Royal Enfield’s First Off-shore Assembly Unit Comes Up In Argentina

Ashok Leyland commits to transforming lives through mobility

Royal Enfield, the Chennai-based two-wheeler manufacturer, has begun the local assembly of motorcycles in Argentina in partnership with Grupo Simpa, Royal Enfield’s local distributor in the country since 2018. This will be the first time in Royal Enfield’s modern history that motorcycles will be assembled and produced outside the company’s manufacturing facilities in Chennai, India. The event for the local assembly announcement was graced by Alberto Fernández, President of Argentina.

The local assembly unit in Argentina will be based at Grupo Simpa’s facility located in Campana, Buenos Aires. To begin with, the plant will locally assemble three motorcycle models - the Royal Enfield Himalayan, the Interceptor 650 and the Continental GT 650 - starting this month.

Royal Enfield is a global leader in the mid-size motorcycle segment (250-750cc) and Argentina is among the biggest mid-size motorcycle markets in Latin America. Royal Enfield had set up its retail operations in Argentina in March 2018 with its first store in Vicente Lopez, Buenos Aires. Today, it has 5 exclusive retail stores in Argentina which is part of the 31 exclusive retail stores and 40 other retail touchpoints in all of the Latin American countries.

Speaking about the announcement, Vinod K Dasari, CEO, Royal Enfield, said, “Royal Enfield has been working steadily to grow and expand the middleweight motorcycling segment globally and also to increase our footprint in important global markets. Over the last couple of years, we have grown our international presence significantly and now have a wide retail presence across 60 countries. With a strategic view to cater to growing demand and to gain significant market advantage, we have been pursuing our plans to set up local assembly units across specific markets in the Asia Pacific region and across South America. In the first of these, we are very happy to announce the first CKD assembly plant in Argentina.”
 
Commenting specifically about the focus on Argentina as a market, Vinod K Dasari also said, “Argentina and other South American countries have been an important market for Royal Enfield. Ever since we commenced sales since 2018 in Argentina, we have received a resounding response to our motorcycles from consumers. The local terrain and topography create the perfect canvas for riding our motorcycles, especially the Himalayan. The initial success of the 650 Twin motorcycles has also been very encouraging. We are deeply committed to focusing on becoming a part of the fabric of the country’s rich motorcycling culture. Our decision to start assembling our motorcycles in Argentina is a testament to our long term commitment and increasing confidence in the market.”
 
Brazil, Argentina and Colombia are among the three most important markets for Royal Enfield in Latin America. Beyond India (the biggest market for the brand with over 900 dealerships), Royal Enfield motorcycles reach consumers and enthusiasts in more than 60 countries worldwide, through 660 dealerships and 82 exclusive brand stores in nodal cities such as Milwaukee, London, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Melbourne, Sao Paulo, Bogota, Medellin, Mexico City, Buenos Aires, Dubai, Bangkok, Jakarta, Manila and Ho Chi Minh City.
 

TVS Motor Company Launches TVS Apache Junior Programme For Young Riders

TVS Young Racers

Chennai-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major TVS Motor Company, part of TVS VENU, handed over 10 TVS Apache RR 200 Mini motorcycles to the Madras Motor Sports Club (MMSC) to support a structured rider development programme for aspiring racers aged 10–14 years.

The initiative, named the TVS Apache Junior Programme, provides training and mentorship at the Madras International Karting Arena (MIKA). Participants will train on the purpose-built TVS Apache RR 200 Mini motorcycles, which will be available on rent as part of the scheme. The curriculum focuses on racing fundamentals, including discipline, precision, control, safety and physical conditioning, under the guidance of instructors and TVS Racing champions.

The programme forms the initial tier of a four-stage talent development framework designed to transition young riders into professional circuit racing. Following the TVS Apache Junior Programme for ages 10–14, riders aged 15 and above can enter competitive circuit racing through the TVS OMC Rookie Category. Subsequent levels include the TVS OMC RR 310 Expert Category for advanced development, leading to opportunities in the TVS Racing International Championship.

Safety protocols remain integrated into the training structure. Participants receive coaching in controlled environments, using specialised safety equipment and protective gear alongside the mini motorcycles.

Vimal Sumbly, Head – Premium Business, TVS Motor Company, said, "At TVS Motor Company, racing is more than a sport—it is part of our DNA. For over four decades, we have championed performance, precision and safety while building India's motorsport ecosystem. With competitive racing under FMSCI regulations beginning at the age of 15, the TVS Apache Junior Programme addresses the need for structured early training by providing aspiring riders aged 10–14 years with world-class coaching in a safe, controlled environment. Powered by the TVS Apache RR 200 Mini Motorcycle at the Madras International Karting Arena and guided by TVS Racing experts, the programme creates a clear pathway for India's future racing champions while strengthening the grassroots of Indian motorsport."

The launch coincides with the 20th anniversary of the TVS Apache brand, which now represents a community of over 7 million riders across 90 countries. The development programme extends the manufacturer's 40-year involvement in domestic motorsport by linking grassroots talent identification with its broader racing operations.

Flying Flea Expands Retail Footprint In Bengaluru

Flying Flea

Flying Flea, the electric mobility brand from Royal Enfield, has expanded its network with 10 new touchpoints in Bengaluru, supplementing its initial store in Jayanagar.

The expansion supports the Flying Flea C6 motorcycle, priced at INR 2.79 lakh (ex-showroom) or INR 1.99 lakh with Battery-as-a-Service. The network uses a hub-and-spoke model, featuring a service hub in BTM Layout and spoke centres across locations including Whitefield, Rajaji Nagar and Electronic City.

The FF.C6 is a ground-up electric platform weighing 124 kg. It features a 3.91 kWh lithium-ion battery encased in magnesium alloy, providing a peak power of 15.4 kW. The motorcycle achieves a top speed of 115 kmph and delivers 60 Nm of motor torque, resulting in over 400 Nm of wheel torque.

Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles - Shaurya Vijay Yatra

Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles, one of the leading mid-sized motorcycle manufacturers, has completed the Shaurya Vijay Yatra in partnership with the Indian Army, culminating at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras on Kargil Vijay Diwas. The expedition covered 1,900 kilometres from the National War Memorial in New Delhi.

Participants travelled through Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh on Jawa and Yezdi motorcycles, carrying soil from the National War Memorial to the Kargil War Memorial. The event was flagged off by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Anupam Thareja, Co-Founder, Classic Legends, said, "The Shaurya Vijay Yatra is our way of ensuring that the stories of India's bravehearts continue to inspire future generations. From the National War Memorial to Dras, every kilometre of this journey was dedicated to honouring those who gave everything for the nation. We are proud to undertake this tribute alongside the Indian Army and the wider riding community. By bringing together serving and retired defence personnel, Veer Naris and civilian riders, we hope to ensure that the values of courage, service and national pride continue to resonate across generations."

HMSI

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, one of the leading two-wheeler manufacturers in the country, unveiled a portfolio of 10 motorcycles and scooters in New Delhi, comprising 7 models and 3 refreshed variants.

The lineup spans internal combustion engine, electric and flex-fuel mobility, featuring models such as the ADV 160, CB 500, Rebel 300, Rebel 500, XR 300L, XR 300 Rally and QC3 EV. Production utilises local sourcing and manufacturing capabilities to support market expansion.

Tsutsumu Otani, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, "India remains one of Honda's most strategic global markets. This 10-product portfolio offers a wide range of mobility solutions. It reinforces Honda's multi-pathway approach, with advanced ICE vehicles, electric mobility solutions, and flex-fuel technologies designed to address diverse customer needs and varying infrastructure readiness. At the same time, we are accelerating our Make-in-India for the World commitment by strengthening local engineering and manufacturing capabilities. This not only allows us to bring Honda's global technologies closer to Indian customers, but also reinforces India's role as an important manufacturing and export hub within Honda's global operations, while maintaining the quality, reliability, and safety that define Honda.”

Mutsuo Usui, Director - Sales & Marketing, added, "Indian customers today are looking for products that complement their lifestyles as much as their mobility needs. Through this expanded portfolio, we are bringing a broader range of Honda’s globally acclaimed models to India and offering customers greater choice across multiple riding categories. Whether for daily commuting, weekend exploration, adventure touring, or leisure riding, this product range enables customers to choose a Honda that best matches their aspirations.”