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)

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Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has announced a realignment of its motorsports programme, marking a formal entry into off-road racing. The move is intended to align the company’s domestic activities with Honda’s global focus on rally, motocross, and endurance formats.

After 18 years of involvement in Indian circuit racing, including the Honda One Make Race and the Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship (INMRC), HMSI is transitioning its resources toward dirt-based disciplines. This shift follows the growing popularity of rally and supercross in India.

Key elements of the transition include:

• Rider Development: Transitioning from Moto3-spec training on platforms like the NSF250R toward off-road rider development programmes.
• Market Alignment: Responding to a diverse audience base attracted to the accessibility of rally and dirt-track formats.
• Global Integration: Aligning Indian operations with international programmes such as the Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) and Honda’s global rally expertise.

In conjunction with its racing entry, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India is evaluating an expansion of its product portfolio. The company intends to focus on adventure and off-road-capable motorcycles to meet the increasing demand for all-terrain riding among Indian consumers.

The entry into off-road racing is expected to provide a testing ground for future motorcycle models tailored for Indian riding conditions while broadening participation in national motorsport.

“In India, off‑road racing has been witnessing growing popularity due to its high entertainment value and accessibility, attracting a wider and more diverse audience. With motorsport interest increasingly shifting toward rally, supercross, and dirt‑based formats, HMSI is evolving its motorsport direction accordingly by expanding its presence in off‑road racing categories while gradually transitioning from circuit racing activities,” the company said in a statement.

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Chennai-based two-wheeler and three-wheeler major TVS Motor Company has announced the launch of the 2026 Apache RTR 160 4V range in India at prices starting INR 125,440 (ex-showroom Delhi).

The update standardises several technical features across the line-up, including a LED projector headlamp and an assist and slipper clutch, which were previously reserved for the top-tier variant.

The 2026 Apache RTR 160 4V range incorporates race-derived engineering to improve night-time visibility and rider control. The motorcycle remains the most powerful in the 160cc segment, delivering 17.55 PS.

Key hardware updates include:

• Lighting: Class-D LED projector headlamps with LED daytime running lamps (DRLs) and LED turn signals across all variants.
• Transmission: Integration of an assist and slipper clutch for smoother downshifts.
• Electronics: Three ride modes (Sport, Urban, and Rain) and TVS SmartXonnect for turn-by-turn navigation and call alerts.
• Chassis: Hydroformed handlebars and radial tyres for stability.

Vimal Sumbly, Head Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company, said, “For over 20 years, TVS Apache has defined performance motorcycling in India and beyond, earning the trust of over 6.5 million riders across 60+ countries. The all-new TVS Apache RTR 160 4V continues to set the benchmark in the 160cc performance segment, built on racing-bred engineering and segment-leading technology. With this latest upgrade, we are significantly enhancing rider safety, night-time visibility, and on-road control across the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V range, while delivering a premium and immersive riding experience.”

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Hinduja Leyland Finance (HLF) and Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide financing solutions for motorcycles and scooters across India.

The partnership intended to increase two-wheeler penetration in both urban and rural markets through integrated credit underwriting and digital platforms.

HLF, a non-banking financial company (NBFC) under the Hinduja Group, will offer customised loan options across the HMSI product range. The collaboration focuses on providing flexible repayment structures to improve affordability for diverse customer segments.

The partnership will utilise HLF's branch network to reach emerging and high-growth markets. Implementing swift and transparent loan processing to reduce the time between vehicle selection and delivery. Aligning financing products with evolving consumer expectations for personal mobility.

Sachin Pillai, MD & CEO, Hinduja Leyland Finance, said, “HMSI has been an integral part of our two-wheeler financing ecosystem, and this MoU marks a significant step in strengthening our market presence and expanding our reach across key markets. It enables us to further enhance access to mobility ownership through a wider and more integrated network. We expect this collaboration will play an important role in driving responsible growth, improving customer accessibility, and supporting the evolving mobility needs across the country. We see this as an opportunity to build a more robust and responsive financing ecosystem aligned to the changing expectations of customers.”

Mutsuo Usui, Director of Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “This partnership reflects our focus on improving access to mobility by making financing simpler and more inclusive. By working closely with Hinduja Leyland Finance, we aim to support customers with flexible solutions that enhance affordability and convenience, while expanding our reach in high-growth markets. Strong financing ecosystems remain essential to sustainable two-wheeler growth in India.”

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Ultraviolette Automotive has opened a new UV Space Station in Nagpur, Maharashtra. The facility was inaugurated by Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways. This 3S centre, established in partnership with Quantum Surge Motors LLP, provides sales, service, and spare parts for the company’s electric motorcycle portfolio.

The Nagpur centre displays the F77 and the X-47 Crossover, a radar-integrated electric motorcycle featuring a 10.3 kWh battery and an IDC range of 323 km.

Ultraviolette has introduced ‘Battery Flex’, a Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) platform, which allows customers to purchase the vehicle chassis separately from the battery to reduce initial costs with the X-47 available from INR 149,000 and battery subscription starting at a monthly fee of INR 2,499.

Narayan Subramaniam, CEO & Co-Founder, Ultraviolette Automotive, said, “Nagpur has long been recognized as a hub of innovation and progressive thinking, and today marks a defining moment as we inaugurate the Ultraviolette Space Station here. This milestone, graced by Nitin Gadkari, an ardent champion of electric mobility and the Make in India vision, underscore the rapid growth of India’s two-wheeler EV industry. The momentum we are witnessing is not just about adoption, but about aspiration- a new generation of riders who demand unmatched design, uncompromised performance, futuristic technology, and sustainability in equal measure.”

Niraj Rajmohan, CTO & Co-Founder, Ultraviolette, added, “Technology is at the heart of India’s transformational journey into a global innovation hub, and the launch of the Ultraviolette Space Station in Nagpur is a testament to that journey. With years of rigorous R&D and the brilliance of our teams, we are building advanced mobility solutions that seamlessly integrate performance, sustainability, and engineering excellence.”

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