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 Enters UK Market, Expands Global Footprint To 51 Countries

Hunk 440

Hero MotoCorp, one of the leading global manufacturers of scooters and motorcycles, has announced its entry into the United Kingdom (UK) market through a partnership with distributor MotoGB. This move makes the UK the company’s 51st international market, building on its recent expansions in Italy and Spain.

The company will introduce its Euro 5+ range, led by the Hunk 440, a motorcycle designed to meet the demand for motorcycles in the region.

Sanjay Bhan, Executive Vice-President, Hero MotoCorp, said, "Hero MotoCorp’s entry into the United Kingdom marks a defining milestone in our global expansion journey. Following our foray into Italy and Spain, our partnership with MotoGB, further strengthens our European footprint. The launch of Hunk 440 reflects our deep understanding UK riders - a motorcycle that stays true to the core of motorcycling while offering style, performance and reliability in accessible package. With this launch, we aim to make premium motorcycles accessible for first-time riders, and enthusiasts alike. With a presence now spanning 51 international markets, we reaffirm our commitment to redefining the future of mobility through our next-gen mobility solutions that deliver Limitless Freedom and Limitless Adventure to riders globally.”

MotoGB, a Lancashire-based distributor, will initially make the Hero MotoCorp product range available through a network of over 25 official sales and service outlets. The partnership plans to expand to over 35 locations by 2026.

Matt Kay, General Manager of MotoGB, said, “We are proud to partner with Hero MotoCorp as they make their debut in the UK market. Both Hero MotoCorp and MotoGB share a deep commitment to putting customers first and ensuring a seamless ownership experience, supported by a robust sales and service network across the country. Beginning with the Hunk 440, we will be able to offer riders a unique combination of technology and value that will resonate deeply with consumers in the United Kingdom.”

Bajaj Pulsar NS125 Upgraded With ABS Ride Modes Launched At INR 98,400

Bajaj Pulsar N125 ABS

Bajaj Auto has announced an update to its Pulsar NS125 ABS variant, enhancing the position of the 125cc motorcycle. The latest upgrade introduces three ABS ride modes – Road, Rain and Off-Road – along with a new Pearl Metallic White colour option.

The new ABS ride modes allow riders to customise ABS intrusion for different environments, ensuring stability and adaptability without compromising the motorcycle's power and performance.

The upgraded Pulsar NS125 ABS is now available at Bajaj Auto dealerships across India. The price remains unchanged at INR 98,400 (ex-showroom Delhi).

The Pulsar NS125 maintains its 'Naked Sports' look, featuring a perimeter frame for rigidity and balance, a muscular tank and a streetfighter stance. The company states that the upgrades are designed to democratise sports motorcycling by offering safety features previously reserved for higher-end segments.

Sarang Kanade, President, Motorcycle Business Unit, Bajaj Auto, said, “The Pulsar brand has always embodied the spirit of power and performance for India’s youth. The addition of ABS ride modes and the new Pearl Metallic White colour in the Pulsar NS125, we are making advanced riding technologies more accessible while enhancing the thrill of performance biking. The NS series continues to define the Naked Sports category with its segment-leading chassis, stance and riding dynamics – staying true to Pulsar’s legacy of being ‘Definitely Daring’. This update strengthens our commitment to deliver thrilling, high-performance experiences to riders across the country.”

Steelbird Launches SBH-32 Aeronautics Bluetooth Helmet At INR 4,399

Steelbird SBH-32 Aeronautics Bluetooth Helmet

Steelbird Hi-Tech India, the helmet manufacturer, has unveiled the SBH-32 Aeronautics Bluetooth smart helmet at INR 4,399.

The SBH-32 Aeronautics features Bluetooth 5.2 technology, offering up to 48 hours of talk time and 110 hours of standby. The helmet is Dual-certified, meeting both DOT FMVSS No. 218 and BIS IS 4151:2015 standards.

The helmet is constructed with a PC-ABS blend shell for impact protection. The structure incorporates air vents for airflow, while a wind deflector, vortex generators and rear spoiler reduce air drag and turbulence. The visor is Pinlock-ready, coated and resistant. Reflective elements on the back of the neck pad enhance visibility during night rides.

The interior padding is removable and washable, featuring breathability and sweat-absorption properties. It includes a cheek pad EPS and a Double D-Ring fastener. It is available in 580 mm, 600 mm and 620 mm sizes.

Rajeev Kapur, Managing Director, Steelbird Hi-Tech India, said, “This Diwali, we’re lighting up the roads with innovation. The SBH-32 Aeronautics is not just a helmet – it’s a revolution in smart riding. By integrating advanced Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity with global safety certifications, we aim to empower riders with the freedom to stay connected without compromising on protection. Steelbird’s mission has always been to bring global innovation to Indian roads, and this helmet is a reflection of our promise to blend technology, safety, and style for the new generation of riders.”

Ultraviolette Launches F77 E-Motorcycles In Spain And Portugal

Ultraviolette Spain

Bengaluru-headquartered electric vehicle maker Ultraviolette has further expanded its global presence with entering the Spain and Portugal markets.

By entering Spain and Portugal, Ultraviolette is positioning itself at the heart of Europe's EV landscape, amplifying its momentum as a trailblazer in mobility. The expansion brings to market vehicles engineered with innovations, safety standards, design and technology honed through years of research and development.

Rhino Electric Motor, the importer and partner, will bring the F77 MACH 2 and F77 SuperStreet to the Peninsula.

The F77 motorcycles redefine performance, accelerating from zero to 60 kmph in just 2.8 seconds. It come with a 10.3 kWh battery pack and delivers a power output of 30 kW, producing 100 Nm of torque. This enables acceleration, handling, and a speed of 155 kmph.

The motorcycles are equipped with technology, including the company's artificial intelligence system, Violette A.I. and switchable Dual-Channel ABS developed by Bosch. Features such as 10 levels of Regenerative Braking, 4 levels of Traction Control and Dynamic Stability Control ensure a smooth riding experience.

Narayan Subramaniam, CEO & Co-Founder, Ultraviolette Automotive, said, "The response from our first customers across France, Germany, the Netherlands, and other European markets has been absolutely phenomenal. Building on that momentum, we are thrilled to announce the launch of the Ultraviolette F77 performance electric motorcycles in Spain and Portugal - both markets that have deep rooted motorcycling culture and are rapidly evolving into hubs for sustainable innovation and EV adoption. This expansion, coming just months after our debut in Paris, is a powerful validation of global resonance with Ultraviolette's motorcycles and technology. It underscores our commitment to bringing Indian engineering excellence to the world, backed by years of rigorous R&D, innovation in performance and a deep focus on rider safety. With the F77, we are setting a new global benchmark for what Indian automotive technology can achieve."

Jorge Bialade, Spokesperson for Rhino Electric Motors, said, "Ultraviolette is a game-changer for the Iberian electric motorcycle market. It brings together technology, design, and emotion, thus proving that sustainable mobility can also be thrilling. That's the real contribution of this brand.”