The domestic production of the two-wheeler segment dropped to about 1.83 crore in FY21 as against the production of about 2.10 crore in FY20, financial services credit rating company Infomerics Valuation and Rating said in a report.

According to the Industry Outlook Automobile Industry report, the Indian automobile industry is valued at more than INR 8 lakh crore. Its turnover contributes approximately 7.1 percent of overall GDP, 27 per cent of industrial GDP and 49 per cent of manufacturing GDP. 

With the pandemic causing havoc in the automobile industry, the numbers have plummeted in FY21 for both production and sales, compared to the figure in FY20.

The study said two-wheeler is the most significant contributor to the automobile sector. It contributes about four-fifth to the overall industry, followed by passenger vehicles, contributing approximately 13 per cent to the industry.

Following some positive steps from the government, the automobile industry emerged as the top sector during the first four months of FY2021-22 with a 23 per cent share of the total FDI equity inflow, the study pointed out. The reforms by the government in FDI policy, investment facilitation and improving ease of doing business are some of the reasons for the increased FDI inflow, it said.

Along with enhancing FDI, the government has floated INT 25,938 crore worth of new production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for the auto sector. The PLI Scheme for Automobile and Auto Components Industry will lead to a new investment of more than INR 42,500 crore, incremental production of over INR 2.3 lakh crore for five years. It is also expected to create additional employment opportunities for more than 7.5 lakh jobs.

The government also extended the second phase of the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric vehicle (FAME) scheme by two years to 31 March 2024. Besides, the Central government approved the INR 76,000 crore scheme to boost semiconductor and display manufacturing.

However, the study pointed some significant challenges for the industry in future. It said there was a mismatch between funds allocated and disbursed. The Union government has only disbursed about 10 per cent (about INR 820 crore) of the total subsidies out of INR 8,596 crore earmarked under the FAME-II scheme. EV makers pointed out that the aggressive localisation criteria for qualifying for FAME-II were a reason for the limited disbursal under the scheme. The semiconductor shortage has also been adversely affecting the industry. The automotive component industry, which had a turnover of INR 3.40 lakh crore (USD 45.9 billion) for the April 2020-March 2021 period, posted a de-growth of 3 per cent, compared with the turnover in the previous year.

The report said the restructuring of Ford’s Indian operations caused massive anxiety for dealers and customers. The future of about 170 Ford dealers with a combined investment of INR 2000 crore and about 40,000 employees is uncertain, the study pointed out.

Some foreign original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) who exited in the last four years include General Motors in 2017, MAN Trucks in 2018, United Motor Cycles in 2019 and Harley Davidson in 2020. Accordingly, the FADA sought to introduce legislation, viz., Automobile Dealers Protection Act, to create an enabling environment for automobile dealers. Industry body FADA also indicated that it was the worst festive season in the decade, with overall vehicle registrations falling 18 per cent in 2021 as against the festive season in 2020.

However, the report highlighted that the EV segment and the sector growth is optimistic and is also likely to get an impetus by the government’s series of incentives.

Besides, the report is not very optimistic about the overall industry in the short term due to the semiconductor shortage and infrastructure challenges on the EV front.

The industry faces challenges from other factors like triple-digit fuel prices and the sudden exit of big companies. The report suggested that the industry needs to work on the semiconductor issue and try to develop native capacities, adding that the government needs to work in tandem and consider reducing fuel prices. (MT)

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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