India is set to take a major step forward in two-wheeler safety. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways recently proposed a change to the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989. This proposal will require manufacturers to provide two BIS-certified helmets - one for the rider and one for the pillion - with every new two-wheeler sold in the country starting January 2026. The objective is to promote safer riding habits and reduce road fatalities, especially among pillion riders who often do not wear helmets. Dealerships will also need to deliver both helmets at the time of vehicle handover. For an industry that has long struggled with poor safety awareness and widespread use of fake helmets, this new regulation could bring about much-needed change. According to Rajeev Kapur, Managing Director of Steelbird, this rule could lead to a significant increase in helmet demand. Kapur mentioned that if every new two-wheeler comes with two helmets, the annual requirement could exceed 4 crore helmets. However, a challenge lies ahead as India's actual production capacity for genuine ISI-certified helmets is only around 3 crore units per year, leaving a substantial gap. The proposed rule aligns with the government's broader efforts to reduce road fatalities, with over 1.5 lakh deaths reported annually in India due to road accidents, a significant portion of which involve two-wheeler riders. Steelbird, one of India's largest helmet manufacturers, is already heavily investing in automation and plant expansion. The company plans to introduce 75 new helmet models over the next five years, catering to various segments from budget to premium. Despite these positive steps, the issue of fake helmets remains a concern. Approximately half of the helmets used on Indian roads are counterfeit, lacking safety standards and providing inadequate protection. Kapur emphasized the importance of strong enforcement to ensure that only genuine ISI-marked products are sold and that any law mandating two helmets per vehicle must have robust checks in place. Kapur believes that effective enforcement of this law will not only save more lives but also help eliminate counterfeit helmet suppliers from the market. Discover everything about the automotive world at Times of India.

Source: Tesla Tesla is finally accelerating into India's electric vehicle (EV) market with the launch of its first official showroom in Mumbai, signaling a bold yet strategic move. The much-anticipated debut marks a significant step for Elon Musk's company as it tests Indian consumer appetite for premium electric vehicles amidst rising climate awareness and urban demand. The showroom, designed to reflect Tesla's futuristic brand image, is located at Maker Maxity Mall in Bandra Kurla

Source: YouTube In an extraordinary display of engineering creativity, a 26-year-old man from Kerala has built a full-sized Lamborghini replica not in a factory, but in his garage. Using scrap materials, old car parts, and sheer passion, Bibin, a quality assurance professional, spent three years crafting a stunning homemade supercar that mimics the Lamborghini Huracan. The custom-built vehicle, powered by a Maruti Alto engine, has gone viral after being featured on YouTube. With minimal resource

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India has officially launched the CB125 Hornet, pricing it at Rs 1.12 lakh, ex-showroom. Unveiled just recently, this new offering now becomes the most premium bike in Honda’s 125cc lineup. Positioned above the Shine and SP125, the CB125 Hornet is set to challenge segment leaders like the TVS Raider and Hero Xtreme 125R. Here’s what makes this new contender has to offer.

The iconic BSA nameplate is making a fresh splash, this time in the 350cc segment. The company has unveiled a new motorcycle called Bantam 350, which is heavily inspired by the 43 FJ sold in India since last year. The retro-modern motorcycle was showcased at the ongoing Bike Shed Moto Show in London. The Bantam 350 will be available in a choice of five colour options: Avalon Grey, Oxford Blue, Firecracker Red, Barrel Black, and Victor Yellow. Here's a quick look at this RE Hunter 350 rival, which may or might not be sold in India.

Honda CB125 Hornet vs Bajaj Pulsar N125. The 125cc streetfighter segment has a new contender as Honda has recently unveiled the CB125 Hornet. Among many notable contenders, it will compete with the Bajaj Pulsar N125, which was launched last year. Both bikes aim to deliver everyday performance for streets along with a sporty flair in terms of design. Here's how the two stack up against each other. Honda CB125 Hornet vs Bajaj Pulsar N125: Engine specs On the performance front,

Suzuki Motorcycle India has updated the Avenis, a 125cc scooter, by introducing an eye-catching new dual-tone colour option. The new variant (Metallic Matte Platinum Silver No. 2 with Glass Sparkle Black) is now on sale at Suzuki dealerships nationwide. While the change is purely cosmetic, Suzuki has maintained the same pricing, with the Standard Edition priced at Rs 91,400 and the Ride Connect variant at Rs 93,200, both ex-showroom. This new dual-tone addition joins the existing color choices,

In a significant move, Tesla India Motors and Energy Pvt Ltd has signed a 9-year lease for a 33,475 sq ft industrial-retail space at Orchid Business Park on Sohna Road, Gurugram. This marks the EV giant’s first integrated delivery hub, service center, and customer-facing store in the Delhi-NCR region, indicating Tesla is fully embracing India's electric vehicle market. The timing aligns with India's strong push for EV adoption, with supportive policies from state and central governments, expandi