Radhakrishnan Kodakkal Appointed as New MD and CEO of Daimler Truck Innovation Center India

By Jony Shekhawat | Published Date : March 10, 2026

Daimler Truck Innovation Center India appoints Radhakrishnan Kodakkal as its new Managing Director and CEO to lead engineering software and digital technology development at the Bengaluru-based global innovation hub.

Daimler Truck Innovation Center India has appointed Radhakrishnan Kodakkal as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. The appointment became effective on March 9 2026. He takes charge from Raghavendra Vaidya as Global Chief Information Officer at Daimler Truck AG. The change marks an important moment for the Bengaluru-based centre.  DTICI is one of the largest development hubs of Daimler Truck outside Germany.

Focus on Engineering and Digital Development

Table of Contents

1. Focus on Engineering and Digital Development

2. More Than Three Decades of Global Experience

3. Leadership Welcomes the Appointment

4. Kodakkal on the Future of the Industry

5. DTICI Expanding Its Role in Global Operations

☞ Read More: Shriram Mobility Bulletin Shows Flat Trucking Activity in February

In his new role, Kodakkal will guide engineering and digital operations at the centre. He will work closely with the global product engineering, technology and IT teams of Daimler trucks.

His focus will be to strengthen India’s role in engineering software development, digital platforms and IT operations. These areas are gaining importance as the commercial vehicle industry moves toward new technology and connected systems. Modern trucks, buses and other commercial vehicles now depend more on software, digital platforms and advanced engineering solutions.

More Than Three Decades of Global Experience

Kodakkal brings more than thirty years of experience in technology engineering and research. Before joining DTICI he worked at Whirlpool Corporation. Kodakkal worked at Whirlpool as Global Head of Integrated Technology. He also has good experience as a Vice President and Head of the Global Technology and Engineering Centre. There he handled global technology planning, research programs and cross-regional innovation initiatives.

Leadership Welcomes the Appointment

Thomas Ulm welcomed the appointment and appreciated Kodakkal’s experience. He said DTICI continues to play a major role in Daimler Truck’s global engineering and IT network. According to him, the new leadership will help strengthen the centre as a trusted innovation and development hub.

Ulm also appreciated the contribution of Raghavendra Vaidya. Under his leadership, the centre became an important part of Daimler Truck’s global operations. Both leaders are expected to continue working together because of Vaidya’s new responsibilities at the group level.

Kodakkal on the Future of the Industry

Mr Kodakkal said that the automotive sector is going through a big change right now. He said this is an interesting time for the industry. As we know, this time, new technologies are changing the way vehicles are designed and developed. Electrification, digital systems and connected technology are slowly shaping the future of mobility. Kodakkal desires to build on the strong work already done at DTICI. He is planning to work with teams across different countries to develop technology solutions especially for electric trucks.

DTICI Expanding Its Role in Global Operations

DTICI started operations in December 2021 and its headquarters are in Bengaluru. The teams mainly work on product engineering, digital platforms and information technology.
The appointment also reflects Daimler Truck’s strategy to expand engineering and digital innovation capabilities in India. As the commercial vehicle industry moves toward electrification, connectivity and software driven systems, centres like DTICI are becoming more important in shaping future truck technology.

Also Read: Electric Commercial Vehicle Sales in India Remain Stable in February 2026

---

Frequently Asked Questions on Commercial Vehicles

Q1. What is the average mileage of heavy trucks in India?

Ans. Heavy trucks in India usually deliver around 3 to 5 km per litre depending on load road conditions, engine capacity and driving style.

Q2. What is the price range of new commercial trucks in India?

Ans. Truck prices vary widely. Small cargo trucks may start around ₹7–8 lakh while large multi-axle heavy trucks can cost ₹35–50 lakh or more.

Q3. What are common features available in modern trucks?

Ans. Modern trucks offer features such as power steering air-conditioned cabins, digital instrument clusters, telematics systems, fuel monitoring and driver safety technologies.

Q4. What types of trucks are commonly used for cargo transport?

Ans. Common categories include light-duty trucks, medium-duty trucks heavy-duty trucks, tractor-trailers and pickup trucks used for logistics constructions and goods transportation.

---

Join us for the latest updates on the Truck Industry -

☞  Facebook 

☞  Instagram

☞  YouTube

☞  Twitter

☞  LinkedIn

☞  Threads

Join Our WhatsApp Channel