Force Motors next-gen van platform named the Urbania

Force Motors next-gen van platform named the Urbania

After unveiling the next generation platform of its popular people and cargo carrier the Traveller (based on the Mercedes-Benz T1 and T2 platform) roughly two years ago, Force Motors has announced that it has named it the Urbania. The vehicle – a modular monocoque panel van with 2-box construction to be precise – is modern in its appearance and has begun serial production at the company’s plant in Pithampur near Indore. 

Being produced on a modern line dedicated to it within the plant that also produces the Traveller and Trax range of vehicles, the Urbania sports styling cues that take it closer to European vans (also Russian ones offered by manufacturers like GAZ) on offer. Claimed to be the first vehicle in its segment to feature signature day running LEDs, projector lamps and tail lamps with light guide technology, the Urbania is designed to be a passenger van as well as a cargo van, claim sources aware of the development. 

Priced at INR 2.89 million for the medium wheelbase (3615 mm) variant that can seat 13 people excluding the driver, and at INR 3.12 million for the longer wheelbase (4400 mm) variant that can seat 17 people excluding the driver, the Urbania is ready to be sold across select Force Commercial Vehicle dealerships in metro and mini-metro cities in India. To this effect, the company held a dealer meet for the respective vehicle recently. 

With the short wheelbase (3350 mm) variant that can seat 10 excluding the driver priced at INR 2.95 million, the Urbania is claimed to be the first vehicle in its category in India to offer crash and rollover compliance with air bags for driver and co-driver. It is design protected for plying in select markets of Middle East, Africa, ASEAN and South America with a solid value proposition to back. 

Featuring large ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, ESP, ABS, EBD and ETDC, the vehicle has begun serial production at the company’s manufacturing facility at Pithampur near Indore on a modern line dedicated to it. 

Designed and developed with extensive consultation with leading technology specialists, domain experts across the globe – in Italy, Spain, UK, Germany, Japan and the USA – to incorporate ‘global van properties’ that ensure refinement, the van has been subjected to high validation standards. 

Engineered to offer high levels of refinement and fitted with an independent front suspension (there is a transverse spring set up), the Urbania van is powered by a 115 hp, turbo-diesel engine that does a peak torque of 350 Nm at 1400-2200 rpm.
 

Sanjay Kumar Bohra Joins EKA Mobility As Chief Commercial Officer

Sanjay Kumar Bohra

Pune-headquartered alternative energy vehicle manufacturer EKA Mobility has appointed Sanjay Kumar Bohra as its new Chief Commercial Officer (CCO).

In his new role, he will lead the Financial & Commercial strategy for EKA Mobility and the group, driving growth, efficiency and value creation across the organisation. Bohra comes with around four decades of experience across finance, banking and Business Process Services (BPS).

Prior to joining EKA Mobility, he served as the Group CFO at Force Motors, having spent over a decade at the company, leading finance function across domestic and international operations. He has also worked with the likes of Citigroup and Tata Consultancy Services in his professional career.

Dr. Sudhir Mehta, Founder & Chairman, EKA Mobility & Pinnacle Industries, said, "We are glad to welcome Sanjay to the EKA family. His deep understanding of finance, coupled with a strong track record in business transformation and strategic leadership, will be instrumental in propelling EKA’s next phase of growth. He will play a key leadership role not just at EKA Mobility, but across our group, as we scale our operations and expand our global footprint."

Sanjay Kumar Bohra, said, "I am excited to join EKA Mobility at such a transformative time for the automotive and clean mobility industry. EKA’s bold vision, innovation-led approach, and strong commitment to sustainability are aligned with my professional ethos, and I look forward to contributing to the EKA and the group’s continued success and global expansion."

ICRA Expects Indian Commercial Vehicle Wholesales To Grow 3-5 Percent In FY2026

ABC Express

The Indian commercial vehicle (CV) industry is likely to see wholesale growth of 3-5 percent in FY2026, backed by the resumption of construction and infrastructure activities. The report states that while domestic CV wholesale volumes saw a marginal 0.1 percent YoY increase in May 2025, retail volumes witnessed a 3.7 percent YoY contraction.

For the initial two months of the fiscal year 2026 (April-May 2025), CV wholesale volumes declined by 0.7 percent on a YoY basis. The decline in retail volumes, which also saw an 11.3 percent sequential drop in May 2025, suggests elevated inventory levels at dealerships.

Breaking down the performance by segment, the medium and heavy commercial vehicle (M&HCV) segment saw its retail sales volumes decline by 4.4 percent YoY in May 2025, with a significant sequential decline of 18.9 percent. ICRA noted that regional disruptions and the geopolitical situation had some impact on demand for the month. M&HCV (trucks) wholesale volumes are anticipated to register a modest 0-3 percent YoY growth in FY2026, following a 4 percent decline in FY2025.

Similarly, retail volumes in the light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment in May 2025 declined by 3.2 percent YoY and 4.9 percent sequentially, reflecting muted demand. LCV (trucks) wholesale volumes are expected to register a limited 3-5 percent YoY growth in FY2026. The increasing preference for pre-owned vehicles over new ones in this segment has also impacted demand recently.

Despite the subdued performance in May, ICRA forecasts a modest YoY growth of 3-5 percent in wholesale volumes for the domestic CV industry in FY2026, after a marginal 1.2 percent year-on-year decline in FY2025. While M&HCV (trucks) and LCV (trucks) segments are expected to see modest volume growth, the buses segment is projected to experience a relatively higher growth of 8-10 percent for the fiscal year.

The anticipated pick-up in construction and mining activities, coupled with a steady economic environment, is expected to support demand prospects for the LCV (trucks) and M&HCV (trucks) segments. Meanwhile, replacement demand is likely to be a key driver for volume growth in the buses segment.

Ashok Leyland To Supply 200 Trucks To Instant Transport Solution

Ashok Leyland - Instant Transport Solution

Chennai-based commercial vehicle major Ashok Leyland has bagged an order to deliver 200 trucks to Instant Transport Solution, a key express logistics player in India.

Instant & XP India, is a leading express logistics player in e-commerce, FCL, LCL and 3PL space, is one of the fastest-growing integrated logistics businesses in India.

It currently operates a fleet of around 2,100 trucks and has placed a substantial order of 200 units of Ashok Leyland’s trucks. The first batch of 100 units of 1916 single axle and 2820 multi-axle haulage trucks were delivered, marking the beginning of this extensive fleet expansion.

Sanjeev Kumar, President – MHCV, Ashok Leyland, handed over the keys to the first batch of 100 trucks to Rajbir Singh Chaudhary, Chairman, Instant Transport Solution, in the presence of senior executives from both organisations.

Sanjeev Kumar, said, “We are delighted to deliver the first batch of 1916 single axle and 2820 multi-axle haulage trucks to Instant Transport Solution. This order underscores the confidence customers place in our robust, innovative and reliable vehicles. As we continue to push the boundaries of technology and customer experience, collaborations like these will help shape a more efficient, future-ready logistics sector.”

Rajbir Singh, said, “We have complete trust in the quality and performance of Ashok Leyland trucks. Their outstanding after-sales support ensures seamless operations for us, while their growing service network further enhances our capabilities. This delivery represents more than just new trucks – it signifies a deepening partnership aimed at advancing logistics efficiency. With Ashok Leyland’s dedication to innovation and our forward-thinking approach to transportation, we look forward to continued success on the road.”

Mahindra Bolero Pik-Up HD 1.9 CNG Launched At INR 1.11 Million

Bolero MaXX Pik-Up HD 1.9 CNG

Mumbai-headquartered automotive major Mahindra & Mahindra has launched its all-new Bolero MaXX Pik-Up HD 1.9 CNG small commercial vehicle (SCV) at INR 1.11 million (ex-showroom). The new model expands the company’s popular Bolero Pik-Up brand.

The Bolero MaXX Pik-Up HD 1.9 CNG comes with a 2.5-litre turbocharged CNG engine, delivering 61 kW power, 220 Nm of torque @ 1,200-2,200 rpm and a payload capacity of 1.86-tonne. The SCV is specifically designed for long-distance operations and offers a claimed range of up to 400 km on a single CNG fill, supported by its 180-litre tank capacity. The SCV comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox and power steering.

In terms of connectivity, the Bolero MaXX Pik-Up HD 1.9 CNG is the company’s first CNG pickup offering with iMAXX telematics solution tech, providing fleet operators complete overview of the vehicle performance.

The SCV comes with air conditioning and heating systems for all weather driving, as well as a height-adjustable driver seat for ergonomic support.

The cargo bed designed to support diverse customer needs measures 3050 mm in length. Complementing the vehicle are the 16-inch tyres and durable leaf spring suspension on both front and rear axles.