Bengaluru-based electric two-wheeler maker Simple Energy is strengthening its presence in the country with the appointments of Jitin Johnson as Head of Marketing and Kevin Thomas as Head of Brand.

To support its next phase of brand and business expansion, the company has expanded its marketing team to over 40 professionals. Simple Energy plans to accelerate its all-India footprint, with a target of establishing 150 retail stores and 200 service centres across the country by March 2026.

Jitin Johnson, Head of Marketing, Simple Energy, brings 14 years of marketing experience, having previously served as Assistant General Manager – Digital Marketing at River EV. He will lead the company’s omnichannel marketing strategy, covering brand development, go-to-market initiatives, digital transformation and customer engagement.

Kevin Thomas, Head of Brand, Simple Energy, brings over 13 years of expertise in Creative Direction and Visual Design. He most recently served as Principal Visual Designer at Ultraviolette Automotive. His career includes leadership roles at brands such as Amazon, Motorola and OnePlus.

Jitin Johnson, said, "Simple Energy is redefining how India moves - blending performance, design, and purpose in a way that truly resonates with the next generation of riders. I’m excited to build on this momentum, shaping a brand that’s as emotionally charged as it is.”

Kevin Thomas, said, “My creative philosophy is shaped by years spent at the intersection of design, machines, and art. I’ve always believed that great automotive brands are built not just through engineering, but through emotion and visual storytelling. At Simple Energy, I’m excited to craft a brand that’s artistically expressive, deeply rider-centric, and unmistakably rooted in the culture of movement.”

Smitha Rao, General Manager - Brand & Marketing, Simple Energy, added, “These appointments and the expansion of our marketing team mark an important step in strengthening Simple Energy’s brand and business ambitions. With Jitin and Kevin leading key functions, we’re better positioned to build meaningful connections with our customers, enhance brand consistency, and accelerate our mission to make electric mobility aspirational yet accessible.”

At present, Simple Energy’s offerings include the Simple ONE Gen 1.5 and Simple OneS two-wheelers, which deliver claimed IDC ranges of 248 km and 181 km, respectively. The company has also recently achieved milestones such as becoming India’s first OEM to commercially manufacture heavy rare-earth-free motors and the first to introduce an 8-year motor warranty.

With 61 retail outlets across key cities, the company is now preparing to expand into five new markets, including Delhi and Patna.

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Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has entered a strategic alliance with distributor VELOSA (Oriental Motors, S.A.) to manage its sales and distribution operations across El Salvador. The move forms part of the manufacturer's operational expansion in Central America.

As part of the rollout, VELOSA has opened a flagship retail facility on Calle El Progreso and established additional sales outlets at Metrocentro San Salvador and Plaza Mundo Soyapango. The distributor has also established network agreements with over 30 authorised dealers across the country to provide sales, service and spare parts support.

Sanjay Bhan, Executive Vice-President of Global Business, Global Product Planning and Global Market Insights, Hero MotoCorp, said, “El Salvador is a strategic market for Hero MotoCorp in Central America. Over the past 13 years, Hero has served nearly 50,000 customers in El Salvador, with iconic models such as Hunk and Xpulse, playing a key role in building the brand’s presence. Through its new alliance with VELOSA, Hero is entering its next phase of growth, with a focus on enhancing the customer experience, expanding service coverage and strengthening end-to-end customer support.”

Carlos Landaverde, Commercial Manager, VELOSA, said, “We are delighted to begin this new chapter with Hero MotoCorp in El Salvador. VELOSA brings a strong regional automotive track record and a clear commitment to service, support and customer proximity. Our objective is to build on the trust Hero has earned over the years and provide a superior experience for existing and future Hero customers.”

Integrated sales, servicing, and replacement parts operations have commenced at the Calle El Progreso flagship location, alongside facilities in Merliot and Santa Ana. The outlets at Metrocentro San Salvador and Plaza Mundo Soyapango will handle vehicle sales exclusively.

Furthermore, Hero MotoCorp is marking the expansion with a five-year or 60,000-kilometre warranty package and four inspection services across its product range in the market.

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Suzuki Motorcycle India, one of the leading two-wheeler manufacturers, has opened its Suzuki Lounge outlet at Riddhi Auto Agencies in Thane, Maharashtra.

The facility combines a service workshop, customer area and vehicle display zone within a single site.

The workshop operates four service bays visible from the customer lounge through glass partitions to show maintenance procedures directly to vehicle owners.

The lounge area includes seating, discussion spaces, and a reception zone, alongside a product display section showing Suzuki’s motorcycle and scooter line-up.

Hari Krishna K, Executive Officer, Sales & After-Sales, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, “Suzuki Lounge represents a significant step forward in our customer-centric approach and brings the spirit of ‘By Your Side’ into the service experience. Today’s customers expect more than just service. They seek transparency, comfort, and a premium experience. With Suzuki Lounge, we are creating an environment where customers can relax, stay connected, and confidently witness the care and expertise that goes into servicing their vehicles.”

The inauguration was conducted by Vivek Jain, Assistant Vice-President - After Sales, and Osamu Tani, Operation Manager - After Sales at Suzuki Motorcycle India. The Thane location serves as the inaugural deployment of the Suzuki Lounge concept across the company's Indian after-sales network.

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India Yamaha Motor has launched the YZF-R2 at prices starting at INR 230,500 (ex-showroom Delhi) for the base model in Metallic Black or Dark Bluish Gray colour options.

This marks the global debut of the model and expands the manufacturer's R-series portfolio in India. Built on a high-tensile steel tube diamond frame, the motorcycle represents Yamaha's entry into the 200cc motorcycle segment.

The YZF-R2 is powered by a 204cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, DOHC engine producing 26.5 PS of power and 19.1 Nm of torque. It features finger follower rocker arms with diamond-like carbon coating. The chassis yields a total kerb weight of 149 kg, supported by 37 mm upside-down front forks, a rear monoshock and a four-point engine mounting system.

Hajime Aota, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group, said, "The launch of the YZF-R2 marks a significant milestone in Yamaha's long-term growth strategy. The YZF-R2 is not an entry into a new segment; it is a motorcycle created for riders who are committed to the spirit of Yamaha R-series. Combining the authentic R-series DNA with lightweight performance and excellent fuel efficiency, it offers an exciting and accessible gateway to our supersport world. Inspired by the global R-Series flagship motorcycles and built on an all-new platform, the YZF-R2 reflects our confidence in India's engineering expertise and its growing role in Yamaha's global product strategy.

“We are deeply grateful to our R-series customers in India for their unwavering trust and passion, which have helped make the R-series one of Yamaha's most iconic motorcycle families in the country. Today, with over one million R-series motorcycles on Indian roads, this enduring relationship continues to inspire us to push the boundaries of innovation and performance. We are confident the YZF-R2 will build on this legacy, set a new benchmark in its segment, and inspire the next generation of Yamaha riders," said Aota.

The YZF-R2 comes with traction control, an assist and slipper clutch, dual-channel ABS, a five-inch TFT display and selectable riding modes as standard.

Higher variants add a bi-directional quick shifter, while the top-tier R2M model incorporates adjustable suspension and a smart key system.

The Quick Shifter variant is priced at INR 239,500 in Matte White Pearl or Racing Blue, while the fully-loaded YZF-R2M can be had for INR 253,000 in Metallic Gray. Dealership availability across Yamaha's Blue Square network will begin in mid-September 2026.

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Chennai-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major TVS Motor Company has launched the TVS Jupiter dual tone spectral range, introducing two new dual-tone options – Spectral Blue and Spectral Copper – to its 110cc scooter line-up. The release marks the first-time spectral colour-shifting finishes have been offered in this segment.

The TVS Jupiter dual-tone spectral range is priced at INR 89,825 ex-showroom Delhi and will be available across authorised TVS Motor dealerships.

The update incorporates design and functional changes, including colour-coordinated inner panels, a new seat finish, partial chrome mirrors and an integrated backrest. Lighting updates include sequential turn signal lamps, alongside the addition of a USB Type-C charging port. The model retains its 33-litre under-seat storage area, capable of holding two helmets and features the SmartXonnect system for navigation, call and SMS notifications.

The scooter is powered by a 113.3 cc single-cylinder, four-stroke engine producing 5.9 kW of power and up to 9.8 Nm of torque, supported by the TVS iGO Assist system for acceleration and fuel efficiency.

Aniruddha Haldar, Senior Vice-President — Head Commuter & EV Business and Head Corporate Brand & Media, TVS Motor Company, said, “Young and Urban Indian families are increasingly exposed to new experiences, design and technology, shaping their aspirations for everyday mobility. TVS Jupiter has played a pivotal role in India’s scooterisation journey, winning the love and trust of millions of families and earning its place as the ‘Scooter of India’. Over the years, it has evolved, bringing meaningful innovations while staying true to what families value. Building on its progressive design and feature-rich offering, the new TVS Jupiter dual-tone takes this journey forward with a more contemporary offering, featuring first-in-segment spectral colours, complemented by first-in-segment Sequential Turn Signal Lamps and much more. Together, these enhancements reaffirm TVS Jupiter’s commitment to being the preferred choice of mobility for today’s new-age, modern families.”

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