State-owned Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL)1 November announced it was floating the ‘Grand Challenge’. The Grand Challenge invites state transport undertakings (STUs) for nine cities to express their desire / plans for investing in for electric buses and access the FAME-II2 subsidy,(under NEMMP3) which provides funding to the equivalent value of some 3,472 buses.

e-bus builder and operator, Olectra Greentech Ltd (formerly Goldstone Infratech Ltd) through its strategic tie-up with BYD Auto Industry of Shenzhen, China, has received an ‘OPEX’ order to supply and operate 50 air-conditioned C92 12M intercity e-buses in the state of Karnataka.

Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a global leader in diversified chemicals, in collaboration with oil marketing company, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL), is to provide Technical Grade Urea (TGU) for the manufacture of DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) or AUS-32 (Aqueous Urea Solution), which is used in diesel exhaust aftertreatment  systems to reduce nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions by over 70% and to comply with Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) emissions in new vehicles.

Apollo Tyres Ltd of Gurugram has launched the ‘Apollo EnduRace RAT’, an all-wheel position fitment (tyres can be used for drive and non-drive axles) radial tyre for commercial vehicles.

Tata Motors Ltd,  a commercial vehicle manufacturer based in Mumbai, says it has delivered two 9-metre 34-seater AC electric buses (Tata Urban 9m Electric1) together with a DC fast charger (the charging station is supplied by Tata Motors but it is manufactured by Tata Power) to specialist engineering firm, Endress+Hauser Flowtec India Pvt Ltd of Aurangabad, who are to use them for staff transportation applications.

Tata Group subsidiaries, Tata Motors Ltd of Mumbai, a commercial vehicle manufacturer, together with power company, Tata Power Co Ltd of Mumbai have set up vehicle charging stations at  BEST’s (Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport) Worli Depot, the fourth after Backbay, Malvani, and Shivaji Nagar depots in the city of Mumbai. Currently there are some 386 electric buses in operation with BEST, including models from Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, Olectra and VECV.

Mahindra Truck & Bus Ltd, a division of Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd of Mumbai launched Furio 71 in the light-duty (3.5 to 7.5t gvw) truck, so expanding the Furio range of trucks.

Tata Motors Ltd of Mumbai has delivered 35 of its STAR AC electrically-powered buses, which is a part of a larger order for 340 electric buses to Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST).

CV maker,  Tata Motors Ltd of Mumbai, on  October 28, 2021 at its Mumbai  facility unveiled no fewer than 21 new models across all segments including seven new trucks in the medium and heavy duty segments, five new LCV and ICV (4-18 tonne GVW) trucks, four new SCV trucks and five new buses.

Ashok Leyland Ltd of Chennai, has launched an upgraded version of its diesel-powered Star truck in the Intermediate Commercial Vehicle (ICV) 11- to 16-tonne GVW segment.

Ashok Leyland Ltd of Chennai says it has delivered ten 12-metre ultra-low entry BS VI compliant CNG buses to IndiGo (InterGlobe Aviation) for operations at New Delhi airport. This airport bus featuring CNG power is a new variant.

The figures record a 1.8% increase following a 35.1% decline in production in the previous month.