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
Estée Lauder to shed 10,000 jobs as new boss bets on digital shift
The cosmetics giant raises its profit outlook but stays silent on a possible merger with Spain’s Puig, as job cuts deepen and a three-year sales slump weighs on the turnaround
NEW YORK: Stéphane de La Faverie is not done cutting. Estée Lauder announced on Friday that it plans to eliminate as many as 3,000 additional jobs, taking its total redundancy programme to as many as 10,000 roles, up from a previous target of 7,000 announced a year ago. The company, which owns La Mer, The Ordinary, Tom Ford, and Aveda, employs roughly 57,000 people worldwide. The mathematics of what is now being contemplated is stark.
The fresh round of cuts is expected to generate a further $200 million in savings, bringing the total annual savings from the programme to as much as $1.2 billion before taxes. That money, De La Faverie has made clear, will be ploughed back into the turnaround.
A CEO in a hurry
De La Faverie, who took the helm in January 2025, inherited a company that had endured three consecutive years of annual sales declines. His response has been to move fast and cut deep. A significant portion of the latest redundancies reflects his push to reduce headcount at US department stores, long a cornerstone of Estée Lauder’s distribution model but now a channel in structural decline. In their place, he is accelerating the shift toward faster-growing online platforms, including Amazon.com and TikTok Shop, a pivot that is reshaping not just where Estée Lauder sells but how it thinks about its customers.
The numbers are moving in the right direction
Despite the pain, there are signs the medicine is working. Estée Lauder raised its profit outlook for the remainder of the fiscal year, guiding for adjusted earnings per share in the range of $2.35 to $2.45, above analyst estimates and a notable step up from the $2.05 to $2.25 range it had guided for in February. Organic net sales growth is expected to come in at 3 per cent, the company said, at the high end of the range it set out in February.
The share price tells a mixed story. After De La Faverie took charge, the stock surged nearly 60 per cent, buoyed by investor optimism that a longtime company insider could finally arrest the decline. But 2026 has been rougher: the shares have fallen 27 per cent this year, weighed down by disappointing February results and the overhang of unresolved merger talks with Spanish beauty giant Puig Brands SA. The company gave no additional details about those discussions on Friday, leaving the market to guess.
Silence on Puig
The proposed tie-up with Puig remains the most consequential unknown hanging over Estée Lauder. A deal with the Barcelona-based group, which owns brands including Carolina Herrera and Rabanne, would reshape the global luxury beauty landscape. But with nothing new to say and a turnaround still very much in progress, De La Faverie is asking investors to trust the process.
Three years of sales declines, 10,000 job cuts, and a merger that may or may not happen. At Estée Lauder, the overhaul has barely started.
