LCV & HCV

Ashok Leyland looks at proactive approach to navigate emerging industry trends: Chairman Hinduja
Ashok Leyland is proactively addressing electrification, supply chain issues, and digitalization to become a top global commercial vehicle manufacturer. The company will invest in R&D for alternative fuel vehicles, form strategic alliances, and expand its presence in the Middle East, Africa, and ASEAN regions. They aim to provide innovative and sustainable mobility solutions.

Tata Motors, other truck and bus makers urge govt to exempt small commercial vehicles from CAFE 3 norms
Indian truck and bus manufacturers are appealing to the government to exempt small commercial vehicles (SCVs) under 3.5 tonnes from stricter Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms. They cite affordability issues for owner-operators and small businesses, highlighting that most SCV owners rely on these vehicles for their livelihoods.

TAFE targets 200,000 tractor sales in FY26
Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited aims to sell over 200,000 tractors in fiscal year 2026. This is up from approximately 175,000 units in fiscal year 2025. TAFE expects to grow faster than the industry average. New product launches and expanded manufacturing will support this growth. TAFE also secured exclusive brand ownership of Massey Ferguson in India.

Daimler India rolls out BharatBenz range for mining, construction
Daimler India Commercial Vehicles has introduced its new BharatBenz 'HX' and 'TorqShift' series trucks, targeting the growing construction and mining sectors. The launch follows successful trials of nearly 200 trucks across various sites in India over six months. This move aligns with projections indicating substantial growth in the domestic mining and construction equipment sector by 2030.

TAFE, AGCO settle legal dispute over Massey Ferguson brand in India
TAFE and AGCO Corporation have resolved their year-long legal dispute over the Massey Ferguson brand in India. TAFE will acquire full ownership of the brand in India, Nepal, and Bhutan, repurchasing AGCO's 20.7% stake for $260 million. While AGCO exits its equity holding in TAFE, TAFE will retain a 16.3% stake in AGCO and support its board recommendations.

Commercial vehicle industry likely to see 3-5 pc growth in wholesale volumes this fiscal: Icra
The Indian commercial vehicle sector anticipates growth. Icra projects a 3-5% increase in wholesale volumes this fiscal year. This follows a slight dip in FY25. Construction and a stable economy will drive demand. The bus segment is expected to grow significantly. Light and heavy commercial vehicles will see modest gains. Pre-owned vehicles are impacting light commercial vehicle sales.
Escorts Kubota aims for No. 2 spot in Indian tractor market with new product launches
Escorts Kubota Ltd aims to become the number two player in the Indian tractor market by leveraging Kubota's technology and quality with Escorts' cost competitiveness. The company plans to launch new products for domestic and international markets, targeting different applications, including construction. EKL seeks to enhance its market presence and increase exports through Kubota's global network.

Expect M&HCV industry to grow in single digit in FY26: Ashok Leyland
Ashok Leyland anticipates single-digit growth in India's medium and heavy commercial vehicle segment this fiscal year, rebounding from a 3% decline in FY25. The company aims to outperform the industry average by expanding its presence in North India, the largest market for commercial vehicles.

Tractor sales in India likely to see 4-7% growth in FY26: ICRA
Tractor sales in Bharat are expected to grow moderately in 2025-26. ICRA forecasts a 4-7 percent increase due to a favorable monsoon. This will support agricultural production. Pre-buying before new emission norms in April 2026 may boost sales. Wholesale volumes grew by 7 percent in FY25. Positive farm sentiments and timely monsoon arrival are supporting demand.

CCI okays Mahindra's proposal to acquire 59 pc stake in SML Isuzu for Rs 555 crore
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved Mahindra & Mahindra's acquisition of a nearly 59% stake in commercial vehicle maker SML Isuzu for Rs 555 crore. Mahindra & Mahindra will acquire stakes from Sumitomo Corporation and Isuzu Motors, followed by an open offer. This acquisition aligns with Mahindra's strategy to invest in high-growth potential areas.

New medium, heavy trucks sold in India must have AC cabins from June 8; cos hike prices to meet mandate
Starting June 8th, India mandates air-conditioned cabins for all new medium and heavy trucks to improve driver comfort and safety, leading to a potential 1-2.5% price increase. While this may temporarily impact new truck sales and boost used truck demand, experts anticipate long-term benefits in driver productivity and accident reduction.

Ashok Leyland records 5% rise in sales of trucks, buses, LCVs in May 2025
Ashok Leyland experienced a 5% increase in total vehicle sales, reaching 15,484 units in May, driven by growth in medium and heavy commercial vehicles. Domestic sales also rose by 5%, with medium and heavy commercial vehicle sales specifically increasing by 10% within the country. However, the light commercial vehicle segment saw a decline in sales during the same period.

Industry smells a jackpot as India's truck fleet hits 10-yr high
India's aging fleet of medium and heavy commercial vehicles is poised for a significant replacement surge, driven by trucks reaching a record average age of 10 years. Deferred purchases during the pandemic and weak sales have contributed to this aging fleet.

Ashok Leyland earmarks Rs 1,000 cr capex for FY26: Official
Ashok Leyland, the flagship company of Hinduja Group, plans to invest around Rs 1,000 crore in capital expenditure for the current financial year (FY26), focusing on new products and technologies. The company, with a strong net cash position of over Rs 4,000 crore, aims to use this cash for future growth.

India mulls major sop spree to take trucking electric
The government is planning incentives to promote electric truck adoption, including subsidies and toll exemptions on key routes like Delhi-Chandigarh and Mumbai-Pune. This initiative, under the PM e-Drive program, follows the success of electric two- and three-wheeler subsidies.

'Trucks, CVs to get new safety norms': Nitin Gadkari
India will soon implement a safety assessment and rating system for trucks and commercial vehicles, mirroring the BNCAP for cars, according to Minister Nitin Gadkari. The initiative aims to enhance vehicle production quality and safety.