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.
- Royal Enfield
- Classic 350
- Classic 350 Gorkha Edition
- Yadvinder Singh Guleria
- Lieutenant General Sanjeev Chauhan
- Gorkha Brigade
Royal Enfield Launches Classic 350 Gorkha Edition At INR 210,684 In India
- By MT Bureau
- August 18, 2026
Chennai-headquartered mid-sized motorcycle major Royal Enfield has launched the Classic 350 Gorkha Edition in India, priced at INR 210,684 ex-showroom, New Delhi.
The new variant is finished in a Gorkha Green paint scheme and features insignia displaying crossed Khukris, reflecting design references to the Gorkha Regiment. Mechanical specifications retain the J-series engine and standard frame configuration, while additions include an assist and slipper clutch alongside a Type-C USB charging port.
Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Chief Commercial Officer, Royal Enfield, said, "With the Classic 350 Gorkha Edition, we pay tribute to an extraordinary military legacy defined by fierce bravery, loyalty and absolute honour. Every detail stays true to the timeless character of the Classic 350, while the bespoke Gorkha insignia speak of the values that have defined this regiment for generations. The Gorkha apparel collection extends that tribute beyond the ride, giving our community a way to carry that legacy forward with pride and purpose."
Lieutenant General Sanjeev Chauhan, President, Gorkha Brigade, said, "The strength of the Gorkha Regiment lies not only in its history, but in the values of courage, discipline and honour that have been upheld across generations. It is a privilege to see this legacy acknowledged through the Royal Enfield Classic 350 Gorkha Edition, which pays tribute to the spirit and traditions of the Gorkha soldiers with dignity and respect."
Royal Enfield also introduced an accompanying merchandise line, designated as the Gorkha Collection. The range includes helmets, leather boots, headgear and apparel designed using military-inspired colour options including olive green, crimson, black, and bronze.
Yamaha Launches Refreshed 125cc Fi Hybrid Scooter Range In India
- By MT Bureau
- August 18, 2026
India Yamaha Motor has announced updates to its 125cc Fi Hybrid scooter line-up, which introduces new colour schemes, revised body graphics and technology features across the RayZR and Fascino model ranges.
The RayZR 125 Fi Hybrid receives updated paint finishes and graphics. Within the range, the Street Rally variant now incorporates a Colour TFT Instrument Cluster with Turn-by-Turn navigation functionality for smartphone integration.
The Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid also receives colour updates and bodywork revisions. Pricing for the RayZR range starts at INR 79,880 for the Drum brake variant in Metallic Black, moving to INR 87,680 for the Disc variant available in Metallic Black, Dark Matte Blue, and Ice Fluo Vermillion.
The Street Rally variant with an LCD cluster is priced at INR 93,930 in Ice Fluo Vermillion and Matte Black, while the TFT instrument cluster model costs INR 100,440 in Matte Titan and Matte Black.
The Fascino line-up begins at INR 78,980 for the Drum variant in Yellow Cocktail, rising to INR 91,070 for the Disc variant offered in Metallic Light Green, Cool Blue Metallic and Matte Black. The Fascino S variant is priced at INR 99,030 in Metallic Orangish Gray. Both model lines retain Yamaha’s Smart Motor Generator Hybrid Technology, featuring power assist, silent start and automatic engine stop-start systems.
Hardware across the range includes telescopic front suspension, 21-litre under-seat storage compartments, side-stand engine cut-off switches and E20 fuel compatibility. The Fascino S and RayZR Street Rally TFT variants also feature answer-back function capabilities.
Hero MotoCorp Appoints Srihari Mulgund As Chief Strategy Officer
- By MT Bureau
- August 17, 2026
Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of scooters and motorcycles, has appointed Srihari Mulgund as its new Chief Strategy Officer, effective 17 August 2026. Following the appointment, Mulgund joins the company's executive leadership team and assumes a senior management role under regulatory listing rules.
He comes with over 24 years of experience across engineering, product development, and strategic planning within the automotive industry, having worked in the United States, Japan, China and India.
Prior to joining Hero MotoCorp, he served as a Partner at EY-Parthenon, where he managed advisory engagements covering electric vehicles, battery technology, internal combustion engines, supply chains and mobility systems.
His career history also includes executive roles at Aisin AW, FEV Inc and Ricardo Strategic Consulting India, where he served as President.
Mulgund holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the National Institute of Engineering in Mysore, a master's degree from the University of Toledo, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
In his new position, Mulgund will oversee the formulation and execution of corporate growth plans, technological development initiatives and market strategy frameworks across the company's business divisions.
Ducati Launches 5th Gen Monster Motorcycle At INR 1.39 Million In India
- By MT Bureau
- August 10, 2026
Ducati has launched the fifth-generation Monster motorcycle in India, with prices starting from INR 1.39 million ex-showroom. The model arrives following recognition at the Red Dot Design Award 2026, where it won in the Product Design category.
The Monster introduces an 890 cc V2 engine featuring Intake Variable Timing (IVT), it produces 111 horsepower at 9,000 rpm and 91.1 Nm of torque at 7,250 rpm, with valve clearance maintenance intervals set at 45,000 km.
The motorcycle uses a monocoque frame, a technopolymer subframe and a double-sided swingarm, bringing the overall weight without fuel to 175 kg. The suspension is handled by a 43 mm Showa upside-down front forks and a rear Showa monoshock. Braking is handled by dual 320 mm front discs with Brembo M4.32 radial calipers, while the vehicle rides on Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres. Ergonomic changes include a seat height of 815 mm and repositioned handlebars.
Electronic systems are managed via a six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (6D IMU), which includes cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control, engine brake control and four riding modes. System settings are displayed on a five-inch TFT screen operated via a handlebar-mounted joystick.
The model is available in Monster and Monster+ variants across three colour schemes, with the Monster+ including a headlight cowl and passenger seat cover. Ducati offers two maintenance coverage packages, Ducati Protect (+) and Ducati Protect (Pro), which cover servicing parts and labour for up to four years.
Bipul Chandra, Managing Director, Ducati India, said, “The Ducati Monster has always been the bike that introduced people to what a Ducati really feels like, and this new generation makes that experience more accessible than ever. With the new V2 engine, class-leading maintenance intervals and a completely reimagined design, it's a bike built for riders who want the full Ducati experience in a form that's easy to live with every day.”

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