For over six decades, SM Kannappa Automobiles (Prakash Bus) has been building safe and reliable bus bodies for India. As the industry moves toward electrification, safety, and digital connectivity, Mr. Kesavan T, Director – Technical of the company is looking at expanding capabilities, forging new partnerships, and investing in the future — committed to delivering smarter, greener, and safer mobility solutions by 2030.
The commercial mobility industry is being reshaped by four key trends: electrification, safety, digitalisation, and sustainability. The rapid adoption of electric buses is transforming vehicle design, manufacturing processes, and service ecosystems. At the same time, evolving CMVR and AIS regulations are driving higher standards in passenger safety, structural integrity, fire protection, and occupant comfort, Mr. T. Kesavan observed.
New Technologies
According to him, new technologies such as connected vehicles, telematics, predictive maintenance, and data-driven fleet management will become essential for improving operational efficiency and maximising vehicle uptime. Additionally, lightweight materials, increased localisation, and sustainable manufacturing practices will play a critical role in enhancing energy efficiency and supporting India’s emergence as a global mobility manufacturing hub.
Preparing For 2030
For over six decades, SM Kannappa Automobiles, under the Prakash Bus brand, has been delivering safe, reliable, and innovative bus body solutions. “Our Mission 2030 is focused on advancing sustainable mobility, strengthening safety leadership, and enhancing manufacturing excellence. We are expanding our capabilities in electric bus body manufacturing and partnering with leading OEMs and emerging mobility companies to develop future-ready solutions. Continuous investments in technology, process improvement, and workforce development are enabling us to deliver superior quality and operational efficiency,” he said.
As India transitions towards cleaner and smarter transportation, Prakash Bus aims to support this transformation through innovation, regulatory compliance, and customer-centric solutions. “Our goal is to continue contributing to a safer, greener, and more efficient mobility ecosystem,” Mr. Kesavan added.
“We are expanding our capabilities in electric bus body manufacturing and partnering with leading OEMs and emerging mobility companies to develop future-ready solutions.”