Reporting consolidated net sales of EUR 1,626.9 million over the last nine months, marking an increase of 23.3 percent when compared to the sales of EUR 1,319.2 million clocked during the corresponding period last year that ended on 30 September 2021, Piaggio is cautiously optimistic of steady growth on the basis of its unique brand portfolio. 

Selling 490,400 vehicles worldwide (an increase of 13.9 percent from 430,600 during the corresponding period last year), the Italy-based industrial group showcased the new Aprilia RSV4 XTrenta, a special edition two-wheeler that combines Aprilia Racing engineering and MotoGP technology. Only 100 bikes will be produced to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Aprilia’s first championship victory. It also showcased the centenary edition of GMG – Giornate Mondiali Moto Guzzi – in Mandello Del Lario (Italy) in September, attracting more than 60,000 Guzzi bikers from around the world, including British actor Ewan McGregor, who has always been a great fan of Moto Guzzi bikes. 

Holding the world preview of the Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello Aviazione Navale (signifying the brand’s special ties with the Italian Navy) in the spectacular setting of the flight deck of the Cavour aircraft carrier in September, Piaggio presented a new range of Vespa GTS scooters in four versions – the classic Vespa GTS, the contemporary GTS Super, the feisty GST SuperSport and the hyper-tech Vespa GTS SuperTech – in October. 

Announcing net profit of EUR 70.9 million, the best ever nine months result with an improvement of 37.4 percent (it was EUR 51.6 million at the nine months ending on 30 September 2021), the Italian group sold 410,000 two-wheelers worldwide (an increase of 12 percent from 366,000 as on 30 September 2021) and generated net sales of EUR 1,338.9 million, an increase of 20.6 percent from EUR 1,110.2 million during the corresponding period last year.

Turnover from two-wheeler sales was particularly strong in Asia Pacific (clocking an increase of 55.1 percent), followed by the Americas (clocking an increase of 44.4 percent), EMEA (clocking an increase of 7.7 percent) and the Indian sub-continent where sales continued to be steady and resulted in an increase of one percent. 

Consolidating its leadership in the scooter segment with a share of 23.5 percent (23.1 percent in the first nine months of 2021) and further strengthening its positioning in the North American scooter market with a share of 34.9 percent (34.5 percent as on 30 September 2021), Piaggio experienced an increase in traction in the area of motorcycles as well. 

Working to consolidate its presence in the North American motorcycle market with the Aprilia and Moto Guzzi brands, the group (seeing double-digit growth in global scooter sales volumes, driven in particular by the Vespa brand that reported a double-digit improvement in turnover and record nine-month sales volumes and by Aprilia scooters) clocked good growth in its commercial vehicle portfolio as well. 

The group reported sales volumes of 80,300 vehicles, up 24.4 percent as compared to 64,600 units sold in the nine months ending on 30 September 2021. It also reported net sales of EUR 288 million (an increase of 37.8 percent from 209.1 million EUR as on 30 September 2021). 

Highlighting positive performance of the motorcycles under the Aprilia and Moto Guzzi brands on one side and the commercial vehicles on the other, Piaggio experienced good contribution from its Indian operations too. 

With the Indian market showing a recovery with turnover from commercial vehicles rising 56.7 percent and sales volumes rising 37.4 percent, the group’s subsidiary now commands a 19.4 percent overall share of the Indian three-wheeler market. In the cargo sub-segment of three-wheelers in India, the company – Piaggio Vehicles Private Limited – is holding a market share of 33 percent. 

Drawing attention to an extremely complex macroeconomic situation and geopolitical developments such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Piaggio Group Chairman and CEO Roberto Colaninno expressed, “The Piaggio Group closed the first nine months of 2022 with its best results ever and double-digit growth, driven primarily by excellent performance in the APAC area, which will be further boosted by the new manufacturing facility we shall be opening in Indonesia next month.”

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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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