Economy
Truck Makers Expand Sales Networks as Freight Corridors Shift to Small Towns
The Hindu1h
THE BRIEF
1
Commercial vehicle manufacturers BharatBenz and Ashok Leyland are expanding sales and service networks into smaller towns as freight corridors spread beyond major metropolitan centres.
2
India's national highway network expanded from 91,287 km in 2014 to 146,572 km by February 2026, helping reduce transport times and connect smaller production markets.
3
BharatBenz aims to increase its touchpoints to 600 by 2030, while Ashok Leyland added 108 medium and heavy commercial vehicle outlets in financial year 2026 to reach 1,159 points.