Interview - Vikas Jhabakh Speaks About The Future of Benelli India, Upcoming EVs & CF Moto

Acko Drive speaks with Vikas Yashwant Jhabakh, MD, Adishwar Auto Ride India to talk about the future of the many brands that it has under its portfolio. How has been the reception for the products, will we see more entries in the EV space and how the future of Benelli and CF Moto looks in the Indian market. 

Q1. How has sales been for the company? Which brand and product have contributed the most? What's the projection for 2026?

The premium two-wheeler industry has always been very different from the mass market. Success here isn't measured purely by volumes; it's built on customer aspiration, brand credibility and the ability to consistently deliver products that enthusiasts genuinely connect with.

Over the past few years, the market has gone through a significant transition. Customer expectations have evolved; regulations have become more stringent and electric mobility has emerged as a serious part of the premium conversation. Against that backdrop, we've remained focused on strengthening our business rather than chasing short-term growth. Benelli continues to be one of our strongest contributors, having established itself as a trusted name among enthusiasts over the years. Models such as the TRK range and our middleweight motorcycles have helped us build a loyal customer base.

Keeway has allowed us to connect with a younger generation of riders by offering products with distinctive styling and accessibility, while Moto Morini has strengthened our presence at the premium end of the market. The launch of the Keeway Hypevolt-R marks another important milestone because it represents our entry into premium electric mobility, an area we believe will become increasingly significant in the years ahead. The Keeway Hypevolt-R is only the beginning, and we're already working towards introducing a second electric product in 2027, further expanding the brand's role in the evolving mobility landscape.

As we look towards 2026 and beyond, our objective isn't simply to increase volumes. It's about growing responsibly by strengthening our retail network, expanding customer touchpoints and bringing the right products to market at the right time. Benelli will continue reinforcing its position in the performance motorcycle segment, and customers can expect at least one new Benelli launch every year over the next three years.

Moto Morini also has an exciting future in India. We're currently evaluating and testing a new product specifically for our market, one that we believe will resonate strongly with Indian riders. While it's too early to reveal details, we're genuinely excited about what's coming.

Q2. The Keeway Hypevolt-R looks very promising and you've brought it at a great price. Can we expect more EVs in the future? 

Absolutely. But I'd actually say the Keeway Hypevolt-R represents something much larger than just another product launch. We didn't want to introduce an electric scooter simply because the market was moving in that direction. We wanted to introduce one because we genuinely believed we could contribute something meaningful through performance, design, technology and everyday usability.

The Keeway Hypevolt-R is therefore the first step in a much broader electric mobility journey for Keeway. As customer expectations continue evolving, you'll certainly see us expand our electric portfolio in a thoughtful and measured manner.

Q3. The CF Moto 450MT has so much potential and many buyers were interested, but it was never launched. Can we get an update?

The 450MT is undoubtedly an impressive motorcycle, and I completely understand why enthusiasts continue asking about it. But over the years I've learnt that bringing a product to market isn't simply about customer excitement. It has to make sense from regulatory readiness, commercial viability, supply chain stability and, perhaps most importantly, our ability to support customers for years after the purchase.

 If those pieces don't come together, delaying or even deciding not to launch is sometimes the more responsible decision. Right now, our priority is executing the roadmap we've already committed to across Benelli, Keeway and Moto Morini, and ensuring we deliver those products and ownership experiences to the standard our customers expect.

Q4. Will we be seeing more additions and updates to the Benelli portfolio?

Without a doubt. Benelli remains one of the most respected names in global motorcycling, and India continues to be a strategically important market for the brand. We work very closely with Benelli's global teams to evaluate products that are relevant for Indian riding conditions and customer preferences. At the same time, we're equally committed to ensuring our existing portfolio remains competitive through continuous improvements, feature enhancements and refinements wherever appropriate.

As I mentioned earlier, Benelli has a strong product pipeline planned for our market. More importantly, every new motorcycle we introduce must strengthen the brand's reputation rather than simply expand the catalogue. We don't believe in launching products for the sake of filling segments. 

Q5. Any plans for dealership expansion? If yes, then which cities?

Absolutely. With the new products coming in, our aspiration is clear, and that is to double our footprint. To make this possible, we are also developing small-format outlets that require lower dealer investment, allowing us to reach tier 2 and tier 3 markets effectively without diluting the customer experience.

Our Moto Vault format plays an important role here. Multi-brand premium two-wheeler retail has been attempted in India before, but Moto Vault is the format that has endured and grown, giving customers access to multiple international brands under one roof, and giving dealer partners multiple revenue streams within a single investment.

Our approach has therefore been to grow responsibly. We are focused on appointing partners who understand premium mobility, share our customer-centric philosophy and are willing to invest in long-term relationships rather than short-term sales. Over the next year, you will certainly see us strengthen our footprint in strategically important markets. Equally important, we'll continue investing in technician training, spare parts availability and service capability.