By T Murrali

As India will be moving to the new emission regime from April this year, the manufacturing companies are fielding new models of new variants with BS-VI engines. India Yamaha Motor (IYM) has announced a slew of new brands, in line with its concept of ‘The Call of the Blue’ that carved out the ‘The Yamaha Uniqueness’ of product line-ups and experiences through the ‘Blue Square’ network. IYM has fielded four vehicles with several innovative features and technologies, with plans to create a strong network of dealers; nonetheless, it has still kept a conservative sales growth target of 4 percent.

In 2019, the company sold 624,000 units (with 40 percent scooters and the rest motorcycles), witnessing a 13 percent drop in sales over the previous year, matching the industry average. It exported 296,000 units during the year. For 2020, IYM has set a target of 650,000 units with the same break-up for scooters and motorcycles. This is just 4 percent more than last year’s sales. However, it aims to raise exports to 315,000 units.

Ravinder Singh, Senior Vice President, Strategy and Planning Group, Yamaha Motors India Sales Pvt Ltd, said, “We have been able to increase our market share in deluxe and premium segments and maintain it in the scooter segment (for Fascino), thanks to our focused brand strategy: ‘The Call of the Blue.’ Our success in 2020 will depend on creating a strong network and we have started working on this direction. ‘Blue Square’ is one such initiative.”

‘Blue Square’ 

‘Blue square’ is a unique concept intended to offer Yamaha’s racing DNA to exciting, stylish and sporty products and experiences. ‘The Call of the Blue’ started in 2018 expanded to products and experiences in 2019.

‘Blue Square’ is created as a destination for all two-wheeler enthusiasts. The concept was to expand the company’s uniqueness for fuelling the passion for riding in India featuring a wide range of riding gears and accessories along with the two-wheeler line-ups that deliver good driving experience. Yamaha Blue Square Showrooms will serve the excitement to grow into a popular culture by turning it into an aspiration for every young rider.

To a question on how ‘Blue Square’ will help the company to strengthen its market position, Singh said the company’s objective is to focus on youngsters. It launched the brand campaign ‘The Call of the Blue’ mainly to connect with the young customers. Now IYM is taking it to the next level with ‘Blue Square,’ which according to him is more of the brand connection, linking its BTL (below the line) activities. “From ATL (above the line) activities to BTL, we are connecting the customers and giving the experience of sporty and stylish vehicles, which is our core DNA, to the product.” The additional dealerships planned for this year will be primarily for ‘Blue Square’ outlets, he said. 

Many of the existing dealerships will also be upgraded to deal with its new introductions of 155cc motorcycle MT-15 and the 125cc scooters, the Ray ZR 125 FI and Street Rally 125 FI, and the iconic Fascino 125 FI. Shifting from the 110cc segment, IYM is strengthening its market in the 125cc scooter segment and the motorcycle line-up.

MT-15

Known for its balance of torque and agility, MT-15 has enhanced control postures and single-channel ABS. A special colour ‘Ice Fluo-Vermillion’ was also introduced. It received rave reviews in many countries for its distinctively aggressive appearance. The new BS-VI compliant MT-15 has a rear radial tyre. Its advanced design expressing torque and agility is popularised further by a minimal look, dynamic headlight, short tail and an overall finish that illustrates its unique style.

The new bike comes with VVA engine for nimble acceleration with model-specific ECU,  optimized secondary reduction gear ratio for snappy riding in town, A&S clutch for stress-free gear shifts, motard-like riding position with a great deal of freedom on a tight, concentrated silhouette, 282mm front disc brake with single-channel ABS for excellent stopping power. The advanced design expressing torque and agility is further accentuated by dynamic front face styling headlight, short tail with a vertical tail light and overall graphics and finish.

Ray ZR 125 FI, Street Rally 125 FI

The new scooters come with several new features, new engine technologies and are available in a range of new colours. The new Ray ZR 125 FI and Street Rally 125 FI are powered by a BS-VI compliant, air cooled, fuel injected, 125cc blue core engine that produces a power output of 8.2 PS @ 6,500 RPM and a torque of 9.7 Nm @ 5,000 RPM. The power output and economy are 30 percent and 16 percent higher respectively than the earlier scooters.

The styling concept is ‘Armored Energy’ which evokes the feeling of a powerful motorcycle laced to proportions, details, striking design and new technologies. The sporty, sharp-looking headlight is Class C-compliant while the Y-shaped LED position light adds greater originality to the design. The turn signals at the front and rear use individual mounting stalks like those used for motorcycles. The Ray ZR 125 FI is available in both drum and disc brake versions, and the disc brake version gets digital instrument cluster as a new feature. The new Ray ZR 125 FI is available in a wide range of colour variants including Dark Matte Blue, Metallic Black, Cyan Blue, Matte Red Metallic and Reddish Yellow Cocktail.

The new Street Rally 125 FI also fuses motorcycle elements with those of a scooter and scatters them throughout the design. Brush guards shield the rider's hands from oncoming airflow and add a sporty, adventure-influenced touch to the machine. It additionally offers fully digital instrument cluster, side panels designed to look like a rugged frame, block-pattern tyre, sporty coloured wheel stripes (front and rear) and side panels intended to look like metallic protectors. The new Street Rally 125 FI is available in two colours: Deep Purplish Blue Metallic and Sparkle Green.

Fascino 125 FI

The new Fascino 125 FI is powered by a BS-VI compliant, air cooled, fuel injected, 125cc blue core engine that produces a power output of 8.2 PS @ 6,500 RPM and a torque of 9.7 Nm @ 5,000 RPM. The power output and economy are 30 percent and 16 percent higher respectively than the earlier scooters.

Along with the new features and technologies, the visual impression of the new Fascino 125 FI rests on its classic European styling as it gets an all-new exterior design, higher quality bodywork, newly designed headlight, new gauges and other features that produce a feeling of elegance and status. The new scooter is designed to be a fashionable vehicle with styling that embodies strength, refinement and beauty along with classical touches. The vehicle is available in disc and drum brakes and a wide range of colour variants including Vivid Red, Metallic Black, Yellow Cocktail, Matte Blue, Dark Matte Blue, Suave Copper and Cyan Blue.

Lightweighting

The body weight of the new Ray ZR 125 FI, Street Rally 125 FI and Fascino 125 FI is 99 kg, which is, at the least, 4 kg lighter than Yamaha's earlier scooters. All the new scooters come with ‘stop & start system’ that prevents engine idling and subsequent start with a single throttle twist which uses the sensors to assess the riding environment. The vehicles have front disc brake with unified brake system. In addition, the smart motor-generator fitted to these vehicles uses electronic controls to bring a quieter engine start without the need for a separate conventional electric starter. One of the key features is the ‘side stand engine cut-off switch,’ which prevents the engine from starting if the side-stand is not retracted. This is a unique feature as it can prevent accidents and ensure safety of the rider.

Talking to this publication on the objective to introduce the engine cut-off switch to the side-stand, Yasuo Ishihara, Managing Director, Yamaha Motor Research & Development India Pvt Ltd, said that in Europe these safety systems are mandatory. Since it is a safety feature the company wanted to introduce it in India also. “We have decided to incorporate this feature in the two-wheelers (Ray and Fascino) that we have launched now. In a phased manner this feature will be introduced in all the models we produce.”

The company has also introduced stop-start systems and this was possible as it replaced the starter motor with a combined generator-cum-starter motor. Ishihara said that in India the traffic is dense with more stopping and starting conditions, not only at traffic lights but also on congested roads. This mild hybrid helps in managing these situations while conserving fuel. However, when there are frequent stops and starts, the power drawn will be more from the battery; therefore the company has increased the battery capacity.

Yamaha has also reduced the total kerb weight by 4 kg. This was achieved as the design team was given very stringent targets to reduce weight. There were targets set for every major part in the vehicle. This combined with high-end design helped the company achieve weight reduction despite increasing the sheet metal content. For instance, in the earlier version of the scooters, the front fender was in plastic but in the BS-VI version this has been replaced with metal. According to him, one of the reasons for weight reduction was that the vehicles have no starter motors, since the generators do that function. Despite introducing new technologies, localisation in all the models is over 90 percent, he said.

Target Customers               

The target customers for the three scooters, according to the company, are the youth (18-24 years) who are high on adventure, and who find the true reflection of their riding personality by the mobility they ride and its performance. Motofumi Shitara, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India group of companies, said, “Customers can now take the experience of all such exciting Yamaha two-wheelers at the new ‘Blue Square’ outlets of Yamaha which is conceptualized to garner the racing spirit along with its comfort, ambience and the beacon of the Yamaha Blue. The company also plans to expand its brand strategy of ‘The Call of the Blue’ including product strategies and networks in 2020. The ‘Blue Square’ which was opened recently in Chennai will expand to 100 outlets in 2020 and eventually would consolidate the 125cc scooter market share and sports market share for the brand. The ‘Call of the Blue’ will be scaled up in 2020 to offer the excitement, sporty and stylish experiences to a wider audience.”

Digital Communication

On the communication side, he said, the company is more focused on the digital platform. Despite fielding new stylish models with more safety features and power, the company has set itself a growth of just 4 percent for the current calendar over 2019. Seeking his reason for this, Singh said it is justified. “At this moment we are very conservative. We are talking to dealers and we are also taking feedback from people like you. We see a clear shift from 110cc to 125cc (in scooters) and it will increase in the coming years as people are further upgrading.” Therefore, the segment will further evolve. But it all depends on increasing affordability, which is directly linked to economic growth. The key point is that India is a country where more than 50 percent of the population is young. This is precisely the reason for the company to field products targeting the youth, he said. “Based on the features and the pricing we are going to get a good amount of market share in this segment; still we are taking cautious steps,” he explained.

The company will focus on three areas to connect with its customers easily - Premium, Deluxe and Scooters. Otherwise, connecting with customers from the commuting point of view would be difficult for Yamaha. This is the reason for the company to upgrade its scooters to 125cc, Shitara said.

Currently, IYM has 593 dealers across India with about 2,000 touch points. The company has allotted INR 1,500 crore for building capacity and capabilities, to be spent over four years from 2018. It had to invest INR 16 crore to develop BS-VI engines. Though modifications to the engine were minimal, the additions were in the form of double catalytic converters for exhaust, O2 sensors and advanced OBD modules. Investments have also gone into precision machining of parts for BS-VI related elements, and the development of new parts.  (MT)

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Bengaluru-based electric vehicle and technology company Ultraviolette Automotive has officially launched its F77 Mach 2 Recon and F77 SuperStreet Recon electric performance motorcycles in the United Kingdom. The expansion is in partnership with MotoMondo, the company's exclusive distribution partner in the region.

The launch was announced at the Motorcycle Live Show in London. Ultraviolette showcased its full product portfolio, including the F77s, F77 SuperStreet, X-47, Tesseract, Shockwave and the F99.

Narayan Subramaniam, CEO & Co-founder of Ultraviolette, said, “Earlier this year, we achieved a key milestone with the launch of the F77s across Europe, followed by the showcase of our future product lineup at EICMA. Today, I am pleased to announce that the F77 is officially launched in the United Kingdom, a nation renowned for its deep motorcycling heritage. It is a proud moment for us as we bring advanced performance and innovation to riders across the UK. With progression on the UK-India Free Trade Agreement, we believe it will further enhance the ease of bringing advanced mobility technology to the region and strengthen cross-border collaboration. We have unveiled our future product line-up: the world’s first motorcycle with radar as standard- the X-47 Crossover, along with our scooter platform-the Tesseract, and our light motorcycle platform- the Shockwave. Our product portfolio offers a clear glimpse into the future of mobility, where intelligence, purposeful design, and instinctive safety come together. With the support of our strategic partner MotoMondo, Ultraviolette is committed to setting new benchmarks across the United Kingdom and beyond.”

The F77 series draws inspiration from aeronautics. The motorcycles deliver 30 kW of peak power and 100 Nm of torque, resulting in a top speed of 155 kph. The bike is powered by a 10.3 kWh battery pack, offering a range of up to 323 kms (IDC).

It features the company’s proprietary artificial intelligence system, Violette A.I., switchable Dual-Channel ABS (developed by Bosch), 10 levels of Regenerative Braking, 4 levels of Traction Control and Dynamic Stability Control.

At the show, Ultraviolette unveiled the X-47 Crossover, a motorcycle that blends two segments and is engineered for versatility across terrains. The X-47 is the first in its class to feature integrated radar technology as standard across all variants, which adapts to lean angles up to 20 degrees. This system, powered by UV HyperSense, introduces the Advanced Rider Assistance System (ARAS) to the segment.

Jan Ykema, Managing Director of MotoMondo, commented “We are proud to bring Ultraviolette to the UK, marking a historic first step in bringing their revolutionary electric motorcycles to riders across the United Kingdom. The F77 series embodies cutting-edge technology, aerodynamic precision and performance-driven engineering, perfectly aligning with the dynamic motorcycling culture in the UK. It is a genuine and affordable mobility solution in a world where there will be more and more restrictions for ICE vehicles of which the cost of ownership will continue to rise. We are excited to partner with Ultraviolette and look forward to seeing the enthusiasm of riders as they experience the future of motorcycling first-hand.”

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Japanese auto major India Yamaha Motor (IYM) has marked its aggressive product expansion plans with a slew of new launches, including the launch of its globally acclaimed modern retro sport brand, the all-new XSR155 in India.

The company also unveiled its first electric offerings, the Aerox-E and EC-06 e-scooters, in addition to strengthening its FZ motorcycle portfolio with the new FZ-Rave.

The XSR155 motorcycle, priced at INR 149,990 embodies the modern retro sport concept, blending design with engineering. Powered by a liquid-cooled engine with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA), delivering of power and of torque. It is built on Yamaha’s Deltabox frame, featuring an aluminium swing arm, upside-down front forks, and linked-type monocross rear suspension. It gets dual-channel ABS and Traction Control.

The new FZ-Rave motorcycle is designed for young riders, offering a mix of performance, efficiency, and practicality in the segment. It is powered by a single-cylinder, air-cooled engine, producing of power, and features single-channel ABS and front & rear disc brakes and is priced at INR 117,218 (ex-showroom-Delhi).

Finally, the Japanese automaker has marked its entry into India’s electric vehicle market with the introduction of the Aerox-E and EC-06 e-scooters, which are positioned as performance-oriented maxi sports and urban commuting model respectively.

The Aerox-E is Yamaha’s new Performance EV in the Maxi Sports Scooter segment, designed for urban use. It is powered by a 9.4 kW (peak power) electric motor producing 48 Nm of torque, dual detachable 3 kWh high-energy type cell batteries with ergonomic grips for easy home charging. It comes with a claimed certified range of 106 km, with 3 riding modes – Eco, Standard, Power – and a ‘Boost’ function for rapid acceleration, along with reverse capabilities.

It gets dual-disc brakes with single-channel ABS and a large colour TFT screen with turn-by-turn navigation and Y-connect mobile app compatibility for Multi-Information Display (MID) and smart features.

The e-scooter features a distinctive ‘X’ Centre Motif, Twin LED Class D headlights, a 3D-effect LED tail light and a smart key system.

The EC-06 on the other hand is designed for interurban mobility, catering to customers seeking a practical commuting option with contemporary design. Powered by a 4.5 kW electric motor generating it churns out 6.7 kW (peak power) and features a 4 kWh high-capacity fixed battery, providing a claimed certified range of 160 km. Charging the fixed battery takes approximately 9 hours using a standard home plug-in option. The scooter offers three riding modes and a reverse mode for convenience. It comes equipped with front and rear disc brakes, a coloured LCD display, LED lighting, and a built-in telematics unit with a SIM for digital integration. It also features a substantial 24.5 Litres of under-seat storage.

Itaru Otani, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group, said, “India is central to Yamaha’s global growth strategy — a market where we see immense potential across both premium and electric mobility segments. The introduction of the XSR brand, our new EV models and the FZ-Rave mark a decisive step in strengthening our presence and aligning with India’s evolving mobility landscape. With these launches, we are deepening our connect with riders who seek performance, design, and technology, while also responding to the nation’s transition towards sustainable transportation. Our focus remains on creating value in India — through products built for its diverse customers, supported by India's vision of Viksit Bharat and guided by Yamaha’s global Environmental Plan 2050.”

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Bengaluru-based electric two-wheeler maker Simple Energy is strengthening its presence in the country with the appointments of Jitin Johnson as Head of Marketing and Kevin Thomas as Head of Brand.

To support its next phase of brand and business expansion, the company has expanded its marketing team to over 40 professionals. Simple Energy plans to accelerate its all-India footprint, with a target of establishing 150 retail stores and 200 service centres across the country by March 2026.

Jitin Johnson, Head of Marketing, Simple Energy, brings 14 years of marketing experience, having previously served as Assistant General Manager – Digital Marketing at River EV. He will lead the company’s omnichannel marketing strategy, covering brand development, go-to-market initiatives, digital transformation and customer engagement.

Kevin Thomas, Head of Brand, Simple Energy, brings over 13 years of expertise in Creative Direction and Visual Design. He most recently served as Principal Visual Designer at Ultraviolette Automotive. His career includes leadership roles at brands such as Amazon, Motorola and OnePlus.

Jitin Johnson, said, "Simple Energy is redefining how India moves - blending performance, design, and purpose in a way that truly resonates with the next generation of riders. I’m excited to build on this momentum, shaping a brand that’s as emotionally charged as it is.”

Kevin Thomas, said, “My creative philosophy is shaped by years spent at the intersection of design, machines, and art. I’ve always believed that great automotive brands are built not just through engineering, but through emotion and visual storytelling. At Simple Energy, I’m excited to craft a brand that’s artistically expressive, deeply rider-centric, and unmistakably rooted in the culture of movement.”

Smitha Rao, General Manager - Brand & Marketing, Simple Energy, added, “These appointments and the expansion of our marketing team mark an important step in strengthening Simple Energy’s brand and business ambitions. With Jitin and Kevin leading key functions, we’re better positioned to build meaningful connections with our customers, enhance brand consistency, and accelerate our mission to make electric mobility aspirational yet accessible.”

At present, Simple Energy’s offerings include the Simple ONE Gen 1.5 and Simple OneS two-wheelers, which deliver claimed IDC ranges of 248 km and 181 km, respectively. The company has also recently achieved milestones such as becoming India’s first OEM to commercially manufacture heavy rare-earth-free motors and the first to introduce an 8-year motor warranty.

With 61 retail outlets across key cities, the company is now preparing to expand into five new markets, including Delhi and Patna.

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Italian two-wheeler and three-wheeler manufacturer the Piaggio Group presented its new motorcycle and scooter lineup at EICMA 2025, reaffirming its status among the world’s two-wheeler manufacturers.

The company introduced the Aprilia SR GT 400, a mid-size GT scooter featuring a liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine producing 36 hp, long-travel suspension and tyres with a deeper tread pattern. Standard equipment includes a 5-inch TFT display, keyless system, traction control and ABS.

Aprilia also introduced the RS 457 GP Replica, a special edition of the RS 457 sports bike. It features upgraded equipment for sporting riding, including a quick shifter for clutchless shifts and higher-friction front brake pads. The motorcycle is powered by a liquid-cooled, forward-facing twin-cylinder engine delivering 35 kW.

The Aprilia Factory range (RSV4, Tuono V4, RS 660 and Tuono 660) gains new graphics for 2026, which feature aerodynamic flow as a common theme.

The Moto Guzzi range receives new colour options for 2026.

• The V7 Stone is available in the new Sabbia Camo finish, while the V7 Special is offered in Nero Smeraldo and Bianco 1969. The V7 Sport features the new Rosso Monza livery.
• The V85 travel enduro range gains new colours: Verde Legnano and Rosso Monza for the V85 Strada and Giallo Wadi and Grigio Yanar Dag for the V85 TT.
• The V85 TT Travel is available in a new Blu Zefiro finish.
• The Stelvio model debuts new graphics, Grigio Climbing and Verde Hiking, inspired by outdoor apparel.

Vespa and Piaggio Scooters

Piaggio presented the Beverly 25th Anniversary edition, celebrating 25 years since the model’s launch. Available with 310 hpe and 400 hpe engines, it features an exclusive design with a dedicated Grigio 25th Anniversary colour, a light grey graphic, and a smoked flyscreen.

Vespa launched the new Primavera and Sprint S models, which feature technical, functional and design updates, including new 12-inch wheels, a rear disc brake and full-LCD instrumentation. Keyless ignition is standard on 125 and 150 models.

In addition, Vespa is launching a special edition of the Primavera and GTS to mark its 80^th anniversary in 2026. The Vespa 80th series features a distinctive Verde Pastello colour, inspired by the earliest single-colour Vespa models and a commemorative ‘80^th’ badge.

As of June 2025, the group held 10 percent of the European two-wheeler market and maintained its leading position in the scooter segment with an 18 percent share.

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