In an Upfront conversation, Vinod Aggarwal, MD & CEO, VECV, reiterates the high growth potential of the 2-3.5-tonne SCV pickup segment and a flexible approach to meet future market requirements to Ashish Bhatia.
Q. How has the Eicher Pro X EV, marking your entry into the 2-3.5-tonne segment, been received by customers and, in turn, their drivers, given the enhanced safety, comfort, and aesthetics of the Pro X cab?
A. The response for Eicher Pro X EV has been very encouraging. Customers appreciated the long range that the Eicher Pro X EV vehicle delivers, optimum power, easy charging and our preparedness to help their transition through our agreements with major charging point operators.
In addition to the EV drivetrain that many customers see as integral to their own sustainability targets, customers have appreciated the Eicher Pro X for its modern design, attention to superior driving comfort, manoeuvrability and drivability — particularly the walk-through cabin, superior ergonomics, and connected digital features that make everyday operations more productive and reduce fatigue. The best-in-class turning radius makes the Eicher Pro X ideal for city operations. They appreciate that a comfortable driving environment is a prerequisite for optimising their logistics operations while ensuring safety.
Drivers have also responded positively to the enhanced safety features, such as the metallic cabin, overall comfort, the walk-through cab, a small turning circle radius, and industry-first Day Running Lamps, which set a new safety benchmark in this category. As India progresses on the logistics efficiency roadmap laid out in PM Gati Shakti, we see that modern truck operators are moving beyond utility towards innovative, world-class and tech-enabled solutions.
Q. Since its launch, how has Eicher’s performance in this segment (2-3.5-tonne) compared to the industry average? How much of the 330,000-market size do you hope to capture by the end of the current fiscal year and the mid-term?
A. The 2–3.5T SCV segment closed FY25 at around 337,000 units, growing at about 7.8% CAGR since FY16. While the EV part of this segment is relatively small in numbers, it is growing at a high rate. The Eicher Pro X EV has received a very encouraging response from progressive logistics players, e-commerce operators and customers seeking to reduce their carbon footprint. We have also seen demand from early adopters.
With the introduction of Eicher Pro X Diesel, we expect to significantly expand our presence and address diverse applications ranging from fruit and vegetable distribution to kirana deliveries, growing e-commerce, and last-mile logistics. While it’s early to share specific numbers, our near-term goal is to establish a meaningful share in the 2–3.5T GVW segment, supported by an exclusive, born digitally enabled, dealership network and a seamless & differentiated service experience.
Q. Could you elaborate on the performance parity between the new diesel Eicher Pro X and the EV Pro X? How has customer feedback translated to technical specifications?
A. The Eicher Pro X platform has been developed with a modular architecture to support multiple powertrains, including Diesel and EV, ensuring parity in vehicle performance, driver comfort, and operational uptime. Customer feedback from EV users highlighted the need for similar drivability and productivity in diesel operations. Accordingly, the Pro X Diesel, powered by the new E449 X2 engine, delivers best-in-class fuel efficiency, 80 HP power, and 230 Nm torque with a wide flat torque curve for superior drivability.
It retains the same connected features, drivability and ergonomics as the EV variant and is equipped with advanced features designed to maintain performance and reliability under real-world conditions. The new range includes industry-leading digital innovations such as FOTA telematics as standard to enhance business productivity, DSMS with Forward Collision Warning for monitoring driver alertness and promoting safe driving, and a segment-first Cargo Space Monitoring System to optimize utilization in cold chain applications. Additional features available include a reverse camera to eliminate blind spots, a large touch-screen infotainment interface, a remote immobiliser for theft protection and temperature monitoring for refrigerated containers.
The vehicle is supported by our industry-leading My Eicher telematics platform backed by VECV’s central Uptime Centre offering real-time vehicle tracking, predictive diagnostics and maintenance, and 24×7 uptime support, along with online service booking and driver coaching for optimal performance. The Pro X Diesel also features LNT (Lean Nox Trap) System -a Urea-Free BS VI Technology, which eliminates urea refilling, reduces parts complexity and reduces maintenance demands on drivers and fleet owners.
Q. How did crucial customer feedback influence the development of the latest Pro X model?
A. The Eicher Pro X range has been co-created with customers. Inputs from logistics operators, fleet owners, and drivers shaped our development journey -from product concept to key product attributes. Tested rigorously across India’s varied terrains, the Eicher Pro X Diesel is engineered for diverse applications — from farm-to-market runs and kirana deliveries to FMCG, e-commerce, fruits & vegetables and regional logistics. The new range is designed keeping the driver’s needs in focus.
These include the segment’s longest cargo deck, highest payload, industry-leading service interval of 30,000 km, and multiple factory-fitted body options. Feedback on safety features, driver ergonomics and digital enablement directly influenced features such as the crash-test certified metallic cabin, DSMS (Driver State Monitoring System), and cargo space monitoring. Every aspect of the vehicle reflects real-world applications and is designed to meet the underserved needs of the SCV industry.
Q. With the launch of the Eicher Pro X Diesel variant, what are your projections for H2-FY26, and where do you anticipate FY26 will conclude, given this significant range expansion from SCVs (2-3.5-tonne) to M&HCVs (up to 55-tonne)?
A. Co-developed with inputs from customers and incorporating VECV’s access to globally state-of-the-art technology through the Volvo Group, the Eicher Pro X Diesel represents a future-ready solution for customers seeking to improve their operations to stay competitive in India’s rapidly modernising logistics sector. We look forward to growing in the Small Commercial Vehicle segment in a phased manner.
Q. Is the manufacturing segregation underway as previously discussed? You pointed at the Bhopal plant producing the Eicher Pro X alongside LMDs, with Pithampur holding HDTs, with the exception of a few medium CVs.
A. Eicher Trucks and Buses Industry 4.0-enabled Bhopal plant is the hub for producing the Eicher Pro X range alongside our light and medium-duty vehicles. We have set up an all-women modular assembly line for the Eicher Pro X range. Pithampur continues to produce our heavy-duty trucks, with capacity flexibility built in. This setup enables a clear focus on product categories at both facilities while allowing us the flexibility to manage movements in the market.
Q. Once the diesel variant is well-established, when can we expect the CNG Pro X to be introduced to the market?
A. Eicher’s long-term strategy emphasises flexibility across Diesel, EV, and alternative fuels. Development work on alternate fuel variants, including CNG, is underway to meet future market requirements. We will evaluate opportunities and update on the introduction timelines at a suitable time.
Q. Since the launch of the Pro X EV, what progress has been made in your plans for exporting the Pro X series? Specifically, how far have you come on the intent to leverage your IoT-backed sophisticated manufacturing technology to compete with established manufacturers, such as those from Japan, in markets like South Africa and Southeast Asia?
A.The Eicher Pro X platform has been developed to global standards at Eicher’s Industry 4.0-enabled Bhopal plant. The IoT-enabled facility, advanced production systems, and integrated quality processes make it well-suited to serve Indian and global markets. Eicher Trucks and Buses exports to 40 countries all over the world, and we continuously explore export opportunities, particularly in regions where demand for modern, fuel-efficient SCVs is rising.
Vinod Aggrawal, Managing Director and CEO of VECV
Q. Initiatives such as the first EV-only Pro X Series dealership in Mumbai were well-received. How do you plan to strategically expand further to reach your target audience? What will be similar or different for the Pro X Series, and what regional expansion plans can customers anticipate as a priority?
A.We are inaugurating several new exclusive born-digital Eicher Pro X dealerships across key markets in India to expand the sales and service reach of the Eicher Pro X EV and Diesel variants. These omni-channel dealerships enhance customer experience by offering a digitally enabled pre-sales, sales, service, and spares support relationship. Expansion will prioritise regions with strong logistics and e-commerce activity, ensuring easy access for owner-drivers and fleet operators alike.
Q. To end this insightful conversation, could you comment on the recent major investment announced for manufacturing Volvo Group’s 12-speed AMT in India, reiterating India as a global manufacturing hub? What was the rationale behind selecting Vikram Udyogpuri Integrated Industrial Township?
A. VECV’s investment to manufacture Volvo Group’s 12-speed AMT in India represents yet another win-win synergy with the Volvo Group and leverages the technical and industrial capabilities that have been built up over the past 18 years. As the global manufacturing hub for Volvo Group’s 5 & 8 Litre (MDEP) engines since 2013, VECV’s Pithampur factory has been a pioneer in Making in India for the World. This new AMT factory marks another significant step towards our vision of becoming a leading CV player in India and other emerging markets by driving modernisation in commercial transportation. As the Indian commercial vehicle industry moves towards higher capacity vehicles, Eicher truck customers and drivers will have access to Volvo Group’s globally leading AMT, which is proven to reduce driver fatigue and improve fuel economy, productivity and Uptime in demanding operations. The new AMT factory will be built to Volvo Group’s global standards and is very much aligned with the Government of India’s vision for Make in India. Ujjain offers several strategic advantages, including proximity to VECV’s existing manufacturing facilities in Madhya Pradesh (Pithampur, Bhopal). We thank the Government of Madhya Pradesh for its unstinting support. ACI
“The 2–3.5T SCV segment closed FY25 at around 337,000 units, growing at about 7.8% CAGR since FY16. While the EV part of this segment is relatively small in numbers, it is growing at a high rate.”
“Development work on alternate fuel variants, including CNG, is underway to meet future market requirements.”
“This new AMT factory marks another significant step towards our vision of becoming a leading CV player in India and other emerging markets by driving modernisation in commercial transportation.”
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