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.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

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.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

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.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

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.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles has launched Jawa All Stars at prices starting INR 201,942 (ex-showroom Delhi) for the Aurora Green and Red options, introducing new expressions of the Jawa 42 FJ motorcycle.

The company has positioned All Stars as a branding framework for its rider base, with the 42 FJ serving as the initial vehicle release under the initiative.

The motorcycle features aluminium tank panels, a 790 mm seat height, 178 mm ground clearance and a 12-litre fuel tank. Power comes from a 334-cc liquid-cooled DOHC single-cylinder engine producing 29.17 PS at 7,500 rpm and 29.62 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm, paired with a six-speed gearbox and twin exhausts.

Anupam Thareja, Co-Founder, Classic Legends, said, “Jawa has always attracted riders who know exactly who they are. They have never followed trends for the sake of it, nor sought attention for making different choices. Over time, we realised there was a shared spirit that connected these riders. Jawa All Stars is our way of recognising and celebrating that spirit. It is a tribute to character, conduct, and courage, the values that have always felt inherently Jawa. The Jawa 42 FJ is the first expression of that philosophy, bringing it to life through contemporary design, performance, and a personality that is unmistakably its own.”

The vehicle chassis consists of a double-cradle frame, 41 mm telescopic front forks and gas-filled twin rear shock absorbers with five-step adjustable preload. Braking is handled by 320 mm front and 240 mm rear discs with dual-channel ABS, fitted to a 100/90-18 front tyre and 140/70 R17 rear tyre. Equipment includes a digital instrument cluster and LED lighting.

The Matte Black and Nebula Blue variants are priced at INR 207,942, while the Chrome edition is listed at INR 215,942. Retail distribution will operate across the company's network of more than 450 sales and service locations in India, supported by warranty coverage of up to four years or 50,000 kilometres.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!