CMV360 Weekly Wrap-Up | 24th – 29th March 2025: Mahindra’s Price Hike, Cityflo’s Fleet Expansion, Trackon’s South India Growth, Wardwizard’s EV Push, ADAS Mandate, Ashok Leyland’s ₹700 Cr Defence Order, and More

Welcome to the CMV360 Weekly Wrap-Up for March 24–29, 2025, covering key updates in India’s mobility and agricultural sectors.

Mahindra will hike SUV and commercial vehicle prices by up to 3% in April, following similar moves by Hyundai, Kia, Tata Motors, and Maruti Suzuki. Cityflo expands its fleet with 100 new VECV-built buses, while Trackon strengthens its South India network with 750+ new franchises.

Wardwizard plans to introduce L5 electric three-wheelers in Maharashtra, and Eicher opens a Pro X small truck dealership in Mumbai. Meanwhile, ADAS will be mandatory in buses, trucks, and passenger vehicles from 2026.

In agriculture, ACE launches a 4WD Chetak DI 65 tractor, and Captain Tractors expands into Argentina. Ashok Leyland secures ₹700 crore in defence orders, boosting indigenous manufacturing.

Stay tuned for more updates shaping India’s mobility and agriculture landscape.

Mahindra to Hike Prices of SUVs and Commercial Vehicles by Up to 3%, Starting April 2025

​Mahindra will raise the prices of its SUVs and commercial vehicles by up to 3% starting in April 2025, citing rising input costs and higher commodity prices. This follows similar moves by other automakers, including Hyundai, which announced a 3% increase, and Kia, with price hikes ranging from 0.3% to 4.7%. Tata Motors and Maruti Suzuki also plan price increases due to rising operational costs. While these adjustments reflect industry-wide challenges, they may lead customers to reconsider purchases.

Cityflo Expands Fleet with 100 New Custom-Built Buses in Partnership with VECV

Cityflo is expanding its fleet with 100 custom-built 27-seater buses, developed in partnership with Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles (VECV). These smaller, more agile buses will allow faster route launches, higher frequency, and better occupancy, reducing commute times by up to 13%. Cityflo aims to deploy 500 buses across five metro cities by 2026, improving connectivity and cutting carbon emissions. This expansion will enhance daily commutes, support non-peak travel demand, and contribute to smarter urban transit solutions.

Trackon to Expand Its Network in South India with 750+ New Franchise Additions

Trackon is expanding its franchise network in South India, adding over 750 new partners to enhance last-mile delivery services. The company, which has over 6,500 franchise partners and an annual turnover exceeding Rs 500 crore, aims to strengthen its presence in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala. Trackon is also investing in AI-driven tracking systems and automated dispatch tools to improve efficiency. This expansion will support regional businesses, boost logistics services, and contribute to economic growth.

Yokohama India Launches 'Easy Drive' No-Cost EMI Program for Premium Tyres

Yokohama India has introduced the 'Easy Drive' No-Cost EMI Program, allowing customers to buy premium tyres without upfront payments. Partnering with Bajaj Finance Ltd., the program offers a six-month EMI option for tyres of 17 inches and above, starting at ₹1,807 per month. Available at Yokohama Club Network stores, it includes premium ranges like ADVAN, Geolandar, and BluEarth. This initiative supports growing demand for high-performance tyres, particularly for SUVs, while reinforcing Yokohama’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in India.

Bihar Government Offers 50% Subsidy on Three-Wheelers with Ice Boxes for Fish Sellers

The Bihar government has launched the Mukhyamantri Machhua Kalyan Yojana 2025, offering a 50% subsidy on three-wheelers with ice boxes for fish sellers. Beneficiaries will pay ₹1.5 lakh out of the total ₹3 lakh cost. Additionally, fishing and marketing kits are available at a 100% subsidy. Applications are open until March 31, 2025, via fisheries.bihar.gov.in. This initiative aims to improve fish marketing, ensure fresh fish supply, and boost employment opportunities in Bihar’s fisheries sector.

Ashok Leyland’s Subsidiary Switch Mobility May Shut Loss-Making E-Bus Plant In UK

Ashok Leyland’s subsidiary, Switch Mobility UK, is considering shutting down its Sherburn manufacturing facility due to low demand for zero-emission passenger vehicles in the UK. The company will complete existing orders but may shift focus to India and the UAE for future operations. Meanwhile, Switch India is expanding in the fast-growing Indian EV market, with plans to triple volumes by FY26. Ashok Leyland has approved a GBP 45 million equity infusion to support Switch UK’s transition.

New Road Safety Regulations: ADAS to Be Mandatory in Buses, Trucks, and Passenger Vehicles by 2026

From April 2026, all new passenger vehicles with over eight seats, along with buses and trucks, must have advanced safety systems like AEBS, DDAWS, and LDWS. These regulations will also apply to existing models from October 2026. AEBS will help prevent frontal collisions, while LDWS and DDAWS will alert drivers about lane departures and drowsiness. Additionally, commercial vehicles must have blind spot detection for pedestrians and cyclists. The move aims to reduce road accidents and improve overall safety.

Eicher Opens Exclusive Dealership for Pro X Small Trucks in Mumbai

Eicher has inaugurated its Pro X small truck dealership in Mumbai, offering advanced retail, service, and EV charging solutions. The state-of-the-art facility in Bhindarpada-Thane features digital displays, interactive customization zones, doorstep service, and GPS-enabled breakdown support. It is linked to Eicher’s Uptime Centre for real-time vehicle monitoring and has a dedicated EV charging infrastructure. This initiative strengthens Eicher’s commitment to innovation and seamless customer experience in commercial vehicle retailing.

Ashok Leyland Secures ₹700 Crore Defence Orders

Ashok Leyland has secured defence orders worth over ₹700 crore to supply specialized military vehicles to the Indian Armed Forces. The order includes Stallion 4x4, Stallion 6x6, Short Chassis Bus, and Mobility System Travelling Platform. Deliveries will begin in the next financial year. As one of the largest suppliers of logistics vehicles to the Indian Army, Ashok Leyland continues to support the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative with indigenous manufacturing.

Three-Wheeler Market Is Expected to Witness Growth Of 6-8% In FY 2025-26

India’s three-wheeler market saw a 5.5% rise in sales, driven by growing passenger carrier demand, which increased by 9.3% to 5,51,880 units. Experts predict 6-8% growth in FY2025 -26. The auto sector also saw steady growth, with SUV sales up 17% and passenger vehicles growing by 4.2%. Factors like urban transport demand, electric three-wheelers, and government incentives will further drive the market’s expansion.

Wardwizard Working with SpeedForcEV and Cabeys to Introduce L5 Electric Three-Wheelers in Maharashtra

Wardwizard is expanding its EV presence by adding 400 electric two-wheelers in Kolkata, Pune, and Ahmedabad, following its earlier deployment in Hyderabad. The company plans to launch 200 electric three-wheelers in Maharashtra for ride-hailing, aiming to offer an affordable alternative to auto-rickshaws. Partnering with AmpVolts for charging solutions, Wardwizard is set to scale up EV adoption, benefiting delivery services and urban mobility.

India Weather Alert: Snowfall in North, Thunderstorms in Central & South, Heatwave in East, and Strong Winds in Delhi

India is experiencing diverse weather conditions—snowfall in Kashmir, storms in Maharashtra, heat waves in Odisha, and strong winds in Delhi. IMD has issued alerts for heavy snowfall in the north, thunderstorms in central and southern states, and rising temperatures in the east. Residents should stay prepared and follow safety advisories.

Do You Need a Driving License to Drive a Tractor in the Fields? Know the Rules

A driver's license is necessary to operate a tractor on public roads. An LMV license is sufficient for agricultural tractors, but an HMV license is required if a trolley exceeds 7,500 kg. Illegal modifications can lead to heavy fines, and using a tractor for commercial passenger transport is prohibited. Farmers should adhere to these rules to avoid penalties.

ACE Launches 4WD Variant of Chetak DI 65 Tractor at 117th Farmers Fair

​The ACE Chetak DI 65 (4WD) is built for efficiency and durability, featuring a 50 HP engine, 2000 kg lifting capacity, and power steering. Designed for tough terrains, it ensures smooth handling and high performance. With its farmer-friendly design, ACE continues to innovate in agricultural machinery, providing cost-effective and high-quality solutions.

Captain Tractors Expands into Argentina with VIALCAM S.A.

Captain Tractors has partnered with VIALCAM S.A. to expand in Argentina, strengthening trade ties and offering cost-effective farming solutions. The company met with Argentine officials to discuss business opportunities and aims to participate in government-led projects. With a strong presence in global markets, Captain Tractors continues to support farmers with high-quality agricultural machinery.

Also Read: CMV360 Weekly Wrap-Up | 17th – 21st March 2025: Montra’s Chennai Dealership, Eicher-Magenta Partnership, Tata’s Price Hike, Exponent’s 1MW Charger, New Holland’s Yuvraj Singh Campaign, TAFE’s New Vice Chairman, and More

CMV360 Says

That’s all for this edition of CMV360 Weekly Wrap-Up! This week, Mahindra announced a price hike, Cityflo expanded its fleet, and Trackon strengthened its logistics network. Wardwizard advanced EV adoption with new three-wheelers, while ADAS regulations aimed at improving road safety. In agriculture, ACE launched a 4WD tractor, and Captain Tractors expanded globally. Ashok Leyland’s ₹700 crore defence order reinforced its role in indigenous manufacturing. With continued innovations and strategic moves, India’s mobility and agricultural sectors are evolving rapidly. Stay tuned to CMV360 for more industry updates!