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.”

Hero MotoCorp Partners With Distrito Moto To Expand Operations In Guatemala

Hero MotoCorp

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."

Ducati Launches Hypermotard V2 And V2 SP Models In India At INR 1.65 Million

Ducati India

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.”

Norton Manx R Wins Red Dot: Best of the Best Award For Manx R Motorcycle Design

Norton Manx R

TVS Motor Compay-owned British marquee brand Norton Motorcycles has received the Red Dot: Best of the Best distinction at the 2026 Red Dot Award: Design Concept within the cars and motorcycles category.

The award recognises the Manx R model, reflecting the brand's design direction under its current resurgence strategy. The motorcycle features proportions, surface treatments, integrated components and detailing developed by the in-house design and engineering teams alongside Professor Gerry McGovern OBE, Chief Creative Advisor to Norton Motorcycles and Simon Skinner, Head of Design.

The recognition follows a previous award at the 2026 International Design Excellence Awards and accompanies a global retail concept developed in collaboration with Foster + Partners.

Simon Skinner, Head of Design at Norton Motorcycles, said, "Best of the Best is the strongest recognition Red Dot can give, and it belongs to every member of the team which brought the Manx R to life. What makes this win especially powerful is that the jury did not recognise design in the abstract. It recognised a fully resolved motorcycle that customers can now see, touch and ride. With the Manx R, we set out to create a motorcycle with unmistakable presence, where proportion, reductive design and every detail contribute to its desirability. This recognition celebrates the creativity and commitment of our team, and our ambition to bring a distinctive expression of modernity to motorcycling."

Bajaj Auto Launches Upgraded Pulsar N250SS With TFT Display At INR 159,406

Bajaj Pulsar N250SS

Pune-based two-wheeler and three-wheeler major Bajaj Auto has introduced the Pulsar N250SS motorcycle, an upgraded version of the Pulsar N250 priced at INR 159,406 (ex-showroom Delhi).

The motorcycle features a four-valve engine producing 25 PS of power and 22 Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed gearbox replacing the previous five-speed unit. The upgrade introduces an Electronic Throttle Body with dedicated ride modes, alongside a 5-inch TFT console supporting Google Maps mirroring.

In addition, it comes with a Sports Shifter, adjustable levers, a USB Type-C charging port, Panic Brake Alert and a hazard switch.

Sarang Kanade, CBO of the Two-Wheeler Business Unit, Bajaj Auto, said, "With the N250SS, we are bringing a more advanced technology package to the quarter-litre segment. The combination of an upgraded powertrain and ETB ride modes strengthens the motorcycle’s proposition, reflecting our focus on making technology a meaningful part of the performance riding experience."