Brands
Aprilia ignites India’s superbike culture with new lineup and brand ambassador John Abraham
Mumbai:Aprilia, a renowned manufacturer of high-performance motorcycles, has officially launched its extensive superbike portfolio in the Indian market, marking a significant moment for superbike enthusiasts in the country. The company also announced the appointment of John Abraham, a motorcycle aficionado himself, as its brand ambassador to spearhead this exciting initiative.
This launch represents a major expansion for Aprilia in India, offering a comprehensive range of superbikes to cater to diverse riding preferences. From the track-oriented RSV4 Factory to the versatile Tuareg 660, every rider is assured of finding a perfect match. All these superbikes, available as Completely Built-up Units (CBUs) through Aprilia Motoplex dealerships across India, embody the legendary Aprilia spirit – a unique blend of cutting-edge technology, captivating design, and a relentless pursuit of exhilarating performance.
A Quartet of Unforgettable Machines
● RSV4 Factory: This is not merely a motorcycle; it’s a track-focused machine meticulously crafted for superior speed. Aerodynamic lines precisely cut through the air, while the powerful V4 engine unleashes unparalleled power. Every twist of the throttle grants access to the exclusive club of riders who chase ultimate velocity.
● RS660: This offering presents a perfect harmony of sportiness and contemporary design. The RS660 is not only aesthetically stunning but also a thrill machine built for everyday riding. Aprilia’s rich racing heritage is woven into its DNA, translating racetrack knowledge into an unforgettable street experience.
● Tuono 660: The Tuono 660 is a powerful machine disguised for urban riding. Fully adjustable suspension and exceptional power allow you to conquer any cityscape with unmatched performance. It’s a motorcycle that begs to be unleashed on the urban jungle.
● Tuareg 660: The call of adventure is undeniable, and the Tuareg 660 answers it with aplomb. This robust machine devours any terrain with ease, from twisting mountain trails to sandy deserts. Adventure enthusiasts will find a perfect partner in the Tuareg, a machine that’s as comfortable exploring uncharted territories as it is commanding respect on the road.
John Abraham joins Aprilia as brand ambassador
Aprilia India is proud to welcome John Abraham, a dedicated Aprilia fan, as its brand ambassador. This partnership is more than just a celebrity endorsement; it represents the ideal synergy that Aprilia was searching for. Abraham’s passion for high-performance motorcycles perfectly aligns with Aprilia’s racing heritage and legacy. He resonates with India’s thriving community of performance biking enthusiasts. He’s not just a brand ambassador; he’s a true fan, a rider who embodies the spirit of Aprilia.
Abraham, while unveiling Aprilia’s performance portfolio, stated, “I am thrilled to be associated with Aprilia as their brand ambassador. I personally connect with the Aprilia brand, which embodies passion, performance, and style. I am honoured to be part of a brand with such a celebrated legacy. I look forward to being a part of Aprilia’s journey as it continues to stand for high-performance bikes that exude the spirit of sport, racing, and adventure.”
Piaggio Vehicles Pvt. Ltd. chairman and MD Diego Graffi commented, “We are incredibly excited to welcome John Abraham to the Aprilia family. John’s passion for performance, adventure, and excellence perfectly embodies the Aprilia spirit. This partnership will undoubtedly strengthen our brand’s vision and resonate with every rider who craves a motorcycle that is as thrilling as it is stylish.”
He further added, “Aprilia has always been at the forefront of delivering extraordinary riding experiences. The introduction of these superbikes, along with the RS 457, is a significant milestone in our journey in India. We believe these bikes will not only fulfil the dreams of Indian riders but will also redefine the superbike segment. India is a key market for us, and we are committed to bringing the best of Aprilia to Indian riders.”
Mr Apoorva Saigal, Head of Corporate Communication and Marketing commented “The addition of John Abraham as Aprilia’s brand ambassador marks a significant chapter in our brand journey. John’s genuine passion for motorcycling resonates deeply with our discerning customers and John’s influence will be instrumental in amplifying Aprilia’s reach and connecting with a wider audience of passionate riders. Together, we look forward to crafting campaigns that celebrate the thrill of riding an Aprilia motorcycle.”
Aprilia’s Commitment to Customer Experience
Aprilia is actively expanding its touchpoints across India. Through its flagship Motoplex stores, Aprilia offers a curated customer experience and seamless after-sales service. By the end of FY Q1 2024, we aim to have approximately 10 Motoplex showrooms operational across major Indian cities like Bangalore, Delhi, Pune, Chandigarh, Surat, Jaipur, and Mumbai. Most of these are already welcoming riders, with a few more opening by the end of April 2024.
Brands
Samsung certifies 1,000 Maharashtra students in AI and coding
The South Korean electronics giant marks its first large-scale skilling push in the state, with women making up nearly half the national programme’s enrolment
PUNE: Samsung has put 1,000 students in Maharashtra through a certified training programme in artificial intelligence and coding, the largest such drive the South Korean electronics company has run in the state and a signal that corporate India’s skilling ambitions are moving well beyond the boardroom brochure.
The certifications were awarded under Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC), the company’s flagship corporate social responsibility programme, which launched in India in 2022 with the stated aim of democratising access to future-technology education. The 1,000 graduates were drawn from four institutions: 127 from Savitribai Phule Pune University, 373 from Pimpri Chinchwad University, 250 from D.Y. Patil University’s Ramrao Adik Institute of Technology and 250 from Anjuman-I-Islam’s Kalsekar Technical Campus. All completed training in either AI or coding and programming, the two disciplines Samsung has identified as the critical pillars of the digital economy.
The programme does not stop at technical training. Soft-skills development and career-readiness modules are baked into the curriculum, a deliberate attempt to close the gap between what universities teach and what employers actually want.
“India’s digital growth story will ultimately be shaped by the quality of its talent pipeline,” said Shubham Mukherjee, head of CSR and corporate communications at Samsung Southwest Asia. “As technologies like AI move from the periphery to the core of industries, skilling must evolve from basic training to building real-world capability. This milestone in Maharashtra reflects how industry and academia can come together to create a future-ready workforce that is both globally competitive and locally relevant.”
The Maharashtra drive sits within a rapidly scaling national effort. Samsung Innovation Campus trained 20,000 young people across India in 2025, hitting its stated target for the year. Women account for 48 per cent of national enrolments, a figure the company cites as evidence of its push for an inclusive technology ecosystem. The programme is implemented in partnership with the Electronics Sector Skills Council of India and the Telecom Sector Skill Council.
Samsung, which is marking 30 years in India this year, runs SIC alongside two other initiatives, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow and Samsung DOST, as part of a broader effort to build what it calls a generation of innovators with both the technical depth and the problem-solving mindset to thrive in a fast-moving digital world.
A thousand certified students is a tidy headline. Whether they find jobs that match their new skills is the harder question, and the one that will ultimately determine whether corporate skilling programmes like this one are genuine pipelines or well-photographed gestures.
