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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Italian superbike maker Ducati has introduced the Formula 73 in India, a limited-series motorcycle restricted to 873 numbered units globally at INR 2 million (ex-showroom).

Interestingly, the entire allocation reserved for the Indian market has sold out.

The Formula 73 pays tribute to the 1973 750 Super Sport Desmo, incorporating a silver and aqua green livery, a vertical gold stripe on the fuel tank, clip-on handlebars with bar-end mirrors, a tapered tail, and billet aluminium components.

It is powered by an air-cooled 803 cc Desmodue L-twin engine with desmodromic distribution, the vehicle delivers 73 horsepower at 8,250 rpm and 65.2 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm. The powertrain is paired with a Termignoni silencer and a Ride-by-Wire throttle system. The chassis utilises a steel trellis frame finished in aqua green, 17-inch spoked wheels fitted with Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres and an electronic package featuring cornering braking systems, traction control, directional quick-shifting and dual riding modes.

Bipul Chandra, MD, Ducati India, said, "The Formula 73 is a rolling masterpiece that pays homage to one of the most significant motorcycles in our history, the 1973 750 Super Sport Desmo. We are incredibly proud to secure a highly exclusive allocation of these limited-edition motorcycles for our passionate Ducatisti in India. With only 873 units produced globally, the arrival of the Formula 73 offers a rare opportunity for Indian collectors to own a piece of timeless Italian heritage seamlessly blended with modern Ducati performance."

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Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has signed a strategic partnership with ERMAR Sociedad Anónima, operating as Distrito Moto, to manage its sales and service network across Guatemala.

The partnership links Hero MotoCorp's vehicle manufacturing with ERMAR's retail operations in Central America. The network spans over 220 distribution points, incorporating more than 60 Distrito Moto sales locations and over 140 Tecno Fácil outlets across the country.

The operations provide vehicle distribution, replacement parts, service support and customer financing through Solvensa. Hero MotoCorp will provide a five-year or 60,000-kilometre warranty across its product line, which includes plans to introduce models such as the Hunk 250R, Xpulse 210, Hunk 150 Xtec ABS and Xoom 125.

Sanjay Bhan, Executive Vice-President of Global Business, Global Product Planning and Global Market Insights, Hero MotoCorp, said, "Guatemala is a strategic market where over 100,000 customers have placed their trust in Hero. Our partnership with Distrito Moto, backed by the strength of ILP Group and Distelsa, reinforces our long-term commitment to these riders and our growth ambitions in Latin America. With a global legacy of engineering excellence, world-class products and a proven track record of delivering quality, reliability and customer-centric experiences, Hero is well positioned to create greater value for riders in Guatemala. With the planned introduction of the Hunk 250R, Xpulse 210, Hunk 150 Xtec ABS and Xoom 125, we look forward to meeting the evolving aspirations of Guatemalan customers."

Javier Lainez, Commercial Head, Distrito Moto, said, "Our ambition is to make Hero ownership accessible and rewarding for more Guatemalans. Through competitive pricing, financing options from Solvensa and dedicated customer support, we want riders to feel confident at every step - from choosing their motorcycle to keeping it running reliably."

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Italian superbike manufacturer Ducati has launched the Hypermotard V2 and Hypermotard V2 SP motorcycles in India at prices starting INR 1.65 million and INR 2.07 million, respectively, with bookings open across its dealership network.

The fourth-generation model features a technical platform, powered by an 890 cc twin-cylinder engine that generates 120 horsepower at 10,750 rpm and 94 Nm of torque at 8,250 rpm. The engine incorporates variable intake valve timing and weighs 54.4 kg.

A monocoque frame using the engine as a structural element, combined with a double-sided aluminium swingarm, reduces total vehicle weight by 13 kg on the standard variant and 14 kg on the SP variant compared to the predecessor. The motorcycles feature a six-axis inertial measurement unit controlling cornering braking systems, traction control, wheelie control and directional quick-shifting functions.

The track-focused V2 SP includes Öhlins suspension components, Brembo M50 braking calipers, forged aluminium wheels, carbon fibre body panels and a lithium battery.

Bipul Chandra, Managing Director, Ducati India, said, "We are immensely proud to introduce the Hypermotard V2 and V2 SP to the Indian market. This motorcycle is a true testament to Ducati's commitment to pure riding emotion, bringing supermotard agility and thrilling performance directly to the streets. The new V2 engine, the incredibly light monocoque chassis and the advanced electronics are engineered for one purpose to offer an unparalleled, adrenaline-fueled experience. For the discerning Indian enthusiast who demands both dynamic urban agility and track-ready excitement, the Hypermotard V2 is not just a motorcycle; it's the ultimate fun bike.”

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TVS Motor Compay-owned British marquee brand Norton Motorcycles has received the Red Dot: Best of the Best distinction at the 2026 Red Dot Award: Design Concept within the cars and motorcycles category.

The award recognises the Manx R model, reflecting the brand's design direction under its current resurgence strategy. The motorcycle features proportions, surface treatments, integrated components and detailing developed by the in-house design and engineering teams alongside Professor Gerry McGovern OBE, Chief Creative Advisor to Norton Motorcycles and Simon Skinner, Head of Design.

The recognition follows a previous award at the 2026 International Design Excellence Awards and accompanies a global retail concept developed in collaboration with Foster + Partners.

Simon Skinner, Head of Design at Norton Motorcycles, said, "Best of the Best is the strongest recognition Red Dot can give, and it belongs to every member of the team which brought the Manx R to life. What makes this win especially powerful is that the jury did not recognise design in the abstract. It recognised a fully resolved motorcycle that customers can now see, touch and ride. With the Manx R, we set out to create a motorcycle with unmistakable presence, where proportion, reductive design and every detail contribute to its desirability. This recognition celebrates the creativity and commitment of our team, and our ambition to bring a distinctive expression of modernity to motorcycling."

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