Pune-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major Bajaj Auto has announced a strategic move to revive and reshape the future of KTM, by acquiring a controlling stake in the Austrian motorcycle manufacturer, subject to regulatory approvals. This marks a significant shift from Bajaj’s previous role as a minority investor to a leading force in KTM’s global operations.

The move comes amid KTM’s ongoing debt restructuring process, triggered by severe liquidity issues that hampered its day-to-day operations. Through its Dutch subsidiary, Bajaj Auto International Holdings (BAIHBV), Bajaj has arranged a debt funding package of EUR 800 million to support KTM’s recovery and growth. Of this, EUR 200 million has already been infused, with the remaining EUR 600 million being deployed now.

For the unversed, KTM, along with its subsidiaries, entered court-supervised restructuring in November 2024 after failing to manage its rising debt. A plan approved by creditors in February 2025 mandates a 30 percent payout of claims by 23 May 2025. If this payment is not made on time, KTM could be pushed into insolvency.

The funds raised by Bajaj will cover these creditor payments and revive operations. Once payments are confirmed by the Austrian court, the restructuring process is expected to conclude by mid-June 2025.

Path to Ownership

Bajaj currently holds an indirect 37.5 percent stake in Pierer Mobility (PMAG), the parent company of KTM. The proposed deal involves Bajaj acquiring full control of Pierer Bajaj (PBAG), which holds a majority in PMAG. This change in ownership structure will proceed once necessary approvals are obtained from Austrian regulatory bodies.

In a related transaction, Bajaj has also taken over a EUR 80 million loan agreement originally signed by a Pierer group company to prevent complications that might jeopardise the restructuring.

• The EUR 800 million debt package is structured in two parts:
• EUR 200 million: Already disbursed in four tranches during FY2024 and early 2025.
• EUR 600 million: Now being deployed – includes a EUR 450 million secured loan to KTM AG and EUR 150 million in convertible bonds routed through PBAG to support working capital and creditor payments.

These funds were raised via bank loans by BAIHBV and internal contributions from Bajaj Auto.

With the immediate goal of concluding the restructuring process and restarting production, Bajaj is preparing for a broader transformation of KTM’s operations. Key upcoming steps include:

• Revamping KTM’s governance and reconstituting its board.
• Launching a turnaround strategy to restore business momentum.
• Expanding the existing India-based joint development and manufacturing program.
• Exploring strategic partnerships for long-term growth.

Bajaj’s expanded role in KTM is expected to drive global expansion, elevate the brand’s premium image and boost innovation in high-performance motorcycle technologies.

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Classic Legends, an Indian motorcycle manufacturer by the Mahindra Group the makers of Jawa, Yezdi and BSA brands, celebrated the 24^th Edition of International Jawa-Yezdi Day (IJYD) on 12 July 2026.

The event, which began as an initiative among motorcycle owners, involved over 7,500 riders across 150 cities in India this year. The celebration included 40 enthusiast communities in India and participants in 11 countries, who marked the occasion through rides and gatherings. The event united owners of vintage motorcycles with riders of current Jawa and Yezdi models.

Anupam Thareja, Co-Founder, Classic Legends, said, "24-years ago, International Jawa-Yezdi Day began as a simple expression of passion among riders who wanted to celebrate the motorcycles they loved. Today, it has grown into a global tradition that transcends borders and generations. What makes IJYD truly special is that it belongs to the riders themselves. Every ride, every gathering and every shared story keeps this legacy alive. More importantly, it celebrates the friendships, communities and memories built around these motorcycles. We are honoured to be a part of movement that continues to grow stronger with every passing year."

The festivities were organised by more than 40 rider clubs, along with dealerships and enthusiast communities.

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IGNYTE, the premium helmet brand of Steelbird, has introduced its Carbon Fibre Series, featuring three models: the IGN-10, IGN-14, and IGN-16.

The helmets are manufactured in-house using carbon fibre composite shells designed for impact performance and durability. It introduces multi-colour exposed carbon fibre textures and finishes.

The IGN-10 and IGN-14 are priced at INR 14,999, while the IGN-16 is priced at INR 19,999. The helmet comes with a three-year warranty and accessories such as smoke visors and fitting head foam.

It uses an Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) liner with Kevlar reinforcement, which provides energy absorption and multi-impact capability. The series holds both ISI and DOT certifications. Features include anti-fog and anti-scratch visors, ventilation channels, antimicrobial interiors and an aerodynamic profile. The production process utilises balloon moulding.

Kashish Kapur, Director, Steelbird Hi-Tech India, said, "The IGNYTE Carbon Fibre Series represents our vision of creating premium helmets that combine world-class safety, advanced materials, and exceptional craftsmanship. Every helmet has been designed and manufactured in-house with a strong focus on innovation, lightweight performance, and rider protection. With this launch, we are taking another significant step towards offering Indian motorcyclists globally competitive products that deliver the highest standards of safety and performance."

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Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has introduced a campaign for its Destini scooter, titled ‘Hero Ka Scooter, Scooter Ka Hero.’ Conceptualised by McCann India, the campaign focuses on the relationship between a father and child, portraying the scooter as a companion for family journeys.

The campaign film features a girl who imagines an evening ride with her father as an adventure involving a dragon. The narrative integrates product features into the story: the metal body provides protection, the mileage exhausts the creature in a race, the legroom stores food and the under-seat storage is used to toast corn.

Aashish Midha, Head of Marketing, Hero MotoCorp, said, “At Hero MotoCorp, we believe the most meaningful stories are those rooted in everyday life. ‘Hero Ka Scooter, Scooter Ka Hero’ celebrates parents – the everyday heroes of every Indian family –through the boundless imagination of a child. The Hero Destini has always stood for trust, comfort and practicality, and this campaign brings those values to life in a way that is both emotionally engaging and deeply relatable. It reinforces our commitment to building products that become an integral part of our customers’ lives and cherished family moments.”

Prasoon Joshi, Chairman, Omnicom Advertising India, said, “The more memorable ideas rarely begin with what a brand wants to say. They begin with something people already feel, but may not have found the words for. When a brand captures that truth, it stops feeling like advertising and starts feeling deeply familiar. Hero Destini expresses this in a simple but evocative manner. Every child sees their father as their first superhero, not because he has superpowers, but because he quietly shows up, overcomes obstacles and finds a way to keep the family moving. In the film, the scooter becomes part of that quiet magic. It isn’t just a ride. It helps turn an ordinary journey into an adventure, complete with a dragon, seen through a child’s eyes. That’s what makes the film linger. It reminds us that true creativity doesn’t need to exaggerate reality; it elevates the genuine emotions already present. And this is where the brands then find a place in people’s hearts.”

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India Yamaha Motor has launched the FZ-Blue Flex, a motorcycle capable of running on ethanol-blended fuels ranging from E20 to E85 at INR 1,24,240 (ex-showroom, Delhi).

The motorcycle, powered by a 149cc fuel-injected engine, delivers 8.6 kW of power and 12.8 Nm of torque via a 5-speed gearbox. It uses a front telescopic suspension, a rear swingarm and an anti-lock braking system.

Hajime Aota, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group, said, “Achieving a carbon-neutral future requires a dynamic, multi-pathway strategy rather than a single solution. Having already commenced our electric vehicle journey in India, the introduction of our innovative Blue Flex technology marks another strategic milestone. This move is a deliberate alignment of Yamaha’s global sustainability vision with the Indian government’s progressive biofuel policies. By embracing multiple technological avenues, we reinforce our commitment to global carbon neutrality goals while providing versatile, high-quality products tailored to the evolving needs of Indian consumers.”

The motorcycle will be available in Metallic Black and sold through selected Blue Square dealerships across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and Tamil Nadu.

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