VE Commercial Vehicles Limited (VECV), a joint venture between the Volvo Group and Eicher Motors, hosted H.E. Jan Thesleff, Ambassador of Sweden to India, at its manufacturing facilities in Pithampur. The visit marked the 17th anniversary of the VECV partnership. Accompanying the Ambassador were Markus Lundgren, Counsellor and Head of Trade Section, Embassy of Sweden, and Sofia Högman, Swedish Trade Commissioner, Business Sweden.
The Swedish Ambassador highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership, stating that over 280 Swedish companies operate in India across sectors such as automobiles, healthcare, and defense, collectively generating over 240,000 jobs. He emphasised that the Eicher-Volvo joint venture demonstrates the potential for mutual growth and technological advancement through Sweden-India collaborations. He also commended VECV for its advanced technology products and sustainable manufacturing practices.
Vinod Aggarwal, Managing Director and CEO of VECV, welcomed the delegation and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to showcase the facility’s capabilities. He noted that the joint venture, established in 2008, has driven the modernisation of India’s commercial vehicle sector while enabling Volvo Group to source engines and components from India for its global operations. He attributed the success of the venture to mutual respect and collaboration, combining Volvo Group’s technological expertise with Eicher’s knowledge of the Indian market.
The VECV joint venture has contributed significantly to the transformation of India’s commercial vehicle sector. It has enabled the production of world-class technology tailored to local needs, resulting in increased sales and market share across segments. The VE Powertrain plant, a key part of the partnership, has been a model of India-Sweden collaboration. It leverages local expertise to produce Euro 6 (BS VI) compliant engines for over 40 countries, supporting Volvo Group’s global operations since 2013.
VECV has also prioritised sustainability by adopting smart manufacturing practices. Its Bhopal plant, developed with Industry 4.0 principles, integrates advanced technology to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The company offers a range of electric, CNG, and LNG-fueled trucks and buses under the Eicher and Volvo brands. The Eicher Pro E electric bus, launched in 2022, and the Eicher Pro 2055 EV, India’s first 5.5-tonne electric truck, introduced in 2023, highlight its focus on electromobility.
The company supports its fleet with innovative solutions like the MyEicher app and a fully connected fleet system. These tools, along with its Uptime Center, enhance productivity and efficiency while contributing to a reduced carbon footprint.