Hero MotoCorp, the world's largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has launched a limited edition of The Centennial motorcycle. The company says the Centennial is a tribute to its Founder & Chairman Emeritus – Dr Brijmohan Lall Munjal. The collector's edition will be limited to 100 units and will be sold by invitation only.  

The Centennial is designed with carbon fibre and milled aluminium usage, and meticulous engineering. Its distinctive elements include a lightweight aluminium swingarm for an enhanced riding experience and newly designed carbon fibre body panels for sleek aesthetics and structural rigidity. ‘The Centennial’ features are specially developed, machined, and anodised, including handlebars, handlebar mounts, triple clamps, and rear-set foot pegs. It comes with a gas-charged, fully adjustable mono-shock from Wilbers and a 43-mm upside-down front suspension with damping adjustment. 

A distinct, deep exhaust note emanates from the top-of-the-line carbon fibre and titanium exhaust system by Akrapovic, which is specially tuned for peak performance and integrates seamlessly with the bike.

The solo seat with a carbon fibre seat cowl and milled aluminium special edition numbered badging on the side covers add to the bike's uniqueness and exclusivity. 

With a low kerb weight of 158 kg, ‘The Centennial’ is exceptionally light, offering superior throttle response and improved handling and braking performance.

Dr Pawan Munjal, Executive Chairman, Hero MotoCorp said, "Dr. Brijmohan Lall Munjal, my father and Founder Chairman of Hero MotoCorp, inspired billions worldwide. His vision transformed the landscape of the Indian automotive industry and the Indian industry, leaving behind a legacy of ingenuity, innovation, courage and integrity. For him, business transcended profit - it was about people, both the individual and the community. As we celebrate the completion of one year of his centennial anniversary, I am overwhelmed and proud to introduce ‘The Centennial’ - a marvel of engineering crafted in honour of his legacy. ‘The Centennial’ is not merely a landmark motorcycle but a memoir, written in steel and carbon fibre. This magnificent machine's design, engineering and technology all reflect the indelible mark of our inspiring Founder.”

“His inclusive vision embraced everyone in the Hero community – our customers, employees, dealers, partners, suppliers, and other stakeholders. Over these 100 days, we celebrate the man who started it all. I invite everyone to join us in honouring Dr. Brijmohan Lall Munjal on his 101st birth anniversary," he concluded.   

Hero MotoCorp states that the Centennial motorcycle has been conceptualised, designed and developed by the global experts at the Hero Centre for Innovation and Technology (CIT) in India and the Hero Tech Centre in Germany (TCG). 

The limited-edition motorcycle in honour of Dr. Brijmohan Lall Munjal's 101st birth anniversary, will be auctioned to its employees, associates, business partners, and stakeholders. The proceeds from the contributions the company says will be utilised for the society's greater good, reflecting the Founder's enduring value of giving back to the community.

The deliveries of ‘The Centennial’ will begin in September 2024. In addition, the company is celebrating 100 days of customer and employee engagements across its facilities and dealer network, including its Global markets. During this period, customers who buy any Hero motorcycle or scooter will have a unique opportunity to receive 100% cashback on their purchase. This offer is available for a limited number of 100 vehicles. 

TVS Motor Company, a leading two- and three-wheeler manufacturer, has launched the updated TVS Apache RTR 160 4V at INR 139,000.

The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is powered by a 159.7cc, oil-cooled, fuel-injected, 4-valve, which produces 17.55 PS at 9,250 rpm and 14.73 Nm of torque at 7,500 rpm.

It comes with a segment-first 37mm Upside Down (USD) suspension and three ride modes — Sport, Urban, and Rain, which the company claims enhance control, stability, and adaptability across diverse riding conditions.

Like with most of the new models from the TVS Motor Co’s stable, the Apache RTR 160 4V now comes with TVS SmartXonnect technology, which provides Bluetooth connectivity, providing turn-by-turn navigation, call & SMS alerts, and voice assist.

In terms of design, the refreshed TVS Apache RTR 160 4V’s can be had in three colour options – Granite Grey, Matte Black, and Pearl White, which are complemented by sporty, race-inspired graphics, golden-finish USD forks, and red alloy wheels. 

Vimal Sumbly, Head of Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company, said, “We are proud to lead the way in engineering and innovation in motorcycles. With that commitment, we are excited to announce the upgrade of the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V with cutting-edge features and advanced technology. Built on a rich racing legacy, the TVS Apache Series proudly serves over 5.5 million enthusiasts, making it one of the fastest-growing premium motorcycle brands globally. We are committed to meeting the evolving needs of our customers by integrating performance, technology, and style. By constantly evolving in our set of offerings, we have set new benchmarks for performance motorcycles in India.”

KAW Veloce Motors Pvt Ltd (KVMPL) has unveiled the Brixton brand of motorcycles (600 cc and 1200 cc) and an e-scooter of the Italian brand Velocifero (VLF) called Tennis in Kolhapur, Maharashtra.

The unveiling of both the machines – the motorcycle with an ICE and the e-scooter with a battery and motor – at the Highland Club on the outskirts of the city took place amid much fanfare.

The Brixton motorcycle and VLF e-scooter – with an angular bodywork overall that is synonymous with Italian design culture and featuring a 2.1kW hub motor, and a range of 130 km – will be offered through the MotoHaus retail channel, the first outlet of which is set to be commissioned in a few days from now in Kolhapur.

Both the two-wheelers – the e-scooter is priced at INR 1,30,000 ex-showroom – are being put together (from a CKD kit) at a plant that is about 12 km from the launch venue as part of the Phase I strategy. To be offered through MotoHaus outlets in cities Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Jaipur, Vapi, Goa, Bangalore, Chennai, Cochin, Nashik, Nagpur, Surat, Ahmedabad and Vadodara besides Kolhapur, the two vehicle brands are expected to be joined by a third Italian brand and an in-house electric two-wheeler brand at a later date.

Once the Phase I strategy plays out and the Bixton and VLF offerings find a footing in the Indian market, the company will embark on the Phase II strategy that will include a design and development centre at Kolhapur. The strategy will also include a manufacturing plant that can do 25,000 units and enable the engineering of a robust supply chain in terms of localisation.

It is at the Phase II level that investments from Brixton Motorcycles (Austria) and VLF are expected to come into the venture, which is initially supported by the parent company of KAW Veloce.

TVS Motor Company-owned British premium motorcycle brand Norton Motorcycles, has announced changes to its leadership structure.

The company has announced Dr. Robert Hentschel, currently CEO, will step back from his role effective immediately. He will transition to a non-executive director role within the company.

On the other hand, Nevijo Mance will join Norton Motorcycles as Executive Director, overseeing all upstream business operations, as part of the new leadership structure.

He will be responsible for product design, development and engineering, manufacturing, procurement, quality control, and supply chain management.

In addition, Richard Arnold, who was appointed Executive Director in June 2024, will be responsible for downstream business operations, including marketing, brand management, sales, distribution, customer relationship management, aftersales service, product management, and public relations.

He will also be responsible for enhancing customer experience, expanding Norton’s market reach, and strengthening the brand’s presence across global markets.

Dr Rober had been leading the company since 2021, and has been instrumental in strengthening Norton’s foundations, guiding the company through crucial stages of its growth plan and establishing a strong operational base. He had played a key role in synergistic relationship with parent TVS Motor Company, which has been pivotal in advancing Norton’s progress and setting the stage for future success.

TVS Motor Company (TVSM), a global manufacturer of two- and three-wheelers, has announced the date and venue for the fourth edition of its TVS MotoSoul festival. The two-day festival will be held at Vagator, Goa, on 6 and 7 December 2024 with a focus on eco-friendly branding and sustainable practices.

Riding on this year’s theme of ‘Feel the Adrenaline, Feel the Inspiration, Feel the Groove’, TVS MotoSoul 4.0 is expected to draw visitors not only from India but also from other countries where the company has a presence. The two-day event promises attractive sessions like culinary experiences, wellness and personal care sessions, bike trips and tricks sessions and community and bonding sessions, as well as live music performances by top artists. The festival will provide attendees with a chance to participate in motorsports including dirt track racing, stunt shows and flat track challenges. Additionally, the attendees will be able to interact with race champions, riding experts and motorcycling legends.

Vimal Sumbly, Head of Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company, said, “TVS MotoSoul is a mark of the motorcycling spirit. It celebrates the bond between man and machine. Each edition has not only grown in scale but has also deepened this connection among enthusiasts. Our commitment goes beyond just motorcycles; we are devoted to nurturing a thriving ecosystem of riders. As we gear up for TVS MotoSoul 4.0, we are excited to redefine the journey with extraordinary experiences, all wrapped in a vibrant and colourful theme that captures the free-spirited essence of our community. We are confident that our mission to democratise these experiences will lead to one of the most exhilarating celebrations of riders and their journeys at TVS MotoSoul 4.0.”