CMV360 Weekly Wrap-Up | 17th–22nd Nov 2025: Force Motors ₹2,000 Cr EV Plan, 15-Min Rapid Charging Breakthrough, Qatar Entry, New Global CEO Appointments & Major Auto–Agri Launches Transform the Week

This week in the auto and agri industry was packed with major announcements, global expansions, and breakthrough technologies. From Force Motors committing ₹2,000 crore to speed up its EV journey to India’s first 15-minute fast-charging solution for electric three-wheelers, the sector saw powerful moves shaping the future of mobility. Big global appointments at Volvo and Daimler, Ashok Leyland’s entry into Qatar, new SmartBus innovations, and next-gen tractor launches from ITL and Escorts Kubota added even more momentum. Here’s everything that made headlines between 17th–22nd November 2025.

Force Motors Announces ₹2,000 Crore Investment to Boost EV Development and Global Expansion

Force Motors will invest ₹2,000 crore over three years to boost EV development, upgrade factories, and expand globally. The plan includes Traveller and Urbania EVs, a soon-to-launch EV ambulance, and 20–30% export share. Nearly 50% of its energy will come from green sources. With strong finances and digitisation efforts, the company aims for steady growth and a bigger EV presence.

Volvo Group Names Dr. Satya Dubey as New Global Head of Battery Expert (R&D)

Volvo Group has appointed Dr. Satya Dubey as its Global Battery Expert (R&D), strengthening its push toward advanced electrification. With Volvo since 2022 and prior experience at Ola Electric, he will lead improvements in battery chemistry, safety, performance, and lifecycle. His role supports Volvo’s goals in solid-state tech, high-nickel chemistries, and next-gen EV systems, boosting innovation for electric trucks, buses, and construction equipment globally.

Kinetic Green and Exponent Energy Introduce 15-Minute Fast Charging for Electric Three-Wheelers

Kinetic Green and Exponent Energy have partnered to offer 15-minute full charging for L3 and L5 electric three-wheelers, boosting daily operating hours by up to 30%. The system supports multiple models, includes a 3,000-cycle battery warranty, and offers fleet tools like real-time dashboards and analytics. With 160+ stations already active and nationwide expansion planned, this collaboration aims to accelerate fast-charging adoption for last-mile EV operators in India.

Ashok Leyland Expands into Qatar Through New Partnership with FAMCO

Ashok Leyland has entered the Qatari market through a partnership with FAMCO Qatar, expanding its Middle East presence after Saudi Arabia. The company launched its full range of buses, trucks, and electric buses, focusing on durability, efficiency, and low ownership costs. FAMCO will handle distribution and after-sales support. The move aligns with Qatar’s transport growth and sustainability goals, offering strong solutions for fleets, logistics, and public mobility.

IntrCity Launches India’s First Air-Purified Intercity Bus Fleet to Ensure Cleaner Travel

IntrCity SmartBus has launched India’s first air-purified intercity bus fleet, offering AI-powered filtration that keeps PM2.5 levels around 15 µg/m³. Passengers can view real-time AQI data on screens and the app. The new SmartBus.AQI fleet is deployed across major North India routes, reducing exposure to dust, smoke, CO₂, and toxins. Developed with Respirer Living Sciences, this system ensures healthier, safer long-distance travel.

Piaggio Launches Game-Changing Ape Xtra Bada 700 & Ape Xtra 600 Diesel Cargo Three-Wheelers in India

Piaggio has launched the Ape Xtra Bada 700 and Ape Xtra 600 diesel cargo three-wheelers for stronger last-mile transport. The Bada 700 offers India’s first 7-ft cargo deck and a top payload of 750 kg, powered by a new 700 DI engine. The Ape Xtra 600 features a 600 DI engine with better mileage for urban logistics. Both models provide higher performance, improved comfort, and a cost-effective alternative to entry-level four-wheel cargo vehicles.

Daimler India Gets New Leadership: Torsten Schmidt to Take Charge as CEO in 2026

Daimler India Commercial Vehicles has announced Torsten Schmidt as its new CEO, effective 2026. Currently CFO at Mercedes-Benz do Brasil, Schmidt brings vast global experience across Germany, India, Japan, and Brazil. Outgoing CEO Satyakam Arya will become President & CEO of Hino Motors. DICV, known for BharatBenz and exporting to 60+ markets, aims to strengthen its global leadership and expand operations under this transition.

ITL Unveils New Heavy-Duty Tractor Range at Agritechnica 2025

ITL showcased its latest tractors at Agritechnica 2025 in Germany, launching the Solis S40 Shuttle XL with a Stage V Yanmar engine and the Solis EXTRA series up to 26 HP with a 5-year warranty. New models like the S26+, C48, and S90 Shuttle XL were also displayed. Built for comfort, performance, and global emission norms, these tractors support modern farming needs with advanced hydraulics, smart features, and strong productivity.

Escorts Kubota Unveils New-Generation KA6 & KA8 Rice Transplanters Across Seven States

Escorts Kubota has launched its new KA6 (21 HP) and KA8 (24 HP) rice transplanters across seven key paddy-growing states. These Japan-engineered models feature smart turning, auto lift, redesigned claws, LED lights, and enhanced ergonomics for long hours. With better accuracy, fuel efficiency, and stability, the new generation transplanters aim to boost productivity and profitability for farmers while addressing labour shortages and improving field performance.

Mahindra Launches Kisaan Film Fest 2025 to Celebrate India’s Farmers Through Cinema

Mahindra has launched the Kisaan Film Fest 2025 to honour Indian farmers through creative storytelling. The festival invites fictional, animated, and experimental films showcasing rural life, innovation, and farmer resilience, with a total prize pool of ₹10 lakh. Only Mahindra tractors are allowed on screen. Entries require posters, subtitles, and declarations, and will be judged on originality and emotional depth by a jury including Manjrekar, Kulkarni, and Sharma.

Escorts Kubota Tractors Gains 15–25% Revenue from South India, Confirms Company

Escorts Kubota Ltd (EKL) now generates about 30% of its agri-solution revenue from South India, with Kubota contributing 25% and Powertrac 15%. The company targets 3,000 sales of its new rice-transplantation tractor by FY27 and plans to expand capacity to 3 lakh units with its upcoming Jewar plant. However, BS5 norms may raise tractor prices by 10–15%. EKL continues to focus on localisation, mechanisation, and new product growth.

Mahindra Lifts Tractor Growth Forecast, Predicts 12.2 Million Units by 2030

Mahindra now expects the Indian tractor market to grow 9% annually till FY2030, with the installed base rising to 12.2 million units. High-HP tractors already form 64% of sales, driven by better farm profits and tax benefits. Mahindra is expanding globally in the U.S. and Brazil with new high-HP, OJA, and NOVO models. Strong rural demand, affordability, and mechanization needs continue to push the sector upward.

Also Read: CMV360 Weekly Wrap-Up | 10th–15th Nov 2025: Major CV Launches, Tata Motors Premium Debut, Sonalika’s Guinness Record, and Big Investments Power India’s Auto & Agri Sector

CMV360 Says

The week of 17th–22nd November 2025 emerged as another milestone period for India’s mobility and agricultural machinery landscape. With bold EV investments, rapid-charging breakthroughs, strategic global expansions, and next-generation product unveilings, the sector demonstrated strong momentum and long-term vision. From cleaner, faster transport solutions to high-tech tractors and leadership shifts shaping global R&D, every development highlighted India’s accelerating shift toward smarter, greener, and more efficient growth. As companies continue to prioritise innovation, sustainability, and customer-centric solutions, the future of the auto and agri ecosystem looks more dynamic, resilient, and transformative than ever.