At the 2025 Commercial Vehicle Summit, themed ‘CVs Building Bharat Powerhouse,’ Rajendra Petkar, President and Chief Technology Officer of Tata Motors, laid out a compelling vision for the transformation of India’s commercial vehicle (CV) industry. Addressing the audience at the CII Southern Region-organised event, he spotlighted the CV sector as the unsung hero of India’s economic growth—its omnipresence touching every sector, and its evolution reflecting the country’s shift from resilience to global relevance.
India, now the world’s fifth-largest economy, has grown faster than many developed nations in the last decade. Petkar attributed much of this rise to the logistics and transportation sector, calling commercial vehicles “the lifeline of an emerging nation.” The sector, he said, is not only ubiquitous across industries but is also on the brink of a technological renaissance.
Technology Transitions
Petkar identified electrification, connectivity, and digitalisation as pivotal forces reshaping the CV landscape. With zero-emission vehicles already disrupting last-mile mobility, the next 5–10 years will see rapid advances in embedded electronics, ADAS, and connected features. This surge in electronification is generating vast amounts of data, unlocking new revenue streams while bringing concerns around cybersecurity and system safety to the fore, Petkar explained.
Global Momentum, Local Revival
Globally, the CV market is projected to hit $2 trillion by 2032, with registrations expected to touch 31 million units by 2028. Despite fuel volatility, regulatory flux, and supply chain uncertainties, growth is expected, fuelled by infrastructure expansion and rising demand. Closer home, India’s CV industry has weathered multiple headwinds — from pandemics to commodity pressures — yet emerged stronger, embracing change through technological and product innovation.
Petkar described the current decade as one of unprecedented disruption. India’s leapfrogging from BS-IV to BS-VI norms in just three years marked a watershed moment. Since then, new safety regulations, expanding CNG offerings, and rising EV penetration have followed. Electrification, once aspirational, is now a policy-supported reality, particularly for public transport and cargo applications.
From Diesel To Diverse Fuels
Petkar believes the total cost of ownership of electric CVs will soon rival that of diesel vehicles. He sees hydrogen internal combustion engines (ICE) as a near-term bridge solution for heavier vehicle segments. Meanwhile, alternative fuels like ethanol, CNG and LNG will continue to power decarbonisation efforts in the mid-term.
Connected Ecosystems
According to Petkar, connectivity is evolving beyond telematics to enable predictive maintenance, driver profiling, fleet aggregation, and OTA updates. He emphasised that safety will take centre stage as road fatalities continue to challenge the industry. Tata Motors has already launched India’s first heavy truck with ADAS, showcasing its commitment to advanced safety features.
Circular Economy & Customer-Centric Innovation
As the industry embraces the circular economy, EVs bring both opportunities and complexities in terms of material recycling. Petkar stressed the need to minimise waste and design for end-of-life efficiency. He also called for reimagining quality and customer expectations, asserting that trust and value will be the new benchmarks in a competitive marketplace.
Empathy For Drivers
Petkar highlighted the need to address the shortage of truck drivers — a role often viewed as unappealing due to harsh working conditions. He urged OEMs to prioritise ergonomic cabins, AC, driver-assist tech, and customisation options to make the profession more attractive and sustainable.
Concluding his address, Petkar called for deeper collaboration across the industry. “We are transitioning to the next frontier where traditional approaches will be challenged,” he said. With innovation, investment, and inclusive policies, India’s CV sector, he affirmed, will not just adapt to change but lead it — propelling the nation forward for the next 20 years and beyond.
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