Trends For 2018

Avik goes crystal gazing and takes a look at five trends that he thinks are going to dominate the Indian two-wheeler scenario in the new year

- Avik Chattopadhyay

As yet another new year breaks upon us, and we are done and dusted with our resolutions, there are five specific trends I predict for the Indian two-wheeler industry.

Increased safety standards

This is of paramount importance. Regulators have to bring in far more stringent safety standards covering active features by vehicle manufacturers, innovations in accessories especially helmets and road traffic regulations, particularly in the small towns. Crash test standards must be imposed on three-wheelers of all types and sizes…one cannot have either these tubular lead-acid spewing coffins covering up our roads in the name of ‘electric rickshaws’ or the overstuffed three-wheeled micro commercial vehicles that pass off as rural mass transport. I envision a two-wheeler helmet with on-visor notifications and warnings being launched by some good Samaritan.

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