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    Yamaha Chennai Factory Completes 10 Years – Rolls Out 5 Millionth Two-Wheeler

    5 Millionth Milestone – Aerox 155 Rolls OutIndia Yamaha Motor (IYM) Pvt. Ltd. marked a major milestone today as its Chennai manufacturing facility completed 10 years of operations. To commemorate this achievement, the plant also celebrated the roll-out of its 5 millionth two-wheeler — an Aerox 155 Version S — reinforcing its status as a key manufacturing hub for both domestic and export markets.
    A Decade of Manufacturing Excellence
    Since its inception in 2015, Yamaha’s Chennai facility has played a crucial role in the company’s global supply chain. The factory produces popular models such as the RayZR 125 Fi Hybrid, Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid, and the high-performance Aerox 155 for Indian customers. It also manufactures export models like the FZ series, Saluto, and Alpha scooter. Notably, over 30% of the factory’s production is exported to international markets, making it a vital contributor to Yamaha’s global footprint.
    Chennai Plant – A Global Export Hub
    Mr. Itaru Otani, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group of Companies, said: “The Chennai factory holds strategic importance in Yamaha’s global manufacturing network. It exemplifies our unwavering focus on people, processes, and products—driven by skilled employees, synchronized operations, and a strong commitment to global quality standards. As one of Yamaha’s most modern manufacturing facilities worldwide, it has supported India’s mobility aspirations while reinforcing its role as a trusted exporter to global markets. As we celebrate the roll-out of the 5 millionth two-wheeler, I extend my deepest appreciation to our dedicated employees, vendor partners and passionate customers who have made this journey possible. We will continue to progress, and Chennai factory will keep playing a major role in addressing the evolving customer demands in Indian and overseas markets.”
    Spread across 177 acres, the Chennai plant is built on an integrated ‘One Factory’ concept, with 109 acres allocated to Yamaha and 68 acres to co-located vendor partners. This design ensures streamlined operations, faster production cycles, and improved supply chain management. The factory has evolved in line with Yamaha’s premium product strategy, focusing on small to mid-displacement two-wheelers with high value addition.
    Future-Ready with Digital and Smart Manufacturing
    In addition to manufacturing excellence, the Chennai facility is also recognized for its sustainability efforts. It features a solar power capacity of 4,450 kW, zero-water discharge systems, and infrastructure designed to maximize natural lighting and energy efficiency. These measures support Yamaha’s vision of eco-friendly manufacturing.
    The plant is also aligned with Yamaha’s digital and smart manufacturing goals, with advanced systems to ensure consistent product quality and operational efficiency. With this dual milestone of 10 years and 5 million units, Yamaha reinforces its long-term commitment to the Indian market and the government’s Make in India initiative.
    As Yamaha looks ahead, the Chennai factory will continue to be a central pillar in the brand’s strategy to deliver innovative, performance-oriented, and sustainable two-wheelers to customers in India and across the globe. More

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    Aprilia Extends Warranty For Free On RS 457 and Tuono 457 – After Engine Reliability Cases

    Aprilia RS 457In addition to extending the warranty to 4 years/48,000 km for RS 457 and Tuono 457, Aprilia has also removed the restrictive first owner clause
    As part of its strategy to utilize India’s manufacturing capabilities, Aprilia had launched the RS 457 in 2023. It was followed by the launch of Tuono 457 in February 2025. Both these bikes are manufactured at Piaggio’s facility in Baramati, Maharashtra, catering to domestic as well as export markets. Aprilia has now introduced some user-friendly updates to its warranty policy. Let’s check out the details.
    Aprilia RS 457, Tuono 457 – Extended warranty
    Earlier, both the RS 457 and Tuono 457 were offered with a 3 years / 36,000 km warranty. This has now been extended to 4 years / 48,000 km. This change in the warranty terms have been noticed via circulars issued to dealers. Aprilia is yet to make an official announcement regarding the same. The extended warranty gives greater confidence to users and ensures longer protection against unexpected repairs and maintenance costs.
    Another welcome change that Aprilia has made in its warranty policy for RS 457 and Tuono 457 is the removal of the first owner clause. As per this clause, the warranty on RS 457 and Tuono 457 was applicable only for the first registered owner. This was not appreciated by users, as it could create challenges in selling the bike.
    Aprilia Tuono 457
    Likely based on market feedback, Aprilia has now removed the first owner clause from the warranty of RS 457 and Tuono 457. The warranty for these two bikes is now transferable. As long as the terms and conditions of the warranty are met, subsequent owners can continue to avail the benefits of the warranty.
    Warranty updates to boost consumer confidence
    Aprilia’s decision to introduce user-centric updates to the warranty policy could be linked to the engine issue noticed earlier with some units of RS 457. Users had reported issues such as the engine losing compression or problem with the cam chain tensioner. Some users had experienced power losses, whereas there were a few reports of engine failures as well.
    Responding to such claims, Aprilia had issued a statement in May 2025. The company investigated every single of the reported cases and found that most of the issues were linked to unauthorized aftermarket modifications and irregular service schedules. However, the company also found a few genuine cases, which were resolved in a prompt manner.
    Aprilia 457cc Engine
    To avoid such issues, Aprilia has recommended that users choose genuine aftermarket accessories available at authorized Aprilia service centres. Also, any repairs or maintenance should be done only by certified technicians at authorized Aprilia dealerships. Aprilia said that the 457 platform is born of advanced engineering and has received widespread acclaim from various entities including elite MotoGP racers. Aprilia stated that it had effectively addressed the issues related to the reliability of the 457 platform.
    Some of the affected customers had shared their experience on social media. As part of the solution, the cylinder head assembly of some bikes was replaced. In a few other cases, the entire engine was replaced under warranty. However, these customers claimed that they did not get a proper explanation about the exact issue. It remains to be seen if the problem has truly been resolved. More

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    Ather Rizta Crosses 1 Lakh Unit Sales Milestone Within a Year of Launch

    Ather RiztaAther Energy, one of India’s leading electric two-wheeler manufacturers, has announced that its family-focused electric scooter, the Rizta, has surpassed the 1 lakh unit retail sales milestone. This achievement comes less than a year after the Rizta was unveiled in April 2024 and retail sales began in June 2024.
    Ather Rizta 1 Lakh Milestone
    Built specifically for Indian families, the Rizta has been instrumental in expanding Ather’s customer base and boosting its market share across key states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha and Chhattisgarh. The scooter now accounts for nearly 60% of Ather’s total sales volume.
    Commenting on the milestone, Ravneet Phokela, Chief Business Officer, Ather Energy, said, “Hitting the 1 lakh milestone with the Rizta is a big moment for us. The Rizta, which was built from the ground up with a focus on addressing the needs of Indian families, has played a key role in expanding our reach and connecting with a much wider set of customers.
    It combines practically everything a family scooter needs: a spacious and comfortable seat, ample storage, safety features, and reliability to make everyday commuting effortless; all that packaged in great design that Ather has come to be known for. In less than a year since its launch, the Rizta has helped us grow our market share significantly across multiple states, broadened our consumer profile, and accelerated adoption in states where our presence was earlier limited.”
    Family-Friendly, Feature-Rich
    Key to its popularity is the Rizta’s strong feature set that combines utility, technology and comfort. Highlights include a large 56-litre under-seat storage, wide seat, spacious floorboard, and a range of smart features. These include SkidControl™ (a traction control system for low-grip surfaces), Tow & Theft Alerts, Emergency Stop Signal, live location sharing via AtherStack 6, and onboard Google Maps navigation.
    The Rizta’s success has also contributed to Ather becoming the top-selling EV brand in South India during Q4 FY25, as per Vahan data. The company has also seen expansion in its charging infrastructure, with 3,611 fast and neighbourhood chargers installed globally as of March 2025. Ather Energy currently offers two main product lines – the performance-oriented Ather 450 series and the family-friendly Rizta lineup. More

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    Royal Enfield Bear 650 Gets More Hardcore With Fuel Fury 650 Build

    Royal Enfield Bear 650 Modified To Fuel Fury 650Fury 650 custom scrambler gets a range of off-road focused equipment upgrades, but retains the core hardware including the engine and chassis
    While Royal Enfield bikes are hugely popular in their stock form, custom jobs have opened up many exciting new possibilities for enthusiasts. In the latest custom project, A Royal Enfield Bear 650 has been transformed into Fury 650, primed for desert races. Let’s check out the details.
    Royal Enfield Bear 650 Gets More Hardcore
    This modification project is led by Fuel Motorcycles, a Barcelona-based customization shop. It is in collaboration with Royal Enfield, with assistance provided from Spain-based Bandarra Motorcycles. As evident in the images, Fury 650 has received a larger 21-inch wheel at the front. It replaces the 19-inch wheel in use with the stock Bear 650. At the rear, the 17-inch wheel size has been retained. However, the Fury 650 gets Mitas Dakar 6 tires to ensure optimal off-road traction across desert environments.
    Royal Enfield Bear 650 Gets More Hardcore
    At the front, Fury 650 gets dual headlights with a rugged tubular protector. The bike uses modified enduro forks at front, which have been specially designed for desert needs. At the rear, the bike gets Bitubo shock absorbers with gas canister. These are fully adjustable and extended. While the fuel tank has been retained in its stock form, it gets grip pads. Fury 650 gets a custom foam seat with waterproof Alcantara top layer and contrasting red stitching.
    While the Bear 650 uses the Tripper Dash, the Fury 650 has been fitted with a retro-styled instrument console. It has an integrated navigation system with GPS roadbook, tachometer, odometer, speedometer and rally controls. There’s a Motogadget unit as well for essential data readout.
    Royal Enfield Bear 650 Modified To Fuel Fury 650
    An off-road focused exhaust has been used, although the sleek design seems familiar to the stock unit. At the rear, Fury 650 gets a beautifully crafted rear fender, handmade from fiberglass material. Other customizations include a raised front fender, rally pegs, skid plate, foam grips and handguards.
    Tribute to Fury 500 and Eddie Mulder
    Royal Enfield Bear 650 gets its name from Eddie Mulder’s 1960 Big Bear Run victory. It was a historic event, as Mulder, just 16 at that time, had won the gruelling 150-mile desert race against 765 competitors. Only 197 riders were able to complete the race. Eddie Mulder won the race, even after facing events like a crash that damaged the bike’s shock absorber, handlebar and exhaust.
    Royal Enfield Bear 650 Modified To Fuel Fury 650
    The bike Mulder used in the race was a 500cc Royal Enfield Fury, the primary inspiration for customized Fury 650. Eddie Mulder’s Fury 500 had the ‘249’ number plate, which has been used in this customization project. Even Royal Enfield offers a ‘Two Four Nine’ variant, which is the top variant priced at Rs 3.59 lakh. This variant also has the 249 number on the side panels. The modified Fury 650 has a chequered flag livery, something similar to that of the ‘Two Four Nine’ variant. However, the format is different and the custom bike comes with additional Big Bear Run graphics. More

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    Honda 2W Sales May 2025 Faced YoY and MoM Decline – Activa, Shine, Dio

    Honda ActivaHonda 2W domestic sales suffered a severe setback with 4.17 lakh unit sales last month while exports improved significantly
    Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI) have announced their sales performance for the month of May 2025. With a total of 4,65,115 unit sales last month, the company has suffered a steep 5.55% YoY decline. There had been 4,92,447 units sold in May 2024. This related to a volume de-growth of 27,332 units.
    Honda 2W YoY and MoM Sales May 2025
    Breaking up the company’s YoY sales further, we see that the company’s has seen a 7.40% decline in its domestic sales. Sales which had stood at 4,50,589 units in May 2024, declined by 33,333 units to 4,17,256 units in the past month.
    The company’s domestic sales contributed to an 89.71% share while exports hold a 10.29% share. On the other hand, exports have improved sizably by 14.34%. There were 47,859 units shipped in May 2025, up from 41,858 unit sales in May 2024.
    From the MoM point of view, sales declined both in domestic and global markets. Domestic sales dipped by 1.34% from 4,22,931 units sold in April 2025 while exports suffered a severe 17.43% de-growth from 4,80,896 units shipped in the previous month. This took MoM sales down by 3.28% to 4,65,115 units from 4,80,896 units, relating to a volume decline of 15,781 units.
    Honda 2W Sales May 2025
    Honda 2W YTD Sales May 2025
    During the months of April and May 2025, Honda 2W domestic and global sales fell by 8.54% to 9,46,011 units. This was a volume de-growth of 88,382 units when compared to 10,34,393 units sold in the same two months of 2024.
    Sales in domestic markets declined by 9.82% to 8,40,187 units from 9,31,635 units YTD. There was a 2.98% improvement in total exports to 1,05,824 units in the April-May 2025 period from 1,02,758 units sold in the same months in 2024.
    During April 2025, the company expanded its portfolio to include a range of premium motorcycles. The all-new Rebel 500, X-ADV, CB750 Hornet, CB1000 Hornet SP, and flagship 50th Anniversary edition of Gold Wing Tour will all be on sale via the company’s BigWing dealerships.
    In May 2025, HMSI also reached a milestone of 500 millionth motorcycle globally marking 76 years since the first Dream motorcycle was produced. The company also expanded its production capacities be adding a new production line at its Vithalapur plant in India. More

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    Hero Sales May 2025 – YoY and MoM Growth, YTD Decline

    Hero Xtreme 160R 4VWith dispatches of 5.08 lakh units during May 2025, the company witnessed outstanding YoY and MoM growth while YTD sales declined sharply
    Hero MotoCorp has reported strong sales performance for May 2025. During the past month, the company sold a total of 5,07,701 units both in domestic and global markets. It was Hero MotoCorp’s electric vehicle brand, VIDA, which efficiently contributed to this growth along with new product launches both in the scooter and motorcycle segments. To compete both with Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor in the electric two wheeler segment, Hero will launch the Vida Z Electric Scooter on July 1.
    Hero Sales May 2025 – YoY
    On a YoY basis, Hero MotoCorp has seen total sales of 5,07,701 units. This included both motorcycle and scooter sales in domestic and global markets. It related to a 1.92% YoY growth form 4,98,123 unit sales of April 2024, a volume increase of 9,5,78 units.
    Hero Sales May 2025 – YoY
    Motorcycle sales were up 0.84% to 4,75,164 units from 4,71,186 units sold in April 2024 to command a 93.59% share on the company portfolio. Scooter sales grew proportionately higher by 20.79% to 32,537 units in April 2025 over 26,937 unit sales of the same month last year. Scooters command a 6.41% share on this list.
    While domestic sales increased by 1.99% to 4,88,997 units, it was the company’s exports that witnessed marginal growth by 0.17% to 18,704 units. This was just a 31 unit improvement from 18,673 units shipped in May 2024. Demand for Hero products saw a surge in markets of Bangladesh and Columbia.
    Hero Sales May 2025 – MoM
    Hero Sales May 2025 – MoM
    On a month-on-month (MoM) basis, Hero MotoCorp witnessed improved sales. Total sales were up 66.24% to 5,07,701 units from 3,05,406 units sold in April 2025, relating to a 2,02,295 unit volume increase. Motorcycle sales and scooter sales grew to 4,75,164 units and 32,537 units, marking 66.09% and 68.44% MoM growth respectively.
    Total domestic sales were up 69.48% to 4,88,997 units from 2,88,524 units, a significantly higher volume increase by 2,00,473 units. Exports also showed off double-digit improvement by 10.79% to 18,704 units whereas there had been 16,882 units shipped in the previous month.
    Hero Sales May 2025 – YTD
    Hero Sales May 2025 – YTD
    Taking into account Hero MotoCorp sales in the months of April and May 2025, the company has witnessed severe decline. Motorcycle sales fell by 21.34% to 7,61,253 units in the past 2 months, down by 2,06,475 units from 9,67,728 units sold in the April and May 2024 period. Scooter sales too dived 18.95% to 51,854 units from 63,980 units taking total domestic sales down 21.68% to 7,77521 units whereas there had been 9,92,746 units sold in the same 2 months of the previous year.
    Exports, which have seen a marked YoY and MoM growth in May 2025 suffered an 8.66% setback on a YTD basis. The company shipped 35,586 units during April and May 2025, down by 3,376 units over 38,962 units exported in the same period last year. More

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    Royal Enfield Sales May 2025 Mostly Green – Classic, Bullet, Himalayan, Hunter

    2025 Royal Enfield Hunter 350The most popular classic bike manufacturer of India, and probably the world, Royal Enfield, has closed the sales account for the month of May 2025 in style. The company’s sales fell mostly in the green with just one exception. Which is the MoM domestic aspect, that registered a negligible 0.24% decline. Let’s see what’s what.
    Royal Enfield Sales May 2025
    For the month of May 2025, Royal Enfield registered a total sales of 89,429 units. When compared to the 71,010 units from May 2024 and 86,559 units from April 2025, Royal Enfield’s total sales fell completely into the green with 25.94% YoY growth with a volume gain of 18,419 units and 3.32% MoM growth with a volume gain of 2,870 units.
    Breaking out these numbers with respect to displacement classes, we can see that the 350cc offerings constitute 85.53% market share in total sales with 76,492 units. The 350cc bikes witnessed 27.60% YoY and 2.98% MoM growth with 16,640 units and 2,210 units gained in volume YoY and MoM respectively.
    Royal Enfield Sales May 2025 – YoY, MoM
    The larger bikes from Royal Enfield consisting of 440cc, 450cc and 650cc offerings accounted for 14.47% of total sales with 12,937 units last month. When compared to 11,158 units from last year and 12,277 units from a month before, this category witnessed 15.94% YoY growth and 5.38% MoM growth, gaining 1,779 units YoY and 660 units MoM.
    Breaking down the sales with respect to domestic and export markets, we can see that Royal Enfield’s domestic sales accounted for 84.78% of total sales. The company sold 75,820 units in the domestic market with 19.34% YoY growth and 0.24% MoM decline and shipped 13,609 units to global markets with 81.96% YoY growth and 28.91% MoM growth.
    YTD analysis
    Royal Enfield’s YTD sales analysis reveals that the company sold a total of 1,75,988 units in total with 15.12% YoY growth, gaining 23,108 units in volume. The 350cc offering accounted for 85.67% of the market share with 1,50,774 units and 13.6% YoY growth, while the larger offerings accounted for 25,314 units with 25.55% YoY growth.
    Royal Enfield Sales May 2025 – YTD
    Domestic sales performance YTD stood at 1,51,822 units with 86.27% of the total sales, while exports constituted 24,166 units with 68.86% YoY growth. Volume growth stood at 13,253 units in the domestic market and 9,855 units in export markets.
    Statement from Royal Enfield
    Speaking about the performance for the month of May 2025, B Govindarajan, Managing Director, Eicher Motors, and Chief Executive Officer, Royal Enfield, said, “This month, we’ve continued to build on our momentum with steady growth in India and international markets.
    What’s even more exciting is the way our community continues to expand, in spirit and in size. From iconic rides like the Himalayan Odyssey to partnerships with like-minded brands, we’re committed to creating spaces where riders come together to explore, connect, and celebrate the journey. It’s this blend of passion, community and craftsmanship that keeps us moving forward.” More

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    Bajaj Auto Sales Up 8% YoY in May 2025 – Exports Register Double-Digit Growth

    New Bajaj Pulsar 400Bajaj Auto recorded total sales of 3,84,621 units in May 2025, an 8% YoY Growth, boosted primarily by increased global demand
    Bajaj Auto Limited, a leading two wheeler and CV maker in India, has released their sales results for May 2025. As we break down these sales figures across its 2W and CV segments, we find that the company has recorded a marginal increase in 2W domestic sales while its CV sales suffered a negative impact. Where the company has shown outstanding performance is in global markets.
    Bajaj Auto YoY Sales May 2025
    For the month of May 2025, Bajaj Auto has sold 3,84,621 units. This includes both its 2W and CV sales in domestic and global markets. This was an 8% YoY growth from 3,55,323 unit sales of May 2024. It was also a substantial improvement from a total of 3,65,810 units sold in April 2025.
    Bajaj Auto Sales May 2025
    In the 2W range, the company continued to witness strong demand for its Pulsar lineup, Platina and more specifically for its Chetak range. Sales in domestic markets improved by 2% to 1,91,412 units in May 2025, up from 1,88,340 unit sales in May 2024. Exports surged 20% to 1,40,958 units, which was a dramatic improvement from 1,17,142 units shipped in the same month last year. This took total 2W sales to 3,32,370 units, a 9% YoY growth from 3,05,482 units sold in May 2024.
    Demand for the company’s commercial vehicle lineup dipped by 7% in domestic markets. Sales which had grown to 36,747 units in May 2024 fell to 34,321 units last month. Again it was exports that saw a marked increase by 37% to 17,930 units from 13,094 units on a YoY basis. Boosted by increased exports, total CV sales showed off a 5% YoY growth to 52,251 units from 49,841 units.
    Total 2W + CV sales remained flat at 2,25,733 units in May 2025 from 2,25,087 units in May 2024, a marginal increase of 646 units. Exports, on the other hand, grew by 22% to 1,58,888 units from 1,30,236 units on a YoY basis.
    Bajaj Auto Sales YTD FY 2025/26
    Bajaj Auto YTD Sales May 2025
    On a year to date (YTD) basis, that is taking into account sales during the months of April and May 2025, Bajaj Auto sold a total of 7,50,431 units. This included both 2W and CV sales, both in domestic and global markets. It was a minimal increase from 7,43,579 unit sales experienced in the same two month period of last year.
    A decline was seen in 2W domestic sales by 6% to 3,80,027 units in April-May 2025 from 4,05,290 units sold in the same period of 2024. Exports were up 12% to 2,70,280 units from 2,41,981 units thus taking total 2W sales to 6,50,307 units. CV sales also saw lower domestic demand by 4% to 66,321 units from 68,880 units while exports saw double-digit growth of 23% with 33,803 units shipped in the April-May 2025 period from 27,428 units exported in the same period last year.
    This increased global demand took total CV sales up by 4% to 1,00,124 units from 96,308 units. Total 2W + CV sales in domestic markets showed off a 6% decline to 4,46,348 units while total exports were up 13% to 3,04,083 units. More