Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) is commissioning its fourth production line at its fourth plant – Vithalapur, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Interestingly, the announcement coincides with Honda Motor Co's milestone of producing 500 million two-wheelers globally. It was in 1949 that Honda Dream D-Type was introduced as a mass market two-wheeler offering.

The company aims to invest around INR 9.2 billion towards the fourth line, which will add an additional 650,000 units capacity for 125cc class motorcycles per annum. It is set to begin operation in 2027, which will bring the total capacity to 2.61 million units. This will make it the largest assembly plant for Honda motorcycles globally.

At present, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India operates four production plants with a total production capacity of 6.14 million units. It was after 25 years since the start of production that the cumulative production volume reached 70 million units in April.

The fourth plant started operation in February 2016 with an annual production capacity of 600,000 units, and in June of the same year, the company expanded its capacity to 1.2 million units with the start of its second line. Furthermore, the third line started operation in January 2024, taking annual production capacity to 1.96 million units.

The fresh investment is expected to create 1,800 new jobs. Furthermore, the company aims to increase its total two-wheeler manufacturing capacity to 7 million units in 2027 by further expansion across its plants in the country.

Tsutsumu Otani, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “Honda has long been investing and expanding its production capacity in India, the world’s largest motorcycle market, to bring joy to its customers. 25 years on, with much support, HMSI has reached the milestone of 70 million units of cumulative production. With the additional investment in our fourth plant, Honda will continue to deliver attractive products and services to its customers around the world who have higher expectations and trust in the company, and further solidify its Indian motorcycle business.”

Toshihiro Mibe, Director, President and Representative Executive Officer, Honda Motor Co, “For Honda, motorcycle business is our founder’s business, and will continue to be the company’s core business. In the motorcycle business, we have built the trust of our customers through our many products and services, which has enabled us to achieve a cumulative production volume of 500 million units. I would like to thank our customers and all stakeholders who were involved in achieving this milestone, from development to production, sales, and service. Honda will continue to take on the challenge of expanding the joy of our customers around the world.”

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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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Bajaj Auto has announced an update to its Pulsar NS125 ABS variant, enhancing the position of the 125cc motorcycle. The latest upgrade introduces three ABS ride modes – Road, Rain and Off-Road – along with a new Pearl Metallic White colour option.

The new ABS ride modes allow riders to customise ABS intrusion for different environments, ensuring stability and adaptability without compromising the motorcycle's power and performance.

The upgraded Pulsar NS125 ABS is now available at Bajaj Auto dealerships across India. The price remains unchanged at INR 98,400 (ex-showroom Delhi).

The Pulsar NS125 maintains its 'Naked Sports' look, featuring a perimeter frame for rigidity and balance, a muscular tank and a streetfighter stance. The company states that the upgrades are designed to democratise sports motorcycling by offering safety features previously reserved for higher-end segments.

Sarang Kanade, President, Motorcycle Business Unit, Bajaj Auto, said, “The Pulsar brand has always embodied the spirit of power and performance for India’s youth. The addition of ABS ride modes and the new Pearl Metallic White colour in the Pulsar NS125, we are making advanced riding technologies more accessible while enhancing the thrill of performance biking. The NS series continues to define the Naked Sports category with its segment-leading chassis, stance and riding dynamics – staying true to Pulsar’s legacy of being ‘Definitely Daring’. This update strengthens our commitment to deliver thrilling, high-performance experiences to riders across the country.”

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Steelbird Hi-Tech India, the helmet manufacturer, has unveiled the SBH-32 Aeronautics Bluetooth smart helmet at INR 4,399.

The SBH-32 Aeronautics features Bluetooth 5.2 technology, offering up to 48 hours of talk time and 110 hours of standby. The helmet is Dual-certified, meeting both DOT FMVSS No. 218 and BIS IS 4151:2015 standards.

The helmet is constructed with a PC-ABS blend shell for impact protection. The structure incorporates air vents for airflow, while a wind deflector, vortex generators and rear spoiler reduce air drag and turbulence. The visor is Pinlock-ready, coated and resistant. Reflective elements on the back of the neck pad enhance visibility during night rides.

The interior padding is removable and washable, featuring breathability and sweat-absorption properties. It includes a cheek pad EPS and a Double D-Ring fastener. It is available in 580 mm, 600 mm and 620 mm sizes.

Rajeev Kapur, Managing Director, Steelbird Hi-Tech India, said, “This Diwali, we’re lighting up the roads with innovation. The SBH-32 Aeronautics is not just a helmet – it’s a revolution in smart riding. By integrating advanced Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity with global safety certifications, we aim to empower riders with the freedom to stay connected without compromising on protection. Steelbird’s mission has always been to bring global innovation to Indian roads, and this helmet is a reflection of our promise to blend technology, safety, and style for the new generation of riders.”

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Bengaluru-headquartered electric vehicle maker Ultraviolette has further expanded its global presence with entering the Spain and Portugal markets.

By entering Spain and Portugal, Ultraviolette is positioning itself at the heart of Europe's EV landscape, amplifying its momentum as a trailblazer in mobility. The expansion brings to market vehicles engineered with innovations, safety standards, design and technology honed through years of research and development.

Rhino Electric Motor, the importer and partner, will bring the F77 MACH 2 and F77 SuperStreet to the Peninsula.

The F77 motorcycles redefine performance, accelerating from zero to 60 kmph in just 2.8 seconds. It come with a 10.3 kWh battery pack and delivers a power output of 30 kW, producing 100 Nm of torque. This enables acceleration, handling, and a speed of 155 kmph.

The motorcycles are equipped with technology, including the company's artificial intelligence system, Violette A.I. and switchable Dual-Channel ABS developed by Bosch. Features such as 10 levels of Regenerative Braking, 4 levels of Traction Control and Dynamic Stability Control ensure a smooth riding experience.

Narayan Subramaniam, CEO & Co-Founder, Ultraviolette Automotive, said, "The response from our first customers across France, Germany, the Netherlands, and other European markets has been absolutely phenomenal. Building on that momentum, we are thrilled to announce the launch of the Ultraviolette F77 performance electric motorcycles in Spain and Portugal - both markets that have deep rooted motorcycling culture and are rapidly evolving into hubs for sustainable innovation and EV adoption. This expansion, coming just months after our debut in Paris, is a powerful validation of global resonance with Ultraviolette's motorcycles and technology. It underscores our commitment to bringing Indian engineering excellence to the world, backed by years of rigorous R&D, innovation in performance and a deep focus on rider safety. With the F77, we are setting a new global benchmark for what Indian automotive technology can achieve."

Jorge Bialade, Spokesperson for Rhino Electric Motors, said, "Ultraviolette is a game-changer for the Iberian electric motorcycle market. It brings together technology, design, and emotion, thus proving that sustainable mobility can also be thrilling. That's the real contribution of this brand.”

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