Flipkart, a leading e-commerce giant, is revving up its offerings ahead of its annual Big Billion Days sale, aiming to become a top destination for buying two-wheelers.

The company is betting on a wider selection of both traditional and electric bikes, along with new financing options and a recent GST rate cut, to attract buyers during the festive season. The e-commerce giant's push comes as more consumers are comfortable making large purchases online. 

Sujith Agashe, Vice-President of Electronics at Flipkart, said, “Purchasing a two-wheeler is a significant decision for many, and we’re seeing a growing number of consumers choosing digital platforms for the convenience and transparency they offer. The demand for two-wheelers on Flipkart has grown three-fold in the last one year which reinforces customers’ validation of our customer-centric initiatives. This festive season, we’ve further streamlined the experience, from product discovery to financing, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free process for our customers. At Flipkart, we’re committed to showcasing how a fully digital journey, supported by trusted partners and robust customer service, can make two-wheeler ownership more accessible and convenient across the country.”

To meet this demand, Flipkart has significantly expanded its two-wheeler portfolio. The platform now features a wide range of vehicles, from commuter bikes and scooters to high-performance and premium motorcycles. Top brands like Hero MotoCorp, TVS Motor Co, Bajaj Auto and Suzuki Motorcycle India are available, as are major electric vehicle players such as TVS iQube, Chetak, Ather, Vida, Ola and Ampere.

Adding to the lineup, Flipkart will launch Royal Enfield Motorcycles during the Big Billion Days event, further diversifying its premium selection. The platform will also feature motorcycles from Jawa Yezdi, KTM and Triumph.

A key factor in Flipkart's strategy is making two-wheelers more accessible. The company is offering flexible financing solutions, including a fully digital loan process powered by HFCL and IDFC First Bank, with EMI options extending up to 48 months. Credit card no-cost EMI plans of up to 24 months are also available, alongside exclusive offers for Flipkart Axis Bank Card and SBI Card holders.

This focus on affordability is well-timed with a recent GST rate revision, effective 22 September 2025, which reduced the tax on two-wheelers below 350cc from 28 percent to 18 percent. This tax cut, combined with Flipkart's festive deals, is expected to make this an ideal time for many consumers to purchase a new vehicle.

Flipkart has also invested in simplifying the ownership journey, aiming to make it a fully digital process. Customers can complete everything from booking and vehicle registration to insurance purchases from their homes. The platform ensures authenticity by partnering directly with manufacturers, who then handle fulfillment and after-sales support through their authorized dealers. To assist buyers, Flipkart has a dedicated team of two-wheeler experts available 24x7 to answer questions about products, financing and delivery.

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drivebuddyAI, the Ahmedabad-based developer of AI-powered Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), debuted its mobility platform at CES 2026. The system provides data-driven solutions for commercial fleets, vehicle manufacturers, insurance providers and urban planners.

The platform is claimed to have been underpinned by 3.5 billion kilometres of driving data from India and Europe. According to the company, existing fleet deployments have resulted in an 83 percent reduction in drowsiness and a 72 percent reduction in fleet risk. Insurance companies are currently utilising the platform’s Fleet Safety Index to develop usage-based insurance (UBI) products and video-enabled First Notice of Loss (FNOL) systems to manage loss and claim ratios.

The platform operates by collecting data from High Dynamic Range (HDR) cameras and the vehicle's Controller Area Network (CAN). This information is processed on the vehicle using a real-time QNX or Linux edge system. The software includes patented models for driver monitoring, collision warnings, and blind-spot detection.

The system utilises a federated learning architecture, which enables real-time AI learning and data protection. Updates are delivered back to vehicles via over-the-air (OTA) technology, while insights are shared with partners through cloud APIs. The technology meets the AIS-184 standard in India and is certified under the European Union’s General Safety Regulation (GSR) 2144 and the EURO NCAP 2026 protocol.

Beyond safety, drivebuddyAI intends to apply its technology to Smart Cities and mapping. Features include road condition monitoring, traffic behaviour analytics, and the identification of accident black-spots to assist in infrastructure planning. For vehicle manufacturers, the pre-certified AI is intended to reduce the time and cost required for validation.

Nisarg Pandya, CEO and Founder, drivebuddyAI, said, “The response we received at CES has been tremendous. Attendees visiting our booth were fascinated by our innovation. Our platform has already demonstrated a reduction of over 70 percent in accidents across large commercial fleet deployments. Underlying technology is validated by leading global regulators, including the Automotive Research Association of India under India’s AIS-184 standard and certified in the European Union’s General Safety Regulation (GSR) 2144 and European New Car Assessment Programme (EURO NCAP) 2026 protocol. The platform is also ready to meet the requirements of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (USA), and other global markets. We look forward to taking this technology to more markets.”

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Krafton India and Royal Enfield have announced a strategic partnership to integrate the iconic Bullet 350 and Continental GT 650 motorcycles as rideable vehicles within Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) game, beginning in January 2026.

As part of the integration, Royal Enfield showcased a physical motorcycle based on the Continental GT 650, featuring a design inspired by the aesthetics of BGMI. The motorcycle was developed with a Delhi-based custom builder using metal forming and prototyping. The design includes picatinny rails, plating and tyres that reference combat and survival mechanics found in the game.

The partnership is included in the BGMI 4.2 update scheduled for 15 January 2026. Players will have access to Royal Enfield-themed content and rewards through a special format from 19 January to 22 February 2026. Available rewards include the Revel 01 Set, a P90 gun skin and the virtual versions of the Continental GT 650 and Bullet 350.

To drive participation, the collaboration introduces a login mechanic where players who remain in the application for 60 minutes daily qualify for a Royal Enfield Event Crate. Users can collect up to 34 crates during the event period, containing various items designed to reflect the brand's legacy within the game ecosystem.

Seddharth Merrotra, Head of Business Development & Partnerships, Krafton India, said, “This strategic partnership with Royal Enfield embodies BGMI’s vision of creating culturally meaningful and locally rooted experiences. 2026 will be a year of many firsts and we’re kicking it off with one of our most ambitious brand integrations yet, while fundamentally elevating how partnerships enhance player engagement and drive shared value. Royal Enfield is an iconic name in the global automotive universe and its deep community roots with evolving digital ethos make it a natural ally for BGMI’s player-centric universe. Together, we are weaving storytelling, lifestyle, and digital culture into gameplay in a way that truly reflects the aspirations of modern Indian youth. Looking ahead, this collaboration sets a strategic foundation for future partnerships that are experiential, immersive, and deeply connected with our community’s passions across movies, sports, FMCG and lifestyle landscapes.”

Adrian John Sellers, Head - Custom & Motorsports, Royal Enfield, said, "Partnering with BGMI is about more than just presence; it’s about meeting our community in their element and amplifying the shared values of thrill, freedom, and self-expression. The custom-built Continental GT 650 is the physical heartbeat of this collaboration—an intersection where the raw, tactical aesthetic of gaming meets the soul of custom motorcycling. By blending BGMI’s battle-ready elements with Royal Enfield DNA, we have created a machine where imagination isn't limited by reality. It is a celebration of creative exploration for a community that thrives on both the digital and the open road."

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German chemical major BASF has announced the results of long-term material testing that predicts a service life exceeding 100,000 hours for its latest generation of polyamides used in electric vehicles (EVs).

The shift toward e-mobility has increased durability requirements for plastic components under the bonnet, with components now requiring a lifespan of 45,000 to 55,000 hours, compared to 5,000 hours for internal combustion engines (ICE).

The increase in required service life is driven by battery charging processes that require constant temperature regulation. To verify performance, BASF transitioned from standard air-heat testing to hydrolysis storage, which involves ageing materials in water-glycol mixtures. The company employs the Arrhenius equation to determine the relationship between temperature and reaction rate, allowing for the extrapolation of service life under standard operating conditions.

The material tested, Ultramid, features glass fibre reinforcement and a low halogen content. Testing initiated in August 2020 indicates that the hydrolysis resistance of this polyamide allows it to maintain its properties for over 100,000 hours. These components are typically utilised in vehicle pumps and valves.

The data provides the automotive and haulage sectors with verification that plastic components can withstand the chemical and thermal demands of long-term EV operation.

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Bengaluru-based electric vehicle and technology company Ultraviolette Automotive has unveiled its voice assistant, christened ‘Violette’, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026. Developed in partnership with Soundhound AI, the system allows riders to interact with the F77 electric motorcycle using voice commands to manage vehicle functions and access data.

The technology was demonstrated through the wake phrase ‘Violette’, enabling users to switch riding modes, start navigation and retrieve information from the user manual, such as tyre pressure specifications and service instructions. The system also provides proactive alerts, ride statistics and pre-ride checks via voice interface.

To facilitate interaction without visual distraction, the voice assistant operates through an audio-integrated helmet. This setup serves as the primary interface between the rider and the motorcycle, allowing for the retrieval of information while maintaining focus on the road.

Narayan Subramaniam, CEO & Co-Founder, Ultraviolette Automotive, said, “At Ultraviolette, we believe AI is going to play a pivotal role in enhancing rider safety. As a technology-first company in the mobility space, our mission has always been to redefine the riding experience by fusing cutting-edge engineering with intelligent systems. The integration of Violette A.I. with Soundhound AI marks a significant step in advancing human–machine interaction. By enabling seamless voice-led control we are creating a riding experience that is intuitive, immersive, and future-ready, allowing riders to stay fully focused on what matters most- the road ahead”.

Niraj Rajmohan, CTO & Co-Founder, Ultraviolette, said, “At Ultraviolette, we have spent years developing technologies that make a meaningful impact in the mobility space, with a singular focus on bringing riders closer to their motorcycles in the most effortless way possible. Artificial Intelligence plays a crucial role in this transformation and in elevating the riding experience by anticipating rider needs, simplifying complex interactions, and delivering information instantly and safely. Violette A.I. represents a huge step in that direction, where every command, every query, and every interaction enhances rider confidence, safety, and comfort. By embedding intelligence directly into the riding experience, we are not only simplifying how riders engage with their motorcycles but also creating a new paradigm of connected mobility that is smarter, safer, and deeply human-centric”.

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