JCBL, a leading bus bodybuilder, has delivered 106 custom-designed staff buses to Mahindra & Mahindra in a record time of three months.

The buses feature 17-inch-wide seats, driver’s cabin partition, digital LED route displays, USB charging points and fans on each seat row. A TV and a six-speaker music system are also incorporated to provide entertainment on the go.

In terms of safety, the buses are equipped with pneumatic passenger door with safety sensor, seatbelts, CCTV cameras with a 30-day recording capacity, panic switches, anti-rust treatment and a Fire Detection and Alarm System (FDAS).

Dinesh Dua, Business Head, JCBL, said, “This project is a testament to our commitment to delivering high-quality, safe, and innovative mobility solutions. Completing one of India’s largest single-customer staff bus orders within just three months reflects our dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction.”

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Tata Motors, one of the leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, has received orders for more than 5,000 buses and bus chassis from various State Transport Undertakings (STUs) across India. The company secured these orders through a competitive e-bidding process with deliveries scheduled to take place in phases according to agreements with the respective transport corporations.

The orders were placed by several organisations, including the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) and the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC), among others. The contract includes models such as the Tata Magna, Cityride and Starbus, as well as LPO 1618, 1622 and 1822 chassis variants. These vehicles are designed for intercity, long-haul and intracity operations.

The company's passenger vehicle portfolio includes vehicles ranging from 9-seater to 55-seater capacities. To support these fleets, Tata Motors provides Sampoorna Seva 2.0, a vehicle lifecycle management programme. This service includes maintenance, spare parts availability and breakdown assistance through a network of over 4,500 sales and service touchpoints.

Anand S, Vice-President and Head, Commercial Passenger Vehicle Business, Tata Motors, said, “This recognition by multiple State Transport Undertakings reflects the deep trust placed in Tata Motors’ mobility solutions. Our buses are designed to deliver comfort, safety and long‑term reliability across varied terrains and duty cycles. With strong product engineering and a lifecycle support ecosystem built around customer uptime, we continue to enable STUs to serve millions of passengers every day. These cumulative orders strengthen our position as the country’s preferred mobility partner and reinforce our commitment to shaping India’s public transport of tomorrow.”

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New-Delhi-based tech-driven logistics company Cargo Matters (Parmelee Cargo Matters Logistic Solutions) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Andhra Pradesh to establish an integrated electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing and charging hub.

The project involves a total investment of INR 1 billion and focuses on the electrification of heavy commercial vehicles. The firm has submitted a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) for 18 acres of land in Madanapalle.

The facility will include a manufacturing block for chargers, a retrofit facility for heavy vehicles, and a research and development unit for validation and certification. Half of the investment, amounting to INR 500 million, is designated for charging infrastructure to support regional heavy-duty corridors. Operations are expected to begin within 12 to 18 months, with full commissioning planned within 24 months.

The project is estimated to create 1,000 direct jobs and 3,000 indirect jobs in the region. Located near the borders of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, the hub is situated 100 km from Bengaluru and 250 km from Chennai to facilitate logistics connectivity. The initiative aligns with the Andhra Pradesh Sustainable Electric Mobility Policy 4.0 (2024–2029).

Cargo Matters operates a fleet of more than 400 trucks across 15,000 pincodes and counts the likes of Tata Steel, DHL and Havells among its customers. The company uses data integration through the National ULIP to manage full truckload and less-than-truckload services.

The Madanapalle facility is intended to provide fleet owners with pathways to electrification through vehicle retrofitting and dedicated charging networks.

Umesh Padala, Founder & Chairman, Cargo Matters, said, "This MoU represents our commitment to practical decarbonization. While the passenger EV market is maturing, the heavy freight sector remains the final frontier. Our Madanapalle facility will provide fleet owners with a cost-effective pathway to electrification through advanced retrofitting and dedicated heavy-duty charging networks."

P N Mahesh, Director, APIIC, added, "As part of our commitment to building a green and future-ready logistics ecosystem, we are pleased that Cargo Matters has chosen Madanapalle for its upcoming hub. The project aligns with the Andhra Pradesh Sustainable Electric Mobility Policy 4.0 (2024–2029) and strengthens our ‘Green Freight’ vision. Strategically located near the borders of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, with Bengaluru about 100 km away and Chennai around 250 km away, Madanapalle offers excellent connectivity for logistics operations. The initiative will generate nearly 1,000 direct and 3,000 indirect jobs, creating meaningful opportunities for the region’s youth."

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John Deere has introduced its 5M series, featuring the 130HP 5130M tractor, at the John Deere Power and Technology Show. The launch marks an expansion of the company’s high-horsepower offerings in the Indian market, where it has operated for over 27 years.

The 5130M model incorporates a front hitch and front power take-off (PTO) application, allowing for the simultaneous use of implements at the front and rear of the machine. This configuration is designed to improve field efficiency and reduce the number of passes required for crop operations.

John Deere showcased several digital and automated solutions aimed at precision farming. These technologies focus on resource optimisation and input cost reduction.

Key technology launches include:

• 5E AutoTrac: A vehicle guidance system designed for straight-row accuracy to reduce overlaps and gaps during tilling and seeding.
• GreenSystem Link: A factory-fitted connectivity kit providing data integration for machine monitoring.
• Radial Tyres: Standardisation of 100 percent radial tyres on the 5405 and 5075E models to reduce soil compaction and improve traction.

The company’s Indian operations serve as a hub for research and development, engineering, and global IT. John Deere currently exports products manufactured in India to 110 countries. The strategy involves adapting global innovations to local conditions while supporting government sustainability goals for 2047.

Rajesh Sinha, MD & Country Manager, John Deere India, said, “The core of John Deere’s strategy revolves around integration of precision agriculture, digital solutions for SMART connected machines that enable farmers to produce more with fewer resources. The recent technologies launched are designed to optimize field operations & input cost, precise crop care solutions ensuring soil and environmental sustainability. John Deere’s India footprint continues to be significant and important for global operation from the R&D, Engineering, Global IT, Supply chain, Road Construction beside manufacturing and talent.”

Ramakant Garg, Sales & Marketing India Director, added, “The advanced farm technologies and evolving agronomy practices go hand in hand and thus John Deere is committed to align these for futuristic agricultural practices. The Power and Technology 7.0 is a step in that direction. In the past John Deere has been leading technologically superior products for Indian markets and we take pride in continuing in do so in today’s technology event.”

Mukul Varshney, Region 1 Government Affairs Director, stated, “The government’s sustainability goal for 2047 can best be supported by John Deere that makes us even more responsible and accountable beyond products and services. We witness a very favourable ecosystem that helps us further our efforts to collaborate with stakeholders such as academia, research institutions and industry.”

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VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV) has announced the appointment of B Srinivas as Managing Director and CEO, effective 1 April 2026.

At present, he serves as the Chief Operating Officer and will now succeed Vinod Aggarwal. He has worked with Eicher for over three decades across product strategy, purchasing, sales and marketing. He previously led the Eicher Bus business and served as Head of Product Strategy and Purchasing between 2022 and 2024.

Aggarwal, who has led VECV for 16 years, will now become the Chairman of the Board. He replaces Sofia Frandberg, who completes her three-year term as Chairperson, and will continue to be on the Board of VECV.

In addition, Rajinder Singh Sachdeva has been nominated to the Board following his retirement as Deputy CEO and Chief Transformation Officer. He replaces Raul Rai, who steps down as Director.

The leadership shift comes as VECV continues its strategy of expanding into new segments and markets. Since its formation in 2008, the joint venture has invested in capacity and technology to increase its presence in the Indian commercial vehicle market.

Siddhartha Lal, Chairman, Eicher Motors (EML), said, “I am delighted with the appointment of B Srinivas as the new Managing Director and CEO of VECV. It strengthens our well calibrated, long-term strategy and continuity at VECV. I have personally worked with Srinivas for over twenty-five years and seen his hands-on and inclusive leadership style. He is a thoughtful and courageous leader, and is willing to make changes and strategic shifts towards achieving the company’s long- term goals. I believe the company will benefit tremendously from his leadership – combining his customer focused approach, technological acumen and collaborative style. I wish him the best in his new role and look forward to working with him.”

Vinod Aggarwal, added, “My heartiest congratulations to Srinivas as he steps into the role of Managing Director & CEO of VECV. With over three decades of experience, he brings along a deep understanding of our legacy, versatile experience of the business and a strategic vision to scale new heights. I am confident he will accelerate our growth trajectory. I wish him great success and look forward to working with him as I transition into my new role as the Chairman of the company.”

B Srinivas, said, “My journey with Eicher has been truly remarkable. Having spent thirty-one years here in various capacities both in commercial and technical roles including the last two years as the Chief Operating Officer of VECV, I am looking forward to embarking on this next phase. I would like to thank the Board of VE Commercial Vehicles. for this opportunity, and entrusting me to drive our growth trajectory alongside my team.”

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