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.
 

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IVECO BUS has won Lot 1 of Italy’s latest Consip tender to supply natural gas-powered minibuses to Italy. The award covers 80 DAILY CNG minibuses: 30 urban (Class I) and 50 interurban (Class II) vehicles.

The model selected is the Daily 70C14 CNG with Indcar body, chosen for its operational capability and low environmental effect.

The 80 minibuses include an 8-speed automatic gearbox, rear air suspension and methane tanks for range. A separate driver’s cab aids safety. All vehicles meet current safety rules and feature advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), a fire suppression system, a TPMS tyre pressure monitoring system, route indicators, an AVM system, CCTV cameras and a passenger counting system.

Giorgio ZINO, Head of IVECO BUS Commercial Operations in Europe, said, “Being awarded this important Consip tender confirms the relevance and reliability of our offering, particularly in the methane-powered vehicle segment, where we have solid experience. The DAILY CNG minibuses represent a concrete and effective solution to support the ecological transition of public transport, combining environmental sustainability, safety, and comfort. We are proud to actively contribute to a more responsible mobility model that serves local communities.”

The Urban Models (Class I) minibuses can accommodate 14 seated passengers, 14 standing passengers and a space for wheelchair users, accessible via a manual ramp. Seats are monocoque to resist vandalism.

On the other hand, the Interurban Models (Class II) offer 22 seated places, 5 standing places and a space for passengers with reduced mobility, also with a manual ramp. Seats are fabric-upholstered and include hand grips.

The company shared that the compact size and level of customisation make the Daily CNG vehicles useful for both urban and interurban operation, supporting comfort, safety and operational effectiveness.

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The India-Japan Fund (IJF), managed by the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund Limited (NIIF), has announced an investment of INR 5 billion (USD 57 million) in Pune-headquartered electric commercial vehicle manufacturer EKA Mobility.

The capital infusion aligns with IJF's objective to invest in the climate segment and accelerate investments within the India-Japan corridor. EKA Mobility, a subsidiary of Pinnacle Industries, focuses on electric commercial vehicles developed with in-house R&D and technology.

The funding will support EKA Mobility’s plans to increase its manufacturing capacity, advance research and development, improve its supply chain infrastructure and enhance marketing efforts for domestic and international markets. EKA Mobility's existing shareholders include VDL Groep (Netherlands), Mitsui & Co, (Japan) and ENAM Holdings (India).

Krishna Kumar, Partner & Fund Head, IJF, said, “Our investment in EKA Mobility continues to reflect our confidence in India’s electric mobility potential and the capability of homegrown OEMs to drive meaningful change in the market. IJF is supporting enterprises that are shaping India’s journey to a low-carbon economy, and also committed to promoting India-Japan business partnerships. We are glad to support Eka Mobility's growth in the sustainable commercial transportation segment, wherein it combines its technical, design capabilities and manufacturing infrastructure to take advantage of India's transition in the mobility segment.”

Dr. Sudhir Mehta, Founder & Chairman of EKA Mobility, added: “We are proud to have NIIF as a strategic partner in our growth journey. This investment comes at a crucial time as we expand operations, strengthen our R&D, and accelerate the adoption of electric mobility across India. NIIF’s support reinforces our shared vision of creating sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready transportation solutions.”

The company's zero-emission vehicle portfolio spans electric buses, intercity coaches, three-wheeler passenger and cargo vehicles, heavy-duty trucks and small commercial vehicles.

EKA Mobility has confirmed orders for over 3,300 electric buses from state government procurements, municipal corporation contracts, and private commercial fleets. The collaboration supports the Indian government’s objectives on electrification of public transport and domestic manufacturing under the Make-in-India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

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Chennai-based commercial vehicle major Ashok Leyland has secured an order for supplying 1,937 buses to the Tamil Nadu State Transport Undertakings (TNSTU). The order further reinforces Ashok Leyland's partnership with the TNSTU, which currently operates over 21,000 of the company's buses.

The new buses will feature the advanced iGen6 BS VI technology and are designed for passenger comfort. The order includes a mix of fully built and chassis configurations for town, mofussil and SETC (State Express Transport Corporation) applications. Each vehicle is built on the AIS 153-compliant chassis platform, which meets the latest Indian safety and performance regulations.

The order for a mix of the new Viking and SETC models offer features to meet the needs of public transport:

• Power Needs: All Town / Mofussil and SETC buses have an upgraded Battery and Alternator to meet the power needs of Advanced ITMS (Intelligent Transport Management Systems).
• Safety: High-speed Mofussil and SETC buses are equipped with Electronic Stability Control for improved stability.
• Comfort: Urban Low Entry and Semi Low Floor buses (650mm) include automatic transmission and air suspension, and are equipped with a wheelchair ramp for passengers with special needs.

Madhavi Deshmukh, National Sales Head – MHCV, Ashok Leyland, said, “We are proud to strengthen our long-standing partnership with the Tamil Nadu State Transport Undertakings through this significant order. Tamil Nadu has always been an important market for us, and this order is a testament to the trust and confidence our customers place in Ashok Leyland’s technology and performance. This order win reinforces our dedication to creating efficient and technologically advanced products that exceed our customers' expectations and contribute to the growth of public transportation. Our focus continues to be on developing advanced, safe and efficient mobility solutions that meet the evolving needs of public transportation in India.”

Mohan K, Head Bus - MHCV, Ashok Leyland, said, “We are thrilled to have received this order from the Tamil Nadu State Transport Undertakings for 1937 buses. Tamil Nadu has always been one of our most valued markets, and we take great pride in being a key partner in strengthening the state’s public transport system. These advanced buses, equipped with the latest safety, technology and comfort features, underscore our commitment to delivering reliable, efficient, and safe mobility solutions. We remain dedicated to supporting the government’s vision of providing modern and sustainable transportation for the people of Tamil Nadu.”

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Chennai-based commercial vehicle major Ashok Leyland has commenced deliveries of the 24 units of AVTR 55T Electric trucks to ASAT Logistics, which is the strategic logistics partner for Shree Cement.

The keys to the first batch of four trucks were handed over by Sanjeev Kumar, President - MHCV, Ashok Leyland, to Arvind Sarda, CEO, ASAT Logistics.

The trucks use lithium-ion battery technology with dual-gun charging and are compatible with industry-standard trailers and superstructures. The vehicles include a cabin, automatic transmission, telematics and a suite of Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) and safety features.

Sanjeev Kumar, said, “We are thrilled to deliver the first batch of 4 units of our AVTR 55T Electric trucks to ASAT Logistics. These trucks highlight our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and performance in the commercial vehicle sector. This partnership reflects the growing confidence in our electric mobility solutions and reinforces our position as a technology leader in the logistics ecosystem. As we continue to push the boundaries of clean transportation, we remain focused on delivering reliable, efficient, and future-ready mobility solutions.”

Arvind Sarda, said, “We have complete trust in the quality and performance of Ashok Leyland trucks. Together with Shree Cement, we embark on a journey toward a cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable future. We thank Ashok Leyland for delivering the technologically advanced AVTR 55T Electric trucks, enabling us to take further our commitment to building a sustainable and eco-friendly transportation ecosystem. With Ashok Leyland’s dedication to innovation and our forward-thinking approach to logistics for Shree Cement, we look forward to continued success on the road.”

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