EV, LNG dominate VECV’s display of sustainable and smart mobility solutions at Bharat Mobility Expo
- By MT Bureau
- January 17, 2025
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.
Ashok Leyland Debuts Next-Gen Engines At EXCON 2025
- By MT Bureau
- December 09, 2025
Ashok Leyland introduced two advanced engine families designed for the off-highway and industrial sectors at EXCON 2025. The company, a prominent commercial vehicle manufacturer under the Hinduja Group, revealed its new P15 and H4 Unipack engines, both fully meeting the rigorous CEV Stage V emission standards. These powertrains are built for durability, high performance and operational efficiency.
The P15 engine, available in 49 and 55 horsepower options, suits compact equipment like skid-steer loaders, forklifts and mini compactors. Its lightweight and compact architecture provides substantial pulling power alongside lower fuel usage. This platform offers versatility through a high-speed non-emission variant for faster cycle times and a CNG option for cleaner energy needs.
Engineered for more demanding roles, the H4 Unipack series delivers 55 and 74 horsepower for applications such as backhoe loaders. It is built to endure challenging environments, featuring reliable cold-start capability and maintained performance at altitudes reaching 5,500 metres, all while complying with strict emission regulations.
Beyond these core engines, Ashok Leyland displayed a broader portfolio of innovative solutions at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre event. This included the heavy-duty 380 horsepower A6 Series CRS Engine and the future-focused H6 Series, which features hydrogen and flex-fuel capabilities. The exhibition also highlighted a 133 horsepower H6 engine, a diesel genset, a compact exhaust after-treatment system and simplified airless DEF tank solutions. These introductions underscore the company’s dedication to pioneering engineering and tailored customer solutions, manufactured in world-class facilities aligned with global quality benchmarks.
Amandeep Singh, President – LCV, International Operations, Defence & Power Solutions, said, "Our customers need solutions that keep their operations running smoothly and cost-effectively. The new P15 and H4 Unipack engines deliver higher power, better fuel efficiency and proven reliability. This launch strengthens our commitment to innovation and supports India’s ‘Make in India’ vision."
Sathyanandan M, Head – Power Solutions, said, "Our engineering expertise continues to drive innovation in the industrial engine space. We understand the challenges faced in the construction and industrial sectors. These new engines are versatile, durable and easy to integrate across various equipment categories. Our aim is simple: to help businesses work smarter and achieve more with solutions they can rely on."
19.5 Tonne BharatBenz Bus From Daimler India Commercial Vehicles
- By MT Bureau
- December 08, 2025
Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) has launched a 19.5 tonne front engine bus chassis called the BB1924. Designed specifically for India's rapidly expanding intercity passenger transport segment, the bus will suit the needs of operators seeking higher payload capacity, lower operating costs and enhanced passenger comfort.
Entering a bus market that is valued at USD 51.09 billion and expanding at 5.36 percent CAGR through 2030, the new bus chassis will be available across BharatBenz's extensive network of 398 authorised touchpoints across India, ensuring convenient access and pan-India delivery support.
To make acquisition seamless, BharatBenz has partnered with 15 plus leading banks and NBFCs including HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and Bajaj Finserv, offering competitive financing with interest rates starting at 8.5 percent per annum and flexible EMI tenures up to five years. DICV's commitment regarding the bus extends well beyond the point of sale through industry-leading after-sales support with every BB1924 bus chassis backed by a comprehensive six-year or 600,000 km powertrain warranty and 24x7 roadside assistance across the country.
The company is guaranteeing 95 percent parts availability within 24/48 hours through its robust localised supply chain, minimising downtime and ensuring operational continuity. Operators can further enhance their fleet management through predictive maintenance enabled by IoT-based telematics, while comprehensive driver and technician training programmes are conducted in regional languages ensure optimal vehicle performance.
Commenting on the launch, Andamuthu Ponnusamy, Head of Bus Business, DICV said,
“The BB1924 represents a paradigm shift in how we think about intercity mobility. By combining advanced safety features, industry-leading localization, and a focus on total cost of ownership, BharatBenz sets a benchmark for value and reliability in intercity mobility. Our extensive field trials with leading operators across routes like Mumbai-Pune, Delhi-Jaipur, and Chennai-Bangalore have demonstrated significant reduction in total cost of ownership compared to existing solutions.
Solis Unveils JP 975 Its New-Gen Tractor Platform
- By MT Bureau
- December 05, 2025
Solis, the flagship brand of International Tractors (ITL) has launched the Solis JP 975, which it said is developed on an entirely new technology platform.
The JP 975 is the first model in the new JP series and is powered by JP Tech 4-cylinder engine, which delivers up to 10 percent higher torque, peaking at 205 Nm.
This engine is paired with India’s first 15F + 5R Epicyclic Transmission in the segment, alongside side-shift gears for smoother handling and a minimum of five optimal working speeds suitable for every major application.
The tractor’s Smart Shuttle system ensures quick, jerk-free directional changes, enhancing operator efficiency in field and loader work. A ladder-type chassis ensures stability, lower vibration and reduced noise, which is crucial for longer working hours.
Raman Mittal, Joint Managing Director, International Tractors, said, “The launch of the advanced Solis JP 975 marks a decisive step in our mission to bring next-generation tractor technologies to Indian farmers. The JP 975 is the first model in our completely new JP series, designed on a future-ready platform that integrates intelligent engineering with the evolving needs of the progressive Indian farmer. With the powerful JP Tech 4-cylinder engine and India’s first 15F+5R transmission in its class, the JP 975 sets a new benchmark in power, comfort, and application versatility. Over the next 12 months, we will be introducing a series of advanced tractors built on this platform to unlock greater efficiency and productivity for our farming community.”
- Traton Group
- Scania
- MAN
- Dr. Michael Jackstein
- Nicola Beer
- European Investment Bank
- Traton Modular System
Traton Secures EUR 500 Million EIB Loan To Accelerate Transport Transformation
- By MT Bureau
- December 04, 2025
European commercial vehicle major Traton and the European Investment Bank (EIB) have signed a EUR 500 million long-term loan agreement at favourable terms to support the Traton Group's research and development for the Traton Modular System (TMS).
The TMS is a global, cross-brand modular platform designed to harmonise vehicle development and production across Traton brands like Scania and MAN. Its standardised interfaces allow for economies of scale, reduce costs and enable specific solutions for customers. The system promotes scalability, cost efficiency and flexibility while supporting innovation and sustainability.
This funding is intended to drive the transformation of Europe’s heavy-duty vehicles sector and supports the goals set out in the European Green Deal, including making transport cleaner and helping manufacturers meet carbon reduction rules.
Dr. Michael Jackstein, CFO and CHRO, Traton Group, said, “The partnership with the European Investment Bank is a major milestone in Traton Group’s financial strategy and underlines our strategic direction and innovative strength. By further diversifying our financing access, we are ensuring the financial stability and flexibility needed to drive innovation and support our customers throughout the industry’s transition to a more electrified and sustainable future.”
Nicola Beer, Vice-President, European Investment Bank, said, “Investing in sustainable mobility and cutting-edge digitalization is vital for Europe’s long-term competitiveness. By financing industry leaders like Traton, the EIB ensures that European innovation translates into real-world impact – creating high-quality jobs, reinforcing resilient supply chains and driving the continent’s leadership in the green transition. This agreement unlocks momentum for the Group to drive industry transformation, marking a decisive move in the shift to scalable, digital, and electrified mobility solutions for Europe and beyond. Together, EIB and Traton are charting a course towards more sustainable, digitally integrated transport ecosystems – reinforcing Europe’s industrial leadership for generations to come.”

Comments (0)
ADD COMMENT