Two-wheeler Sales Performance In November 2024

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) dispatched 4,72,749 units in November 2024. Of these, 4,32,888 units accounted for domestic sales, an increase of three percent when compared to the sale of 4,20,677 vehicles in November 2023. The company exported 39,861 units in the respective month. 
Royal Enfield sold 72,236 units in the domestic market in India in November 2024 marking a decrease of four percent when compared to the sale of 75,137 vehicles in November 2023. The two-wheeler major exported 10,021 units in November, up 96 percent as compared to the export of 5,114 vehicles in November 2023. 
Hero MotoCorp sold 459,805 units in November 2024 marking a 6.36 percent decrease when compared to the sale of 491,050 vehicles in November 2023. Domestic sales in November 2024 were 439,777 vehicles, down 7.66 percent when compared to the sale of 476, 286 units in November 2023. Exports saw a growth of 35.65 percent increase with 20,028 units dispatched in comparison to 14,764 units dispatched in November 2023. 
At 4,21,640 units in November 2024, Bajaj Auto has announced a five percent increase in total sales year-on-year. In the domestic market, the company saw a sales decline of seven percent at 2,40,854 units. In November 2023, it sold 2,57,744 vehicles. 
At 1,80,786 units, the two-wheeler major witnessed a 24 percent rise in exports in November 2024. In November 2023, it exported 1,45,259 vehicles. 
Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt Ltd achieved a total sale of 94,370 vehicles in November 2024, up eight percent when compared to the sale of 87,096 units in November 2023. 
The domestic sale in November 2024 stood at 78,333 units, up seven percent when compared to the sale of 73,135 units in November 2023. Exports grew 15 percent at 16,037 units in November 2024 as compared to 13,961 units in November 2023. 
TVS Motor Company registered a total sale of 401,250 units in November 2024, an increase of 10 percent when compared to the sale of 364,231 units in November 2023. Of these, 392,473 two-wheelers were sold in November 2024 respectively, marking a 12 percent increase in two-wheelers with the sale of 352,103 units in November 2023. In November 2024, 8,777 three-wheelers were sold marking a modest decline when compared to the sale of 12,128 units in November 2023. 
In the domestic market, the two-wheeler business of TVS Motor Company witnessed a four percent growth with the sale of 305,323 units. In November 2023, the company sold 287,017 units.  The motorcycle category saw a growth of four percent with the sale of 189,247 vehicles as compared to the sale of 172,836 units in November 2023. Scooter witnessed a growth of 22 percent with the sale of 165,535 units in November 2024 as compared to the sale of 135,749 vehicles in November 2023. 
The company recorded a 57 percent growth in electric vehicles with a sale of 26,292 units in November 2024 as compared to the sale of 16,782 vehicles in November 2023. The iQube e-scooter has been a big success, steadily closing the gap with e-scooter market leader Ola Electric’s offerings in the same category.
TVS Motor Company exported 93,755 units in November, clocking a growth of 25 percent year on year when compared with the sale of 75,204 units in November 2023. 
 

Motul Charts Future Of Mobility With Advanced Fluids At SIAT Expo 2026

Motul Charts Future Of Mobility With Advanced Fluids At SIAT Expo 2026

Motul India presented a comprehensive vision for the future of automotive fluids at SIAT Expo 2026, centred on innovation, sustainability and supporting the industry’s technological transition. The company’s exhibition was built around the event’s core theme of pioneering safe and sustainable mobility, demonstrating a strategic commitment to evolving alongside new vehicle architectures.

A cornerstone of this vision is the development of fluids for new propulsion systems. A keynote address by Dr Julien Plet, Global Head of R&D, elaborated on the critical role of innovative fluids for next-generation mobility. The company showcased its E-Gen series, engineered for the thermal management of electric vehicle components like motors, batteries and power electronics, positioning it as a critical solution for evolving electrified mobility. Simultaneously, for alternative fuels, Motul presented specialised lubricant formulations for hydrogen internal combustion engines, reflecting early and active research into diverse energy sources. This dual focus underscores a readiness to support the industry’s broad technological transition.

Further solidifying its technical credibility, Motul emphasised its race-to-road development philosophy. The exhibit featured OEM-validated products, including a lubricant with formal Mercedes-Benz approval and another born from collaboration with Toyota Racing Development. These examples illustrate how the company leverages the extreme demands of motorsport as a dynamic proving ground for future commercial technologies, rather than for immediate market launch.

Integral to its presentation was a strong sustainability narrative, exemplified by the NGEN lubricant range. This product line utilises base oils derived from re-refined materials, embodying circular economy principles and a long-term commitment to reducing environmental impact through responsible resource use.

Ultimately, by participating in the expo, Motul India reinforced its role as an innovation-led partner to the automotive ecosystem. With a robust global research backbone and deep industry relationships, the company showcased its structured approach to developing high-performance, sustainable fluids tailored to meet the specific demands of the Indian market as it advances.

Dr Plet said, “Motul’s research and development teams across geographies continue to focus on advancing lubricant performance for existing powertrains while developing technologies aligned with future mobility needs and local market conditions.”

Nagendra Pai, CEO, Motul India & South Asia, said, ‘’SIAT Expo is a key platform for future mobility, and Motul is proud to showcase its global innovation strength in India. By combining advanced technologies with local adaptability, Motul is ready to lead solutions across electrification, sustainability and alternative fuels.”

India-EU Ink Historic Trade Deal To Reshape Global Automotive Landscape

India - EU

In a move that signals a seismic shift in global trade dynamics, the European Union and India today concluded negotiations for a historic and ‘commercially significant’ Free Trade Agreement (FTA). As the largest deal ever brokered by either side, the pact creates a massive free trade zone encompassing 2 billion people and the world's second and fourth largest economies.

While the agreement spans sectors from agriculture to pharmaceuticals, it is the automotive industry that stands as the centrepiece of this industrial realignment.

Cracking the 110% tariff wall

For decades, European automakers have struggled against India’s formidable trade barriers. Under the new agreement, these hurdles are set to crumble. India has committed to a radical reduction in car tariffs, which currently sit at a staggering 110 percent. According to the official release, these duties will be gradually slashed to as low as 10 percent.

Furthermore, the deal provides a massive boost to the automotive supply chain. Tariffs on car parts – a critical sector for European manufacturers – will be fully abolished within a 5-to-10-year window. This move is expected to integrate Indian and European manufacturing hubs more closely than ever before.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed the deal as a milestone for rules-based cooperation. "The EU and India make history today. We have sent a signal to the world that rules-based cooperation still delivers great outcomes," she said.

With a population of 1.45 billion and a GDP of EUR 3.4 trillion, India is currently the world’s fastest-growing large economy. This FTA grants European carmakers and industrial firms a ‘privileged access’ that no other Indian trading partner currently enjoys.

Beyond the finished vehicles, the deal addresses the broader industrial ecosystem:

  • Machinery & Chemicals: Tariffs of up to 44 percent on machinery and 22 percent on chemicals will be mostly eliminated.
  • SME Support: Dedicated contact points will be established to help smaller European component manufacturers navigate the Indian market.
  • Intellectual Property: The agreement guarantees high-level protection for designs and trade secrets, providing the legal certainty required for high-tech automotive transfers and R&D investment.

The deal is not merely about volume; it is about the future of mobility. A dedicated chapter on trade and sustainable development focuses on climate change and environmental protection.

To support India’s transition toward sustainable industrialisation – a move critical for the electric vehicle (EV) sector – the EU intends to provide EUR 500 million in support over the next two years. Additionally, a new EU-India platform for climate action cooperation is slated to launch in early 2026, likely serving as a catalyst for joint ventures in green hydrogen and battery technology.

The EU expects the deal to double its goods exports to India by 2032, saving European businesses approximately EUR 4 billion per year in duties.

The path to implementation now moves to the legal and political stage. The negotiated texts will undergo legal revision and translation before being presented to the European Council and the European Parliament for consent. On the Indian side, the agreement will move toward formal ratification.

After nearly two decades of stop-and-start negotiations – beginning in 2007 and relaunching in 2022 – the road is finally clear for a new era of Euro-Indian industrial synergy.

Birla Carbon To Display Carbon Nanotube Solutions At Nanotech 2026

Birla Carbon To Display Carbon Nanotube Solutions At Nanotech 2026

Birla Carbon is set to showcase its innovative Nanocyl range of multi-walled carbon nanotube solutions at NanoTech 2026 in Tokyo, Japan, held from 28 to 30 January. The company’s presence at Booth 3W-A11 highlights a commitment to providing advanced materials that enhance performance and sustainability for industries including automotive, electronics, energy storage and transportation. Through the Nanocyl brand, a global leader in MWCNTs, Birla Carbon offers formulations that improve material efficiency, enable significant cost optimisation and support energy savings.

A key focus will be the NC7000 MWCNT, recognised for its high electrical conductivity, superior processability and strong mechanical property retention. Its UV resistance and exceptional cleanliness make it suitable for demanding industrial and advanced applications. Beyond the base material, Birla Carbon will showcase specialised engineered formulations that address specific industry challenges. These include thermoplastic concentrates for conductive polymers, elastomer masterbatches for durable static control and epoxy-based systems that improve conductivity with processing flexibility. The portfolio also features eco-friendly aqueous dispersions and specialised solvent dispersions tailored for energy storage applications, responding to the growing demand for sustainable and efficient conductive solutions.

This participation underscores Birla Carbon’s dedication to innovation-led growth and its commitment to developing advanced materials that meet evolving market demands. Visitors are invited to explore how these MWCNT technologies can enable new possibilities and support future growth in their own projects.

Laurent Kosbach, CEO, Nanocyl, said, “Nanotechnology is a powerful enabler of material innovation. Through the Nanocyl range of carbon nanotubes, we are advancing material properties such as electrostatic discharge (ESD), electrical conductivity, mechanical reinforcement and thermal dissipation across a wide range of materials. Nanotech 2026 provides an important platform to engage with global partners and demonstrate how our engineered formulations are already delivering value across demanding industries.”

Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has announced the return of the Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan (SSA) 2026. This campaign brings together figures from the film industry to address road safety through a public awareness initiative. The ministry will host a telethon on 25 January in Mumbai to mark the fourth year of the programme.

Notable participants joining the movement include Amitabh Bachchan, Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal, Kay Kay Menon, Shankar Mahadevan and Swanand Kirkire. Data from the ministry shows that India recorded 487,707 road crashes in 2024, leading to 177,175 deaths. Figures indicate that adults between 18 and 45 years old represent over two-thirds of these fatalities.

The theme for SSA 2026 is 'Kartavya' (Duty), which frames road safety as a shared responsibility. The tagline for the initiative is ‘Parvaah Se, Kartavya Tak’. The 2026 edition operates on four pillars: Kartavya (Duty), Kayda (Discipline), Kavach (Shield) and Kranti (Change). These are intended to influence road user behaviour across the country.

Factors contributing to fatalities include overspeeding, rash driving, overtaking, jaywalking and the non-use of helmets and seatbelts. The campaign also highlights the failure to provide assistance during the golden hour. The initiative aims to use conversations and performances to encourage the public to follow road regulations.

The event is designed to move from awareness to action within the road ecosystem. The telethon will be broadcast on CNN-News18 on 25th January from 11:00 am onwards.