Knorr-Bremse Expands Pune Tech Centre

Knorr-Bremse Expands Pune Tech Centre

Knorr-Bremse, a global leader in rail and commercial vehicle systems, unveiled its expanded Technology Center India (TCI) in Pune, India, underscoring its commitment to advancing transportation technologies. With a multi-million-euro investment, the new building complex hosts R&D and technical support facilities for rail and commercial vehicle systems divisions.

The new state-of-the-art facility, inaugurated last week, will house over 1,300 experts focused on key areas, including mechanical engineering, hardware and software, IT, and simulations.

The TCI serves as a vital innovation hub for Knorr-Bremse Group, offering its global sites a broad spectrum of R&D, engineering, and IT services. This latest multimillion-euro investment is set to solidify Knorr-Bremse’s foothold in the burgeoning Indian market.

Marc Llistosella, CEO of Knorr-Bremse AG, said, “The expansion of our Technology Center India is a significant investment for Knorr-Bremse. We want to drive growth through our Rail and Truck divisions – both in India, as an emerging mobility market, and in other key markets. As a global development centre, the expanded TCI will play a central role in enhancing our business and creating pioneering transportation technologies.”

Arun Bhat, Managing Director of TCI, said, “The new building will enhance our R&D capacity in workforce and project volume. Our investment underscores India’s importance as a promising market and a highly attractive engineering and development hub. This will enable us to satisfy complex customer needs and manage the anticipated market growth in India and worldwide.”

The extended complex, adjacent to the existing TCI centre established in 2012, was completed in record time, thanks to meticulous planning and swift execution. The additional capacity will drive product development and innovation in critical areas, such as next-generation braking systems for trains and trucks.

Embracing sustainable practices, the new complex adheres to Green Building standards, aligning with Knorr-Bremse’s Climate Strategy 2030. Notably, a significant portion of the facility’s energy needs will be met through solar power generated by rooftop panels.

At the inaugural event, a range of groundbreaking innovations was showcased, promising safer, more efficient, and eco-friendly travel on India’s roads and railways. Rail Vehicle Systems products like AirSupply Smart, revolutionizing compressed-air supply for braking systems, and CubeControl, enhancing braking system efficiency, took the spotlight.

Commercial Vehicle Systems unveiled the GSAT Global Scalable Air Treatment system and GSBC Global Scalable Brake Control ECU 2, representing modular advancements in commercial vehicle braking and control systems. These innovations underscore Knorr-Bremse’s dedication to shaping the future of transportation.

 

 

 

Eicher Trucks & Buses Partners MoRTH For Delhi-NCR Fleet Modernisation

MoRTH - VE Commercial Vehicles - VECV

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and Eicher Trucks & Buses, a division of VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding the replacement scheme for commercial vehicles in the Delhi-NCR region.

Under the agreement, Eicher Trucks & Buses will provide an 8 percent discount on the ex-showroom price of eligible vehicles. CV customers can also receive additional support regarding motor vehicle tax, registration fees, interest subvention and fuel benefits, as defined by the scheme criteria. The process will be managed through a digital platform integrated with the VAHAN database and the vehicle scrapping ecosystem.

S S Gill, Chief Commercial Officer, VE Commercial Vehicles, said, “For over 4 decades, Eicher Trucks and Buses customers have driven modernisation in the Indian CV industry. Carrying this tradition, Eicher Trucks and Buses is pleased to join hands with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on their path-breaking policy to replace old and polluting vehicles from the NCR region. Eicher customers will gain from the substantial incentives offered by the Government of India and State Governments of Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan under this program."

Ashok Leyland Introduces New Truck Range With Air Suspension

Ashok Leyland - Air Suspension

Chennai-headquartered commercial vehicle major Ashok Leyland has introduced a new range of trucks equipped with air suspension, which includes three models: the AVTR 4925 10x2 MAV, the AVTR 4625 10x2 MAV and the AVTR 4525 8x2 MAV. These vehicles offer payload advantages of up to 4 tonnes.

The trucks are designed to provide stability, reduce vibrations and improve tyre life. The company says that the suspension system requires no greasing, facilitating maintenance-free operations.

The new air-suspension-equipped truck range is available in cowl and cabin options with various loading spans. Standard features include Intelligent Vehicle Acceleration Control (iVAC) and Automatic Traction Control (ATC) to assist with fuel efficiency and traction.

Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director & CEO, Ashok Leyland, said, "Ashok Leyland has always been a technology leader in the Indian CV industry. Since our inception we have been known for introducing technology solutions that create meaningful value for customers. With the launch of the new Air Suspension technology in trucks, we are reinforcing that position. These new trucks offer best in class payload capability, improved comfort, and better performance, helping our customers improve productivity and profitability."

Sanjeev Kumar, President MHCV, Ashok Leyland, added, "Customers today are looking for vehicles that provide better efficiency, reliability, and value throughout their operations. Our new air suspension range has been developed keeping these requirements in mind. With benefits such as improved vehicle stability, reduced vibrations, superior ride comfort, and improved tyre life, these trucks are designed to deliver a better ownership experience for customers."

Force Motors Partners Ministry of Road Transport & Highways For Delhi-NCR Vehicle Scheme

Force Motors - MoRTH

Pune-headquartered Force Motors has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) to participate in the Commercial Vehicle Replacement Scheme for the Delhi-NCR region.

The scheme facilitates the replacement of BS-IV and older trucks and buses in Delhi-NCR with BS-VI or electric vehicles to lower emissions. Under the agreement, Force Motors will provide benefits to customers through its dealership network in the region.

Prasan Firodia, Managing Director, Force Motors, said, "Force Motors is pleased to partner with the Government of India in this important initiative to modernise the commercial vehicle fleet in the Delhi-NCR region. The scheme aligns with our commitment to delivering cleaner, more efficient mobility solutions. We look forward to enabling fleet operators and customers to transition to the latest generation of commercial vehicles through this collaborative initiative."

Ashok Leyland Opens New LCV Dealership In Maharashtra

Ashok Leyland LCV

Chennai-headquartered automotive major Ashok Leyland has inaugurated a new dealership for Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) in Ratnagiri. This facility is the 16th LCV dealership in Maharashtra, adding to a distribution network of 950 touchpoints across India.

The new dealership is operated by Lavekar Motors as a 3S (Sales, Service and Spares) facility, which features 8 service bays and is located near Mahanagar CNG Pump.

Viplav Shah, Head – LCV Business, Ashok Leyland Ltd. said, “Maharashtra has always been an important market for us, and we are excited to further strengthen our presence in this region. Our relationship with customers is built on trust, performance, and shared growth. Our products are known for their superior mileage, reliability, and performance with a robust network and an industry-leading service retention, we take pride in the continued confidence our customers place in us. The opening of this new dealership marks yet another step in our commitment to delivering world-class products and unmatched services to our valued customers.”

Till date, Ashok Leyland has sold over 600,000 LCVs in India, which are manufactured at the Hosur plant.