India’s urban transportation landscape is poised for a significant shift as Rapido reveals its ambitious 500-city expansion plan at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025, which began on January 17th. The company’s participation in the expo highlights its dedication to fostering economic empowerment and improving connectivity through accessible, convenient transportation solutions.

Already operating in over 120 cities and having facilitated over 200 crore rides, Rapido’s expansion will roll out in phases, starting in February across Karnataka, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Rajasthan. This will be followed by a gradual expansion to states such as Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, addressing the diverse transportation needs of a rapidly evolving India. With INR 151.11 billion earned by its Captains since inception and facilitating 3.6 million daily rides, Rapido continues to be a major player in India’s urban mobility sector.

Co-founder Pavan Guntupalli noted, “The Bharat Mobility Expo offers an essential platform to discuss the future of transportation in India. We’re excited to share how technology can drive positive social and economic impact. Our expansion to 500 cities is a testament to our commitment to empowering individuals and creating a more connected India.”

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India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd. has unveiled a major design overhaul for the Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid, repositioning the scooter to better align with contemporary lifestyles and youth fashion preferences. The updated model introduces a more compact and modern silhouette, moving away from its previous look to resonate strongly with younger riders.

The most striking change appears at the rear, where a completely reworked tail section, new taillights, flashers and the signature V-shaped light design create a balanced and upscale appearance. These design upgrades, including fresh decals, were developed entirely by Yamaha’s Indian R&D team based on direct customer input. This customer‑driven approach underlines Yamaha’s dedication to blending aesthetics with functionality, all while keeping the Fascino’s trusted performance and fuel efficiency intact.

Since its 2015 launch as a fashion‑forward 110 cc unisex commuter, the Fascino has undergone several key transformations. It became a BS6‑compliant 125 cc fuel‑injected model in 2019, then evolved into Yamaha’s first hybrid scooter in 2021 with Smart Motor Generator technology and Power Assist. The 2025 update added Enhanced Power Assist, a colour TFT display and the Answer Back feature. This month, Yamaha celebrates producing 1.5 million units of the Fascino, a milestone that highlights sustained customer trust and timely upgrades.

Powering the Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid is Yamaha’s Blue Core Hybrid 125 cc air‑cooled, fuel‑injected SOHC two‑valve engine, which refines performance and efficiency. Key features include telescopic suspension, a side stand engine cut‑off, 21 litres of under‑seat storage and E20 fuel compatibility. The hybrid system, featuring Silent Start, Stop & Start System and Enhanced Power Assist, improves acceleration on inclines or under load while saving fuel. The premium Fascino S variant adds a colour TFT cluster with turn‑by‑turn navigation and the Answer Back function, all within a compact 1780 mm length.

The colour options and starting prices are as follows:

Hajime Aota, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group, said, “The journey of Yamaha’s Fascino reflects our unwavering dedication to evolving with our customers. While our 1.5 million production milestone stands as a powerful testament to the trust placed in our products, we remain committed to pushing boundaries. As the preferences of today’s youth shift towards more diverse and sophisticated expressions of style, the new Fascino has been thoughtfully transformed into a trendsetting, unisex mobility solution. This evolution, led by our India-based R&D team, ensures that the refined design and trusted hybrid performance resonate with every rider seeking a perfect blend of innovation and practicality. We believe this new chapter for the Fascino will redefine the standard for urban commuting in India.”

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Zelio E-Mobility has announced its first major sports partnership, joining Punjab Kings as the team’s Official EV Partner for the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The agreement includes branding rights, digital media integration and in-stadia activations throughout the tournament. The company intends to use the platform to increase brand awareness in Tier 2 markets and support its expansion across India.

As part of the association, the manufacturer will showcase its X Men 2.0 and the newly released X Men+ models. These electric two-wheelers will be featured across various team touchpoints, including jersey branding and social media campaigns. The partnership follows Zelio E-Mobility’s recent initial public offering, which raised INR 783.4 million to fund its growth operations.

The company currently maintains a network of over 350 dealer outlets across 20 states and union territories. Its portfolio includes electric two-wheelers under the Zelio brand and the Tanga line of e-rickshaws, serving a total customer base of more than 200,000 riders. The management indicated that the partnership aligns with a strategy to invest in brand equity alongside its manufacturing scaling.

Kunal Arya, Managing Director, Zelio E-Mobility, said, “Cricket continues to be one of the most powerful platforms to connect with audiences across India. Our association with Punjab Kings allows us to engage with a wide consumer base while strengthening Zelio’s brand presence in a culturally relevant environment. As we scale our operations, such partnerships play a role in aligning visibility with growth momentum.”

Saurabh Arora, Chief Commercial Officer, Punjab Kings, said, “We are delighted to welcome Zelio Electric Scooters as our Official EV Partner for the season. This partnership reflects the growing synergy between sport and sustainable innovation. As a franchise, we are committed to aligning with forward-looking brands that resonate with today’s consumers, and Zelio’s focus on electric mobility and accessibility makes them a strong strategic fit for Punjab Kings. Through this association, we aim to create meaningful fan engagement while contributing to the broader narrative around clean and responsible mobility.”

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Pune-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major Bajaj Auto has announced a price reduction for the Dominar 400, making the motorcycle more accessible at INR 203,214 (ex-showroom Delhi).

The updated model is equipped with a 350cc engine and is priced approximately INR 37,000 lower than the previous iteration. This adjustment results from a lower upfront cost and the passing of GST benefits to customers without altering the vehicle's touring capabilities.

The motorcycle is designed to function as an all-rounder, suitable for both daily commuting and long-distance travel.

By repositioning the Dominar 400, Bajaj Auto aims to increase the adoption of sports and touring motorcycling in India. The mechanical specifications are intended to maintain the power and endurance associated with the Dominar nameplate while lowering the total cost of ownership for enthusiasts.

This strategic shift follows the company's objective of democratising the touring segment. The new price point is expected to attract riders transitioning from lower-capacity segments who require a vehicle capable of sustained high-speed travel and comfort over distance.

Sarang Kanade, President - MCBU, Bajaj Auto, said, "Dominar has always stood for our touring DNA - powerful, capable, and built for the long road. With the new Dominar 400 with 350cc engine we are staying true to that promise while making it significantly more accessible. Riders get the same Dominar experience they love, but now with a much lower cost of ownership, including meaningful savings. This is a decisive step towards democratizing touring and sports motorcycling in India."

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Ducati India has initiated the brand's global 100-year anniversary celebrations with an exclusive DRE Track Day at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC). Founded in 1926, the Italian manufacturer is marking a century of operations with a series of events intended to engage its community of owners.

The gathering at BIC saw over 70 riders participate in track sessions, while 150 enthusiasts attended a concluding evening event.

The track day provided owners with open sessions and three levels of structured training comprising Intro, Evo, and Master categories.

These were conducted by certified instructors including Rishi Agarwal, Anand Dharmaraj and Dilip Lalwani, the latter of whom holds the lap record for a production superbike at the circuit. The event was further highlighted by the first Indian performance from official Ducati stunt rider Emilio Zamora, who conducted a showcase for the assembled participants and their families.

Ducati has operated in India for over a decade and currently maintains a network of nine dealerships alongside two exclusive service workshops in Goa and Ahmedabad. The Indian market is a component of the brand's broader growth strategy in Asia, focusing on the premium motorcycle segment.

Bipul Chandra, Managing Director of Ducati India, stated, “As Ducati commemorates 100 years globally, India stands as a crucial market where the brand’s passion continues to intensify year after year. The DRE Track Day at BIC, coupled with Emilio Zamora’s electrifying performance and our sundowner celebration, is more than an event; it represents a celebration of our community, our rich heritage, and the distinctive thrill that defines every Ducati. Our Ducatisti are central to all our endeavours, and this centenary year is dedicated to fostering their connection with the brand through unforgettable experiences.”

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