Carolwood LP has officially closed its agreement with Polaris to acquire the iconic Indian Motorcycle Company, which will now become an independent business.

The transition coincides with the 125th anniversary of the company, which also sees Mike Kennedy, a veteran of the motorcycle industry, take over as the Chief Executive Officer of the stand-alone entity.

The acquisition agreement includes the transition of approximately 900 employees to the new Indian Motorcycle Company. Manufacturing operations will remain at existing facilities in Spirit Lake, Iowa and Monticello, Minnesota.

Industrial design, technology and product development will continue at research and development centres in Burgdorf, Switzerland and Wyoming, Minnesota. Sales, service, and support for the dealer network and customers are expected to continue without interruption.

The company’s strategy involves concentrated investment in motorcycles, technologies, and craftsmanship. The executive emphasised a commitment to the brand's American manufacturing identity and its dealer partnerships.

Mike Kennedy, said, “It’s an incredible honour to take the helm of Indian Motorcycle as it celebrates its 125th Anniversary, empowered by a sense of gratitude and opportunity, and the support and ambition of a well-resourced, highly motivated ownership team. 2026 will be a special year to honour our history, but more importantly, to drive the brand into the future with a renewed level of commitment, focus and clarity that can only be found as a stand-alone company.”

The new leadership intends to focus on transparency and collaboration with its global dealer network, incorporating feedback into operations, marketing, and product development.

“We will achieve our vision through a deeper level of differentiation, leaning in on what makes our brand unique, and with products that possess a style, craftsmanship and performance quality that is uniquely justified by our historic legacy and spirit of innovation. Dealers are our most important partners, and we will judge our business based on the success of our dealers. We intend to be extremely collaborative with our dealers, actively listening to their feedback and incorporating it into our planning and decision-making, not only in terms of dealer operations, but also product development and marketing. America’s first motorcycle company will put America first. Our brand and business will be grounded in our American identity and more importantly, American manufacturing. ‘Built in America’ is not a slogan. It’s a competitive advantage, and we intend to use it,” added Kennedy.

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Italian two-wheeler major Vespa India has introduced the Vespa Tech 80th, an exclusive commemorative series launched on 23 April 2026.

This special edition marks the 80th anniversary of the original patent filing on 23 April 1946, bridging the gap between the brand's post-war origins and modern technology. Available in 125cc and 150cc variants, the series is designed as a tribute to the Italian icon's legacy of freedom and style.

The standout feature of the Vespa Tech 80th is its exclusive Verde Pastello green livery. This specific shade was retrieved from historical archives and is inspired by the very first single-colour Vespa models from the 1940s.

The aesthetic follows a minimalist and functional language where the body colour extends to the shield profile, passenger grab handles, mirrors and suspension linkages. This glossy finish is contrasted by darker green satin-finish elements, including a stitched saddle, rubber footrest inserts and handlebar grips.

Further historical nods include Verde Pastello rims with a diamond finish, inspired by the original 1946 Vespa 98. Each unit is marked by a commemorative ‘80th’ plaque on the front shield and a dedicated ‘80 years of Vespa Est. 1946’ badge on the backplate. To celebrate this milestone globally, Vespa will host a massive international gathering in Rome from 25 to 28 June 2026, which is expected to be the largest celebration in the brand's history.

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Suzuki Motorcycle India (SMIPL), the two-wheeler subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, is celebrating its 20th anniversary in India.

The Japanese automaker started production in India in 2006 and has evolved from its initial motorcycle launches to becoming a major player in the Indian mobility landscape, recently surpassing the milestone of 10 million units produced in India in 2026.

Suzuki’s journey in India began with the Heat 125 and Zeus 125 motorcycles, but it was the 2007 launch of the Access 125, which provided momentum for the brand in India’s 125cc scooter segment.

Since then, the company has expanded its lineup with the likes of the Burgman Street & the Avenis scooter, and performance motorcycles like the Gixxer series and V-Strom SX.

Suzuki Motorcycle India has also maintained a premium footprint with models such as the Hayabusa, GSX-8R and V-Strom 800 DE.

Furthermore, the Gurugram manufacturing facility now exports ‘Made-in-India’ Suzuki two-wheelers to 77 countries worldwide.

To meet increasing demand and prepare for the next decade of growth, Suzuki Motorcycle India has initiated groundwork for its second manufacturing plant in Kharkhoda. The company is also adopting a multi-pathway approach to carbon neutrality, focusing on diverse power solutions tailored for the Indian market.

It was just recently that the company entered the EV space with the Suzuki e-Access and is also developing Gixxer SF 250 FFV, featuring E85-compliant flex-fuel technology.

Kenichi Umeda, Managing Director, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, “Marking 20 years of start of production in India is a significant milestone for all of us at Suzuki Motorcycle India. This progress has enabled us to build an ecosystem founded on trust and collaboration, with presence across all states through 1,240 touchpoints. Looking ahead, our future growth strategy will be guided by a multi-pathway approach to carbon neutrality, integrating diverse fuel and power solutions best suited to India.”

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Suzuki Motorcycle India (SMIPL) has introduced a new colour option for the Avenis Special Edition, aimed at enhancing the scooter’s visual appeal for younger riders.

The scooter is now available in a dual-tone Pearl Glacier White / Metallic Oort Gray finish. This update follows the company's recent marketing initiatives, including a collaboration with the anime series Naruto Shippuden.

The Avenis retains its 124.3cc all-aluminium engine equipped with Suzuki Eco Performance (SEP) technology. The scooter features a Bluetooth-enabled digital instrument cluster with Suzuki Ride Connect, LED lighting, and a front storage box with an integrated USB socket. Safety and utility features include a Combined Brake System (CBS), a 21.8-litre under-seat storage compartment and an external fuel filler lid.

As part of the launch, Suzuki is offering a benefit voucher to customers, which is redeemable at selected lifestyle, health, and food and beverage brands.

Deepak Mutreja, Vice-President – Sales & Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, “The Avenis has been well-received for its sporty styling, performance, and everyday practicality. With the introduction of this new Pearl Glacier White / Metallic Oort Gray colour for the Special Edition, we aim to further enhance its visual appeal and keep the portfolio fresh and relevant for our customers. We are confident that this new addition will resonate strongly with young and styled-conscious riders.”

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Bajaj Auto-owned Austrian motorcycle brand KTM has announced the expansion of its 390 Duke and 390 Adventure series with the introduction of new 350cc engine variants.

The launch, announced on 20 April 2026, leverages the 18 percent GST bracket for engines under 350cc, allowing KTM to offer a lower entry price for its performance motorcycles. The existing 399cc models will remain available alongside the new additions.

The 350cc variants produce 41.5 PS of power and 33.5 Nm of torque, maintaining the technical specifications, ergonomics and technology of the larger displacement models. The KTM 390 Duke (350cc) is priced at INR 277,268, while the KTM 390 Adventure (350cc) starts at INR 280,905 (ex-showroom, Delhi). This strategic move is intended to broaden the brand's customer base by making its premium motorcycles more accessible to the Indian market.

The 399cc lineup – including the Duke R, Adventure S, Adventure X and Adventure R – continues unchanged. KTM aims to increase its market share in the premium segment by passing tax benefits directly to consumers while retaining the performance characteristics associated with the ‘Ready to Race’ branding.

Manik Nangia, President, Probiking, Bajaj Auto, said, "The KTM 390 Duke and KTM 390 Adventure are among the most aspirational motorcycles in India, and this expansion is about making that aspiration a reality for more riders. The new 350cc engine variants allow us to pass on the 18 percent GST benefit directly to our customers, lowering the entry price to the range while preserving everything that makes these motorcycles exceptional. This is about growing the 390 community and bringing genuine KTM performance within reach of a much larger audience."

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