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)

ReiseMoto, a leading name in premium two-wheeler tyres and motorcycle gear, has expanded its retail presence with the inauguration of a new store in Pune, Maharashtra, on 28 March 2025. With this latest outlet, the company now has five state-of-the-art brand experience stores with a total area of over 15,000 square feet. The other stores are strategically located in Mumbai, Gurugram, Bengaluru and Chennai.

A carefully chosen assortment of over 30 well-known brands and 1,000 SKUs in helmets, jackets, gloves, boots, protective gear, luggage and more than 125 high-end European performance tyres are available at each experience store. Along with Reise's own line of high-end tyres and riding accessories, the ReiseMoto outlets feature some of the most reputable European brands, including Acerbis, SPIDI, Tucano Urbano and Ixon.

Apart from these offerings, the stores offer a lot more experience, such as regular breakfast ride meet-ups, special screenings of MotoGP races, interactive hands-on guidance on tyre maintenance, engaging quiz shows and trivia contests, live podcasts and Q&A sessions with pro riders and influencers and crash protection demonstrations along with tutorials on moto vlogging. The stores also offer exclusive membership programmes with benefits such as special discounts and early product releases for members.

Yogesh Mahansaria, Founder & Managing Director, ReiseMoto, said, "With the opening of our Pune store, we are taking a bold step forward in strengthening our connection with India’s passionate motorcycling community. Each store is strategically located to serve as a one-stop destination for riders, ensuring they have access to best-in-class products, expert advice and a vibrant community experience."

Chennai-headquartered mid-size motorcycle major Royal Enfield has launched the Classic 650 motorcycle at prices starting INR 337,000.

The Classic 650 builds upon the legacy of the company’s Classic range that continues to sport the timeless elegance, old-world charm and unwavering character. While the motorcycle continues to reminiscence the classic charm, it features a digital LCD screen with an odometer, trip metre, fuel level indicator, service reminder, gear position indicator and clock. The motorcycle is powered by the company’s 647 cc air/oil-cooled parallel twin engine, that delivers 46.4 hp at 7,250 rpm and a peak torque of 52.3 Nm at 5,650 rpm.

B Govindarajan, Managing Director, Eicher Motors and CEO, Royal Enfield, said, “The Classic 650 is more than just a motorcycle – it’s a tribute to our rich legacy, where timeless design meets effortless performance. It carries forward the spirit of Royal Enfield, blending craftsmanship with an unshakable bond between rider and machine. Built on our proven 650cc parallel twin platform, it offers a perfect blend of refinement, capability and powerful road presence, making it an even more aspirational choice for those who love the Classic’s DNA, seeking more power and versatility. With the Classic 650, we are not just building motorcycles; we are preserving the essence of pure motorcycling for generations to come. We’re thrilled to bring this iconic machine to India, and I am confident that it will be embraced with the same passion that defines our riding community.”

As is the case with most Royal Enfield, the Classic 650 can be further customised with Genuine Motorcycle Accessories in the Classic and Classic Tourer-inspired themes. The motorcycle can be had in four colour options – Vallam Red, Bruntingthorpe Blue, Teal and Black Chrome.

Japanese two-wheeler maker Suzuki Motorcycle India has introduced its OBD-2B compliant scooters – Suzuki Avenis and Suzuki Burgman series (Burgman Street and Burgman Street EX) at prices starting INR 93,200 and INR 95,800 respectively (ex-showroom Delhi).

With this, the company’s entire two-wheeler line-up including scooters and motorcycles is now OBD-2B compliant. Mechanically the two-wheelers remain unchanged, the Avenis continues to be powered by the all-aluminium 4-stroke, single cylinder 124.3cc engine, which produces 10 Nm of peak torque at 5,500 rpm. It is equipped with Suzuki Eco Performance (SEP) technology and advanced fuel injection that provides a balance of performance and fuel efficiency. It also now gets a new option –  Metallic Matte Black No. 2 / Matte Titanium Silver.

The Burgman Street is powered by all-aluminium 4 stroke, single cylinder 124cc engine and SEP tech. It produces 10 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm, while the Burgman Street EX comes uses Suzuki Eco Performance Alpha (SEP-α) engine technology, which comes with Engine Auto Stop-Start (EASS) and Silent Starter System. It also gets 12-inch rear wheel.

Kenichi Umeda, Managing Director, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, “At Suzuki Motorcycle India, we focus on meeting the evolving needs of our customers while ensuring compliance with the latest regulations. The transition of our entire product range to OBD-2B compliance is a step towards providing a cleaner and more sustainable riding experience. With the introduction of new colour options for the Avenis and Burgman Street EX, we hope to bring more value and choice to our customers. We sincerely appreciate the support and trust of our customers which inspires us to keep innovating.”

Chennai-based two-wheeler and three-wheeler manufacturer TVS Motor Company has appointed Peyman Kargar as its new Head of International Business. Based out of Dubai Kargar will report to K N Radhakrishnan, Director & CEO, TVS Motor Company.

Prior to joining TVS Motor Co, Kargar was the Global Chairman & President of INFINITI, the premium brand of Nissan Company. Before that he held the role of Chairman and Senior Vice-President of Africa Middle East India Region CEO for the Datsun brand. He was responsible for Nissan Group in over 80 countries. He also held the role of VP Sales & Marketing for Renault Group for 50 countries in Africa, Middle East, Iran and India.

With over three decades of experience, Kargar has held leadership roles in the automotive industry across Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

K N Radhakrishnan, said, “Peyman’s prolific global leadership experience and expertise will add significant value to the company. The Company has been strengthening its position in international markets and has plans to expand further in advanced economies. We are confident that under his leadership, we will further strengthen our market position and continue to set benchmarks. We wish him the very best and welcome him to the TVSM family.”