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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Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, has appointed Harshavardhan Chitale as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The appointment, approved by the Board of Directors, is effective starting 5 January 2026.

Chitale brings more than three decades of global leadership experience to the role, with a strong background in industrial automation, digital transformation and information technology.

He has previously held senior executive positions at several multinational corporations, including serving as Global CEO of Signify's Professional Business, a leader in lighting solutions. During his time at Signify, Chitale led a global workforce of 12,000 employees and was credited with doubling the business’s profitability.

Dr Pawan Munjal, Executive Chairman, Hero MotoCorp, said, “Harsh’s outstanding track record in driving growth, fostering innovation, and leading global transformation makes him the ideal leader for Hero MotoCorp at this pivotal moment. His vision and dynamism will accelerate our journey across electric and emerging mobility, premiumisation, digitalisation, sustainability and organisational renewal – shaping the future of mobility and beyond. With Harsh at the helm, Hero MotoCorp is well-positioned to realise its full potential and deliver enduring value to shareholders, customers, employees and society at large.”

Chitale's past roles also include Vice Chairman & Managing Director of Philips Lighting India and leadership positions at HCL Infosystems and Honeywell Automation India. He is also an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, and an active angel investor in sectors like EVs and clean energy.

As part of the transition, Vikram Kasbekar, who served as Acting CEO, will work closely with Chitale to ensure a smooth handover. Kasbekar will continue to serve on the board as Executive Director and Chief Technology Officer.

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Celebrating two decades of its flagship motorcycle, TVS Apache, TVS Motor Company has launched special limited-edition variants and new top-tier trims for its entire lineup. This anniversary launch encompasses the RTR 160, 180, 200, 310 and RR310, reinforcing the brand's position in the sports motorcycle segment.

The commemorative models are distinguished by an exclusive black-champagne-gold livery, dual-tone alloy wheels, a dedicated 20-year logo and a first-ever USB charger for the Apache series, making them distinctive collector's items. Alongside these celebratory editions, TVS has introduced new top-of-the-line 4V variants for the RTR 160 and RTR 200. These new trims are equipped with significant technological upgrades, including cutting-edge Class-D projector headlamps with LED DRLs, full LED lighting and a sophisticated 5-inch Bluetooth-connected TFT display. They also introduce advanced performance features like a Traction Control System and an assist and slipper clutch, enhancing both safety and riding dynamics.

Since its inception in 2005, the TVS Apache brand has been defined by its track-to-road philosophy, transferring race-bred technologies from TVS Racing directly to consumers. This approach has cemented its reputation for performance and innovation, making it a preferred choice for over 6.5 million riders globally. The new models continue this legacy, offering powerful engines acclaimed as best-in-class, along with segment-first amenities such as multiple ride modes and dual-channel ABS.

The new celebratory editions and the enhanced 4V variants are now available at introductory ex-showroom prices, with bookings officially open. This launch not only honours the motorcycle's 20-year history but also propels the Apache brand forward with a strengthened commitment to design excellence, technological leadership and a rider-centric philosophy. The prices are given below:

K N Radhakrishnan, Director and CEO, TVS Motor Company, said, “We are deeply grateful to the 6.5 million-strong TVS Apache community across the world whose unwavering trust and passion have shaped our journey over the last two decades. Their love for performance and adrenaline has propelled TVS Apache to become one of the fastest growing sports motorcycle brands, globally. This milestone belongs to every member of the TVSM family – our engineers, designers, factory teams, dealers, suppliers and partners – who push the limits of innovation every day. As we look ahead, we remain focused on carrying forward the Apache legacy by entering new segments, expanding into more markets and creating communities that inspire the next generation of riders.”

Vimal Sumbly, Head Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company, said, “For two decades, TVS Apache has been the torchbearer of performance and innovation, and this milestone belongs to every rider who made it part of their journey. To mark 20 years of this legacy, we now introduce a Limited Anniversary Edition along with the all-new top-end variants of the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and TVS Apache RTR 200 4V – crafted to inspire the next generation of motorcyclists. This achievement is a celebration of the entire TVS Apache family – a global community united by passion, performance and an unstoppable riding spirit.”

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TVS Motor Company (TVSM) has unveiled the new TVS NTORQ 150, positioning it as India's quickest hyper sport scooter. Designed for a new generation of riders, this model combines high performance with advanced technology and a striking aesthetic inspired by stealth aircraft.

At the heart of the scooter is a race-tuned, 149.7 cc engine that produces 13.2 PS of power and 14.2 Nm of torque. This powertrain enables impressive acceleration, allowing the scooter to go from 0 to 60 km/h in just 6.3 seconds and achieve a top speed of 104 kmph, making it the fastest in its category.

The scooter's aggressive design communicates its performance-oriented character. Key styling elements include MULTIPOINT projector headlamps, aerodynamic winglets, a distinctive muffler with a signature exhaust note and coloured alloy wheels. The forward-biased stance and sculpted form are intended to suggest visual speed and aerodynamic efficiency.

A major highlight is its advanced technology suite. A high-resolution TFT display, powered by TVS SmartXonnect, offers over 50 connected features. These include integration with Alexa and smartwatches, live navigation, real-time vehicle tracking and over-the-air updates. For safety, the scooter is equipped with ABS, traction control – a segment first – as well as crash alerts, theft alerts and an emergency brake warning system.

The TVS NTORQ 150 will be available in two variants. The standard model comes in Stealth Silver, Racing Red and Turbo Blue. The version equipped with the full TFT cluster is offered in Nitro Green, Racing Red and Turbo Blue. The scooter is introduced at a special starting price of INR 119,000 (ex-showroom, all India).

Gaurav Gupta, President, India 2W Business, TVS Motor Company, said, "At TVS Motor Company, we remain committed to growth through innovation and customer-focused offerings. In fact, TVS NTORQ 150 is inspired by the learnings from all our riders and will further strengthen our scooter portfolio. Combining race-inspired performance, advanced connectivity and first-in-segment safety and control features, the scooter will delight the consumers and significantly build brand love.”

Aniruddha Haldar, Senior Vice President – Head Commuter & EV Business and Head Corporate Brand & Media, TVS Motor Company, said, “Over two million NTORQians and 50 self-managed ride groups and communities define the relationship that has been built between one of India’s most loved and iconic automotive brands and its riders. TVS NTORQ has been synonymous with striking design, superior performance and new age technology. The introduction of the all new TVS NTORQ 150, is designed to meet the evolving high-performance aspirations of the Gen Z! TVS NTORQ 150, India’s first hyper sport scooter with its hyper futuristic design, hyper tuned performance and hyper connected tech will thrill its riders and significantly strengthen and expand the TVS NTORQ brand franchise.”

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Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India has officially launched the all-new CB125 Hornet and Shine 100 DX in the Mumbai market. The company has also begun customer deliveries for both motorcycles. The CB125 Hornet is positioned with a special introductory price of INR 112,000, while the Shine 100 DX is priced at INR 75,950, with both figures being ex-showroom.

Catering to a younger, style-conscious audience, the CB125 Hornet is marketed as a sporty and thrilling machine that embodies a bold, modern spirit. It distinguishes itself with an aggressive street-style design available in four dual-tone colour options – Pearl Siren Blue with Lemon Ice Yellow, Pearl Igneous Black, Pearl Siren Blue with Athletic Blue Metallic and Pearl Siren Blue with Sports Red. Its segment-first features include golden USD front forks, a comprehensive all-LED lighting system and a 4.2-inch Bluetooth-connected TFT display. This Honda RoadSync system provides navigation, call and SMS alerts. Performance is delivered by a 124-cc fuel-injected engine that produces 8.2 kW of power, enabling a class-leading 0-60 kmph time of 5.4 seconds.

In contrast, the Shine 100 DX builds upon its established legacy with a premium and practical appeal, underscored by its refreshed styling. It features a redesigned headlamp with chrome accents, a sculpted fuel tank, new body graphics and a chrome muffler cover, available in four colour choices – Pearl Igneous Black, Imperial Red Metallic, Athletic Blue Metallic and Geny Gray Metallic. Aimed at meeting everyday rider needs, it is equipped with a digital LCD console that shows real-time mileage and other key data. Its 99-cc eSP technology engine generates 5.43 kW of power and is paired with a 4-speed gearbox.

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