The word- ‘milestone’ was repeated numerous times by the company’s chairman in its recent virtual press conference. Often with gleaming pride in his eyes- the pride of a dutiful son, a leading corporate visionary, and a hardworking man bearing the fruits of his labour.
Standing tall at Hero’s manufacturing facility in Gurugram, the CEO reflected on the sombre year that went by and is almost certain that the current year will shine a better light on us all. Joined shortly by the movie star Sharukh Khan, he reflected on various hardships, achievements, and yet again- ‘milestones’.
When asked by the keenly interested actor, on how the mobility company set out with its journey, the Managing Director said, “It was on January 19th, 1984, exactly 37 years ago that this company was incorporated. Fuelled by the focus on the future and reaching new milestones, a dream was set in motion, with a vision for the company it wanted to be.” In his air of passionate pleasantry, the captain of Hero said they had little to no idea about how big his company would turn out. “My beloved father Dr Brijmohan Lall Munjal put the building blocks in place for an ecosystem that has provided mobility to millions globally,” he added.
The head of the company explained that the monumental milestone of producing their one-millionth product, which at a time, seemed like a distant dream. Still grasping at the amazing feat, he pointed out that, “This milestone signifies much more than just a sales record; it is the success of our iconic brand, it is the trust our customers have placed in us, in our bikes and scooters. It is the hard work of the employees, all our heroes, and along with all of this- it is the success of this nation, our India.”
Speaking on the company founder, he said, his father would have been humbled and proud on seeing how far their company has come since its initial days.
In the time that ensued, three of Hero’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities were pitted against each other, in a race against time to deliver its 100-millionth motorcycle. The Gurugram plant, the place of the press conference, faced off, rather dramatically-against the Neemrana plant in Rajasthan and Hero’s largest facility in Haridwar.
Speaking on the pandemic and how it affected his company, Munjal said, “It would have been very easy to relax, defer all targets and wait for life to get back to normal. At Hero, our entire ecosystem came together and ensured we stayed on course to meet our new, enhanced goals and create hope for the economy.” This productivity evidently shows in their most recent achievement. He further explained that this very work ethic has kept the two-wheeler company at the top of the sales charts for over two decades. With 50 million products in 2013, it has taken the company just seven years to double that number to 100 million.
Munjal, in a considerate tone, with arms open, said, “Sustainability is very close to my heart and one of the key pillars of our operation- we ensure we continuously focus in providing sustainable growth to the society we operate in and also to all our stakeholders. Our manufacturing facilities across the globe are aptly called garden factories for their sustainability and green initiatives.” He further highlighted the range of diversity seen in their facilities across the globe. With employees from over ten different nationalities and a strong backbone in the female workforce, he said his company is one that embraces diversity.
The leader of the firm hints at, possibly- an electric commuter, when he said. “We are keenly aware of the future mobility requirements as well, keeping an eye for changing trends and keeping pace with our dynamic world, we are simultaneously ensuring future-readiness by working on alternate mobility solutions as well.”
Amidst all conversation, the 100-millionth motorcycle was finally off the assembly line in the Haridwar plant. The Xtreme 160R, Hero’s latest contribution to the commuter segment was, incidentally- the motorcycle to make headlines.
Concluding this event, Munjal pondered on the times to come. “We are going to continue to ride our growth journey. In keeping with our Vision to ‘Be the Future of Mobility,’ we will be launching a host of new motorcycles & scooters over the next five years, in addition to expanding our global footprint. We will also continue to invest in R&D and focus on new mobility solutions.” he added. (MT)
Suzuki Motorcycle India Intros New Dual-Tone Colour For Avenis Scooter
- By MT Bureau
- August 05, 2025
Suzuki Motorcycle India (SMIPL), the two-wheeler subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, has introduced a vibrant new dual-tone colour for its sporty 125cc scooter – Suzuki Avenis.
The scooter is now available in new Metallic Matte Platinum Silver No. 2 / Glass Sparkle Black colour, in addition to the existing Glossy Sparkle Black / Pearl Glacier White, Glossy Sparkle Black / Pearl Mira Red, and Glossy Sparkle Black.
Mechanically unchanged, the Suzuki Avenis continues to be powered by a BS6 OBD-2B-compliant 124.3cc, all aluminium, 4-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that is BS6 OBD-2B compliant, which produces 8.7 PS @ 6,750 rpm and 10 Nm @ 5,500 rpm.
It is equipped with Suzuki Eco Performance (SEP) technology for a balance of performance and fuel efficiency. The scooter comes with front box with USB socket, external hinge-type fuel cap, long and comfortable and sporty step seat and 21.8L large under-seat storage. Further, the Avenis features a telescopic front suspension, Combined Brake System, large 12-inch front tyre and a side stand interlock system.
Deepak Mutreja, Vice-President – Sales & Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, “At Suzuki Motorcycle India, we focus on offering products that reflect the evolving preferences of riders. The new colour on the Avenis adds a bold twist to its sporty personality and gives our young customers another exciting way to express their style on the streets. With this addition, we continue to enhance the appeal of Avenis while keeping the excitement alive.”
The Suzuki Avenis is priced at INR 91,400 for the Standard Edition, while the Ride Connect Edition is priced at INR 93,200 (both ex-showroom Delhi).
Ather Energy Narrows Q1 Losses To INR 1.78 Billion
- By MT Bureau
- August 04, 2025
Bengaluru-based electric vehicle company Ather Energy has reported a strong start to the FY2026 with an increase in sales and market share. The company sold 46,078 units in the first quarter, a 97 percent YoY increase, which was accompanied by an 83 percent rise in total income to INR 6.72 billion.
The company's financial performance showed improvements in margins, with Adjusted Gross Margin increasing by 117 percent YoY. The EBITDA margin improved to -16 percent, narrowing losses to INR 1.06 billion, while losses after tax for the quarter were INR 1.78 billion.
Ather Energy's market share grew to 14.3 percent nationally, up from 7.6 percent in the same quarter of the previous year. The company maintained its leading position in South India with a 22.8 percent market share and expanded its presence in Middle India, where its share grew to 10.7 percent.
The company attributed the growth to demand for the Ather Rizta model and the expansion of its retail footprint, which saw the addition of 95 new Experience Centres during the quarter. This brings the total number of centres to 446. Ather also continued to invest in its charging network, which now has 4,032 points across India, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
Tarun Mehta, Executive Director and CEO, Ather Energy, said, “We have had a phenomenal start to this financial year, led by Rizta’s success and a strong expansion of our retail footprint. We were No.1 by market share in South India this quarter and are now scaling up quickly across Middle India, which has ramped up faster than expected. Over the next quarters, there will be a larger footprint expansion in the Northern markets. This quarter saw significant growth in our margins, demonstrating our strong focus on profitability. Even as we expand pan-India, our ASP has held steady, and our market share continues to grow.”
TVS Motor Company Launches TVS Indus Design Platform
- By MT Bureau
- August 04, 2025
TVS Motor Company, a leading manufacturer of two-wheeler and three-wheeler has launched a new design platform – TVS Indus Design Honours.
The platform aims to nurture design talent and promote innovation, which focusses on meaningful, inclusive and supports India’s diverse landscapes, lifestyles and people.
The company shared that the term ‘Indus’ draws from the Indus Valley Civilisation, one of the world’s earliest and most advanced societies. TVS Motor aims to blend India’s rich design heritage with a progressive, forward-looking mindset
Amit Rajwade, Vice-President – Design, TVS Motor Company, said, “Design is the bridge between imagination and impact. With TVS Indus Design Honours, we are creating a platform where the next generation of designers, thinkers and creators can reimagine Indian mobility as an original, culturally rooted expression of who we are and where we’re headed. This initiative reflects TVS Motor’s commitment to design-led innovation and sustainable mobility. This platform intends to promote Design among the Indian youth and nurture talent from both design and non-design backgrounds to help shape not just how we move but ignite the global conversation on the future of mobility.”
The platform is open to all Indian residents including students, young professionals and design enthusiasts.
The challenge for the 2025 edition is theme-based, drawing inspiration from four distinctive regions — Thar, Sahyadri, Kutch and Mumbai.
Interested individuals can submit their entries that propose mobility concepts spanning monowheel, two-wheeler and three-wheeler formats, while incorporating environmental, social and cultural relevance. The challenge officially opens for registrations today, with the deadline for submissions set for 6 October 2025.
The entries will be evaluated by an expert jury comprising leading names from the world of design and mobility. The entries will be judged on originality, contextual relevance, user-centricity and feasibility. The top three winners will receive cash prizes up to INR 500,000, with additional recognition through a Viewers’ Choice award and opportunities for internship consideration with the TVSM Design Team.
Honda Inaugurates New BigWing Showroom In Lucknow
- By MT Bureau
- August 04, 2025
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, one of the leading two-wheeler manufacturers in the country, has inaugurated its premium motorcycle sales and service outlet the Honda BigWing Ring Road, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
The new facility will cater exclusively to Honda’s premium motorcycle buyers. The company’s premium portfolio is led by BigWing Topline, which covers the entire premium motorcycle range (200cc – 1800cc) in top metros, and BigWing, exclusively for the mid-size motorcycle segment (200cc – 750cc) in other cities. Its range of motorcycles include the Hornet 2.0, NX200, CB350, H’ness CB350, CB350RS, CB300F, CB300R, Rebel 500, NX500, CB650R, CBR650R, XL750 Transalp, Hornet 750, X-ADV, Hornet 1000 SP and the flagship Gold Wing Tour.
With this the company now has over 150 BigWing touchpoints across India. The new BigWing dealership features a black and white monochromatic theme.
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