JCBL Limited has announced that it has built a dental-clinic-on-wheels (van) for Project Smile Himalaya. 
Ensuring optimal integration of all dental equipment within the examination area and boot space, the van, built for long-term use in remote locations is set to be a critical component of the Project Smile Himalaya initiative, which is led by three institutions – Rotary International (Germany and Bangalore), Swami Vivekananda Sewa Trust (Karnataka) and Vision Himalaya (Ladakh). 
Aiming to take advanced dental care to the remote villages of Ladakh, where healthcare access remains a significant challenge, the van – as an integral part of Project Simile Himalaya – is engineered such that it can navigate the rugged terrain in the respective region. It can deliver cutting-edge, high-quality mobility solutions that address specific regional and environmental challenges, according to JCBL. 
The clinic-on-wheels is equipped to treat one patient at a time while accommodating two-to-three additional patients in waiting. 
The key features include a foldable dental chair, wall-mounted fixtures and a base stool for medical staff. 
By transforming a Caravan chassis into a fully functional dental facility, JCBL has created a solution that allows for minor operations and essential dental care, even in hard-to-reach areas. 
Laced with essential features such as a first aid kit, a toolbox, a document box, an ambulance siren and a foldable ladder to ensure easy access and functionality in tough conditions, the van is pleasant in its appearance too. 
"We are proud to have fulfilled the unique requirements of Project Smile Himalaya by delivering a fully equipped mobile dental clinic designed to meet the specific challenges of Ladakh's terrain. At JCBL, we leverage decades of expertise in manufacturing mobile healthcare vehicles, and we remain committed to providing innovative solutions that enable access to quality healthcare, even in the most remote regions," said Dinesh Dua, Business Head, JCBL Limited (A JCBL Group company). 
 

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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."

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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.”

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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.”

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German automaker Mercedes-Benz Trucks has announced a series of investments in its company-owned retail and service network (Own Retail), including the construction of a new commercial vehicle centre in Koblenz. The project is part of a broader strategy to increase the manufacturer's own retail presence by more than 60 percent by 2030.

The dismantling of the existing 1963 logistics hall at the Friedrich-Mohr-Strasse site will begin in spring 2026, with construction of the new facility scheduled for autumn 2026. The centre is expected to be operational by early 2028, offering 4,000 square metres of floor space for the sales and service of Mercedes-Benz trucks, as well as service for Mercedes-Benz and Setra buses.

To optimise land use, Daimler Truck has partnered with the Kestenholz Group. While Daimler Truck develops the southern portion of the site for heavy commercial vehicles, the Kestenholz Group will construct a facility for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and vans on the northern section.

The Koblenz workshop will include 3,000 square metres of technical space, featuring high-voltage workstations to support battery-electric models such as the eActros, eEconic and eCitaro. A specialised roof workstation will be installed to facilitate maintenance on bus batteries and truck cabs.

The facility also maintains a dedicated role in the defence sector, serving as the central hub for Mercedes-Benz truck spare parts for all German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) locations in Germany and specialising in military engine maintenance.

Stina Fagerman, Head of Marketing, Sales and Services at Mercedes-Benz Trucks, said, “The truck business is characterised by a high level of complexity, intensive consulting requirements and strong customer relationships. Through our company-owned retail operations and locations, we maintain close dialogue with our customers and continuously develop products and services. That is why we are convinced that our Own Retail operations will continue to be decisive for our success in the future. We plan to expand our Own Retail network by more than 60 percent by 2030. The complete renewal of existing locations, such as now in Koblenz, also plays an important role in our strategy.”

Volker Huntrup, Head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks Own Retail, Europe, added, “In addition to acquisitions in our European core markets, such as France, we continue to invest in Germany. The expansion of our manufacturer-owned sales network continues steadily. In doing so, we are consistently implementing our strategy.”

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