INR 1.5 million insurance cover and an employment guarantee within the company's mobility ecosystem.

The insurance is designed to support drivers and their families in instances of accident, illness, or death. World Economic Mobility Limited (WEML), the operator of NEMBHARAT, stated the initiative aligns with the New Labour Laws of 2025 regarding social security for gig and platform workers.

To qualify for the insurance coverage, drivers must operate commercially registered vehicles and complete the National Mobility Star Training Programme. This training is part of a broader effort to standardise service quality across the platform.

NEMBHARAT is introducing non-ride monetisation channels to provide income stability. Drivers who can no longer operate vehicles will be offered roles in sectors linked to the platform, such as: tourism services, inter-city mobility and hospitality logistics.

Governed by the NARAYANIHITI Trust, NEMBHARAT operates on a prepaid, cashless system. The platform does not charge subscriptions or commissions to its drivers. This model is intended to provide clarity on earnings for drivers and predictable fares for passengers.

Dr Kanchi Sharma, Director and COO, WEML, said, “India’s labour laws have laid an important foundation for strengthening worker welfare. In line with this vision, NEMBHARAT aims to support driver partners by enabling financial protection and promoting income stability. As part of expanding earning opportunities beyond ride-based trips, NEMBHARAT is also introducing non-ride monetization channels for its driver partners. Drivers who are unable to continue operating vehicles will be offered alternative roles within sectors linked to the mobility ecosystem. These roles include work across tourism services, inter-city mobility support and hospitality logistics connected to the platform’s network.”