CMV360 Weekly Wrap (21-26 Sep 2026): ₹1,500 Cr Investment, EV Launches, Tractor Trends & Agri Updates
Add CMV360 on GoogleCMV360 Weekly Wrap covers the week’s biggest EV, commercial vehicle, tractor and agriculture updates, including SDLG’s investment, new electric technologies, tractor trends, subsidies and farmer-focused developments.
By Robin Kumar Attri
The commercial vehicle, electric mobility, tractor and agriculture sectors saw several important developments this week. From SDLG India’s ₹1,500 crore manufacturing expansion and Montra Electric’s growing e-CV sales to JSW Greentech’s new AMPSTAR electric CV brand, the EV space remained in focus. Meanwhile, BharatBenz expanded its high-altitude service network in Leh, while tractor demand showed signs of moderation. The week also brought major updates on agricultural machinery subsidies, turmeric support, maize prices and land lease registration.
SDLG India Plans ₹1,500 Crore Investment for Manufacturing Expansion
SDLG India plans to invest ₹1,500 crore to expand its manufacturing presence in India. The company has already invested ₹300 crore in a Gujarat plant, which will eventually produce 3,000 units annually. SDLG has also unveiled 10 new diesel and electric construction machines, targeting growing demand across infrastructure, road construction and mining sectors.
Montra Electric Crosses 1,000 E-CV Sales Milestone; 810 Units Sold in 2026
Montra Electric has sold 1,126 electric commercial vehicles since entering the Indian market in January 2025, with 810 units delivered in 2026. The Eviator 350 and 350L+ remain its key electric mini-trucks, while the Rhino 55-tonne electric HCV offers up to 198 km claimed range and seven-minute battery swapping. India’s e-CV market is estimated to reach 40,000–42,000 retail sales in 2026.
JSW Greentech Enters Electric Commercial Vehicle Segment with AMPSTAR
JSW Greentech has launched AMPSTAR, an all-electric commercial vehicle brand offering E-Buses and E-Trucks for staff, school, city, intercity and goods transportation. The company aims to support India’s shift toward cleaner commercial mobility, noting that CVs account for around 4% of vehicles but nearly 40% of vehicle-related pollution. AMPSTAR marks JSW Group’s expansion from passenger mobility through MG Motor India into electric commercial mobility.
JSW Introduces Dual-Plate Battery Cooling Technology for Heavy EVs
JSW is developing a dual-plate liquid cooling system for heavy electric commercial vehicles, with cooling plates placed above and below LFP cells to reduce temperature differences and battery degradation. The company is also using a 0.4 mm PTED coating on chassis assemblies to protect welded areas from corrosion, improving durability under high heat, heavy loads and harsh road conditions.
BharatBenz Opens 11,550ft Leh Workshop to Support Trucks in Ladakh
DICV has opened a BharatBenz 3S workshop in Leh at 11,550 feet with PPS Trucking. The 20,000 sq ft facility has three service bays, over 1,400-vehicle annual capacity, 20+ trained technicians and 24x7 roadside assistance. It will support trucks operating across Leh, Kargil and Drass, particularly in construction, stone-crushing and infrastructure applications, helping reduce service time and vehicle downtime.
Indian Tractor Industry Growth Slows in August 2026; Weak Monsoon Remains Key Risk
India’s tractor wholesale volumes grew 6.5% YoY in August 2026, while retail growth was limited to 0.8%. ICRA expects wholesale growth to moderate to 1–4% in FY2027, after 23.5% growth in FY2026. Below-normal and uneven monsoon rainfall remains a key concern for farm incomes and tractor demand. Despite moderation, tractor OEMs are expected to maintain healthy margins, low leverage and comfortable credit profiles.
Escorts Kubota Appoints Manish Sharma to Lead Agri Business Operations
Escorts Kubota has appointed former Panasonic India Chairman and CEO Manish Sharma as President of its Agri Business. He will oversee tractors, agri solutions, service and spare parts across domestic and international markets. With over 30 years of experience, Sharma will support the company’s focus on farm mechanisation, technology, exports and premium tractors. Kubota Corporation holds a controlling 53.5% stake in Escorts Kubota.
Maize Prices Rise: New Crop Arrivals, CBOT Gains and Global Trade Support Market
Maize prices are showing mixed trends as new-crop arrivals pressure regular-quality maize, while strong industrial demand supports quality produce. New-crop prices are estimated at ₹1,400–₹1,835 per quintal, while plant-quality maize is around ₹2,500–₹2,780. Global markets are also firm, with CBOT corn futures gaining 14–15%, supported by strong export demand and tighter global supply.
From Bajaj Auto to Global Tractors: Ashish Nagpal Takes Charge of ITL’s International Marketing
Ashish Nagpal has joined International Tractors Limited (ITL) as Head of Marketing, International Business. With over 20 years of FMCG and automotive experience, including 12 years at Bajaj Auto, he will lead global marketing efforts. Nagpal will support ITL’s Sonalika and Solis tractor brands as the company expands its presence across more than 150 countries.
Chhattisgarh Farmers to Get Turmeric Cultivation Subsidy Under ₹6.20 Crore Scheme
Chhattisgarh has set a 1,300-hectare turmeric cultivation target for 2026-27 under the Spices Area Expansion Incentive Scheme, with a ₹6.20 crore budget. So far, ₹1.38 crore has been disbursed through DBT. Farmers must purchase eligible seeds themselves, retain purchase bills and documents, and undergo field verification before receiving the subsidy.
Bihar farmers can apply for 40%–80% subsidy on 86 types of agricultural machinery under the SMAM 2026-27 scheme. Applications are open from September 8 to September 30, 2026. Support covers tractors, harvesters, drones and other equipment, with up to ₹12 lakh assistance for special Custom Hiring Centres. Beneficiaries will be selected through a lottery, with approved subsidies transferred through DBT.
Madhya Pradesh Government to Register 50 Lakh Land Leases Free of Cost; ₹4,000 Crore to Be Spent
Madhya Pradesh will bear registration costs of around ₹4,000 crore for nearly 50 lakh unregistered land leases, providing free registration to eligible leaseholders. The government also plans to bring Narmada water to Rewa and expand irrigation across 1.32 lakh hectares. Additionally, ₹4,967 crore has been approved for three irrigation projects in Neemuch and Rajgarh, covering more than 88,000 hectares.
CMV360 Says
From major manufacturing investments and new electric mobility technologies to tractor market trends and farmer-focused government schemes, the week brought significant developments across India’s commercial vehicle and agriculture sectors. The updates highlight the industry’s growing focus on electric mobility, local manufacturing, after-sales support and farm-sector growth, making these key areas to watch in the coming weeks.
Robin Kumar Attri is a content and video professional with 2.7 years of experience in the commercial vehicle d .....
