Daimler Truck Workshop

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.

Piaggio Vehicles Launches Ape WavE Electric Three-Wheeler At INR 255,000

Piaggio Ape WavE

Piaggio Vehicles, one of the leading two-wheeler and three-wheeler manufacturers, has expanded its electric passenger portfolio with the launch of the Ape WavE L3 electric three-wheeler at INR 255,000 (ex-showroom Pune).

The Ape WavE is powered by a 5.4 kWh battery, a 3 kW motor and provides 25 Nm of torque. It reaches a top speed of 40 kmph, features 19 percent gradeability and offers a certified range of 140 km and a claimed real-world range of 110 km. The charging time for the electric three-wheeler is said to be 3 hours and 45 minutes.

The electric three-wheeler features a monocoque chassis & metal body and ground clearance of 180 mm.

Diego Graffi, Chairman & MD, Piaggio Vehicles, said, “India’s electric mobility landscape is evolving rapidly, particularly in the passenger three-wheeler category where customers are looking for dependable and economically viable solutions. With the Ape WavE, we are introducing a product that has been developed specifically to meet the needs of drivers seeking affordable ownership along with superior comfort, safety, and operational reliability. The vehicle reflects our understanding of Indian mobility requirements and reinforces our commitment towards sustainable transportation and livelihood generation across the country.”

Amit Sagar, Executive Vice-President CV Domestic Business and Retail Finance, Piaggio Vehicles, added, “The passenger EV segment continues to witness strong demand, particularly in markets where shared mobility and short-distance transportation play an important role in daily commuting. The Ape WavE has been designed to offer customers an ideal balance between acquisition cost, operational savings, and passenger experience. With robust build quality, low maintenance requirements, strong ride comfort, and trusted Ape reliability, the vehicle is expected to create a strong value proposition for drivers and fleet operators alike.”

Mahindra Tractors Launches YuvoTech+ 585 DI V1 In India

YuvoTech+

Mumbai-headquartered automotive major Mahindra Tractors has launched its latest product offering the YuvoTech+ 585 DI V1 in 2WD and 4WD options.

The tractor is powered by a mBULL engine and features a 12F + 3R transmission system, Multi-Speed PTO and a SLIPTO dual-clutch mechanism. It includes a hydraulic system for implements and is designed with power steering and an operator platform.

Harsh Rai, CEO, Mahindra Tractors, said, "We are proud to launch the YuvoTech+ 585 DI V1 across India following its successful introduction in select markets. Built on our fast-growing YuvoTech platform, this tractor combines advanced technology with robust performance and practical features. Its strong acceptance highlights our commitment to delivering quality, durability, and long-term value to farmers. With this nationwide rollout, we aim to empower farmers with a reliable and adaptable solution for their evolving needs."

The tractor is sold with a 6-year warranty through Mahindra dealerships across India.

Ashok Leyland Partners Rosmerta Recycling To Provide Vehicle Scrappage Benefits To Customers

Ashok Leyland - Rosmerta Recycling

Chennai-headquartered commercial vehicle major Ashok Leyland has partnered with Rosmerta Recycling to facilitate the scrappage of end-of-life commercial vehicles.

The collaboration aims to support the Government of India’s Voluntary Vehicle Modernisation Program and the Naya Safar Scheme, which targets the reduction of transport emissions in the Delhi-NCR region.

As part of the understanding, Ashok Leyland will use its dealer network to provide customers with access to Rosmerta Recycling’s Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities. This service includes support for deregistration and statutory documentation. Customers availing the scrappage service can receive value for their vehicles, discounts on new purchases and waivers on road tax and registration fees in accordance with government policy.

Madhavi Deshmukh, National Sales Head, Ashok Leyland, said, "India has a significant population of ageing commercial vehicles, making an organised, transparent and customer-friendly scrappage ecosystem essential. Through our partnership with Rosmerta Recycling, we are making responsible vehicle disposal simpler while enabling customers to transition to newer, cleaner and more efficient commercial vehicles. This collaboration reinforces Ashok Leyland's commitment to sustainable mobility, circular economy principles and reducing emissions across the vehicle lifecycle."

Kartick Nagpal, President, Rosmerta Group, stated, "Our partnership with Ashok Leyland comes at a pivotal time, as the Government's recently approved commercial vehicle replacement initiatives are expected to accelerate organised vehicle scrappage across India. The mandatory scrappage of BS-III and older commercial vehicles through authorised RVSFs – covering an estimated 207,000 vehicles in Delhi-NCR – is a significant step towards cleaner mobility and a stronger circular economy. At Rosmerta Recycling, we remain committed to scientific dismantling, maximising material recovery, and maintaining the highest environmental and regulatory standards to build a sustainable vehicle recycling ecosystem.”

Eicher Trucks & Buses Partners MoRTH For Delhi-NCR Fleet Modernisation

MoRTH - VE Commercial Vehicles - VECV

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and Eicher Trucks & Buses, a division of VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding the replacement scheme for commercial vehicles in the Delhi-NCR region.

Under the agreement, Eicher Trucks & Buses will provide an 8 percent discount on the ex-showroom price of eligible vehicles. CV customers can also receive additional support regarding motor vehicle tax, registration fees, interest subvention and fuel benefits, as defined by the scheme criteria. The process will be managed through a digital platform integrated with the VAHAN database and the vehicle scrapping ecosystem.

S S Gill, Chief Commercial Officer, VE Commercial Vehicles, said, “For over 4 decades, Eicher Trucks and Buses customers have driven modernisation in the Indian CV industry. Carrying this tradition, Eicher Trucks and Buses is pleased to join hands with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on their path-breaking policy to replace old and polluting vehicles from the NCR region. Eicher customers will gain from the substantial incentives offered by the Government of India and State Governments of Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan under this program."