A good 15m long, the Mercedes-Benz OC 500 RF 2542 has two-axles at the rear and one at the front. Its name suggests it to be German. It is therefore perhaps that a European influence is evident from the smooth surfaces and well-defined lines of the G-Python’s exterior design. The standards of fit and finish are good. A sense of sleek and muscular build apparent from the vehicle’s exterior design, the G-Python, according to Kukreja, draws inspiration from the python’s prowess and size. He drew attention to the fine curves and added, “Look carefully at the headlamps; they will remind you of the eyes of a python. They shine like diamonds”. Reflecting luxury, style and an ability to stand out, the sleek and sweeping headlamps of the G-Python coach body work make an interesting part of the facia. The facia in turn has a large windshield with a black theme patch at its bottom. The pasted windows and tall sides of the G-Python nicely complement the facia design, highlighting a good sense of proportion in the process. Like a fully grown python – a reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus) can reach over 6.25m in length and is termed as the longest snake in the world – the G-Python luxury coach design does appear long and attractive on the Mercedes-Benz multi-axle chassis. 
 

Finer detailing
Powering the Mercedes-Benz OC 500 RF 2542 is a 388 hp, six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz OM 470 Euro VI 10.7-litre diesel engine situated transversely at the rear. It is so located that it feeds power to one of the two rear axles. Its access is governed by an engine lid at the rear. When viewed from a three-fourth angle, the rear accommodates the engine compartment access lid nicely in a large black patch. Replicating the colour theme of the facia (there is a similar albeit smaller black patch under the windshield), the large rear patch of black cleverly hides the enormity of the coach structure. It is no doubt tall and fairly enormous when viewed against a car or a van! On either side of the black patch are sleek and stylish LED tail lamps. “True to our penchant for aerodynamic styling and discreet elegance, the G-Python coach design is based on a modular concept,” said Kukreja. “As much as the exterior, there’s much attention that has gone in the designing and building of the interior too,” he added. Containing diffused lighting, a warm shade of blue and white, the interior exudes a touch of luxury and elegance, much the same way the exterior does. 
 

Employing CR tubes and fire retardant FRP material in its construction, the interior of the G-Python coach design offers good space between each seat row. The seats of the reclining variety are designed and positioned to offer maximum comfort and leg room for passengers. This makes for a relaxing atmosphere. Cabin isolation is brought up to speed with much use of insulation material. “There’s been a good deal of innovation that has gone into the noise isolation of the cabin,” averred Kukreja. With maximum luggage compartment space, easy to operate functions and a long list of optional features like heating, AC, LED screens, mobile-laptop charger, metallic paint, infotainment system, pantry and chemical toilet etc., the G-Python, when it comes to features, offers almost all the bells and whistles. “From the very inception of the design, we made sure that we could accommodate each and every feature that a coach operator could ask for,” Kukreja remarked. “The colour combination and graphics is optional.” 
 

Stating that the attention to European standards has ensured superior built quality, Kukreja said, “From the safety point of view, we have made every effort to exceed the regulatory requirements.” The G-Python coach design employs a laminated glass windshield. The pasted windows on the sides are of the toughened variety. The emergency door has been situated at the rear. Conforming to the bus code, the G-Python seeks proximity to a European integral coach design. It is capable of seating 53 passengers. Available in ‘semi-sleeper’ guise as well, there are no plans to introduce a ‘sleeper’ version as of now. “We may offer a ‘sleeper’ version in the future,” said Kukreja.  
 

An eye for quality 
Built with close attention to quality at Guru Ram Dass Body Builders’ Sonipat facility in Haryana, the G-Python coach body design flaunts a super strong reinforced structure that is crash resistant. It is backed by a pan-India after sales support. Offering ease of maintenance and service through easy accessibility to key aggregates and parts, the luxury coach body design is subject to regular updating, according to Kukreja. “This is in line with our philosophy to keep improving a design and incorporate new developments in bus/coach body design and development,” he added. Explaining that his company’s modern plant at Sonipat has state-of-the-art paint booth, shearing and press brake machines, an R&D centre, shower booth and an FRP moulding facility among others, Kukreja said, “The build quality of the G-Python is in line with the company’s quality management system and regulatory requirements.”  

Stressing on a robust quality control mechanism in place at GRD’s Sonipat plant to ensure thorough inspection of every material that is procured and every weld joint that is carried out on the structure, Kukreja expressed, “Trained professionals use calibrated measuring instruments and various other machines as part of the quality management system.” “There’s a ‘Red Table Area’ in the Sonipat plant where the selected and reject material are segregated,” he added. Explaining that the G-Python will complement the existing G-Dolfino bus body design, Kukreja averred, “They are more or less parallel offerings.” “The G-Dolfino was launched in 2019 and the G-Python was launched in June 2021,” he said. Asked if the G-Python coach body design would fit a 12m long front-engine bus chassis like the BharatBenz 1624, and Kukreja was quick to answer, “Modifications in the floor structure should make it possible.” Whether it would be done at once? Kukreja is not in favour it seems. “We will take a call on whether we want to offer the G-Python luxury coach body design on any other chassis than a rear engine multi-axle one,” he announced. “For the 12m long front-engine BharatBenz 1624, we have yet another fine design in the form of the G-Dolfino,” he concluded. The G-Dolfino, it should not take long to understand, is inspired by a Dolphin!
 

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The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a landmark two-year scheme designed to curb air pollution and accelerate the transition to cleaner transit across the Delhi–National Capital Region (NCR).

Funded through the National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), the program will be jointly executed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG). The initiative will operate in direct collaboration with the participating governments of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.

The scheme features a total financial outlay of INR 95.85 billion, which includes an INR 50.41 billion capital commitment from the Central Government and an estimated INR 16.01 billion allocated via tax concessions from the participating states.

The program targets the replacement of heavy commercial vehicles currently complying with BS-IV or earlier emission standards with newer BS-VI (or stricter) compliance models and electric vehicles (EVs). According to data cited from an August 2018 source apportionment study by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI):

• Sector Emissions: The transport sector drives 14 percent of PM2.5, 40 percent of Carbon Monoxide (CO), and 63 percent of Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions in Delhi-NCR.
• High-Impact Fleet: Within this sector, trucks and buses account for 36 percent of total PM2.5 emissions while making up just 3 percent of the active vehicle fleet.
• Technology Gap: A single Pre-BS heavy-duty vehicle emits as much particulate matter as 14 BS-VI vehicles, while an older BS-IV truck emits 2.7 times more than its BS-VI counterpart.

The fleet modernisation drive is expected to benefit approximately 207,000 vehicle owners across the NCR, encompassing 191,000 trucks and 16,329 buses. Government-owned fleets are explicitly excluded from the scheme.

The operational guidelines differ by vehicle generation and state jurisdictions:

• BS-III or Older Vehicles: Owners must format and scrap old assets at a Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility (RVSF).
• BS-IV Vehicles: May either be scrapped or sold outside the NCR boundary into non-NCAP (National Clean Air Programme) cities and towns.
• Replacement Registration: New replacement vehicles must be registered inside the NCR.
• Delhi-Specific Mandates: Within the National Capital Territory of Delhi, all Light Goods Vehicles (LGVs) purchased under this framework must be purely electric, while new buses are restricted to either BS-VI CNG or electric drivetrains.

To offset transition costs for operators, the program bundles financial support from the central government, state bodies, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs):

The rollout will operate entirely via an integrated digital portal designed to handle real-time eligibility screening, automated processing for interest subventions, monthly credit distribution for fuel vouchers, and structural tracking of net pollution reduction metrics. While the enrollment window spans two years, the central government's financial benefits will remain active for 5 years from a vehicle's individual registration date to provide sustained operational relief.

Administrative monitoring will be directed by a high-level Empowered Committee chaired by the Cabinet Secretary. The body will include the CEO of NITI Aayog, Secretaries from MoHUA, MoRTH, MoPNG, and the Department of Financial Services (DFS), alongside the Chief Secretaries of the participating NCR states, with the Member Secretary of the NCRPB serving as the member convenor. Local execution and district-level compliance will be managed by respective District Magistrates and District Collectors.

Shailesh Chandra, President, SIAM, said, “This is a positive step towards accelerating the adoption of cleaner vehicles in Delhi NCR. A combination of 5 percent interest subvention by the Centre, road tax concessions by States, monthly fuel vouchers of up to INR 4,800 by OMCs, and discounts by OEMs allows participation from all stakeholders to provide an opportunity to owners of old Commercial Vehicles to leverage the programme, thereby contributing to reducing pollution load in NCR.”

Girish Wagh, MD & CEO, Tata Motors, said, “The approval of this scheme is a positive step towards accelerating fleet modernisation and cleaner mobility in the Delhi-NCR region. Aligned with our commitment to make cargo and passenger transportation greener and more efficient, we are well positioned to support this transition through our expansive portfolio of BS-VI and zero-emission commercial vehicles, and our nationwide network of Re.Wi.Re registered vehicle scrapping facilities. We look forward to studying the finer details of the notification to further align our efforts towards building a more sustainable and modern commercial vehicle ecosystem.”

B. Srinivas, MD & CEO, VECV, said, “We applaud the Government for approving the vehicle replacement scheme for Delhi-NCR. This is a significant step towards accelerating fleet modernisation while addressing one of the region’s most pressing environmental challenges. As India progresses towards its Net Zero 2070 ambitions, such initiatives demonstrate how policy, industry and technology can come together to drive sustainable mobility. At VECV we believe this will not only support cleaner transportation in Delhi-NCR but also serve as a model for fleet renewal and modernisation across the country during its Amrit Kaal. We are committed to supporting our customers through this transition with a wide range of Eicher and Volvo trucks and buses offering fuel options covering electrics, CNG, LNG and clean BSVI diesel.”

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American automotive and technology company Lucid Group has announced that Silvio Napoli has officially assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately. The appointment completes a scheduled leadership transition that was initially announced on April 14.

He succeeds Marc Winterhoff, who has completed his tenure as Interim CEO and returned to his previous position as Chief Operating Officer (COO), reporting directly to Napoli.

Napoli joins the software-defined vehicle and technology manufacturer following a career in global industrial management. He most recently served as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Schindler Group, where his responsibilities covered large-scale international operations, financial management and corporate technology strategies.

According to management, Napoli's immediate operational roadmap for Lucid will prioritise several structural developments, including streamlining internal processes and organisational structures to improve execution while deepening overall customer engagement. He will also be responsible for driving cost competitiveness across the vehicle manufacturing pipelines and instituting stricter accountability metrics across operational teams.

The transition comes as Lucid looks to stabilise its long-term market position and scale its technical product offerings.

Turqi Alnowaiser, Chairman of the Lucid Board of Directors, said, "On behalf of the Board, we are pleased to have Silvio as CEO at this important stage for Lucid. The Board remains fully committed and focused to Lucid's long-term future, and we have strong confidence in Silvio's leadership."

Silvio Napoli, added, "After spending time with our teams and gaining deeper firsthand experience with our products and technology, I'm increasingly confident in our ability to deliver consistent execution and long-term value. Our focus will be on strengthening customer engagement, operating with consistency and accountability, achieving cost competitiveness and streamlining our organization and processes to fully leverage the strength of our team."

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African electric mobility and battery-swapping platform Spiro has secured a USD 215 million investment round to accelerate the deployment of its clean energy infrastructure across Africa.

The equity round was backed by global institutional investors, including Impact Fund Denmark and Equitane, alongside continued support from long-standing partners such as FEDA.

The pan-African expansion will be anchored by technological innovation, research and development and artificial intelligence-driven energy analytics out of Spiro’s Global Technology and Engineering Center located in Pune, India.

Founded by Indian entrepreneur Gagan Gupta under the Equitane Group, Spiro has transitioned past its proof-of-concept phase to become the largest electric mobility player in Africa. The company's operational infrastructure across the continent includes over 100,000 active electric motorcycles and a network of 2,500 automated battery-swapping stations.

The operations span seven fast-growing urban markets, including Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Togo, Benin, Nigeria and Cameroon. It has established a dedicated manufacturing and assembly plants located in Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, complemented by a battery recycling facility in Nigeria.

The Pune-based innovation hub houses more than 150 engineers and manages over 30 proprietary patents. Technical developments focus on IoT-enabled, solar-powered swap stations and secondary-life battery applications for stationary renewable energy storage.

The new capital will be deployed to expand this battery-swapping network, strengthen local industrial manufacturing footprints, and support entry into additional high-growth African markets, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Ethiopia.

The company claims operating a Spiro electric vehicle reduces daily mobility expenses by up to 40 percent, translating to savings of up to USD 2 per day compared to internal combustion engine motorcycles.

A third-party verified lifecycle assessment in Kenya indicated that Spiro's electric bikes deliver a 72 percent reduction in climate impact compared to fossil-fuel alternatives, avoiding roughly 19 tonnes of CO2 emissions over a single vehicle's lifespan. The study also registered an 80 percent reduction in ozone depletion potential and a 20% reduction in particulate matter emissions, mitigating public health risks in rapidly expanding urban centres.

Gagan Gupta, Founder of Spiro and Chairman of Equitane, said, “This past year marked a defining strategic milestone for Spiro. Across seven active markets, our deployment of 100,000 electric vehicles and 2,500 smart-swap stations has turned sustainable mobility into an affordable, everyday reality. Spiro has become a major driver of local industrialization, value creation and manufacturing across African markets with 6,000 sustainable direct and indirect jobs. Supported by our global pool of investors, we are entering our next growth chapter to deliver clean, cost-effective energy and transport alternatives to millions of riders across the continent”.

Lars Bo Bertram, CEO, Impact Fund Denmark, added, “We are investing in Spiro and bringing Danish pension capital into one of Africa’s most promising growth markets because we see potential for significant commercial growth in Spiro and electric mobility across Africa, as well as measurable climate impact. That is exactly the type of investment we want to make”.

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VinFast India, one of the youngest electric vehicle manufacturers in the country and part of the Vietnamese conglomerate VinFast Group, has appointed Amit Arora as its new Director – O2O (online-to-offline) Sales.

In his new role, he will be responsible for building VinFast India’s retail presence, focussing on converting digital leads into actual sales.

Arora has more than two decades of experience in the automotive industry across marketing and sales functions. Till recently, he was the Head of Marketing for V-Green, part of VinFast Group, focusing on building the company’s brand presence, customer acquisition and support business growth in the EV charging ecosystem.

He also oversaw brand positioning, campaigns, partnerships and demand generation across segments.

Prior to that Arora, spent close to 11-years at Maruti Suzuki India as Senior Manager for International Markets, focussing on the Latin America and Oceania region. He also spent around 6 years of his career at Hyundai Motor India and rose to the ranks of Head of Sales Marketing Strategy.

Arora is a Commerce Graduate from Shaheed Bhagat Singh College and also holds a Postgraduate Degree in International Business from Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH).

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