John Deere completed 25 years of its services in India this year. On this occasion, a press meet was held at the John Deere factory in Pune, India today. Ramakant Garg, Director – Sales and Marketing, John Deere India; Shailendra Jagtap, Managing Director and Country Manager, John Deere India; and Mukul Varshney, Director – Corporate Affairs, Media, PR and Communications for John Deere in India, Africa, Middle East, Southeast Asia and Asia Pacific addressed the media.

Over its 25 years, John Deere has shown commitment to investment in manufacturing and product development in India, including –

• Tractor manufacturing locations in Pune (Maharashtra) and Dewas (Madhya Pradesh).
• Electronics system manufacturing in Pune (Maharashtra).
• India Engineering Centre in Pune (Maharashtra).
• Enterprise Technology Centre in Pune (Maharashtra).
• Global IT Centre in Pune (Maharashtra) and Bengaluru (Karnataka).
• Parts Distribution Centre in Nagpur (Maharashtra) and Indore (Madhya Pradesh).
• John Deere Finance in Pune (Maharashtra). 
• 1,200 touch points under 580 channel partners across the country, 22 branch offices and four zonal training centres. 
• Wirtgen Group, a John Deere Company Pune (Maharashtra).

John Deere has continued to innovate, invest and leverage manufacturing, talent and India’s supply chain through these 25 years to serve farmers in India and around the world – all designed to enhance farm productivity through technologically-advanced products and services. The latest example is the 5M series tractor and a production system approach that offers higher horsepower, advanced features and precision technology aimed to reduce the cost of farming operations and enhance income levels. The introduction of John Deere’s products and solutions are recent examples of the company’s efforts to provide farmers a wide range of technologically-superior farm solutions including tractors, harvesters and hi-tech implements.

Jagtap asserted that John Deere is leading the way to bring technologies to tractors and farm equipment that lower the overall cost of farm operations by reducing the number of operations needed in the field and efficient use of fertilisers and chemicals. These are essential for additionally meeting sustainability goals and reduced emissions – both of which help meet Deere’s strategic ambitions to protect the environment. For instance, he said that the introduction of technologies such as a front PTO (power takeoff) and specially designed front farm implements have helped reduce the cost of some operations by more than 25 percent while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Varshney said, “John Deere is the world’s leading manufacturer of agriculture and turf equipment, products and solutions also serving the construction and forestry industry. It is uniquely positioned to deliver both economic and sustainable value for our customers through advanced technology and solutions. Our 25-year journey in India has witnessed a transformation in Indian agriculture as well. At John Deere, we are truly living our higher purpose – We run so life can leap forward.

Jagtap cited, “Our journey in India began 25 years ago with the introduction of advanced product features such as power steering, oil immersed disk brakes, planetary reduction, force feed lubrication, high torque machines and value-add technologies, such as front PTO, perma clutch, AutoTrac, PowrReverser and JDLink. John Deere continues to innovate and introduce these advanced features in India which are now becoming industry standard. The farmers ’outlook is progressive, and they adopt technologies when they see value and cost benefits.”

Jagtap went on to share that Deere remains committed to support the food security mission of the country as well as the changing dietary requirements of the growing populations. He additionally noted that Deere is proud to lead India from subsistence farming to agri-entrepreneurship. “Our efforts for a wholistic farm solution and inclusion of women farmers in the farm mechanisation journey have been immensely valued by our customers. We see pride in their families as we help women farmers skill themselves and become economically independent,” he said.

John Deere also provides financial solutions for wholesale as well as retail customers. For any country, agriculture is vital for its economic stability, inclusive growth and food security. Jagtap mentioned that when it comes to agriculture, there are some challenges like soil erosion, limited energy resources and growing population. He averred, “We need to reduce the impact on the environment while carrying out agriculture. When we bring in a technology or product or solution, we need to take care of the soil and the environment.”

Adding to this, Garg said, “We continue to make technologies that also improve the comfort and convenience of the farmers. The need of an equipment varies according to the geography; we provide the same as per the climate of a place and the financial solutions. Many of the technologies introduced way back in 2000 have become technology norms over time.”

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Piaggio Vehicles, a subsidiary of the Piaggio Group, has launched two new diesel cargo three-wheelers in India – the Ape Xtra Bada 700 and the Ape Xtra 600 priced at INR 345,000 and INR 288,000 (ex-showroom Maharashtra), respectively.

The new three-wheelers are designed to strengthen the company’s position in the last-mile cargo sector and compete with entry-level four-wheel cargo small commercial vehicles (SCVs).

The Ape Xtra Bada 700 introduces features intended to set new industry standards in the three-wheeler cargo category. It features the company's 700 DI diesel engine, providing pulling power and enhanced torque. The vehicle debuts India's first 7 feet cargo deck, allowing for larger and longer loads. It offers a segment-best 750 kg payload capacity, the largest in any three-wheeler cargo vehicle. Other features include a new platform, a digital cluster, 12-inch radial tyres, a new cab and an industry warranty of five years.

The new Ape Xtra 600 features Piaggio's newly developed 600 DI diesel engine, offering improved mileage, better gradeability, and enhanced load-carrying performance. The vehicle is positioned as a reliable and efficient option at an accessible price point.

Diego Graffi, Chairman & Managing Director, Piaggio Vehicles, said, “At Piaggio India, we have always believed in pushing the boundaries of innovation in the last-mile mobility segment. The Ape Xtra Bada 700 is a landmark product that disrupts the cargo 3-wheeler category with industry-first features in engine capacity, deck size and payload. It is designed to empower customers with more productivity and superior earnings. Alongside, the Ape Xtra 600 continues our commitment to delivering efficient, high-value solutions. With these new diesel cargo products, we strengthen our Ape legacy and reiterate our focus on customer-centric engineering.”

Amit Sagar, Executive Vice-President, CV Domestic Business & Retail Finance, Piaggio Vehicles, added, “Cargo mobility demands are changing rapidly, with customers expecting higher power, higher payload, better comfort, and stronger performance. The Ape Xtra Bada 700 addresses all these needs with a fresh, powerful new platform and several industry-firsts that directly enhance profitability for customers. It provides the most efficient, economical, and affordable option for a Cargo 3W and provides a compelling alternate to the four-wheeler cargo vehicles with an advantageous Opeco and TCO. The Ape Xtra 600 also brings improved capabilities to our strong diesel cargo portfolio. We are confident that these products will further strengthen our leadership in the cargo three-wheeler market.”

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IVECO, a manufacturer in alternative propulsion, has demonstrated the endurance of its gas-powered heavy vehicles with the IVECO S-Way CNG truck travelling over 1,000 kilometres on one refill of compressed natural gas (CNG).

The test was carried out under real-world conditions by French journalists Fabien Calvet and Loic Fieux, driving between the Belgian and Spanish borders. The tractor unit towed a loaded curtain-sided semi-trailer with a gross combination weight of 30 tonnes, confirming the S-Way CNG’s efficiency and viability for daily operations. The result showed an average consumption of below 21 kg / 100 km over the distance, combined with quick refuelling.

The truck's gas engine is said to have delivered smooth, responsive and quiet performance, with handling comparable to a diesel model. The journalists noted the vehicle's high-performance engine brake and intarder hydraulic retarder offered strong braking, while the full air suspension enhanced driving comfort.

The model tested uses the xCursor 13 engine by FPT Industrial, producing 500 hp and 2,200 Nm of torque. This engine is designed to meet future Euro VII emissions standards and is paired with a second-generation ZF TraXon 12-speed automated gearbox.

The vehicle was equipped with new 620-litre tanks, providing a total capacity of 1,240 litres equivalent to at least 190 kg of CNG. This capacity represents an 18 percent increase over the previous generation.

IVECO utilised multiple systems to maximise fuel efficiency:

• Predictive GPS systems worked to recover kinetic energy on downhill sections and adjust engine speed ahead of climbs.
• Intelligent energy management features, including a controlled alternator and a dis-engageable air compressor, ensure energy is only consumed when necessary.
• Aerodynamic improvements such as deflectors, side fairings and mirror-cams help to reduce drag.

The gas-powered trucks offer a transport solution that is both sustainable and cost-effective, supported by an established European refuelling network. Operators can utilise the approximately 4,300 bioLNG and 800 BioCNG stations currently in operation.

When running on biomethane, which is produced from organic waste, the trucks can reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by an average of 95 percent, alongside lower fine particle and nitrogen oxide emissions compared to diesel. The European gas refuelling network is set to expand further, with 50 new stations scheduled to open in 2026.

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Chennai-based Daimler India Commercial Vehicles has announced the appointment of Torsten Schmidt as its new CEO. He is set to succeed Satyakam Arya, who has been nominated as the designated President and CEO of Hino Motors in Japan.

Schmidt, currently CFO of Mercedes-Benz do Brasil, has been with Daimler since 1997. Over the course of nearly three decades, he has held various roles across Germany, India, Japan and Brazil, having led teams across sales and central function at Daimler Truck, Mercedes-Benz Trucks and Daimler Truck Asia.

Achim Puchert, CEO Mercedes-Benz Trucks: “Torsten is an experienced and respected leader whose global and intercultural expertise are matched by a proven ability to deliver results. His strong leadership qualities, strategic vision, financial proficiency, and comprehensive knowledge of the entire value chain make him the perfect fit for his new role and to drive our business forward. My heartfelt thanks go to Satyakam - an outstanding leader with exceptional expertise in commercial vehicle operations and a deep commitment to customer success. Satyakam has been a driving force behind Daimler India Commercial Vehicles’ success and together with his team he has established a solid footprint. We wish him all the best in his new role.”  

In his new role, Torsten Schmidt will report to Achim Puchert, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Trucks.

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Eicher Trucks and Buses, a business unit of VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV), has launched the Eicher Pro X Diesel, expanding its offering in the 2-3.5 tonne Small Commercial Vehicle (SCV) segment.

The new diesel model follows the earlier release of the Eicher Pro X EV, providing both electric and diesel options for customers and regions requiring diesel power.

The Pro X Diesel features a new E449 diesel engine developed to deliver fuel efficiency and power for performance across terrains. The model is built as an 'Expert' solution for small firms, fleet operators and first-time buyers, focusing on performance, uptime and ownership.

The vehicle includes the segment’s largest cargo deck (10 feet 8 inches) and offers a long service interval of 30,000 km. This combination is intended to increase the goods carried per trip and reduce operating costs. The Eicher Pro X Diesel has been tested across India’s varied conditions for use in applications such as e-commerce, FMCG and regional logistics.

Vinod Aggarwal, MD & CEO, VE Commercial Vehicles, said, “With the launch of the Eicher Pro X Diesel, we are taking another significant step in transforming last mile logistics in India. The Eicher Pro X range – now available in both electric and diesel variants – reflects our commitment to serve our customers as they transform logistics in India’s Amrit Kaal. Co-created with customers, the range combines Eicher’s proven expertise in fuel efficiency, reliability and superior uptime with the operational flexibility that many businesses seek from a diesel powertrain. This launch strengthens Eicher’s presence in the rapidly evolving small commercial vehicle segment and aligns with our vision to partner India’s progress with smart, sustainable and efficient logistics solutions.”

S S Gill, Chief Commercial Officer, VE Commercial Vehicles, said, “The Eicher Pro X Diesel is a state-of-the-art product designed for customers and drivers in the large SCV segment. It introduces segment-leading comfort and safety features, including a crash-test certified metallic cabin, ergonomic D+2 seating, driver state monitoring system (DSMS) and daytime running lamps (DRL). Intelligent connectivity through the My Eicher App, predictive diagnostics, remote immobiliser and real time monitoring through the 24x7 Uptime Centre support further enhances operational control and security, delivering peace of mind for owners.”

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