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Volvo CE India Unveils Made-in-Bharat EC215 Excavator at EXCON 2025

Sarthak Mahajan — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 15:41:55

Volvo Construction Equipment India demonstrated its commitment to the domestic market at EXCON 2025, presenting a range of locally developed products headlined by the new EC215 excavator.

The EC215, manufactured in India, represents the company's latest medium excavator designed specifically for the country's infrastructure sector. Building on last year's EC210 launch, the new model targets the 20-22 tonne excavator segment with emphasis on performance and fuel efficiency.

The exhibition booth featured several key products addressing different market segments. The SD110 Compactor was introduced for road construction applications, while the L120 Electric Wheel Loader marked the company's entry into zero-emission commercial equipment in India. The company also previewed the EC650 excavator ahead of its official launch, positioning it for large-scale construction and mining projects.

Beyond hardware, Volvo CE highlighted its service infrastructure, including equipment-as-a-service models, digital monitoring systems, operator training programs, and fleet management tools designed to improve equipment utilization and reduce operational downtime.

The company provided updates on its planned Technology Centre in Bengaluru, which will focus on research, product development, and localization efforts for both domestic and international markets. This facility represents a strategic investment in India's role within Volvo CE's global operations.

Dimitrov Krishnan, Managing Director of Volvo CE India, emphasized the company's focus on addressing local market requirements. He noted that the EC215 incorporates feedback from Indian customers and that the product lineup reflects the industry's transition toward lower-emission technologies.

Volvo CE operates in India through a nationwide dealer network providing parts and service support. The company manufactures construction equipment including excavators, wheel loaders, and compaction equipment, supported by aftermarket services and customer solutions.

Propel Industries Launches Four Electric Tippers at EXCON 2025

Shruti Shiraguppi — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 12:43:26

Propel Industries Private Limited unveiled four new electric tipper models, a connectivity platform, and an after-sales service program at EXCON 2025 today. The launch took place in the presence of Dr. Soumya Ranjan Samal, Founder and CMD of Kalinga Commercial Corporation Limited, and Mr. J Rudrasekar, Director of RAJIRAJ MINERALS PRIVATE LIMITED.

The new electric tippers include the 90CED, 70CED, 560HEV-X, and 470MEV Gen-2 models. The company also introduced Pulse.ev, a connectivity platform, and Pro EV Care, a service program for electric vehicle fleets.

V. Senthilkumar, Managing Director of Propel Industries Private Limited, said, "Every new platform we introduced today responds to the real needs of Heavy-Duty mining and construction environments. Our focus remains on productivity, long-term operating economics, reliability, and safety. With these additions we are strengthening India's Electric Heavy-Duty eco system and giving operators technologies they can trust in demanding conditions."

The 90CED is an ultra-fast charging 90-tonne electric dumper with 34 cubic metre struck volume and battery options ranging from 310 to 650kWh. The vehicle includes ADAS level 1 safety features, electronic braking system, driver fatigue monitoring, and meets DGMS safety requirements.

The 70CED is an 8x4 mining tipper with 25 cubic metre rock body capacity. The 560HEV-X is an 8x4 construction tipper with 25 cubic metre box body capacity. The 470MEV Gen-2 is a 6x4 tipper with 20 cubic metre rock body capacity and offers three battery pack options.

All tipper models come with a battery warranty of 5,000 cycles or five years. The vehicles are equipped with lithium-ion batteries featuring an in-built battery firewall with automatic fire detection and suppression system.

Siddarth Kirtane, President of EV Sales, Marketing and Service, added that, "The announcements reinforce Propel's commitment to innovation, high-productivity for customers, zero-emission, and future-ready heavy-duty mobility. Since start of EV truck sale in 2023, the brand has expanded its presence across coal, overburden, limestone, iron-ore, stone quarry, marble & granites, and solid waste management segments. Propel trucks have cumulatively covered over 5 lakh operating hours and the first set of 8 trucks have clocked 12,500 hours in 2 years, which is equivalent to 20 hrs per day. This proves the reliability and uptime of the propel electric trucks."

Pulse.ev, the connectivity platform, provides real-time vehicle health and diagnostics, energy consumption insights, predictive maintenance analytics, and fleet optimization for multi-shift operations.

Pro EV Care is a five-tier service package with an uptime assurance program. The program offers predictable operating costs and on-site service options.

Propel Industries was founded in 2009 and manufactures crushing, screening, and washing equipment. The company serves more than 50 countries with over 3,000 installations and offers over 135 equipment models. Propel entered the electric truck segment in 2023.

JK Tyre Launches Four OTR Tyres at EXCON 2025

Shruti Shiraguppi — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 16:55:40

JK Tyre & Industries Ltd. launched four new Off-the-Road (OTR) tyres at CII EXCON 2025, the 13th edition of South Asia's largest construction equipment trade fair, held at Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) on Tuesday. The products expand the company's OTR portfolio for construction, mining and material-handling applications.

Dr. R. Mukhopadhyay, Director (R&D) at JK Tyre & Industries, unveiled the products at the exhibition. The company introduced the SKY GRIP tyre in size 355/55D625, engineered for Aerial Work Platforms (AWPs) and Boom Lifts. The tyre is designed for construction, infrastructure maintenance, warehousing and industrial operations, offering stability, traction and performance at elevated working heights. It is compatible with articulated and telescopic boom lifts, telehandlers and rough terrain aerial platforms.

Three additional tyres were launched for industrial and mining applications. The 14.00-25 GTL PLUS has been developed for backhoe loaders, providing stability and durability during loading and excavation operations. The 23.5-25 GTL PLUS variant supports wheel loaders with traction and endurance on demanding surfaces. The 14.00-20 VEM AS-UG, designed for underground mining, features a reinforced casing and specialised compound for shuttle cars operating in abrasive environments.

Speaking about the launch, Srinivasu Allaphan, Director-Sales & Marketing, JK Tyre & Industries said, "India is witnessing a transformative phase in infrastructure development, and JK Tyre remains committed to support this journey. With the launch of our new OTR range at EXCON, we are strengthening our support for equipment that powers critical infrastructure, enabling greater productivity, durability and operational safety across the country's construction, mining and industrial projects."

JK Tyre & Industries Ltd., the flagship company of JK Organisation, ranks among the top 20 tyre manufacturers globally. The company operates 11 manufacturing facilities—nine in India and two in Mexico—producing approximately 35 million tyres annually. It produced India's first radial tyre in 1977 and maintains a research centre, the Raghupati Singhania Centre of Excellence, in Mysore.

NueGo Expands Electric Bus Network to Over 120 Cities with New Routes

Shristi Ohri — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 16:00:42

GreenCell Mobility has announced a significant expansion of its electric intercity bus service, NueGo, with the launch of multiple new routes connecting cities across South and North India. The expansion brings the total number of cities served by NueGo to over 120.

The newly launched routes include high-traffic corridors such as Chennai to Salem, Gurugram to Jaipur, Delhi to Lucknow, Bangalore to Mangalore, Vijayawada to Chennai, Vijayawada to Tirupati, Jaipur to Udaipur, and Pondicherry to Trichy. The expansion aims to improve regional connectivity for both business and leisure travelers.

Devndra Chawla, MD and CEO of GreenCell Mobility and NueGo, stated that the expansion aligns with the company's mission to transform bus travel through sustainable and technology-enabled mobility solutions. He emphasized the company's commitment to providing enhanced safety features and upgraded amenities while contributing to emission-free transportation.

NueGo's electric coaches offer amenities including assisted boarding, sanitized seating, complimentary water bottles and tissues, and air-conditioned cabins. The company is offering discounts on return bookings during the holiday season.

Safety measures include 25 safety checks on each coach before departure, covering mechanical and electrical systems. The buses are equipped with CCTV surveillance, driver breath analyzers, driver monitoring systems, and speed-limiting technology.

According to company information, NueGo coaches can travel 250 kilometers on a single charge with air conditioning running in traffic conditions. The service also features premium lounges in select cities offering luggage management.

Tickets can be booked through the NueGo website at nuego.in or via the company's mobile applications available on iOS and Android platforms.

GreenCell Mobility is promoted by Eversource Capital, described as India's leading climate impact investor. The company positions itself as one of India's largest electric bus mass mobility operators, offering what it terms Electric Mobility-as-a-Service.

JCB India Introduces 52-Tonne Excavator at EXCON 2025

Shruti Shiraguppi — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 17:04:45

JCB India launched its largest excavator manufactured in India, a 52-tonne model, along with over 10 new products at EXCON 2025. The South Asia construction equipment exhibition served as the platform for the company to showcase technologically advanced machines and digital solutions for domestic and export markets.

Deepak Shetty, CEO and MD of JCB India, said, "EXCON is a forum that brings together customers, policymakers, contractors, financiers, suppliers, and technology leaders, creating an ecosystem for strategic collaboration and long-term business growth. JCB exports to more than 135 countries from India and this year we also have customers from South Asia, Africa Region and South-East Asia visiting us. EXCON allows us to understand evolving market needs and demonstrate how our latest solutions align with both global and India's infrastructure demands."

The new product line-up includes enhanced backhoe loaders, excavators ranging from 2 to 5 tonnes, and the 520X LC Excavator that enters the 50-tonne category with an operating weight of 52.8 tonnes. The company introduced the 3DX Super and 4DX backhoe loaders, the 540-180 Telehandler with 18-meter reach height, and the Agrimax for the agriculture segment.

Shetty added, "At JCB, we believe, 'If it is important for the customer, it is important for us'. Entering new segments, improving fuel efficiency, and prioritising operator safety are not just design choices, they are at the heart of JCB's engineering DNA. Every machine we launch at EXCON this year demonstrates that belief."

JCB launched a hydrogen-powered genset at the event, expanding its clean energy portfolio following the 2023 introduction of a hydrogen engine for backhoe loaders. The company reported a 45 percent improvement in fuel efficiency over the past 15 years in India.

The company introduced its Parts Online portal, an e-commerce platform providing access to JCB parts catalogue. JCB also showcased next-generation telematics and an Operator App as part of its Skill Development Programme. The company plans to launch an Excavator Simulator in early 2026, following the introduction of Daksh, a backhoe simulator, earlier this year.

JCB India operates 700 dealer outlets across India, supported by five parts warehouses stocking over 40,000 spare parts. The service network includes 300 service vans, 183 parts vans, Workshop-on-Wheels units, 6,000 trained service engineers, and 3,500 mobile service engineers.

The new excavator models include the 81 Eco with 15 percent improved fuel efficiency, the NXT 150 with IntelliFlow Hydraulics delivering 8 percent higher fuel efficiency, and the 290 LR designed for deep-reach applications with 57-foot digging depth. Mini excavators 30Z and 36R feature zero-tail-swing and reduced tail swing designs respectively for confined spaces.

The VMT 300 compactor meets Stage V compliance standards and offers 20 percent better fuel efficiency compared to the previous model. The machine features a 1200 mm drum width and lifetime-lubricated joints.

The 520X LC Excavator operates with a 400 HP engine and accommodates up to a 3.4 cubic meter bucket. JCB offers a customized full maintenance contract of up to 30,000 hours for the model.

Mahindra Launches COMPAX Mini Compactor at EXCON 2025

Shruti Shiraguppi — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 15:28:14

Mahindra's Construction Equipment business (MCE) unveiled its COMPAX mini compactor for the road construction industry at the EXCON Exhibition held at BIEC, Bengaluru on Monday. The CII-organized event also featured the company's CEV-V range of machines.

Dr. Venkat Srinivas, Business Head of Mahindra Truck, Bus and Construction Equipment, and Executive Director & CEO of SML Mahindra Ltd, said, "Mahindra commercial vehicles and construction equipment machines are known for their cutting-edge technology, best-in-class fuel efficiency, robust built and reliability that helps deliver substantially higher earnings and profitability for our customers. The new Mahindra COMPAX reflects the same Mahindra DNA and is poised to deliver higher profits and prosperity to our customers. Our deep understanding of the challenges of the Indian infrastructure ecosystem and strong capabilities of indigenous manufacturing makes our machines, including the new mini compactor, an ideal choice for demanding compaction tasks."

Mahindra Construction Equipment currently holds over 18 percent market share in the motor grader category with its RoadMaster product. The company's EarthMaster Backhoe Loader serves the earthmoving segment.

The company operates 136 touchpoints across India, comprising 51 3S dealerships, 16 Saathi+ authorized service centers, 19 Saathi+ sales outlets, and 50 spare parts outlets. MCE provides a one-year, 2,000-hour warranty on its machines.

MCE manufactures its products at a facility in Chakan, Pune, under the "Made in India, Made for India" philosophy. The business has delivered over 16,000 machines across India.

The company has expanded its export presence to over 20 countries, with distributor networks in the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa. MCE plans to focus on strengthening its position in Latin American and African markets.

Founded in 1945, the Mahindra Group employs 324,000 people across over 100 countries and holds a leadership position in farm equipment, utility vehicles, information technology, and financial services in India.

Solis Launches JP 975 Tractor with Advanced Engine and Transmission Technology

Shristi Ohri — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 10:07:55

Solis, International Tractors Limited's flagship brand, has launched the JP 975 tractor, marking the company's entry into a new generation of farm machinery designed for Indian agriculture.

The JP 975 is built on an entirely new technology platform and represents the first model in Solis's JP series. The tractor is aimed at what the company calls the 'Viksit Kisan' or progressive farmer segment in India.

The new model features a JP Tech 4-cylinder engine that delivers torque of up to 205 Nm, representing a 10% increase over comparable models. The engine is designed for heavy-duty operations while maintaining fuel efficiency.

A key feature is the 15F+5R Epicyclic Transmission, which Solis claims is the first of its kind in this segment in India. The transmission system includes side-shift gears and provides a minimum of five optimal working speeds for different agricultural applications.

The JP 975 also incorporates a Smart Shuttle system for directional changes during field and loader work. The tractor's ladder-type chassis is designed to reduce vibration and noise during extended operations.

Raman Mittal, Joint Managing Director of International Tractors Limited, described the launch as a significant step in bringing advanced tractor technologies to Indian farmers. He indicated that the company plans to introduce additional models on this platform over the next 12 months.

Solis is currently India's leading tractor export brand. The JP 975 launch reflects the company's strategy to expand its product lineup with technology-focused machinery for the domestic market.

SAAM Tourist Partners with Netradyne for AI-Powered Fleet Safety

Shristi Ohri — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 13:13:22

SAAM Tourist has entered into a partnership with Netradyne to deploy AI-powered fleet safety technology across its network of night sleeper coaches.

The collaboration will see SAAM Tourist integrate Netradyne's Driver•i platform into its intercity bus fleet, aimed at improving driver performance monitoring and passenger safety standards. The vision-based system provides real-time insights into driver behavior, including speeding, mobile phone usage, and signs of fatigue.

SAAM Tourist, which has operated intercity, corporate, and tourist transportation services since 2004, runs overnight sleeper coaches where driver alertness is particularly important. The company sought technology solutions to identify risky driving practices that were previously difficult to detect in real time.

The Driver•i platform delivers instant alerts when concerning behaviors are detected and provides fleet managers with detailed performance data. This information enables targeted driver coaching and accountability measures. According to the company, the software-as-a-service model reduces capital expenditure while providing access to comprehensive safety metrics.

"In the past, it was challenging to spot risky driving habits in real time," said Himachala, Chief Commercial Officer at SAAM Tourist. The company is considering extending the technology to its tourist and employee transport divisions following the initial deployment.

The Driver•i system continuously monitors driving patterns and provides in-cab guidance to drivers during their routes. Fleet managers receive performance analytics designed to help reduce operational risks and recognize positive driving behaviors.

Netradyne, headquartered in San Diego with offices across North America, Europe, and Asia, has analyzed over 25 billion miles of driving data. The company provides fleet safety solutions to commercial transportation operators in multiple regions.

Durgadutt Nedungadi, Senior Vice President for EMEA and APAC at Netradyne, noted that the partnership represents an approach to preventing incidents proactively rather than responding after they occur.

SAAM Tourist operates transportation services across southern India, serving both corporate clients and individual travelers. The company has expanded from employee fleet management and school transportation to include luxury tour packages over its two-decade history.

Sonalika Tractors Records Highest-Ever Sales of 1.26 Lakh Units in Eight Months

Shristi Ohri — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 09:36:46

Sonalika Tractors, India's top tractor export brand, has reported its highest-ever year-to-date sales performance, selling 1,26,162 tractors during the April-November 2025 period.

The company attributes the record performance to increasing mechanisation across India's agricultural sector and growing global demand for heavy-duty tractors. The sales figures represent a significant shift in Indian farming, with more farmers moving away from traditional practices toward technology-driven agriculture.

Sonalika's tractor range, equipped with advanced technology platforms and powerful engines, is currently operational across 150 countries in varying soil conditions. The company has positioned itself to capitalize on favorable policy measures, including GST reductions and improved Minimum Support Price (MSP) structures, which have boosted farmer confidence in adopting modern equipment.

Mr. Raman Mittal, Joint Managing Director of International Tractors Limited, emphasized the company's commitment to innovation in the agricultural sector. He noted that mechanisation in India is accelerating rapidly, supported by government policy measures that encourage farmers to invest in modern tractors and smart implements.

The company has indicated plans to continue investing in research and development, focusing on creating advanced products and smart farming solutions for sustainable agricultural progress. Sonalika aims to maintain its position in supporting India's emergence as a global agricultural powerhouse through continued technological innovation.

Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles Posts 29% Growth with 35,539 Unit Sales in November 2025

Shruti Shiraguppi — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 16:12:15

Tata Motors Limited registered total commercial vehicle sales of 35,539 units in November 2025, up 29% from 27,636 units in November 2024, driven by strong domestic demand and international market expansion, the company announced on Sunday.

Domestic sales reached 32,753 units in November 2025 compared to 26,183 units in the same month last year, marking a 25% year-on-year increase. International business sales stood at 2,786 units, up 92% from 1,453 units in November 2024.

The November performance follows the company's October sales of 37,530 units, which represented a 10% year-on-year growth from 34,259 units in October 2024. Domestic sales in October reached 35,108 units while international business contributed 2,422 units, up 56% year-on-year.

Segment Performance

Heavy Commercial Vehicle (HCV) trucks led the November growth with 10,181 units sold, up 34% from 7,586 units in November 2024. Intermediate and Light Medium Commercial Vehicle (ILMCV) trucks recorded 5,905 units, representing 35% growth from 4,374 units.

Small Commercial Vehicle (SCV) cargo and pickup segment registered 13,327 units in November 2025, a 19% increase from 11,201 units in the previous year. Passenger carriers sold 3,340 units, up 11% from 3,022 units in November 2024.

The combined Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicle segment showed strong momentum with domestic sales of 16,118 units in November 2025 versus 12,481 units in November 2024, marking 29% year-on-year growth. Including international business, the MH&ICV segment reached 17,607 units compared to 13,230 units, a 33% year-on-year increase.

Market Context

The robust November performance follows a strong October that saw broad-based growth across all commercial vehicle segments during the festive season. The passenger carrier segment particularly stood out in October with 12% growth, indicating improving demand in public transportation and tourism sectors.

The international business segment has emerged as a significant growth driver, with the 92% surge in November following October's 56% year-on-year growth. This expansion reflects successful market penetration in Tata Motors' focus regions including Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and SAARC countries.

The commercial vehicle segment's performance serves as an indicator of industrial and infrastructure activity in the economy. The growth across HCV and ILMCV categories suggests sustained capital investment confidence and active regional distribution networks.

Tata Motors Limited, part of the USD 180 billion Tata Group, is India's largest commercial vehicle manufacturer with a global presence across multiple regions. The company operates in India and South Korea, with markets spanning Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and SAARC countries.

Omega Seiki Mobility Launches India's First Autonomous Electric Cargo Three-Wheeler

Shristi Ohri — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 13:12:07

Omega Seiki Mobility (OSM) has launched Swayamgati Cargo, described as India's first autonomous electric cargo three-wheeler, at an introductory price of ₹4.15 lakhs. The vehicle aims to bring self-driving technology to the country's logistics and industrial mobility sectors.

The cargo variant builds upon OSM's existing Swayamgati passenger autonomy platform and is designed for use in industrial parks, airports, manufacturing hubs, SEZs, e-commerce fulfillment centers, and gated facilities. Bookings opened on December 1, 2025, with deliveries scheduled to begin this quarter.

The vehicle features a technology stack that includes Lidar, GPS, multi-sensor navigation, AI-based obstacle detection capable of identifying objects up to six meters away, geofenced route mapping, and remote fleet management controls. It requires pre-mapped routes that can be customized for specific operational environments.

According to the company, Swayamgati Cargo offers a driving range of up to 120 kilometers and a payload capacity optimized for intra-campus logistics. OSM has set a deployment target of 1,500 autonomous cargo and passenger units over the next 24 months.

Dr. Uday Narang, Founder and Chairman of Omega Seiki Mobility, emphasized the vehicle's potential for industrial applications. The company positions the launch as evidence that advanced autonomy technology can be designed and manufactured in India at commercially viable prices.

Vivek Dhawan, Chief Strategy Officer at OSM, highlighted the vehicle's applications in material handling and campus transport, noting demand from airports, factories, and technology campuses.

The cargo variant follows a successful Phase 1 pilot that covered a three-kilometer route with multiple stops. The company is now moving into Phase 2 commercial rollout focused on structured logistics environments.

Intended use cases include industrial material movement, airport baggage and cargo handling, intra-campus goods distribution, warehousing operations, e-commerce fulfillment center mobility, and logistics within gated communities and technology parks.

OSM operates two manufacturing facilities in Faridabad and one in Chakan, Pune, with an additional international assembly plant in Dubai's Jafza zone. The company maintains a network of over 200 dealerships and service centers across India.

Global industry projections estimate the autonomous vehicle market will reach $620 billion by 2030, with autonomous logistics and low-speed autonomous mobility among the fastest-growing segments.

VinFast to enter India’s electric bus segment by August 2026

Kiran Murali — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 05:02:00

VinFast is set to diversify its India portfolio with the launch of electric buses by the middle of next year, reinforcing the Vietnamese EV maker's commitment to India as a critical growth market. This will follow the launch of VinFast’s electric two-wheelers and its ride-hailing service GSM.

“Electric buses play a very important role in transforming public transport from ICE-based buses to clean fuel. Our electric buses will be available in India by August 2026,” VinFast Asia Chief Executive Officer Pham Sanh Chau said.

Chau noted that the company is in talks with State Transport Undertakings of various states, such as Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, to secure orders for its buses.

VinFast's electric bus lineup ranges from 6 meters to 12 meters. These models are currently sold in Vietnam and were recently introduced in Europe. The company claims the buses are capable of traveling up to 260 km on a single charge, supported by a battery capacity of 281 kWh.

The automaker began selling electric cars in India in September, starting with the VF 6 and VF 7 models and has set up a network of around 26 dealerships. The company plans to significantly diversify its Indian portfolio next year, aiming to enter the electric two-wheeler market in the second half and launch its GSM ride-hailing service by August.

India's bus electrification, primarily led by State Transport Undertakings (STUs), receives substantial governmental backing through schemes such as PM E-bus Sewa and the recently launched PM E-Drive. The PM E-Drive scheme, launched in October 2024 with a total outlay of Rs 10,900 crore, earmarked Rs 4,391 crore to drive sustainability in urban public transport via electric buses. The electric bus penetration is projected in the range of 20-30% by the end of this decade.

Chau did not disclose any plans on manufacturing electric buses in India, but confirmed that they will look at 100% localisation in the future. VinFast has already announced plans to invest $2 billion (around Rs 16,000 crore) in India, of which $500 million has been invested to set a production plant in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. The plant currently has an annual capacity of 50,000 electric cars, which is expandable to 150,000 cars.

Ashok Leyland's Switch Mobility, Tata Motors, Olectra Greentech, PMI Mobility, PMI Electro Mobility and JBM Auto are major electric bus makers in India. India's largest electric bus tender for 10,900 buses under the PM E-Drive scheme has been opened by Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL) recently.

VinGroup’s GSM to enter India’s ride-hailing market with VinFast cars

Kiran Murali — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 04:18:52

Vietnam-based taxi company Green and Smart Mobility (GSM) is expected to enter India’s ride-hailing market in February 2026 with a fleet of electric cars from VinFast. GSM is owned by Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup, specifically its Chairman Pham Nhat Vuong.

“We are going to launch GSM, which is an electric taxi fleet and operations, in India next year…They will be using only VinFast vehicles,” VinFast Asia Chief Executive Officer Pham Sanh Chau said. VinFast is also owned by VinGroup.

India is poised to become the fifth market for GSM, which currently operates in Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines and Laos. What could set GSM apart from rivals like Uber, Ola, and Rapido in India would be its business model, where it owns its entire fleet of electric cars and two-wheelers.

The company operates both an app-based service and traditional ride-hailing cabs. VinFast just entered India in September with the VF 6 and VF 7, and has around 26 dealerships. Having its group’s own fleet service provider as a captive customer could help VinFast scale its volume quickly in India.

Chau noted that the company will train its drivers to become salesmen for VinFast and incentivize them. “In Jakarta, we have 10,000 cars, we train 10,000 drivers to become 10,000 salesmen. They will also talk about cars when they start driving,” he said.

India’s ride-hailing market has seen strong growth in recent years, with both traditional aggregators such as Ola and Uber, and electric-vehicle platforms competing in the urban mobility business. BluSmart was the country’s first all-electric ride-hailing platform that provided services in cities like Delhi-NCR, Mumbai and Bengaluru.

However, BluSmart, whose fleet was largely comprised of Tata’s Tigor EV and MG ZS EV, recently shut down its service after a regulator probe by the Securities and Exchange Board of India found that its promoters allegedly diverted funds meant for buying EVs into personal assets.

Bajaj Auto Enters E-Rickshaw Market with Riki Launch

Shristi Ohri — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 14:10:21

Bajaj Auto Ltd has announced its entry into India's e-rickshaw market with the launch of Bajaj Riki, marking the company's expansion beyond its traditional two-wheeler and three-wheeler businesses. The move comes as the e-rickshaw segment adds over 45,000 vehicles monthly, driven by growing demand for affordable last-mile transportation.

The company is introducing two models: the Riki P4005 passenger variant priced at Rs 1,90,890 (ex-showroom) and the Riki C4005 cargo model at Rs 2,00,876 (ex-showroom). The P4005 features a 5.4 kWh battery offering a certified range of 149 km, while the cargo variant provides 164 km range.

Bajaj Auto has equipped both models with features not commonly found in the current e-rickshaw market, including a monocoque chassis, independent suspension, hydraulic brakes, and fast charging capability of 4.5 hours. The vehicles also come with a three-year battery warranty.

According to Samardeep Subandh, President of Bajaj Auto's Intra-City Business Unit, the launch addresses reliability and safety concerns in the existing market. The company identified several issues with current offerings, including limited real-world range, durability problems from lead-acid battery corrosion, inadequate braking systems, and stability concerns.

The Riki was tested in pilot programs across Patna, Moradabad, Guwahati, and Raipur before the commercial launch. In its initial phase, Bajaj Auto plans to expand availability to over 100 towns across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Assam. The company is leveraging its existing nationwide service network to support the new product line.

E-rickshaws have become increasingly important for urban mobility, serving as feeders to metro systems, suburban rail networks, and city bus services. The segment's growth accelerated following the Covid-19 pandemic as demand for personal and shared last-mile transportation increased.

Bajaj Auto, which describes itself as the world's most valuable two-wheeler and three-wheeler manufacturer, has sold over 21 million motorcycles globally and is India's leading motorcycle exporter. The company was the first two-wheeler manufacturer worldwide to achieve a market capitalization of Rs 2 trillion.

Mahindra Opens 97th Truck and Bus Dealership in Hisar

Shruti Shiraguppi — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 12:55:23

Mahindra's Truck and Bus Business inaugurated a 3S dealership in Hisar, Haryana on Tuesday, marking its 97th dealership and strengthening the company's presence in the state. The facility, operated by J K Automart, includes five service bays capable of servicing over six vehicles daily, along with driver lodging, round-the-clock breakdown assistance, and AdBlue availability.

The inauguration follows four years of volume growth for Mahindra's commercial vehicle division. Combined with SML's network, the company now operates 203 3S dealerships, 137 2S dealerships, and 273 authorized workshops across India.

Vinod Sahay, President, Trucks, Buses & Construction Equipment, Member of Group Executive Board, said, "Delighted to inaugurate our new state-of-the-art dealership in Hisar. M/s J K Automart becomes the 97th dealership of Mahindra Trucks and Buses. Together, Mahindra Trucks and Buses and SML now have 203 dealerships, 137 2S dealerships and 273 authorized workshops for trucks and buses across the country, providing world-class customer care to our valued customers. The Mahindra Group now holds close to 7% market share in trucks and buses, with a 24% market share in I&LCV buses. We are targeting to increase our market share to 10-12% by FY31 and over 20% by FY36."

Dr. Venkat Srinivas, Business Head, Mahindra Trucks, Buses and Construction Equipment added, "Our obsession with customer-centricity has driven us towards creating disruptive value propositions for our customers. Be it the guaranteed higher mileage of our entire product range, or the most advanced telematics solution -- iMAXX, which gives the fleet owners complete control over their transport business or a rapidly growing network of dealerships and other formats of after-sales support paraphernalia, we are committed to impart the best customer experience in the Indian Commercial vehicle industry."

The company currently holds approximately 7% market share in the trucks and buses segment, with a 24% share in the I&LCV bus category. Mahindra aims to increase its market share to 10-12% by FY31 and exceed 20% by FY36.

Mahindra's commercial vehicle range includes BLAZO X, FURIO, OPTIMO, and JAYO models. These vehicles come with service guarantees: vehicles returned to the road within 48 hours or Rs 1,000 daily compensation, and a 36-hour turnaround at dealer workshops or Rs 3,000 daily compensation.

The heavy commercial vehicle range is manufactured at Mahindra's facility in Chakan, Pune, spread across 700 acres with an investment exceeding Rs 4,000 crore. Light commercial vehicles are produced at the Zaheerabad facility in Telangana.

The company's service network includes over 2,000 spares retailers, 200+ mobile service vans, and 22 M-Parts Plazas outlets. Mahindra also operates a multi-lingual helpline, NOW 24x7, staffed by technical experts for customer support.

All vehicles in the range feature Mahindra iMAXX, a telematics solution providing location tracking, geofencing, vehicle health monitoring, driver performance analytics, and fleet management dashboards.

Sonalika Unveils CNG/CBG Tractor at Agrovision 2025

Shristi Ohri — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 11:37:22

Sonalika Tractors displayed its first CNG/CBG-powered tractor at the 16th Agrovision 2025 summit on Sunday, marking the company's entry into alternative fuel farm equipment.

The unveiling took place in the presence of Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The tractor is designed to operate on compressed natural gas or compressed bio-gas, aligning with the government's SATAT and GobarDHAN initiatives promoting clean energy adoption.

The tractor features a 2000 rated RPM engine with a 12+3 constant mesh transmission and side shift gear system. It is equipped with 14.9x28 rear tyres and a 40 kg fuel capacity split between two cylinders. The company positioned the model for heavy-duty haulage applications where torque and fuel efficiency are priorities.

Sonalika also presented a tractor-trolley combination at the event, intended to utilize the expanding CNG infrastructure in rural areas. The company, which describes itself as India's number one tractor export brand, stated the alternative fuel system aims to deliver lower operating costs compared to conventional diesel tractors.

Raman Mittal, Joint Managing Director of International Tractors Limited, said the CNG/CBG tractor represents a step toward sustainable farming technology. He emphasized the company's focus on combining performance with environmental considerations and economic viability for farmers.

The introduction comes as the agricultural sector faces pressure to adopt cleaner technologies while maintaining operational efficiency. The tractor's compatibility with both CNG and CBG offers flexibility in fuel sourcing, particularly relevant given the government's push to develop bio-gas infrastructure through organic waste conversion programs.

Mahindra Showcases Alternate Fuel Tractor Technologies at Agrovision 2025

Arunima Pal — Sun, 23 Nov 2025 12:19:09

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., the country’s largest tractor manufacturer by volume, presented a range of alternate-fuel tractors and related technologies at Agrovision 2025 in Nagpur. The event was attended by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari and Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

At the exhibition, Mahindra displayed three key technology pathways: CNG/CBG-powered tractors, an ethanol flex-fuel engine, and an electric tractor developed on the company’s global tractor platforms.

The CNG/CBG tractor, based on the Yuvo Tech+ platform, can operate on compressed natural gas, compressed biogas, or a diesel–CNG dual-fuel mode. The ethanol flex-fuel engine is designed to run on ethanol derived from sources such as sugarcane, maize, stubble and farm waste. Mahindra also showcased its electric tractor built on the OJA platform, which offers fast-charging capability and lower operating costs.

All three technologies were developed at Mahindra Research Valley in Chennai. The company said these powertrain solutions align with national goals to scale cleaner energy use and reduce emissions across the agriculture sector.

Veejay Nakra, President of Mahindra’s Farm Equipment Business, said the company aims to support India’s shift toward alternate fuels and contribute to long-term sustainability targets, including the net-zero goal for 2070.

Mahindra has been developing non-diesel tractor platforms over the past several years, including earlier CNG and CBG tractor prototypes. The company stated that wider adoption of fuels such as CNG, ethanol, biogas and electricity could help lower operating costs for farmers while reducing dependence on conventional fuels.

Alongside the alternate-fuel models, Mahindra and its Swaraj brand also displayed their diesel tractor range and farm implements.

The Mahindra Group, founded in 1945, operates in more than 100 countries with interests spanning farm equipment, utility vehicles, IT services, hospitality, real estate, logistics and renewable energy.

Shriram Finance's Commercial Vehicle Portfolio in Maharashtra Crosses ₹11,200 Crore

Angitha Suresh — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 15:59:03

Shriram Finance has announced that its commercial vehicle financing portfolio in Maharashtra has reached ₹11,205 crore as of September 2025. The company's all-India CV assets under management for the same period stand at ₹1,28,140 crore.

The growth comes amid continued demand in India's commercial vehicle financing market, supported by infrastructure development, logistics requirements, and rural cash flows. Light commercial vehicles and heavy commercial vehicles have been primary contributors, serving last-mile delivery and inter-city transport segments.

Sudarshan Holla Balnad, Joint Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer for the Commercial Vehicle Vertical at Shriram Finance, attributed the demand to Maharashtra's industrial base and expanding logistics corridors. He noted that festive-season freight activity had provided additional momentum to the sector.

The company has indicated plans to expand its presence in Maharashtra through partnerships with original equipment manufacturers and dealers. It also intends to deploy digital platforms to facilitate faster credit access and aims to increase its reach in semi-urban and rural markets to serve small fleet operators.

Shriram Finance Limited, established in 1979, is part of the Shriram group and operates as one of India's largest retail asset financing non-banking finance companies. The company reports assets under management exceeding ₹2.81 trillion and operates through a network of 3,225 branches with over 78,000 employees, serving approximately 96.64 lakh customers.

The company specializes in financing for pre-owned commercial vehicles and two-wheelers, along with loans for MSMEs, tractors, farm equipment, gold, and personal and working capital requirements.

Mahindra Forecasts 1.6X Growth in Light Commercial Vehicles by 2030

Shahkar Abidi — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 18:40:52

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M) is projecting aggressive growth in its light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment under 3.5 tonnes, forecasting a 1.6-times expansion between fiscal years 2025 and 2030, the company said in an investor call on Thursday. The company views this segment—small pickup trucks and cargo carriers—as a key growth engine, calling it an “all-weather superstar” that is growing 1.7 times faster than the wider automotive industry.

M&M already commands over 50% of the LCV (<3.5T) volume market share as of the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, demonstrating its dominance. The company aims to capture a 50% market share in the small pickup segment and about 60% market share in the CNG-powered 2–3.5-tonne category, highlighting its push toward alternative fuel vehicles. Key product launches supporting this include the Mahindra Veero in September 2024, followed by the Veero CNG and MAXX HD 1.9T CNG launched in January 2025.

M&M cites strong tailwinds such as India’s infrastructure boom, Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms that have lowered the total cost of ownership, the increasing share of unorganized trade, and demand for vehicles with enhanced comfort, safety, and technology. The company also leverages about 80% rural penetration, making it well positioned across diverse geographies.

To realize its growth targets, M&M is focusing on several vectors: lowest total cost of ownership, comprehensive market coverage by tonnage and size, and multi-energy platforms covering diesel, CNG, and electric vehicles.

Mahindra Projects 9% Annual Growth in India Tractor Market to 12.2 Million Units by 2030

Shahkar Abidi — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 17:06:19

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd expects the Indian tractor industry to accelerate faster than previously anticipated, as the Mumbai-based manufacturer raised its forecast for sector growth to 9% annually through fiscal 2030, up from an earlier estimate of 7%. The upbeat projection, shared by executives during an investor call Thursday, comes as surging crop profitability and government tax cuts fuel demand for more powerful machines.

Behind the bullish outlook is the profitability of cash and horticultural crops, which has risen 5.6%, according to company data, while the Tractor Price Index, a gauge of machine costs, has declined 7.1%. At the same time, changes in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) are pushing the sector toward larger and more advanced tractors, Mahindra said.

With these tailwinds, India’s installed tractor base is projected to reach 12.2 million units by FY2030, a sizable jump from the previous estimate of 11 million. However, actual tractor requirements could be much higher. By Mahindra’s calculation, achieving optimal mechanization would require as many as 17 million tractors (at a density of 4 horsepower per hectare), or as much as 24 million units if a 6 HP per hectare benchmark is applied, underscoring “substantial penetration upside” across the sector.

A key shift underway is the swift transition to higher-horsepower equipment. Tractors in the 40-50 HP range have grown to represent 64% of sales in FY2025, up sharply from 49% just five years ago.

From FY2020 to FY2025, Mahindra says it has ramped up its global tractor volumes by 1.4 times, reaching 433,000 units in the most recent fiscal year. This performance helped drive annual tractor revenues to Rs 35,375 crore and post-profit after tax of Rs 3,792 crore.

Mahindra’s strategy is explicitly anchored in a bullish view on rural mechanization, underpinned by three growth levers: faster industry expansion, deeper market penetration, and a structural shift toward higher-horsepower tractors.

Globally, the company is extending its reach with manufacturing and distribution operations in the U.S., Brazil, Turkey, and Japan. In North America, Mahindra’s market share in sub-20 horsepower tractors stood just below 10.4% in the March quarter. The company recently rolled out its 1100 Sub Compact and 2100 Compact series and is preparing to launch models including the OJA Small and Large Utility and high-horsepower platforms. The North American market for tractors below 110 HP is about 200,000 units, Mahindra officials said.

In Brazil, Mahindra’s share hovers at around 8% in the sub-120 HP category and 20% in the sub-50 HP segment. Upcoming launches in international markets include new high-horsepower models, the NOVO line, and the OJA series. The company also announced plans for a new manufacturing facility to support its ambitions abroad.