Electric Two-wheeler Segment Signals Recovery
- By MT Bureau
- October 07, 2020
Electric two-wheeler industry is showing signs of revival especially with sales of High-Speed Electric two-wheelers (HS E2W) in September have increased by 72 percent on YoY basis. The registration stood at 2,544 units in September 2020, as against 1,473 vehicles sold in the corresponding month of the last year.
“We are experiencing huge customers’ interest in greener vehicles as they have seen how the environment looks like when no fuel-guzzling vehicles are running on roads. The upcoming festive season will add to the pent up demand and help OEMs to recover what they lost in the quarter 1 and 2 due to Covid lockdown,” Sohinder Gill, Director General, Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles (SMEV) said.
The first six month of the Financial Year 21 have been a roller coaster ride for the EV industry. The financial year started with an uncertainty due to Covid 19 which led to lockdown in the country. Between the period of April’20 and September’20, the industry registered sales of 7552 HS E2W as against 10161 HS E2W sold in the corresponding months of the last FY.
“One of the main reasons of the stagnant sales is attributed to customers not able to buy products due to COVID 19, which led to lockdown in the country. However, the industry has been quickly able to enter the positive curve soon after the government announced the unlock process,” he said.
“Lately there have been many positive news on the EV policy front from the central and state governments that has led to a higher confidence amongst OEMs, Component suppliers and investors. We look forward to a big push by the government to set right what went wrong with FAME 2 so as to assist generation of demand which is already showing some green shoots. Some of the measures that could be adopted are removal of the 'range criteria' from two wheelers for subsidy, reduction of GST on batteries from 18 % to 5% when sold separately, mandating delivery businesses to convert their fleets to EVs, promote electric mobility under ‘Swatchh Bharat Campaign’ added Sohinder Gill.
The outlook for the FY remains positive as the segment hopes that the recent move by the central government allowing vehicle to be sold without battery and the announcement of EV policy by Delhi government would further help the industry to move forward. Also, extending the PMP guidelines would allow industry to ramp-up production and strengthen local component market. (MT)
NB: Featured photo is representational.
Hero MotoCorp Enters France, Marking 52nd International Market
- By MT Bureau
- October 29, 2025
Hero MotoCorp, the world's largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, has announced its official entry into France in partnership with GD France. This move expands the company’s presence to 52 international markets and deepens its European footprint following successful expansions in Italy, Spain and the UK.
The French debut was marked by the launch of the company’s Euro 5+ range, led by the Hunk 440 motorcycle, at the UTAC Mortefontaine proving ground near Paris.
Sanjay Bhan, Executive Vice President, Hero MotoCorp, said: "Building on our presence in Italy, Spain, and the UK, Hero MotoCorp’s entry into the France market marks another milestone in our journey of global expansion. Our partnership with GD France, further strengthens our European footprint. The launch of the Hunk 440 reflects our deep understanding of French riders and their expectations for reliability, superior-quality and performance-driven machine. The new Hunk 440 not only delivers on these expectations but also offers an ownership experience that is both accessible and aspirational. This unique combination of superior engineering, refined design and long-lasting performance is set to disrupt the current segment and offers the first-time owners as well as seasoned enthusiasts alike the opportunity to begin their motorcycling journey with a true sense of limitless freedom.”
GD France will distribute the Hero MotoCorp product range, initially through a network of 30 official sales and service outlets across major French cities, with plans to expand to over 50 dealers by 2026.
Ghislain GUIOT, CEO, GD France, said, “We are proud to partner with Hero MotoCorp for their entry into the French market. Both Hero MotoCorp and GD France share a deep commitment to putting customers first and ensuring a seamless ownership experience, supported by a robust sales and service network across the country. Beginning with the Hunk 440, we aim to offer riders a unique combination of technology and value - a combination that we believe will deeply resonate with consumers in France.”
The flagship Hunk 440 is E5+ and EU-compliant, entering the A2 performance category with a focus on city commuting and motorway acceleration. It delivers 36 Nm of low-end torque at 4000 rpm and a peak power of 27 bhp at 6,000 rpm. The Hunk 440 comes with high tensile steel trellis frame for stability and handling. Equipped with dual-channel ABS on 320 mm front and 240 mm rear discs, USD Cartridge Forks by KYB, a full-digital and connected TFT display and turn-by-turn navigation.
The Hunk 440 is available starting at EUR 3,599 (including VAT) in two colours: Twilight Blue and Phantom Black.
Honda Activa Scooter Crosses 35 Million Customer Milestone In India
- By MT Bureau
- October 29, 2025
Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India has attained a new milestone of having surpassed 35 million sales for its popular Activa scooter range across the country. This achievement, which spans 24 years since the scooter’s launch in 2001, includes the Activa 110, Activa 125 and Activa-i models.
The company highlighted that the scooter's journey reflects its connection with customers, providing mobility across the country. The Activa plays a key role in the Japanese major's presence in the Indian two-wheeler market.
Over the year, the Activa has created a strong name for itself, achieving its first 10 million customers by 2015, 20 million by 2018 and now 35 million in 2025.
The success is attributed to the scooter's adaptability, having incorporated updates in technology and user experience while maintaining focus on ease of use, consistency and fuel efficiency.
It was just recently, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India introduced the Activa e:, the popular scooter in an electric avatar. In August 2025, the company launched the Activa and Activa 125 anniversary editions.
TVS Motor Company has announced its highest-ever operating revenue, sales, and profits for the Q2 FY2026. The performance was supported by growth across its two-wheeler, three-wheeler and exports.
The company's operating revenue grew by 29 percent YoY, reaching INR 119.05 billion, compared to INR 92.28 billion for the same period last year. It reported its best-ever EBITDA of INR 15 billion, up 40 percent as compared to INR 10.8 billion last year. The profit before tax came at INR 12.26 billion, as against INR 8.97 billion a year ago.
It is to be noted that the profit before tax for the quarter includes fair valuation loss on investments held by the company, amounting to INR 310 million, as against fair valuation gain of INR 230 million during Q2 last year.
During the quarter, the company saw scooter sales touch 639,000 units, up 30 percent, motorcycle sales grew 20 percent to 673,000 units, while electric vehicle sales clocked 80,000 units, up 7 percent YoY respectively. The company noted that magnet availability continues to pose short-to-medium term challenges for the segment.
On the exports front, the company reported sales of 363,000 two-wheelers, up 31 percent YoY.
For H1 FY2026, the revenue came at INR 219.86 billion, up 25 percent YoY and profit before tax of INR 22.79 billion, up 36 percent YoY.
Hero MotoCorp Enters UK Market, Expands Global Footprint To 51 Countries
- By MT Bureau
- October 23, 2025
Hero MotoCorp, one of the leading global manufacturers of scooters and motorcycles, has announced its entry into the United Kingdom (UK) market through a partnership with distributor MotoGB. This move makes the UK the company’s 51st international market, building on its recent expansions in Italy and Spain.
The company will introduce its Euro 5+ range, led by the Hunk 440, a motorcycle designed to meet the demand for motorcycles in the region.
Sanjay Bhan, Executive Vice-President, Hero MotoCorp, said, "Hero MotoCorp’s entry into the United Kingdom marks a defining milestone in our global expansion journey. Following our foray into Italy and Spain, our partnership with MotoGB, further strengthens our European footprint. The launch of Hunk 440 reflects our deep understanding UK riders - a motorcycle that stays true to the core of motorcycling while offering style, performance and reliability in accessible package. With this launch, we aim to make premium motorcycles accessible for first-time riders, and enthusiasts alike. With a presence now spanning 51 international markets, we reaffirm our commitment to redefining the future of mobility through our next-gen mobility solutions that deliver Limitless Freedom and Limitless Adventure to riders globally.”
MotoGB, a Lancashire-based distributor, will initially make the Hero MotoCorp product range available through a network of over 25 official sales and service outlets. The partnership plans to expand to over 35 locations by 2026.
Matt Kay, General Manager of MotoGB, said, “We are proud to partner with Hero MotoCorp as they make their debut in the UK market. Both Hero MotoCorp and MotoGB share a deep commitment to putting customers first and ensuring a seamless ownership experience, supported by a robust sales and service network across the country. Beginning with the Hunk 440, we will be able to offer riders a unique combination of technology and value that will resonate deeply with consumers in the United Kingdom.”
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