A new nationwide initiative in the United Kingdom is set to standardise and elevate maintenance standards in the commercial vehicle sector, which has completed its pilot phase and is set for wider rollout. The Maintenance Provision Rating Scheme (MPRS), unveiled at the Commercial Vehicle Show, introduces a tiered rating system for HGV workshops across the UK, aiming to improve safety, reduce MOT failures, and boost compliance.

The scheme offers five levels – Entry, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum – providing commercial vehicle operators with a clear and independent assessment of a workshop’s competency and facilities. By offering greater transparency, the MPRS allows fleet operators to make better-informed decisions on where to service and maintain their vehicles.

The MPRS was jointly developed by a coalition of key industry bodies: Logistics UK, the Road Haulage Association (RHA), Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), Institute of Road Transport Engineers (IRTE), Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) and the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA). It is also backed by government authorities, including the Office of the Traffic Commissioner, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and the Department for Transport (DfT).

A key component of the scheme’s development was an 18-month pilot programme, with Daimler Truck workshops used as a benchmark to define scoring criteria for competency and facility standards. Daimler Truck played a close advisory and operational role throughout the process.

“As an OEM, Daimler Truck UK has welcomed being involved in the development of the MPRS as we believe it is important for the commercial vehicle industry to be setting new standards,” said Amy Carter, Head of Product, Daimler Truck UK. “It has needed a consistent, nationwide rating scheme for a long time.”

Carter added that Daimler Truck sees the MPRS as a crucial step forward in aftersales service. “In the longer term, we hope customers start asking workshops for their MPRS ratings and that dealers start promoting their own scores,” she said. “The MPRS now provides a useful independent benchmark to prove that when a customer sends their fleet into our workshops, they’re being looked after to the highest standards.”

Daimler Truck UK has committed to having MPRS ratings for every dealer in its network by the end of 2025.

Workshops that participate in the MPRS will not only demonstrate their commitment to excellence but also gain a competitive advantage through enhanced reputation. The scheme is expected to drive further investment in staff training and workshop facilities across the commercial vehicle maintenance sector.

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Chennai-based Daimler India Commercial Vehicles has announced the appointment of Torsten Schmidt as its new CEO. He is set to succeed Satyakam Arya, who has been nominated as the designated President and CEO of Hino Motors in Japan.

Schmidt, currently CFO of Mercedes-Benz do Brasil, has been with Daimler since 1997. Over the course of nearly three decades, he has held various roles across Germany, India, Japan and Brazil, having led teams across sales and central function at Daimler Truck, Mercedes-Benz Trucks and Daimler Truck Asia.

Achim Puchert, CEO Mercedes-Benz Trucks: “Torsten is an experienced and respected leader whose global and intercultural expertise are matched by a proven ability to deliver results. His strong leadership qualities, strategic vision, financial proficiency, and comprehensive knowledge of the entire value chain make him the perfect fit for his new role and to drive our business forward. My heartfelt thanks go to Satyakam - an outstanding leader with exceptional expertise in commercial vehicle operations and a deep commitment to customer success. Satyakam has been a driving force behind Daimler India Commercial Vehicles’ success and together with his team he has established a solid footprint. We wish him all the best in his new role.”  

In his new role, Torsten Schmidt will report to Achim Puchert, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Trucks.

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Eicher Trucks and Buses, a business unit of VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV), has launched the Eicher Pro X Diesel, expanding its offering in the 2-3.5 tonne Small Commercial Vehicle (SCV) segment.

The new diesel model follows the earlier release of the Eicher Pro X EV, providing both electric and diesel options for customers and regions requiring diesel power.

The Pro X Diesel features a new E449 diesel engine developed to deliver fuel efficiency and power for performance across terrains. The model is built as an 'Expert' solution for small firms, fleet operators and first-time buyers, focusing on performance, uptime and ownership.

The vehicle includes the segment’s largest cargo deck (10 feet 8 inches) and offers a long service interval of 30,000 km. This combination is intended to increase the goods carried per trip and reduce operating costs. The Eicher Pro X Diesel has been tested across India’s varied conditions for use in applications such as e-commerce, FMCG and regional logistics.

Vinod Aggarwal, MD & CEO, VE Commercial Vehicles, said, “With the launch of the Eicher Pro X Diesel, we are taking another significant step in transforming last mile logistics in India. The Eicher Pro X range – now available in both electric and diesel variants – reflects our commitment to serve our customers as they transform logistics in India’s Amrit Kaal. Co-created with customers, the range combines Eicher’s proven expertise in fuel efficiency, reliability and superior uptime with the operational flexibility that many businesses seek from a diesel powertrain. This launch strengthens Eicher’s presence in the rapidly evolving small commercial vehicle segment and aligns with our vision to partner India’s progress with smart, sustainable and efficient logistics solutions.”

S S Gill, Chief Commercial Officer, VE Commercial Vehicles, said, “The Eicher Pro X Diesel is a state-of-the-art product designed for customers and drivers in the large SCV segment. It introduces segment-leading comfort and safety features, including a crash-test certified metallic cabin, ergonomic D+2 seating, driver state monitoring system (DSMS) and daytime running lamps (DRL). Intelligent connectivity through the My Eicher App, predictive diagnostics, remote immobiliser and real time monitoring through the 24x7 Uptime Centre support further enhances operational control and security, delivering peace of mind for owners.”

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Swedish commercial major Volvo Trucks recently won the 2025 Green Truck Award for its Volvo FH Aero model. The win demonstrates the impact of the company's technologies and innovations on fuel efficiency, with the Aero cab and aerodynamic improvements contributing to fuel consumption and CO2 emission reductions.

The company's push for fuel savings includes a new in-house developed stop/start engine feature, which builds on the existing I-See and I-Roll technologies.

The feature works by constantly monitoring road data and road curvature. The engine is temporarily turned off when an oncoming downward slope is identified along the route. When the engine is off, zero fuel is consumed, resulting in no CO2 tailpipe emissions.

The functionality is activated at speeds above 60 kmph. Depending on conditions like topography and ambient temperature, the new I-Roll with Engine stop/start will cut up to 1 percent of fuel and CO2 emissions on top of already achieved savings.

The new feature will be offered on the Volvo FH and FH Aero with the 13-litre diesel engine. Customers can order it from November 2025.

Jan Hjelmgren, Head of Product Management, Volvo Trucks, said, “Our engineers have done it again – innovating a new engine technology that contributes to making transport by truck more fuel-efficient. As part of our decarbonisation strategy, we will continue to innovate to make our combustion engines even better and to reduce our impact on the environment.”

Volvo Trucks’ overall decarbonisation strategy includes combustion engines powered by renewable fuels, battery-electric and fuel-cell electric trucks.

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Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) has announced that Satyakam Arya, its Managing Director and CEO, has been designated as President and Chief Executive Officer of Hino Motors. The appointment is planned to come into effect from 1 April 2026.

In the new strategic position, Arya will move to Tokyo, Japan to manage Hino Motors’ global operations and transformation. This move marks a significant leadership decision for the planned integration of Daimler Truck and Toyota Motor Corporation’s commercial vehicle subsidiaries, Mitsubishi Fuso and Hino Motors.

Achim Puchert, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler Truck Holding, responsible for Mercedes-Benz Trucks and BharatBenz, said, "Satyakam has been an outstanding leader during his time with us, demonstrating exceptional expertise in commercial vehicle operations and a deep commitment to customer success. His strategic acumen and proven ability to drive transformation position him perfectly for this new leadership role. We wish him all the best in his new role and in the years ahead."

Under Arya’s leadership, DICV is said to have achieved record profitability growth across its truck and bus portfolio while doubling its customer base. The company’s dealership network expanded from 182 to over 385 locations nationwide.

On sustainability, DICV became India's first commercial vehicle manufacturer to switch to 100 percent renewable energy. The company also secured the country's first IGBC Green Factory Building V2 certification. DICV led industry innovation by introducing EU safety standard ECE R29-03 cabin compliance, launching products like TorqShift (AMT) tippers and the HX Series, and navigating a seamless BS VI OBD2 transition.

"India's commercial vehicle industry is entering a transformative decade. With infrastructure investments accelerating and the push toward sustainable mobility gaining momentum, the fundamentals for growth have never been stronger. DICV has built a solid foundation, exceptional leadership, and the momentum to capitalise on these opportunities. I'm confident the team will continue to reach new heights," said Arya.

"Leading Hino Motors is both an honour and an opportunity. I'm excited to contribute to this integration while building on Hino's rich 80-year heritage and creating value for customers across global markets," he added.

Succession planning for Daimler India Commercial Vehicles operations is currently underway, with details to follow in the coming weeks. The appointment reflects the importance of the planned Mitsubishi Fuso – Hino Motors integration. Arya will return to Japan, where he previously spent four years with Daimler Truck Asia, bringing transformation expertise to his new leadership role.

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