Bengaluru-based electric motorcycle maker Ultraviolette has inaugurated its latest UV Space Pod Experience Centre in Kathmandu, Nepal.

The new facility it says represents a major milestone in addition to Ultraviolette’s expansion to 5 cities in India, along with the announcement of the start of exports to Europe. This expansion aligns with Ultraviolette's broader vision of establishing 50 futuristic experience centres globally, with plans to be present in a dozen Indian cities by end-2024.

The experience centre is spread across 800 sqft, this facility operates as a complete 3S centre, offering sales, service, and spares in close proximity.

The F77 Mach 2 is equipped with a top-tier 10.3 kWh SRB7 Lithium-ion battery, delivering unmatched range and performance. It also comes with an 8,00,000km battery warranty.

Narayan Subramaniam, CEO & Co-Founder, Ultraviolette said, “The launch of the UV Space Pod in Nepal aligns with our mission to transform the way we look at mobility. Nepal, with its thriving motorcycling scene and beautiful landscape, is an ideal setting for this milestone. This new Space Pod highlights Ultraviolette’s dedication to advancing sustainable mobility and delivering an exceptional experience for motorcyclists. As we broaden our presence in Nepal, our focus remains on driving innovation and supporting the region’s vision of a smarter and more connected future.”

The launch of the Kathmandu facility follows successful openings in Pune, Ahmedabad, Kochi and Hyderabad, marking another key milestone in Ultraviolette's rapid expansion strategy. Nepal has emerged as a leading destination for electric vehicle (EV) investments, drawing significant interest from both global and domestic players. 

Niraj Rajmohan, CTO & Co-Founder, Ultraviolette added, “The number of motorcycling enthusiasts in Nepal make it an ideal location for our latest UV Space Pod. This launch is not just about introducing another state-of-the-art facility; it's a testament to our dedication to enhancing the ecosystem for electric vehicles. Kathmandu is a city that we’ve received a terrific number of enquiries from and we are excited to embark on this new chapter to contribute to Nepal’s green mobility goals."

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TVS Motor Company (TVSM) hosted the TVS X Collectors’ Soiree in Bengaluru on 22 March 2026. The event positioned the TVS X electric mobility platform as a medium for design and culture, moving away from traditional automotive showcases focused on performance specifications.

The evening featured the unveiling of three unique, custom-designed TVS X units created in collaboration with fashion designer Manoviraj Khosla. These e-scooters serve as the first instalment of a series intended to use the TVS X as a canvas for Indian heritage.

The designs draw from the artistic and architectural history of Karnataka:

• Hampi: Inspired by the architecture of the former Vijayanagara Empire capital.
• Channapatna: Incorporating elements of the region’s traditional woodcraft.
• Mysuru: Reflecting the heritage and aesthetics associated with the city's history.

The initiative included a partnership with A Hundred Hands, a non-profit organisation supporting artisan communities in Karnataka. Proceeds from a collectors' auction held during the event were directed to the organisation to support sustainable livelihoods for local craftspeople. Mala Dhawan, Founder of A Hundred Hands, highlighted the importance of creating visibility and fair value for traditional craftsmanship within modern design.

Gaurav Gupta, President – India Two Wheeler Business, TVS Motor Company, said, “Progress without culture is incomplete. With TVS X, we’re bringing Indian art and architectural heritage into a contemporary form, and the first chapter in Karnataka, marks the start of a larger journey across India. We’re using TVS X as a canvas to reinterpret India’s art & cultural heritage, where ownership becomes participation in sustaining it and draws inspiration from it.”

Manoviraj Khosla, Collaborating Designer, added, “Design here was integral from the start, transforming the TVS X into a moving canvas that brings together material, form, and narrative.”

Mala Dhawan, Founder of A Hundred Hands, noted, “This initiative goes beyond ownership, supporting artisans by creating meaningful value and connecting craftsmanship with the right audience.”

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TVS Motor Company (TVSM) has announced a new media campaign for its flagship electric scooter, the TVS iQube. The initiative marks the brand's largest television-led rollout to date, featuring high-impact placements across major platforms, including the Indian Premier League (IPL) and cinema.

The campaign highlights the adoption of the TVS iQube by more than 850,000 families in India. Currently, the electric scooter range is available across 3,300 dealerships in over 1,000 cities.

The promotional content focuses on the vehicle's application in daily routines, such as commutes and school runs. It integrates specific technical and design features into these scenarios, including – safety and control, utility and connectivity.

TVS Motor Co is positioning the iQube's value proposition on three principles: Choice regarding range and features, Peace of Mind concerning safety and the purchase experience and Simplicity of operation. The campaign is intended to accelerate the national adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) by positioning the scooter as a versatile family transport solution.

Saurabh Kapoor, VP – Marketing, EV Business, TVS Motor Company, said, “We have always believed that meaningful innovation is rooted in the customer needs. TVS iQube’s journey has been built on the trust of lakhs of customers who have made it an integral part of their everyday lives. This campaign is a natural progression of that journey, strengthening our positioning as India’s favourite family EV. As we take this story to a national stage through television, including marquee platforms like the IPL, we are confident it will resonate deeply with audiences and further accelerate EV adoption across the country.”

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Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI), one of the largest two-wheeler manufacturers in the country, is set to invest around INR 15 billion to install a third production line at its manufacturing facility in Tapukara, Rajasthan. The expansion is designed to meet increasing domestic demand for scooters and motorcycles.

The new production line is scheduled to commence operations in 2028. It will have an annual capacity of 670,000 units, raising the Tapukara plant’s total yearly output to 2.01 million units. To support this project, HMSI will acquire 73,700 sqmt of additional land.

The expansion is expected to generate over 2,000 new jobs in the Alwar district, increase HMSI’s total Indian production capacity from 6.25 million to approximately 8 million units by FY2028. This will support the OEM to manufacture various commuter models using automated machining and production efficiency technologies.

At present, HMSI operates four plants in India, in addition to the Tapukara project, a fourth line at the Vithalapur plant in Gujarat is progressing toward a 2027 start date. Since beginning Indian operations in 2001, the company has produced over 70 million units.

The Tapukara factory originally opened in 2011. Continuous efficiency improvements are projected to bring its current baseline capacity to 1.34 million units by the end of the 2026 financial year, prior to the new line's integration.

Tsutsumu Otani, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said,"India is entering a new phase of mobility transformation, and HMSI is committed to leading this journey with responsibility and purpose. Strengthening our production ecosystem at Tapukara is an important step towards building greater resilience, flexibility, and future readiness across our supply chain. This expansion will help us respond more effectively to market demand and continue delivering value that supports the aspirations of millions of customers. In line with our commitment to safer, cleaner, and more accessible mobility, we remain focused on long-term sustainable growth that advances mobility and strengthens the company’s foundation for the future.”

Bhajan Lal Sharma, Chief Minister of Rajasthan, added, “Rajasthan continues to strengthen its position as a preferred destination for world-class manufacturing. The capacity expansion by Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India in their Tapukara situated manufacturing plant is a step forward in that direction. HMSI’s continued investment in the region will not only enhance manufacturing capabilities but also generate employment and contribute to growth of the automotive ecosystem in the region.”

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The Helmet Manufacturers Association of India has reported a significant increase in the cost of raw materials used in helmet production. The association attributes the surge to global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions, which have impacted the petrochemical markets.

Data from the association indicates steep price rises across several critical components:

• Expanded Polystyrene (EPS): Increased by nearly 74 percent.
• ABS and Polycarbonate (PC): Risen by approximately 40 percent.
• Polypropylene (PP): Increased by 45 percent.
• PVC and Packaging: Risen by 33 percent and 47 percent respectively.

These materials are essential for impact absorption and shell construction. The price volatility is driven by higher freight costs and fluctuations in crude oil markets linked to ongoing international conflicts.

India is one of the world’s largest two-wheeler markets, with annual sales exceeding 20 million units and is valued at over USD 2 billion.

The association has warned that rising costs may lead some manufacturers to reduce EPS density or use non-virgin materials to maintain margins. There are also concerns regarding the proliferation of counterfeit or non-compliant BIS certifications in the market.

Rajeev Kapur, President of the Helmet Manufacturers Association of India and MD of Steelbird Hi-Tech India, said, “The sharp rise in raw material prices due to global conflicts and supply chain disruptions is creating serious pressure on manufacturers. In such circumstances, there is a risk that some players may try to reduce EPS density, use non-virgin materials, or compromise on foam thickness to cut costs. Helmets are lifesaving products, and safety standards must never be compromised.”

“Bulk buyers such as vehicle OEMs, delivery companies, bike taxi operators and institutional fleet operators must exercise extreme caution while sourcing helmets. The industry is currently facing a serious challenge with the proliferation of fake or misused BIS certifications. A significant proportion of helmets claiming BIS certification in the market are either counterfeit or do not fully comply with prescribed safety standards,” he added.

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