Ather launches 450S variant with 161km range at INR 146,000
- By MT Bureau
- July 31, 2025
Bengaluru-based electric two-wheeler manufacturer Ather Energy has launched a new variant of its 450S electric scooter, featuring an upgraded 3.7 kWh battery pack that delivers an IDC range of 161km. Priced at INR 145,999 (ex-showroom, Bengaluru), the new model offers an extended range while maintaining the performance DNA of the 450 series.
The variant is positioned to bridge the gap between the entry-level 450S 2.9 kWh and the higher-end 450X. It features the same 5.4 kW motor producing 22 Nm of torque, a claimed top speed of 90 kmph, and zero to 40 kmph acceleration in 3.9 seconds.
Ravneet Phokela, Chief Business Officer, Ather Energy, said, "The 450 series has always set the bar for performance, technology, and reliability in the Indian electric scooter market. With the launch of the 450S featuring a 3.7 kWh battery pack and an IDC range of 161km, we're bringing the extended range previously exclusive to the 450X. The new 450S variant is specifically designed for riders who prioritise the sporty appeal and long-range capability of the 450 series over the advanced software features of the 450X. With an IDC range of 161 kms offered by the new 450S, riders can now confidently plan longer journeys and still experience the thrilling performance the 450 series is renowned for, all at a more accessible price."
The new 450S retains the sharp styling and build quality of the 450 range, while offering four riding modes – Smart Eco, Eco, Ride and Sport. It also comes equipped with a 7-inch DeepView Display, Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, AutoHold, Fall Safe, OTA updates and access to the Ather Grid fast-charging network.
Bookings are now open, with deliveries set to begin from August 2025. Ex-showroom prices for the new variant are INR 148,047 in Delhi, INR 148,258 in Mumbai, INR 145,999 in Bengaluru and INR 147,312 in Chennai.
The scooter is covered under Ather’s 'Eight70' warranty programme, which offers 8 years or 80,000 km of coverage, guaranteeing 70 percent battery health during the period.
Hero MotoCorp Partners Haryana Police For Women’s Road Safety Rally
- By MT Bureau
- March 01, 2026
Hero MotoCorp, in collaboration with the Haryana Police and the Raahgiri Foundation, organised a women’s night rally titled #SheRidesForSafety. The event featured 150 women riders who completed a 9-kilometre route through the streets of Gurugram during late evening hours to promote road safety and inclusivity.
The rally was flagged off by Dr Arpit Jain, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Dr Rajesh Mohan, Deputy Commissioner of Traffic Police and Sanjay Bhan, Vice-President at Hero MotoCorp. During the event, fourteen women traffic police officers were honoured for their contributions to safe mobility.
The rally is a component of ‘Ride Safe India’, a three-month campaign launched in January 2026. The programme is based on the 4Es of road safety – Education, Engineering, Enforcement, and Emergency Care – as defined by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH).
The campaign includes training sessions, awareness drives and school activations designed to establish safe riding as a social responsibility. By focusing on women at the centre of the narrative, the initiative aims to address safety and behavioural change across urban communities.
Latika Taneja, Head of Corporate Communications, Corporate Affairs & CSR, Hero MotoCorp, said, “As the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, with millions riding Hero MotoCorp’s vehicles every day, road safety is not simply a priority, it is a responsibility that defines us. Through our Ride Safe India campaign, we are working to shape a culture of safety by driving sustained behaviour change across communities. Today’s women’s rally reaffirms our belief that safe mobility is fundamental to true empowerment because when women move freely and safely, societies move forward with them.”
Dr Arpit Jain, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Headquarters, Gurugram Police, stated, “Initiatives like the Ride Safe India go far beyond road safety awareness, they send a decisive message that our roads belong to every citizen, at every hour. We are proud to stand alongside Hero MotoCorp in creating a safer, more inclusive public space. As a department, we remain committed to partnering with organizations that translate intent into visible, on-ground impact.”
Suzuki Motorcycle Expands India Presence With First Sikkim Dealership
- By MT Bureau
- February 28, 2026
Japanese two-wheeler maker Suzuki Motorcycle India (SMIPL) has inaugurated Himalayan Suzuki in Gangtok, marking the company’s first retail entry into the state of Sikkim. With this opening, the subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation now maintains a presence across every state in India.
The facility, located at Lower Sichey, operates as a ‘3S’ outlet, providing sales, service and spare parts. The expansion into the North-East is intended to address demand for vehicles capable of operating in terrain characterised by inclines and varied road conditions.
Himalayan Suzuki retails the company’s full domestic portfolio. The service wing is equipped with tools for maintenance and is staffed by professionals trained to manage the manufacturer's technical requirements.
The company’s product portfolio includes Access, Avenis, Burgman Street, and the electric e-ACCESS scooters. The GIXXER, GIXXER SF, GIXXER 250, GIXXER SF 250 and the V-STROM SX in the motorcycle segment.
Deepak Mutreja, Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, “Sikkim is an important market for us in the North-East. The state’s unique terrain calls for two-wheelers that offer consistent performance and reliability across inclines and varied road conditions. Suzuki’s portfolio has been well accepted in such environments. With the inauguration of Himalayan Suzuki in Gangtok, customers will now have easier access to our complete range of scooters & motorcycles and after-sales support. We sincerely thank our dealer partner, Himalayan Suzuki, for their collaboration in making this possible. With this addition, SMIPL is now present across all states of India.”
TVS Apache Launches First Brand Anthem To Mark 20-Year Anniversary
- By MT Bureau
- February 27, 2026
TVS Motor Company has released an official brand anthem, ‘The Apache DNA’, to commemorate 20 years of the TVS Apache motorcycle series. The track was composed by rapper and songwriter Brodha V and has been launched in six languages: English, Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada.
The anthem is intended to engage a global customer base that now includes over 6.5 million riders across 60 countries. By integrating the brand with music and youth culture, TVS Motor Company aims to strengthen its connection with the motorcycling community beyond technical specifications.
The TVS Apache series is built on the company's racing programme, focusing on speed, precision and control. The anthem incorporates the engine's exhaust note as a rhythmic element, bridging the gap between mechanical performance and music.
The Apache brand, with over two decades in the motorcycle market, is being sold in more than 60 countries and has over 6.5 million customers.
Vimal Sumbly, Business Head, Premium Segment, TVS Motor Company, said, “For 20 years, TVS Apache has been the living expression of our racing DNA, an attitude and legacy that has empowered 6.5 million riders globally. ‘The Apache DNA’ anthem is our tribute to every rider who embodies the philosophy of TVS Apache. As we continue to democratise racing-bred technology, we are also expanding TVS Apache's presence into music and youth culture, creating deeper connections with the communities that live and breathe the brand every single day."
KTM AG Secures EUR 550 Million Loan For Debt Refinancing
- By MT Bureau
- February 27, 2026
Bajaj Mobility AG, the holding company of KTM AG and part of the Pune-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major Bajaj Auto, has announced that KTM has entered into a loan agreement with an international banking consortium to refinance its debt. The total volume of the facility is EUR 550 million.
The agreement completes the refinancing measures for KTM following its restructuring. The new funds will be used to settle an existing EUR 450 million loan provided by Bajaj Auto International Holdings B.V. in May 2025.
The financing is unsecured and carries a term of five years. Interest rates for the facility have been set in the low to mid-single-digit percentage range.
Under the conditions of the agreement, KTM is subject to restrictions on dividend distributions for the duration of the five-year term. These covenants are described by the company as market-standard for such credit facilities.
The previous debt was incurred as part of a restructuring plan quota. By transitioning from a subsidiary-provided loan to a consortium-backed facility, the company has finalised its capital structure adjustments initiated last year.
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