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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FlixBus has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, on World Tourism Day to promote domestic destinations and advocate responsible tourism practices across its intercity transport network.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Tourism Minister, Bhuvnesh Kumar, Secretary and Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism.

Under the agreement, FlixBus will integrate destination content and Incredible India branding across its digital platforms, while deploying co-branded coaches on select intercity routes.

FlixBus has launched ‘Trails of India,’ a dedicated microsite showcasing thematic travel circuits and regional destination highlights. The partnership also includes a national campaign titled ‘Har Safar, Swachh Safar,’ aimed at encouraging environmental awareness, community respect, and sustainable practices among intercity passengers in alignment with the government's Mission LiFE initiative. Additionally, FlixBus will participate in policy dialogues to share international insights on intercity mobility and tourism development.

Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said, "India’s tourism landscape is as diverse as the country itself, with countless destinations offering distinctive cultural, natural and local experiences beyond the well-known tourist circuits. Enabling travellers to access and explore these destinations more easily is key to unlocking their wider tourism potential. Our partnership with FlixBus brings together its technology-enabled platform and intercity network with the Ministry’s vision of taking India’s tourism story to a wider audience. As we connect travellers with a broader range of destinations, it is equally important to foster greater awareness of responsible travel, encouraging journeys that are enriching for visitors while contributing positively to the local communities and destinations they encounter. We believe this partnership can help open up new avenues for destination discovery while promoting a more conscious and inclusive travel experience."

Bhuvnesh Kumar said, "Mobility can play a transformative role in bringing destinations closer to travellers, particularly those that lie beyond the established tourism circuits. FlixBus’s technology-driven approach and growing intercity network offer an opportunity to reach travellers at scale and connect them with a wider range of destinations and tourism experiences across India. Through this partnership, we also have an opportunity to use the travel journey itself to build greater awareness around responsible tourism and encourage travellers to be more mindful of the places they visit and the communities they interact with. By bringing together destination discovery, accessibility and responsible travel, we hope to create greater value for travellers while supporting tourism opportunities across India."

Surya Khurana, Managing Director, FlixBus India, said, "At FlixBus, we believe mobility is a powerful catalyst for tourism, economic development and cultural exchange. We are proud to partner with the Ministry of Tourism in supporting the Incredible India campaign through a collaboration that goes beyond transportation to strengthen India's tourism ecosystem. By combining our technology platform, global expertise and growing domestic network, we aim to enhance the visibility of Indian destinations, encourage travel beyond traditional circuits and contribute to a more connected, responsible and resilient tourism landscape."

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Toyota Motor Corporation has launched the new Sora fuel cell route bus, developed in partnership with Isuzu Motors. The vehicle combines Isuzu's battery-electric full-flat route bus platform with Toyota's fuel cell system as part of joint efforts to achieve zero-emission public transportation.

The updated bus utilises a commercial-grade fuel cell stack and a large-capacity battery, reducing total hydrogen tank capacity by approximately 20 percent while increasing operating range to over 300km on a single fill. The fuel cell stack and hydrogen tanks are mounted on the roof structure to facilitate vehicle maintenance for bus operators.

The company claims that refuelling takes approximately 10 minutes, with support for high-speed filling standards designed to reduce refuelling times as compatible station infrastructure develops. As of September 2026, Toyota has supplied over 3,500 fuel cell systems across commercial buses, rail, and stationary generator applications globally.

Safety systems on the new Sora include an Emergency Driver Stop System linked with a Driver Status Monitor, which decelerates and stops the vehicle while engaging the parking brake if driver impairment is detected. A front blind spot monitor alerts the driver to pedestrians and cyclists ahead of the vehicle.

The passenger compartment features a step-free full-flat floor layout, optional one-touch wheelchair securement systems, and four seating configurations across urban and suburban variants. The bus can also function as an emergency power source during disaster events when connected to an external power supply unit.

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Pune-headquartered automotive company Force Motors has reported its wholesales for September 2026, selling 4,027 units last month, marking a 62 percent YoY, as compared to 2,486 units in September 2025.

The company said it witnessed volume growth across the month driven by customer demand across multiple vehicle lines. The sales were supported by market adoption of the Force Traveller N Range, increased adoption of the Urbania Deluxe within the shared mobility sector and volume contributions from the Trax model line.

Prasan Firodia, MD, Force Motors, said: "September has been a positive month for us, with healthy demand across our key products. The new Traveller N Range is witnessing encouraging market acceptance, while the new Urbania Deluxe continues to gain traction. These trends reinforce our confidence in the strength of our product portfolio and our understanding of customer needs. As we enter the festive season, we look forward to building on this momentum and continuing to serve our customers with products that meet their evolving needs."

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Chennai-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major TVS Motor Company has partnered with NGO She for Society and the Taliru Foundation to launch 16 pink electric three-wheelers in Bengaluru under the ‘Building Queens from the Grassroots’ initiative.

The delivery of the initial 16 units marks the first phase of a project that aims to deploy 100 electric three-wheelers to women beneficiaries identified by the Taliru Foundation. The program is supported by financial contributions from women's organisations across India to assist female drivers in entering the commercial mobility sector.

The launch event was attended by Aishwarya Mahadev, Vice Chairman of Karnataka Road Development, KPCC Social Media President and AICC Spokesperson.

Rajat Gupta, Business Head, Commercial Mobility, TVS Motor Company, said, “At TVS Motor Company, we believe mobility can play a meaningful role in creating opportunities and strengthening livelihoods. Our collaboration with She for Society and Taliru Foundation reflects our commitment to enabling inclusive and sustainable commercial mobility. The Pink Auto initiative is a significant step towards supporting women entrepreneurs and helping them build greater economic independence. We are proud to contribute to an initiative that brings together mobility, community support, and social impact.”

Harshini, representing She For Society, said, “Queens Drive is our endeavour to build queens from the grassroots by enabling women to become financially independent through mobility. With the support of women's organisations across India and our collaboration with Taliru Foundation and TVS Motor Company, we aim to create sustainable opportunities for women auto drivers. These 16 pink electric autos mark the beginning of a larger movement that we hope will empower 100 women and inspire communities across the country.”

Chitra from the Taliru Foundation, said, “Through this initiative, we are working towards creating meaningful livelihood opportunities for women who aspire to become independent earners. The delivery of these 16 pink autos is an important milestone for our beneficiaries, and we are grateful to She for Society, TVS Motor Company, and the supporting women's organisations for helping turn this vision into reality.”

The initiative forms part of TVS Motor Company's commercial mobility strategy to increase female participation in transport operations across urban markets.

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