The final week maintained a measured pace in India's automobile sector, with manufacturers focusing on strategic updates rather than major launches. While the market remained relatively quiet, key players including Kawasaki and Bajaj Auto delivered notable refreshes in the two-wheeler segment, while automotive giants Renault and Mahindra built anticipation for their future product pipeline.

Kawasaki's 650cc Refresh Strategy

Kawasaki rolled out updated versions of two popular 650cc models, emphasizing compliance and aesthetic enhancements. The Ninja 650 features a refreshed Lime Green paint scheme complemented by minor graphics updates and an E20-compliant engine. The motorcycle retains its core mechanical specifications, including the 649cc twin-cylinder powerplant, KTRC traction control system, and 4.3-inch TFT display.

The Versys 650 received similar treatment with a distinctive dual-tone Metallic Graphite Gray/Metallic Spark Black finish, maintaining its position as a mid-segment touring motorcycle while incorporating mandatory E20 fuel compatibility.

Bajaj Auto Modernizes Classic Pulsar

Bajaj Auto introduced significant lighting upgrades to the Pulsar 150, marking a milestone in the model's evolution. The updated motorcycle now features comprehensive LED lighting technology, including a full-LED headlamp setup, daytime running lights, and LED indicators. This represents the first instance of complete LED integration in the classic Pulsar lineup, while maintaining the familiar chassis architecture.

Upcoming Launches Generate Market Interest

Despite the absence of immediate car launches, Renault and Mahindra successfully maintained market attention through strategic preview campaigns. Renault continued its teaser campaign for the new-generation Duster through promotional content. The preview materials revealed connected LED tail lamp technology, distinctive wide DRLs, and design elements that reference the original model's aesthetic language.

The French manufacturer has indicated a future debut for the SUV, with expectations pointing toward turbocharged petrol engine options and enhanced cabin technology. Mahindra maintained visibility for the Thar 3-Door facelift, suggesting updates including a revised front grille and features potentially influenced by the recently unveiled Thar Roxx variant.

Market Outlook and Industry Momentum

The concluding period demonstrated the industry's strategic approach to product updates, with manufacturers prioritizing compliance enhancements and incremental improvements over major launches. The two-wheeler segment showed particular focus on E20 fuel compatibility, reflecting regulatory requirements and environmental considerations. The future appears positioned for increased market activity, with the anticipated Renault Duster launch and potential Mahindra Thar updates leading the momentum.

Bajaj Auto Limited has completed the allotment of 2,40,230 equity shares under its Employee Stock Option Scheme, 2019, as approved by the Allotment Committee of the Board of Directors on December 12, 2025. The shares, each with a face value of ₹10.00, have been allotted to the Bajaj Auto ESOP Trust as part of the company's employee incentive program.

ESOP Allotment Details

The allotment covers equity shares from two distinct grant periods, each with different exercise prices reflecting the market conditions at the time of grant:

The significant difference in grant prices between the two periods reflects the varying market valuations during these timeframes, with the April 2021 grants carrying a substantially higher exercise price compared to the April 2022 grants.

Regulatory Compliance and Background

The allotment has been communicated to both BSE Limited and National Stock Exchange of India Limited in compliance with regulatory requirements. Bajaj Auto had previously intimated about the Board of Directors' decision for issuing equity shares to the Bajaj Auto ESOP Trust under the scheme through a letter dated July 16, 2024.

The Employee Stock Option Scheme, 2019 serves as a key component of the company's employee retention and incentive strategy, allowing eligible employees to acquire equity shares at predetermined prices. This allotment represents the execution of grants made during the April 2021 and April 2022 periods under the established scheme framework.