Autocar Professional - Latest Articles

Ultraviolette Shockwave Gets 100V Architecture, Q1 2027 Launch Confirmed

Eshisha Java — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 12:00:43

Ultraviolette has confirmed that its upcoming Shockwave electric motorcycle will use the company’s newly developed 100V architecture and will launch in the first quarter of 2027. The architecture is expected to enable stronger power delivery, improved thermal efficiency and faster charging on the lightweight motorcycle platform.

The Shockwave, also referred to as FUNDURO, is positioned as a lightweight motorcycle focused on riding dynamics, with its design concept drawing inspiration from classic two-stroke motorcycles.

Ultraviolette Shockwave Production Preparations Underway

Ultraviolette has started setting up a production line for the Shockwave at its existing manufacturing facility. The company has also confirmed that the motorcycle will be offered in both single-seat and dual-seat configurations.

According to co-founder and CEO Narayan Subramaniam, the Shockwave and Tesseract have been developed in parallel over the past year, with work already underway on the Shockwave production line.

Shockwave 100V Architecture Follows Tesseract

The Shockwave’s move to the 100V architecture follows Ultraviolette’s earlier announcement that the Tesseract would also adopt the technology. The company says the two motorcycles are intended for different riding experiences, despite sharing the architecture.

Ultraviolette has not yet disclosed the Shockwave’s final specifications. Further details, including additional launch information, will be announced closer to its Q1 2027 introduction.

Suzuki Motorcycle India Launches Hayabusa Special Edition at Rs 19.90 Lakh

Dev Vadchhedia — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 18:06:27

Suzuki Motorcycle India announced the launch of the Hayabusa Special Edition at Rs 19,90,000 (ex-showroom), alongside introducing refreshed colour options and electronic revisions for the standard model priced at Rs 18,99,000.

The new Special Edition variant is finished in a Pearl Vigor Blue paint scheme and features dedicated decals, a bespoke wheel finish, a 3D fuel tank emblem and a factory-fitted single-seat cowl.

Hayabusa Updates: Lithium-Ion Battery and Revised Electronics

Mechanical and electronic revisions across both the standard motorcycle and the Special Edition include the adoption of an ELIIY Power lithium-ion battery, replacing the conventional unit with a lighter and more compact pack. The motorcycle continues to be powered by its 1,340 cc liquid-cooled, inline four-cylinder engine.

Suzuki said it has also updated the software calibration for the Launch Control System and Power Mode Selector, while also reconfiguring the Smart Cruise Control system to remain operational during clutchless gear changes without disengaging road speed settings.

Suzuki Hayabusa New Dual-Tone Colour Options

In addition to the Special Edition, the standard Hayabusa receives three dual-tone paint schemes: Candy Daring Red with Glass Sparkle Black, Metallic Galaxy Gray with Candy Burnt Gold, and Pearl Vigor Blue with Pearl Brilliant White.

Deepak Mutreja, Vice-President, Sales and Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Limited, said, "With the launch of the Hayabusa Special Edition and the introduction of new colour options, we aim to offer customers an even more exclusive and premium ownership experience while preserving the iconic character that has made the Hayabusa a global legend. The latest updates further enhance its appeal for enthusiasts who seek a perfect balance of performance, technology and distinctive styling."

TVS Motor Launches Ntorq 150 in Nepal at NPR 3.69 Lakh

Autocar Professional Bureau — Sat, 26 Sep 2026 18:30:58

TVS Motor Company has expanded the Ntorq 150 hyper sport scooter into its first international market, launching the model in Nepal on September 26, 2026, at an introductory price of NPR 3,69,900. The scooter is being sold through Jagdamba Motors, TVS's sole authorised distributor in the country.

The Nepal-spec Ntorq 150 carries over the mechanical package from the India launch: a 149.7cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder O3CTech engine producing 13.2PS at 7,000rpm and 14.2Nm of torque at 5,500rpm, with a claimed 0-60kph time of 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 104kph.

The equipment list mirrors the India-spec model closely: single-channel ABS and traction control for safety, hazard lamps and follow-me headlamps, telescopic front suspension, adjustable brake levers, a patented E-Z centre stand, and 22 litres of under-seat storage. TVS has also carried over its connected-features push, citing over 50 connected functions including turn-by-turn navigation and switchable ride modes.

For this market entry, the scooter is offered in three colourways — Stealth Silver, Racing Red and Turbo Blue.

TVS's Nepal launch of the Ntorq 150 represents a clear premiumisation move within the country's scooter lineup. The Ntorq 125 range in Nepal had previously topped out at around NPR 3,34,900 for its highest XP variant; the Ntorq 150 sets a new ceiling for the nameplate in the market by close to NPR 35,000, while also introducing rider-assist features — ABS and traction control — that were absent on preceding Ntorq generations sold in Nepal.

The move follows the model's India debut roughly a year earlier, where it launched at an introductory ex-showroom price of ₹1.19 lakh (Standard) and ₹1.29 lakh (TFT variant), taking on the Yamaha Aerox 155, Hero Xoom 160 and Aprilia SR 175 in India's 150-160cc performance scooter segment.

Commenting on the launch, Peyman Kargar, President – International Business, TVS Motor Company, described Nepal as an important market for the company, shaped by a young rider base that the Ntorq 150 is intended to serve.

The Nepal rollout signals TVS's intent to extend the Ntorq 150's premium positioning beyond India into established export markets where the brand already holds a strong scooter sales base.

By channeling the model through Jagdamba Motors' existing dealer network rather than a new distribution setup, TVS appears focused on converting its established retail and service presence in Nepal into faster uptake for a higher-margin product, consistent with the company's broader push to move its scooter portfolio upmarket across South Asia.

Zelio E-Mobility to Raise Rs 168 Crore to Fund Plant Expansion

Dev Vadchhedia — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 16:36:48

Zelio E-Mobility announced that it has received board approval to raise up to Rs 167.96 crore through a preferential issuance of equity shares and convertible warrants, subject to shareholder and stock exchange sanctions.

Zelio says this is intended to fund expansion to the company's manufacturing capacity, including the development of a dedicated electric three-wheeler manufacturing facility in Patan, Haryana, while scaling its distribution reach across India.

"The proposed fundraise will give us greater room to expand our manufacturing footprint, strengthen our distribution network and accelerate the development of our upcoming three-wheeler facility in Patan," Kunal Arya, Managing Director, Zelio E-Mobility, said.

The company plans to issue up to 9.73 lakh equity shares at a price of Rs 853 per share to raise approximately Rs 83 crore. Simultaneously, the company's board approved issuing up to 9.96 lakh convertible warrants at Rs 853 each to various promoters, aggregating approximately Rs 85 crore.

Ducati Reveals Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak with MotoGP-Inspired Livery Ahead of 2027 India Launch

Dev Vadchhedia — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 15:48:36

Ducati has unveiled the 2027 edition of the Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak with a revised racing livery, influenced by its factory Desmosedici GP and Panigale V4 R machines competing in the MotoGP and Superbike World Championships.

The Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak sports 17-inch wheels, an Ohlins Smart EC 2.0 semi-active electronic suspension system, as well as front and rear discs utilizing an Electronic Combined Braking System. Power comes from a 1,158 cc V4 Granturismo engine delivering 170 hp and 124 Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed gearbox with a dedicated Race Riding Mode.

Ducati said the updated Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak is scheduled to officially launch in India in 2027 .

Kinetic Engineering Invests Rs 57 Crore to Scale Exports and EV Arm

Dev Vadchhedia — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 17:40:36

Kinetic Engineering has announced an additional investment of approximately Rs 57 crore to finance manufacturing capex and accelerate the expansion of its electric vehicle business. Following this transaction, total promoter shareholding in the flagship firm has increased from 50% to 69.27% over a four-year period.

Under the capital allocation plan, approximately Rs 17 crore will be directed toward capital expenditure at its manufacturing base to support newly acquired driveline export contracts. These long-term export orders to Europe and Mexico carry a cumulative value of approximately Rs 500 crore over a seven-year delivery schedule. The remaining balance of Rs 40 crore will be infused into its electric mobility subsidiary, Kinetic Watts and Volts, to support product development, supply-chain scale, and retail network rollouts for its electric two-wheeler portfolio.

Kinetic recently introduced the electric version of the Kinetic DX and DX+ scooters. To build its retail distribution footprint, the company says it has signed letters of intent with over 150 dealers across the country, with more than 60 touchpoints currently operational with integrated sales, service, and spares facilities.

Ajinkya Firodia, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Kinetic Engineering, said, "Kinetic Engineering is entering an exciting phase of growth, with strong momentum across both our automotive components and electric mobility businesses. With continued investments in capacity, technology and our retail network, we are focused on scaling both businesses and building Kinetic into a leading and enduring player in India’s electric mobility segment."

TVS Orbiter Sells 14,641 Units for 25% Share of TVS E-scooter Dispatches in August

Ajit Dalvi — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 11:22:13

Electric scooter market leader TVS Motor Co dispatched 14,641 units of its Orbiter to its showrooms last month. This gave the Orbiter a 25% share of the 57,523 e-scooters the company sold in August, up 135% YoY (August 2025: 24,434 units). This effectively means every fourth e-scooter TVS sold last month was an Orbiter, with the other three being the iQube.

The TVS Orbiter, launched a year ago, sits below the flagship iQube in the brand’s e-2W lineup and has two variants: Orbiter V1 (1,8 kWh battery) and V2 (3.1 kWh battery). Pricing starts from Rs 88,250 through to Rs 105,000 (ex-showroom), making the Orbiter the most affordable TVS EV. The Orbiter, which uses a BLDC motor, offers two riding modes: Eco and City. Mileage or range as claimed by the company is 158km for the V2 and 86km for the V1. In terms of acceleration, the Orbiter V2 takes 6.8 seconds to go from 0-40kph, while the V1 does it in 6.3 seconds.

The iQube (42,882 units) remains the main growth driver for TVS e-scooters. The Orbiter (14,641 units) helped the company register its second highest monthly sales in August (57,523 units).

TVS Electric Scooter Sales in FY2027: iQube and Orbiter Drive 108% Growth

While demand for the TVS iQube, India’s best-selling e-scooter, remains strong, the Orbiter has helped accelerate TVS’ monthly sales. As the five-month wholesale data table above illustrates, August 2026’s 57,523 units are the company’s second-highest monthly e-2W dispatches, after July’s 59,386 units. Cumulative five-month wholesales in FY2027 YTD at 243,625 units are a 108% YoY increase (April-August 2025: 116,953 units) and already 66% of TVS’ record 367,501 e-scooter sales in FY2026.

TVS Orbiter Rivals: Ather Konarc, Hero Vida VX2 Go and Ola S1X

Whether the Ather Konarc, launched at the end of August and priced at Rs 99,000 (ex-showroom) to attract mainstream mass-market e-2W buyers, will impact sales of the TVS Orbiter remains to be seen, albeit the entry-level Konarc isn’t due for release anytime soon. Of the two other rivals – Hero Vida VX2 Go (Rs 95,000 ex-showroom Delhi) and Ola S1X (Rs 84,999) – the Hero Vida is the higher-selling model than the Ola.

TVS Orbiter Exports in August 2026

Meanwhile, the TVS Orbiter was the second most-exported made-in-India electric scooter in August, losing the top spot to its sibling iQube by just two units.

ALSO READ: Scooter industry sells record 855,175 units in August, Honda back on top after losing to TVS in July

Creatara Mobility Opens Faridabad Facility with 30,000 Unit Annual Capacity

Dev Vadchhedia — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 18:21:06

Electric two-wheeler manufacturer Creatara Mobility announced that it has inaugurated its first manufacturing facility in Faridabad, Delhi NCR, establishing an installed annual production capacity of 30,000 units. The milestone marks the company's operational shift from initial R&D to commercial manufacturing.

The Faridabad plant will produce the company's flagship IN40 and VM4 electric two-wheelers, intended to serve both domestic and export markets.

Vikas Gupta, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Creatara Mobility, said:

"Creatara's journey has never been about factories first, but about a vision realized step by step. Now, that vision is being industrialised and scaled." Ringlarei Pamei, Co-Founder, Creatara Mobility, said, "We have built Creatara with disciplined capital. We believe there is tremendous opportunity for companies that can combine ambition with capital discipline, and that is the model we want to build at Creatara"

Honda CB350 Range Updated, Prices Start at Rs 1.95 Lakh

Autocar Professional Bureau — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 14:25:11

Honda has launched its updated CB350 line-up in India, comprising the CB350, CB350C and CB350RS. The range was first showcased in July, with the CB350RS now available for purchase, while the CB350 and CB350C will go on sale from October.

Bookings are currently open through Honda’s website and BigWing dealerships for Rs 5,000.

The biggest changes are to the variant structure and pricing, while the mechanical and feature package remains unchanged.

Honda CB350 Range Gets Revised Variant Structure

Honda has simplified the CB350 line-up by dropping the H’ness name. The former H’ness-based top variant is now called the CB350 Chrome.

The CB350 range is now priced as follows:

Variant	New price
CB350 STD	Rs 1.95 lakh
CB350 DLX	Rs 1.98 lakh
CB350 Chrome	Rs 2.00 lakh
CB350C STD	Rs 2.00 lakh
CB350C DLX	Rs 2.03 lakh
CB350C Special Edition	Rs 2.05 lakh
CB350RS STD	Rs 2.00 lakh
CB350RS DLX	Rs 2.03 lakh

The new CB350 STD brings the entry price down by Rs 2,000 compared with the previous range. The CB350 DLX is now around Rs 900 more expensive, while the CB350 Chrome is marginally cheaper than the variant it replaces.

The CB350C variants have received increases of around Rs 2,000, while the CB350RS range is around Rs 2,000 more expensive.

CB350RS Gets New Colour

The CB350RS receives an additional colour option with the update. Its DLX variant can now be specified in Pearl Siren Blue, while the existing six colours receive slightly revised graphics.

Apart from the colour and graphics changes, the CB350RS remains mechanically unchanged.

Same 348cc Engine and Features

All three models continue to use Honda's 348.36cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine, producing 20.7hp and 30Nm. The engine continues to be paired with the same transmission and is equipped with a slip-and-assist clutch.

Standard safety and connectivity equipment across the range includes:

Honda Selectable Torque Control
Dual-channel ABS
Slip-and-assist clutch
Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity

There are no mechanical or feature changes with the updated line-up.

Availability and Pricing

The CB350RS is available immediately, while the CB350 and CB350C will become available from October.

With the revised variant structure, Honda now has a slightly lower entry point for the CB350 while expanding the range across three distinct versions. The underlying engine and equipment package, however, remains unchanged.

Instamart Partners With Yulu, Yuma To Expand EV Access For Delivery Partners

Eshisha Java — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 12:55:30

Instamart has partnered with Yulu and Yuma Energy to expand access to electric two-wheelers and battery-swapping infrastructure for its delivery partners. The initiative is aimed at addressing vehicle affordability and charging-related downtime in last-mile deliveries.

As part of the arrangement with Yuma Energy, Instamart will provide space at its PODs, or dark stores, for battery-swapping stations. Yuma currently operates more than 2,000 battery-swapping units, with each swap taking less than two minutes. Instamart said delivery partners covering an average of more than 90km a day may require two battery swaps, while locating stations closer to PODs can save up to 60 minutes of travel and waiting time per day.

The first battery-swapping station under the initiative was inaugurated earlier in September at an Instamart POD. The company said the programme is intended to bring energy infrastructure closer to locations where delivery partners operate.

Instamart-Yuma Battery Swapping Network For Delivery Partners

Instamart's arrangement with Yuma focuses on reducing the time associated with accessing charging infrastructure. Instead of travelling to a separate swapping location, delivery partners can access Yuma stations located at participating Instamart PODs.

Yuma Energy's Head of Revenue and Operations, Deepak Nanwani, said the economics of an electric two-wheeler for a delivery rider depend on both vehicle affordability and uptime. He said combining access to EVs with a battery-swapping network is intended to reduce downtime during delivery operations.

Yulu Rental Cashback To Reduce EV Costs

Under its partnership with Yulu, Instamart is offering rental cashback incentives to delivery partners using Yulu electric two-wheelers for deliveries on the platform. The programme is intended to reduce the upfront cost associated with switching to an EV and limit exposure to fluctuations in petrol prices.

The programme was launched in May 2026, with thousands of delivery partners receiving incentives so far. Instamart said the initiative has reduced rental expenses for participating delivery partners by up to 30%.

Instamart, together with Swiggy, currently works with more than 50 EV partners across India to provide delivery partners with access to electric mobility. The company said its partnerships with Yulu and Yuma combine vehicle access, rental support and battery-swapping infrastructure.

Ultraviolette Raises $85 Million, Targets US Entry In 2027

Eshisha Java — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 12:46:43

Ultraviolette has raised $85 million in a funding round led by Deep Tech Fund Yali Capital and TDK Ventures, with participation from Walden International chairman Lip-Bu Tan and the company’s existing investors. Tan will also join Ultraviolette as an advisor.

The Bengaluru-based electric two-wheeler manufacturer said the funds will support production expansion, development of its next-generation electric vehicle platforms and international expansion. Ultraviolette is targeting entry into the US market in 2027, while also planning to expand across Latin America and Southeast Asia.

The funding follows the company’s announcement of a new manufacturing facility that will scale production capacity to up to 500,000 units annually. Ultraviolette currently sells the F77 and X-47 Crossover electric motorcycles in India and 20 European countries. Its upcoming products include the Tesseract scooter and Shockwave enduro motorcycle.

Ultraviolette Funding To Support Production Expansion

The company said part of the $85 million will be allocated towards scaling production of the F77 and X-47, as well as the upcoming Tesseract and Shockwave. The stated objective is to address domestic and international demand as Ultraviolette expands its market presence.

The company is also directing the investment towards its next generation of global EV platforms. According to Ultraviolette, these platforms will build on its vertically integrated capabilities covering battery technology, power electronics, vehicle architecture and intelligent software.

Yali Capital founding managing partner Ganapathy Subramaniam said the investment was influenced by Ultraviolette’s in-house capabilities across areas including batteries, powertrains, software and radar-based systems. He also pointed to the company’s development of the F77 and the radar-based safety technology used on the X-47.

Ultraviolette Targets US Market In 2027

Ultraviolette currently has a presence in India and 20 European countries, with the company identifying the US as its next major target market. It has set 2027 as the target year for entering the US, alongside planned expansion in Latin America and Southeast Asia.

The company said its upcoming Tesseract scooter will extend its product range beyond motorcycles, while the Shockwave is positioned as an enduro motorcycle. Tesseract is scheduled to launch early next year, according to Yali Capital’s statement in the release.

Next-Generation EV Platforms In Development

Ultraviolette said its technical capabilities span battery architectures from 48V to 400V. It plans to use this range to develop platforms for different vehicle categories and requirements, including performance, range, thermal management and packaging.

Honda Announces Pricing for QC3 E-Scooter, CB500 and Updated CB350 Range

Dev Vadchhedia — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 16:35:37

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India has announced the prices for its new QC3 electric scooter and the CB500 motorcycle, alongside the refreshed CB350 model range. The price reveal marks the rollout phase of the expanded 10-product portfolio introduced by the company in July 2026. Customers can book any of the five models for an initial token amount of Rs 5,000 through the company website or authorized dealerships.

The Honda QC3 electric scooter is priced at Rs 1,35,000, ex-showroom. The model will initially be available through select Honda RedWing outlets in Delhi, Agra, Cuttack, Surat and Kollam. It features a 3.0 kWh battery pack that provides a certified IDC range of 145 kilometres on a single charge, with a claimed zero to 80 percent charge time of two hours and 40 minutes. Additional hardware includes 32 litres of storage space, a smart key system, and a five-inch TFT display equipped with turn-by-turn navigation.

Honda CB500 Price, Variants and Specifications

The CB500 is offered in three variants. Prices start at Rs 2,75,000 for the alloy wheel trim, moving to Rs 2,99,900 for the spoke tubeless variant, and Rs 3,01,900 for the spoke tubeless with stripe version, retailing nationwide through Honda's BigWing network. The motorcycle is powered by a 501cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine equipped. Standard equipment includes an assist and slipper clutch, a traction control system, all-LED lighting, and front and rear disc brakes with dual-channel ABS.

Honda CB350 Range: New Colours, Prices and Dispatch Details

Honda also introduced the refreshed CB350 lineup, which includes the standard CB350, the CB350RS, and the CB350C, with prices starting from Rs 1,95,200, ex-showroom. The updated range brings new colour options across the variants while retaining the existing 348.6cc air-cooled engine and mechanical hardware. Honda said dispatches of the updated 350cc series to BigWing dealerships across the country commenced on September 21, 2026.

Pulsar at 25: Bajaj Rebuilds 125, 150 as Competition Intensifies

Darshan Nakhwa — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 11:52:45

Twenty-five years after the Pulsar first changed Bajaj Auto's position in India's motorcycle market, the company is rebuilding two of the brand's oldest nameplates as competition intensifies in the segments that sit at the heart of its domestic motorcycle strategy. Bajaj in August unveiled ground-up updates to the Pulsar 125 and Pulsar 150, retaining their familiar "classic" identity while changing much of the engineering underneath. The move comes as both motorcycles face pressure at home, even as the Pulsar franchise continues to grow internationally.

The stakes extend beyond the two models. Bajaj's domestic motorcycle sales grew just 0.6% to 20.43 lakh units in FY2026, compared with 6.6% growth for the overall motorcycle market. Its share consequently fell to 15.6% from 16.6% a year earlier. At the same time, larger motorcycles have become increasingly important to Bajaj. The company says motorcycles of 125cc and above accounted for 77.5% of its domestic motorcycle sales in FY2026.

Pulsar itself remains a much stronger franchise than Bajaj's overall domestic market-share performance suggests. The brand crossed ₹11,000 crore in domestic revenue and ₹16,500 crore overseas in FY2026, while recording its highest-ever global volumes, according to Bajaj's annual report.

125cc Battle Gets Tougher

The Pulsar 125 competes in one of India's largest motorcycle categories, but Bajaj has lost ground in it.

Domestic sales in the >110cc-125cc category were broadly flat at 36.16 lakh units in FY2026, compared with 36 lakh in FY2025, according to SIAM. Honda dominated the category with 17.79 lakh units, or about 49% of the market. Bajaj was second with 7.93 lakh units, followed by Hero MotoCorp at 6.17 lakh and TVS Motor at 4.27 lakh. Model-level data showed Honda Shine leading the category in FY2026, while Bajaj Pulsar volumes fell 3% to 774,995 units. TVS Raider, meanwhile, grew 7% to 426,877 units.

This year, growth has returned. SIAM data for April-August shows the >110cc-125cc category growing 6.4% to 14,88,614 units from 13,98,466 units a year earlier. Bajaj, however, moved in the opposite direction: its domestic sales in the category fell 19.8% to 253,209 units from 315,574 units. That reduced Bajaj's share of the category to about 17% from 22.6% in the year-ago period. In contrast, Honda grew by 14%, Hero by 21% and TVS by 5%.

The numbers underline how the 125cc market has changed. Honda continues to dominate through its commuter franchise, while products such as the TVS Raider and Hero Xtreme 125R have brought sportier styling and performance into a displacement category where Pulsar once had a clearer positioning advantage.

Pulsar 150

The Pulsar 150 sits in a much smaller and more volatile category. Domestic sales in the >125cc-150cc segment surged 35% to 722,261 units in FY2025 before dropping 27% to 525,123 units in FY2026, according to SIAM. The market has rebounded sharply this year. Sales rose 49.5% to 302,147 units in April-August FY2027, from 202,071 units a year earlier.

However, Bajaj has again moved against the market. Its domestic volumes in the category fell 34% to 55,352 units from 84,119 units this year, reducing its share to about 18% from nearly 42%. Honda has been the biggest beneficiary, with volumes more than tripling to 182,253 units from 55,291. Yamaha sales edged up to 64,541 units from 62,661. The divergence is significant: a market that expanded by almost half saw Bajaj's volumes contract by a third.

Squeezed From Both Ends

The Pulsar 150 also faces a structural challenge that was far less pronounced when the motorcycle established itself two decades ago. Sporty 125cc motorcycles increasingly offer the styling and equipment that once encouraged buyers to move up to a 150cc machine. At the other end, 160cc motorcycles offer substantially more performance without requiring a large jump in price.

Bajaj itself is strengthening that end of the Pulsar portfolio. The company recently introduced the Pulsar N160 S and N160 SS with a new 165cc engine producing 18.5PS, compared with 14PS for the new Pulsar 150. Bajaj said the N160 range grew 60% in the first six months of 2026, three times the growth of the segment, according to the company. That leaves the classic 150 defending an increasingly narrow space between more sophisticated 125s and more powerful 160s.

Bajaj has tried to modernise the 150 formula before. The P150 arrived in 2022 on a newer platform and was followed by the N150 in 2023. The N150 was subsequently withdrawn in 2025. The latest strategy is different. Instead of replacing the familiar Pulsar 150 identity, Bajaj has retained it while substantially rebuilding the motorcycle underneath.

Both the new Pulsar 125 and 150 move to a diamond frame with the engine as a stressed member and gain monoshock rear suspension. The 125 produces 12PS while the 150 makes 14PS. Higher variants add a five-inch touchscreen with Google Maps, three riding modes, and an idle stop-start system, while both get Bajaj's Crawl Tech for low-speed traffic. Prices start at ₹92,990 for the Pulsar 125 and ₹1,15,233 for the Pulsar 150. Sumeet Narang, Bajaj Auto's president of marketing, described the 150 as the "OG thrill with the presence that people love it for", reflecting the company's decision to retain the model's familiar identity.

Exports Provide a Counterweight

The domestic weakness does not tell the full Pulsar story. Exports have become an increasingly important counterweight for Bajaj. The company exported 22.50 lakh vehicles in FY2026, up 20.8%, while export revenue rose 25.6% to ₹20,416 crore. Two-wheelers accounted for 19.67 lakh units, up 17.5%. Bajaj says its motorcycle exports grew about 17% in FY2026, compared with 10% growth for the industry. East Africa and South Asia were the biggest growth drivers, rising 54% and 36%, respectively. Pulsar exports increased 18% to their highest-ever level.

The recovery was broad-based. Latin America recorded its best-ever year, while overseas monthly volumes crossed two lakh units in October 2025 for the first time in 39 months. The SIAM displacement data suggests that export demand is also helping offset weakness in the categories occupied by the two classic Pulsars.

In the >110cc-125cc category, Bajaj's exports jumped 42% to 304,191 units in April-August. Total exports from India in the segment rose 36% to 800,354 units. The >125cc-150cc category shows a similar divergence. Bajaj's exports increased 10.6% to 102,266 units from 92,434 units, even as its domestic sales in the same displacement band fell 34%. Overall exports from the category rose 6.6% to 205,342 units.

The contrast is important. Bajaj is losing domestic ground in both displacement categories this year, but export volumes in both are growing. That helps explain why Pulsar can simultaneously be posting record global volumes while some of its core domestic categories remain under pressure.

A Wider Pulsar Reset

The new 125 and 150 are part of a broader portfolio intervention. Following Bajaj's first-quarter results in July, Joint Managing Director Rakesh Sharma said the company planned 10 model interventions before the festive season, including new motorcycles in the 125cc and 150cc segments under the Pulsar brand. He described the wider portfolio as showing signs of "end-of-cycle fatigue", rather than singling out the two classic Pulsars. The intervention had already started earlier. Bajaj undertook a series of pricing and product actions during FY26 to improve competitiveness in 125cc-plus motorcycles.

For the Pulsar 125, the task now is to regain share in a large market where Honda remains dominant, and Hero and TVS have strengthened their offerings. For the 150, the challenge is more unusual: recover volumes in a market that is expanding rapidly even as buyers gain more alternatives immediately above and below it.

BikeWo Targets 10,000 Vehicles, ₹66.46 Crore Reliance Contract

Eshisha Java — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 11:22:48

BikeWo Green Tech plans to scale its operating fleet to approximately 10,000 vehicles during FY2026-27, funded through a preferential issue of warrants worth more than ₹76 crore. The company is also expanding into EV asset ownership, leasing, fleet operations and technology-enabled logistics under its new BikeWo Ascend strategy.

As part of the expansion, BikeWo has entered into contracts with Reliance Industries’ Bio Energy Division for the hiring and deployment of specialised electric tractors. The contracts have an estimated aggregate value of ₹66.46 crore and are valid until July 2033.

The electric tractors will be used with specialised loader, catcher and grabber applications, along with associated driver and vehicle-operation services. The deployment extends BikeWo’s stated EV applications into bio-energy and biomass-handling operations.

BikeWo’s ₹66.46 Crore Reliance Contract

The Reliance engagement forms part of BikeWo’s move into specialised fleet applications. The company said its expansion will cover last-mile, mid-mile and long-mile transportation, enterprise mobility, specialised fleet operations and related mobility infrastructure.

BikeWo CEO Hiten Pal Saklani said the company’s focus is shifting from selling vehicles towards the infrastructure, operations and technology required to deploy and operate electric vehicles across different applications. He cited the bio-energy deployment as an example of EVs being used outside conventional transportation.

The company has described the broader strategy as BikeWo Ascend, covering EV asset ownership and leasing, fleet deployment, specialised mobility applications, operating partnerships, lifecycle support and technology-enabled logistics.

BikeWo Targets 10,000-Vehicle Fleet In FY2026-27

The planned 10,000-vehicle fleet is a management target for FY2026-27 rather than an achieved figure. The company said the expansion will be supported by a preferential warrant issue of more than ₹76 crore, with the issue subject to subscription, exercise and applicable terms.

Saklani said the company's approach to scale involves building operating capabilities around the vehicles, including assets, partners, technology and operating capabilities for different mobility requirements.

BikeWo has also appointed Sumanth Badiga to its Advisory Board. Badiga has more than three decades of experience in the automotive and transportation sectors.

BikeWo’s Fleet Operations And Financial Background

BikeWo was incorporated in Telangana in 2016 and initially operated as a multi-brand electric two-wheeler retailer. It moved into fleet operations in 2025 and listed on NSE Emerge in September 2024, raising ₹24.09 crore.

For the year ended March 2026, the company reported consolidated revenue of ₹54.49 crore, up 132 percent, while net profit increased to ₹4.50 crore from ₹0.88 crore in the previous period.

BikeWo said it is pursuing acquisitions, investments and collaborations across electric mobility, fleet operations, logistics infrastructure and technology as it expands its participation in India’s mobility and logistics value chain.

BikeWo states that the ₹66.46 crore Reliance contract figure is indicative and estimated, and is not binding on the customer for fulfilment. Actual revenue will depend on services deployed and executed under the contractual terms.

2026 Triumph Daytona 660 Launched at Rs 9.99 Lakh with New Upgrades

Autocar Professional Bureau — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 19:20:33

Triumph has launched the 2026 Daytona 660 in India at Rs 9.99 lakh, replacing the outgoing version. The updated motorcycle receives several changes to its ride package, while retaining the same 660cc engine and overall mechanical package.

The new model costs Rs 11,000 more than the outgoing Daytona 660, which was priced at Rs 9.88 lakh.

2026 Triumph Daytona 660 Gets Suspension Upgrades

The biggest update is to the 41mm Showa USD front fork. While the previous Daytona 660's fork was non-adjustable, the new unit now gets compression and rebound adjustability. Travel remains unchanged at 110mm. The rear monoshock continues with preload adjustment and 130mm of travel, with no changes to its hardware.

Triumph has also upgraded the tyres. The new Daytona 660 gets Metzeler M9 RR rubber, replacing the Michelin Power 6 tyres on the outgoing motorcycle.

Quickshifter Now Standard

The bi-directional quickshifter is now offered as standard equipment. On the previous Daytona 660, it was available as an optional accessory.

The motorcycle continues with its steel perimeter frame and twin front disc brakes with radial calipers. Its riding position remains aimed at combining sporty riding with everyday usability.

Same 660cc Triple-Cylinder Engine

The 2026 Daytona 660 continues with the same 660cc inline-three-cylinder engine, producing 95hp and 68Nm. The engine is paired with a 6-speed gearbox. There are no changes to the powertrain with this update.

Three New Colour Options

Triumph has introduced three new colour schemes for the updated Daytona 660:
Aluminium Silver with glossy Sapphire Black graphics , Cosmic Yellow with glossy Sapphire Black graphics and Sapphire Black with a gloss finish.

India Price and Competition

The 2026 Triumph Daytona 660 is priced at Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom, India), an increase of Rs 11,000 over the outgoing model.

Interestingly, the price increase in India is significantly smaller than the hike in the UK, where the Daytona 660's price has increased from GBP 8,595 to GBP 8,995.

Royal Enfield Adds Signature White Colour to Classic 350

Autocar Professional Bureau — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 19:16:49

Royal Enfield has introduced a new Signature White colour for the Classic 350. The new colour is positioned at the top of the Classic 350 range alongside the Emerald shade, with a price of Rs 2.24 lakh (ex-showroom, Chennai).

Bookings for the new colour are now open through Royal Enfield’s website. Apart from the new colour, the Signature White is mechanically identical to the other Classic 350 variants.

Signature White Gets Wire-Spoke Wheels

The new Signature White version comes with wire-spoke rims and tubed tyres. The Classic 350 is currently offered in nine variants, with colours and wheel types being the primary differences between them. Seven variants use tubed wire-spoke wheels, while two get alloy wheels. All versions use 19-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels.

The Gun Grey and Stealth Black colours are currently the only Classic 350 versions available with alloy wheels.

Same 349cc J-Series Engine

There are no mechanical changes with the Signature White variant. It continues to use Royal Enfield’s 349cc, single-cylinder J-series engine, producing 20.2hp and 27Nm. The engine is paired with a 5-speed gearbox, while braking hardware consists of disc brakes at both ends with dual-channel ABS as standard. The recently introduced slip-and-assist clutch also continues across the range.

Tripper Navigation Available on Higher Variants

The other notable equipment difference between Classic 350 variants is the availability of the Tripper navigation pod. The turn-by-turn navigation device is reserved for the higher variants.

With Signature White joining Emerald at the top of the range, the Classic 350 continues to offer multiple combinations of colours, wheels and equipment while retaining the same mechanical package.

Exponent Energy Completes 200 Three-Wheeler Retrofits in Bengaluru Pilot

Autocar Professional Bureau — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 14:24:38

Bengaluru-based EV technology company Exponent Energy announced that it has completed 200 electric retrofits of internal combustion engine autorickshaws in Bengaluru as part of a four-month pilot project run through its Exponent OTO platform.

The company stated that the retrofitted fleet has logged over 1.5 million kilometres and completed more than 25,000 charging sessions, helping it secure a 20% market share in the city's electric three-wheeler sector. Following the pilot, Exponent plans to scale its commercial retrofitment operations across other major Indian cities.

Why Exponent Energy Is Betting on Retrofits Over New EVs

Ayush Bhargava, Head of Business, Exponent Energy, said, "The 200 retrofits in Bengaluru show that there is a real opportunity to electrify the vehicles already on the road, rather than waiting for them to be replaced. For drivers, the retrofit model offers a more accessible path to EVs while allowing them to continue with the vehicle and service ecosystem they already know."

Spiro Secures Additional $18 Million Debt Financing to Expand East African Operations

Autocar Professional Bureau — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 13:22:31

Electric mobility company Spiro announced on Monday that it has secured an additional $18 million in debt financing from climate-focused fund Africa Go Green Fund, doubling the fund's total financial commitment to the company to $36 million. The capital injection builds directly upon an earlier debt facility finalized in December 2025, under which Africa Go Green Fund had committed an initial $18 million and Nithio contributed $7 million, with the former serving as the transaction structuring lead.

Spiro says it will deploy the newly raised capital to expand its electric two-wheeler fleet and scale up its battery-swapping station network in East Africa, focusing specifically on market operations in Uganda and Rwanda. The deployment will also support the company's broader charging and swap ecosystem, which recently introduced higher-capacity mega battery-swap stations in Kenya and Rwanda to service commercial riders.

Anant Badjatya, Group CEO of Spiro, said, "This additional financing will enable us to accelerate execution in two important East African markets." Gagan Gupta, Founder of Spiro, added, "Africa Go Green Fund’s decision to double its commitment is a powerful vote of confidence in Spiro’s progress."

Kolkata Police Adds 183 Ultraviolette Electric Motorcycles to Its Fleet

Angitha Suresh — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 14:18:23

Ultraviolette has delivered 183 units of its X-47 Skyforce electric motorcycle to the Kolkata Police. The Skyforce is a law-enforcement variant of the company's X-47 Crossover, modified with an electronics architecture designed to support police-specific equipment. The delivery marks a significant addition to the Kolkata Police's vehicle fleet and reflects a wider shift among Indian law-enforcement agencies toward electric mobility.

The X-47 Skyforce has been configured to accommodate the operational requirements of active police duty. Its electronics architecture supports a range of equipment including sirens, hooters, a public address system, and LED blinkers — standard tools for traffic management and emergency response. The motorcycle also includes holders for a microphone and walkie-talkie, along with side panniers for carrying equipment. These modifications are built into the existing X-47 platform without altering the core mechanical or electrical hardware, allowing Ultraviolette to keep the base motorcycle's performance characteristics intact.

The ability to integrate communication and signalling equipment directly into the vehicle's electronics, rather than through aftermarket fitment, is a feature that has become increasingly relevant as police forces evaluate purpose-adapted two-wheelers for urban deployment.

In terms of performance, the X-47 Skyforce claims an IDC-rated range of 211 km on a single charge and a top speed of 145 kph — figures derived from the standard X-47 Crossover. The suspension setup consists of a 41mm upside-down front fork and a rear monoshock, with 170mm of wheel travel at both ends. Braking hardware is supplied by Bybre, with a 320mm front disc and a 230mm rear disc. These specifications place the motorcycle in a similar performance bracket to mid-displacement petrol-powered bikes commonly used in police fleets across Indian cities.

Charging infrastructure and range are among the practical considerations for police forces adopting electric vehicles. At 211 km per charge under IDC test conditions, real-world range will vary depending on load, speed, and usage patterns. Urban police operations, which typically involve shorter patrol distances and more frequent stops, may suit electric motorcycles better than long-distance highway duties.

Ultraviolette has also highlighted the potential operating cost benefits of the switch to electric. Electric motorcycles generally carry lower per-kilometre running and maintenance costs than equivalent petrol-powered units, owing to fewer moving parts and lower fuel expenditure. However, the actual savings in a fleet deployment depend on local electricity tariffs, charging logistics, and the intensity of use — factors that vary across police departments.

The Kolkata Police deployment is part of a broader pattern of Indian state police forces integrating electric two-wheelers into their fleets. Several other forces, including those in Delhi, Pune, and Bengaluru, have previously trialled or adopted electric motorcycles and scooters, often as part of state government initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint of public-sector vehicle fleets.

Bgauss Auto sells 10,000 e-scooters in two months, will new C12 MaxR spur demand?

Ajit Dalvi — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 09:12:29

India’s electric 2-wheeler growth story, which continues to scale a new high in CY2026, is being written by a clutch of legacy OEMs and a few startups. The monthly Top 10 e-2W OEM list typically has four legacy OEMs like TVS Motor, Bajaj Auto, Hero MotoCorp (Vida) and Greaves Electric Mobility with the other six comprising startups which include Ather Energy, Ola Electric, River Mobility, Bgauss Auto and Simple One.

As per the Vahan portal, the Mumbai-based Bgauss Auto, which has been in the market since August 2022, has sold a total of 91,373 units (see retail sales table below). CY2026 is already its best year to date, having delivered 32,627 e-scooters (RUV 350, C12 Max and Oowah) to buyers this year from January 1 to September 16, and surpassed its entire CY2025 sales (25,131 units).

In July, the EV start-up delivered 5,560 e-scooters to its customers to mark its highest monthly sales, and followed it up with 5,045 units in August.

Bgauss Auto Sales Trend: Closing In On 100,000-Unit Milestone

With 32,627 e-scooters sold in CY2026 YTD including 5,560 units in July and 5,045 units in August, Bgauss Auto is fast closing in on the cumulative 100,000 retail sales milestone.

Bgauss Auto, which was ranked India’s No. 7 e-2W OEM in CY2025 maintains that position in the first eight months of CY2026: January, February, March, April, May, June, July and August. This includes its highest monthly sales in July (5,560 units) and second-highest in August (5,044 units). Bgauss will now be looking to up the ante with its new flagship, the C12 MaxR which expands its portfolio to four models.

Bgauss C12 MaxR Price, Specifications and Features

On September 10, Bgauss launched the C12 MaxR e-scooter priced at Rs 160,000 (ex-showroom, excluding the PM E-Drive subsidy). However, with the company offering an introductory price, the effective ex-showroom price is reduced to Rs 146,000.

Bgauss claims the C12 MaxR is its most capable product to date. The C12 Max R, which develops 4.2kW of peak power, has a claimed top speed of 75kph.

The e-scooter comes with three ride modes – Eco, Ride and Sport – along with a reverse mode and cruise control. Its 3.8kWh LFP battery offers a claimed IDC range of 178km and, according to BGauss, is rated for a lifespan of up to 150,000 kilometres.

Other noteworthy features include a 5-inch TFT display with call alerts, ride and charging statistics, and document storage. Connected features include a parental lock, speed mode selection and vehicle health monitoring.

The C12 MaxR offers 38 litres of storage, and the company says its underseat compartment can accommodate two helmets, although it has not specified whether these are full-face or half-face helmets. It also gets a pop-out umbrella holder and a lockable compartment for documents or a wallet.

Hardware includes 12-inch alloy wheels with tubeless tyres, a 220mm front disc brake and a rear drum brake, along with a telescopic front fork and a rear monoshock.

Bgauss C12 MaxR vs TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak, Ather Rizta: Competition Check

All BGauss models (C12 Max: Rs 105,240 and 123km range, Oowah: Rs 122,990 and 145km range, RUV 350: Rs 138,990 and 145km range, C12 MaxR: 146,000 and 178km range) are priced above Rs 100,000 (ex-showroom).

Given its premium pricing, the new C12 MaxR goes head-to-head with the top-end variants of the TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak and Ather Rizta which means it faces stiff competition.

Furthermore, the Indian e-scooter market is increasingly witnessing the top e-2W OEMs target the mass-market (priced below Rs 100,000) segment as is seen with the recently launched Ather Konarc, the most affordable EV from Ather Energy.

Bgauss Auto's WSA Platform and Road Ahead in CY2026

As per the company’s press note, the C12 MaxR has been built on the WSA Platform, a flexible vehicle architecture engineered to support multiple motor, battery and wheel configurations.

While Bgauss hasn’t confirmed whether the WSA Platform will spawn affordable (read below Rs 100,000) e-scooters, it nevertheless offers a clue to a larger e-scooter portfolio in the future.

At its current rate of growth, Bgauss should go on to achieve its highest calendar-year retails of around 46,000-47,000 units in CY2026. However, if the company is to move up the Top 10 rankings from its current seventh-eighth spot, it will have to consistently achieve retail sales of over 7,000 units each month. This will also ensure that it easily surpasses the 50,000 annual sales milestone for the first time this year.

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