JCB India, India’s leading manufacturer of earthmoving and construction equipment, has launched its NXT 215 LC Fuel Master tracked excavator aimed at enhancing the profitability of customers through a significant reduction in fuel consumption. Developed at the company’s factory in Pune, the new machine targets the domestic as well as global markets. 

The NXT 215 LC Fuel Master has been extensively engineered to reduce fuel consumption by 14 percent compared to the previous model. Developed using JCB’s Intelliflow Hydraulics technology, the new machine provides real-time fuel consumption data through the onboard interface screen as well as over JCB’s remote monitoring solution, LiveLink. Additionally, the new ‘auto engine long idle stop’ feature avoids fuel wastage in case the engine is idling for long. This improvement in fuel efficiency can lead to an estimated savings of INR 290,000 per year, claims the company.

Apart from its fuel-saving features, the new machine is also five percent more productive and significantly benefits customers through reduced operating costs. It has been tested for demanding working cycles for Indian operations and comes equipped with a Power Boost function to perform in tough applications, including Rock Breaker applications. The newly introduced LED lights further aid in brighter work area illumination and durable performance.

Deepak Shetty, CEO and Managing Director, JCB India, said, “Innovation has been the cornerstone of our operations in India for over four decades. This new machine has been engineered to enhance the profitability of our customers through a significant reduction in fuel consumption of 14 percent. It will lead to a better return on their investments in today’s competitive working environment. At JCB, the customer is at the centre of all our efforts. Through technology, this new machine will mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs. The JCBNXT 215 LC Fuel Master will be a trusted partner for our customers who are playing a key role in the creation of a world-class infrastructure. This fuel saving is also in line with the government’s focus on reduction of fossil fuels, which has a significant impact on our economy and the environment.”

Japanese pick-up truck specialists Isuzu Motors India has topped the list for exporting the highest number of made-in-India commercial vehicles for FY2025 as per the latest data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).

The company currently manufactures LHD (Left Hand Drive) and RHD (Right Hand Drive) models at its Sri City facility and exported 20,312 units in FY2025, up 24 percent YoY, as against 16,329 units for the same period last year. At present, Isuzu Motors India's made-in-India pick-up trucks are sold in the Middle East and Asia markets.

On the other hand, Tata Motors slipped to the second position with exports of 18,164 units, registering a flat growth, as compared to 17,677 units shipped last year.

Mahindra & Mahindra clocked a 38 percent YoY growth with export of 17,959 units, as against 13,011 units last year.

It is also important to note that FY2025 also marked a record milestone year for Isuzu Motors India, when it rolled out its 100,000^th unit from its Sri City facility.

Interestingly, a closer look at the top five commercial vehicles exporter reveals that cumulatively they sold 76,871 units, up 22.81 percent YoY, as against 62,591 units last year. This translates to an average yearly growth of 26 percent amongst them.

NueGo, a leading intercity electric bus brand by GreenCell Mobility in the country, has announced that it has integrated Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) technology across its entire electric bus fleet consisting of over 275 e-buses.

The company began its operations in 2022 and focusses on providing clean mobility solutions along with integrating various industry-first technology in its fleet.  

The strategic move will see NueGo e-buses come with Automated Emergency Braking (AEB), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Driver Drowsiness Detection.

In addition, the company has already mandated driver breath analyser test, reserved ‘PINK’ seats for women, real-time GPS tracking, AI-powered driver monitoring system, rigorous safety & service training, 24x7 dedicated women’s helpline, high-definition CCTV surveillance, clean & hygienic mid-point stops and 24x7 command control centre to ensure a safer experience for its users.  

Devndra Chawla, MD & CEO, GreenCell Mobility, said, “At NueGo, guest safety is deeply embedded in our DNA. We were among the first in the industry to integrate Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) across our entire fleet –setting a new benchmark for intercity travel. Our unwavering commitment is to deliver a journey that is comfortable, sustainable, and above all, exceptionally safe”

Ashok Leyland, the Indian flagship of Hinduja Group and the country’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Indian Bank to provide finance facilities for its M&HCV dealers.

Through the cooperation, Ashok Leyland's M&HCV dealers will have easier access to finance solutions, enabling them to improve company operations and effectively manage their working capital. Dealers may grow their operations with ease thanks to Indian Bank's customised financing alternatives, which offer better liquidity, quicker loan approvals and competitive interest rates. This partnership underscores Ashok Leyland's dedication to empowering its dealer network and promoting sustainable growth in the commercial vehicle sector by guaranteeing increased financial flexibility.

C Neelakantan, Head of Treasury and Direct Taxation at Ashok Leyland, and Saurabh Dalmia, Head of Cash Management at Indian Bank, signed the MoU in the presence of Madhavi Deshmukh, National Sales Head of MHCV at Ashok Leyland, Ashutosh Choudhury, Executive Director, Roopali Singh, DGM-CMS Vertical, and Munash Dalal, AGM-CMS Vertical, who were representatives from Indian Bank.

Balaji K M, CFO, Ashok Leyland, said, “Ashok Leyland is delighted to partner with Indian Bank to offer customised finance solutions to our valued M&HCV dealers. With Indian Bank’s expansive network of 5,880 branches across India, we can cater to our dealers in every region. This strategic partnership will strengthen Ashok Leyland's market position. We remain committed to delivering exceptional experiences to our customers.”

Madhavi Deshmukh, National Sales Head – MHCV, Ashok Leyland, said, “The strategic collaboration with Indian Bank will deliver exceptional financing solutions to our valued dealers, extending our market reach and reinforcing our commitment to innovation and partner success. This partnership will provide tailored financing solutions designed to meet the unique requirements of our dealers. We remain dedicated to fostering long-lasting relationship with our dealer network.”

Ashutosh Choudhury, Executive Director, Indian Bank, said, “Indian Bank is pleased to partner with Ashok Leyland to provide their dealers seamless and tailored financing solutions. This collaboration reaffirms our commitment to supporting the diverse financial requirements of businesses in the commercial vehicle sector. With Indian Bank’s best-in-class processes, we are confident that more dealers will benefit from this partnership, enabling them to scale their operations and drive business growth.”

Ashok Leyland, a leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, has inaugurated its 22nd Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) dealership in Uttar Pradesh. The new 3S facility located in Chunar, Mirzapur will further strengthen the company’s presence in North India.

The company’s LCV portfolio includes Saathi, Dost, Bada Dost, Partner and MiTR targeted for a wide range of customers and applications.

Viplav Shah, Head – LCV Business, Ashok Leyland, said, “Recognising immense potential of Uttar Pradesh as a key market for us, we are thrilled to strengthen our presence in the region. Our new dealership in Chunar (Mirzapur) would go a long way in reinforcing our presence in the state. The phenomenal success of our ‘Dost’, ‘Bada Dost,’ and the new ‘Saathi’ range underscores the robustness of our products - thanks to their best-in-class mileage, superior performance, and higher payloads. We take immense pride in our exceptional service retention levels, with nearly 70% of our customers returning to our dealer workshops even beyond the warranty period. This new dealership marks yet another milestone in our journey to provide the best possible experience to our valued customers.”