The New Renault Master has won the 2025 International Van of The Year (IVOTY) award at a ceremony during the ongoing IAA Transportation in Hannover.

A jury representing 25 European nations unanimously selected the winner. Its aerovan style and revolutionary multi-energy platform elevate it to the top of the market and make it the most efficient car in its class for all ICE, EV and hydrogen vehicles.

After Renault Master II (IVOTY 1998), Renault Trafic II (IVOTY 2002), Kangoo Z.E. (IVOTY 2012) and Kangoo Van III (IVOTY 2022), the New Renault Master is the fifth van from the brand to get this prestigious award. Following in the footsteps of the 100 percent electric Renault Scenic E-Tech, which won Car of the Year in February of last year, Renault now wins both Van of the Year and Car of the Year.

Praising the winner, Jarlath Sweeney, Chairman, International Van of the Year Award jury, said, “The IVOTY jury were impressed with the completely new design and high levels of innovation and technology developed for the new Master, which features advanced aerodynamics, increased usability and enhanced efficiency, space, safety and comfort. Plus, the fact that its new modular platform accommodates diesel, electric and hydrogen powertrains. All attributes that meet the criteria for the award programme. Congratulations to Renault Light Commercials on this well-deserved achievement.” 

Heinz-Jürgen Löw, SVP, Renault Brand, Light Commercial Vehicles, said, “This is a wonderful reward and a true tribute to all the teams who worked on this project. New Master is a perfect example of what has made Renault’s light commercial vehicles amazing for more than 120 years: they are innovative, disruptive, multi-energy and designed to be customised in practically endless ways to meet each of our professional customers’ individual wants and needs.”

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Mumbai-headquartered commercial vehicle major Tata Motors has launched its all-new 9-seater Tata Winger Plus at INR 2.06 million.

The Winger Plus is aimed at customers looking to offer a premium mobility experience for staff transportation and growing tourist demands. It features such as reclining captain seats with adjustable armrests, personal USB charging points, individual AC vents and spacious leg room. Built on a monocoque chassis, it comes with wide cabin and large luggage compartment, at the same time providing car-like ride and handling, along with robust safety.

Anand S, Vice-President and Head – Commercial Passenger Vehicle Business, Tata Motors, said, “The Winger Plus has been thoughtfully engineered to deliver a premium experience for passengers and a compelling value proposition for fleet operators. With its superior ride comfort, best-in-class comfort features, and segment-leading efficiency, it is designed to drive profitability while offering the lowest cost of ownership. India’s passenger mobility landscape is evolving rapidly—from staff transportation in urban centres to the rising demand for tourism across the country. The Winger Plus is built to serve this diversity, setting new benchmarks in the commercial passenger vehicle segment.”

The Winger Plus is powered by a 2.2L Dicor diesel engine, which produces 100hp of power and 200Nm of torque. It is equipped with Tata Motors’ Fleet Edge connected vehicle platform that provides real-time vehicle tracking, diagnostics and fleet optimisation.

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Switch Mobility, a subsidiary of the Hinduja Group and a leading manufacturer of electric vehicles, has commenced delivery of its Switch EIV12 low-floor electric buses to the Department of Transport, Delhi. The buses are part of a landmark 950-unit order awarded under the CESL tender and were officially flagged off by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.

The deployment marks a significant step in Delhi's transition toward sustainable urban mobility. Manufactured at Switch’s facility in India, the buses are a testament to the company's ‘Make in India for the World’ vision, combining global technology with local manufacturing.

Designed for Delhi’s demanding urban transit, the 12-metre buses can accommodate 39 passengers and are equipped with advanced safety and convenience features, including a wheelchair ramp, CCTV cameras, panic buttons and GPS tracking.

R G Venkataraman, Chief Commercial Officer, Switch Mobility, “We are delighted to commence delivery of our SWITCH EiV12 electric buses to Delhi, reinforcing the capital’s leadership position in sustainable urban transportation. These low floor electric city buses, engineered with advanced global technology and manufactured with pride in India, will significantly enhance Delhi’s public transport ecosystem while contributing to cleaner air and improved quality of life for millions of commuters. This deployment underscores our commitment to empowering Indian cities with intelligent, efficient and eco-friendly transportation solutions that drive progress towards a more sustainable future.”

The new buses utilise the company’s proprietary telematics system, Switch iON, for real-time monitoring and efficient fleet management. Additionally, they feature a streamlined, ultra-low-floor design for easy boarding and are equipped with a fire detection and suppression system for enhanced safety. This rollout aligns with the Delhi Government's aim to have the highest number of electric buses in India, with the potential to reduce CO2 emissions and provide safer commutes for millions of daily passengers.

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Piaggio Vehicles (PVPL), a subsidiary of the Piaggio Group and leading manufacturer of small commercial vehicles, has partnered Hinduja Leyland Finance.

The partnership aims to provide Piaggio Vehicles’ customers access to retail finance options on its three-wheeler range, including electric and Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles in India.

Diego Graffi, Chairman and Managing Director, Piaggio Vehicles, said, “India’s mobility landscape is evolving rapidly. From small entrepreneurs to fleet operators, a new class of owners is emerging, and they need financing that understands their realities. With this partnership, Piaggio and Hinduja Leyland Finance are bringing together the strength of two trusted brands to make vehicle ownership simpler, faster, and more accessible. Together this partnership can enable progress, powered by mobility that people can truly call their own.”

Sachin Pillai, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Hinduja Leyland Finance, said, “This partnership brings together our expertise in vehicle financing and Piaggio’s presence in the three-wheeler segment to help customers acquire and manage their vehicles efficiently. Leveraging our extensive network and reach across India, Hinduja Leyland Finance aims to provide solutions that support last mile connectivity, asset ownership, and income generation for customers across the segment. By combining our financing reach and agility with Piaggio’s product offerings, we are making the 3-wheeler ownership more accessible for the customers through a customised financing process”. 

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Ashok Leyland, the flagship company of the Hinduja Group, has opened a new 3S dealership for light commercial vehicles (LCVs) in Agra, marking its fifth LCV dealership in Western Uttar Pradesh. Operated by channel partner Maya Autotech, the new dealership is equipped with advanced tools and quick-service bays to provide a superior customer experience. It will offer Ashok Leyland's full range of LCVs, including the Bada Dost, Dost, Saathi, Partner and MiTR models.

It was just recently, the company entered the sub-2-tonne segment with the launch of the Ashok Leyland Saathi. Powered by a new-generation 45 hp engine, the Saathi features an industry-leading payload capacity of 1,120 kg and the largest loading area in its class.

On the other hand, the popular Bada Dost is available in five variants and is equipped with an 80 hp BS6 engine, offering high power, mileage, and payload capacity. The Dost range includes the Dost Xl and Dost+ XL, while the Partner is a fuel-efficient load carrier available in both 4-tyre and 6-tyre options. The MiTR bus, built on the same platform as the Partner, comes in staff and school bus variants.

Viplav Shah, Head of LCV Business at Ashok Leyland, said, “Uttar Pradesh has always been a key market for us, and we are delighted to deepen our presence here with the new dealership in Agra. Our journey with customers in this region has been shaped by trust, performance, and shared progress. The new dealership in Agra builds on the remarkable success of our Dost, Bada Dost and now the Saathi range, which continue to earn the trust of customers for their superior mileage, performance, and reliability. Our strong network and an exceptional service retention rate of nearly 70 percent reflect the deep confidence customers place in us. This dealership is another step forward in our commitment to deliver world-class products and unmatched service, ensuring an exceptional experience for every customer.”

Ashok Leyland’s LCVs were developed to meet the specific needs of Indian customers, combining modern technology with competitive pricing. The company has a significant presence in the segment, with over 550,000 LCVs currently operating across India.

All of these LCVs are manufactured at Ashok Leyland's state-of-the-art plant in Hosur. With a network of more than 1,700 exclusive outlets nationwide, the company aims to have an authorised service center every 75 km on major highways.

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