Image Source: BBC TopGear India
A new rule is on the horizon for India’s two-wheeler market: from January 2026, all bikes and scooters under 125cc will need to have anti-lock braking systems (ABS). This move is aimed at making roads safer, but it’s also set to shake up the industry, especially for the biggest players.
Here’s what’s happening:
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Most two-wheelers sold in India are under 125cc, so this rule will touch almost every major brand. Hero MotoCorp is in the spotlight, since nearly all its domestic sales are in this category. TVS Motor and Bajaj Auto will feel the impact too.
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Adding ABS isn’t cheap. Analysts think it could add between ₹3,000 and ₹5,000 to the price of each bike or scooter. For entry-level buyers, that’s a noticeable jump, and it could slow down sales in the short term.
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When similar safety features were introduced in the past, companies eventually passed the extra cost on to buyers, but it took more than a year for sales to bounce back.
While manufacturers might feel the pinch, ABS suppliers like Endurance Technologies are in a good spot. With so many more vehicles needing ABS, their business could grow five times over.
There are also some supply chain worries, like shortages of rare earth magnets, which could complicate things further for the industry.
Even though the rule is good news for road safety, don’t be surprised if manufacturers push for a slower rollout to soften the blow to their margins.
Source: Economic Times, NDTV Profit, Business Standard
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