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)

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.”