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.”

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Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation has opened a new centre of competence in Chennai called the Fuso Technical Centre India. The development reflects the passion to drive the Fuso brand of commercial vehicles to new heights post the global development of separation of Fuso brand from the Daimler brand. Mitsubishi Fuso and Toyota’ Hino are now under Archion brand, which was announced in mid-2025. Archion as a separate entity – a new Japanese holding company formed by the merger of Daimler Truck's Mitsubishi Fuso and Toyota's Hino Motors – is set to launch on 1 April 2026. 
The development also reflects the role of the Chennai facility of Daimler India Commercial Vehicles in nurturing the Fuso brand since 2013. The facility has produced Fuso brand of commercial vehicles besides three other brands (BharatBenz, Freightliner and Mercedes-Benz) since 2013.  Against this backdrop, the new Fuso tech centre in Chennai has come up on a tight schedule and will have hundreds of new engineers among others. 
If this would beg to ask how the arrangement will be in the future and whether Fuso trucks will continue to be made in the Chennai facility, which is essentially a Daimer Trucks property, the fact is, the connection of Fuso trucks goes a long way with India and its commercial vehicle market. 
Since 2013, the Daimler Oragadam facility on the outskirts of Chennai has produced Fuso trucks for 100 percent export. It has been instrumental in changing the image of the Japanese commercial brand from one that would make light vehicles to the one that makes heavy-duty ones. 
 

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American commercial vehicle manufacturer Mack Trucks has revealed the redesigned Mack Granite at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The vocational truck features a new cab, updated safety technology and a shift in performance specifications ahead of its display at ConExpo-Con/Agg 2026.

The Granite introduces the Mack Protect safety suite, incorporating front camera and radar with 270-degree coverage. It is the first vocational truck to include radar systems on both the driver and passenger sides.

It features an electronic park brake with rollaway protection and automatic release. A standard system that contacts emergency services upon airbag deployment or rollover detection. Support for up to five camera inputs and an optional digital mirror system. It gets standard front and available side-curtain airbags.

The model is powered by the new Mack MP13 engine, producing up to 540 HP and 1,950 lbft of torque. Mack reports a 3 percent improvement in fuel efficiency over previous versions. The updated mDRIVE automated manual transmission offers 30 percent faster shifts and is available in 12-speed, 13-speed and 14-speed configurations.

Alternatively, customers can specify a Cummins X10 engine paired with an Allison automatic transmission. The truck utilises the MaxRide air load-distributing suspension, a proprietary eight-bag system designed for load management.

The galvanised steel cab is nine inches wider at the B-pillar than the previous model. It features a bonded curved windshield and meets Swedish Impact (BOF10) safety standards.

Interior updates include:

• Ergonomics: A flat-bottom steering wheel and steering column-mounted shifter.
• Displays: A digital instrument cluster and a three-way adjustable steering column.
• Utility: A bodybuilder tower between seats for control mounting and a t-slot dashboard for device attachment.
• Comfort: HVAC ducting in the door panels to deliver air at the driver's shoulder level.

The Granite will be produced at the Lehigh Valley Operations facility in Pennsylvania. Orders are scheduled to open in the second half of 2026, with production commencing in January 2027.

Stephen Roy, President, Mack Trucks, said, “The all-new Mack Granite embodies everything Mack stands for: legendary durability, uncompromising performance and a commitment to our customers who depend on these trucks to get the toughest jobs done. We’ve completely reimagined the Granite from the ground up, bringing the same level of innovation we delivered with our Pioneer and Anthem models to the vocational market.”

Alex Lee, Senior Product Manager, Mack Trucks, stated, “We’re bringing safety technologies to the North American vocational market that have never been available before. Features like the ePark Brake, 270-degree radar coverage and E911 auto-call are going to make a real difference in protecting drivers who work in some of the most challenging environments.”

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Caterpillar, a leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, has announced new technology, service solutions and products at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 aimed at productivity, safety and labour shortages. The company is demonstrating a single platform to connect operations through AI and autonomy.

The American company is showcasing the Cat AI Assistant, designed to help teams reach decisions via recommendations and data interaction. The company also debuted its first autonomous soil compactor, the Cat CS12 and Collision Mitigation technology within the Cat Detect portfolio.

Key technological integrations include:

• Fleet Management: A collaboration with Geotab Inc. integrates on-highway data into the VisionLink platform, allowing management of both Cat and non-Cat assets.
• Remote Operation: Live demonstrations are featuring advancements in construction autonomy and remote equipment control.
• Power Solutions: Displayed units include high-horsepower C3.6 and C13D engines alongside connectivity tools for condition monitoring.

The company launched Cat Compact, a destination for small contractors to buy, rent and service equipment. Additionally, a refreshed Cat Rentals brand and digital solution have been introduced to assist customers in monitoring scaled equipment operations.

Caterpillar has updated its service commitments to include next-day parts and two-day repairs, supported by Cat Credits if these targets are not met.

The event serves as the venue for the Global Operator Challenge finals and the inaugural Global Dealer Technician Challenge, recognising the skills of equipment professionals.

Joe Creed, CEO, Caterpillar, said, “As jobsites become more complex, we’re rapidly innovating to simplify how our customers operate and grow – at any scale. This week, we’re demonstrating how a single platform connects the entire operation – empowering customers with AI and autonomy, redefining service and investing in the people doing the work every day.”

Rod Shurman, Caterpillar Construction Industries Group President, said, “Caterpillar is focused on the challenges customers are dealing with right now: labour, safety and productivity. From AI and autonomy in action to full-fleet connectivity to services commitments, everything we’re showing is built to work where and when customers need it most whether it's on the job, in the shop or at the office.”

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Switch Mobility, the electric vehicle arm of Ashok Leyland and part of the Hinduja Group, has announced the deployment of its Switch EiV 22 electric double-decker bus for the ‘Dekho Meri Dilli’ sightseeing route in the capital. The initiative is being implemented under the Hinduja Group’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.

The service provides residents and tourists with a zero-emission transport option to visit heritage landmarks. The full-day route begins at Dilli Haat – INA and includes stops at Vijay Chowk, Rashtrapati Bhavan, the National Museum, the National Gallery of Modern Art, the Pradhan Mantri Sangrahalya and the National War Memorial at India Gate.

The Switch EiV 22 is a standard-floor, air-conditioned electric double-decker designed and manufactured in India. The vehicle utilises a lightweight aluminium body and features a rear staircase and a wide rear door for passenger access.

Key technical features include:

• Battery: 231 kWh NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) chemistry battery pack.
• Range: Up to 250 km on a single charge.
• Architecture: 650V system with a dual-gun charging setup.
• Capacity: Seating for 65 passengers.
• Cooling: Liquid-cooled battery technology for thermal management.

The bus components are manufactured domestically to comply with FAME II standards. Switch Mobility currently operates electric double-deckers in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar and Kerala, with a total of 100 electric tourist buses operational across 10 locations in India.

Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman, Ashok Leyland, said, “The double-decker bus has always held a special place in India’s public transport story – it is an icon of belonging, of shared journeys, and of city life. Through this CSR initiative, we are proud to breathe new life into that legacy, right in the heart of our national capital. The ‘Dekho Meri Dilli’ experience is our way of giving back to the communities we serve – offering people a beautiful, emission-free way to rediscover Delhi’s magnificent heritage. At SWITCH Mobility, backed by Ashok Leyland’s strong mobility foundation, we are committed to advancing green mobility not just as a business proposition, but as a responsibility to society and the environment.”

Ganesh Mani, CEO – Switch Mobility and COO – Ashok Leyland, said, “The Hinduja Group has always believed that progress must be purposeful – that growth and giving back must go hand in hand. We are not just offering a ride; we are offering a renewed connection to our history, our culture, and our shared pride as Indians – all while treading lightly on our planet. We are proud to see the Switch EiV 22 carry not just passengers, but the spirit of a greener, more purposeful India — one landmark, one journey at a time. Switch Mobility's electric-first vision, backed by the scale and strength of Ashok Leyland, makes moments like these possible — where innovation is not just future-ready, but people-ready.

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