LCV & HCV
New medium, heavy trucks sold in India must have AC cabins from June 8; cos hike prices to meet mandate
Starting June 8th, India mandates air-conditioned cabins for all new medium and heavy trucks to improve driver comfort and safety, leading to a potential 1-2.5% price increase. While this may temporarily impact new truck sales and boost used truck demand, experts anticipate long-term benefits in driver productivity and accident reduction.
Ashok Leyland records 5% rise in sales of trucks, buses, LCVs in May 2025
Ashok Leyland experienced a 5% increase in total vehicle sales, reaching 15,484 units in May, driven by growth in medium and heavy commercial vehicles. Domestic sales also rose by 5%, with medium and heavy commercial vehicle sales specifically increasing by 10% within the country. However, the light commercial vehicle segment saw a decline in sales during the same period.
Industry smells a jackpot as India's truck fleet hits 10-yr high
India's aging fleet of medium and heavy commercial vehicles is poised for a significant replacement surge, driven by trucks reaching a record average age of 10 years. Deferred purchases during the pandemic and weak sales have contributed to this aging fleet.
Ashok Leyland earmarks Rs 1,000 cr capex for FY26: Official
Ashok Leyland, the flagship company of Hinduja Group, plans to invest around Rs 1,000 crore in capital expenditure for the current financial year (FY26), focusing on new products and technologies. The company, with a strong net cash position of over Rs 4,000 crore, aims to use this cash for future growth.
India mulls major sop spree to take trucking electric
The government is planning incentives to promote electric truck adoption, including subsidies and toll exemptions on key routes like Delhi-Chandigarh and Mumbai-Pune. This initiative, under the PM e-Drive program, follows the success of electric two- and three-wheeler subsidies.
'Trucks, CVs to get new safety norms': Nitin Gadkari
India will soon implement a safety assessment and rating system for trucks and commercial vehicles, mirroring the BNCAP for cars, according to Minister Nitin Gadkari. The initiative aims to enhance vehicle production quality and safety.
Safety assessment rating for trucks, heavy vehicles on lines of Bharat NCAP soon: Nitin Gadkari
Nitin Gadkari announced plans for a safety assessment rating system for trucks and heavy commercial vehicles, mirroring the Bharat NCAP. This initiative aims to enhance vehicle safety and production quality. The government is also addressing safety concerns in e-rickshaws and working on regulations for truck driver working hours.
CV Comeback: Commercial vehicle sales aim for one million after seven-year wait
India's commercial vehicle sales are projected to reach pre-pandemic levels, nearing 1 million units, fueled by infrastructure growth and replacement demand. Light commercial vehicles will lead, driven by e-commerce expansion, while government initiatives like the PM-eBus Sewa scheme will boost electric vehicle adoption.
Ashok Leyland’s Switch Mobility commences consultation process to shut its UK plant
Ashok Leyland will cease manufacturing operations at Switch Mobility in the UK to reduce losses, citing economic uncertainty in the British bus industry and slow EV transition. The company will continue catering to the UK market from its facilities in India and the UAE, while Switch India focuses on the growing EV market there.
Ashok Leyland says may shut loss-making e-bus plant in UK
Ashok Leyland's electric bus unit Switch Mobility may close its Sherburn plant in the UK as part of a review process. This could make the unit profitable soon. Switch UK will continue operations in other UK plants and fulfill all orders. The focus will shift to the growing electric bus market in India.
Domestic commercial vehicle volumes to grow 3-5 pc in FY26: Report
Domestic commercial vehicle industry's wholesale volumes are projected to grow by 3-5% in FY26, stated rating firm Icra. This follows expected flat growth in FY25 due to early fiscal demand slowdown. Increased construction, infrastructure development, rural demand, and fleet replacements due to ageing vehicles are key factors contributing to future growth.
Ashok Leyland targets ₹2,000 crore in savings with focus on leaner financial structure and profit growth
Ashok Leyland, India's second largest truck and bus manufacturer, is advancing in its cost optimisation journey, targeting over ₹2,000 crore savings by March 2025. The company has already reduced costs significantly and aims to save an additional ₹600 crore this fiscal year. With improved profit margins and expanded non-truck businesses, the company is focused on sustained profitability and market adaptability.
Will continue to spend Rs 2,000 cr per year on new CV development, capital equipment: Tata Motors
Tata Motors is investing around Rs 2,000 crore annually in new commercial vehicles and capital equipment development, focusing on technologies such as alternate fuels, zero emission battery electric, fuel cell electric, and hydrogen ICE. The company's initiative includes addressing sustainability, safety, and digital trends through the 'Better Always' transformation.
VE Commercial Vehicles inks pact with Baidyanath-LNG for deployment of 500 LNG trucks
VE Commercial Vehicles has signed an agreement with Baidyanath-LNG to deploy 500 LNG trucks, promoting cleaner fuel alternatives in India's long-haul transport segment. The partnership aims to enhance the LNG ecosystem by deploying Pro 6055 LNG trucks, training technicians, and developing fueling networks across Central India.
Auto Expo 2025: Ashok Leyland unveils entry-level light commercial vehicle 'Saathi'
Ashok Leyland introduces the Saathi, an entry-level Light Commercial Vehicle, and the GARUD 15, India's first front-engine, multi-axle 15-meter premium bus at Bharat Mobility Global Expo, emphasizing its innovation in commercial vehicles. Additionally, the eTIRAN Terminal Tractor enhances port operations with customizable battery range and advanced safety features.
Mahindra Tractors partners with PNB for dealer finance solutions
Mahindra Tractors has teamed up with Punjab National Bank to offer channel finance solutions to its dealers. Dealers with over a year of business can access finance limits up to Rs 5 crore based on 105 days of sales. They will benefit from a 105-day credit period and 100 per cent funding of Mahindra & Mahindra invoices without margin requirements.
