Team MRF Tyres has won the final round of European Rally Championship 2024 at the Rally of Silesia, Poland. Andrea Mabellini and Virginia Lenzi (ITA) steered the team to victory, participating in Škoda Fabia RS Rally2, and became the eighth different winner of the eight round 2024 FIA European Rally Championship.

Mabellini's maiden European career triumph was made possible by the exceptional performance of the Italian crew, who was placed second in the last championship round at the JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion. As the first Italian to win a European rally outside of Italy in 13 years, this is a noteworthy outcome. With this outcome, Mabellini concluded the season in fourth position, just a few points below third place, and made a substantial contribution to Team MRF Tyres' second-place finish in the rankings.

As the only driver to fight two-time European champion and former WRC driver Hayden Paddon, Mabellini was in the running from the beginning, finishing second in the opening show stage. After a fierce duel that lasted down to the tenths of a second, Mabellini's triumph on SS11 on Day 2 marked a turning point and put him in the lead. The pivotal moment came three stages from the finish: following a largely dry rally, the rain and shifting weather conditions made tyre selection extremely important. Mabellini showed maturity by driving with both speed and precision while Team MRF Tyres made no mistakes. By the finish, he had increased his advantage from a slim 1.9-second cushion to 18.3 seconds.

Amaury Molle (B) and Alex Dubois (FRA) of Team MRF Tyres also finished in Katowice with their Škoda Fabia Rally2 Evo. After an accident at the Barum Czech Rally Zlín two months ago, the Belgian driver returned and showed steady performance. Molle fought hard to restore confidence and consistency, achieving outstanding times, including sixth on SS11, despite the extremely unpredictable circumstances.

Mabellini said, “I’m extremely happy. I want to thank Team MRF Tyres for believing in me from the start. We’ve worked hard together, and achieving this result is a huge satisfaction for all of us. A big thanks also to Virginia, who understands me perfectly, guides me, and without whom I wouldn’t be able to give my best, and to everyone who supported us from Italy. It’s been an incredible weekend, a season finale to remember. We’re enjoying this moment.”

Molle said, “It’s been a weekend full of positives. I know it will take time to fully regain my rhythm and the confidence to push at 100 percent, but I felt a great connection with the car, and Alex and I did a good job, improving stage by stage. We made a small mistake on the final stage but that doesn’t change our outlook on the weekend’s result. Thanks to Team MRF Tyres for this opportunity; now we have the winter to prepare and focus on our 2025 season.”

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Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has launched the Xtreme 125R Stealth Edition with TFT, introducing technology and safety features to its sporty 125cc motorcycle segment. The model is available across Hero MotoCorp dealerships nationwide at a price of INR 116,250 (ex-showroom, pan-India).

The new variant incorporates a 4.2-inch TFT instrument display with Bluetooth connectivity, integrating turn-by-turn navigation, call and SMS notifications and music playback controls.

The motorcycle features a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) providing real-time pressure readouts and system alerts, marking the introduction of the technology to the 125cc motorcycle category. Visual updates include coloured alloy wheels and a Midnight Black paint finish with Pearl Red accents. The model retains its existing mechanical specifications, featuring dual-channel ABS, cruise control, and three selectable riding modes comprising Rain, Road, and Sport.

Ashutosh Varma, CBO – India Business Unit, Hero MotoCorp, said, "The sporty 125cc segment continues to evolve rapidly, driven by young customers who seek motorcycles that reflect their aspirations—not just through performance and design, but also through advanced technology. The Xtreme 125R has already established itself as a benchmark in the category by bringing premium engineering and segment-leading features. The new Stealth Edition with TFT, further raises the bar by making connected technology and intelligent safety features even more accessible while creating lasting value for our customers and empowering them to truly Live Xtreme."

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Ducati India has announced the entry of its off-road motorcycle range into the Indian market with the launch of the Desmo450 MX Factory motocross bike and the Desmo450 EDX enduro model.

Both motorcycles are powered by a 449.6 cc single-cylinder engine featuring Desmodromic valve timing, producing 63.5 hp at 9,400 rpm and 53.5 Nm of torque at 7,500 rpm, with a rev limit set at 11,900 rpm.

The Desmo450 MX Factory weighs 104 kg without fuel and features an aluminium perimeter frame, an Akrapovič titanium exhaust system, Showa suspension with Dark Kashima coating, billet triple clamps, a holeshot device and a 7.2-litre fuel tank.

The Desmo450 EDX weighs 107.1 kg without fuel, incorporating an 8.5-litre fuel tank, handguards, a skid plate, a side stand, an 18-inch rear wheel and Showa suspension tuned for trail riding. Both models are equipped with closed-loop Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Quick Shift, Engine Brake Control, Power Launch and selectable riding modes.

"We are incredibly proud to bring the ultimate off-road experience to India with the launch of the Desmo450 MX Factory and the Desmo450 EDX. These motorcycles embody Ducati's racing spirit and our commitment to pure performance, translating our Desmodromic technology into the dirt segment for the very first time here. Whether you are looking to conquer the motocross track with the ultra-light MX Factory or push your limits on the trails with the versatile EDX, we are offering Indian riders machines that are born to compete and win. This dual launch marks a significant milestone in our commitment to the growing off-road community in India," said Bipul Chandra, Managing Director, Ducati India.

The Ducati Desmo450 EDX is priced at INR 1.85 million (ex-showroom) in Ducati Red, while the Desmo450 MX Factory is priced at INR 2.12 million (ex-showroom) in the Ducati Corse 2025 livery. The company has opened bookings across all Ducati dealerships in the country.

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Bengaluru-headquartered Altigreen, a unit of the Jakson Group, has announced its entry into the electric two-wheeler market with the launch of Minsara, an electric multi-utility two-wheeler designed for urban and rural applications.

The electric scooter is offered in three variants: the Minsara S featuring a 2.78 kWh battery with a 125 km range, the Minsara S+ with a 3.8 kWh battery delivering a 165 km range, and the battery-swappable Minsara SE.

Built on a rib-caged chassis, the e-scooter delivers 172 Nm of peak torque, a top speed of 75 kmph, 33 percent gradeability, and a gross vehicle weight rating of 264 kg. Engineering specifications include 17-inch alloy wheels, telescopic front suspension, dual disc brakes with a Combined Braking System, crash guard protection, and side-stand safety alerts. Priced from INR 124,000 (ex-showroom), it comes with a standard three-year or 30,000 km warranty with bookings opened across Bengaluru, Vijayawada and Noida. The company is set to begin deliveries from 1 December 2026.

Deepak Thakur, CEO, Jakson Green Vehicles, said, "India’s mobility requirements are as diverse as its people. From urban entrepreneurs and delivery professionals to farmers and small-business owners in rural markets, millions depend on two-wheelers as an essential part of their everyday lives and livelihoods. With MINSARA, we are introducing a product that brings together utility, performance and sustainable technology to meet these real-world needs. As part of JAKSON Group, Altigreen will play an important role in our vision of accelerating India’s transition towards cleaner, more productive and accessible mobility solutions. This launch reflects our commitment to technology-led products that create meaningful value for customers while contributing to a sustainable future."

Amitabh Saran, CTO and Founder, Altigreen, said, "At Altigreen, we have always believed that technology must solve real customer problems. Across India, two-wheelers support businesses, livelihoods and everyday responsibilities, often under demanding operating conditions. Quite naturally, MINSARA is engineered, ground-up, to be a segment leader. It is a timely and great addition to our existing three-wheeler cargo neEV series. It embodies our continued commitment towards innovative, Made-in-India electric mobility solutions. Supported by Altigreen’s growing 3S dealership network, best in class after-sales service and customer-centric ownership solutions, we aim to build lasting customer confidence. We believe our success will ultimately be measured by our customers success and progress in life."

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Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has outlined its global growth strategy at EICMA 2026, marking 25 consecutive years of global sales leadership.

The company unveiled new premium internal combustion engine motorcycles, announced the start of European retail operations for its electric vehicle brand VIDA, and introduced Novus Labs as its dedicated innovation hub for emerging mobility technologies.

At the event, Hero MotoCorp introduced its adventure flagship, the Xpulse 450, powered by a 421 cc liquid-cooled DOHC engine delivering 34.3 kW at 9,100 rpm and 38 Nm of torque at 7,500 rpm, paired with a six-speed transmission. The motorcycle features fully adjustable KYB front suspension with 225 mm of travel and category-first Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. It also revealed the Harley-Davidson X350T, expanding its co-developed portfolio into the 350cc segment with an air-oil cooled engine, trellis frame, electronic throttle, and switchable traction control, alongside the Hero Scrambler and Classic concept motorcycles.

In the electric vehicle segment, VIDA commenced European operations and customer deliveries. Supported by distribution partner Elektrorider, VIDA activated a direct-to-consumer sales model across 10 European countries for the VIDA DIRT.E K3 adaptive electric off-roader, while retail stores opened across six markets – Romania, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Slovakia and Croatia – for both the DIRT.E K3 and the VIDA VX2 urban scooter.

VIDA also showcased the VIDA UBX neo-naked concept, the Project VXZ electric motorcycle developed with Zero Motorcycles and the DIRT.E MX7 off-roader. Additionally, Hero MotoCorp launched Novus Labs, presenting working prototypes of the NEX 1 foldable personal mobility vehicle and the NEX 2 electric trike.

Dr Pawan Munjal, Executive Chairman, Hero MotoCorp, said, "Hero MotoCorp is shaping the future of mobility through a relentless pursuit of innovation, engineering excellence and a deep understanding of riders’ evolving aspirations across the world. Our showcase at EICMA 2026 represents more than a display of products and technologies; it is a bold expression of our vision to redefine the future of motorcycling through breakthrough design, advanced performance and intelligent technology.”

“At the heart of this ambition is our ability to bring together the strength of India’s engineering talent and manufacturing excellence with world-class global R&D capabilities and strategic partnerships. ‘Make in India, for the World’ is not just a philosophy; it is a powerful statement of our confidence, capability and commitment to create globally competitive products, technologies and sustainable mobility solutions that transcend markets and expectations. As technology transforms the mobility landscape, we see an extraordinary opportunity to challenge conventions, unlock new possibilities and deliver more connected, exciting and differentiated riding experiences. Our journey over the first 25 years has established a formidable foundation of innovation, scale and global ambition. As we look ahead, we are not simply preparing for the future of mobility — we are driven to shape it," concluded Dr Munjal.

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