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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Tata Motors, one of India's biggest commercial vehicle makers, has partnered with its Sri Lankan distributor, DIMO, to launch 10 new commercial vehicles. The launch, which includes a range of trucks and buses, marks a significant expansion of Tata Motors' offerings in the country and celebrates the 65th anniversary of its partnership with DIMO.

The new line-up, the company shared, is designed to meet a wide array of cargo and passenger needs, offering robust, efficient and reliable transport solutions for Sri Lanka's evolving market. The vehicles are engineered for durability across challenging terrains while ensuring comfort and operational efficiency.

Girish Wagh, Executive Director, Tata Motors, said, “With a rich legacy and deep understanding of the Sri Lankan market, we have introduced application-oriented vehicles to meet the country’s growing infrastructure, public transportation, and logistics needs. This enhanced portfolio delivers a compelling proposition of superior performance, reliability, and optimised total cost of ownership — empowering customers to achieve greater efficiency and profitability. Backed by DIMO’s enduring partnership of six and a half decades, we are confident that these advanced offerings will set new benchmarks and catalyse the next phase of progress in Sri Lanka’s growing mobility landscape.”

Ranjith Pandithage, Chairman, DIMO, said, “For over 65 years, DIMO has proudly represented Tata Motors in Sri Lanka, introducing advanced commercial vehicles that continue to set new benchmarks in performance and reliability. This latest range embodies the future of transport — blending world-class engineering with solutions designed for our market’s evolving needs. Underpinned by DIMO’s unmatched after-sales expertise we ensure every vehicle delivers sustained performance and value throughout its lifecycle. Together with Tata Motors, we remain committed to driving sustainable growth and shaping a high-performance mobility ecosystem for the country.”

Cargo Solutions

Intra-city logistics: The Ultra series of trucks (T.7, T.9, T.12, T.14, and 1918.T) are built on Tata Motors’ next-gen smart truck platform, offering high fuel efficiency and enhanced manoeuvrability for last-mile delivery and city logistics.

Long-haul transport: The Prima 5530.S and Signa 5530.S prime movers are designed for heavy-duty and long-haul operations. These models are equipped with advanced technology to improve fuel efficiency and safety, making them suitable for demanding infrastructure projects.

Passenger Solutions

Inter-city travel: The LPO 1622 Magna bus is engineered for long-distance journeys with enhanced passenger comfort, featuring advanced safety technologies like Electronic Stability Control and air suspension for a smooth ride.

Staff transport: The Ultra Prime LPO 8.6 and LPO 11.6 buses provide cost-effective and fuel-efficient solutions for employee mobility, with ergonomic seating for 34 and 40 passengers, respectively.

To support the new fleet, DIMO is providing comprehensive, customer-centric services, including: 15 strategically located service centres for maintenance and genuine spare parts. Extended warranty on selected models, offering coverage for up to 3 years or 300,000 km. Customised Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMC) to ensure optimal vehicle performance.

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Montra Electric, part of the Murugappa Group, has inaugurated its new electric small commercial vehicle and electric three-wheeler dealerships in Raipur, which will be operated by Ralas Wheels.

These outlets will retail Montra Electric’s flagship EViator four-wheeler e-SCV and the Super Auto and Super Cargo e-three-wheeler portfolio.

The company stated that with Raipur’s rapidly growing logistics and demand for high-performance electric commercial vehicles, the dealerships will offer a fully equipped service facility along with comprehensive maintenance and after-sales care.

The inauguration was led by Arun Murugappan, Chairman, TI Clean Mobility (Montra Electric),  Meenal Choubey, Mayor of Raipur, Jalaj Gupta, Managing Director, TI Clean Mobility, Saju Nair, CEO, Tivolt Electric Vehicles, Mohit Singhania, Managing Director, Ralas Wheels and Himanshu Aggarwal, Head Sales & Service, Montra Electric Last-Mile in the presence of customers and other stakeholders.

Jalaj Gupta, said, “The opening of both our both e-SCV and e-3W dealerships in Raipur reflects our commitment to creating a strong and inclusive EV ecosystem across India. With our EViator, Super Auto, and Super Cargo, we are offering reliable, high-performance products that address both logistics and passenger mobility needs. These dealerships strengthen our promise of advanced products, dependable service, and long-term value creation for customers in Chhattisgarh.”

Mohit Singhania, shared, “We are delighted to partner with Montra Electric to bring both the e-SCV and 3W range to Raipur. The city is witnessing rising demand for sustainable logistics and passenger mobility, and we see immense potential for Montra Electric’s products here. Our dealerships are fully equipped to deliver a seamless sales and service experience, ensuring that customers enjoy the benefits of electric mobility with complete confidence.”

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The second season of the MASSEY DYNASTAR CONTEST, organised by TAFE - Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited, one of the world’s largest tractor manufacturers and the maker of the legendary Massey Ferguson Tractors in India, was a resounding success, attracting a remarkable 16,000-plus entries from across India's 26 states and five union territories. This overwhelming response showcased the vibrant diversity of the nation's agricultural sector, with participants ranging from farmers and rural entrepreneurs to agri-students. Twelve finalists from seven states were selected to present their ideas at the Grand Finale.

A prestigious jury evaluated entries on strict criteria including innovation, feasibility and societal impact. The grand prize was awarded to Avinash Desai from Karnataka for his mobile slurry dewatering machine, winning him a brand-new MF 254 DYNASMART 2WD tractor, worth approximately INR 820,000. Prateek Agarwal from Assam secured the second prize with an 8-gm gold coin for his concept of a solar-powered energy hub, while Amrit Jot Singh from Punjab received the third prize, also an 8-gm gold coin, for his water purification unit idea.

The Jury’s Choice Award honoured Dr. Jayakumar Karuppusamy from Assam with a 50-gm silver coin for his multipurpose farm machine. In the institutional category, teams from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University and Bannari Amman Institute of Technology won for their tractor-mounted transplanter ideas, with students receiving internship opportunities.

This initiative embodies TAFE's vision of cultivating the world through meaningful engagement. Following this success, TAFE has announced the contest's return for a third season, reaffirming its commitment to empowering rural innovators.

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Schmitz Cargobull, a leading European semi-trailer manufacturer, has acquired a 27.5 percent stake in Sub Zero Insulation Technologies (SZIT), a leading producer of refrigerated and dry freight truck bodies in India.

This strategic investment marks a significant step in the German company's global expansion and its entry into India's growing cold chain logistics sector. The agreement includes an option for Schmitz Cargobull to increase its shareholding in the future.

The partnership aims to combine Schmitz Cargobull's engineering expertise with Sub Zero's market presence to deliver advanced transport solutions.

Andreas Schmitz, CEO, Schmitz Cargobull, said, “India’s cold chain sector is evolving rapidly and Sub Zero has demonstrated strong potential to lead this transformation. By combining Schmitz Cargobull’s engineering expertise with Sub Zero’s market reach, we aim to deliver high-quality, efficient transport solutions across India and beyond. This is not just about business growth; it’s about enabling infrastructure that can help reduce the 30-40 percent of perishable produce lost annually due to inadequate cold-chain facilities - losses that also contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.”

Deep Khira, Founder & CEO, Sub Zero, said, “This partnership represents a pivotal moment for Sub Zero and for India’s cold chain ecosystem. With Schmitz Cargobull as our partners, we are entering a new era of quality, technology and international standards. By improving cold-chain efficiency, we can drastically cut wastage, boost farmer incomes, improve food availability and significantly lower the carbon footprint from decomposing perishables. We remain committed to our customers and our mission to deliver best-in-class transport solutions across India and emerging markets.”

Both companies are family-led businesses with a shared focus on innovation and customer-centric values. Sub Zero, founded in 2015, continues the Khira family's legacy in vehicle body building, which dates back to 1949. The company currently produces over 1,500 units annually and is a key supplier for major OEMs like Tata Motors, Mahindra and Ashok Leyland.

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