Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles Ltd (VECV) unveiled an electric light truck at the inaugural edition of Bharat Global Mobility Expo in January 2024. It was the only commercial vehicle manufacturer to unveil a new product. What it was not, was the only commercial vehicle manufacturer to display an alternative fuel technology vehicle. 

If the passenger vehicles are witnessing the influx of new technologies in the alternative fuel technology domain and in ADAS, commercial vehicles (CVs) are quickly catching up. They too are attracting a lot of investment in technology to ensure a lower TCO and higher uptime. A look at the CVs that were launched in the post pandemic period and it would be clear that a lot of new technology on emissions, performance, efficiency, comfort and safety side has gone into CVs. 

CVs also performed very well in terms of sales in the post pandemic period, albeit with a lower base level. They may not have attained the peak of 201-12, their performance was not lacking in lustre either. Segments such as buses showed a smart recovery from a very low base during the pandemic period. In FY2022-23, commercial vehicles recorded a growth of 34 percent with sales of 9,62,000 units as compared to the sale of 7,16,000 units in FY2021-22.

In the 2023 calendar year, 9,78,385 commercial vehicles were sold, marking a single digit growth figure. In the third quarter of FY2023-24, commercial vehicles recorded a growth of 3.5 percent with the sale of 2,35,167 units. While the SIAM President Vinod Aggarwal may have termed the performance in terms of sale of the auto industry as satisfactory, some analysts and observers have began expressing that a slowdown is on the way. 

Leading ‘ratings’ organistion Crisil has mentioned in its recent report that revenue growth of CV makers will moderate to between five and seven percent in the next fiscal despite the operating margins being steady and the realisation being better. 

With stable commodity prices, the moderation of between five to seven percent – against an estimated growth of nine percent in FY2023-24 – is likely be because of a hike in vehicle prices. What is ironic is that the growth moderation is expected to take place despite higher average realisations on the back of better growth in M&HCVs and stable raw material (especially steel, iron and aluminium) price.

With operating margins expected to be a good 10-11 percent in the next fiscal, Crisil’s study of four commercial vehicle manufacturers accounting for over 70 percent of the market share is indicative of a certain moderation in the commercial vehicle space. 

M&HCV demand is contingent upon activity in key end-user infrastructure related sectors — roads, real estate, mining and construction, besides transportation and replacement demand. LCV demand, on the other hand, is dependent on last-mile connectivity and e-commerce players.

The Crisil report takes into consideration the four CV makers that account for over 70 percent of the market share. It states that a vital factor that will lead to growth moderation will be an increase of vehicle prices. 

Says Anuj Sethi, Senior Director, CRISIL Ratings, “Revenue growth of CV makers will be driven by higher realisations next fiscal. We expect domestic revenue growth for M&HCVs to lower to 2-3 percent (~ 5 percent this fiscal), and this too will largely be driven by demand for buses. The likelihood of brief slowdown in infrastructure spending owing to general elections and continuing high interest rates shall impact overall M&HCV growth. Demand for LCVs is seen subdued this fiscal due to high-base effect and moderation in spends by e-commerce players. A similar trend is expected next fiscal as well.”

Domestic sales, accounting for over 90 percent of total volume, are expected to inch closer to the previous peak of ~10 lakh units seen in fiscal 2019. Export volume, however, will continue to be sluggish due to continuing inflationary headwinds and economic slowdown in key markets such as Sri Lanka, Africa, and Latin America.

This fiscal operating margin is seen reaching pre-pandemic peaks of ~10 percent, supported by price hikes to offset higher cost of compliance on emission norms, better realisations due to increased sales of M&HCVs and stable raw material prices. This trend is expected to be sustained next fiscal too. That said, in the event of continued sluggishness in sale volumes, discounts offered by CV makers may increase, and partially impact operating margins.

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Chennai-based commercial vehicle major Ashok Leyland has commenced deliveries of the 24 units of AVTR 55T Electric trucks to ASAT Logistics, which is the strategic logistics partner for Shree Cement.

The keys to the first batch of four trucks were handed over by Sanjeev Kumar, President - MHCV, Ashok Leyland, to Arvind Sarda, CEO, ASAT Logistics.

The trucks use lithium-ion battery technology with dual-gun charging and are compatible with industry-standard trailers and superstructures. The vehicles include a cabin, automatic transmission, telematics and a suite of Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) and safety features.

Sanjeev Kumar, said, “We are thrilled to deliver the first batch of 4 units of our AVTR 55T Electric trucks to ASAT Logistics. These trucks highlight our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and performance in the commercial vehicle sector. This partnership reflects the growing confidence in our electric mobility solutions and reinforces our position as a technology leader in the logistics ecosystem. As we continue to push the boundaries of clean transportation, we remain focused on delivering reliable, efficient, and future-ready mobility solutions.”

Arvind Sarda, said, “We have complete trust in the quality and performance of Ashok Leyland trucks. Together with Shree Cement, we embark on a journey toward a cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable future. We thank Ashok Leyland for delivering the technologically advanced AVTR 55T Electric trucks, enabling us to take further our commitment to building a sustainable and eco-friendly transportation ecosystem. With Ashok Leyland’s dedication to innovation and our forward-thinking approach to logistics for Shree Cement, we look forward to continued success on the road.”

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Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles, one of India’s leading players in the commercial vehicle segment, has unveiled what it claims is its most advanced intercity platform yet – the all-new Tata LPO 1822 bus chassis.

The Tata LPO 1822 is said to provide a superior ride experience through its full-air suspension and low NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) attributes – ensuring a fatigue-free journey for passengers and drivers alike. It is available in flexible configurations ranging from 36-seaters to 50-seaters and sleeper layouts.

Anand S, Vice-President and Head – Commercial Passenger Vehicle Business, Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles, said, “India’s intercity transport ecosystem is undergoing a transformation, driven by rising connectivity and growing passenger expectations. The Tata LPO 1822 is an advanced product – combining superior ride quality, robust engineering and intelligent features to deliver unmatched value. It is a win-win for passengers, drivers and fleet owners – elevating comfort, enhancing safety and improving profitability.”

The LPO 1822 is powered by a 5.6-litre Cummins diesel engine, which delivers 220hp and 925Nm of torque. The chassis also serves as the underpinning for the fully built Tata Magna Coach.

As part of aftersales peace-of-mind, the LPO 1822 comes with a complimentary four-year subscription to Fleet Edge, Tata Motors’ next generation connected vehicle platform, which provides real-time diagnostics, predictive maintenance and data-driven fleet optimisation.

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European commercial vehicle major the TRATON Group saw a 16 percent decline in unit sales YoY in Q3 of CY2025, amidst a market environment.

Based on preliminary figures, the group sold 71,400 vehicles in Q3 CY2025, down from 85,300 in the same quarter last year. Unit sales for the first nine months of 2025 amounted to 224,500 vehicles, a 9 percent decrease. Sales of all-electric vehicles rose by 55 percent in the quarter to 820 units.

Scania Vehicles & Services recorded a 1 percent drop in unit sales in Q3 CY2025. Sales in Europe offset decreasing unit sales in Brazil, where the market continues to have high dealer inventory levels and rising interest rates.

MAN Truck & Bus increased its unit sales by 24 percent in Q3 CY2025. Truck sales increased YoY despite the European truck market. Sales of buses and MAN TGE vans supported the increase.

International Motors saw a 57 percent decrease in unit sales compared to the prior-year quarter, when a delivery backlog caused by a plant fire was resolved. The US truck market remains weak, with tariff-related uncertainties and a freight recession continuing.

Volkswagen Truck & Bus (VWTB) recorded a 4 percent decrease in unit sales in Q3 CY2025. The slowdown in the Brazilian market is impacting VWTB, although South American markets such as Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Peru show trends of growth. VWTB increased unit sales by 3 percent in the first 9-months of 2025 due to a strong Q1.

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Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles has commenced delivery of the Tata Prima E.55S battery electric prime-mover to Enviiiro Wheels Mobility, a provider of commercial transport solutions for the power, mining, cement and steel sectors.

The first batch of the fleet was handed over today in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan. The heavy-duty, zero-emission trucks will transport minerals and ores.

The Prima E.55S features an integrated e-axle and regenerative braking for range. The vehicle offers a range of up to 350 km on a charge. It includes a 3-speed Auto Shift transmission with an e-axle for efficiency and performance and dual gun fast charging capability.

Safety features include a Driver Monitoring System, Lane Departure Warning, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and Cruise Control, along with an Electronic Braking System and ADAS features. The Prima cabin includes a pneumatically suspended seat and tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel to boost driver productivity.

Praveen Somani, Managing Director, Enviiiro Wheels Mobility and Director, Inland World Logistics, said, “As a young company committed to making logistics sustainable, the addition of Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles’ advanced electric prime movers to our fleet marks a defining step towards decarbonised operations. With zero emissions, superior performance, and advanced safety and comfort features, the Prima E.55S is an ideal choice to support our customers’ net zero goals. Backed by Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles’ proven after-sales ecosystem, we are confident of building a future-ready fleet that sets new benchmarks in clean and efficient mineral and ore transportation.”

Rajesh Kaul, Vice-President & Business Head – Trucks, Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles, said, "We are delighted to deliver the first batch of Prima E.55S electric prime movers to Enviiiro Wheels Mobility. As the market leader in the trucks segment, Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles is proud to lead India’s transition to sustainable freight with advanced solutions. These robustly engineered vehicles align closely with Enviiiro Wheels’ sustainability goals, advancing greener operations while delivering long-term value.”

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