Swedish Ambassador to India Visits Eicher Trucks and Buses’ Pithampur Plant for Insightful Tour

Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh, November 19, 2024: VE Commercial Vehicles Limited (VECV) proudly welcomed H.E. Jan Thesleff, Ambassador of Sweden to India, to its state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Pithampur. He was accompanied by Mr. Markus Lundgren, Counsellor and Head of Trade section, Embassy of Sweden and Ms. Sofia Högman, Swedish Trade Commissioner, Business Sweden.

H.E. Jan Thesleff emphasized the partnership’s importance, stating, “Currently, more than 280 Swedish companies operate in India, contributing to sectors ranging from automobiles and communications to healthcare and defense, directly generating over 240,000 jobs. The Eicher-Volvo joint venture exemplifies the strategic benefits of this partnership by harnessing the strengths of Sweden and India and fostering mutual growth and technological advancement. I am thoroughly impressed by the advanced technology products and sustainable manufacturing processes I witnessed today at VECV. Their remarkable achievements epitomize the shared innovation, growth, and sustainable development that Sweden-India partnership continues to deliver for the benefit of both nations.”

Welcoming the dignitaries, Mr. Vinod Aggarwal, Managing Director & CEO of VECV, remarked, “We are honoured to welcome His Excellency Ambassador Jan Thesleff and the team from the Swedish Embassy to our Pithampur facility. Over the past 16 years, the VECV joint venture has not only driven the modernization of India’s commercial vehicle sector but has also enabled Volvo Group to source world-class engines and components, made in India, for its global requirements. The success of this joint venture is rooted in the principles of trust, mutual respect, and win-win collaboration, combining Volvo Group’s technology leadership with Eicher’s deep understanding of the Indian market. VECV looks forward to building on this success in the future”.

Since it’s inception in 2008, the VECV joint venture has played a pivotal role in transforming the Indian commercial vehicle sector by delivering world-class technology adapted to local conditions. This is recognized in notable increase in sales and market shares across all segments. Additionally, VECV has supported Volvo Group’s international endeavours through initiatives such as the production of Volvo Group’s 5- and 8-liter engines, transmission components, and collaborative technology projects.

A Symbol of India-Sweden Collaboration, the VE Powertrain plant at VECV exemplifies a successful model of bilateral cooperation. This facility leverages India’s skilled workforce and technical expertise while positioning VECV as a hub for development and manufacturing that meets global standards. Notably, VEPT has been producing Euro 6 (BS VI) compliant engines since 2013, supplying over 40 countries.

On sustainability, VECV has prioritized smart manufacturing practices to minimize environmental impact. The company’s Bhopal plant, developed on Industry 4.0 principles, embodies this forward-thinking approach, integrating advanced technology to set new benchmarks in the industry. Through the Eicher and Volvo brands, VECV offers electric, CNG, and LNG-fueled trucks and buses to customers in India. The Eicher Pro E electric bus has been in production since 2022, with deliveries of the Eicher Pro 2055 EV, India’s first 5.5-tonne electric truck, commencing in 2023.

VECV’s fleet benefits from comprehensive support solutions enabled by an industry-first 100% Connected Fleet and a state-of-the-art Uptime Center. The MyEicher app-based solution enhances productivity and efficiency for trucks, buses, drivers, and fleet managers, contributing to a reduced carbon footprint.