These factors are likely to significantly increase the sales of electric vehicles. Hero Electric, a pioneer of electric mobility and the largest electric two-wheeler manufacturer in India, foresees faster adoption of electric vehicles. Switching from ICE to Electric vehicles would also reduce any travel pitstops at the fuel stations given the fact that electric vehicles are supported by portable batteries further increasing the concept of contactless transportation thereby enhancing consumer confidence in these troubled times.

Considering the current scenario, it is almost certain that the Indian automotive sector will not be going back to the old normal market anytime soon. The new normal will bring in many challenges but multiple opportunities with it as well and Hero Electric is aptly prepared for it. To make the adoption of electric vehicles effortless, Hero Electric has recently announced an online sales scheme on its entire range. Taking the online-first approach, Hero Electric has been able to act very quickly and take advantage of the time on hands by introducing a lucrative online scheme - INR 5,000 cash discount (all models) and INR 3,000 cash discount on Glyde and e-Velocity, along with referral discount of INR 1,000 - for potential Hero Electric customers and the response has been rather encouraging. Limited to all online bookings made starting from 17 April till 15 May 2020, customers can take delivery of vehicles any time after the lockdown opens.

Post COVID-19, the global electric vehicle and electric vehicle infrastructure market is projected to reach 4.18 million units by 2021 from an estimated 3.42 million units in 2020, at a CAGR of 22.1 percent and India is expected to be a significant contributor to this growth.

The impact of COVID-19 witnessed air pollution plummet to unforeseen levels at 60% in New Delhi, presenting an opportunity towards the adoption of smarter and sustainable mobility solutions as consumers have taken note of the dramatic improvement in the air quality since lockdown. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic is likely to change the way Indians commute.

Sohinder Gill, CEO of Hero Electric said, “The latest Harvard report of the adverse effect of air pollution particularly the PM 2.5 emitted from IC vehicles on COVID-19 patients is an eye opener. Given the upcoming ‘new normal’ era, consumer focus on sustainable mobility options, preference of sensibly priced electric two-wheelers, and reluctance in going back to the overcrowded public transport system; Hero Electric foresees an exponential increase in the number of electric vehicles on road post lockdown. We have with us a wide range of electric scooters that have zero tail pipe emissions, priced between INR 40,000 to INR 70,000 and have extremely low running costs.”

It may be noted that Hero Electric India has set up a manufacturing unit at Ludhiana, Punjab, with a total installed capacity of 100,000 units per annum. The company currently has over 610 sales and service outlets spread across the country, including top metros, min-metros, and even smaller towns.

It launched the first Lithium-ion based electric scooter in India and introduced the unique concept of charging stations for anywhere and everywhere usage. With close to 300,000 electric two-wheelers in India, the company has been delivering sustainable mobility solutions for the past 12 years.  (MT)

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Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles has listed its 2026 Yezdi motorcycle lineup on e-commerce platforms Amazon.in and Flipkart to expand retail accessibility during the festive period. The online listings include the Yezdi Adventure in Yellow Falcon, the Yezdi Roadster in Green Mamba and the Yezdi Scrambler in Grey Panther.

The e-listing enables customers to purchase the vehicles online at ex-showroom prices before completing documentation, registration and insurance formalities through local authorised dealerships. Vehicle handovers will take place at the brand's network of more than 450 dealership touchpoints across India.

Anupam Thareja, Co-Founder, Classic Legends, said, "Yezdi has always attracted riders who prefer to do things their own way. The 2026 range builds on that spirit through three purpose-built motorcycles, each with its own character and purpose. The Yellow Falcon Adventure, Green Mamba Roadster and Grey Panther Scrambler give riders more ways to choose a motorcycle that reflects how and where they ride. Bringing the range to Amazon.in and Flipkart is another step towards making Yezdi more accessible and giving riders another way to discover and book their preferred motorcycle this festive season."

The updated product range incorporates technical and visual revisions across models. The Yezdi Adventure features tubeless cross-spoke wheels alongside its 334cc liquid-cooled Alpha2 engine generating 29.6 PS and 29.8 Nm of torque. The Yezdi Roadster receives a matte green paint scheme, brown seating and copper graphics, retaining the 334cc Alpha2 engine with a six-speed transmission and assist-and-slipper clutch.

The Yezdi Scrambler carries a metallic grey finish, powered by the 334cc KATAR engine producing 30 PS, 30 Nm of torque and a fuel efficiency rating of 30 kilometres per litre.

The e-commerce sales initiative is backed by the company's Ownership Assurance Program. The ownership package comprises a four-year or 50,000-kilometre standard warranty, extended warranty options up to six years, roadside assistance coverage up to eight years and annual maintenance contracts spanning up to five years across its national network.

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European premium motorcycle manufacturer Ducati India has expanded its ‘Ducati Protect’ Periodic Maintenance Contract programme across its complete range of new motorcycles in the Indian market.

The maintenance package is available exclusively for new models and must be activated on the date of sale alongside the vehicle warranty. The contract covers scheduled maintenance requirements, including replacement parts, labour costs and lubricants, protecting owners against future service price increases.

Servicing under the contract is performed by certified technicians across authorised Ducati dealerships using manufacturer parts. The contract remains transferable to subsequent owners if the vehicle is sold. Consumable items are excluded from package coverage under the program terms.

Bipul Chandra, MD, Ducati India, said, "At Ducati, we are committed to delivering an ownership experience that goes far beyond the ride itself. With Ducati Protect now available across our entire new model range, clients can enjoy complete peace of mind knowing their motorcycle is backed by comprehensive maintenance from Ducati-certified technicians using genuine parts. By helping keep the motorcycle in optimal condition throughout its lifecycle, Ducati Protect not only preserves the performance and value of the bike but also enhances the overall riding experience, allowing owners to focus on what matters most - enjoying every ride with confidence."

The expansion follows an initial trial of the program earlier in the year. Detailed package pricing varies by model and is available through Ducati's dealership network across India.

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Bajaj Auto-owned Austrian two-wheeler brand KTM do Brasil has inaugurated its new manufacturing facility in Manaus, Amazonas, featuring an annual installed capacity of 20,000 units. The site currently employs 100 personnel across direct and indirect functions and is dedicated to producing KTM and Husqvarna models.

The plant represents an investment of approximately 20 million Brazilian Reais in infrastructure and assembly equipment. Operating on a Completely Knocked Down basis, the facility handles kit preparation, engine assembly, motorcycle assembly, quality testing, packaging and logistics dispatch.

The local production replaces the company's previous contract assembly arrangement with Dafra Motos, establishing a direct manufacturing presence in Brazil. Initial operational targets project assembly of 3,500 units by the end of 2026, ahead of volume scaling planned through 2027.

The Manaus facility will assemble 10 motorcycle models across the motocross, enduro and adventure segments. The motocross line includes the KTM 250 SX-F and KTM 450 SX-F, while the enduro range comprises the KTM 250 EXC-F, 350 EXC-F 6DAYS, 300 EXC and 300 EXC 6DAYS, alongside the Husqvarna FE 350 and TE 300 PRO.

Local assembly also encompasses the KTM 390 ADVENTURE R and KTM 390 ADVENTURE X, priced at 37,990 Reais and 33,990 Reais respectively. The production output will supply KTM's Brazilian retail network, which currently numbers 12 dealership locations with expansion plans targeting 30 outlets by 2027.

Rakesh Sharma, Joint MD, Bajaj Auto, said, "Brazil is an important market in the global portfolio of both Bajaj and KTM, and the inauguration of the KTM facility co located with the Bajaj Auto facility in Manaus is yet another signal of our commitment to Brazil. The Bajaj and KTM partnership is anchored on complementary strengths, and now we bring these strengths together to serve the passionate riding community of Brazil and build a strong business."

Fabian Steinbacher, Vice-President Operations, KTM AG, said, "Every motorcycle built in Manaus carries the KTM promise: performance, innovation, quality, and riding pleasure. The same processes, quality standards, and technical requirements apply here as in Austria. This achievement is the result of the outstanding commitment of our Brazilian team and the close partnership with our colleagues in Austria."

Petra Preining, Chief Financial Officer, Bajaj Mobility AG and KTM AG, said, "The successful start of production in Manaus demonstrates what is possible here, and we have ambitious plans for the future. The facility is designed to grow alongside the market, both in terms of capacity and product portfolio. At the same time, we are strengthening our competitiveness through local value creation, high cost efficiency and a flexible production structure. This creates the foundation for sustainable growth and sets the course for a strong and profitable future in Brazil."

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Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has expanded its motorcycle portfolio with the launch of the updated Xtreme 160R 4V and the refreshed Xtreme 250R at prices starting INR 127,000 and INR 198,000 (ex-showroom Delhi), respectively.

The Xtreme 160R 4V features a redesign and a 163cc four-valve, oil-cooled engine developing 17.1 PS and 14.6 Nm of torque. Equipment additions include ride-by-wire throttle control, three ride modes, segment-first cruise control, a panic brake alert system, dual-channel anti-lock braking, upside-down front forks, and a Bluetooth-enabled TFT instrument cluster. The variant lineup is priced from INR 127,000 for the standard model, INR 137,000 for the Pro version and INR 141,000 for the Carbon Edition ex-showroom Delhi.

The refreshed Xtreme 250R incorporates a 250cc liquid-cooled DOHC engine generating 30 PS and 25.3 Nm of torque, achieving zero-to-sixty acceleration in 3.2 seconds. Technical features comprise four ride modes, traction control, a bi-directional quickshifter, cruise control, a tyre pressure monitoring system, gold-anodised upside-down front forks, and industry-first frequency-selective damping rear suspension. The model is priced at INR 198,000 ex-showroom Delhi across carbon red, carbon white, and carbon black colour options.

Anuj Dua, CBO of the Premium Segment, Hero MotoCorp, said, "Premiumisation remains one of the biggest growth opportunities ahead of us and we continue to strengthen our position in this segment through sharper product differentiation and enhanced riding experiences. The Xtreme family is a key pillar of this strategy. The all-new Xtreme 160R 4V brings the Xtreme DNA to a larger community of young riders as the fastest motorcycle in its segment, with a complete redesign and segment-first cruise control and Panic Brake Alert, while the newly launched Xtreme 250R raises the bar in its segment with Ride-by-wire, four ride modes, traction control, a quickshifter, segment-first cruise control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, and the industry's first Frequency selective damping suspension. Backed by our Hero Premia network of more than 130 stores, these launches reflect our commitment to creating world-class, aspirational products and further strengthening our premium portfolio."

Customer bookings open on 17 October 2026, with deliveries scheduled to commence on 1 November 2026.

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