Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India’s Dedicated Electric Two-Wheeler Plant To Come Up In Karnataka By 2028
- By Nilesh Wadhwa
- January 28, 2025
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI), one of the leading two-wheeler manufacturers globally, is doubling down on its bet on the domestic market.
In a recent interaction with Japanese media, the company announced its future plans including setting up a new dedicated manufacturing facility for electric two-wheelers in Karnataka, India.
In an investor presentation, Daiki Mihara, Operating Executive, Head, Motorcycle And Power Products Electrification Business Unit, Electrification Business Development Operations, Honda Motor Co, revealed that in 2030 the Japanese major aims to sell 4 million two-wheelers globally, have 30 electric model offerings and achieve 50 percent cost reduction for finished electric two-wheelers. By 2030 the company will invest YEN 500 billion.
In terms of profitability, its operating profit margin will grow by 5 percent by 2030 and more than 10 percent post-2030.
India will take a bigger responsibility where the company is looking to introduce a wide range of electric two-wheelers by combining modules. While the exact product line-up is not revealed, the investor presentation hints towards a dirt bike, five new e-scooters, and an electric motorcycle too. It is betting on modularity and the
The Japanese automaker is also optimistic about seeing its global two-wheeler sales cross the 500 million unit cumulative sales milestone this year.
For FY2025, Honda Motors Co expects two-wheeler sales to reach 20.2 million units, which is approximately 40 percent share of global motorcycle sales. The Asian market, including India, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam, accounts for 85 percent of global unit sales (17.17 million units), and Japan, Europe and the U.S. markets account for 6 percent (1.2 million units).
The idea is to capture 50 percent global market share in two-wheeler sales across Internal Combustion Engine and EVs.
For this India will act both as a domestic manufacturing and export hub, ‘Honda will further expand its motorcycle business by implementing efficient product strategies globally, such as exporting high-value, highly-competitive products nurtured in India,’ said the company in a statement.
- Ducati India
- Bipul Chandra
- Desmo450 MX
- New Multistrada V4 Rally (2026 Edition)
- Panigale V4 Lamborghini
- Panigale V4 Marquez Replica
- Panigale V2 Special Edition MM93
- Panigale V2 Special Edition PB63
- New Monster V2
- Diavel V4 RS
- Hypermotrad V2/V2 SP
- Panigale V4R
Ducati To Launch 10 New Models In India In 2026
- By MT Bureau
- January 13, 2026
Italian superbike maker Ducati India has revealed its aggressive product roadmap for 2026, confirming the introduction of 10 new and updated motorcycles to the Indian market.
The announcement includes plans to expand the brand's dealer touchpoints to improve accessibility and service for its customer base.
The 2026 portfolio comprises the Desmo450 MX, New Multistrada V4 Rally (2026 Edition), Panigale V4 Lamborghini, Panigale V4 Marquez Replica, Panigale V2 Special Edition MM93, Panigale V2 Special Edition PB63, New Monster V2, Diavel V4 RS and the New Hypermotard V2/V2 SP. These follow the Panigale V4R, which was launched in India on 2 January 2026.
The launch schedule begins in the first quarter of 2026 with the Multistrada V4 Rally, the Panigale V4 Lamborghini, and the Desmo450 MX. The third quarter will see the arrival of the New Monster V2 and the Marc Márquez and Pecco Bagnaia Special Editions of the Panigale V2, followed by the Diavel V4 RS. The final quarter of the year will feature the Hypermotard V2 range in October, concluding with the Panigale V4 Marc Márquez Replica in December.
Bipul Chandra, Managing Director, Ducati India, said, “2026 is poised to be another landmark year for Ducati as we continue to push boundaries with a portfolio of new launches that will set fresh benchmarks in the premium motorcycle segment. Our commitment to delivering the most sophisticated, performance-driven motorcycles to Indian customers has never been stronger. We are excited to introduce these exceptional new models, and with the expansion of our dealership network, we look forward to a successful and impactful year for Ducati in India.”
Ducati will open bookings at its dealerships in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Kolkata. Indicative pricing for the upcoming range will be released on the company's website ahead of the specific launch dates.
- Suzuki Motorcycle India
- Greaves Finance
- Suzuki e-Access
- SMIPLE
- ev.fin
- Deepak Mutreja
- P B Sunil Kumar
Suzuki Motorcycle India And Greaves Finance Partner To Launch EV Financing For e-Access
- By MT Bureau
- January 13, 2026
Suzuki Motorcycle India (SMIPL) has announced a partnership with Greaves Finance, operating under the brand ev.fin, to provide financial solutions for the Suzuki e-Access electric scooter. The collaboration introduces buy-back upgrade assurances and retail finance options intended to lower the barriers to electric vehicle ownership.
The partnership combines SMIPL’s dealership network with the digital financial platform of ev.fin. The primary objective of the association is to provide customers with predictable resale values and credit support at the point of purchase.
To address concerns regarding the resale value of electric two-wheelers, SMIPL and ev.fin have introduced a structured buy-back programme. Customers can select from two primary plans: a 36-month term offering up to 60 percent of the ex-showroom value, or a 48-month term offering up to 50 percent of the effective ex-showroom price. This programme is designed to provide a guaranteed value for users looking to upgrade their vehicles in the future.
The ev.fin platform offers retail finance solutions including loans for up to 100 percent of the vehicle cost. Interest rates for the Suzuki e-Access start from 5.99 percent, with monthly instalments beginning at INR 3,999. The loan process is managed through a digital journey aimed at reducing processing times and offering customisable plans, such as low-down payment options.
Deepak Mutreja, Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, “At Suzuki Motorcycle India, we continually look for ways to make the ownership journey easier and more reassuring for our customers. Through our association with Greaves Finance, we are introducing added value at both the purchase and resale stages of the Suzuki e-Access. With the assured buyback upgrade and tailored finance options, we bring more trust and peace of mind to EV ownership, while enhancing customer accessibility to electric two-wheelers.”
P B Sunil Kumar, Executive Director & CEO, Greaves Finance, said, “We are delighted to partner with Suzuki Motorcycle India to accelerate the transition to electric mobility. By offering Buyback upgrade options and customized financing through our ev.fin platform, we are eliminating the 'resale anxiety' often associated with EVs. Our goal is to provide a seamless, digital-first financial experience that makes the Suzuki e-Access an even more compelling choice for the Indian commuter.”
Bajaj Auto Supplies 100 Customised Dominar 400 Motorcycles To Pune Police Force
- By MT Bureau
- January 12, 2026
Bajaj Auto, one of the leading two-wheeler manufacturers, has supplied a fleet of 100 customised Bajaj Dominar 400 motorcycles to the Pune Police, Pimpri-Chinchwad Police and Pune Rural Police.
The Dominar 400, featuring a 373.3cc liquid-cooled engine, will be deployed towards improving patrolling and emergency response services in the region.
To meet law enforcement requirements, the units have been modified from their standard specifications. Technical additions include dual-channel ABS, traction control and electronic suspension adjustments to assist in high-speed operations and varying terrains.
The 'Police Model' Dominar 400 includes several integrated systems for communication and visibility:
- Communication: Public Address (PA) systems with push-to-talk radio transmission and sirens.
- Visibility: LED emergency lights for traffic management.
- Storage: Lockable side panniers and a top box for carrying forensic tools, documents and first-aid kits.
- Connectivity: GPS tracking systems and dedicated charging points for walkie-talkies and mobile devices.
Before being permanently allocated to the three departments for law enforcement duties, the motorcycles will serve as the official convoy for the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026. This event covers a 437-km route through 150 villages and nine talukas, utilising recently upgraded road infrastructure in the Pune District.
Amitesh Kumar, Commissioner of Police, Pune, along with other high-ranking officials, received the fleet. The deployment is part of a broader trend of agencies adopting high-performance motorcycles to navigate urban and rural landscapes with greater speed.
Royal Enfield Launches Updated Goan Classic 350 At INR 219,787
- By MT Bureau
- January 12, 2026
Chennai-headquartered mid-sized motorcycle major Royal Enfield has launched the 2026 edition of the Goan Classic 350, introducing mechanical and functional updates to the bobber-styled motorcycle.
The updated motorcycle is now available at authorised stores across India, with prices starting from INR 219,787 (ex-showroom).
The 2026 edition features an assist-and-slipper clutch, designed to prevent rear-wheel hop during aggressive downshifts and reduce the force required to operate the clutch lever. Additionally, the integrated USB Type-C port has been upgraded to support faster charging for mobile devices.
The motorcycle retains the 349cc air-oil-cooled, single-cylinder engine, which produces 20.2 bhp at 6,100 rpm and 27 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. This power is delivered through a five-speed gearbox. The chassis maintains its bobber silhouette, characterised by mid-ape handlebars, chopper fenders, a slash-cut exhaust and a floating seat.
The Goan Classic 350 is fitted with whitewall edge-type aluminium tubeless spoke wheels, combining traditional aesthetics with modern tyre technology. The model is available in four colourways: Shack Black, Purple Haze, Trip Teal Green and Rave Red.

Comments (0)
ADD COMMENT