Coromandel And Mahindra Krish-e Collaborate To Provide Drone Spraying Services For Indian Farmers
- By MT Bureau
- December 18, 2024
Agri-solutions provider Coromandel International Limited and Mahindra & Mahindra Limited’s Farm Equipment Sector (FES) business vertical, Krish-e, have signed a memorandum of association (MoU) to extend Coromandel’s Gromor Drive drone spraying services to Indian farmers.
Pilots with RPTO training assist Gromor Drive in its operations, which are now carried out in seven important states, including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. With the help of its subsidiary, Dhaksha Unmanned Systems, which guarantees dependable drone supply, pilot training and service support, Coromandel's drone services are positioned uniquely in the industry. Coromandel has a clear competitive advantage in this developing market thanks to this backward integration. Through the Krish-e Kheti Ke Liye App and other technology-driven farm solutions provided by Mahindra's FES, the cooperation further improves accessibility to these services with the goal of sustainably maximising farmers' revenue and enhancing the overall agricultural value chain.
Amir Alvi, Chief Operating Officer – Fertiliser Business, Coromandel, said: “Coromandel’s Gromor Drive offers significant advancements in efficiency, scalability and convenience for agricultural practices to farmers. This (non-binding) MoU signing between Coromandel’s Gromor Drive and Mahindra Krish-e represents a pivotal moment in our journey towards transforming the agricultural landscape of India by making drone spraying accessible to farmers. We aim to reduce their input costs, increase productivity, and improve farm profitability through this collaboration. Coromandel’s Gromor Drive, backed by the company’s subsidiary Dhaksha Unmanned Systems, brings in the added advantage of in-house developed cutting-edge agricultural drones, in addition to its fleet of certified drone pilots. We are confident that this collaboration will unlock new opportunities for innovation, create value for our stakeholders, and most importantly, make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of farmers.”
Hemant Sikka, President – Farm Equipment Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, said, “With Krish-e’s well-established presence across the country and Coromandel’s experienced Gromor Drive fleet, we are pleased to take the benefits of drones to many more Indian farmers. A significant step towards enhancing productivity and lowering a farmer’s exposure to powerful chemicals, drone technology can enable selective spraying of fertiliser and chemicals on crops while also ensuring improved yield. The partnership will ensure accessibility of drone spraying for Krish-e customers through the Krish-e Kheti ke Liye App, on a pay-per-acre basis.”
IVECO BUS Delivers 53 CROSSWAY Hybrid Units To Interbus Group In Spain
- By MT Bureau
- April 08, 2026
IVECO BUS has completed the delivery of 53 CROSSWAY Hybrid buses to Interbus Group, a Spanish passenger transport operator. The buses are destined for interurban routes in the Madrid and Andalusia regions, following the award of the ECO label for these transport corridors.
The majority of the new fleet will be integrated into the Madrid Regional Transport Consortium (CRTM) to support mobility within the capital's metropolitan area. The remaining units will be deployed in Andalusia to operate regional interurban services.
The delivery is part of a broader infrastructure renewal programme aimed at improving the environmental footprint and operational efficiency of Spanish public transport.
The CROSSWAY Hybrid model utilises a 48V mild-hybrid system. This architecture recovers energy during braking and provides motor assistance during start-up and acceleration. The system does not require external charging infrastructure, allowing for service continuity on long-distance routes.
Giorgio Zino, Head of IVECO BUS Commercial Operations in Europe, said, “The renewed confidence shown by Interbus demonstrates the strength of our partnership and our ability to provide concrete support to operators throughout their transition. In our sector, sustainability is truly meaningful when it delivers tangible benefits for operators while helping to improve air quality for citizens. This delivery confirms that IVECO BUS hybrid technology now represents a practical and effective solution to connect regions and ensure high-performance daily mobility”.
Tata Motors Launches Intra EV Pickup At INR 1.19 Million
- By MT Bureau
- April 07, 2026
Tata Motors, one of the leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, has expanded its electric-CV portfolio with the launch of the Intra EV Pickup at prices starting INR 1.19 million (ex-showroom). The EV is positioned as a high-payload solution for urban and regional cargo requirements.
The Intra EV is engineered for demanding duty cycles across sectors such as e-commerce, FMCG and dairy distribution. It features a purpose-built electric architecture designed to handle diverse Indian weather and terrain conditions.
The e-SCV has 1,750 kg payload capacity with load body options extending to 10.2-feet. It uses a 72kW electric motor generating 230 Nm of peak torque and 23 percent gradeability. It features an IP67-rated 28.2 kWh battery providing a certified range of 211 km on a single charge. The Intra EV supports CCS2 fast charging, enabling a 10-80 percent charge in approximately 55 minutes.
The EV integrates an Electronic Braking System (EBS) for stability and a three-level regenerative braking system to enhance energy recovery. Fleet management is supported via the Tata Motors Fleet Edge platform, which provides real-time tracking, vehicle health monitoring and predictive maintenance data.
The cabin is crash-tested and features Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) and a walk-through design to reduce driver fatigue during extended operating hours.
Tata Motors provides a 6-year or 200,000 km high-voltage battery warranty. It is supported by a network of over 25,000 charging points and 200 dedicated EV service centres across India. The launch follows the deployment of the company's electric buses and the recent introduction of the Ace EV 1000 and Ace Pro EV mini-trucks.
Girish Wagh, Managing Director & CEO, Tata Motors, said, “Our commitment to green mobility is focused on delivering sustainable solutions that are proven at scale and relevant to India’s diverse commercial mobility needs. Building on the strong market response to our electric mini‑trucks and the successful deployment of our electric buses serving commuters across 10 cities nationwide, we rolled out our next‑generation electric trucks earlier this year and are now advancing further with the launch of electric pickups. Through this progression, Tata Motors has established the country’s most comprehensive electric commercial vehicle portfolio across segments. This momentum is being enabled by progressive Government policies and strong collaboration across customers, partners and suppliers, accelerating India’s transition to cleaner and more sustainable mobility.”
Pinaki Haldar, Vice-President & Business Head – SCVPU, Tata Motors, said, “The all-new Intra EV Pickup has been developed with a clear focus on earning capability and everyday usability, combining one of the highest payload capacities in its segment with strong performance, long range and high uptime, all at a segment-beating price. Its comfortable, crash‑tested cabin, car‑like driving dynamics and thoughtfully integrated features are designed to reduce fatigue and improve productivity across long operating hours. As adoption of cleaner technologies accelerates, Tata Motors remains committed to raising industry benchmarks and making electric cargo mobility a practical, confident choice for businesses.”
Force Motors Reports 20% Growth In Domestic Sales For FY2026
- By MT Bureau
- April 01, 2026
Pune-headquartered automotive major Force Motors has reported its domestic wholesales of 36,536 units for FY2026, which marks a 20 percent increase compared to the 30,531 units sold in the previous fiscal year.
For the month of March 2026, the company registered a 14 percent growth with 4,126 units sold.
The company stated it witnessed growth across its product portfolio, supported by demand in passenger mobility, institutional and defence sectors.
Force Traveller continued to maintain a 70 percent market share in the light commercial vehicle segment, with applications in school and ambulance services.
The company’s premium passenger mobility platform Urbania recorded volume growth exceeding 100 percent, while Trax platform saw 70 percent growth with traction from Tier-2 and Tier-3 markets.
Force Motors’ Special Vehicle Division delivered its first batch of 600 Gurkha units to the Indian Army.
At present, Force Motors operates five manufacturing units and an R&D centre in Pune. The company produces and tests engines for all Mercedes-Benz and BMW cars and SUVs manufactured in India.
Additionally, Force MTU Power Systems, a joint venture with Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG, produces 10 and 12-cylinder engines for global power generation and rail applications. Overall exports for the company's four-wheelers grew by 13 percent during the year.
Prasan Firodia, Managing Director, Force Motors, said, “Our performance this year reflects the way we are steadily shaping the business – being more focused, disciplined and aligned to the segments where we know and believe that we can lead. The Force Urbania is setting new benchmarks in premium shared mobility, while the Trax platform is helping improve connectivity across the country. Our Traveller range continues to anchor our presence in the segment, with its market leadership reflecting the deep trust customers place in the brand. At the same time, our continued work with the defence sector reflects the strength of our engineering and our ability to deliver in demanding conditions. We also saw steady growth in our export business, with overall exports growing by 13 percent (4-wheelers only). Given our strong exports’ presence in Gulf markets, we remain mindful of the evolving geopolitical situation and are closely monitoring the developments. As we look ahead, staying close to our customers and paying close attention to their needs & shaping our products and solutions accordingly—will remain a key focus for us. We will continue to build on our strengths with consistency, while staying responsive to evolving market needs”.
- ZF Commercial Vehicle Control Systems India
- ADAS
- OnGuardMAX
- EBS
- ESC
- AEB
- LDW
- Paramjit Singh Chadha
- Akash Passey
ZF Commercial Vehicles Secures ADAS Contract For Indian Bus Platform
- By MT Bureau
- April 01, 2026
ZF Commercial Vehicle Control Systems India has been awarded a business nomination by a mobility OEM to develop and supply an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite for an upcoming bus platform. The project encompasses system supply, vehicle integration, and validation, with the start of production targeted for Q1 FY2027.
The awarded solution centres on ZF’s OnGuardMAX platform, which utilises multi-sensor fusion including a front camera, mid-range radar and an image processing module. This system is integrated with Short-Range Radar (SRR), an Electronic Braking System (EBS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) to provide comprehensive active safety.
The platform enables Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Driver Drowsiness and Attention Warning (DDAW). It also features SRR units address blind spots to protect vulnerable road users, supporting Blind Spot Information Systems (BSIS) and Moving Off Information Systems (MOIS). The integration of EBS and ESC provides faster braking responses, shorter stopping distances and improved rollover resistance for electric vehicle platforms.
The ADAS suite is engineered to meet GSR 184(E) requirements. The technology has undergone 450,000 kilometres of testing on Indian roads and has received ARAI certification. The architecture is scalable to SAE Level 2 and is designed to support future automation requirements.
Paramjit Singh Chadha, Managing Director, ZF Commercial Vehicle Control Systems India, said, “ADAS was and remains a strategic priority for ZF Commercial Vehicles in India. With a legacy of deep customer understanding and proven technological competence that make commercial transportation safer, smarter and more efficient, we also offer ADAS solutions that fit the specific driving conditions in India and at the same time have the backing of our global expertise.”
Akash Passey, Non-Executive Chairman, ZF Commercial Vehicle Control Systems India, added, “We see a rapid acceleration in India in the adoption of advanced driver assistance technologies that enhance road safety and operational efficiency. ZF Commercial Vehicles Division offers made-to-fit market solutions that address the specific needs of leading and new-age e-mobility OEMs with the strength of ZF’s global engineering expertise and combining it with deep regional insights.”

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