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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BMW Motorrad India has introduced the 'Sport' variant of the BMW F 450 GS adventure motorcycle in India, priced at INR 590,000 (ex-showroom).

The BMW F 450 GS Sport features Racing Red paintwork, a clear Rallye windscreen, black hand protectors, off-road footrests, and a plastic engine guard. Technical and equipment additions to the Sport variant include Sport Suspension, Gear Shift Assistant Pro, and Riding Modes Pro.

The motorcycle is powered by a newly developed two-cylinder inline engine generating 48 hp and 43 Nm of torque. Standard electronic assistance systems and hardware include ABS Pro, Dynamic Traction Control, Dynamic Brake Control, Engine Drag Control, and a 6.5-inch TFT instrument display operated via a multi-controller interface.

Financing solutions offered through BMW India Financial Services include monthly instalments starting at INR 9,999. The motorcycle comes with a standard warranty covering three years with unlimited kilometres, with options to extend coverage to a fourth and fifth year alongside 24x7 roadside assistance.

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Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has launched the Xtreme 125R Stealth Edition with TFT, introducing technology and safety features to its sporty 125cc motorcycle segment. The model is available across Hero MotoCorp dealerships nationwide at a price of INR 116,250 (ex-showroom, pan-India).

The new variant incorporates a 4.2-inch TFT instrument display with Bluetooth connectivity, integrating turn-by-turn navigation, call and SMS notifications and music playback controls.

The motorcycle features a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) providing real-time pressure readouts and system alerts, marking the introduction of the technology to the 125cc motorcycle category. Visual updates include coloured alloy wheels and a Midnight Black paint finish with Pearl Red accents. The model retains its existing mechanical specifications, featuring dual-channel ABS, cruise control, and three selectable riding modes comprising Rain, Road, and Sport.

Ashutosh Varma, CBO – India Business Unit, Hero MotoCorp, said, "The sporty 125cc segment continues to evolve rapidly, driven by young customers who seek motorcycles that reflect their aspirations—not just through performance and design, but also through advanced technology. The Xtreme 125R has already established itself as a benchmark in the category by bringing premium engineering and segment-leading features. The new Stealth Edition with TFT, further raises the bar by making connected technology and intelligent safety features even more accessible while creating lasting value for our customers and empowering them to truly Live Xtreme."

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Ducati India has announced the entry of its off-road motorcycle range into the Indian market with the launch of the Desmo450 MX Factory motocross bike and the Desmo450 EDX enduro model.

Both motorcycles are powered by a 449.6 cc single-cylinder engine featuring Desmodromic valve timing, producing 63.5 hp at 9,400 rpm and 53.5 Nm of torque at 7,500 rpm, with a rev limit set at 11,900 rpm.

The Desmo450 MX Factory weighs 104 kg without fuel and features an aluminium perimeter frame, an Akrapovič titanium exhaust system, Showa suspension with Dark Kashima coating, billet triple clamps, a holeshot device and a 7.2-litre fuel tank.

The Desmo450 EDX weighs 107.1 kg without fuel, incorporating an 8.5-litre fuel tank, handguards, a skid plate, a side stand, an 18-inch rear wheel and Showa suspension tuned for trail riding. Both models are equipped with closed-loop Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Quick Shift, Engine Brake Control, Power Launch and selectable riding modes.

"We are incredibly proud to bring the ultimate off-road experience to India with the launch of the Desmo450 MX Factory and the Desmo450 EDX. These motorcycles embody Ducati's racing spirit and our commitment to pure performance, translating our Desmodromic technology into the dirt segment for the very first time here. Whether you are looking to conquer the motocross track with the ultra-light MX Factory or push your limits on the trails with the versatile EDX, we are offering Indian riders machines that are born to compete and win. This dual launch marks a significant milestone in our commitment to the growing off-road community in India," said Bipul Chandra, Managing Director, Ducati India.

The Ducati Desmo450 EDX is priced at INR 1.85 million (ex-showroom) in Ducati Red, while the Desmo450 MX Factory is priced at INR 2.12 million (ex-showroom) in the Ducati Corse 2025 livery. The company has opened bookings across all Ducati dealerships in the country.

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Bengaluru-headquartered Altigreen, a unit of the Jakson Group, has announced its entry into the electric two-wheeler market with the launch of Minsara, an electric multi-utility two-wheeler designed for urban and rural applications.

The electric scooter is offered in three variants: the Minsara S featuring a 2.78 kWh battery with a 125 km range, the Minsara S+ with a 3.8 kWh battery delivering a 165 km range, and the battery-swappable Minsara SE.

Built on a rib-caged chassis, the e-scooter delivers 172 Nm of peak torque, a top speed of 75 kmph, 33 percent gradeability, and a gross vehicle weight rating of 264 kg. Engineering specifications include 17-inch alloy wheels, telescopic front suspension, dual disc brakes with a Combined Braking System, crash guard protection, and side-stand safety alerts. Priced from INR 124,000 (ex-showroom), it comes with a standard three-year or 30,000 km warranty with bookings opened across Bengaluru, Vijayawada and Noida. The company is set to begin deliveries from 1 December 2026.

Deepak Thakur, CEO, Jakson Green Vehicles, said, "India’s mobility requirements are as diverse as its people. From urban entrepreneurs and delivery professionals to farmers and small-business owners in rural markets, millions depend on two-wheelers as an essential part of their everyday lives and livelihoods. With MINSARA, we are introducing a product that brings together utility, performance and sustainable technology to meet these real-world needs. As part of JAKSON Group, Altigreen will play an important role in our vision of accelerating India’s transition towards cleaner, more productive and accessible mobility solutions. This launch reflects our commitment to technology-led products that create meaningful value for customers while contributing to a sustainable future."

Amitabh Saran, CTO and Founder, Altigreen, said, "At Altigreen, we have always believed that technology must solve real customer problems. Across India, two-wheelers support businesses, livelihoods and everyday responsibilities, often under demanding operating conditions. Quite naturally, MINSARA is engineered, ground-up, to be a segment leader. It is a timely and great addition to our existing three-wheeler cargo neEV series. It embodies our continued commitment towards innovative, Made-in-India electric mobility solutions. Supported by Altigreen’s growing 3S dealership network, best in class after-sales service and customer-centric ownership solutions, we aim to build lasting customer confidence. We believe our success will ultimately be measured by our customers success and progress in life."

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