Piaggio, Honda, KTM and Yamaha Sign Agreement For Promotion Of Swappable Batteries
- By MT Bureau
- September 07, 2021
Piaggio, Honda, KTM and Yamaha have officially signed an agreement for the creation of the Swappable Batteries Motorcycle Consortium (SBMC). The multinational two-wheeler brands had initially signed a letter of intent on the first of March.
The consortium aims to achieve widespread promotion of the use of light electric vehicles (mopeds, scooters, motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles) in the transport sector. The founding members believe that the availability of commonly developed swappable battery solutions can bring about sustainable life-cycle management of batteries. They find it key to the development of low-voltage electro mobility.
The underlying aim of the consortium is to find solutions to the concerns customers may have regarding the future of electromobility, such as range, charging time and infrastructure, and costs. This will be achieved in accordance with four primary goals that involve the development and expansion of battery technology.
Michele Colaninno, Chief of Strategy and Product, Piaggio Group, said, “Urban mobility is going through a delicate moment of transition towards electrification. Thanks to our Consortium, representing four major global players, motorbikes will continue to play a key role in the urban context. Swappable batteries give the right answer to speed up the recharging time of vehicles, offering an additional valuable choice for users. Urban mobility is part of the Piaggio DNA and history. Our aim is to bring all our technological know-how and attitude for innovation to the Consortium.”
Yoshishige Nomura, Chief Officer, Motorcycle Operations, Honda, said, “Honda believes that the widespread adoption of electric motorcycles can play an important part in realising a more sustainable society. In the Consortium we have created, the founding members from the motorcycle industry and other stakeholders will work together towards standardising swappable batteries, their charging systems and surrounding infrastructure to create the environment for their use. Our final goal is to ensure that motorcycles will continue to be chosen as a useful method of transportation in future mobility.”
Stefan Pierer, CEO, PIERER Mobility AG, said, “Together with our partners, we will work to deliver a swappable battery system for low-voltage vehicles (48V) up to 11 kW capacity, based on international technical standards. We very much look forward to ensuring that electric-powered two-wheeler vehicles maintain their role in the future of urban and non-urban mobility.”
Takuya Kinoshita, Senior Executive Officer, Chief General Manager of Land Mobility Business Operations, Yamaha, said, “The Swappable Batteries Motorcycle Consortium in Europe is finally ready to get to work. I hope that this first step forward will be a beacon that draws like-minded parties to our mission and leads to transformative changes for the future. We at Yamaha Motor are confident that through this initiative, we can help unify the differing technical specs and standards and contribute to maximising the merits of electric power for customers around the world.”(MT)
Motoverse 2025 To Be Held In Goa From 21st November
- By MT Bureau
- August 20, 2025
Goa will host Motoverse 2025, an annual moto-culture festival, from November 21–23, 2025. The event is a gathering for riders, enthusiasts and industry professionals.
Motoverse 2025 will feature custom motorcycle builds and new innovations, including the Flying Flea and the Himalayan Electric test bed. The festival plans to debut new products and initiatives. A structured club championship will be introduced for the Dirt Track events. The Art of Motorcycling will conclude with a finale and the Motoreel stage will host industry figures and adventurers.
The festival will incorporate a split-stage music format. The Main Stage will feature acts like Hanumankind, The Yellow Diary and Parvaaz. The lineup includes a collaboration between Kutle Khan and Karsh Kale. The festival also announced its first international electronic music act. The Hilltop Stage will highlight a new generation of independent artists.
A new concept, Motohub, will provide a dedicated space for riders to connect. It will feature film screenings and interactive zones. The event will also offer group registration incentives for riding crews to promote community participation. Motoverse 2025 will conclude with an awards ceremony recognizing achievements within the motorcycling community.
Hero Glamour X 125 Motorcycle Launched At INR 89,999
- By MT Bureau
- August 19, 2025
Hero MotoCorp has launched the all-new Glamour X 125, positioning it as India’s ‘most futuristic’ 125cc motorcycle at prices starting INR 89,999 (ex-showroom Delhi) for the Drum brake variant and INR 99,999 (ex-showroom Delhi) for the Disc brake variant.
The company said the launch of Glamour X follows the success of the Xtreme 125R, which now features several first-in-segment innovations, including the world’s first Low Battery Kick Startability, powered by the new AERA (Advanced Electronic Ride Assist) Tech. The bike also introduces a Ride-by-Wire system for precise throttle control, Cruise Control for relaxed long-distance riding, and three distinct ride modes – Eco, Road and Power. Additionally, a Panic Brake Alert system enhances safety by warning trailing vehicles during emergency stops.
From a design perspective, the Glamour X 125 has a muscular stance with sharp lines and a signature 'H' full LED lighting package. The advanced Multi-Colour LCD instrument cluster includes Bluetooth connectivity, Turn-by-Turn Navigation and a gear position advisory.
Powering the motorcycle is the new Sprint-EBT engine, which produces 11.4 BHP at 8250 RPM. This engine is designed for a combination of performance, refinement, and fuel efficiency, featuring a silent cam chain and a balancer shaft to minimise noise and vibration. The bike also offers a comfortable riding position with a wide handlebar, enhanced pillion comfort, and a USB charging port.
Ashutosh Varma, Chief Business Officer, Hero MotoCorp’s India Business Unit, said, “The 125cc segment continues to be a growth engine for the motorcycle industry, attracting both the aspirational first-time buyers and value-conscious upgraders. While the Xtreme 125R leads in performance and the Super Splendor in fuel efficiency; the new Glamour X introduces innovative technology, first-in-segment features, and a bold new striking design. This strategy expands the brand’s reach across various sub-segments; boosting volumes and market share while further strengthening the company’s leadership.”
Bajaj Auto's Chetak celebrates India's 79th Independence Day with 'The Great Indian Ride'
- By MT Bureau
- August 17, 2025
Pune-headquartered automotive major Bajaj Auto marked India's 79th Independence Day with 'The Great Indian Ride', an event that brought together Chetak riders for a cultural parade in Bengaluru on 16 August 2025. The ride was a celebration of patriotism and heritage, uniting generations of riders.
More than just a scooter rally, the company stated that 'The Great Indian Ride' was a tribute to the values that have shaped both India's progress and the Chetak's legacy of innovation. A diverse group of riders, including Chetak owners, brand friends and influencers, rode through historic routes like MG Road and Netaji Road, making stops at national landmarks such as Freedom Park. The riders were dressed in traditional Indian attire with tri-colour motifs, bringing the city to life.
The ride concluded with a memorable finale. All the Chetaks were parked to form the number '79', and the national flag was hoisted, creating a striking visual from a bird's eye view. The event established the Chetak as a cultural movement rooted in Indian values, rather than just a product. It was designed to be visually iconic and emotionally resonant, redefining the role of scooters in Indian mobility by associating them with pride and national identity.
India Yamaha Motor Upgrades 125cc Fi Hybrid Scooter Range With New Features & Colour Options
- By MT Bureau
- August 14, 2025
India Yamaha Motor, one of the leading two-wheeler manufacturers in the country, has updated its 125cc Fi Hybrid scooter range with new features and colour options.
The company’s hybrid scooter lineup now features the ‘Enhanced Power Assist’ function, which delivers high torque, stronger acceleration and performance. Powered by a high-performance battery, the function allows users to squeeze more power from the scooter, which will be useful when starting from standstill, carrying loads or climbing inclines. The scooters continue to be equipped with the Smart Motor Generator (SMG) technology, Silent Start and Stop & Start System (SSS) tech.
Furthermore, the Fascino S scooter now features a Colour TFT Instrument Cluster equipped with Turn-by-Turn (TBT) Navigation, using smartphone connectivity through the Y-Connect app. It is also integrated with Google Maps to support Turn-by-Turn (TBT) navigation.
In terms of colour options, the Fascino S 125 Fi Hybrid, is now available in Matte Grey colour option, while the disc-brake variant gets Metallic Light Green and drum-brake variant gets Metallic White options. Alongside, the RayZR 125 Fi Hybrid Street Rally is offered in a Matte Grey Metallic hue, and the RayZR 125 Fi Hybrid disc variant features a Silver White Cocktail shade.
Itaru Otani, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group, said, “Yamaha’s 125cc Hybrid scooter range has consistently delighted customers with its dynamic styling, superior comfort, and fuel-efficient performance. The introduction of the new ‘Enhanced Power Assist’ function marks another step forward in enhancing everyday riding convenience and instilling greater confidence among commuters.”
“Further elevating the appeal, the launch of new colour variants brings a refreshing vibrancy to the entire scooter lineup. These updates are a direct reflection of the insightful feedback received from customers through our various engagement platforms. We are confident that these thoughtful upgrades will resonate strongly with our customers and continue to strengthen Yamaha’s presence in the 125cc scooter segment,” he said.
The scooters continue to be powered by Yamaha’s air-cooled, fuel-injected (FI) and 125cc Blue Core Hybrid engine. The Fascino S and RayZR Street Rally variants additionally offer the Answer Back feature and LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL).
|
Product |
Starting price in INR |
|
Fascino S 125 Fi Hybrid (Colour TFT/ TBT) |
102,790 |
|
Fascino S 125 Fi Hybrid |
95,850 |
|
Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid |
80,750 |
|
RayZR Street Rally 125 Fi Hybrid |
92,970 |
|
RayZR 125 Fi Hybrid |
79,340 |
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