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)

BMW Motorrad has officially launched the new BMW S 1000 RR in India on the second day of Auto Expo 2025. Known for its outstanding performance and cutting-edge engineering, the S 1000 RR will be available as a completely built-up unit. Bookings have begun across the BMW Motorrad dealership network and deliveries are expected to start in April 2025. The introductory ex-showroom price of the bike is INR 2,110,000.

Riders can personalise their experience further with two optional packages. The dynamic package focuses on enhancing racing performance and comfort, featuring dynamic damping control for optimal damping and road contact, along with electronic cruise control and heated grips. The M package, tailored for a sportier aesthetic includes exclusive light white or M motorsport paintwork, M carbon wheels, an M sport seat and a black fuel filler cap, among other enhancements.

Aerodynamically, the new S 1000 RR boasts a high windscreen and re-designed side winglets that generate increased downforce of 23.1 kg at 300 km/h, a significant improvement over the previous model. These features enhance rider confidence, cornering speeds and stability. The front wheel area now includes brake ducts integrated into the fender, optimising airflow and reducing brake temperatures during track use. The bike also features asymmetrical side panels with dynamic gill designs inspired by the original S 1000 RR.

Performance is powered by a 999cc inline-four engine with BMW ShiftCam Technology, delivering 210 hp at 13,750 rpm and a top engine speed of 14,600 rpm. The engine features variable intake funnels for improved power delivery at higher speeds. The race-tuned anti-hopping clutch increases safety during braking, while the gear shift assistant pro ensures seamless upshifting. The chassis incorporates an aluminium bridge frame, a height-adjustable suspension strut and an M Chassis Kit, allowing customisation of the swingarm pivot point and rear-end height for precision handling.

Riding modes have been expanded to suit both road and track conditions. In addition to rain, road, dynamic and race modes, the pro riding modes include race pro 1-3, which offer customisable settings for engine braking, ABS and traction control. Hill start control pro, launch control and pit lane limiter further enhance functionality, while dynamic traction control includes adjustable wheelie suppression for maximum acceleration.

Safety and technological features include M brakes, ABS pro with brake slide assist and a 6.5-inch TFT display with multiple screen configurations tailored for road or racetrack use. The lightweight M battery and USB charging socket are now standard, adding to the bike’s convenience and functionality.

To make ownership seamless, BMW Financial Services India provides flexible financing options including financing for accessories. Every BMW Motorrad bike comes with a three-year unlimited-kilometre warranty, extendable to five years, along with 24*7 roadside assistance for breakdowns or towing.

Commenting on the launch, BMW Group India President Vikram Pawah said, "The new BMW S 1000 RR continues with its endless strive for improvement and success securing its leading position. It is a favourite amongst racing enthusiasts looking out for the next thrill. The new BMW S 1000 RR with even higher track performance is the Superbike icon. BMW Motorrad has once again set emphasis on the sporty aspirations and the BMW DNA, making what’s good even better.”

TVS Motor Company (TVSM), a leading global automaker in the two- and three-wheeler segment, displayed its range of future mobility concepts at the ongoing Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025.

The future mobility concepts showcased by TVSM include the TVS Concept EB1, an electric bicycle aimed at transforming urban mobility; TVS Jupiter CNG – Concept, the world’s first CNG scooter; the TVS King Electric and TVS X, India’s first Android Auto-integrated electric scooter.

The company also displayed the future concepts of its existing vehicles, which include the TVS Vision iQUBE Concept, a modern luxury scooter designed for the future of urban commuting; TVS iQube ST 2025 Concept, a future-ready connected electric scooter; TVS X NFE (Nacht Fury Edition) Concept and TVS RTSx.

TVS Motor Company-owned Norton Motorcycles displayed the Norton V4CR, the most powerful café racer from the UK. This can be seen as a precursor to the relaunch with an exciting new lineup of motorcycles slated for release in 2026 on the back of TVSM’s investment in Norton to design, develop and produce a range of motorcycles for both local and international markets. It is gearing up for a.

TVSM also displayed a wide range of merchandise and accessories, including the TVS Racing lineup of helmets, riding gear, hydration backpacks, Bluetooth intercoms and lifestyle products like t-shirts, sweatshirts, caps and leather jackets. The TVS Apache RTE (Electric OMC bike), TVS Asia One Make Championship RR 310 and TVS Racing 450R Dakar edition from TVS Racing were also showcased.

The company also displayed the ‘Rann Utsav’ edition custom motorcycle on the TVS Ronin, commemorating the Rann Utsav 2025. Three other custom motorcycles based on the TVS Apache RTR 310 and TVS Ronin, designed in collaboration with Smoked Garage (Indonesia) and the TVS Motor Factory Team (India), were also showcased.

Sudarshan Venu, Managing Director, TVS Motor Company, said, "We are excited to showcase concepts that have the potential to deliver impactful solutions and set new standards in personal and commercial mobility. All these made and designed in India, made for the world concepts are a testimony to India’s innovation and engineering prowess, our progress towards Viksit Bharat. At TVS Motor, we are committed to designing and making in India, for the world. Our exports already exceed USD 1 billion and account for 30 percent of our volumes. We are poised to take this further. Our vision is to transform the quality of life of our customers and redefine the future of mobility through design, engineering, technology and quality.”

Greaves Cotton Limited showcased its wide-ranging mobility solutions at the Auto Expo 2025 – The Motor Show in New Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam. The company unveiled a variety of ‘Made in India’ products across electric two- wheeler and three-wheelers, which included concept vehicles, charging solutions, engines, powertrain systems and retail aftermarket accessories.

The showcase at the expo included a series of exciting developments such as its e-motorcycle concept Xyber and Xpress, a solution tailored for the fast-growing quick commerce and delivery segment. Also featured was Xargo a high-speed electric three-wheeler designed for multiple applications in the expanding e-commerce ecosystem.

A fast-charging wall-mounted system was presented, designed for user convenience and efficiency, while Greaves introduced new variants of its best-selling two-wheelers, Nexus and Magnus. The Nexus Exec is an ultra-luxury, high-performance family electric scooter featuring a 5 kW motor, a top speed of 93 km/h and a 3.5-hour charging time. The Nexus S Tourismo is a premium race-edition, high-performance family electric scooter and the Magnus Neo was the upgraded version that set a national record with its Bengaluru-Delhi journey of over 2,300 km.

Greaves also presented new solutions for the automotive sector including a hydrogen-powered engine concept, a CNG engine and a Euro V+ compliant engine for the European market. The company displayed a variety of retail aftermarket accessories such as motors, rear axle assemblies and a high-performance lithium-ion battery designed for data centres and banks. Additionally, advanced motion control systems from Excel Controlinkage were part of the showcase.

Through its electric mobility business, Greaves Electric Mobility and its Ampere brand, the company has been re-imagining last-mile mobility in India. Its vehicles have collectively travelled 3.8 billion electric kilometres, saving 1.5 lakh tonnes of CO2 emissions—an environmental impact equivalent to planting 5.9 million trees.

Commenting on the company’s innovative solutions displayed at the expo, Greaves Cotton Non-Executive Vice Chairman Nagesh Basavanhalli said, “Greaves Cotton continues to leverage its engineering expertise to build a complete and agile mobility ecosystem that maximises synergies across its various businesses, in line with our objective to lead India’s transition to a more sustainable and inclusive economy. The products showcased today blend technology, sophisticated engineering, and intelligent design applications across versatile segments, and are inspired by deep consumer insights. These innovations have been proudly conceptualised and created in India, with the aim of positively impacting a billion lives and empowering them through smart, sustainable, and accessible solutions."

Remarking on Greaves Electric Mobility’s display at the expo, Chief Executive Officer K. Vijaya Kumar said, “We are thrilled to unveil our concepts and offerings designed to cater to a diverse range of consumers and applications. This approach aligns with our goal to democratise sustainable mobility in India and empower people and livelihoods through our expertise in automotive technology, showcased through our leading brands, Ampere, Greaves 3 Wheelers, and more. By leveraging our 165-year-old Greaves legacy in engineering, we have sought to provide category-leading options that merge the best of aesthetics, functionality, and performance. As electric mobility gains greater adoption in India, we remain committed to delivering the best in electric two- and three-wheeler passenger and cargo mobility. Our solutions are not only viable but also superior alternatives to traditional ICE vehicles.”

Elaborating on these developments, Greaves Cotton Managing Director Dr. Arup Basu said, “Staying true to our purpose of empowering prime-over solutions, we are proud to introduce our new alternate fuel engines, e-powertrains, and other advanced engineering solutions. By leveraging synergies across our diverse and time-tested capabilities, we aim to drive innovation and build a future-ready product portfolio. Our focus extends beyond product development to delivering value across the entire product lifecycle, ensuring efficiency and reliability at every stage. With a strategic emphasis on hydrogen energy and other clean technologies, we remain committed to shaping the future of mobility through sustainable and scalable solutions.”

India’s urban transportation landscape is poised for a significant shift as Rapido reveals its ambitious 500-city expansion plan at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025, which began on January 17th. The company’s participation in the expo highlights its dedication to fostering economic empowerment and improving connectivity through accessible, convenient transportation solutions.

Already operating in over 120 cities and having facilitated over 200 crore rides, Rapido’s expansion will roll out in phases, starting in February across Karnataka, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Rajasthan. This will be followed by a gradual expansion to states such as Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, addressing the diverse transportation needs of a rapidly evolving India. With INR 151.11 billion earned by its Captains since inception and facilitating 3.6 million daily rides, Rapido continues to be a major player in India’s urban mobility sector.

Co-founder Pavan Guntupalli noted, “The Bharat Mobility Expo offers an essential platform to discuss the future of transportation in India. We’re excited to share how technology can drive positive social and economic impact. Our expansion to 500 cities is a testament to our commitment to empowering individuals and creating a more connected India.”