29 Apr 2025
A New Era Driven by Technology, Sustainability, and Evolving Expectations
India’s commercial vehicle (CV) industry is on the brink of a major transformation, driven by rapid technological advancements, evolving customer expectations, and a growing focus on sustainability. Industry leaders shared these insights at the CII Commercial Vehicle Summit 2025 held in Chennai.
Despite facing several challenges over the past decade—including economic fluctuations, the COVID-19 pandemic, and commodity price volatility—the sector has shown strong resilience. Factors such as urbanization, infrastructure investments, e-commerce growth, and supportive policy reforms are now setting the stage for a strong recovery and growth phase.
Key Highlights from the CII Commercial Vehicle Summit 2025
Several important developments and strategic directions were shared by industry leaders at the summit.
Industry’s Strong Recovery and Adaptability
Rajendra Petkar, President and Chief Technology Officer at Tata Motors Ltd., emphasized the CV industry's resilience. He noted that after every downturn, the sector has bounced back stronger, with each sales peak surpassing the previous one.
Rapid Technological Evolution
The industry is experiencing accelerated innovation, with real-time changes pushing OEMs to adapt quickly. Developments like zero-emission vehicles, especially for last-mile mobility, are gaining significant traction.
Focus on Sustainability and Clean Mobility
Public transport and last-mile delivery electrification are moving forward rapidly. OEMs are investing heavily in technologies like hydrogen, flex fuels, and battery-electric vehicles.
Safety and Cybersecurity Prioritized
Pradeep Kumar Thimmaiyan, Chairman of the CII Commercial Vehicle Summit 2025 and CTO of Daimler India Commercial Vehicles, highlighted the growing importance of electronics in vehicles. He stressed the need to address safety and cybersecurity concerns as vehicles become more connected.
Role of Drivers in the Industry
Thimmaiyan also drew attention to the critical role of drivers in India’s economy, urging the industry to create a more attractive and supportive environment for them to ensure the long-term health of the CV sector.
Statements from Key Leaders
Rajendra Petkar, President and CTO at Tata Motors, said, "Historically, the Indian CV industry has shown remarkable adaptability. Every downturn has been followed by a stronger recovery, with each sales peak reaching new heights. The rapid evolution we are seeing now is an opportunity to redefine the sector’s future."
He further stressed the importance of road safety, noting that it remains a top priority given India's high fatality rates on roads.
P. Ravichandran, Deputy Chairman of CII (SR) and President of Danfoss Industries Pvt. Ltd., said, "Heavy-duty trucks, though only 3% of the total fleet, contribute almost 40% of vehicular emissions. We must accelerate the adoption of cleaner fuels and smarter mobility strategies. A holistic approach that integrates manufacturing, logistics, infrastructure, and regulations is essential for decarbonizing mobility."
Pradeep Kumar Thimmaiyan, Chairman of the CII Commercial Vehicle Summit 2025 and CTO of Daimler India Commercial Vehicles, added, "The CV industry is the backbone of India’s economy, and drivers are its lifeblood. However, driving is no longer seen as an attractive profession. We must improve the work environment and dignity for drivers if we want a sustainable future."
Outlook for the Future of Commercial Vehicles in India
The insights shared at the summit underline that the Indian CV industry is entering a pivotal phase. Technology, sustainability, safety, and human-centric approaches will shape its next chapter. With strong leadership, innovation, and policy support, the sector is poised to play a crucial role in India’s economic growth and the global mobility landscape.
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