Changing SCV Cabins

Indian SCVs are seeing a quiet transformation inside the cabin,

- writes Upendra Kasbekar.

Indian SCVs are changing face, quite literally. The recent launches are a testimony. Take the Mahindra Veero, Tata ACE Pro, and Ashok Leyland's Saathi as examples. While TCO drives the purchase, owner aspiration is being catered to by the changing cabin interiors and the facia. Increasingly, the cabin interiors, once treated as purely functional, are emerging as a differentiating factor.

The shift is not accidental. With growing expectations from fleet operators and driver-owners, manufacturers are leaning towards interiors that improve driver comfort, ergonomics, and usability. For vehicles that often run long duty cycles in congested cities or semi-urban roads, a comfortable and durable cabin is now seen as an important productivity tool. No wonder, there is a cross-pollination with the passenger vehicle interiors like dual tone trims, highlighters, premium stitch, infotainment systems, and better seating to name a few inclusions.

Premium Finish

According to Pratap Bose, Chief Design Officer at Mahindra, the Veero was conceptualised to combine the toughness expected in the segment with a cabin that feels more premium than traditional light commercial vehicles. "Truck driving in India has long carried a stigma. The Veero aims to change this narrative by presenting a truck that drivers can feel proud to own and operate." he emphasised. The dashboard has been given a car-like design with a clear focus on driver ergonomics. The use of hard-wearing plastics, polyurethane blends, and vinyl surfaces ensures durability under heavy usage, while also making the cabin easier to clean. Reports highlight that Mahindra has deliberately chosen long-lasting materials that can withstand daily wear without looking worn out too quickly. While there is no official confirmation about the use of recycled materials, the brand has emphasised sustainability in design choices where possible.

Practicality And Familiarity