Hendrickson has introduced air and mechanical suspensions as well as axles for trailer applications in India. These include a severe duty suspension, TA 14 heavy duty air suspension, MS 16 heavy duty mechanical suspension and a single heavy-duty axle. Present in India since 2006 (by entering India as a joint venture with Tata AutoComp), the company has been catering to trailer and commercial vehicle manufacturers in the country. It is providing them medium and heavy-duty suspensions that are mechanical, elastomeric and pneumatic in nature.
Establishing Watson & Chalin India Pvt Ltd in 2011 as a 100 percent subsidiary by incorporating Hendrickson India and Hendrickson Commercial Vehicle Systems India, the company is following a dual brand strategy of presenting premium products under the Hendrickson brand and cost-effective, locally manufactured products under the Watson & Chalin brand.
With sales and distribution facilities and/or state-of-the-art manufacturing and research and development centres in countries like USA, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Austria, Romania, Poland, Turkey, India, China, Japan, Thailand, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, Hendrickson has a rich legacy of 110 years in driving technology, design and innovation.
Into integrated and non-integrated axles and other parts/systems for commercial vehicles predominantly, Hendrickson’s new products will be made in India as part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the Indian Government. They will offer a superior payload and operating efficiency, and have been designed and developed for the Indian terrain. Adhering to the company’s commitment for excellence, they have been designed and developed by keeping in mind an annual demand of about 40,000 trailers in the Indian market.
The Hendrickson Severe Duty Suspension (HSDS) suspension for example, is a premium offering that can deliver rugged performance and outstanding reliability. Providing highest payload capacity and reliability, the suspension is available in capacities varying from 12-tonne to 14-tonne for the Indian market.
The TA 14 heavy duty air suspension on the other hand, comes in top and low mount variants. It is designed for Indian application and road conditions and offers numerous options to customers based on the nature of the load or cargo they are carrying. Lightest suspension among its peers in the market, the TA 14 offer higher payload capabilities and is technologically advanced (includes friction and robotic welding).
Designed for Indian and global markets, the single heavy-duty axle could be coupled with any air and tandem or tridem mechanical suspension system. It is manufactured using a high-strength alloy steel tube to ensure better durability and long service life. It uses friction welded spindles (a manufacturing practice only adopted by Hendrickson and Watson & Chalin in India for trailer axles) that result in low weight and superior product life.
Rated at 16-tonne capacity, the MS 16 heavy-duty mechanical suspension is designed to meet the diverse needs for on-road and off-road applications. It provides superior load-carrying capability and is available in tandem and tridem configurations and features a heavy-duty leaf spring assembly.
Tata Motors Launches New Winger Plus At INR 2 Million
- By MT Bureau
- August 29, 2025
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.
Switch Mobility Begins Delivery Of Electric Buses To Delhi
- By MT Bureau
- August 28, 2025
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.
Piaggio Vehicles Partners Hinduja Leyland Finance For Three-Wheeler Retail Finance
- By MT Bureau
- August 28, 2025
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”.
Ashok Leyland Expands Presence In Uttar Pradesh With New Dealership
- By MT Bureau
- August 26, 2025
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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