These factors are likely to significantly increase the sales of electric vehicles. Hero Electric, a pioneer of electric mobility and the largest electric two-wheeler manufacturer in India, foresees faster adoption of electric vehicles. Switching from ICE to Electric vehicles would also reduce any travel pitstops at the fuel stations given the fact that electric vehicles are supported by portable batteries further increasing the concept of contactless transportation thereby enhancing consumer confidence in these troubled times.

Considering the current scenario, it is almost certain that the Indian automotive sector will not be going back to the old normal market anytime soon. The new normal will bring in many challenges but multiple opportunities with it as well and Hero Electric is aptly prepared for it. To make the adoption of electric vehicles effortless, Hero Electric has recently announced an online sales scheme on its entire range. Taking the online-first approach, Hero Electric has been able to act very quickly and take advantage of the time on hands by introducing a lucrative online scheme - INR 5,000 cash discount (all models) and INR 3,000 cash discount on Glyde and e-Velocity, along with referral discount of INR 1,000 - for potential Hero Electric customers and the response has been rather encouraging. Limited to all online bookings made starting from 17 April till 15 May 2020, customers can take delivery of vehicles any time after the lockdown opens.

Post COVID-19, the global electric vehicle and electric vehicle infrastructure market is projected to reach 4.18 million units by 2021 from an estimated 3.42 million units in 2020, at a CAGR of 22.1 percent and India is expected to be a significant contributor to this growth.

The impact of COVID-19 witnessed air pollution plummet to unforeseen levels at 60% in New Delhi, presenting an opportunity towards the adoption of smarter and sustainable mobility solutions as consumers have taken note of the dramatic improvement in the air quality since lockdown. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic is likely to change the way Indians commute.

Sohinder Gill, CEO of Hero Electric said, “The latest Harvard report of the adverse effect of air pollution particularly the PM 2.5 emitted from IC vehicles on COVID-19 patients is an eye opener. Given the upcoming ‘new normal’ era, consumer focus on sustainable mobility options, preference of sensibly priced electric two-wheelers, and reluctance in going back to the overcrowded public transport system; Hero Electric foresees an exponential increase in the number of electric vehicles on road post lockdown. We have with us a wide range of electric scooters that have zero tail pipe emissions, priced between INR 40,000 to INR 70,000 and have extremely low running costs.”

It may be noted that Hero Electric India has set up a manufacturing unit at Ludhiana, Punjab, with a total installed capacity of 100,000 units per annum. The company currently has over 610 sales and service outlets spread across the country, including top metros, min-metros, and even smaller towns.

It launched the first Lithium-ion based electric scooter in India and introduced the unique concept of charging stations for anywhere and everywhere usage. With close to 300,000 electric two-wheelers in India, the company has been delivering sustainable mobility solutions for the past 12 years.  (MT)

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Hero MotoCorp and Harley-Davidson have jointly introduced the all-new Harley-Davidson H-D X440 T as the latest addition to their co-developed premium motorcycle lineup. The launch marks a significant expansion of the partnership, introducing a new model that delivers performance, agility, and design, while offering the latest modern riding aids.

The H-D X440 T starts at INR  279,500 (ex-showroom). It debuts with several new features, such as the introduction of Ride by Wire with Switchable Traction Control and Switchable ABS (rear only). New Ride Modes (Road and Rain). A redesigned rear sub-frame with a tail section and grab handles for better pillion ergonomics. Panic Braking Alert, where all indicators signal emergency braking by blinking four times faster than the standard rate when deceleration is higher than 2.4 m/s2.

Bookings for the H-D X440 T open on 7th December 2025 across the Harley-Davidson and Hero Premia dealer network in India.

Alongside the X440 T, the partners also unveiled the top-of-the-line Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) motorcycles in India, introducing the CVO Street Glide and the CVO Road Glide.

The partners stated that the launch of the original Harley-Davidson X440 in July 2023 was a success for the brand, broadening access to the Harley-Davidson community in India.

Building on the momentum of the Harley-Davidson X440, Harley-Davidson India announced actor Ahaan Panday as its new Brand Ambassador. Panday will lead upcoming campaigns, product showcases and rider community initiatives.

Kolja Rebstock, Senior Vice-President - International Markets, Harley-Davidson Motor Company, said, “The success of the H-D X440 established a strong foundation for our brand’s evolution in India, and the H-D X440 T represents the next strategic step in bringing advanced technology and a dynamic, sport-oriented appeal to a new generation of riders. At the same time, the introduction of our CVO™ flagship models underscores our commitment to delivering the full Harley-Davidson experience across the entire premium motorcycling spectrum from accessible entry points to the pinnacle of Grand American Touring.”

Ravi Avalur, Head, Harley-Davidson Business Unit, Hero MotoCorp, said, “The expansion of the X440 platform with the new model marks a significant milestone in deepening our partnership with Harley-Davidson and reinforces Hero MotoCorp’s strategic focus on the premium motorcycle segment. With advanced rider technologies and contemporary styling, the H-D X440 T strengthens our position in a category central to our long-term growth agenda. Our collaboration continues to deliver aspirational, high-quality products that align with the evolving preferences of modern Indian riders. The introduction of Ahaan Panday as our brand ambassador further complements this strategy, enhancing our appeal to a new generation and reflecting Hero MotoCorp’s vision to lead India’s premium motorcycling landscape.”

The pricing for the expanded H-D X440 line-up and the CVO models is as follows:

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  - Ankit Kuamar December 07, 2025 12:18 PM

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TVS Motor Company (TVSM) announced initiatives focusing on technology, safety and rider training on Day 2 of its flagship TVS MotoSoul 5.0 motorcycling festival. The company showcased the Aegis Rider Vision AR HUD Helmet, announced a partnership between TVS Racing and MT Helmets, and launched the TVS Racing Offroad Training Academy.

The Aegis Rider Vision Helmet uses advanced Augmented Reality (AR) Head-Up Display (HUD) technology for rider safety. It employs spatial anchoring to project essential information, such as navigation cues, speed, safety alerts, and notifications, directly into the rider’s line of sight, ensuring uninterrupted focus on the road.

The helmet features a binocular µOLED projection system, an integrated action camera, wireless connectivity, adaptive brightness and a 7,000 mAh battery. It pairs with TVS motorcycles via a companion app for customised display information. Developed with Nexx Helmets, its carbon fibre shell meets standards including ECE 22.06 and CE certification.

TVS Racing has formed a partnership with MT Helmets, a premium helmet manufacturer, to introduce helmets engineered for superior aerodynamics, comfort, and global-standard safety, starting at INR 5,999. The collaboration merges TVS Racing’s performance ethos with MT’s protection science.

As part of its ‘Ride for Change’ initiative, TVS Motor Company also organised a children’s helmet distribution drive in Vagator, distributing 100 helmets to students to encourage early awareness of road safety.

TVS Motor Co also launched the TVS Racing ‘Offroad’ Training Academy, a specialised platform designed to help riders develop foundational off-road and adventure riding skills. Led by TVS Racing champions and international instructors, the academy focuses on Level 1 skill building, covering bike handling, terrain navigation, body control, balance, and obstacle riding for riders with limited off-road experience.

Vimal Sumbly, Head Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company, said, "MotoSoul has always been a reflection of creating a platform for the future of motorcycling. Day 1 celebrated design, individuality and creative expression, while Day 2 strengthened our focus on innovation, advanced technology and rider experiences. Together, they represent the culture we want to build, one that is progressive, responsible and deeply connected to its community. As we look ahead, our aim is to expand this platform further, bringing even more innovation, collaboration and rider-centric experiences to MotoSoul next year."

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Pune-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major Bajaj Auto has introduced a new variant for Pulsar N160 motorcycle at INR 123,983 (ex-showroom Delhi).

The new variant comes with gold USD forks, a single-seat configuration and is available in four new colour options – Pearl Metallic White, Racing Red, Polar Sky Blue and Black.

The company stated that it found that when the Pulsar N160 was first launched with a split seat, it was well received by customers, but later on their research showed that there was demand for a single seat configuration too.

Sarang Kanade, President, MCBU, Bajaj Auto, said, “The new Pulsar N160 with gold USD forks and a single seat has been developed from customer insights and our commitment to the evolving needs of the industry. This upgrade delivers enhanced comfort, with a premium stance while staying the N series represents – power, precision, control, along with an unmatched riding experience. We hope to induct a generation of Pulsarmaniacs with the new Pulsar N160, and introduce them to the world of the Definitely Daring”

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India Bike Week (IBW), presented by Gulf Syntrac, has shifted its 2025 venue from Goa to Panchgani, Maharashtra. The move, executed due to the rescheduling of Zilla Parishad elections in Goa to the IBW dates, means riders will now converge in the Deccan hills on 19^th and 20^th December 2025.

IBW 2025 will transform Panchgani into a high-altitude playground for riders, featuring new trails, cooler winds, bonfire nights, camping and after-parties. The edition promises IBW’s line-up yet, offering motorcycling experiences across multiple terrains – from hill climbs and mud trails to manufacturer-led road tests.

Martin Da Costa, Founder and CEO, Seventy Event Media Group, said, “As we celebrate 12 years of India Bike Week, it’s incredible to witness how this festival has grown into one of the world’s most spirited motorcycling gatherings. Although circumstances pushed us to shift venues this year, our ethos remains the same – community, adventure, and the freedom to explore. Panchgani offers us a fresh canvas and IBW 2025 is shaping up to be our most exciting edition yet.”

IBW’s 12th edition includes showcases such as the Endurance Stunt Show by Pol Tarres powered by Gulf Syntrac, the Wheelie Experience by Aprilia and India’s Test Ride Arena featuring the majority of India’s premium motorcycle line-up, now including a showcase by the Gulf TrackHouse MotoGP Team.

Over 10 riding experiences await, from the Pulsar Stunt School to a dedicated Kids’ Mini Moto Track by Vida’s Dirt-E K3, along with masterclasses led by expert creators and overlanders.

Competitive racing will feature on FMSCI-backed tracks such as the IBW Hill Climb by Reise Moto and Harley-Davidson Flat Track Race.

The Skoda Kodiaq All-Wheel Drive Track makes its debut, offering driving and off-road challenges.

Presented by Carlsberg Elephant Strong Soda, the festival’s music line-up includes performances by King, Karan Kanchan, Sugga Honey, along with Harley-Davidson Rock Riders’ Music featuring Antariksh.

The BIG TRIP presented by Gulf Syntrac returns with a compelling line-up. Twelve speakers – including global overlanding legends Simon & Lisa Thomas, Elspeth Beard, Zubin Jaafar and storytellers Kshitij Saxena, Gautham AG, Candida Louis and Maral Yazarloo – will bring narratives of grit, resilience and exploration.

The Ladakh Tent presented by Carlsberg Elephant Strong Soda hosts discussions, including ‘India on Two Wheels,’ a Storytellers Roundtable, ‘RTW 101,’ and ‘Women in Motorsports.’

The Jameson Connects Howling Dog space brings together creators, rider groups, and lifestyle influencers.

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