The Society for Automotive Fitness & Environment (SAFE), an initiative by India’s automotive industry body SIAM (Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers), celebrated World Environment Day 2022 with a host of environmentally responsible activities along with automobile dealers, across service stations in India.
SIAM said in a statement that this year’s theme of World Environment Day was “Only One Earth”, with the major focus being on “Living Sustainably in Harmony with Nature”. As natural resources become more and more scarce, sustainable value chains are becoming more and more important for the automotive industry. They are based on the principle of reusing and recycling resources.
SIAM said it emphasises on sustainability and as a responsible organisation, it has been conducting multiple mass awareness campaigns among commuters to drive sustainable development across the industry. The Indian automobile industry is dedicated towards clean and sustainable environment, following the 3R theme Reuse, Recycle and Recover, the industry has taken steps towards the green future, it said.
Some of the special activities that were conducted during the day included a free day-long PUC (pollution under control) check-up for vehicles, followed by issuing of free PUC certificates at the authorised centres. Free saplings were also distributed to customers.
Rajesh Menon, Director General, SIAM, said, “At SIAM, we are involved towards sustainable environment and therefore we stand in solidarity with this year’s World Environment Day”. Sustainability being our prime focus, we will take every measure to move towards a healthy and sustainable world. Contributing to that view, SIAM with its SAFE Initiative, has taken several steps in the direction of spreading awareness about sustainable mobility. Our member’s dealers and their service station are participating in the drive by checking the pollution level in vehicles and providing customers with free PUC and sharing knowledge on proper maintenance of their vehicles. The nationwide campaign helped us in educating the vehicle users and make them aware about the sustainable and green future.”
Several initiatives such as environment related awareness campaigns for kids, creating awareness about dry washing technique for vehicles at dealership level, environment conservation tips for customers, sapling distribution, tree plantation, green processions, awareness rallies, etc. were conducted at the dealership outlets, the release said.
Several manufacturers such as Ashok Leyland Ltd, Bajaj Auto Ltd, Hero MotoCorp Ltd, Honda Motorcycle & Scotter India Pvt Ltd, Hyundai Motor India Ltd, India Yamaha Motor Pvt Ltd, Hyundai Motor India Ltd, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, Piaggio Vehicles Pvt Ltd, Renault India Ltd, and Tata Motors participated for the common cause through their dealerships, the release added. (MT)
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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