Ather Launches Bluetooth Update For 450X

Arlanxeo Launches Handbook of Synthetic Rubber

Ather Energy has released its 13th OTA (Over the Air) update named Atherstack Atom. This update enables the Bluetooth-based music and calls feature on the Ather 450X. The latest update also includes the revamped version of the Ather App for all Ather owners with Android and iOS devices.

The new feature allows Ather 450X owners to safely pair the scooter’s 7- inch touchscreen dashboard with their smartphones. This allows the rider to view and control music and phone calls through the dashboard without any distractions and offers a seamless experience.

While the music is playing on the smartphone, the dashboard will show album art, the name of the song, and the artist in the display. When the vehicle is stationary, the rider can use the touchscreen to switch to the previous track, play/pause the current track or jump to the next track. The feature supports all popular music streaming services and podcast services. During calls, the rider can accept/reject the call on the touchscreen dashboard. For rider safety, a combination of the physical switches can be used while riding.

The EV company is also working towards launching a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) which allows the rider to monitor the tire pressure which will ensure that the vehicle performs optimally. These additions will make the daily rides on the Ather 450X a seamless experience and limit riders from having to pull out their phones.

This update also includes a brand new Ather App which has been built from scratch to provide users with a clean, intuitive interface to interact with their scooter and with the larger Ather Community. The new App is developed in native Android and iOS frameworks and includes a redesigned, contextual home screen to have easy access to all the information the user typically needs and a fresh new design language.

From introducing upgrades like ‘Guide me home lights’ to ‘Real-time ride efficiency indicators’ to new riding modes, a ‘Dark Theme’ for the dashboard and now the Bluetooth® based Music and Call feature, Ather Energy is the first two-wheeler company in India to offer features and spec upgrades to existing consumers. The Ather Community and consumer research have driven the past Over-the-Air (OTA) software upgrades making Ather Energy’s products the only ever-improving two-wheeler and unlike any other automobile in the market.

Tarun Mehta, CEO and Co-Founder, Ather Energy, said, “We are happy to finally update the Bluetooth® based Music & Call feature on our flagship model. With the Atherstack Atom update, we aimed at simplifying a user’s ride experience, improving convenience, and removing all mental overheads when a phone rings while also being safe. We hope that every Ather 450X owner will love the experience just like we did. Every Ather 450X delivered to date will automatically download the OTA, while the new deliveries will have the feature built-in. Our team is also working on adding more smart and connected accessories so Ather owners can have a fully integrated system." (MT)

Ather Energy Targets To Double Experience Centres To 700 Touchpoints

Ather Energy

Bengaluru-based electric two-wheeler manufacturer Ather Energy has announced its ambitious plans to double its retail network to 700 experience centres by FY2026.

For context, Ather Energy currently operates 351 experience centres in India and 24 centres in Nepal and Sri Lanka. Furthermore, 46 percent of the retail touchpoints are in South India alone. The expansion is part of the EV maker’s strategy to provide first-hand experience of the product, quality and peace of mind to customers.

The company with the recent launch of Rizta e-scooter targeted for families, is now looking to scale up its presence across the country, including tripling its store count in north markets. The Rizta, Ather’s first family scooter had recently crossed 100,000 units retail sales milestone within a year of its launch. The e-scooter has become popular in key states including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Chhattisgarh. Rizta alone now contributes to nearly 60 percent of Ather’s total sales, unlocking new cities and bringing in a wider base of family buyers, setting the stage for a much stronger retail presence in the coming months.

Ravneet Singh Phokela, Chief Business Officer, Ather Energy, said, “Rizta’s phenomenal success has opened up new markets and brought a much larger set of family buyers into the Ather ecosystem. We’re seeing demand coming in from cities where our footprint was previously limited, and that gives us the confidence to scale faster. Expanding to 700 Experience Centres is about staying ahead of this demand curve and ensuring that wherever our customers are, they have easy access to the full Ather experience.”

At present, the company operates over 3,578 fast-charging points across India through the Ather Grid. The EV maker is also expanding its service footprint along with the expansion of its retail network across India, including Gold Service Centres in key cities.

Ather Energy currently has two manufacturing plants in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, one each for vehicle assembly and battery manufacturing and an upcoming third manufacturing facility in Bidkin, AURIC, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra, which will scale up its manufacturing capacity to 1.42 million electric two-wheeler per annum.

Triumph Speed T4 Gets New Baja Orange Colour Scheme

Triumph Speed T4

Triumph Motorcycles India has launched a brand-new colour ‘Baja Orange’ for its best-selling Speed T4 motorcycle, which it said is inspired by the glow of desert dawns and the vibrancy of golden hour rides.

The Baja Orange Speed T4 400cc will be available at INR 205,000 (ex-showroom) and will continue to be powered by 400cc engine producing 31 PS @ 7,000 rpm and 36 Nm @ 5,000 rpm. Mechanically, it remains unchanged and continues to have a low-end torque in the range of 3,500 – 5,500 rpm. It features a slipper clutch for easy downshift, dual-channel ABS and 43 mm telescopic forks.

The Speed T4 sports a 3D badge, new frame colour and tyre stripe pattern.

The British motorcycle brand is experiencing significant momentum, posting an impressive 30 percent YoY growth from FY2024 to FY2025 for the Speed T4.

TVS Launches 2025 Apache RTR 200 4V With Racing-Inspired Upgrades

TVS Apache RTR 200 4V

TVS Motor Company has launched the 2025 Apache RTR 200 4V, marking two decades of the brand’s racing legacy and celebrating a 6 million-strong global community of riders.

The new Apache RTR 200 4V features key mechanical and aesthetic upgrades, including OBD2B compliance, a 37mm Upside Down (USD) front suspension for improved control and a hydroformed handlebar that enhances handling stability. The motorcycle also sports refreshed graphics and bold red alloy wheels, offered in three colour options – Glossy Black, Matte Black, and Granite Grey.

Under the hood, the bike continues to deliver 20.8 PS at 9,000 rpm and 17.25 Nm of torque at 7,250 rpm. It’s equipped with dual-channel ABS, three ride modes (Urban, Sport, and Rain), a slipper clutch, adjustable brake and clutch levers, TVS SmartXonnect with Bluetooth and voice assist and a fully digital display with LED headlamps and DRLs.

First launched in 2016, the Apache RTR 200 4V has consistently introduced segment-first innovations, setting benchmarks in performance and safety.

Vimal Sumbly, Head Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company, said, “The upgraded 2025 TVS Apache RTR 200 4V continues this legacy – pushing the limits of design and engineering to offer next-generation riders a thrilling, track-bred experience on every ride.”

The 2025 TVS Apache RTR 200 4V is now available at dealerships across India, with prices starting at INR 153,990 (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Suzuki 2025 GSX-8R Motorcycle Is Now OBD-2B Compliant

Suzuki GSX-8R

Suzuki Motorcycle India (SMIPL), the two-wheeler subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, has introduced the OBD-2B compliant 2025 Suzuki GSX-8R motorcycle at INR 925,000 (ex-showroom Delhi).

The motorcycle continues to be powered by a 776cc parallel twin DOHC 4-valve-per-cylinder engine paired with a 270-degree crankshaft. It gets Suzuki’s patented Cross Balancer, which reduces vibration during the ride.

It also gets Suzuki Intelligent Ride System, Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS), the Suzuki Traction Control System (STCS), Ride-by-wire Electronic Throttle System, Bi-directional Quick Shift System, Suzuki Easy Start System and Low RPM Assist. The Suzuki GSX-8R is equipped with a six-speed transmission and Suzuki Clutch Assist System (SCAS).

Deepak Mutreja, Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, “The OBD-2B update on the GSX-8R enhances its performance with improved emission monitoring, keeping it aligned with the latest regulatory requirements. This ensures that customers continue to enjoy a refined and responsive riding experience that also meets evolving environmental standards.”

It comes equipped with Hitachi Astemo (SHOWA) SFF-BP inverted front forks, paired with a Hitachi Astemo (SHOWA) link-type mono-shock rear suspension with preload adjuster. For braking, the motorcycle gets dual four-piston radial-mount front brake callipers with 310 mm outer diameter dual discs. It rides on lightweight cast aluminium wheels with Dunlop RoadSport 2 radial tyres.