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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Fluid transmission solutions provider Imperial Auto has opened its new Global Technology Centre in Backnang, Germany, expanding its engineering footprint within the European automotive sector.

Situated in the Stuttgart metropolitan area, the facility will function as a hub for technology development, engineering and customer collaboration. The centre is designed to support OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers across passenger cars, commercial vehicles, agricultural machinery, off-highway equipment and mobility applications by integrating European client requirements with Imperial Auto's global manufacturing infrastructure.

Vikram Wagh, Managing Director and CEO, Imperial Auto, said, “Europe is an important market for Imperial Auto, and establishing a dedicated technology centre in Germany is a significant step in our global growth journey. The centre will strengthen our ability to work closely with customers, understand their evolving technology and product requirements, and translate these insights into innovative solutions. Being closer to our customers will enable faster technical responses, more effective collaboration and stronger product development. The Backnang centre will also facilitate the exchange of engineering knowledge, technologies and best practices across our global network, helping us accelerate innovation and deliver reliable, future-ready solutions to customers across markets.”

The Backnang facility will house teams dedicated to product development and technical support, aiming to accelerate decision-making cycles and facilitate joint engineering initiatives between regional clients and the company's central development units.

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Saudi Arabia’s first homegrown brand CEER has revealed its first flagship vehicles, the EXOBOT e-sedan and SUV, during a ceremony led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

The EVs were showcased at the CEER Manufacturing Complex located in King Abdullah Economic City, marking the initial step in a planned portfolio of 7 vehicle models scheduled for release by 2030.

The EXOBOT models are built on a tri-motor all-wheel-drive electric powertrain architecture. In its highest specification, the powertrain produces 1,111 horsepower and 1,500 Nm of torque.

The e-sedan accelerates from standstill to 100 kmph in a claimed 2.1 seconds with a top speed of 250 kmph, while the SUV reaches 100 kmph in 2.4 seconds with a maximum speed of 210 kmph.

Thermal management systems, termed Halo Cooling, is designed to lower cabin temperatures from 65deg C to 32deg C within 10 minutes. The EV incorporate steer-by-wire technology, reducing steering input angles from 400 degrees to 160 degrees, alongside rear-wheel steering capabilities.

In terms of dimension, the EXOBOT sedan measures 5.26 metres in length, 2.1 metres in width and 1.43 metres in height. The SUV measures 5.02 metres in length, 2.1 metres in width and 1.69 metres in height.

On the outside, it features include a 2.4-metre windshield angled at a 15-degree inclination, three-metre-long Shahin Wing doors that open in a 60cm arc and light signatures comprising 32 individual light elements.

Inside, the cabin contains a 48-inch curved digital display operating at 8K resolution, a 10.4-inch central control screen and an eight-inch rear display screen.

Commercial roll-out will begin with the EXOBOT First Edition, offered in sedan and SUV configurations powered by an 850-horsepower tri-motor setup producing 1,000 Nm of torque.

The EXOBOT utilises a 112 kWh battery pack and an 800-volt electrical architecture, the First Edition delivers an estimated range of up to 670 kilometres for the sedan and 560 kilometres for the SUV, with 10 to 80 percent charging achieved in under 30 minutes.

CEER is targeting a local content ratio of 45 percent for its vehicle supply chain by 2034.

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Tejas Cargo has added a Blue Energy electric heavy-duty trucks to its fleet. The e-trucks will cater to the needs of Dalmia Cement logistics requirements with an eye on reducing the carbon footprint. The deployment underlines the growing need of various industrial sectors such as cement, e-commerce etc. to reduce transportation-related emissions and build a more sustainable supply chain.
As businesses across different industrial sectors look beyond their manufacturing operations to reduce emissions, freight transportation is visited in terms of how it can contribute positively to Scope 3 norms. It makes an important area for action. 
This association between Blue Energy Motors and Tejas Cargo marks a new arrangement that is emerging in the logistics space where vehicle OEMs, logistics providers and end customers look at a sustainable and carbon footprint reducing means to transport the produce. To build an efficient supply chain that is robust and risk averse for the various shifts that are taking place. 
"The logistics sector is undergoing a significant transformation, and sustainable transportation will play a defining role in its future. We are pleased to deploy Blue Energy Motors' electric heavy-duty truck for Dalmia Cement's operations and look forward to contributing to the adoption of cleaner and more efficient freight solutions across the industry," said hander Bindal, Chairman & Managing Director, Tejas Cargo India Limited. 
Anand Mimani, CEO – EV & New Energy Business, Blue Energy Motors, said, "As India accelerates its transition towards a lower-carbon future, decarbonizing freight transportation will be critical to achieving meaningful emissions reductions. Electric heavy-duty trucks are increasingly proving their ability to deliver the performance, reliability and economics required for commercial operations. This deployment is a strong example of how clean mobility solutions can help industries reduce transportation-related emissions while advancing their broader sustainability ambitions."
 

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The Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI), the apex body of the Indian forging sector, hosted its 2nd Annual Conference on ‘New Development Trends – Impact on Forging Industry’. The event gathered leading stakeholders to discuss the evolving business environment, the China Plus One opportunity, technology and automation, productivity, manpower, rising input costs and the need for greater resilience and competitiveness.

Discussions stressed that the industry stands at a pivotal moment to strengthen its place in global value chains as companies diversify supply sources. However, it must move beyond traditional manufacturing models by investing in technology, automation, engineering, R&D, skilled manpower, productivity and sustainability. The consensus was that while India has the base, talent and market opportunity, forging firms must build capability to manage uncertainty and deliver higher-value solutions.

Chief Guest Thomas Dose, Managing Director, BMW Group Plant Chennai, highlighted India’s growing global relevance under the China Plus One strategy. He noted that geopolitical turbulence and single-supplier risks are pushing global companies to diversify, giving India a strong chance to become the preferred destination, with customers seeking greater engineering and end-to-end responsibility.

Sunil Javalekar, Chairman, Western Region, AIFI & CEO, S. B. Forgetech Pvt. Ltd., gave the welcome address. Yogesh Thakar, Executive Director, PwC, presented ‘Indian Forging Industry – Next Global Edge’. The memento presentation and vote of thanks were delivered by S Ravishankar, Vice President, AIFI & MD, Super Auto Forge Pvt. Ltd.

A panel on ‘Managing Uncertainty / Challenges to Capitalize on Demand Surge’ was moderated by S Ravishankar, with Vidyashankar Krishnan, CMD, M.M. Forgings Ltd.; Vikas Bajaj, MD, Bajaj Motors Ltd. and Sahil Jain, CEO, Hirschvogel Components India Private Limited. Discussions covered GST, manpower, automation, technology upgrades, investments, training, contingency planning, R&D, productivity, demand management and rising input costs.

The conference reinforced the industry’s significant opportunity as global supply chains evolve. AIFI continues to unite stakeholders, facilitate knowledge exchange and represent the forging fraternity, with a renewed commitment to competitiveness and growth in domestic and global markets.

Addressing the gathering, Yash Munot, President, AIFI & CEO, Varsha Forgings Pvt. Ltd., said, “The Indian forging industry is at an important juncture, with global supply-chain realignments creating significant opportunities for India. At the same time, we must remain prepared to navigate geopolitical uncertainty, rising input costs, technology disruption and changing customer requirements. Our focus must be on increasing productivity, accelerating technology adoption, developing our people and strengthening innovation and sustainability. The opportunity before the Indian forging industry is significant, but we must build the capabilities and competitiveness required to become a stronger and more valuable partner to global customers.”

Thomas Dose, Managing Director, BMW Group Plant Chennai, said, “We believe India should be the Plus One. India has engineering talent, a large market and a very capable forging industry. But China Plus One is not only about supply; we want to see much more partnership from India. Customers are looking for capable partners who can take responsibility, contribute to engineering and development and become part of the development process. India is no longer just a supply chain; Indian companies need to be part of our development. The challenge is to connect the capabilities that are already there, and AIFI has a major role to play in this.”

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