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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Bajaj Auto-owned Austrian motorcycle brand KTM has launched KTM Service on Wheels (SOW) in Leh circuit, which is aimed at providing aftersales service to motorcyclists on the Manali, Keylong – Jispa - Sarchu route.

KTM's Service on Wheels will function between Jispa and Sarchu, providing quick response and assurance of safety for riders on these remote stretches. With this the company now features touchpoints at Bhuntar, Manali, Keylong and Leh, supported by a full-fledged 3S dealership in Leh.

The company shared that it will now be able to offer quick repair, spares backup, or preventive inspections for KTM riders at 12,500 feet.

Manik Nangia, President, Probiking, Bajaj Auto Ltd said, “The KTM spirit is all about pushing boundaries, and we are proud to support our riders with unmatched service coverage through the Leh sector. With KTM Service on Wheels, we’re ensuring that adventure never has to stop due to service constraints. It’s our way of delivering true peace of mind, right in the heart of India’s most rugged motorcycling landscape.”

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India Yamaha Motor (IYM), a leading two-wheeler manufacturer, has introduced the 2025 FZ-X motorcycle with a 4.2-inch colour TFT instrument cluster and also incorporates turn-by-turn navigation at INR 149,990 (ex-showroom Delhi).

The 2025 FZ-X hybrid model is available in Matte Titan and incorporates a Smart Motor Generator (SMG) and a Stop & Start System (SSS). These enables quieter start, battery-assisted acceleration and improved fuel efficiency. The engine automatically shuts off when idle and restarts with clutch action.

The FZ-X Hybrid instrument cluster connects to smartphones via the Y-Connect app and offers Turn-by-Turn (TBT) navigation, integrated with Google Maps, providing directions, intersection details and road names.

Itaru Otani, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group, ““We were thrilled by the overwhelming response to our Hybrid Technology when we introduced it in the 2025 FZ-S Fi Hybrid. Extending this breakthrough to the FZ-X model felt like a natural next step. We are confident that adding hybrid power to the FZ-X model will further boost Yamaha’s appeal, particularly among riders who seek a practical yet premium riding experience. At Yamaha, we continually listen to our customers’ evolving needs, and this latest offering underscores our commitment to innovation. By integrating advanced technology with a deep understanding of rider needs, Yamaha is redefining the future of mobility.”

A standard FZ-X variant (non-hybrid) is also available at INR 129,990 (ex-showroom, Delhi) in Dark Matte Blue and Metallic Black.

The FZ-X has a neo-retro design and a metal body. It is powered by an air-cooled 149cc fuel-injected engine. The 4-stroke, SOHC, 2-valve motorcycle produces 12.4PS of power at 7,250rpm and 13.3Nm of torque at 5,500rpm. It also features a Traction Control System (TCS) and single-channel ABS. The motorcycle has telescopic front suspension and 7-step adjustable Monocross rear suspension.

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Bajaj Auto-owned Austrian two-wheeler specialist KTM has introduced two new models to the Indian market – the upgraded KTM 390 Adventure X and the global-spec KTM 390 Adventure Enduro R priced at INR 303,125 and INR 353,825, respectively.

The KTM 390 Adventure X, previously a successful entry point for long-distance and off-road touring enthusiasts, now gets advanced electronic features typically found in KTM's flagship models. Key upgrades include standard cruise control with both Cruise and Speed Limiter modes, multiple ride modes (Street, Rain, and Off-road) to adapt to varying road conditions, Cornering ABS (CABS) for enhanced safety during cornering, and Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) for improved stability across different terrains.

The global-spec KTM 390 Adventure Enduro R is aimed at serious off-road riders seeking Dakar-honed performance. It features new suspension details to further enhance its capability for challenging trails and tough terrain.

The KTM 390 Adventure Enduro R is powered by a liquid-cooled, 398.63cc, 4-stroke, single-cylinder DOHC engine delivering a maximum horsepower of 46 PS (33.8 kW) at 8500 rpm and a maximum torque of 39 Nm at 6500 rpm. It features an electronic throttle body, an electric starter and a wet, A&S multi-plate clutch, coupled with a constant mesh, 6-speed transmission. The fuel system is petrol-based with a 9-litre metal tank.

In terms of dimensions, the bike has an overall length of 2236mm, a width of 809mm, and a height of 1236mm. The wheelbase is 1477mm (+/−10mm) and boasts a ground clearance of 277mm with a seat height of 895mm. Suspension includes an adjustable 43mm inverted telescopic fork at the front with 230mm travel, and an adjustable mono-shock at the rear also with 230mm travel. Braking is handled by floating callipers with a 285mm disc at the front and a 240mm disc at the rear, supported by dual-channel ABS. The electrical system comprises a 12V 8 AH battery, LED headlamps, tail lamps and side indicators, along with a minimal TFT dashboard. It also includes Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) and a quick shifter.

KTM has expanded its presence significantly in India since 2012, now boasting over 450 stores and a customer base of nearly half a million, making India KTM's largest global market.

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Pune-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major Bajaj Auto has introduced the 2025 Pulsar NS400Z motorcycle at prices starting INR 192,328 (ex-showroom Delhi).

The refresh comes within a year of its launch, with over 20,000 units already sold in the country.

The new variant comes with a 373cc engine, which now delivers 43PS, up from 40PS, supported by a revised valvetrain, cam timings and intake duct. The company shared that the motorcycle engine uses a forged piston for better thermal stability, reduced friction and improved durability, to handle the extra power.

It can accelerate from zero to 60kmph in a claimed 2.7 seconds, down from 3.2 sec and 0 to 100kmph in 6.4 seconds down from 7.5 sec, with an improved top-speed of 157 kmph from 150 kmph, without compromising on the fuel efficiency.

By using a redesigned radiator cowl the thermal efficiency has improved, which results in the heat dissipation moving away from the riders’ legs. 

IT also gets new radial tyres in the front and rear, with a beefier 150 cross section rear tyre, for improved grip and better feedback. With a more powerful engine, the bike features a sintered brake pad for the front with improved stopping distance. 

What’s more, in Sports mode, the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z gear shifting can be operated clutch-less, thanks to the sensor-less system designed for high-performance riding. It continues to sport 43 mm Champagne Gold USD forks, LED projector headlight, Bluetooth, turn-by-turn navigation, music control, a lap timer and traction control.

Sumeet Narang, President, Marketing, Bajaj Auto, said, " The Pulsar NS400Z was built to set new benchmarks in accessible performance. Over the past year, we’ve listened closely to rider feedback and are proud to deliver a sharper, more powerful machine. With engineering upgrades and a first-of-its-kind clutch-less, full-throttle gear-shifting system co-developed with Bosch, the new NS400Z continues to push the limits of what a streetfighter can be. As we look ahead, our focus remains on elevating the Pulsar experience with purposeful upgrades that respond to the ever-evolving needs of Pulsar riders."

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