Volvo Trucks has introduced its latest Road Train solution in India, featuring the FM 420 model optimised for high-efficiency and long-haul transportation. 

The Volvo FM 420 comes equipped with a 13-litre engine delivering 420 horsepower and 2100 Nm of torque. The truck features advanced technology, including the I-Shift 12-speed automated manual transmission, which automatically selects optimal gearing for both power and fuel economy.

The new Road Train configuration offers approximately 50 per cent higher volume capacity compared to standard 18.75m tractor-trailer combinations. This increased capacity contributes to greater productivity through more cargo with a single tractor while reducing operational costs related to drivers and maintenance. Despite consuming marginally more fuel, the significantly higher load capacity results in better overall efficiency, with two Road Trains able to do the work of three conventional tractor-trailers, leading to reduced traffic and lower emissions.

In his speech, Minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted the critical challenge of high logistics costs facing the Indian economy. Speaking at an event showcasing new transport technology, Gadkari noted that while logistics costs in China stand at 8 per cent and in the USA and Europe at around 12 per cent, India's logistics costs remain stubbornly high at 16 per cent.

"This is why we are not very competitive in the international market," Gadkari explained. He announced that the National Competitiveness Authority (NCA) has set an ambitious target to reduce logistics costs to single digits—specifically 9 per cent—within two years.

The Minister expressed confidence that improved logistics efficiency would significantly boost India's export potential. "In the whole world today, there is a lot of demand, and I am 100 per cent confident that reducing logistics costs will help expand our exports," he stated.

Gadkari emphasised the importance of road quality while acknowledging that modern technology is helping address many transportation challenges. He stressed two key priorities: comprehensive driver training programmes for safer roads and the adoption of new vehicle technologies that can reduce costs.

The Minister noted that while current imports for certain vehicle categories stand at 22 lakh units, India is moving towards domestic manufacturing, which could potentially halve costs and make transportation more economical.

Looking towards the future, Gadkari expressed optimism about electric vehicles, stating: "While I don't know if it's immediately possible for all large vehicles, I am 100 per cent confident that electrification will happen in due course of time."

He praised Volvo for introducing new technology that will improve logistics efficiency, help increase exports, and reduce domestic logistics costs. Gadkari concluded by appealing to all stakeholders and customers to prioritise LNG, CNG, or electric vehicles, emphasising that while they might have higher upfront costs, their long-term value for the country and society would be greater.

Commenting on the launch, Vinod Aggarwal, MD & CEO, VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd., stated, "The Volvo FM 420 4X2 road train is another pioneering introduction by Volvo Trucks for the Indian market. Designed to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of road transport, it aligns perfectly with the ongoing transformation in Indian logistics and the government’s Gati Shakti master plan. Volvo Trucks India is grateful to Nitin Gadkariji, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and ARAI for championing such advancements, and we remain committed to bringing more global innovations to India."

The solution is being operated by Delhivery Ltd.

Suraj Saharan, Co-founder and Chief People’s Officer at Delhivery, said, "We're excited to further strengthen our partnership with Volvo Trucks as we advance towards high-efficiency, sustainable long-haul logistics. From adopting tractor-trailers to LNG and electric trucks, Volvo has been a key enabler in our journey. Road trains are a natural next step, perfectly suited to our high-volume line-haul operations. With India's expressway network expanding rapidly, we look forward to scaling this innovation across more routes in the near future."

Emphasising Volvo Trucks’ unwavering commitment to safety and efficiency, B. Dinakar, EVP & Business Head, Volvo Trucks India, remarked, "Beyond productivity and cost-effectiveness, our focus is on the safe integration of this pioneering solution on Indian roads. I am grateful to the ministry for having certified this path-breaking solution. We will now work to implement this highly efficient and safe transport solution in other suitable sectors."

The new offering includes ultra-modern displays with a 12-inch digital Driver Information Display and a 9-inch touchscreen Secondary Information Display that can show 360-degree vision cameras and real-time driver coaching. Volvo has implemented an electronic stability control system that continuously monitors individual wheels on both truck and trailers, distributing brake pressure as needed for better vehicle stability and safety. For improved manoeuvrability in tight spaces, the Road Train comes with a self-steerable axle for the trailer.

An 810-litre fuel tank is designed for extended operations, allowing the trucks to run around the clock without frequent refuelling stops. The Volvo FM has earned the maximum 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, featuring an air-suspended climate-controlled sleeper cabin with airbag protection for operator comfort and safety. The vehicle's pre-trip diagnostic system checks all vital parameters before departure and alerts drivers to potential issues via pop-up messages on the information display.

The Road Train concept was formally incorporated into regulations in 2020, allowing for vehicle combinations to operate at higher efficiency and capacity in the logistics industry. This development is part of India's ongoing efforts to modernise its transportation infrastructure and improve road train efficiency according to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

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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.

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Mahindra & Mahindra, a manufacturer of tractors and farm machinery, has announced the launch of a new rotavator series. The range is positioned in the heavy-duty category under the Mahavator and Mahavator HD brands, covering widths from 4 to 9 feet.

The series features a wider mast design intended to improve stability and handling during tillage. According to the company, the structural changes were developed based on market analysis and feedback from farmers to address durability on uneven farm surfaces.

The new series replaces several existing models while sitting alongside Mahindra’s current portfolio. A key technical feature in the lineup is the ‘Tez-e’ Intelligent Rotavator, which utilises integrated Bluetooth technology. This system transmits real-time operational data from the farm to a mobile application to support precision farming.

The products are being manufactured at Mahindra’s dedicated units in Nabha, Punjab and Zaheerabad, Telangana.

The company has also introduced limited tricolour-inspired versions in Metallic Orange, Everest White and Metallic Green.

Dr. Anusha Kothandaraman, Vice President & Head – International Operations & Business Head – Farm Machinery, Mahindra Farm Equipment Business, said, “Farm mechanisation is crucial to farm productivity and rotavators play a crucial role in efficiently preparing farmlands. At Mahindra our newly designed rotavators are developed to further deliver superior performance, while also elevating a farmer’s sense of ownership of the farm equipment that support their livelihood beyond tractors. Offered initially in the 4 to 9 feet category, the new look rotavators will reach farmers through a phased rollout across Mahindra's extensive dealer network.”

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Tata Motors has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA) to deploy 40 heavy-duty trucks powered by Green Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engines (H2 ICE). The agreement was signed in the presence of Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

The project involves a trial phase with a single hydrogen-powered prime mover, followed by the deployment of the remaining fleet over the next two years. Funding for the initiative is provided by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways as part of a national strategy to decarbonise maritime logistics.

To support the fleet, VOCPA is developing a 2 MW electrolyser and a hydrogen refuelling station within the port. The trucks selected for this deployment are Tata Prima 55-tonne prime movers. These vehicles utilise H2 ICE technology, which adapts internal combustion principles to run on hydrogen instead of diesel, aiming for zero-tailpipe CO2 emissions.

The Prima trucks include driver-assist safety features and cabins designed to reduce fatigue during cargo handling operations. Tata Motors previously initiated hydrogen truck trials on freight corridors in 2025 and currently operates 15 hydrogen fuel cell buses in India.

Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairperson, VOCPA, said, “Our partnership with Tata Motors marks a transformative step in VOC Port’s push to achieve net-zero emissions. The deployment of green hydrogen-powered trucks will significantly decarbonise our cargo handling operations while setting a benchmark for sustainable port-led logistics in India. To support the phased induction of these Green Hydrogen trucks, the port is also progressing plans to establish a 2 MW electrolyser and a dedicated hydrogen refueling station. This project along with various other initiatives related to green fuels reinforces our commitment towards building a robust green hydrogen ecosystem and positioning VOC Port as a leader in sustainable maritime infrastructure.”

Rajesh Kaul, Vice-President and Business Head – Trucks, Tata Motors, said, “Our collaboration with V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority marks an important milestone in bringing hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucking into real-world port operations. Over the past several months, we have worked closely with the port authorities to assess pathways for hydrogen trucks in cargo handling applications. This pilot will help demonstrate the potential of assessing the TCO parity and with Green Hydrogen in supporting the transition of India’s ports towards cleaner and more sustainable logistics solutions.”

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SANY is set to make a significant impact at the CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 trade show, taking place at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The company will present its most comprehensive portfolio to date for the North American market, featuring an expansive display of machinery, digital technology and service capabilities. Operating under the theme ‘Together, We Move the Future Forward’, SANY will highlight the convergence of robust performance, intelligent innovation and lasting customer relationships as key drivers for the industry's evolution.

Visitors to Booth F44054 will encounter an impressive lineup of 32 machines and 17 attachments, with the spotlight on 10 newly introduced models engineered specifically for North American requirements. Among these, the SY10U Mini Excavator stands out for its zero tail swing design, providing exceptional manoeuvrability in confined spaces. Its operation is enhanced by a full hydraulic load sensing system, a suspension seat and wide armrests, ensuring a premium operator experience. The larger SY335LC Medium Excavator is powered by a substantial 9L Cummins engine generating 209 kilowatts. This powertrain delivers 204 kN of bucket force and 153 kN of arm force, resulting in digging performance that is both powerful and precise for its class.

In the lifting category, the SCA3300A Lattice Boom Crawler Crane incorporates a smart windshield that automatically adjusts its tint based on sunlight intensity. It also offers an optional auxiliary power unit designed to optimise energy savings and lower emissions. Similarly, the SCA1100TB Telescopic Crawler Crane features an optional APU to reduce fuel consumption and engine wear, while a 360-degree surround view monitoring system enhances safety during lifts. The new generation SW940L Wheel Loader integrates a Cummins B6.7 engine with ZF transmission and drive axles. Its advanced full electronic control system ensures compatibility with mainstream attachments and enables intelligent functions like automatic limit control, one-touch bucket shake, parallel lift, tyre pressure monitoring and smart attachment selection and positioning. The STH5519 Telehandler comes standard with reversing radar and load moment protection. An integrated multifunction joystick is designed to improve operational efficiency by 20 percent, while a stability coefficient exceeding 1.3 promotes safer lifting operations.

Beyond the equipment itself, SANY will demonstrate a suite of intelligent solutions aimed at minimising downtime and maximising productivity. These include the SANY AI Service Assistant, which provides intelligent diagnostics, interactive fault identification and quick parts identification for efficient maintenance. The SANY RootPilot system offers high precision 3D guidance for smarter and faster construction processes. In a compelling live demonstration, SANY will remotely control an excavator located in Huzhou, China, directly from its US showroom, a distance of over 6,500 miles, using AI-assisted technology with one-click digging and loading capabilities. These technological demonstrations will be complemented by a showcase of SANY's comprehensive service capabilities, all designed to ensure equipment operates smoothly and reliably.

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