Japanese auto major India Yamaha Motor (IYM) has marked its aggressive product expansion plans with a slew of new launches, including the launch of its globally acclaimed modern retro sport brand, the all-new XSR155 in India.

The company also unveiled its first electric offerings, the Aerox-E and EC-06 e-scooters, in addition to strengthening its FZ motorcycle portfolio with the new FZ-Rave.

The XSR155 motorcycle, priced at INR 149,990 embodies the modern retro sport concept, blending design with engineering. Powered by a liquid-cooled engine with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA), delivering of power and of torque. It is built on Yamaha’s Deltabox frame, featuring an aluminium swing arm, upside-down front forks, and linked-type monocross rear suspension. It gets dual-channel ABS and Traction Control.

The new FZ-Rave motorcycle is designed for young riders, offering a mix of performance, efficiency, and practicality in the segment. It is powered by a single-cylinder, air-cooled engine, producing of power, and features single-channel ABS and front & rear disc brakes and is priced at INR 117,218 (ex-showroom-Delhi).

Finally, the Japanese automaker has marked its entry into India’s electric vehicle market with the introduction of the Aerox-E and EC-06 e-scooters, which are positioned as performance-oriented maxi sports and urban commuting model respectively.

The Aerox-E is Yamaha’s new Performance EV in the Maxi Sports Scooter segment, designed for urban use. It is powered by a 9.4 kW (peak power) electric motor producing 48 Nm of torque, dual detachable 3 kWh high-energy type cell batteries with ergonomic grips for easy home charging. It comes with a claimed certified range of 106 km, with 3 riding modes – Eco, Standard, Power – and a ‘Boost’ function for rapid acceleration, along with reverse capabilities.

It gets dual-disc brakes with single-channel ABS and a large colour TFT screen with turn-by-turn navigation and Y-connect mobile app compatibility for Multi-Information Display (MID) and smart features.

The e-scooter features a distinctive ‘X’ Centre Motif, Twin LED Class D headlights, a 3D-effect LED tail light and a smart key system.

The EC-06 on the other hand is designed for interurban mobility, catering to customers seeking a practical commuting option with contemporary design. Powered by a 4.5 kW electric motor generating it churns out 6.7 kW (peak power) and features a 4 kWh high-capacity fixed battery, providing a claimed certified range of 160 km. Charging the fixed battery takes approximately 9 hours using a standard home plug-in option. The scooter offers three riding modes and a reverse mode for convenience. It comes equipped with front and rear disc brakes, a coloured LCD display, LED lighting, and a built-in telematics unit with a SIM for digital integration. It also features a substantial 24.5 Litres of under-seat storage.

Itaru Otani, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group, said, “India is central to Yamaha’s global growth strategy — a market where we see immense potential across both premium and electric mobility segments. The introduction of the XSR brand, our new EV models and the FZ-Rave mark a decisive step in strengthening our presence and aligning with India’s evolving mobility landscape. With these launches, we are deepening our connect with riders who seek performance, design, and technology, while also responding to the nation’s transition towards sustainable transportation. Our focus remains on creating value in India — through products built for its diverse customers, supported by India's vision of Viksit Bharat and guided by Yamaha’s global Environmental Plan 2050.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Bengaluru-based electric two-wheeler company Ola Electric has announced a recovery in business performance, with daily orders exceeding 1,000 units during the final week of March 2026.

The company reported retail sales of 10,117 units in March 2026 (as per VAHAN data), representing a 150 percent increase from the 3,973 units recorded in February.

The demand recovery, the company said, follows a restructuring of its service operations. Ola Electric reported that 80 percent of vehicles are now serviced on the same day. This change is attributed to improved parts availability, faster diagnostics and tighter operational control. These measures were implemented to address previous service challenges and reduce turnaround times.

Furthermore, it has introduced complimentary cab rides in the event of service delays. Assured resale value for all vehicles in the portfolio.  An 8-year warranty covering the entire product range.

Interestingly, Ola Electric became the first Indian electric vehicle brand to surpass 1 million cumulative registrations on the VAHAN platform.

“We are seeing a clear inflection in demand, with daily orders scaling steadily through March and accelerating meaningfully in the final weeks. This momentum is being driven by the structural improvements in our service operations, which are now delivering faster turnaround times and a significantly better ownership experience. As customer confidence strengthens, we are seeing stronger conversion across our portfolio, giving us confidence that this recovery will further sustain and scale,” said Ola Electric in a statement.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has announced a realignment of its motorsports programme, marking a formal entry into off-road racing. The move is intended to align the company’s domestic activities with Honda’s global focus on rally, motocross, and endurance formats.

After 18 years of involvement in Indian circuit racing, including the Honda One Make Race and the Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship (INMRC), HMSI is transitioning its resources toward dirt-based disciplines. This shift follows the growing popularity of rally and supercross in India.

Key elements of the transition include:

• Rider Development: Transitioning from Moto3-spec training on platforms like the NSF250R toward off-road rider development programmes.
• Market Alignment: Responding to a diverse audience base attracted to the accessibility of rally and dirt-track formats.
• Global Integration: Aligning Indian operations with international programmes such as the Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) and Honda’s global rally expertise.

In conjunction with its racing entry, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India is evaluating an expansion of its product portfolio. The company intends to focus on adventure and off-road-capable motorcycles to meet the increasing demand for all-terrain riding among Indian consumers.

The entry into off-road racing is expected to provide a testing ground for future motorcycle models tailored for Indian riding conditions while broadening participation in national motorsport.

“In India, off‑road racing has been witnessing growing popularity due to its high entertainment value and accessibility, attracting a wider and more diverse audience. With motorsport interest increasingly shifting toward rally, supercross, and dirt‑based formats, HMSI is evolving its motorsport direction accordingly by expanding its presence in off‑road racing categories while gradually transitioning from circuit racing activities,” the company said in a statement.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Chennai-based two-wheeler and three-wheeler major TVS Motor Company has announced the launch of the 2026 Apache RTR 160 4V range in India at prices starting INR 125,440 (ex-showroom Delhi).

The update standardises several technical features across the line-up, including a LED projector headlamp and an assist and slipper clutch, which were previously reserved for the top-tier variant.

The 2026 Apache RTR 160 4V range incorporates race-derived engineering to improve night-time visibility and rider control. The motorcycle remains the most powerful in the 160cc segment, delivering 17.55 PS.

Key hardware updates include:

• Lighting: Class-D LED projector headlamps with LED daytime running lamps (DRLs) and LED turn signals across all variants.
• Transmission: Integration of an assist and slipper clutch for smoother downshifts.
• Electronics: Three ride modes (Sport, Urban, and Rain) and TVS SmartXonnect for turn-by-turn navigation and call alerts.
• Chassis: Hydroformed handlebars and radial tyres for stability.

Vimal Sumbly, Head Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company, said, “For over 20 years, TVS Apache has defined performance motorcycling in India and beyond, earning the trust of over 6.5 million riders across 60+ countries. The all-new TVS Apache RTR 160 4V continues to set the benchmark in the 160cc performance segment, built on racing-bred engineering and segment-leading technology. With this latest upgrade, we are significantly enhancing rider safety, night-time visibility, and on-road control across the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V range, while delivering a premium and immersive riding experience.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Hinduja Leyland Finance (HLF) and Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide financing solutions for motorcycles and scooters across India.

The partnership intended to increase two-wheeler penetration in both urban and rural markets through integrated credit underwriting and digital platforms.

HLF, a non-banking financial company (NBFC) under the Hinduja Group, will offer customised loan options across the HMSI product range. The collaboration focuses on providing flexible repayment structures to improve affordability for diverse customer segments.

The partnership will utilise HLF's branch network to reach emerging and high-growth markets. Implementing swift and transparent loan processing to reduce the time between vehicle selection and delivery. Aligning financing products with evolving consumer expectations for personal mobility.

Sachin Pillai, MD & CEO, Hinduja Leyland Finance, said, “HMSI has been an integral part of our two-wheeler financing ecosystem, and this MoU marks a significant step in strengthening our market presence and expanding our reach across key markets. It enables us to further enhance access to mobility ownership through a wider and more integrated network. We expect this collaboration will play an important role in driving responsible growth, improving customer accessibility, and supporting the evolving mobility needs across the country. We see this as an opportunity to build a more robust and responsive financing ecosystem aligned to the changing expectations of customers.”

Mutsuo Usui, Director of Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “This partnership reflects our focus on improving access to mobility by making financing simpler and more inclusive. By working closely with Hinduja Leyland Finance, we aim to support customers with flexible solutions that enhance affordability and convenience, while expanding our reach in high-growth markets. Strong financing ecosystems remain essential to sustainable two-wheeler growth in India.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!