TVS Motor Co, Petronas Lubricants Strengthen Partnership To Promote Indian Motorsports

TVS Motor Co - Petronas Lubricants India

Chennai-headquartered two-wheeler major TVS Motor Company has further strengthened its partnership with Petronas Lubricants International (PLI) to drive further promotion and support the Indian motorsport landscape.

As per the understanding, PLI will continue to be the title sponsor of TVS Racing – the country’s first factory racing team – for the next three years. PLI will support the team’s participation in the Indian National Supercross Championship (INSC), Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) and Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship (INMRC).

Petronas was the title sponsor of TVS Racing across the 2022-2023 season and continues as the official supplier of aftermarket oils to TVS Motor Co’s extensive dealership network. The company supplies Petronas TVS TRU4 product range in premium semi and full synthetic lubricants designed for high-performance TVS motorcycles.

Vimal Sumbly, Head Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company, said, “TVS Racing is a pioneer of motorsports in India and has consistently secured more than 80 percent win rate across multiple formats of racing. This racing pedigree directly influences our Apache series, bringing race-derived performance and technology to our customers. With over four decades, TVS Racing has played a pivotal role in democratising motorsports in India and nurturing world-class talent with its programs like the TVS One Make Championship. Strengthening our partnership with PLI underscores our shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance and innovation. Their cutting-edge technology and experience in premier racing events perfectly compliments our vision for the sport. PLI’s expertise in fluid technology, combined with our racing heritage, will continue to shape the future of two-wheeler racing in India.”

Binu Chandy, Chief Executive Officer, Petronas Lubricants India, said, “Our collaboration with TVS Racing has been instrumental in demonstrating the synergy between high-performance lubricants and motorsport excellence. This partnership not only strengthens our presence in India’s dynamic two-wheeler market but also aligns with our broader energy ambitions in the country. Our motorsports legacy, combined with TVS Racing’s dominance in Indian motorsports for over 40 years, positions us to drive the sport forward. We are excited to support TVS Racing as we continue this journey together.”

KTM RC 160 Launched At INR 185,000 In India

KTM RC 160

Bajaj Auto-owned Austrian motorcycle brand KTM has launched the RC 160 at INR 185,000 (ex-showroom Delhi) and is available at dealerships nationwide.

The RC 160 is designed for riders seeking track-focused performance in the entry-level segment. It features a trellis frame with a full-faired design and follows the styling of the existing RC lineup.

The motorcycle is equipped with a 164.2 cc, liquid-cooled SOHC engine that delivers 19 PS at 9500 rpm and 15.5 Nm of torque at 7500 rpm. The engine features a 10,200 rpm redline and is paired with a 6-speed gearbox including an assist and slipper clutch. The reported top speed is 118 kmph; it features inverted 37mm front forks and a rear monoshock. In terms of braking, it uses 320 mm front and 230 mm rear disc brakes with dual-channel ABS. It gets 110/70-17 front and 140/60 R17 rear tubeless tyres on 17-inch alloy wheels. The RC 160 features a 13.75-litre metal tank.

The motorcycle gets an all-LED lighting system, including the headlamp, tail-lamp and indicators. The electronic suite includes a CAN-enabled system, electronic fuel injection and a Supermoto mode for the ABS. A TA variant is also available, which provides navigation support via the LCD instrument cluster.

Manik Nangia, President, Probiking, Bajaj Auto, said, “With the new RC 160, we are bringing that same track-bred character to a wider audience. It’s a motorcycle that captures the thrill of factory racing and makes it accessible to every young rider who dreams of speed, control, and confidence on two wheels. The RC 160 is not just an entry point; it’s the first step into the exhilarating world of KTM performance.”

TVS Motor Company Rolls Out TV Commercial For Ntorq 150 Scooter

TVS Ntorq 150

Chennai-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major TVS Motor Company has released a television commercial for the TVS Ntorq 150 scooter.

The campaign focuses on the vehicle's performance and racing heritage, targeting younger demographics. The Ntorq 150 is the first 150cc scooter in India to feature race and street riding modes, alongside traction control and ABS.

The scooter has a claimed acceleration of zero to 60 kmph in 6.3 seconds. Technical specifications include Bluetooth connectivity and digital instrumentation. The design incorporates racing-derived engineering and aerodynamics, building on the brand's history in track competition. This model follows the introduction of the Ntorq 125 in 2018 and subsequent collaborations, such as with Marvel.

Aniruddha Haldar, Senior Vice-President – Head Commuter & EV Business and Head Corporate Brand & Media, TVS Motor Company, said, “TVS Ntorq has grown into an iconic brand for the youth, built on performance, attitude and a deep emotional connect with a new generation of riders. Our scooters have dominated racetracks for years, a racing legacy that gave birth to the TVS Ntorq 125. With the all-new TVS Ntorq 150, this pedigree is taken several notches higher. The new TVC captures this ‘Hyper’ philosophy, where cutting-edge engineering, racing DNA and an always-on competitive spirit come together to make every ride feel like a personal race.”

Ashwin Parthiban, Creative Consultant, Dentsu Creative, said, “Our idea was to visually translate the emotion of riding the TVS Ntorq 150, the rush, the aggression and the sense of control, into a cinematic experience. The film blurs the line between the racetrack and the street, making every ride feel hyper, energetic and exhilarating. It’s not just about showcasing features; it’s about making the viewer feel the ride.”

Simple Energy Expands Scooter Portfolio With Gen 2 Range At Prices Starting INR 149,999

Simple Energy

Bengaluru-based electric vehicle maker Simple Energy has expanded its product portfolio with the launch of the Simple One Gen 2, Simple OneS Gen 2 and Simple Ultra range of e-scooters.

The Simple Ultra features a 6.5 kWh battery, the largest currently fitted on a scooter in India, providing a claimed IDC range of 400 km. It can reach a claimed top speed of 115 kmph and accelerates from zero to 40 kmph in 2.77 seconds.

The Simple One Gen 2 is available in two variants. The 4.5 kWh model offers a range of 236 km with prices starting at INR 169,999, while the 5 kWh version provides a range of 265 km starting at INR 177,999. Both variants include six riding modes and a peak motor power of 8.8 kW. The Simple OneS Gen 2, priced at INR 149,999, features a 3.7 kWh battery and a range of 190 km. These models are available at over 61 showrooms and through e-commerce platform Amazon and Flipkart.

Technological updates across the Gen 2 range include traction control, four-level regenerative braking and cruise control. The vehicles feature a 7-inch touchscreen dashboard with 5G connectivity, Bluetooth and Android 12 integration. Hardware adjustments have reduced the kerb weight to 129 kg for the Simple One and 118 kg for the OneS, while underseat storage has increased to 35 litres.

Suhas Rajkumar, Founder & CEO, Simple Energy, said, “At Simple Energy, we engineer with intent. Our Gen 2 portfolio reflects a deliberate, innovation-first approach - offering differentiated products across range and performance needs, all built for real-world reliability. Indian commuters are not one-size-fits-all, and a growing segment clearly demands extreme range and performance without compromise. Simple Ultra is built precisely for that customer. Backed by over four years of in-house R&D, it delivers an industry-first 400 km IDC range, setting a new benchmark for electric two-wheelers in India. With a portfolio designed to meet diverse rider needs from day one, we’re not just launching scooters—we’re delivering confidence, freedom, and truly anxiety-free electric mobility.”

Furthermore, Simple Energy has also introduced a lifetime warranty on the motor and battery across its vehicle lineup. The company aims to expand its network to 150 dealerships and 200 service centres by March 2026. Financially, the firm is targeting an IPO in the second or third quarter of FY2027 to raise approximately USD 350 million, following its previous capital raises totalling USD 51 million from private investors and family offices.

Suzuki Motorcycle India Reports 24% Domestic Wholesales Growth For December 2025

Suzuki Motorcycle India

Suzuki Motorcycle India (SMIPL), a subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, has reported its wholesales of 122,366 units for December 2025, which marks a 26 percent increase compared to the 96,804 units sold during the same month in 2024.

Interestingly, the company said its domestic sales for the period grew by 24 percent to reach 97,823 units, while exports grew by 37 percent to 24,543 units.

The company's spare parts division recorded its highest monthly revenue to date, reaching INR 961 million, up 16 percent YoY. During December, SMIPL held customer engagement events including a mileage contest for the Suzuki Access in West Bengal and Haryana, and a maintenance program for the GIXXER series in Cochin, Chennai and Bengaluru. These initiatives involved test rides and sessions led by influencers to connect with the local rider community.

Deepak Mutreja, Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, “We are grateful to our customers for choosing Suzuki and making December a strong finish to the year. The 26 percent growth underscores their trust in Suzuki’s products and services. As we move into the new year, we will continue to enhance experience-led sales & after-sales services, expanding our network to reach closer to customers while focusing on engagement programs that strengthen our relationship with them. Reaffirming Suzuki’s brand promise of ‘By Your Side,’ we remain dedicated to customer satisfaction, partner success and employee engagement.”

At present, Suzuki Motorcycle India operates a manufacturing plant in Gurugram, Haryana, which has an annual production capacity of 1.3 million units. The facility produces 125cc scooters, motorcycles of 150cc and above and larger capacity bikes.