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Tag: Hero MotoCorp

  • IndIAA Awards 2025 spark a decade of creative brilliance

    IndIAA Awards 2025 spark a decade of creative brilliance

    MUMBAI: When creativity takes centre stage, India applauds, and the 10th edition of the IndIAA  Awards 2025 did just that. Presented by the India Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA), the gala honoured the country’s most innovative brands and agencies, celebrating a decade of excellence in storytelling, strategy, and societal impact.

    From bold campaigns to culturally resonant ideas, the evening spotlighted winners across 16 categories. Nestle India took the crown in food & beverage, while Gabit led the consumer electronics category. Creative agencies Ogilvy and Moonshot dominated, each securing four awards, proving that strategy and imagination make the perfect duo.

    Hero Motocorp, Swiggy, Asian Paints, Campus Activewear, Meta, and Urban Company were among the evening’s standout winners, demonstrating how brands continue to blend culture, emotion, and business impact through creativity. Shilpa Shetty was honoured as the “Most disruptive brand in the entertainment Industry,” adding star power to a night of recognition.

    This year also saw the celebration of the All-India winners of the AFAA’s Changemakers for Good Awards, recognising campaigns that drive real societal change rather than just sales. Highlights included R K Swamy’s Happy Breastfeeding Week – Himalaya Babycare for advertising and innovation, and Associated Advertising’s T-Safe awareness campaign for government initiatives.

    Meta India MD & country head and jury chairperson Arun Srinivas praised the calibre of entries, saying, “It truly is a testament to the creative excellence that our country is known for. This year, we also assessed digital storytelling, reflecting the changing landscape of how brands connect with audiences.”

    IAA India chapter president Abhishek Karnani added “The IndIAA Awards stand for creativity backed by insight and purpose. Tonight, we honour work that drives business and uses communication as a force for good.”

    The awards reaffirmed India’s status as a hub of ingenuity, collaboration, and impactful storytelling. From homegrown icons to new-age disruptors, the 2025 edition of IndIAA proved that great ideas don’t just win awards, they change the game.

  • Hero Motocorp launches all-new Destini 110, a scooter built for every family

    Hero Motocorp launches all-new Destini 110, a scooter built for every family

    MUMBAI: Hero has a new hero on the road. Hero Motocorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has unveiled the all-new Destini 110: a family-first scooter designed to blend practicality, durability, and style.

    Positioned as “Hero ka scooter, scooter ka hero”, the Destini 110 is tailored for India’s largest scooter sub-segment, promising to be a reliable ride for families, first-time buyers, and young riders alike. With its neo-retro look, premium chrome accents, projector LED headlamp, and signature h-shaped LED tail lamp, the scooter balances timeless appeal with modern flair.

    Under the hood, the refined 110cc engine paired with Hero’s i3s (Idle stop-start system) delivers segment-best mileage of 56.2 kmpl, ensuring both efficiency and smooth performance for daily commutes or weekend leisure rides.

    Practicality hasn’t been compromised. The ‘Destini 110’ comes with a 785 mm long seat, the longest in its class, complete with an integrated backrest for pillion comfort. Spacious legroom, robust metal body panels, a glove box, boot lamp, analog-digital speedometer, and a 190 mm front disc brake add to its everyday usability and safety.

    Hero Motocorp, chief business officer- India business unit, Ashutosh Varma said, “With the new Destini 110, we are strengthening our presence in the 110cc scooter category by introducing a versatile yet affordable scooter that can be a trusted companion for everyday mobility.”

    The ‘Destini 110’ is priced at Rs 72,000 (VX – cast drum) and Rs 79,000 (ZX – cast disc), ex-showroom Delhi. Available in five colour options including nexus blue, groovy red, and aqua grey, the scooter will hit Hero dealerships across India in a phased rollout.

    With its mix of mileage, comfort, durability, and neo-retro design, the ‘Destini 110’ aims to be more than just a scooter, it’s being pitched as the everyday companion every Indian family can rely on.

  • Hero Motocorp and VML launch ‘Naye Indian ki deluxe bike’ campaign

    Hero Motocorp and VML launch ‘Naye Indian ki deluxe bike’ campaign

    MUMBAI:  Hero Motocorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has unveiled a new campaign for its ‘HF deluxe pro’ motorcycle in partnership with VML, the global brand and digital transformation agency. Titled ‘Naye Indian ki deluxe bike’, the campaign pays tribute to the resilience, optimism, and quiet heroism of everyday Indians who move the nation forward.

    The all-new ‘HF deluxe pro’ brings bolder styling, smarter features like an LED headlamp, and enhanced fuel efficiency to India’s leading 100cc motorcycle. The campaign takes a significant creative leap from conventional category advertising, anchoring the bike’s reliability in a heartfelt narrative of courage and compassion.

    At the centre of the film is the story of a rider who embarks on a daring mission through dense forests to reunite a lost baby elephant with its mother. The ‘HF deluxe pro’ becomes his trusted ally: strong, dependable, and built to endure every challenge. Through this powerful metaphor, the campaign celebrates the new-age Indian who doesn’t just aspire for change but actively builds it.

    “At Hero Motocorp, our journey has always been intertwined with the spirit of real India: the quiet force that propels our nation forward,” said Hero Motocorp, head of marketing, Aashish Midha. “With the HF deluxe pro, we proudly present a motorcycle that mirrors the very essence of every Indian rider: resilience, innovation, and unwavering trust. VML has masterfully translated this vision into a campaign that is both deeply emotional and powerfully purposeful.”

    VML India, ceo, Babita Baruah added, “Great brands don’t just sell products; they inspire culture and spark emotion. With Hero MotoCorp, we found the perfect synergy to tell a story that celebrates the resilience and quiet heroism of everyday Indians. This campaign reflects our belief in purposeful creativity, where every frame leaves a lasting impact.”

    VML, group chief creative officer, Kalpesh Patankar said, “The most successful work is always rooted in truth. This film was created to resonate with millions of Indians in the country’s heartlands, using emotion as the strongest connector between brand and people.”

    With refreshed graphics, chrome accents, a segment-first LED headlamp, and a horizon digital console, the ‘HF deluxe pro’ is built for both style and everyday practicality. Its 97.2cc engine with i3s technology delivers smooth performance and superior mileage, making it a reliable partner for millions of families.

    The campaign is now live across television, digital, print, and outdoor platforms.

  • Sponsors hit it out of the park at DP World Asia Cup 2025

    Sponsors hit it out of the park at DP World Asia Cup 2025

    MUMBAI: The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has unveiled a formidable line-up of sponsors for this year’s tournament, led by title sponsor DP World. Joining the roster are Wonder Cement, Spinny, Hero MotoCorp, Beyond Developments, Haier, Vimal Elaichi, Ozone Locks, Hero FinCorp, Havells, and Groww. The partnerships have been brokered by TCM Sports, the sports marketing firm with a three-decade legacy of landmark cricket alliances.

    The men’s Asia Cup, running from 9 to 28 September, will see eight nations battle it out in the high-octane T20 format. With packed stadiums, fierce rivalries and a broadcast reach expected to run into hundreds of millions, the tournament promises one of its most competitive editions yet.

    ACC President Mohsin Naqvi said, “The DP World Asia Cup is the heartbeat of cricket in Asia. It’s a stage where champions rise, rivalries ignite, and fans unite. We are delighted to have a dynamic mix of sponsors across categories and welcome them all as partners.” [sic]

    TCM Sports, md, Lokesh Sharma added, “Participation of globally renowned sponsors is an acknowledgment of the stature of the Asia Cup. Beginning with this edition, we are placing more emphasis on fan engagement and grassroots development.”
     

  • Hero MotoCorp appoints Latika Taneja to lead communications, corporate affairs and CSR

    Hero MotoCorp appoints Latika Taneja to lead communications, corporate affairs and CSR

    MUMBAI: Hero MotoCorp has strengthened its leadership bench with the appointment of Latika Taneja as head of corporate communications, corporate affairs and CSR. In her new role, she will be responsible for shaping the company’s brand narrative, deepening stakeholder trust and advancing its agenda of purposeful and sustainable growth.

    Taneja brings more than two decades of experience in building reputations for multinational corporations across energy, financial services, technology and insurance. She joins Hero MotoCorp from Shell, where she spent over three years leading corporate relations across government affairs, communications and sustainability. Prior to that, she held senior mandates at Mastercard, including director of public policy and government relations for South Asia and head of corporate communications.

    Her earlier career spans stints at DuPont, where she managed external and leadership communications across South Asia; Alcatel-Lucent India, where she developed integrated marketing campaigns; and MetLife, where she ran corporate communications for India. She began her career at Genesis Burson-Marsteller, supporting clients on insurance and financial services.

    Hero MotoCorp said Taneja’s appointment reflects the company’s sharpened focus on long-term value creation, stronger governance and broader stakeholder engagement as the mobility sector undergoes rapid transformation.

    Known for her passion for policy, partnerships and sustainability, Taneja has consistently worked at the intersection of communications, corporate affairs and social responsibility. Her remit at Hero MotoCorp will include aligning the brand’s voice with its strategy for an evolving global mobility ecosystem, while reinforcing its reputation with regulators, partners and customers.

    The company added that her leadership will play a critical role in energising its ESG commitments, strengthening corporate responsibility initiatives and amplifying Hero MotoCorp’s global brand positioning.

  • Hero revs up Q1 with a profit bump and an EV jolt to the system

    Hero revs up Q1 with a profit bump and an EV jolt to the system

    MUMBAI: EVs, exports, and earnings, Hero MotoCorp’s first quarter of FY26 was anything but idle. The world’s largest two-wheeler maker posted a consolidated net profit of Rs 1,706 crore for the April–June 2025 quarter, a staggering 65 per cent jump from Rs 1,032 crore a year ago. A significant portion Rs 722 crore of that windfall came from a one-time gain following the partial dilution of Hero’s stake in Ather Energy, which went public this quarter.

    On a consolidated basis, Hero Motocorp clocked revenue from operations at Rs 9,728 crore, while standalone revenue stood at Rs 9,579 crore. Profit after tax (PAT) on a standalone basis was Rs 1,126 crore, flat compared to Rs 1,123 crore in Q1 FY25.

    Despite a slight drop in volumes 13.67 lakh units sold this quarter versus 15.35 lakh last year, the bottom line remained buoyant thanks to a steady 14.4 per cent EBITDA margin (Rs 1,382 crore), mirroring last year’s performance. The consolidated EBITDA margin nudged slightly higher at 14.5 per cent.

    Hero’s electric vehicle (EV) arm, VIDA, continues to plug into new opportunities. It launched a subscription-based Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model and introduced the Evooter VX2. A campaign titled ‘Charging Simple Hai’, timed with the IPL, spotlighted VIDA’s swappable battery tech.

    On the global front, Hero pushed four new products into the Sri Lankan market in collaboration with long-time distributor Abans Auto: the Xoom 110, Hunk 160R 4V, Xtreme 125R and HF Deluxe.

    The 125cc scooter segment, led by Destini 125 and Xoom 125, and the newly launched HF Deluxe Pro in the 100cc segment helped maintain retail traction. VAHAN registrations remained healthy, and the upcoming festive season could accelerate demand.

    Premium positioning also got a boost with the Harley-Davidson 2025 line-up rollout, including the return of Street Bob and new Road Glide and Street Glide variants. Hero also opened new Premia stores across the country, reaching the 100-store milestone.

    Hero is also tackling regulatory curves. While the company awaits clarity on obligations under the End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) Rules 2025, it has not yet accounted for any financial impact, citing lack of a defined pricing or certification framework.

    Meanwhile, Hero continues to invest in brand visibility on and off the road. It signed golfers Akshay Bhatia and Sahith Theegala as global ambassadors and added young Austrian rider Tobias Ebster to the Hero Motosports Rally team.

    Hero’s leadership sounds confident. Hero Motocorp chief financial officer Vivek Anand noted strong performance across electric, global and premium categories and flagged a “robust pipeline of new launches” for the coming quarters.

    Investors also got good news earlier this year, with the Board approving a final dividend of Rs 65 per share, taking the FY25 total to Rs 165 per share (8,250 per cent).

    Despite a temporary production pause that impacted dispatches, Hero appears ready to hit the throttle as it enters the festive season. With electric mobility gaining traction, international markets humming, and Ather’s IPO money in the bank, Hero seems geared for a smooth ride into the rest of FY26.

  • Saatchi & Saatchi India and Hero MotoCorp launch ‘Streets Have a New GOAT’ campaign for Xtreme 250R

    Saatchi & Saatchi India and Hero MotoCorp launch ‘Streets Have a New GOAT’ campaign for Xtreme 250R

    MUMBAI: Hero MotoCorp has dropped the gauntlet in the 250cc category with its new campaign for the Xtreme 250R, developed in partnership with Saatchi & Saatchi India. Titled ‘Streets Have a New GOAT’, the integrated campaign revs up Hero’s premium playbook with speed, swagger, and a whole lot of street cred.

    At the heart of the campaign is a brand film that pits the Xtreme 250R against a pack of snazzy sports cars, all set in a gritty container yard that screams attitude. As the throttle opens, the nimble two-wheeler outruns its four-wheeled rivals with flair—flipping the script on conventional power and proving that this new machine isn’t here to follow, but to lead.

    With a visual narrative that echoes speed as a form of self-expression, the film targets the new-gen rider—those who don’t just ride fast, but ride loud. It’s a cheeky yet confident flex of Hero’s engineering muscle, and a bold statement in a market flooded with sameness.

    Saatchi & Saatchi India CCO Kartik Smetacek said, “The thing that stood out in the brief was the Xtreme 250R’s acceleration – 0 to 60 kmph in 3.2s. A little digging showed us that this wasn’t just the fastest 250, it was one of the fastest things on the road period. Our idea came from the insight that speed is fundamentally about bragging rights. That’s what we brought alive in a simple, impactful way.”

    Hero MotoCorp head – marketing, India business unit, Aashish Midha said  “The Xtreme 250R – the fastest in its class – represents our commitment to delivering high-performance engineering with unmistakable style. Designed by Saatchi & Saatchi India, the campaign is crafted for a generation that leads with confidence, individuality, and purpose. The motorcycle has already set a benchmark in the segment and is receiving strong acceptance from customers across the country. Every second from 0 to 60 is a flex – of speed, attitude, and precision. This isn’t just a motorcycle. It’s a statement.”

    The campaign, now live across television, digital, print, OOH and cinema, positions the Xtreme 250R as the sharpest tool in the streetfighter shed—and the undisputed GOAT of its class.

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  • Hero MotoCorp revs up EV ambitions with new chief

    Hero MotoCorp revs up EV ambitions with new chief

    NEW DELHI: Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, has announced a significant leadership reshuffle, bringing in new talent to accelerate its push into sustainable, future-ready mobility. On 10 July 2025, the company appointed Kausalya Nandakumar as chief business officer for its emerging mobility business unit. She will report directly to  Pawan Munjal, the executive chairman, and will be tasked with shaping the strategic direction and growth of Vida, Hero MotoCorp’s electric vehicle brand.

    Nandakumar brings nearly two decades of leadership acumen from the automotive, electric mobility, and digital innovation sectors. Her appointment underscores Hero MotoCorp’s commitment to pioneering new technologies and growth platforms. She joins Hero MotoCorp after an illustrious 18-year tenure with the Mahindra Group, where she played a pivotal role in building and scaling new ventures.

    Most recently, as chief operating officer of Mahindra Electric Automobile, she spearheaded the operational readiness and market entry strategy for the company’s electric SUV business, valued at $9.8 billion. Her extensive career also includes heading business transformation for Mahindra’s farm division and leading Glyd, Mahindra’s electric shared mobility business. Notably, she conceived and built SmartShift, one of India’s pioneering digital logistics platforms, transforming it into a multimillion-dollar enterprise.

    This strategic appointment coincides with the departure of Swadesh Srivastava, who is stepping down due to health reasons. Srivastava will work closely with Nandakumar in the coming weeks to ensure a seamless handover. The company expressed its gratitude for his contributions and extended best wishes.

    Nandakumar’s academic credentials include a master’s in business administration (marketing) from Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai, and a bachelor’s degree in electronics & instrumentation engineering from Mumbai University. 

    She has further refined her leadership skills through programmes at prestigious institutions such as Harvard Business School.. Her background and expertise are set to reinforce Hero MotoCorp’s ambition to lead the next era of mobility, delivering innovation with impact and driving sustainable growth.

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  • Hero Motocorp races ahead with 3.88 lakh dispatches in February 2025

    Hero Motocorp races ahead with 3.88 lakh dispatches in February 2025

    MUMBAI: Hero Motocorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, kept the throttle open in February 2025, dispatching 3.88 lakh units. While domestic sales stood at 3,57,296 units, the company also saw a stellar 33 per cent growth in global sales, crossing the 30,000-unit mark for the third consecutive month.

    Hero Motocorp reported 3,88,068 total dispatches in February 2025, with 3,57,296 units sold in the domestic market. Motorcycles remained the dominant category, contributing 3,52,312 units, while scooters accounted for 35,756 units. Year-to-date (YTD) figures saw a total of 53,49,583 units dispatched in FY25, up from 51,31,040 in FY24. Exports surged with 30,772 units shipped in February 2025, marking a significant increase from 23,153 units in February 2024, bringing YTD exports to 2,47,911 units compared to 1,69,765 in the previous fiscal year.

    Hero Motocorp’s electric vehicle brand, Vida, is riding a strong wave of popularity, dispatching 6,200 units in February. The growing success of the Vida V2 range reinforces the brand’s positioning as an aspirational yet accessible electric mobility solution.

    With the onset of the marriage season and new product launches, Hero Motocorp anticipates stronger momentum in the coming months. Strengthening its 125cc scooter lineup, the company has begun deliveries of the Destini 125, with Xoom 125 dispatches set to begin soon.

    Further expanding its premium retail footprint, over 64 ‘Premia’ dealerships now offer a seamless buying experience for Hero Motocorp, VIDA, and Harley-Davidson products all under one roof.

    Beyond sales figures, Hero Motocorp is accelerating skill development for women in the automotive sector. In collaboration with the Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC), the company has launched an upskilling initiative to train 20,000 women over the next 15 months in key automotive sales and service roles.

    Hero MotoSports Team Rally made its mark at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, with Nacho Cornejo securing an impressive 6th position. Cornejo showcased unwavering consistency, finishing in the top 10 in every stage and bagging two stage podiums.

  • Tiger Woods’ Hero World Challenge renews title sponsorship deal with Hero MotoCorp till 2030

    Tiger Woods’ Hero World Challenge renews title sponsorship deal with Hero MotoCorp till 2030

    MUMBAI: Veteran champion golfer Tiger Woods’ events production company TGR Live has found a hero. The world’s largest two-wheeler maker Hero MotoCorp has agreed to extend its title sponsorship of the Hero World Challenge, which is under the TGR Live umbrella. The PGA-sanctioned tournament will now remain at Albamy, Bahamas through the 2030 playing.  Additionally, the Indian two-wheeler firm has said yes to continuing with Woods as its global corporate partner.

    The tournament rounds will be held between 5 and 8 December and it will be televised on the Golf Channel during all its rounds and by NBC during the third and final rounds.

    The Hero World Challenge is the longest-running PGA Tour event managed by TGR Live. The event was started by Woods and his father Earl in January 2000 to raise funds for the TGR Foundation. Hero MotoCorp first title sponsored the tournament  in 2014 at Isleworth Golf & Country Club. In 2015, the tournament moved to Albany, Bahamas where it will be played for the ninth time in 2024.Under Hero’s title sponsorship, the tournament has grown from 18 players to 20.

    Right from its inception, Woods vision has always been to utilise the event to raise awareness, support and resources that make a positive impact in the lives of youth around the world. Proceeds from the 2024 Hero World Challenge benefit TGR Foundation, Tavistock Foundation and Bahamas Youth Foundation.

     

    Tiger Wood with Pawan Munjal

    “Hero MotoCorp has played a vital role in the tournament’s evolution, growth and success; and their commitment is felt by everyone who joins us at Albany,” said Woods “Through the years I have come to respect Pawan (Munjal, the executive chairman of Hero MotoCorp) as a visionary leader and more importantly a trusted friend. His progressive leadership has made a significant impact not only on the future of global mobility but also the game of golf.”

    On his part, Munjal said he was proud to extend the partnership with Woods as the money raised from it goes towards the foundation which helps bring in meaningful change in communities just like Hero Motocorp group pioneers transformative innovations in the automotive industry.

    “Over the past decade, I have witnessed firsthand his extraordinary impact – not only as one of the greatest athletes in history but also as a global ambassador of excellence and a beacon of inspiration for millions,” Munjal elaborated. “This enduring collaboration is more than a testament to shared values; it’s a commitment to redefining boundaries, driving innovation, and shaping a better world. Together, we remain resolute in our mission to create a meaningful and lasting legacy that transcends sports and inspires generations to come. Together with Tiger, we are committed to elevating the Hero World Challenge as a powerful platform for positive social impact and global inspiration.” 

    Scottie Scheffler won the Hero World Challenge in 2023 with his score being 20 under and his his margin of victory being three strokes. Runner-up was Sepp Straka.