Sany India, a leading manufacturer of construction equipment has inaugurated its latest 3S (Sales, Service, Spares) branch in Vedayapalem, Nellore, marking a significant milestone in the company’s robust expansion across the country.

This becomes the sixth 3S branch in the Rayalaseema region and the 14th 3S branch for Madhura across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The facility is strategically located to serve the old Nellore district, providing easy access to high-potential markets such as Nellore, Sullurpeta, Kavali, Atmakur, Krishnapatnam, Gudur, and Naidupeta.

As the 242nd 3S outlet nationwide, this branch reinforces Sany India states showcases its commitment to improving customer accessibility and service. With this expansion, Sany India claims that its customer will have access to its 3S facility in the region within a 150 km radius, providing comprehensive solutions for sales, service, and spare parts.

Shashank Pandey, Vice-President Excavator Business, Sany India said, "The inauguration of our new 3S branch in Nellore marks another step forward in our mission to bring the best-in-class products and services closer to our customers. We are committed to growing our network and offering easy access to cutting-edge construction equipment, top-notch service, and genuine spare parts across all key markets in India. The support and trust we receive from our customers in Andhra Pradesh inspire us to continue innovating and expanding."

Aditya Soma, Dealer Principal - Madhura Engineering Services, Rayalaseema, Andhra Pradesh, added, “We are delighted to collaborate with Sany India, the inauguration of the new branch is the significant step towards enhancing our ability to provide world-class construction equipment, along with comprehensive sales, service, and support, to our valued customers. With this association we remain committed to addressing the evolving infrastructure needs of Andhra Pradesh with the highest standards of excellence."

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has formally announced its participation in the Global Toyota Ekiden Relay Race 2024 to be held on 8 December at Toyota Motor Corporation, Japan. This year marks a milestone for TKM at the event because of the inclusion of 10 women participants in its 20-member team.

Participants from several TKM departments make up the 20-member team, which exemplifies the company's collaborative culture. Additionally, the team's equal representation of female players highlights TKM's continuous efforts to establish fair opportunities and acknowledge the critical significance of gender diversity. Toyota's philosophy that a healthy body and mind are essential to a better life and a productive workplace is reflected in the team's months of intense training, which included time trials and practice runs to improve their fitness, endurance and collaboration.

Originating in Japan, the Ekiden relay race represents cooperation, resiliency and unity – values that are fundamental to Toyota's culture. TKM has followed this custom since 2005 in an effort to motivate staff to put collaboration and health first. The women's squad consists of Meghana S Acharya, Kavana N R, Ranjitha K, B L Chaithra, Saritha, Lavanya D N, M Shendure Madhavi, Soumya Jammihal, Aishwarya D J and Deepika K. They are joined by male participants Madhu K M, Siddaraju C, Darshan A, Gagan B R, Ramesh Hanamant Singadi, K Sharanappa, Kishor M K, M Y Sandeep Kumar and M Uday Kumar. 

G Shankara, Executive Vice President – Finance and Administration, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “The Ekiden relay race is a shining example of the power of teamwork and inclusivity. We are immensely proud to see our employees represent TKM on this prestigious global platform. This year’s increased participation of women is a significant milestone for TKM, reflecting our commitment to gender diversity and our belief in creating opportunities for all. At TKM, we recognise that an inclusive team not only strengthens our organisational culture but also drives innovation and excellence. Ekiden embodies our philosophy that a healthy body and a healthy mind are essential for personal and professional fulfilment. By fostering a culture of well-being and equality, we create an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute meaningfully.”

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) is continuing its association with the Hornbill Music Festival by participating in the cultural celebrations for the third consecutive year as title sponsor.

TKM's continued collaboration with the Hornbill Music Festival is a testament to the company's stronger ties to the people of the Northeast and Nagaland as well as its support for promoting the region's rich cultural legacy. As a part of its active participation in the event, TKM has set up an engaging car pavilion at the Hornbill Music Festival, featuring a display of its various popular models, including the Innova Crysta, Innova Hycross (hybrid electric vehicle), Fortuner, Glanza, Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Urban Cruiser Taisor, Rumion, Camry, Hilux and Vellfire.

Held at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, in Kohima District, Nagaland (from 1 to 10 December), this year’s edition of Hornbill Music Festival was inaugurated in the presence of Manasi Tata, Vice Chairperson of TKM & Toyota Kirloskar Auto Parts (TKAP); Tadashi Asazuma, Deputy Managing Director for Sales, Service and Used Cars at TKM & Lexus and Vikram Gulati, Country Head and Executive Vice President. Other eminent personalities who graced the event included Y Vikheho Swu, Managing Director of Okusa Toyota; Nobuaki Yahiro, Managing Director & CEO of Toyota Tsusho India; Takayuki Ueda, Managing Director & CEO of Toyota Tsusho Insurance Broker India; Ryusuke Miyake, Corporate Officer of Sumitomo Corporation & General Manager of Sumitomo Corporation Automotive Sales & Marketing SBU; Shinya Watanabe, Deputy Managing Director of Denso International India and Keitaro Asano, Managing Coordinator of Toyota Industries Engine India.

Sabari Manohar – Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the esteemed Hornbill Music Festival for the third year in a row. This collaboration underscores our resolute commitment to honouring the rich cultural heritage of Nagaland, a region renowned for its vibrant traditions and remarkable diversity. The Hornbill Music Festival is more than just a cultural event; it is a celebration of history, arts and music, showcasing the unique identities of the Naga tribes, making it a vital part of India’s cultural tapestry. This platform not only allows us to foster strong connect with the local community but also enable us to add excitement to their festive fervour by presenting our wide range of product offerings to the customer base in the region.”

Eka (Pinnacle Mobility Solutions), a leading electric mobility and technology company, has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Sohel Merchant, as its new Chief Innovation Officer.

Merchant comes with over two decades of experience in the automotive industry in the areas of Vehicle Engineering and Program Management.  He has worked with the likes of Canoo Inc., Tesla, Faraday Future Inc., and the Ford Motor Company.

In his last role, he was the Co-Founder and CTO at Canoo, where he helped design innovative electric platforms and vehicles for the commercial sector,  the US Department of Defence, and NASA. During his stint at Tesla, Merchant is said to have been involved in the design of Model S and Model X vehicles.

“I am honoured to join Eka Mobility at such a transformative time in the EV industry. I look forward to working with the team to create great and valuable EV solutions,” said Merchant.

Dr Sudhir Mehta, Founder & Chairman, Eka, said, “We are excited to welcome Sohel Merchant as Chief Innovation Officer at Eka Mobility. With his invaluable global experience, Sohel joins Eka’s robust senior leadership team, which now stands as one of the strongest in the industry. Together with our global management team, Eka is well-positioned to lead the electric mobility revolution, delivering cutting-edge solutions and redefining the future of sustainable transportation.”

A festive season usually doesn’t have as much influence on the sale of commercial vehicles as it would have on the same of passenger vehicles and two-wheelers. The recent festive season saw a spike in passenger vehicle and two-wheeler sales spread over the last few days of October 2024 and the first few days of November 2024. 
Tata Motors reported a sale of 27,636 commercial vehicles in November 2024 as compared to the sale of 28,029 units in November 2023, marking a decline of one percent. The commercial vehicle major recorded a sale of 26,183 units in November 2024 in the domestic market, down one percent, as compared to the sale of 26,579 in November 2023. 
While passenger carriers reported a 42 percent increase year on year with the sale of 3,022 units as compared to 2,130 vehicles sold in November 2023, the HCVs recorded the most decline of eight percent with the sale of 7,586 units as compared to 8,253 units in November 2023. 
Ashok Leyland reported a sale of 14,137 vehicles in November 2024 as compared to 14,053 units in November 2023, an increase of one percent. The commercial vehicle maker sold 12,473 units in the domestic market in the respective month as compared to the sale of 13,031 units in November 2023, a decline of four percent. 
While the passenger carriers recorded a sale of 1,304 units in November 2024 as compared to 982 units, an increase of 33 percent, the LCV segment posted a most decline at 14 percent with the sale of 4,560 units in November 2024 as compared to the sale of 5,294 units in the corresponding month last fiscal. 
Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles posted a 7.3 percent increase year on year in sales at 5,574 units in November 2024. The commercial vehicle manufacturer sold 5,194 units in November 2023.
The sale of Eicher brand of vehicle in November 2024 was 5,359 units whereas that of the Volvo brand was 215 units. 
Mahindra & Mahindra sold 30,085 commercial vehicles (including three-wheelers/electric CVs) in November 2024 as compared to the sale of 28,779 units in November 2023. The company was a good uptake in sales of LCVs between two and 3.5-tonne with a sale of 18,063 units in November 2024, up five percent, as compared to the sale of 17,284 vehicles in November 2023.