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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Piaggio Vehicles-owned motorcycle brand Aprilia has introduced the RS 660 Phillip Island Tribute, a limited-edition motorcycle produced to mark its victory record at the Australian circuit.

The vehicle will be on display at the EICMA exhibition in Milan from 5 to 8 November. The special edition commemorates Aprilia's 10 Grand Prix victories at Phillip Island, including the 2025 MotoGP win by Raúl Fernández on the RS-GP, which marked the manufacturer's 300th World Championship victory. The release coincides with the circuit's departure from the MotoGP calendar after 2027.

The motorcycle features a white, green and red livery incorporating the Phillip Island Circuit logo, track layout and chequered flag graphics on the side panels. The fuel tank displays a badge detailing Aprilia's victory count at the track, while the individual serial number is engraved on the steering head plate. The pillion seat cover is included as standard equipment.

Technically based on the standard RS 660, the motorcycle is powered by a front-mounted 660 cc parallel-twin engine delivering 105 horsepower at 10,400 rpm and 70 Nm of torque at 8,400 rpm, with a 35 kW restricted variant also available.

The engine acts as a load-bearing element within an aluminium frame. Electronics include a six-axis inertial platform managing traction control, wheelie control, engine brake control, cornering ABS, launch control, cruise control, adjustable engine mapping and a bidirectional quickshifter.

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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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