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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Vietnamese automotive company VinFast has unveiled a global business strategy for its electric scooter division, identifying the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Thailand and Malaysia as its initial markets. The expansion follows the company’s performance in Vietnam, where it delivered 406,453 units in 2025 to secure the largest share of the domestic scooter market.

The company plans to introduce a portfolio of models including the VinFast Flazz, Evo, Feliz II and Viper e-scooters, which will come with battery-swapping technology.

VinFast has completed a master plan for three product lines categorised as mainstream, premium and sport. To support these products, the company is collaborating with V-Green to establish charging and battery-swapping infrastructure.

The Philippines will become the first market in this phase, where VinFast has partnered with five dealers: Maverick Racing Factory Inc., MotorCentral, New Nemar Development Corp., Supremebike Corporation and ARC Trading. Globally, the company targets the establishment of hundreds of retail outlets by 2027. The commercial model integrates dealer networks, workshops and financial solutions.

The strategy focuses on regions with high urban mobility demand and shifts toward sustainable transport. VinFast intends to use its manufacturing capabilities and a pricing strategy to compete in the regional scooter segment.

Vo Thi Cam Tu, Managing Director, VinFast E-Scooters Overseas Market, said, "Expanding our e-scooter business globally represents a strategic pillar in VinFast's long-term development roadmap. We have conducted in-depth market research, worked closely with local partners, and developed comprehensive plans for dealer network expansion, product portfolios, and service ecosystems. Through collaboration with reputable dealers and strategic partners worldwide, VinFast is committed to delivering smart, sustainable, and accessible electrified mobility solutions, contributing meaningfully to the green transformation of transportation in diverse markets."

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In a significant step to elevate service standards across its network, Classic Legends has inaugurated an advanced National Training Centre at its Pithampur facility in Indore. This centre represents a substantial investment in cultivating future-ready talent through superior training infrastructure. Its core purpose is to enhance the technical competency of dealership technicians and service professionals, thereby standardising repair practices and ensuring consistent aftersales excellence.

The facility is equipped with cutting-edge resources, including a modern showroom, smart classrooms and specialised laboratories for engine, electrical and advanced troubleshooting work. Supported by latest diagnostic tools, it offers a structured learning pathway from foundational to advanced skill levels. The training emphasises hands-on, skill-oriented education in real-world diagnostics and precision repair, fostering deep root cause analysis capabilities.

Ultimately, this initiative strengthens the company's entire service ecosystem. It is designed to nurture highly skilled professionals and robustly support advanced training programmes. This investment ensures Classic Legends' expanding community of riders receives reliable, high-quality support, reinforcing a superior ownership experience for all its motorcycle enthusiasts.

Anupam Thareja, Co-Founder, Classic Legends, said, “As our brands continue to grow, strengthening our service capability ecosystem becomes extremely important. The Advanced National Training Centre is a strategic investment in people, skills and infrastructure, aimed at building future-ready technicians and standardising service excellence across our network. This centre will play an important role in ensuring every JAWA, YEZDI and BSA rider enjoys a consistent and high-quality ownership experience.”

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Vespa has expanded its Lunar Collection with two new releases that embody elegance and symbolic meaning for the Year of the Horse: the limited-edition Vespa 946 Horse scooter and the IN SELLA fashion capsule, the third drop of the AL VENTO collection. The scooter is a tribute to the horse's regal and resilient spirit, while the apparel line offers a contemporary sartorial interpretation of the same theme, both crafted with meticulous Italian artistry.

The Vespa 946 Horse distinguishes itself through a deep bay colour, mirroring the glossy coat of a horse. Its steel body is reimagined with contrasting matte and gloss finishes, accented by refined golden details such as the V monogram set within a horseshoe beneath the saddle. Exemplifying Italian craftsmanship, the model features a hand-stitched leather saddle inspired by equestrian tack, with matching premium leather trims on the handlebars and mirrors. A coordinated set of accessories includes a practical leather rear bag and a jet helmet adorned with a three-dimensional gold V, reinforcing the edition’s strong identity.

Parallel to the scooter, the IN SELLA fashion collection is designed for those who view style as an authentic personal expression. It introduces a new Royal crest, a contemporary graphic featuring a symmetrically mirrored horse and dachshund, inspired by Vespa’s archives. This emblem is showcased on a wool varsity jacket enhanced with gold embroidery. The line utilises a timeless navy blue palette, with knitwear incorporating the V monogram and stitching details reminiscent of saddlery. The offering includes modern sweatshirts, T-shirts and an ironic poplin shirt depicting a man in a Vespa helmet and a horse enjoying espresso together. Completing the lifestyle range is the Vespa Royal blanket, crafted in soft wool with a jacquard logo and contrasting red fringes.

The Vespa 946 Horse is now available for pre-order on the company website and at the VESPA THE EMPTY SPACE store in Milan, where it is exclusively displayed. The IN SELLA collection launches simultaneously for purchase online and at the Milan store, where the matching Horse helmet will also be available for preview ahead of its limited release on 10 February.

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KTM has launched its global-specification 390 Adventure R in India, with an ex-showroom Delhi price of INR 377,915, delivering rally-bred performance and uncompromised international hardware to the local adventure riding community. This model firmly expands the KTM R stable and redefines the potential of a middleweight adventure motorcycle.

At the heart of its rally-inspired design is a potent 399 cc engine, supported by a purpose-built chassis that promotes a low centre of gravity and nimble handling. The motorcycle is distinguished by its true off-road wheel setup, featuring a 21-inch front and an 18-inch rear wheel, combined with 230 mm of fully adjustable WP suspension. This configuration provides exceptional obstacle clearance, trail stability and precise rider feedback on the most challenging terrain.

Electronically, the 390 Adventure R is equipped to inspire confidence across all surfaces. Its suite includes Cornering Motorcycle Traction Control and Cornering ABS, enhancing safety and control during aggressive pavement riding. When the route turns to loose dirt, sand or gravel, the dedicated OFF ROAD Ride Mode and OFF ROAD ABS allow for controlled rear-wheel slip and locking, facilitating expert-level off-road manoeuvres. These electronic settings are persistently retained, even after an engine stall, ensuring immediate readiness to continue the journey.

Ergonomically, the motorcycle is crafted for serious adventure, offering an upright riding position, off-road footpegs and a rally-style windscreen designed for all-day comfort during long tours or technical trail riding. Interaction is facilitated through a modern 5-inch full-colour TFT display, which offers customisable data and excellent visibility. The system is further enhanced by KTMconnect, enabling smartphone integration for calls, music and optional navigation directly on the instrument cluster, while a standard USB Type-C port keeps devices charged. This combination of uncompromised hardware, advanced electronics and connected technology positions the KTM 390 Adventure R as a uniquely capable and comprehensive adventure platform.

Manik Nangia, President – Probiking, Bajaj Auto Ltd., said, “The KTM 390 Adventure R represents the purest expression of KTM’s rally and off-road DNA in the middleweight adventure segment. By bringing the international-spec model to India, we are offering adventure enthusiasts a machine that delivers confidence everywhere – on the road, off the road and beyond.”

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