ISRL

Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL), a leading motorsport event, has announced that it has on boarded leading Bollywood actor Salman Khan as its official brand ambassador.

The motorsport event is optimistic that, with its new brand ambassador, the Indian Supercross Racing League will reach newer audiences and popularise the sport in the country.

The inaugural season saw over 30,000 people attend the event physically, while 11.5 million viewership was achieved through broadcast. Team BigRock Motorsports, led by India's Dakar pioneer CS Santosh, emerged as champions, setting a high standard for competition.

The second season of ISRL promises to have a much wider experience, with Salman Khan at the forefront, making the sport more accessible and engaging for fans of all ages. The competition will see participation from 48 of the world's leading riders, including international legends Jordie Tixier, Matt Moss and Anthony Raynard, competing across multiple categories.

"I am very excited to be a part of something I am truly passionate about—motorcycles and motorsports. What ISRL is building is truly revolutionary with a long-term vision. The league has immense entertainment value and captures the spirit of igniting passion, showcasing skill, and creating heroes who will inspire the next generation. Together, we're set to make Supercross a household name in India and elevate our riders to the global stage," said Salman Khan.

Veer Patel, Managing Director, ISRL, said, "Welcoming Salman Khan to the ISRL family is a landmark moment for motorsports in India. As motorsports continue to gain worldwide traction, the Indian Supercross Racing League has firmly placed India on the global motorsports map. This collaboration reflects our shared ambition to elevate Indian motorsports to unparalleled heights. With his presence at the races, active participation, and guidance, we are spearheading a motorsport revolution that will inspire generations of Indian riders and position India as a premier global Supercross destination."

Vikram Tanwar, Co-founder, UBT (Talent management company of Salman Khan), said 'We witnessed the immense success of ISRL Season 1, with top Indian and global-ranked riders showcasing incredible talent. We structured this association to help elevate the league to new heights and for it to flourish in India. Salman Khan's immense appeal across diverse demographics will be instrumental in introducing the electrifying world of Supercross to millions of new fans.

Eeshan Lokhande, Co-founder and Director, ISRL, said, “Salman Khan’s association with ISRL is a monumental step in bringing Supercross into the mainstream, bridging the gap between Indian brands and the global legacy of this exhilarating sport. With his massive reach and deep connection with fans across the country will drive brands across India to be a part of this high-adrenaline journey. Heroes of the sport will be made, and Supercross will find its true home in India. We will write the next chapter of Supercross, making every Indian proud on the global stage.”

TVS Motor Company Showcases 3 Custom TVS X E-Scooters At TVS X Collectors’ Soiree In Bengaluru

TVS Motor Company

TVS Motor Company (TVSM) hosted the TVS X Collectors’ Soiree in Bengaluru on 22 March 2026. The event positioned the TVS X electric mobility platform as a medium for design and culture, moving away from traditional automotive showcases focused on performance specifications.

The evening featured the unveiling of three unique, custom-designed TVS X units created in collaboration with fashion designer Manoviraj Khosla. These e-scooters serve as the first instalment of a series intended to use the TVS X as a canvas for Indian heritage.

The designs draw from the artistic and architectural history of Karnataka:

  • Hampi: Inspired by the architecture of the former Vijayanagara Empire capital.
  • Channapatna: Incorporating elements of the region’s traditional woodcraft.
  • Mysuru: Reflecting the heritage and aesthetics associated with the city's history.

The initiative included a partnership with A Hundred Hands, a non-profit organisation supporting artisan communities in Karnataka. Proceeds from a collectors' auction held during the event were directed to the organisation to support sustainable livelihoods for local craftspeople. Mala Dhawan, Founder of A Hundred Hands, highlighted the importance of creating visibility and fair value for traditional craftsmanship within modern design.

Gaurav Gupta, President – India Two Wheeler Business, TVS Motor Company, said, “Progress without culture is incomplete. With TVS X, we’re bringing Indian art and architectural heritage into a contemporary form, and the first chapter in Karnataka, marks the start of a larger journey across India. We’re using TVS X as a canvas to reinterpret India’s art & cultural heritage, where ownership becomes participation in sustaining it and draws inspiration from it.”

Manoviraj Khosla, Collaborating Designer, added, “Design here was integral from the start, transforming the TVS X into a moving canvas that brings together material, form, and narrative.”

Mala Dhawan, Founder of A Hundred Hands, noted, “This initiative goes beyond ownership, supporting artisans by creating meaningful value and connecting craftsmanship with the right audience.”

TVS Motor Company Launches National Campaign For TVS iQube Electric Scooter

TVS iQube

TVS Motor Company (TVSM) has announced a new media campaign for its flagship electric scooter, the TVS iQube. The initiative marks the brand's largest television-led rollout to date, featuring high-impact placements across major platforms, including the Indian Premier League (IPL) and cinema.

The campaign highlights the adoption of the TVS iQube by more than 850,000 families in India. Currently, the electric scooter range is available across 3,300 dealerships in over 1,000 cities.

The promotional content focuses on the vehicle's application in daily routines, such as commutes and school runs. It integrates specific technical and design features into these scenarios, including – safety and control, utility and connectivity.

TVS Motor Co is positioning the iQube's value proposition on three principles: Choice regarding range and features, Peace of Mind concerning safety and the purchase experience and Simplicity of operation. The campaign is intended to accelerate the national adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) by positioning the scooter as a versatile family transport solution.

Saurabh Kapoor, VP – Marketing, EV Business, TVS Motor Company, said, “We have always believed that meaningful innovation is rooted in the customer needs. TVS iQube’s journey has been built on the trust of lakhs of customers who have made it an integral part of their everyday lives. This campaign is a natural progression of that journey, strengthening our positioning as India’s favourite family EV. As we take this story to a national stage through television, including marquee platforms like the IPL, we are confident it will resonate deeply with audiences and further accelerate EV adoption across the country.”

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Announces INR 15 Billion Expansion At Tapukara Plant

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI), one of the largest two-wheeler manufacturers in the country, is set to invest around INR 15 billion to install a third production line at its manufacturing facility in Tapukara, Rajasthan. The expansion is designed to meet increasing domestic demand for scooters and motorcycles.

The new production line is scheduled to commence operations in 2028. It will have an annual capacity of 670,000 units, raising the Tapukara plant’s total yearly output to 2.01 million units. To support this project, HMSI will acquire 73,700 sqmt of additional land.

The expansion is expected to generate over 2,000 new jobs in the Alwar district, increase HMSI’s total Indian production capacity from 6.25 million to approximately 8 million units by FY2028. This will support the OEM to manufacture various commuter models using automated machining and production efficiency technologies.

At present, HMSI operates four plants in India, in addition to the Tapukara project, a fourth line at the Vithalapur plant in Gujarat is progressing toward a 2027 start date. Since beginning Indian operations in 2001, the company has produced over 70 million units.

The Tapukara factory originally opened in 2011. Continuous efficiency improvements are projected to bring its current baseline capacity to 1.34 million units by the end of the 2026 financial year, prior to the new line's integration.

Tsutsumu Otani, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said,"India is entering a new phase of mobility transformation, and HMSI is committed to leading this journey with responsibility and purpose. Strengthening our production ecosystem at Tapukara is an important step towards building greater resilience, flexibility, and future readiness across our supply chain. This expansion will help us respond more effectively to market demand and continue delivering value that supports the aspirations of millions of customers. In line with our commitment to safer, cleaner, and more accessible mobility, we remain focused on long-term sustainable growth that advances mobility and strengthens the company’s foundation for the future.”

Bhajan Lal Sharma, Chief Minister of Rajasthan, added, “Rajasthan continues to strengthen its position as a preferred destination for world-class manufacturing. The capacity expansion by Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India in their Tapukara situated manufacturing plant is a step forward in that direction. HMSI’s continued investment in the region will not only enhance manufacturing capabilities but also generate employment and contribute to growth of the automotive ecosystem in the region.”

Helmet Manufacturers Association Warns Of Raw Material Price Surge

Steelbird

The Helmet Manufacturers Association of India has reported a significant increase in the cost of raw materials used in helmet production. The association attributes the surge to global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions, which have impacted the petrochemical markets.

Data from the association indicates steep price rises across several critical components:

  • Expanded Polystyrene (EPS): Increased by nearly 74 percent.
  • ABS and Polycarbonate (PC): Risen by approximately 40 percent.
  • Polypropylene (PP): Increased by 45 percent.
  • PVC and Packaging: Risen by 33 percent and 47 percent respectively.

These materials are essential for impact absorption and shell construction. The price volatility is driven by higher freight costs and fluctuations in crude oil markets linked to ongoing international conflicts.

India is one of the world’s largest two-wheeler markets, with annual sales exceeding 20 million units and is valued at over USD 2 billion.

The association has warned that rising costs may lead some manufacturers to reduce EPS density or use non-virgin materials to maintain margins. There are also concerns regarding the proliferation of counterfeit or non-compliant BIS certifications in the market.

Rajeev Kapur, President of the Helmet Manufacturers Association of India and MD of Steelbird Hi-Tech India, said, “The sharp rise in raw material prices due to global conflicts and supply chain disruptions is creating serious pressure on manufacturers. In such circumstances, there is a risk that some players may try to reduce EPS density, use non-virgin materials, or compromise on foam thickness to cut costs. Helmets are lifesaving products, and safety standards must never be compromised.”

“Bulk buyers such as vehicle OEMs, delivery companies, bike taxi operators and institutional fleet operators must exercise extreme caution while sourcing helmets. The industry is currently facing a serious challenge with the proliferation of fake or misused BIS certifications. A significant proportion of helmets claiming BIS certification in the market are either counterfeit or do not fully comply with prescribed safety standards,” he added.