Royal Enfield has concluded the inaugural season of India’s first retro-racing championship - JK Tyre presents Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup 2021 - at the Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore this weekend.  

Anish Damodar Shetty from Hubli emerged as the National Cup Champion, with 64 points accumulated over four rounds, followed by Allwin Xavier with 61 points, and Anfal Akdhar with 40 points. 

The event witnessed “phenomenal response” from the two-wheeler racing community, the company said in a release.  

B. Govindarajan, Executive Director, Eicher Motors Ltd. said, “The success of the first season of the Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup stands as a testimony of our efforts to bring accessible track-racing close to those budding and aspiring racers in the country. The championship aims to inculcate the competitive spirit of these riders and provide an opportunity to learn and improve their riding skills on track. The impressive performance of the close-to-stock Continental GT-R650 only goes to prove the potential of this brilliant cafe racer. In line with our efforts to nurture passion, skill and the spirit of competition, we shall also introduce track schools to provide professional training access to enthusiasts. Congratulations to the winners and I would also like to express my gratitude to every participant, crew member, and our partners who have contributed to the massive success of this season.” 

The Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup 2021, made its debut on the race track in September 2021, under the aegis of Federation of Motorsports Club of India (FMSCI). The championship racing event, conducted as part of the JK Tyre National Racing Championship 2021, was staged across four rounds. Royal Enfield has retained everything under the skin of the Continental GT 650 stock motorcycle and minimally modified the vehicle with a retro fairing, stiffer suspension, a more committed riding posture and stainless steel exhausts suited for track racing, the release said. 

The championship received entries from nearly 500 racing enthusiasts from all across the country. The selection process had participation from over 100 riders and the 18 fastest riders made it to the final grid. The track-ready Continental GT-R650, with its minimalistic, yet purpose-built modifications provided an un-intimidating, agile and spirited performance on the track. 

For the majority of the race, it was a three-way battle between Anish, Allwin and Meka Viduraj where Allwin won the final round followed by Meka Viduraj and Anish in second and third place respectively.
However, Anish Damodar Shetty continued to dominate in the first three rounds and secured the top spot, securing maximum points to win the overall championship. 

The champion, Shetty is a 27-year-old professional motorcycle racer, software engineer and a fitness enthusiast. Both Allwin and Anfal are young racers from Thrissur, Kerala. Anish was closely followed throughout the season by Allwin, a 22-year old adrenaline junkie who loves to be around motorcycles all the time. Anfal, only 21 years old, has started practicing on tracks since 2019 and has already left a big mark in his debut year in racing competitions. 

Shetty said, “Holding the first ever Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup Championship trophy is an absolute honour, in fact, it is like a dream come true. Royal Enfield has done a commendable job with the championship and especially the Continental GT-R650, which has performed beyond expectations. It was quite an adrenaline rush to compete with the selected racers on the first ever race-ready motorcycle from Royal Enfield. This first season of the Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup has further enhanced my racing skills and I am really looking forward to the next season.” (MT)

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Chennai-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major TVS Motor Company has announced its financial results for Q1 FY2026, with a significant 20 percent increase in revenue for the first quarter.

The company's revenue climbed to INR 100.81 billion, up from INR 83.76 billion in the same period last year.

The company's profitability also saw a major boost. Operating EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) grew by 32 percent to INR 12.63 billion, with the operating margin improving to 12.5 percent from 11.5 percent. This led to a 35 percent increase in Profit After Tax (PAT) to INR 7.79 billion.

During the period, TVS Motor registered its highest ever quarterly sales, with overall two- and three-wheeler sales growing by 17 percent to 1.27 million units. This includes motorcycles sales at 621,000 units, up 21 percent, scooters at 499,000 units, up 19 percent, three-wheelers sales at 45,000 units, up 46 percent and electric scooters at 70,000 units, up 35 percent YoY respectively.

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Bengaluru-based electric two-wheeler manufacturer Ather Energy has launched a new variant of its 450S electric scooter, featuring an upgraded 3.7 kWh battery pack that delivers an IDC range of 161km. Priced at INR 145,999 (ex-showroom, Bengaluru), the new model offers an extended range while maintaining the performance DNA of the 450 series.

The variant is positioned to bridge the gap between the entry-level 450S 2.9 kWh and the higher-end 450X. It features the same 5.4 kW motor producing 22 Nm of torque, a claimed top speed of 90 kmph, and zero to 40 kmph acceleration in 3.9 seconds.

Ravneet Phokela, Chief Business Officer, Ather Energy, said, "The 450 series has always set the bar for performance, technology, and reliability in the Indian electric scooter market. With the launch of the 450S featuring a 3.7 kWh battery pack and an IDC range of 161km, we're bringing the extended range previously exclusive to the 450X. The new 450S variant is specifically designed for riders who prioritise the sporty appeal and long-range capability of the 450 series over the advanced software features of the 450X. With an IDC range of 161 kms offered by the new 450S, riders can now confidently plan longer journeys and still experience the thrilling performance the 450 series is renowned for, all at a more accessible price."

The new 450S retains the sharp styling and build quality of the 450 range, while offering four riding modes – Smart Eco, Eco, Ride and Sport. It also comes equipped with a 7-inch DeepView Display, Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, AutoHold, Fall Safe, OTA updates and access to the Ather Grid fast-charging network.

Bookings are now open, with deliveries set to begin from August 2025. Ex-showroom prices for the new variant are INR 148,047 in Delhi, INR 148,258 in Mumbai, INR 145,999 in Bengaluru and INR 147,312 in Chennai.

The scooter is covered under Ather’s 'Eight70' warranty programme, which offers 8 years or 80,000 km of coverage, guaranteeing 70 percent battery health during the period.

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Eicher Motors (EML) has reported its highest-ever Q1 revenue in FY2026, reaching INR 50.42 billion, up 14.8 percent YoY, from INR 43.93 billion last year.

The EBITDA grew by 3.2 percent to INR 12.03 billion, while Profit After Tax (PAT) stood at INR 12.05 billion, up 9.4 percent from INR 11.01 billion in Q1 FY2024-25.

During the quarter, Royal Enfield sold 261,326 motorcycles, which was 14.7 percent higher as compared to 227,736 units sold in the corresponding period last year.

VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV) posted INR 56.71 billion in revenue, up 11.9 percent from INR 50.70 billion, while EBITDA grew by 32.6 percent to INR 5.11 billion. The company sold 21,610 CVs in Q1, compared to 19,702 in the previous year. VECV’s revenue and EBITDA are not included in Eicher Motors’ consolidated financials, and its profit contribution is reflected as a single line in EML’s consolidated PAT.

B Govindarajan, MD, Eicher Motors, and CEO, Royal Enfiled, said, “At Eicher Motors, we’ve had a solid start to the year, with encouraging growth across both Royal Enfield and VECV. We continue to build consistent momentum in volumes, profitability and the strength of our overall portfolio. At Royal Enfield, we have sustained our growth momentum in the first quarter, anchored by our continued focus on product innovation, immersive riding experiences and a deeper expression of pure motorcycling. The refreshed Hunter 350 continues to be a key marker of growth for us, both in terms of volumes and community engagement. Moving ahead on our global ambition, we further strengthened our reach in the SAARC region and expanded our portfolio in Nepal with the locally assembled Classic 350. With a refreshed pipeline of motorcycles and a growing ecosystem of curated rides and culture-first experiences, we are shaping a vibrant and inclusive motorcycling movement. VECV, too, has delivered consistent growth, anchored in a strong product portfolio and a sharp understanding of India’s evolving commercial mobility needs. Our continued investment in sustainable, efficient transport solutions ensures we are well-positioned for the future. As we move forward, our commitment to long-term value creation remains strong – through customer-centric innovation, global ambition, and meaningful brand experiences at every level.”

Vinod Aggarwal, MD and CEO, VECV, and Vice Chairman, Eicher Motors, said, “CV delivered its best‑ever first quarter with 21,610 units in Q1 FY’26 (up 9.7 percent year‑on‑year) and broadened its footprint in a largely flat market. Overall market share improved to 18.7 percent (vs 17.3 percent last year), led by continued leadership in LMD trucks (34.5 percent share) and a strong showing in Buses, where Total Bus volumes grew 14.8 percent and market share rose to 21.5 percent. Exports grew by 20.5 percent over last year. Deliveries of all electric Eicher Pro X in SCV segment (2.0–3.5T) continue to gather momentum. Heavy‑Duty volumes were marginally lower reflecting a lower total market despite market share gains. Our connected vehicle solution “My Eicher” now connects 150,000 customers representing 350,000 vehicles. VECV reported strong revenue growth and expansion in profit margins linked to better volumes, pricing and cost discipline. PAT was lower as compared to previous year primarily due to one off impact in Q1 FY’25 linked to deferred tax reversal.”

VECV also reported improved market share in LMD trucks and buses, and growth in electric vehicle deliveries and exports.

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Chennai-based two-wheeler and three-wheeler major TVS Motor Company has launched the TVS Ntorq 125 Super Soldier Edition in the Marvel Avengers Super Squad series at INR 98,117 (ex-showroom Delhi).

The TVS Ntorq Super Soldier Edition builds on the company’s successful collaboration with Marvel, and features a striking camo-inspired theme.

The Bluetooth-connected Smart scooter (SmartXonnect) remains mechanically unchanged, featuring a 124.8cc, air-cooled engine that produces 9.5hp and 1.5Nm of power.

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