Two-wheeler wholesales for September in the green, automakers gear up for festive demand  

Two-wheeler sales

The two-wheeler industry in India is gearing up for the festive season and in contrast to the four-wheeler segment, it continues to expect a healthy growth demand.

Taking a closer look at the company-wise sales performance for the month of September 2024, Hero MotoCorp the world’s largest two-wheeler maker reported 19 percent growth YoY in the domestic market. The company sold 616,706 two-wheelers, as against 519,789 units for the same period last year.

Hero MotoCorp states that there is a positive sentiment prevalent in the industry as it approaches the festive season on the back of a good monsoon. It has a strong pipeline of bookings and is experiencing increased customer footfall leading up to the festive season. The company expects healthy growth during the 32-day period starting from October 3.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) reported wholesales of 536,391 units, which was 9 percent higher than 491,802 units last year.

During the period the company attained a new sales milestone for its popular scooter the ‘Activa’, which went home to over 10 million customers in the South Indian states and union territories of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

TVS Motor Co, too reported a healthy growth of 23 percent YoY with 369,138 two-wheelers sold, compared to 300,493 units for the same period last year.

The company’s EV sales registered a growth of 42 percent increasing from 20,356 units in September 2023 to 28,901 units in September 2024.

For Pune-based Bajaj Auto, the monthly two-wheeler sales jumped by 28 percent, from 202,510 units in September 2023 to 259,333 units in September 2024.

Chennai-based Royal Enfield, a leading mid-sized motorcycle manufacturer, continued to drive sales with its product offensive strategy. The company reported 7 percent growth for September 2024, selling 79,326 units, as against 74,261 units for the same period last year.

Overall, the two-wheeler segment is expected to see a robust demand driven by both rural and urban India as the festivities approach.

TWO-WHEELER SALES IN INDIA
Company Sept '24 Sept '23 Change (in units) Change (in %)
Hero MotoCorp 616,706 519,789 96,917 19%
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India 536,391 491,802 44,589 9%
TVS Motor Co 369,138 300,493 68,645 23%
Bajaj Auto 259,333 202,510 56,823 28%
Royal Enfield 79,326 74,261 5,065 7%
Total 1,860,894 1,588,855 272,039 17%

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."