Relatively low cost of ownership and an increase in demand in urban and semi-urban areas are the primary drivers behind the growth of India’s 2-wheeler market. Post the COVID-19 era, there is a general sentiment among the consumers, considering 2-wheelers as the preferred alternative to public transport and shared mobility. The 2-wheeler segment is expected to play a vital role in boosting the automotive sector post- COVID-19 by providing affordable personal mobility alternatives while we observe social distancing.

As the 2-wheeler market continues to boom in India, it is essential to also focus on the safety aspects related to the vehicles.

According to the World Road Statistics Report 2018, India has the largest number of road accident deaths across 199 countries. A report by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) shows that 2-wheeler deaths have increased on a year-on-year basis, rising by 38 percent from 2009 to 2019.

The Indian Government has implemented various new policies related to automotive safety in the last few years. Today’s consumer is also more conscious about safety and looks at key features that ensure safety instead of viewing it as an option confined to premium variants. Today, vehicle safety is transitioning from cost-addition to value addition.

The consumers are continually looking for technology upgrades in all the departments, be it safety or convenience. This has pushed us to be innovative and flexible in adapting globally proven safety technologies to local requirements in the form of effective products.

Anti- Lock Braking System (ABS)

ABS is a piece of safety equipment that prevents the wheels of a vehicle from locking up under emergency, panic, or harsh braking conditions. The introduction of ABS will significantly impact improved road safety, with other factors such as the safety belt and the introduction of speed limits playing a role alongside ABS’s spread. All 2-wheelers over 125-cc are mandated to have ABS as of April 2019 in India.

At Continental, we have a range of solutions in the ABS segment suited to all vehicle types. India has a range of lighter 2-wheelers, where ABS is not mandated. The MiniMAB - One Channel ABS for Motorcycles is suited to scooters and small motorcycles. The small and lightweight solution is easily adaptable to smaller vehicles because only one wheel speed sensor is required. The system prevents the front wheel from locking up and avoids falls or the vehicle from becoming unstable.

Beyond ABS:

As a technology company, Continental is at the forefront of safety technologies. We have all the relevant products for different demands such as ABS ride modes, traction control, optimised curve braking, motorcycle hold & go, and Advanced Rider Assistance Systems (ARAS).

These technologies have a lot of scopes to gain prominence in the safety department in India. ARAS include functionalities like,

● Blind Spot Detection and Lane Change Assist: Warns the rider of vehicles driving in the blind spot area. The alert helps facilitate safe lane changes. The rearward-facing radar sensor monitors the road area behind and next to the motorcycle and warns if a lane change cannot be recommended.

● Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and Forward Collision Warning: Supports the rider in avoiding run-up accidents by a radar-aided early threat assessment. It detects critical traffic situations and ensures optimum use of the available braking power. When a rear-end accident threatens, the motorcyclist will be alerted first before the EBA function supports his active braking system with slight pre-brake pressure.

● Intelligent Headlight Assist: The ARAS function Intelligent Headlight Assist (IHA) enables better vision at night. Motorcyclists can delegate the constant tedious task of changing from high to low beam to the electronic co-pilot. It detects the vehicles’ lights in front and oncoming vehicles and switches the high-beam headlamp on whenever possible to ensure optimum lighting of the road.

● Traffic Sign Assist: Detects traffic signs using a front camera and displays them to the rider. Failure to see a road sign displaying the permissible maximum speed can be expensive. Especially for people who rely on their driving license for their work, the consequences can be unpleasant. Traffic Sign Recognition has a display on the instrument panel to remind drivers of the current speed limit. This is achieved through multiple uses of the same camera, which is also used for the Lane Departure Warning system. When combined with high-performance software, it can even recognise speed limit signs. Digitised speed limit information of the onboard navigation system will be incorporated to be prepared for roads not assigned with speed limit signs.

● Adaptive Cruise Control: Relives the rider by automatically controlling throttle and brake to maintain the safe riding distance with the vehicle ahead.

Other technologies like Continental’s eHorizon for 2-wheelers is a cloud-based data management service that enables a variety of use-cases, increases safety, eco-efficiency, and enhances riding pleasure. The data, such as road geometry, traffic signs, or temporary events on the road, is collected and aggregated from various sources and transmitted back to the vehicle to either predictively inform the motorcyclist on relevant information on the route or to enhance vehicle functions directly.

This “swarm-intelligent system” uses technologies already present in vehicles, like camera systems, to classify road conditions like dry, wet, very wet (risk of aquaplaning), snowy, or icy. Based on that information, dynamic friction charts can be created and then used to forecast how well the tyres will grip the road stretch in question. I believe both these technologies have a good scope in the market, like India. Then again, a reliable ecosystem is vital to enable it.

We at Continental, with a strong legacy in-vehicle safety systems and inspired by its Vision Zero - Zero Fatalities, Zero Injuries, and Zero Crashes are committed to improving safety across the world awareness through various global and local forums. (MT)

NB: Thalavai Venkatesan is the Head of Sales & Key Account Management, Continental Automotive India. Views expressed are personal.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Simple Energy, the Bengaluru-based automotive startup, has announced the pricing and commencement of deliveries for the Simple Ultra at INR 234,999 (ex-showroom).

Positioned as the longest-range electric scooter in India, the Simple Ultra has a claimed Indian Drive Cycle (IDC) range of 400 km. The Simple Ultra marks the company’s fourth product launch within the 2026 calendar year.

The EV is powered by a 6.5 kWh battery pack and features a high-performance architecture. Technical specifications include a claimed top speed of 115 kmph and an acceleration of zero to 40 kmph in 2.77 seconds, making it the second fastest scooter in the brand's portfolio. To manage this performance, the vehicle is equipped with a four-level traction control system and a seven-inch digital rider’s console.

The launch follows the introduction of the second-generation Simple One and Simple OneS models earlier this year. Simple Energy is currently expanding its retail presence, which now includes approximately 70 touchpoints across major cities such as Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi and Chennai. Further expansion into Nagpur, Ranchi and Bhubaneshwar is planned for the coming months.

Suhas Rajkumar, Founder and CEO, Simple Energy, said, “At Simple Energy, we engineer with intent. The Simple Ultra is built for riders who demand extreme range and performance without compromise. With a 400 km IDC range and high-performance architecture, it sets a new benchmark for electric two-wheelers in India. With prices now revealed and deliveries underway, we are delivering truly anxiety-free electric mobility at scale, backed by our expanding pan-India network.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Suzuki Motorcycle India (SMIPL), the subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, concluded the Mumbai edition of its motorcycling festival, Suzuki Matsuri, in Mulund. The event was attended by approximately 4,000 participants and resulted in four records recognised by the India Book of Records (IBR) and Asia Book of Records (ABR).

The company achieved the record for the Largest Gathering of a Single Scooter Model at One Location, with 390 Suzuki Burgman owners assembling at the venue.

The automaker also recorded the Maximum Single Model Scooter Delivered in a Single Day, with 175 new Suzuki Burgman scooters handed over to customers during the event.

The festival served as the venue for the customer-led launch of the new Suzuki Burgman Street. In addition to domestic models, the manufacturer showcased the Suzuki Burgman 400, a model from its international maxi-scooter range. Engagement zones provided attendees with access to the Access ABS, e-Access and V-Strom SX for curated riding experiences.

The event included professional stunt performances, a Suzuki parade and interactive sessions. Other features of the festival included merchandise booths and high-energy music performances. The Mumbai edition is part of the company's broader strategy to engage with the riding community and build a culture around its product line.

Deepak Mutreja, Vice-President – Sales, Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, “Suzuki Matsuri is a celebration of the riding community and their passion for two-wheelers. Setting two prestigious records at this year’s Mumbai edition is a proud moment for all of us and reflects the strong connect we share with our customers. The overwhelming participation and enthusiasm reaffirm our commitment to delivering value-packed products and meaningful experiences. We will continue to engage closely with riders to build an inclusive riding culture in India.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Zelio E-Mobility, an electric two- and three-wheeler company, has appointed Divyanshu Agarwal as its Chief Executive Officer, effective 15 April 2026.

The appointment was approved by the Board of Directors following a recommendation from the Nomination and Remuneration Committee. Agarwal, a Chartered Accountant, joins the company from Navi, where he previously served as the Head of UPI Business and Growth.

In his new role, Agarwal will oversee the development and scaling of the company’s manufacturing infrastructure, including upcoming plants in Odisha and Coimbatore. His mandate includes strengthening operational execution, expanding market presence and scaling the distribution network.

During his tenure at Navi, Agarwal was involved in private equity fundraising and the firm’s Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) process, as well as managing cross-functional projects across finance and product development.

The leadership change follows Zelio E-Mobility’s recent listing on the public markets, where the company raised INR 783 million through an initial public offering. The IPO consisted of a fresh issue of INR 588 million and an offer for sale worth INR 155 million, achieving an overall subscription of 1.5 times.

The company currently maintains a network of over 350 dealers across 20 states and union territories, serving more than 200,000 riders under the ‘Zelio’ electric two-wheeler and ‘Tanga’ electric three-wheeler brands.

Divyanshu Agarwal, said, "Zelio is at a stage where growth needs to be backed by consistent execution and clarity in direction. The focus will be on strengthening the core, expanding reach in a measured way and building products that customers can rely on every day. The opportunity is significant, and the effort will be to build it with discipline."

Kunal Arya, MD, Zelio E-Mobility, added, "Divyanshu brings a strong understanding of both finance and business operations. He has seen how to build and scale in fast-moving environments. As we expand, the need is for sharper execution and long-term thinking, and he is well equipped to take that forward."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd. has unveiled a major design overhaul for the Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid, repositioning the scooter to better align with contemporary lifestyles and youth fashion preferences. The updated model introduces a more compact and modern silhouette, moving away from its previous look to resonate strongly with younger riders.

The most striking change appears at the rear, where a completely reworked tail section, new taillights, flashers and the signature V-shaped light design create a balanced and upscale appearance. These design upgrades, including fresh decals, were developed entirely by Yamaha’s Indian R&D team based on direct customer input. This customer‑driven approach underlines Yamaha’s dedication to blending aesthetics with functionality, all while keeping the Fascino’s trusted performance and fuel efficiency intact.

Since its 2015 launch as a fashion‑forward 110 cc unisex commuter, the Fascino has undergone several key transformations. It became a BS6‑compliant 125 cc fuel‑injected model in 2019, then evolved into Yamaha’s first hybrid scooter in 2021 with Smart Motor Generator technology and Power Assist. The 2025 update added Enhanced Power Assist, a colour TFT display and the Answer Back feature. This month, Yamaha celebrates producing 1.5 million units of the Fascino, a milestone that highlights sustained customer trust and timely upgrades.

Powering the Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid is Yamaha’s Blue Core Hybrid 125 cc air‑cooled, fuel‑injected SOHC two‑valve engine, which refines performance and efficiency. Key features include telescopic suspension, a side stand engine cut‑off, 21 litres of under‑seat storage and E20 fuel compatibility. The hybrid system, featuring Silent Start, Stop & Start System and Enhanced Power Assist, improves acceleration on inclines or under load while saving fuel. The premium Fascino S variant adds a colour TFT cluster with turn‑by‑turn navigation and the Answer Back function, all within a compact 1780 mm length.

The colour options and starting prices are as follows:

Hajime Aota, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group, said, “The journey of Yamaha’s Fascino reflects our unwavering dedication to evolving with our customers. While our 1.5 million production milestone stands as a powerful testament to the trust placed in our products, we remain committed to pushing boundaries. As the preferences of today’s youth shift towards more diverse and sophisticated expressions of style, the new Fascino has been thoughtfully transformed into a trendsetting, unisex mobility solution. This evolution, led by our India-based R&D team, ensures that the refined design and trusted hybrid performance resonate with every rider seeking a perfect blend of innovation and practicality. We believe this new chapter for the Fascino will redefine the standard for urban commuting in India.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!