Mumbai-based automotive major Mahindra & Mahindra has announced a bold move to strengthen its position in the commercial vehicle (CV) market with an agreement to acquire a 58.96 percent stake in SML Isuzu (SML) at INR 650 per share, representing an investment of INR 5.55 billion.

Following the acquisition, Mahindra will also launch a mandatory open offer to acquire up to an additional 26 percent stake from public shareholders, in compliance with SEBI's Takeover Regulations.

This strategic acquisition marks a major step forward in Mahindra’s ambition to expand its footprint in the >3.5-tonne CV segment. At present, Mahindra holds a modest 3 percent market share in this space, compared to its dominant 52 percent share in the <3.5-tonne light commercial vehicle (LCV) market. With the addition of SML’s capabilities and brand strength, Mahindra expects to immediately double its market share to 6 percent, and is aiming for 10–12 percent by FY2031 and over 20 percent by FY2036.

Founded in 1983, SML Isuzu is a listed company with a all-India presence and a strong legacy in the trucks and buses segment. It holds a leading 16 percent market share in the Intermediate Light Commercial Vehicle (ILCV) buses category. For FY2024, SML reported operating revenue of INR 21.96 billion and an EBITDA of INR 1.79 billion, showcasing profitable operations, frugal manufacturing and strong engineering capabilities.

Mahindra sees the acquisition as an opportunity to unlock significant value through synergies across cost optimisation, network expansion, brand integration, manufacturing efficiency, talent pool strengthening and complementary product portfolios. Mahindra states that its Trucks and Buses Division has already made notable advances in technology, design and innovation by leveraging its broader automotive capabilities – strengths that will be further enhanced through this deal.

The transaction structure involves Mahindra acquiring the entire 43.96 percent stake held by Sumitomo Corporation, the current promoter of SML, as well as a 15 percent stake from Isuzu Motors.

Dr Anish Shah, Group CEO & MD, Mahindra Group, said: “The acquisition of SML Isuzu marks a significant milestone in Mahindra Group’s vision of delivering 5x growth in our emerging businesses. This acquisition is aligned with our capital allocation strategy for investing in high-potential growth areas that have a strong right to win and have demonstrated operational excellence.”

Rajesh Jejurikar, Executive Director and CEO, Auto and Farm Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra, added, “SML brings a strong legacy, a loyal customer base and a credible product portfolio that complements Mahindra’s existing offerings in the trucks and buses segment. This acquisition is a pivotal step toward our ambition to become a full-range, formidable player in commercial vehicles by enhancing market coverage, unlocking operating leverage through platform consolidation, a unified supplier and network base, and better plant utilisation. Together, we are well-positioned to scale rapidly and drive profitable growth.”

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Sikhar Fleet, a mobility solutions company offering Vehicle-as-a-Service (VaaS), has announced a strategic partnership with Moto Business Service India (MBSI), a subsidiary of Yamaha Motor, to establish a structured vehicle leasing ecosystem.

The collaboration combines Sikhar Fleet’s operational management with MBSI’s experience in asset management and financial services to target the shared mobility and gig economy sectors.

As part of the initial deployment, the partnership will introduce Tata Express-T CNG vehicles into the fleet to support cleaner transport technology and reduce operational costs for drivers.

Dharampal Jadoun, Co-Founder, Sikhar Fleet, said, “This partnership is focused on helping drivers earn more with clarity and stability. By offering vehicles on transparent leasing terms, low upfront cost, and fixed payment structures, drivers will know exactly what they earn and what they pay. Our aim is to improve driver take-home income by reducing hidden costs and ensuring better vehicle uptime and support. With this model, a driver can start earning quickly and grow with confidence, instead of dealing with uncertain and informal rental systems.”

Kobayashi Masaharu, CEO and Managing Director, MBSI, added, “At MBSI, we believe that sustainability is the only path to a successful future for transportation. Our partnership with Sikhar Fleet and the deployment of Tata Express-T CNG vehicles marks a significant step in this journey. This initiative isn't just about cleaner technology; it’s about improving the quality of life of people across India by providing easy access to mobility solutions and supporting meaningful employment opportunities in the communities we serve.”

The rollout intends to support the requirements of ride-hailing platforms and mobility aggregators while improving the income stability of drivers through fixed payment structures and OEM-backed support.

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In an appeal to smooth the movement of trucks and goods transportation, Bal Malkit Singh, Advisor and Former President of the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC), has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to abolish state border check posts nationwide. The appeal cites the current geopolitical climate and global fuel uncertainties as primary reasons for removing physical barriers to logistics.

The representation notes that despite the implementation of GST and digital enforcement, states including Maharashtra, West Bengal, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu continue to operate physical check posts. Singh argues these systems cause fuel wastage, congestion and economic losses that impact industrial competitiveness and foreign exchange reserves.

The letter mentioned that in Maharashtra alone, approximately 90,000 commercial vehicles enter and exit the state daily. The report claims nearly 270,000 litres of diesel are wasted each day due to idling and queues, resulting in an estimated economic loss of INR 270 million per day. Singh suggests that nationwide losses would be significantly higher.

The appeal urges the Union Government to encourage states to move toward technology-driven enforcement systems in alignment with the National Logistics Policy.

Bal Malkit Singh, said, “Every truck standing idle at a border check post burns the nation’s fuel, weakens productivity, increases logistics costs and drains valuable foreign exchange reserves. In today’s geo-political environment, abolishing outdated border check posts is no longer merely a transport reform — it is a national economic necessity and a patriotic responsibility.”

The representation includes previous communications sent to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis regarding the removal of state-specific posts. The transport sector is seeking a reform initiative to ensure the seamless movement of goods across the country.

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Eicher Trucks and Buses, a unit of VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cityflo to deploy 2,000 buses over the next three years. The agreement includes the planned deployment of 500 buses in the 2027 financial year.

As per the understanding, Eicher Trucks and Buses will provide a portfolio of vehicles, including diesel, CNG and electric models. The agreement specifically covers the Eicher Skyline Pro 3011 AC Pushback with Rear Air Suspension. The partnership focuses on delivering uptime, maintenance support and configurations tailored to urban operations, such as reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels and enhanced climate control.

B Srinivas, MD & CEO, VECV, said, “Our partnership with Cityflo reflects a shared commitment to transforming daily urban commuting through reliable, comfortable and efficient mobility solutions at scale. By combining Eicher’s advanced buses and service ecosystem with Cityflo’s commuter-first approach, we will deliver a dependable and premium travel experience that makes everyday journeys more predictable, convenient and sustainable for passengers. The partnership aligns with the government's vision to decongest city roads and save foreign exchange on fuel imports by presenting an attractive public transport solution to cities across India.”

Rushabh Shah, Co-Founder & COO, Cityflo, added, "At Cityflo, we believe corporate commutes should be comfortable, convenient, consistent and affordable, without compromise. Our partnership with Eicher Trucks & Buses started in 2024, when we set out to understand the right bus configuration for city commutes. The result was a brand-new 27-seater vehicle, built specifically for city roads and refined to meet Cityflo's service standards. We're excited to continue building on that same spirit of collaboration as we scale."

The collaboration aims to provide an alternative to personal vehicle use to reduce road congestion. Service integration will include on-site support and maintenance schedules designed around peak-hour requirements to ensure operational reliability for passengers.

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Building on a strong heritage that enables the Swedish commercial vehicle manufacturer to provide a modular system to its buyers where they can pick and choose aggregates to attain a solution that most suits their application needs, Scania’s Longline cab – through series production – is being offered as a low-volume, factory-certified solution for those that want extended space, comfort and flexibility.
Combining Scania’s CrewCab and S-series high-roof cab to create a product that no other OEM currently offers from factory, the respective cab will be made in Laxå, with chassis built in Södertälje. A natural evolution of a concept that has long been appreciated by customers, according to Lars Gustafsson, Head of Trucks, Scania, the Longline cab will come with a limited interior configuration behind the seats, including options such as a standard bed with storage or shelving – or a more open layout. 
The focus is on clearly defined mounting points, enabling customers to design interiors according to their specific requirements. Many customers are expected to further personalise their vehicles through custom paint and interior solutions. 
Born out of a market demand and a desire to improve driver conditions, the Longline cab aims at those who are keen to attract and retain drivers – a key challenge in the transport industry at current. 
“The cab is not only about space but about creating a better working environment for drivers. This is increasingly important for our customers,” said Gustafsson. “Longline is adapted according to the European IVD legislation (Increased Vehicle Dimensions, that has been enabled for customers all over Europe to purchase longer vehicles,” he added. Sales are slated to begin in April 2026. 
The 11-litre Super powertrain from Scania, on the other hand, claims to be the most efficient combustion powertrain platform ever. Relevant for a wide range of operators, including companies running urban routes and longer inter-city routes, the engine offers superior fuel efficiency and a power output of 350, 390 and 430 hp. Capable of handling certain applications, which a 13-litre engine does, the 11-litre Super powertrain offers remarkable fuel efficiency indeed. It also offers much longer engine lifespan, improved serviceability and compatibility with renewable fuels. The new Variable Valve Braking (VVB)technology enhances safety of operation. 
The superior fuel efficiency is the basis of VVB, which combines the compression release brake technology from the new 13-litre engines with the cam phaser technology from the new Super 11, creating an impressive braking power of up to 350 kW. With the VVB capable of replacing the retarder, resulting in 80 kg weight saving, the 11-litre Super powertrain is capable of up to two million kilometres, a 25-percent increase on the previous equivalent. 
 

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