Tata Motors has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Government of Maharashtra to restore 1,000 water bodies in over 20 districts in the water-stressed regions of the state.

By utilising the ‘Gal Mukt Dharan Gal Yukt Shivar Yojana’, a community-based de-siltation programme, in collaboration with the Maharashtra government's Soil and Water Conservation Department, NAAM Foundation, and local communities, Tata Motors successfully revitalised 356 water bodies in Maharashtra in 2024. Approximately six million cubic metres of silt were excavated as a consequence of the initiative in 10 districts: Pune, Palghar, Thane, Satara, Dhule, Solapur, Chandrapur, Ahmednagar, Beed and Latur. In addition to helping 7,000 farmers, this cooperative effort has greatly increased the water table and enhanced access to drinkable water in rural Maharashtra, creating a capacity of almost seven billion litres of water.

Tata Motors now plans to expand the water conservation programme to more than 20 districts throughout the state, including the water-scarce areas of Marathwada and Vidarbha. In Amravati, Latur, Chandrapur, Nagpur, Nanded, Parbhani, Akola, Gadchiroli, Yavatmal, Dharashiv, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Ahilya Nagar, Sangli, Solapur, Pune, Palghar, Thane and other districts of the state, the planned partnership seeks to revitalise and revitalise a thousand water bodies. The programme's implementation partner will be NAAM Foundation.

Gal Mukt Dharan Gal Yukt Shivar Yojana gives farmers with preapproved funding for silt delivery to their farms, hence improving soil fertility. The end-to-end digital monitoring method assures project agility and transparency throughout. The success and effect of water body rehabilitation in Maharashtra demonstrate Tata Motors' commitment to long-term development and rural community upliftment.

Vinod Kulkarni, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Tata Motors, said, “We are immensely proud to have strengthened our partnership with the Government of Maharashtra and NAAM Foundation to address the impact of droughts and water scarcity in the state. The successful rejuvenation and restoration of 356 water bodies in 2024 has encouraged us to scale up the programme to over 20 districts and reach many more villages in Maharashtra. This programme strives to raise the water table, provide access to potable water, make irrigation water available throughout the year, thus improving livelihood for villagers.”

Priya Khan, Officer on Special Duty – Chief Minister’s Office, Government of Maharashtra, said, “The Government of Maharashtra launched the 'Gal Mukt Dharan, Gal Mukt Shivar Yojana’ to increase water capacity of existing dams and water bodies. This programme has evolved into a people’s movement thanks to the invaluable support of our partner organisations like Tata Motors and NAAM Foundation. Together, we are not just restoring water bodies; we are fostering resilience and sustainability to reduce the impact of recurring droughts in the state.”

Ganesh Thorat, CEO – NAAM Foundation, said, “The NAAM Foundation began addressing Maharashtra's acute water shortage in 2015. Our partnership with Tata Motors and the Government of Maharashtra is a significant milestone towards these efforts. Last year we collectively expanded our work to 10 districts. We are happy to see that the positive impact of the water conservation efforts will now reach more districts.”

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Chennai-based commercial vehicle major Ashok Leyland has bagged an order to deliver 200 trucks to Instant Transport Solution, a key express logistics player in India.

Instant & XP India, is a leading express logistics player in e-commerce, FCL, LCL and 3PL space, is one of the fastest-growing integrated logistics businesses in India.

It currently operates a fleet of around 2,100 trucks and has placed a substantial order of 200 units of Ashok Leyland’s trucks. The first batch of 100 units of 1916 single axle and 2820 multi-axle haulage trucks were delivered, marking the beginning of this extensive fleet expansion.

Sanjeev Kumar, President – MHCV, Ashok Leyland, handed over the keys to the first batch of 100 trucks to Rajbir Singh Chaudhary, Chairman, Instant Transport Solution, in the presence of senior executives from both organisations.

Sanjeev Kumar, said, “We are delighted to deliver the first batch of 1916 single axle and 2820 multi-axle haulage trucks to Instant Transport Solution. This order underscores the confidence customers place in our robust, innovative and reliable vehicles. As we continue to push the boundaries of technology and customer experience, collaborations like these will help shape a more efficient, future-ready logistics sector.”

Rajbir Singh, said, “We have complete trust in the quality and performance of Ashok Leyland trucks. Their outstanding after-sales support ensures seamless operations for us, while their growing service network further enhances our capabilities. This delivery represents more than just new trucks – it signifies a deepening partnership aimed at advancing logistics efficiency. With Ashok Leyland’s dedication to innovation and our forward-thinking approach to transportation, we look forward to continued success on the road.”

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Mumbai-headquartered automotive major Mahindra & Mahindra has launched its all-new Bolero MaXX Pik-Up HD 1.9 CNG small commercial vehicle (SCV) at INR 1.11 million (ex-showroom). The new model expands the company’s popular Bolero Pik-Up brand.

The Bolero MaXX Pik-Up HD 1.9 CNG comes with a 2.5-litre turbocharged CNG engine, delivering 61 kW power, 220 Nm of torque @ 1,200-2,200 rpm and a payload capacity of 1.86-tonne. The SCV is specifically designed for long-distance operations and offers a claimed range of up to 400 km on a single CNG fill, supported by its 180-litre tank capacity. The SCV comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox and power steering.

In terms of connectivity, the Bolero MaXX Pik-Up HD 1.9 CNG is the company’s first CNG pickup offering with iMAXX telematics solution tech, providing fleet operators complete overview of the vehicle performance.

The SCV comes with air conditioning and heating systems for all weather driving, as well as a height-adjustable driver seat for ergonomic support.

The cargo bed designed to support diverse customer needs measures 3050 mm in length. Complementing the vehicle are the 16-inch tyres and durable leaf spring suspension on both front and rear axles.

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Mahindra’s Truck and Bus business (MTB), part of the Mahindra Group, has launched the Mahindra Furio 8 – a modern range of Light Commercial Vehicle trucks, which comes with ‘Get the Highest Mileage or Give the Truck Back’ guarantee.

The Furio 8 range is manufactured at Mahindra’s Chakan facility and will be introduced in two variants – 4-tyre cargo and 6-tyre cargo.

Vinod Sahay, President – Trucks, Buses, CE, Aerospace & Defense, Member of the Group Executive Board, Mahindra Group, said, “The launch of the new Mahindra Furio 8 range of LCV trucks with the guarantee, ‘Get The Highest Mileage or Give the Truck Back’, will help our customers earn the highest operating profit from their Furio 8 in this category. The new truck series sets new benchmarks of excellence and customer-centricity while reflecting our serious commitment to the segment and confidence in our products”.

Dr Venkat Srinivas, Business Head, MTB & CE, added, “Mahindra Furio 8 is engineered to deliver higher earnings, lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), minimal maintenance, and unmatched safety, comfort, and convenience – ensuring profit, peace of mind and higher prosperity for our customers.”

The Furio 8 comes is offered with Double Service Guarantees: 36-hour guaranteed turnaround at workshops or INR 3,000 per additional day; Back on road in 48 hours or INR 1,000 per additional day. The trucks are equipped with Mahindra iMAXX telematics technology, offering benefits like location tracking, geofencing, vehicle health monitoring, driver performance analytics and fleet dashboards among others.

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German tier 1 supplier ZF India has inked a strategic business partnership with one of India’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers to supply manual and AMT, 9-Speed transmissions for trucks in the 1300Nm segment.

As per the understanding, ZF will supply EcoMid and EcoTronic Mid transmissions, specifically developed for over 25-tonne truck applications. The company is focusing on expanding its presence in the high torque market, offering 9-speed transmissions with 1500 Nm and 12-speed transmissions with 3200 Nm.

Through its modular platform approach and innovative transmission solutions, it aims to expand its presence as a key supplier for CV Solutions globally, with potential extensions for higher horsepower segments (over 300HP).

Akash Passey, President ZF Group in India, said, "With over six-decades of strong market presence in India, ZF has consistently provided advanced technology solutions that enhance operational efficiencies. This partnership underscores our role in delivering cutting-edge transmission solutions, strategically tailored to meet the evolving demands of our OEM partners. Together, we continue to drive progress and innovation in the industry.”

P Kaniappan, SVP, ZF Group, added, "The EcoMid and EcoTronic Mid transmissions will help drive operational efficiencies for the commercial vehicle industry, particularly in the heavy truck sector. This strategic agreement not only strengthens ZF Group's position as the premier provider of commercial vehicle solutions but also aligns with the market's shift towards higher efficiencies in higher tonnage vehicles. We are committed to delivering substantial progress for our customers and the Indian market."

The transmissions are being manufactured at the ZF Plant in Chakan, Pune.

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