Ather Launches Bluetooth Update For 450X

Arlanxeo Launches Handbook of Synthetic Rubber

Ather Energy has released its 13th OTA (Over the Air) update named Atherstack Atom. This update enables the Bluetooth-based music and calls feature on the Ather 450X. The latest update also includes the revamped version of the Ather App for all Ather owners with Android and iOS devices.

The new feature allows Ather 450X owners to safely pair the scooter’s 7- inch touchscreen dashboard with their smartphones. This allows the rider to view and control music and phone calls through the dashboard without any distractions and offers a seamless experience.

While the music is playing on the smartphone, the dashboard will show album art, the name of the song, and the artist in the display. When the vehicle is stationary, the rider can use the touchscreen to switch to the previous track, play/pause the current track or jump to the next track. The feature supports all popular music streaming services and podcast services. During calls, the rider can accept/reject the call on the touchscreen dashboard. For rider safety, a combination of the physical switches can be used while riding.

The EV company is also working towards launching a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) which allows the rider to monitor the tire pressure which will ensure that the vehicle performs optimally. These additions will make the daily rides on the Ather 450X a seamless experience and limit riders from having to pull out their phones.

This update also includes a brand new Ather App which has been built from scratch to provide users with a clean, intuitive interface to interact with their scooter and with the larger Ather Community. The new App is developed in native Android and iOS frameworks and includes a redesigned, contextual home screen to have easy access to all the information the user typically needs and a fresh new design language.

From introducing upgrades like ‘Guide me home lights’ to ‘Real-time ride efficiency indicators’ to new riding modes, a ‘Dark Theme’ for the dashboard and now the Bluetooth® based Music and Call feature, Ather Energy is the first two-wheeler company in India to offer features and spec upgrades to existing consumers. The Ather Community and consumer research have driven the past Over-the-Air (OTA) software upgrades making Ather Energy’s products the only ever-improving two-wheeler and unlike any other automobile in the market.

Tarun Mehta, CEO and Co-Founder, Ather Energy, said, “We are happy to finally update the Bluetooth® based Music & Call feature on our flagship model. With the Atherstack Atom update, we aimed at simplifying a user’s ride experience, improving convenience, and removing all mental overheads when a phone rings while also being safe. We hope that every Ather 450X owner will love the experience just like we did. Every Ather 450X delivered to date will automatically download the OTA, while the new deliveries will have the feature built-in. Our team is also working on adding more smart and connected accessories so Ather owners can have a fully integrated system." (MT)

Bajaj Auto Intros Updated Pulsar 150 Range At INR 108,772

Bajaj Pulsar 150

Bajaj Auto, one of the leading two-wheeler and three-wheeler manufacturers, has updated its popular Pulsar 150 motorcycle range. The updates include the introduction of LED headlamps and LED blinkers to the model, which the company states is intended to improve visibility and usability while maintaining the vehicle's design identity.

The updated range is available at the following ex-showroom Delhi prices – Pulsar 150 SD at INR 108,772, Pulsar 150 SD UG at INR 111,669 and Pulsar 150 TD UG at INR 115,481.

The motorcycle retains its frame and stance, though Bajaj has introduced new colour options and graphics. The Pulsar 150 continues to utilise DTS-i (Digital Twin Spark-ignition) technology, which uses two spark plugs to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber, intended to improve combustion efficiency and power output.

The update focuses on integrating modern lighting components into the existing platform, which originally established the sports motorcycling segment in India.

Sarang Kanade, President, Motorcycle Business Unit, Bajaj Auto, said, “The Pulsar 150 has defined performance motorcycling for generations. With this update, we have preserved its classic character while thoughtfully adding modern LED lighting, ensuring the Pulsar 150 remains relevant, recognisable and Definitely Daring.”

Suzuki Motorcycle India Conducts Access Mileage Contest In Palwal

SMIPL

Suzuki Motorcycle India (SMIPL), the subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, held a mileage contest for the Suzuki Access scooter in Palwal. The event involved 35 participants, including current owners and prospective buyers, to test the fuel efficiency of the scooter under city driving conditions.

The initiative is part of the brand’s ‘Pickup Bhi, Mileage Bhi’ strategy, which focuses on balancing engine performance with fuel economy and build quality.

The event was organised in partnership with RV Suzuki in Palwal. The participants, all of whom had purchased their scooters within the last year, followed a specific testing protocol: a designated 20-kilometre circuit on city roads, scooters were operated on a full tank, then refilled at the end of the journey to calculate the exact fuel consumed.  Potential customers were provided with test rides and the opportunity to interview existing owners regarding reliability and comfort.

Deepak Mutreja, Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, “The Suzuki Access Mileage Contest places a strong focus on fuel efficiency, bringing our brand promise of ‘Pickup Bhi, Mileage Bhi, Shandar Quality Ke Sath’ to life. By riding on city roads, participants experience the scooter’s real-world mileage. Along with mileage, customers also get to experience the quality and reliability that have made the Access a trusted choice of over 6 million customers. We appreciate the participation from customers in Palwal. We will continue to extend such on-ground initiatives to more cities across India, allowing customers to connect closely with out two-wheelers and witness their performance firsthand.”

The company intends to expand these on-ground initiatives to additional cities across India to demonstrate the performance of its two-wheeler portfolio in local environments.

Ola Electric Launches Hyperservice Centres With Same-Day Service Guarantee

Hyperservices Centre

Bengaluru-based electric vehicle maker Ola Electric has expanded its Hyperservice initiative by launching dedicated centres that offer a same-day service guarantee for eligible customers at no extra cost. The company will upgrade its existing service infrastructure into Hyperservice Centres, beginning with a facility in Indiranagar, Bengaluru.

The expansion is intended to reduce service lead times and increase transparency through a digital workflow.

The Hyperservice Centres include several facilities for customers and technical upgrades for vehicle maintenance. The waiting area includes a lounge and Wi-Fi connectivity for customers. Real-time visibility of the servicing stages is provided via the Ola Electric app. Going forward, the company plans to upgrade selected centres across India in the coming weeks.

Ola Electric has also transitioned Hyperservice into an open platform. This move makes the company’s spare parts, diagnostic tools, and training modules available to independent garages, mechanics, and fleet operators.

Under this model, parts can be purchased directly through the Ola Electric app or website. This is intended to allow garages and customers to access components without the use of intermediaries.

“As part of the ongoing service upgrade we are reimagining many of the fundamental aspects of the service experience. We see it as a core part of Ola ownership, and it needs the same level of innovation as the product itself. With Hyperservice Centres, we are setting a new benchmark – same-day service guarantee. At no extra cost for any customer. This is about using technology, process redesign and scale to remove friction and give every Ola customer a faster, simpler and more transparent service experience,” said the company in a statement.

The company has rolled out an in-app service appointment feature nationwide. The tool allows users to select service slots, track the status of their vehicle, and manage maintenance requirements within the unified platform to replace traditional booking methods.

Hajime Aota Appointed Chairman Of Yamaha Motor India Group

Hajime Aota

India Yamaha Motor, one of the leading two-wheeler manufacturers in the country, has announced the appointment of Hajime Aota as the Chairman of Yamaha Motor India Group, effective from 1 January 2026. He is set to succeed Itaru Otani, who held the position since November 2024.

The appointment comes as Yamaha continues its focus on the premium segment and digital integration within the Indian two-wheeler market.

Aota joins the Indian operations with experience in corporate strategy, planning and venture business development. He has held leadership roles in Japan, the United States and the United Kingdom.

Prior to this role, Aota served as Executive Officer at Yamaha Motor Co, and Chief General Manager of the Corporate Strategy Centre at the global headquarters in Japan. In these positions, he managed corporate strategy, sustainability and digital transformation.

He has also worked as Chairperson of Yamaha Motor Ventures & Laboratory Silicon Valley (YMVSV) overseeing investments in robotics, transportation, fintech and health technologies. He has also contributed towards Yamaha Motor Group’s long-term growth strategy.

Aota is a graduate of Keio University and holds a qualification from the Program for Leadership Development at Harvard Business School.

Hajime Aota, said, “I am very excited to begin my journey in India, one of the world’s most dynamic and diverse two-wheeler markets. The rapidly evolving aspirations of Indian consumers, especially the youth, align strongly with Yamaha’s focus on premium products, innovation, and a customer-centric approach. Leading Yamaha in India is a significant responsibility, and my focus is on strengthening the brand by delivering products that seamlessly combine Yamaha’s global engineering excellence with the evolving needs of Indian riders. I look forward to working closely with our teams and partners to drive sustainable growth and reinforce Yamaha’s presence in this important market.”