Q) What was the inspiration behind Yulu?

Amit Gupta: Ideally, Yulu was my brain-child, but Yulu holds the position of being the largest e-mobility player in India today only because of our dream team, which came along with the other co-founders who have their own expertise in technology, operations, and EV ecosystem to enhance the product offering further, so that the commuters have a great experience. The impact of air pollution and traffic congestion on the environment was a worrying trend that we commonly wanted to address through technology.

Our vision is to decongest urban traffic by providing a highly scalable, affordable, efficient, and clean mode for the first and last mile connectivity and short distance commute. The future of mobility is safe, smart, shared, sustainable, and small and electric vehicles have a big role in this transition. Hence, the idea of smaller and efficient clean energy vehicles was an obvious route that we chose.

Q) How was the Miracle conceived?

Amit Gupta: After launching the Yulu Move, we found that the average distance travelled by bicycle was two km and Yulu bicycles were mostly not used by people who had to ride between three and five km. There were several explanations for this: it was too hot, the trip was too long, they didn’t want to cycle so much, or they wanted a quicker way of commuting.

That’s when the team began thinking about a product on electric mobility. Yulu launched its electric scooter – Yulu Miracle – in Bangalore in 2019. Yulu’s vision is to provide shared, smart and sustainable urban e-mobility solution which is seamlessly integrated with public transport with an objective to drastically reduce congestion and pollution and improve economic productivity. Our mobility solutions are special; they are created for shared economy and solo-ridership.

Q) How does Yulu Business Model caters to the issues in Indian EV Ecosystem faces?

Amit Gupta:

Solved for Battery Charging Infrastructure:

Yulu has solved the ‘chicken and egg’ problem faced by the electric vehicle ecosystem in India, where the lack of charging infrastructure influences the advent of EVs, and vice versa. The company has created a unique battery-swapping network by placing its proprietary IoT-enabled charging box (Yulu Max) at hundreds of mom-n-pop stores across its operational areas. Yulu’s on-ground Ops team is able to locate the nearest Yulu Max which has charged batteries using a dedicated app for the Ops team. The same app shows the set of vehicles that have a battery-charge level below a defined threshold along with their real-time location. This method is low cost and highly scalable.

Solved for Parking Infrastructure:

Unlike China, Indian cities don’t have the infrastructure for parking of shared mobility vehicles. Yulu has solved this problem by working with cities, corporates and citizens who have given access to prime real estate to create Yulu Zones. Most of these spots have been given to Yulu in kind to help build sustainable mobility for the cities in a collaborative manner. Yulu has been able to replicate this model in every city it operates.

Solved for the Safety of the Assets:

Yulu Miracle has a theft rate of less than one percent, which is significantly lower than global ride-sharing platforms. This is attributable to Yulu’s operational model of drop off at designated Yulu Zones and a human network of local informers and ‘well-wishers’ who tip off its Ops team in case of any potential abuse or theft incident. Further, as the Yulu Miracle was designed specifically for shared mobility, it has no ‘standard’ parts which could be used in other bikes in the market, so there is economic value for someone stealing them. Additionally, Yulu has deployed a team of ‘bike-marshals’ who ensure strong consequence-management actions when they catch someone doing wrong with its fleet.

Solved for High Durability:

Yulu Miracle has been built keeping in mind the convenience of users on Indian roads, ease of maintenance for the on-ground Ops team and durability to be used in a shared mobility model. The minimal use of plastic parts and regular proactive maintenance activities have ensured that the Miracles are in good working condition at all times. The first batch of Miracles deployed in Bangalore, which have been on the road for over seven months, has shown no sign of a reduction in asset quality.

Q) Can we expect any newer models in your range?

Amit Gupta: We have two models deployed on road, while we are working on a few hybrid and high-speed models. (MT)

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Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, has announced its financial results for FY2025.

The company reported revenue of INR 407 billion and net profit of INR 46 billion, its highest-ever in FY2025. The EBITDA margin came at 14.4 percent, on the back of favourable product mix, improved cost efficiencies and commodity costs. The company sold a total of 5.89 million two-wheelers in the last fiscal.

For Q4 FY2025, the revenue from operations came at IRN 99 billion, up 4 percent, while net profit came at INR 10 billion, up 6 percent YoY. The company sold 1.38 million two-wheelers during the quarter.

Vikram S Kasbekar, Executive Director & Acting Chief Executive Officer, Hero MotoCorp, said, “We achieved highest‐ever revenue and profit in the year, reinforcing our position as the market leader for the 24th consecutive year, closing both CY24 and FY25 at the top.  Our success during the year was underpinned by robust growth across the premium, scooter and EV segments, fuelled by several new product launches. Export volumes outpaced industry trends, and we further expanded our premium retail footprint across India while entering new global markets. We are observing strong retail traction, especially in our new premium and scooter offerings. Continued consolidation in the core segment, growth in the 125cc category, and the upcoming EV launch position us well for sustained momentum.”

Vivek Anand, Chief Financial Officer, Hero MotoCorp, said, “Hero MotoCorp delivered strong financial performance during the year, driven by disciplined fiscal management and focused strategic execution. Looking ahead, we remain optimistic about the near‐to‐mid‐term outlook, key macroeconomic indicators, including revised income tax slabs, repo rate cuts, a strengthening rural economy and a favourable monsoon forecast, are expected to support industry growth.”

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Triumph Motorcycles has launched the Scrambler 400 XC in India at INR 294,147 (ex-showroom Delhi), expanding its 400cc Modern Classic lineup. The model joins the existing Scrambler 400X and will be available at all authorised Triumph dealerships across the country.

The Scrambler 400 XC marks over 75 years of the Scrambler legacy and is influenced by previous models like the Scrambler 900 and 1200. The motorcycle features a design aligned with Triumph’s traditional styling, including a sculpted tank, upswept silencer and a liquid-cooled engine. It has been built for mixed-terrain use and off-road capabilities.

The bike includes a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear cross-spoke wheel setup with tubeless tyres. Standard equipment includes an engine guard, sump guard, high front fender, windshield and handguards. It is available in three colours: Racing Yellow, Storm Grey, and Vanilla White.

Key specifications include a 400cc TR-series engine tuned for the Scrambler with an output of 40 PS at 8,000 rpm and 37.5 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. The motorcycle features a stainless steel twin-skin header system and silencer.

It also gets ride-by-wire throttle, motorcycle traction control, off-road ABS, torque-assist clutch, all-LED lighting, USB charging socket and an immobiliser-equipped key. It also has an adjustable clutch and brake levers, a dual-format instrument cluster and a classic tear-shaped metal fuel tank.

The suspension comprises USD front forks and a rear monoshock, each with 150mm travel.

Triumph offers over 20 accessories for customisation. The motorcycle has a 16,000 km service interval and comes with a five-year standard warranty, including one year of roadside assistance. Extended warranty options are available up to 10 years, along with various maintenance contract packages.

Manik Nangia, President, Pro-Biking Business Unit, Bajaj Auto, said, “The Triumph Scrambler 400 XC enriches our Modern Classic family in India alongside the much-loved Scrambler & Speed range. This new machine is a potent blend of Triumph’s iconic Scrambler DNA, drawing inspiration from over 75 years of Triumph’s Scrambler heritage, and a commitment to category-leading performance and finish. From its rugged design cues echoing our Scrambler 900 and 1200 to its agile handling and genuine adventure capability, the Scrambler 400 XC is built to inspire riders of all backgrounds to embrace the open road and beyond. Our commitment extends far beyond crafting exceptional motorcycles. At Triumph, we are deeply focused on building a vibrant community of passionate riders. Through our unique programs, events, and rider experiences, we aim to foster connections and a shared love for the ride. The Scrambler 400 XC is more than just a ride; it's an invitation to a lifestyle, and we are thrilled to welcome more riders into the Triumph fold.”

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Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI), a leading two-wheeler manufacturer, has launched the 2025 CB650R and CBR650R with E-Clutch technology at INR 960,000 and INR 1.4 million, respectively (ex-showroom Delhi).

The E-Clutch system, developed by Honda globally in 2023, enables riders to shift gears and start smoothly without using the clutch lever. The tech enhances comfort during everyday riding and adds precision during spirited runs – blending convenience with performance.

Tsutsumu Otani, Managing Director, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “We are delighted to introduce the latest additions to our premium motorcycle line-up – the CB650R and CBR650R – now equipped with Honda’s revolutionary E-Clutch technology. The premium motorcycling space has been experiencing remarkable growth in India, and with world-class products like the CB650R and CBR650R, we are confident they will set new benchmarks for performance and riding innovation. The introduction of E-Clutch is a step into the future, giving riders a unique blend of control and comfort, reinforcing Honda’s leadership in technological advancement.”

Yogesh Mathur, Director, Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “We are excited to bring the new CB650R and CBR650R for our Indian riders, with the revolutionary E-Clutch technology. The standard variants of both these models were introduced earlier this year and they received a phenomenal response. With the introduction of the E-Clutch equipped variants, we believe this will further elevate the customer’s riding experience while strengthening Honda’s position in the premium motorcycle space. These motorcycles perfectly balance performance, ease, and innovation - qualities that today’s riders value more than ever.”

Both models are powered by a 649cc, liquid-cooled, inline four-cylinder engine delivering 70 kW at 12,000 RPM and 63 Nm of torque at 9,500 RPM. They feature a six-speed gearbox and high-end hardware, including Showa 41 mm SFF-BP front forks, rear monoshock and dual-channel ABS. A 5-inch full-colour TFT display with smartphone connectivity via the Honda RoadSync app adds a modern touch.

The CB650R sports a minimalist Neo Sports Café design and comes in Candy Chromosphere Red and Matte Gunpowder Black. The racier CBR650R features a faired design with Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) and is offered in Grand Prix Red and Matte Gunpowder Black.

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India Yamaha Motor, a leading manufacturer of scooters and motorcycles in the country, has launched new colour options for 2025 Aerox 155 version S model with prices starting at INR 154,430 (ex-showroom Delhi).

The maxi-sports scooter, with advanced Smart Key technology, will now be available in Racing Blue and Ice Fluo Vermillion shade.

The entire Aerox 155 lineup is now compliant with the latest OBD-2B emission norms and features updated visuals on the body and side fairings, underscoring Yamaha's racing heritage.

The scooter is characterised by its bold design, sleek proportions and distinctive X Centre motif. Powering the scooters is a liquid-cooled, 4-stroke SOHC, 155cc engine that generates a maximum power output of 11.0kW (15.0PS) at 8,000 rpm and a peak torque of 13.9 Nm at 6,500 rpm. It comes equipped with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA), Traction Control System (TCS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and motorcycle-type twin shock absorbers.

The Aerox 155 range will be exclusively available at Yamaha's Blue Square showrooms.

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