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DriveX Launches AI-Based Rider Identity Engine For Used Two-Wheeler Discovery

Autocar Professional Bureau — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 11:57:59

DriveX has introduced MeetX, an AI-led Rider Identity Engine designed to personalise the used two-wheeler buying journey by matching vehicle recommendations to rider preferences, behaviour and lifestyle factors. The company says the system is aimed at simplifying vehicle discovery and reducing the complexity often associated with browsing large online inventories.

According to DriveX, the platform begins by asking users four questions related to their riding style, purchase priorities, budget and brand preferences. Based on the responses, buyers are assigned to rider profiles such as ‘The Beginner’, ‘The Practical’, ‘The Explorer’ and ‘The Connoisseur’, which are then used to generate vehicle recommendations.

The Bengaluru-based pre-owned two-wheeler platform said the recommendation framework is built around psychographic profiling rather than traditional search filters. The system seeks to understand rider motivations, values and behavioural preferences before presenting relevant vehicle options.

DriveX said the approach is intended to address what it describes as “choice paralysis”, a challenge faced by online buyers navigating large numbers of vehicle listings. By focusing on user intent and ownership priorities, the company aims to streamline the decision-making process and improve recommendation relevance.

“The future of mobility commerce will be driven by personalisation, not just inventory scale. Buyers today don’t want to spend hours comparing hundreds of similar vehicles; they want confidence that the vehicle they choose fits their lifestyle, priorities and riding aspirations,” said Devesh Taparia, CEO, DriveX.

The launch of MeetX reflects a broader trend towards greater use of artificial intelligence and behavioural analytics in digital vehicle retailing, as platforms look to create more tailored ownership and purchase experiences for consumers.

Rapido and Road Transport Ministry Partner to Launch Nationwide Rahveer Road Safety Campaign

Dev Vadchhedia — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 19:03:40

Roppen Transportation Services Private Limited, operating under the brand name Rapido, has entered into a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to accelerate the deployment of the government's flagship Rahveer initiative. Announced on 8 June 2026, the nationwide public engagement program is engineered to reduce road accident fatalities by training citizens to deliver immediate, life-saving medical assistance to victims within the critical golden hour immediately following an incident. The official launch was coordinated in New Delhi under the supervision of Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari alongside senior ministerial secretaries and corporate executives.

To initiate the safety campaign, more than 4 lakh Rapido ride-pooling captains concurrently registered a digitized Rahveer commitment across the company's central application framework. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari noted that road safety remains a shared institutional responsibility, stating that the primary objective of the Rahveer framework is to eliminate legal anxieties or procedural hesitations among bystander citizens, thereby enabling them to assist injured commuters without fear of subsequent administrative complications.

Under the framework of the bilateral agreement, the mobility platform will leverage its proprietary location technologies and its operational reach spanning more than 400 domestic cities to transform the safety program into a sustained public movement. The corporate outreach strategy integrates multi-channel digital engagement modules, targeted in-app instructional curriculums, localized driver-captain conventions, and physical awareness drives situated across high-traffic urban marketplaces.

Yokohama India Expands Retail Footprint in Gurugram with New YCN Store

Dev Vadchhedia — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 16:02:53

Yokohama India has expanded its specialized retail infrastructure in the National Capital Region with the inclusion of M/s Keshav Tyre Sales into its exclusive Yokohama Club Network franchise model. Announced on 8 June 2026, the strategic retail addition is positioned to strengthen the tire manufacturer's market accessibility and delivery of professional wheel care solutions within Gurugram. The newly integrated outlet has operated as an established automotive component dealer in the city since 2005, positioning itself as a prominent high-rim-size vendor with a specialized portfolio in premium alloy wheels and luxury vehicle configurations.

The updated Gurugram retail destination integrates the manufacturer's global consumer portfolio with an advanced, customer-centric service setup. The facility is equipped with computerized tire fitment machinery, precision wheel alignment systems, and comprehensive balancing instrumentation. Handled by a team of certified technical technicians, the station functions as a single-point service hub to streamline technical diagnostics and improve overall safety metrics for the region's discerning automotive owners.

Harinder Singh, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Yokohama India, stated that Gurugram represents a crucial corporate market. Singh also noted that the partnership with Keshav Tyre Sales effectively combines Yokohama's global product competencies with local retail expertise.

Two-Wheeler Retail Sales Cross 18.44 Lakh Units In May As EV Adoption Gains Momentum

Autocar Professional Bureau — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 10:31:20

Two-wheeler retail sales rose 7.54 percent year-on-year to 18.44 lakh units in May 2026, up from 17.15 lakh units in the corresponding period last year, although volumes declined 7.19 per cent sequentially from April’s 19.87 lakh units amid seasonal moderation and heatwave-related disruptions.

The segment remained the largest contributor to overall retail volumes, accounting for nearly 73 per cent of the total 25.31 lakh vehicles retailed during the month. FADA noted that growth was supported by commuter demand, marriage-season purchases and continued rural participation, though heat conditions and supply constraints affected showroom activity in some regions.

Urban demand outperformed rural markets during the month. Urban two-wheeler retail sales increased 11.75 percent year-on-year, while rural markets grew 4.74 per cent. Despite slower growth, rural markets continued to account for a larger portion of sales, representing 58.5 per cent of total registrations compared with 41.5 per cent for urban centres, according to FADA’s retail strength index.

Fuel-price movements also influenced powertrain preferences. Electric two-wheelers accounted for 9.25 per cent of total segment retail sales in May, up from 6.11 per cent a year earlier and 7.92 per cent in April. Petrol-powered models continued to dominate with a 90.68 per cent share, although this declined from 93.67 per cent last year, indicating gradual diversification toward alternative options. CNG-powered two-wheelers remained negligible at 0.07 per cent share.

At the OEM level, Hero MotoCorp retained leadership with retail volumes of 5.18 lakh units and a 28.07 per cent market share, although this was lower than last year’s 29.57 per cent. Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India strengthened its position with 4.52 lakh units and a 24.52 per cent share, while TVS Motor Company retailed 3.56 lakh units for a 19.32 per cent share. Among EV-focused players, Ather Energy more than doubled volumes to 28,240 units, while Ola Electric’s retail volumes declined to 15,141 units from 18,967 units last year.

Looking ahead, dealer expectations remain linked to rural cashflows, monsoon progress and continued migration toward fuel-efficient models, though fuel prices and weather remain watch factors.

VIDEO: River Mobility: The EV Startup That Refused to Scale Blindly | Start to Scale Ep. 1

Prerna Lidhoo — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 15:22:07

In the first episode of Start to Scale, Prerna Lidhoo sits down with Aravind Mani, Co-founder & CEO of River Mobility, to unpack the realities of building an EV startup in one of the world's toughest two-wheeler markets.

From raising River's first $2 million during the pandemic to becoming India's 7th-largest EV two-wheeler brand with just 45 stores, Aravind shares why River chose focus over hype, execution over press releases and profitability over reckless growth. He also talks about the company's partnership with Yamaha, the lessons of being a late entrant, and River's roadmap to scale from 3,000 to 20,000 vehicles a month.

A candid conversation on entrepreneurship, product-market fit, fundraising and what it really takes to build a company from start to scale.

Deep Drive Podcast | India's 125cc Scooters Close In on 110cc Segment as Buyer Preferences Shift

Autocar Professional Bureau — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 12:18:54

The Indian scooter market is going through a structural shift. Buyers are moving away from the 110cc scooters that long defined the segment toward more powerful, feature-loaded 125cc models, with the two categories now approaching parity in sales for the first time.

Rising disposable incomes, younger buyers, and an expanding range of 125cc options at competitive price points have eroded the dominance of the entry-level segment. Manufacturers have responded by loading 125cc models with digital clusters, smartphone connectivity, and improved suspension, specifications that were uncommon in mass-market scooters until recently.

Industry observers note that the 125cc segment's growth represents an upgrade cycle rather than an expansion of overall volumes, with buyers trading up within the category. Whether it formally overtakes the 110cc segment will depend on price movements and the pace of new launches.

TVS Motor Company Reports 50 Lakh Global Sales for HLX Motorcycle Series

Dev Vadchhedia — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 17:14:30

TVS Motor Company Limited has announced that cumulative global wholesale volumes for its commuter motorcycle line, the TVS HLX series, have surpassed 50 lakh units. The operational milestone was confirmed in a regulatory filing submitted to BSE on 5 June 2026.

First introduced in 2013, the motorcycle series was originally developed as an export-focused product line specifically engineered to target the developing transportation ecosystems of Africa. Over more than a decade of market presence, the displacement portfolio has expanded to encompass 100cc, 125cc, and 150cc engine variations designed to function as high-frequency commercial taxi options and rural cargo carriers. The displacement sub-variants currently include six distinct configuration models, including the HLX Plus, the HLX 150 X, and the five-gear HLX 125.

The low-maintenance commuter platform now maintains a structured commercial footprint extending across 57 countries, operating as a key last-mile connectivity asset within rural and semi-urban transit corridors spanning Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. K N Radhakrishnan, Director and Chief Executive Officer of TVS Motor Company, stated that the long-term sales momentum achieved by the export series relies on establishing product durability benchmarks capable of protecting the daily profit margins of international fleet operators.

Peyman Kargar, President of International Business at TVS Motor Company, noted that the model functions as a central volume baseline for the firm in emerging markets characterized by low personal vehicle penetration indices.

Motovolt Mobility and Cargo Players Partner to Electrify Last-Mile Logistics

Dev Vadchhedia — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 16:22:06

Motovolt Mobility has entered into a strategic partnership with third-party logistics provider Cargo Players to deploy electric vehicles for hyperlocal and quick commerce delivery operations. Under the terms of the agreement, Cargo Players will integrate Motovolt’s MVS7 electric two-wheelers into its active fleet. The vehicles will utilize battery-swapping technology provided by Indofast Energy to support continuous operation in last-mile logistics.

The initial phase of the partnership involves deploying the MVS7 units across the Delhi-NCR and Pune regions. The commercial rollout aims to provide gig economy workers with a utility vehicle engineered for high-frequency urban delivery routes. By integrating battery-swapping capabilities, the collaboration looks to eliminate range limitations and associated charging downtime, thereby reducing the overall cost of ownership compared to traditional combustion-engine two-wheelers.

Tushar Choudhary, Founder and CEO of Motovolt Mobility, stated that the MVS7 was designed as a durable and economical multi-utility option tailored specifically for the quick commerce sector. Ratanbhushan Gupta, Co-Founder of Cargo Players, noted that the low operational costs of the fleet are intended to protect rider livelihoods while managing emission compliance requirements across dense municipal transit corridors.

Hero Launches Flex-Fuel Splendor, Plans Expansion Across All Models

Kiran Murali — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 18:59:04

Hero MotoCorp on Wednesday launched flex-fuel versions of its bestselling Splendor and HF Deluxe motorcycles and said it is preparing to expand the technology across its entire model lineup as India's ethanol ecosystem continues to develop.

The motorcycles were unveiled in the presence of Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri, both of whom have been among the strongest proponents of ethanol and alternative fuels in India.

Speaking at the launch, Hero MotoCorp Chief Executive Officer Harshavardhan Chitale said the company was ready to introduce flex-fuel technology across all its motorcycle models over the next one to two years, subject to the pace of ethanol infrastructure development and fuel availability.

"As ethanol linkage keeps growing and as more availability happens, we are ready to bring all our models with flex-fuel technology in a matter of one or two years, depending on how the linkage grows," Chitale said.

The launch marks Hero MotoCorp's most significant step yet in the alternative-fuels space and aligns with the government's broader objective of reducing India's dependence on imported crude oil through increased use of domestically produced ethanol.

Chitale said the initiative was about more than launching new products and should be viewed as a contribution towards India's energy security ambitions.

"Today, India imports nearly 85% of its crude oil, making us vulnerable to global price volatility and supply disruptions. It is important that we become 'Atmanirbhar' in energy, and that's what we're contributing to," he said.

Hero chose its highest-volume commuter platforms, the Splendor and HF Deluxe, to introduce the technology, arguing that meaningful impact can only be achieved through products with the widest customer reach.

"If you want to make impact at scale, choose what sells the most," Chitale said, noting that the Splendor and HF family account for a significant share of India's motorcycle market.

The CEO also highlighted the domestic engineering behind the project, stating that the motorcycles were fully designed, developed and manufactured in India through Hero's Centre for Innovation and Technology in Jaipur, with minimal import dependence.

According to Chitale, wider adoption of ethanol-blended fuels could deliver benefits beyond lower emissions by reducing fuel imports, improving energy resilience and generating additional demand for agricultural feedstock, thereby supporting rural incomes and farmers.

"Our goal is simple. Make cleaner mobility practical, affordable and accessible to every Indian customer, and then make impact at scale," he said.

The company said the flex-fuel motorcycles are capable of operating on higher ethanol blends and form part of Hero MotoCorp's broader strategy to support India's transition towards cleaner and more diversified mobility solutions.

With the launch of the flex-fuel Splendor and HF Deluxe, Hero is betting that ethanol-powered mobility can move beyond pilot projects and become a mainstream technology in India's mass-market two-wheeler segment.

Samarth E-Mobility Introduces Indigenous Avore Electric Brand

Dev Vadchhedia — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 18:15:42

Samarth E-Mobility Private Limited has formally entered the domestic two-wheeler market with the introduction of its new electric vehicle brand, Avore Electric. The brand rollout marks the company's initial step toward commercializing a range of electric motorcycles utilizing a fully localized engineering structure. The company is implementing an independent distribution approach backed by its own digital platforms and direct product marketing to support its upcoming vehicle distribution.

The Ahmedabad-headquartered technology firm has spent the last three years developing a completely indigenous software and hardware ecosystem at its local research and development facility. A corporate engineering team of over 100 people has designed more than nine critical vehicle subsystems internally, including a patented battery management system, proprietary operating system, motor controller, onboard fast charger, and battery pack. This vertically integrated architecture operates under a unified technology stack dubbed Avore Source, which is paired with a purpose-built two-wheeler chassis layout called the AVR platform. To secure its proprietary engineering developments, the firm has submitted more than 110 intellectual property filings to date.

Avore Electric plans to focus its initial product portfolio on the competitive 125cc to 200cc internal combustion engine alternative segment. This bracket represents one of the largest commuter and lifestyle motorcycle volume categories in India. The upcoming product range is being engineered specifically to handle real-world domestic riding conditions while offering a practical alternative for mainstream buyers who prioritize component reliability and daily utility over off-the-shelf assembled imports.

Priyank Rakholiya, Co-founder of Samarth E-Mobility, stated that the brand's primary methodology rests on avoiding third-party hardware dependencies by maintaining complete internal control over software integration and component performance. The manufacturer is currently aligning its final production roadmap for the official market release of the first motorcycle lineup. Detailed product specifications, model variants, and promotional campaigns are scheduled to be made public over the coming months.

Bajaj Auto Outsells Mahindra in Electric 3Ws For The Third Time This Year in May, TVS Shines

Ajit Dalvi — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 10:51:42

Similar to the electric 2-wheeler and passenger vehicle segments, there is an intense battle for leadership underway in the electric 3-wheeler segment, albeit in a much stronger manner. Longstanding market leader Mahindra Last Mile Mobility (MLMM) has seen a feisty challenger in Bajaj Auto, which entered this segment in June 2023. The third position on the podium now belongs to TVS Motor Co, which plugged into the e-3W industry in January 2025.

As they have been in the past year, retail sales in May 2026 continued to be dominated by these three legacy OEMs, which have diversified into e-mobility. As per the retail sales statistics on the Vahan portal, May saw new e-3W registrations of 71,865 units, up 9% YoY (May 2025: 66,185 units). This is the fourth highest monthly sales for India e-3W Inc after December 2025 (88,701 units), November 2025 (84,172 units) and January 2026 (76,046 units). Let’s take a quick look at the Top 10 e-3W OEMs from the 650-strong field.

May 2026, with 71,865 electric passenger and cargo 3Ws, is the fourth-highest monthly retail sales in India.

In May 2026, Bajaj Auto, which is also the world’s largest 3-wheeler manufacturer and exporter, registered its highest monthly sales of e-3Ws. At 11,904 units, the increase is 87% YoY (May 2025: 6,373 units) and gives the company a 17% market share compared to 10% a year ago. This record performance gives Bajaj Auto a lead of 735 units over MLMM (11,169 units) and marks the third instance of the Pune-based 3W major outselling the Mahindra EV arm. Bajaj had earlier outsold MLMM in January and February 2026. The company, which has the GoGo brand of passenger and cargo e-3Ws, forayed into the 40,000-units-per-month volume e-rickshaw passenger and cargo sub-segment with its Riki model in November 2025 and, more recently, expanded its passenger model portfolio with the Wego P9018, claimed to be India’s longest range (296km) e-3W. For the first five months of CY2026, Bajaj Auto (48,636 units) has a lead of 2,456 units over MLMM, as per Vahan.

Mahindra Last Mile Mobility though, is fighting back. The company, which had regained its lead over Bajaj Auto in March and April 2026, sold 11,169 units in May 2026. This is a strong 69% YoY growth and gives MLMM a 16% market share compared to 10% in May 2025. For the January-May 2026 period, MLMM (46,180 units) has a 13% e-3W market share. MLMM’s retail sales in May 2026 are its second-best monthly performance after October 2025 (11,870 units).

As the first legacy OEM to plug into e-mobility over a decade ago, MLMM has the largest e-3W portfolio, including the Treo, Treo Plus, Treo Zor, Treo Yaari, Zor Grand, e-Alfa Plus, e-Alfa Cargo and more recently the UDO. With the overall sales momentum expected to increase, expect MLMM to up the ante in the coming months.

Combined sales of Bajaj Auto, MLMM and TVS (26,663 units) give these legacy OEMs a 37% share of the 71,865 e-3Ws sold in May. While all the legacy OEMs saw growth, four of the Top 10 companies saw a sales decline.

TVS Motor Co, the latest legacy OEM to enter the e-3W market, holds onto the No. 3 rank it first achieved in January and maintained since then. In May, the company delivered 3,590 units, up 122% YoY (May 2025: 1,607 units) to achieve a 5% market share which is similar to that in April (3,296 units). This is TVS’ highest monthly sales since it entered the e-3W industry and reflects a positive market response to its King EV Max passenger and King Kargo HD EV models in a competitive market. In the January-May 2026 period, TVS has sold 15,093 units which gives it a 4% share.

At No. 4 is the Delhi-based YC Electric Vehicles with 2,269 units, down 38% YoY. The advance of the top three legacy OEMs has impacted companies like YC Electric. This longstanding player has five models – Yatri Super, Yatri Deluxe, and Yatri for passenger transport, and E-Loader and Yatri Cart for cargo operations.

Dilli Electric Auto with 1,501 units was down 13% YoY last month. This Haryana-based company manufactures electric rickshaws (CityLife brand), a category which has come under attack from legacy players like MLMM, Bajaj Auto, TVS and TI Mobility, which are rolling out better-built and safer products. The impact of increasing competition in the volume e-rickshaw market can be seen in Dilli Electric Auto’s reduced market share.

Saera Auto, another well-entrenched OEM for many years, is also feeling the heat of the legacy OEM competition. The Rajasthan-based company, which manufactures the nine-model Mayuri brand of electric rickshaws, sold 1,458 units in May 2026, down 27% YoY.

Seventh-ranked Piaggio Vehicles sold 1,251 -3Ws last month, up 20% YoY (May 2025: 1,043 units). JS Auto (1,156 units, up 15%), Mini Metro (1,046 units, down 12%) and Zeniak Innovation (956 units, up 23%) wrap up the Top 10 list for May.

Compared to electric 2Ws and passenger vehicles, electric 3Ws have the highest level of penetration. In May 2026, of the total 111,523 3Ws (across fuels) sold in India, e-3Ws (71,865 units) accounted for a 64% share compared to 61% a year ago. In comparison, the penetration level for CNG 3Ws (24,093 units, down 5% YoY) dropped marginally to 22% from 23% in May 2025.

ALSO READ: Petrol Price Hikes Accelerate e-2W Sales for TVS, Bajaj, Ather, Hero Vida, Ola and GEM in May

Tata and M&M Power Record Sales of Electric Cars, SUVs in May Amid Petrol-Diesel-CNG Price Hikes

Petrol Price Hikes Accelerate e-2W Sales for TVS, Bajaj, Ather, Hero Vida, Ola and GEM in May

Ajit Dalvi — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 09:43:09

As it has done from March 2026, the domestic electric 2-wheeler (e-2W) industry has again delivered a stellar performance in May 2026. The 170,570 zero-emission scooters, motorcycles and mopeds registered last month are a 63% YoY jump (May 2025: 104,896 units) and the second highest monthly score for the segment after March 2026 (199,268 units). While the combined sales of the first two months of FY2027 at 327,895 units are also up 63% YoY (April-May 2025: 201,350 units), cumulative sales in the first five months of CY2025 at 774,807 units constitute a 48% YoY increase (January-May 2025: 522,868 units).

Combined sales of the Top 4 OEMs – TVS, Bajaj, Ather and Hero Vida – at 128,819 units give them a 75% share of May retails of 170,570 units, the second highest monthly total for the e-2W industry.

While India e-2W Inc had opened FY2027 on a strong note with 157,325 units and 63% growth, retail sales in May 2026 got a booster shot from the sharp increase in the price of petrol, which likely saw some ICE 2W buyers go electric to save money on costly petrol. The second fortnight of May saw oil marketing companies implement four hikes in petrol price in a span of 10 days, starting May 15. In Mumbai, petrol (priced at Rs 104.21 on May 14) became costlier by Rs 7 and 7% to Rs 111.21 a litre.

A quick look at the Vahan-sourced retail sales data for the first half of May and the second half reveals just how strongly the market has reacted. While the May 1-15 period saw a total of 66,487 e-PVs sold, the May 16-31 period saw deliveries of 104,083 units. Percentage-wise, this works to 39% in the first-half and 61% in the second-half of the month. Interestingly, this is the same level of buying seen in the electric passenger vehicle segment in May 2026.

The surge in demand was powered by the top 10 players led by TVS Motor Co, Bajaj Auto, Ather Electric, Ola Electric and Greaves Electric Mobility. While the top four OEMs clocked their second-highest monthly sales to date, a few others posted their best-ever numbers. Let’s take a closer look at their performance in a month which sets the tone for a record FY2027.

Market leader TVS Motor Co delivered 42,415 e-scooters in May 2026, up 64% YoY (May 2025: 25,804 units). This gives the company a 25% e-2W market share for the month and is its second-highest monthly retail sales after the record 51,593 iQubes and Orbiters sold in March 2026. What has helped drive demand is the strategic move to offer the Battery-As-A-Service (BaaS) across its EV portfolio. The BaaS model lowers the upfront cost, while offering customers long-term battery assurance and peace of mind. While the flagship iQube remains the model with the highest share of sales, the Orbiter is witnessing growing demand. Two months ago, TVS launched a new edition in the form of the Orbiter V1 (1.8 kWh) at Rs 84,500 (ex-showroom Delhi, inclusive of PM e-Drive) and Rs 49,999 (with BaaS).

The surging demand for its e-scooters has seen TVS expand its EV manufacturing capacity. Speaking at the Q4 FY2026 earnings call on May 13, K N Radhakrishnan, CEO, TVS Motor Co, said: “Last year, our (monthly) average was about 32,000. We have now moved to around 40,000, and we will soon move to 50,000 (units) per month. We will definitely be ahead of the industry. We are constantly looking at our capacity versus demand and expansion in the network.”

Bajaj Auto sold 39,142 Chetak scooters in May 2026, up 73% YoY (May 2025: 22,643 units). Like TVS, this is also the second-highest monthly retail sales for Bajaj after March 2026 (47,733 units). Last month was also the closest Bajaj has been to arch rival TVS in the past five months. In May, the difference was 3,273 units compared to January (9,559 units), February (7,156 units), March (3,860 units) and April (5,556 units). In May, Bajaj had a 23% share of the e2W market compared to 22% in May 2025.

Following the launch of the Chetak C25 in January this year, the Pune-based auto major has seen a sharp spike in demand. The C25, which expands the Chetak portfolio to five variants including the 3001, 3503, 3502 and 3501, retains the iconic Chetak design language despite being built on a ground-up new architecture with every panel redesigned. It is understood Bajaj Auto plans to further expand its e-scooter portfolio in FY27. According to Rakesh Sharma, joint MD, Bajaj Auto, the new products will include changes in “form and features,” indicating that Bajaj Auto may look beyond battery-size upgrades. “You are going to see new scooters, but they will all be under the Chetak umbrella,” he added.

Third-ranked Ather Energy continues to witness strong growth and doubled its sales YoY. The EV start-up, which surpassed 600,000 cumulative retail sales recently, delivered 28,211 units to its customers in May 2026. Like TVS and Bajaj, this is also its second-highest monthly sales after March 2026 (36,333 units) and gives it a 17% market share with handsome 100% YoY growth (May 2025: 14,101 units). This is the seventh instance of the smart e-scooter start-up clocking 20,000-plus sales. The Rizta family e-scooter, which has crossed the 300,000 wholesales milestone, remains its most popular product in a portfolio which includes the 450X, 450S and 450 Apex.

Hero Vida, the EV arm of Hero MotoCorp, is now well entrenched as the No. 4 e-2W OEM. In May 2026, the company sold 19,051 units, up 158% YoY (May 2025: 7,385 units). This gives Hero MotoCorp an e-2W market share of 11% for May. In fact, the strong growth means that with a 11% market share versus 7% in May 2025, Hero Vida has made the highest e-2W share gains. Last month also saw cumulative sales of the Vida brand surpass 250,000 units. The surge in demand for Hero Vida e-scooters has come over the past 18 months. While the first 100,000 sales took 33 months, the run from 100,001 to 200,000 units took a little over seven months. The last 50,000 units to achieve the 250,000 milestone have delivered in less than 90 days or three months.

Meanwhile, Ola Electric, the market leader not very long ago, is back in the ‘game’ with a revival in demand. In May, Ola maintained its No. 5 rank for the third month in a row with sales of 15,141 units. This is its best performance in the past five months after January (7,808 units), February (4,167 units), March (10,256 units) and April (12,327 units). However, year on year, Ola’s May 2026 numbers are still down by 20% (May 2025: 18,967 units). Its market share in May was 9%, halved from the 18% it had in May 2025. The company is putting its shoulder to the wheel to recover sales and market share.

Ola has cited strong sales recovery across states along with stabilised services. In its Q4 FY202 commentary, the company said: “The most important operating development of the quarter was service. It was the largest constraint on demand and brand trust through FY26. That has now materially stabilised. Average service TAT reduced by 88%, from around 9 days in October 2025 to nearly 1 day in March 2026. Service backlog reduced from 14 days to 6 days. Same-day closures improved to about 87%, and parts pendency reduced by 69% from October to April. This came from better parts stocking, higher technician productivity, stronger repair capability, tighter daily governance and a shift from replacement-led to repair-led economics.”

Greaves Electric Mobility (GEM), the EV division of Greaves Cotton, also witnessed a surge in demand for its e-scooters. GEM sold 7,696 units last month – this makes for 78% YoY growth (May 2025: 4,325 units) and is the company’s second-highest month after March 2026 (7,979 units). The strong performance sees GEM’s e-2W share rising to 4.51% from 4% a year ago. On April 24, GEM launched the new Ampere Magnus Neo, a lighter and redesigned variant which is aimed at urban commuter buyers. GEM’s EV portfolio comprises the Nexus (EX and ST), Magnus (G Max, Grand, Neo) and Reo 80 brands.

Bengaluru-based River Mobility, which is witnessing growing demand for its sole product – the River Indie – delivered 3,717 units, up 245% YoY (May 2025: 1,078 units). This sees the company double its e-2W market share to 2 per cent. The EV startup had clocked its highest monthly sales in March 2026 (4,254 units) and has sold 37,230 Indies to date since the e-scooter’s rollout in October 2023.

Another EV startup, Bgauss Auto, which began sales in August 2022 and is now a regular in the monthly Top 10 OEM list, sold 3,296 units last month, up 205% YoY (May 2025: 1,082 units) to be ranked eighth.

In its second listing in the monthly Top 10, Haryana-based Bounce Electric has moved up from No. 10 in April to No. 9 in May with 1,346 units, up 163% YoY on a low base of 512 units a year ago.

Wrapping up the Top 10s, Simple Energy, which is also witnessing good demand for its e-scooters, sold 1,288 units last month, up 338% YoY (April 2025: 235 units). The company, which has a three-model portfolio in the form of the Simple One (4.5 kWh, 5 kWh), OneS and the recently launched Ultra, has outlined a future sales target of 10,000 units a month by March 2027. The company could be banking on the upcoming e-scooter, understood to be called the Simple Arrive, which is a family-centric model which could rival the TVS iQube, Ather Rizta and Bajaj Chetak.

These Top 10 e-2W OEMs with 161,313 units had a 94% share of the 170,570 e-scooters, bikes and mopeds sold in May, leaving the balance 6% to be fought over by the remaining 165 players.

TVS and Bajaj in Pitched Battle for Supremacy
The Indian e-2W market currently has 175 companies vying for a slice of the booming sales. However, the Top 6 – TVS Motor Co, Bajaj Auto, Ather Energy, Hero MotoCorp, Ola Electric and Greaves Electric Mobility – command the bulk of the sales. In May 2026, combined sales of these six EV makers at 151,656 units accounted for 89% of the 170,570 e-2Ws sold.

Nevertheless, the top two players, TVS and Bajaj Auto, continue to slug it out month after month. TVS, which had grabbed market leadership for the first time in April 2025 by unseating Ola Electric, has maintained its numero uno status since then. However, a resurgent Bajaj Auto is snapping at its heels, and it will be interesting to see how this battle between these two legacy OEMs, which have diversified into e-mobility in January 2020, pans out this year. Stay firmly plugged into Autocar Professional as we bring you the latest market updates and real-world retail sales statistics on EVs on two, four and more wheels.

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Hero MotoCorp May Dispatches Rise 12% on Strong Domestic Demand, Export Recovery

Autocar Professional Bureau — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:06:55

Hero MotoCorp reported a 12.3% increase in dispatches in May 2026, aided by healthy domestic demand, a sharp recovery in exports and continued growth in its electric mobility business.

The country's largest two-wheeler manufacturer dispatched 570,068 motorcycles and scooters during the month, compared with 507,701 units in May 2025.

Domestic dispatches rose 9.8% year-on-year to 536,784 units from 488,997 units a year earlier. Retail momentum remained strong, with 496,957 vehicle registrations recorded on the VAHAN portal during the month, according to the company.

Exports grew 77.9% to 33,284 units from 18,704 units in the year-ago period, reflecting improving demand across several overseas markets. The strong export performance comes after a prolonged period of weakness in key international markets that had weighed on industry volumes.

Motorcycle dispatches increased 6% to 503,763 units, while scooter volumes more than doubled to 66,305 units from 32,537 units a year earlier, highlighting the company's growing presence in the scooter segment.

Hero MotoCorp said demand was driven by its 125cc motorcycle portfolio, premium motorcycles and scooters, all of which posted double-digit growth during the month. The company also launched the updated Super Splendor XTEC 2.0, strengthening its offering in the competitive 125cc segment.

Its electric mobility brand VIDA continued to gain traction, recording 19,052 retail registrations during May, up 166% from the corresponding period last year. During the month, the company also commenced retail operations of the DIRT.E K3 electric scooter in select markets as it seeks to broaden its EV portfolio and expand access to new customer segments.

For the first two months of FY27, Hero MotoCorp's dispatches stood at 1.14 million units, up 39.7% from 813,107 units in the corresponding period a year earlier. Domestic volumes during the period rose to 1.07 million units, while exports nearly doubled to 66,937 units.

Suzuki Motorcycle India Records Peak Monthly Volumes in May 2026

Dev Vadchhedia — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 19:47:52

Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. (SMIPL) achieved its highest-ever monthly sales volume in May 2026, delivering a total of 1,32,244 units. This performance represents a 3% year-on-year growth compared to the 1,28,897 units recorded during the same month last year.

The company's domestic dispatches reached an all-time high of 1,10,028 units for the month, rising 2% from the 1,07,780 units logged in May 2025. Overseas shipments also expanded, with export volumes increasing 5% to 22,216 units against the 21,117 units tracked in the corresponding period last year. Separately, the manufacturer reported that its component operations generated INR 953.60 million in spare parts sales revenue during May 2026, marking a 14% growth over the previous year's baseline.

To support its volume expansion, the subsidiary recently extended its retail footprint into the Union Territory of Ladakh by opening a dealership in Leh. It also established new commercial outlets across North India, specifically in Ludhiana, Bhatinda, and Sirsa.

Honda Two-Wheeler Sales Surge 12% in May 2026

Dev Vadchhedia — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 18:19:08

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) recorded a total sales volume of 5,18,777 units in May 2026. This performance marks a 12% year-on-year growth compared to the 4,65,109 units sold during the same period last year. The overall expansion was driven by a substantial increase in shipping volumes overseas alongside steady baseline traction in the domestic market.

The manufacturer's domestic shipments grew by 10%, totaling 4,59,611 units in May 2026 against 4,17,250 units in May 2025. Export volumes experienced a sharper upward trajectory during the same timeframe, climbing 24% to 59,166 units from the 47,859 units recorded in the corresponding month last year.

Retail distribution and localized customer service activities continue to be managed via an established network of more than 7,000 touchpoints across the country.

Royal Enfield May Sales Rise 15% To 1.03 Lakh Units

Autocar Professional Bureau — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 15:06:58

Royal Enfield reported total motorcycle sales of 1,03,231 units in May 2026, registering a 15 per cent year-on-year increase compared to 89,429 units in the corresponding month last year. Domestic volumes remained the key growth driver, offsetting continued weakness in export markets.

Domestic sales stood at 94,115 units during the month, up 24 per cent from 75,820 units in May 2025. Exports, however, declined 33 per cent year-on-year to 9,116 units from 13,609 units in the same period last year.

On a year-to-date basis, Royal Enfield recorded sales of 2,16,395 motorcycles across April-May FY2027, up 23 per cent from 1,75,988 units during the same period last year. Domestic volumes rose 31 per cent to 1,98,244 units, while exports fell 25 per cent to 18,151 units.

The company also expanded its portfolio during the month with the launch of the Bullet 650, adding another model to its 650cc range. Additionally, Royal Enfield announced plans for a new greenfield manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh, with a proposed investment of around Rs 2,500 crore to support future capacity expansion.

Commenting on the monthly performance, B Govindarajan, Managing Director, Eicher Motors and Chief Executive Officer, Royal Enfield, said, “We are carrying our momentum in FY27 with continued growth in Q1, despite the prevailing macro-headwinds.”

Bijliride to Add 2,500 EVs in 90 Days, Targets Gig Economy Markets

Shruti Shiraguppi — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 14:22:31

Hyderabad-based EV rental startup Bijliride announced on June 1 that it will deploy 2,500 electric two-wheelers over the next 90 days across gig economy markets in India, as rising fuel prices push delivery riders and commuters toward electric mobility alternatives.

The company, which currently operates a fleet of over 4,000 EVs, will focus the additions on strengthening presence in Hyderabad while evaluating entry into Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, and select Delhi NCR locations — cities where food delivery, quick-commerce, and logistics demand is concentrated. New city entries will be structured through franchise partnerships rather than direct operations.

"We believe that rising fuel prices and ongoing oil supply concerns are accelerating the shift toward electric mobility among delivery riders and fleet operators. For riders covering 120–150 kilometres daily, switching from petrol to EVs can potentially save between ₹8,000 and ₹15,000 per month. This growing demand for affordable and predictable mobility solutions is driving our planned deployment of 2,500 vehicles over the next three months," said Shivam Sisodiya, CEO and Co-Founder, Bijliride.

The deployment follows what the company calls its STAR expansion model — a hub-and-spoke structure that pairs a central operating facility with multiple pickup and drop points to improve rider access and operational efficiency.

To support the scale-up, Bijliride said it is simultaneously expanding its charging infrastructure, service touchpoints, and support functions across fleet management, customer service, technology, and business development. The company added that it is in active discussions with franchise and fleet operators in Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi NCR, and select Tier-2 cities.

"Our focus is not just on adding vehicles, but on building an ecosystem that supports reliability, uptime, and customer experience at scale," Sisodiya said.

Founded in 2020, Bijliride operates a SaaS-powered rental platform with 24/7 battery swapping and enterprise fleet management services. The company has stated a target of reaching one million users by 2030.

TVS Motor Clocks 5.67 Lakh Units in May 2026, Up 31% Year-on-Year

Sarthak Mahajan — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 12:24:38

TVS Motor Company sold 566,585 units in May 2026, up 31% from 431,275 units in the same month last year, according to a press release filed with BSE and NSE on June 1.

Total two-wheeler sales rose 31% to 543,111 units from 416,166 units in May 2025. Within that, domestic two-wheeler sales grew 24% to 384,565 units. Motorcycles accounted for 273,802 units, a 30% increase, while scooters came in at 220,740 units, up 32%.

Electric vehicle sales reached 43,632 units, a 56% increase from 27,976 units in May 2025. The company did not break down EV sales by model.

International business recorded 175,991 units, up 49% from 118,437 units a year ago. Two-wheeler exports within that grew 48% to 158,546 units.

Three-wheeler sales stood at 23,474 units, a 55% rise from 15,109 units in May 2025.

TVS Motor operates across 90 countries with manufacturing facilities in India and Indonesia. The company's group subsidiary, Norton Motorcycles, is based in the United Kingdom.

TVS Motor Launches Ronin Monotone and Agonda Variants in Nepal

Arunima Pal — Sun, 31 May 2026 13:12:42

TVS Motor Company has launched the Ronin Monotone and Ronin Agonda variants in Nepal, expanding its premium motorcycle lineup in the market.

The TVS Ronin Monotone is priced at NPR 429,900 (ex-showroom) and will be available in Lightning Black and Magma Red colours. The TVS Ronin Agonda, offered in Pearl White, is priced at NPR 439,900 (ex-showroom).

The motorcycles were unveiled at an event in Kathmandu as part of the company's efforts to strengthen its presence in Nepal's premium motorcycle segment.

The Agonda edition draws design inspiration from Agonda Beach in Goa and features a white colour scheme with blue and red pinstripes on the fuel tank. It also gets an all-white headlamp cowl and a black TVS emblem.

Both variants are powered by a 225.9cc engine producing 20.4 PS at 7,750 rpm and 19.93 Nm of torque at 3,750 rpm.

The motorcycles are equipped with Glide Through Technology (GTT), an assist and slipper clutch, and 41 mm upside-down front forks.

TVS Motor said the launch is aimed at expanding options for young urban riders in Nepal. The company currently sells a range of premium motorcycles, scooters and commuter motorcycles in the country as part of its broader international operations.

Suzuki Motorcycle India Opens First Dealership in Sirsa

Angitha Suresh — Sat, 30 May 2026 13:22:13

Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. (SMIPL) inaugurated its first dealership in Sirsa, Haryana, on 29 May 2026. The outlet, operated by Pluton Autohaus under the name Pluton Suzuki, is located at Bansal Palace in the city. The opening marks the company's first retail presence in Sirsa and is part of a broader effort to extend its footprint into smaller urban centres across India.

The inauguration was attended by Kenichi Umeda, Managing Director of SMIPL, along with company officials and representatives from the dealer partner, Pluton Autohaus. The new addition brings SMIPL's total retail network across India to 1,246 outlets, including 25 now operational in Haryana.

The facility follows a 3S format — covering Sales, Service, and Spare Parts — under a single roof. The service workshop is equipped with maintenance tools and staffed by trained technicians, aimed at providing after-sales support alongside the retail experience. Customers can also access a range of genuine accessories, apparel, and branded merchandise at the outlet.

The showroom carries SMIPL's full domestic two-wheeler lineup. On the scooter side, this includes the Access, Avenis, and the recently launched Burgman Street, along with the e-ACCESS, the company's first electric scooter. The motorcycle range on display includes the Gixxer, Gixxer SF, Gixxer 250, Gixxer SF 250, and the adventure-oriented V-Strom SX. Test rides are available across models, including the latest Access variants with ABS.

Speaking at the inauguration, Umeda said the dealership would bring the company closer to customers in the region, giving them access to its product range and after-sales services. He also noted that the outlet would serve as a platform for customer engagement programmes such as Suzuki MotoFest, the Access Mileage Contest, V-Strom Experience rides, and Gixxer Pitstop events. He credited dealer partner Ritvik Bansal for the collaboration in establishing the outlet.

SMIPL is a wholly owned subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan. The company began India operations in February 2006 from a manufacturing plant in Kherki Daula, Gurugram, Haryana. It manufactures scooters in the 125cc segment, electric scooters, premium motorcycles in the 150cc-and-above category, and large-displacement bikes suited to the Indian market. The Gurugram plant serves as the primary production hub for its domestic lineup.

The Sirsa dealership reflects a pattern of gradual network expansion by the company into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where two-wheeler demand has remained steady. With Haryana now accounting for 25 of its dealer touchpoints, SMIPL appears to be consolidating its presence in its home state before pursuing wider national expansion.