Strategic Initiatives Announcement
Hero MotoCorp celebrated the 10th anniversary of Hero MotoSports Team Rally at its Centre for Innovation and Technology (CIT) in Jaipur, marking a decade of India's participation in global rally racing. The event featured top racing stars including 2024 FIM World Rally-Raid Champion Ross Branch, Nacho Cornejo, Michael Docherty, Shlok Ghorpade, and Somyya "Moksha" Chaudhary, along with team architects Wolfgang Fischer (Head of MotoSports and Team Manager) and Jordi Grau (Head of National MotoSports).
Partnership Extension with ASO
Hero MotoCorp renewed its partnership with Amaury Sport Organization (ASO), organizers of the iconic Dakar Rally and the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship, for 5 years. This renewed association reflects the shared commitment toward advancing the sport globally and creating greater opportunities for emerging rally talent.
India's Next Dakar Hero Program Launch
Dr. Pawan Munjal, Executive Chairman of Hero MotoCorp, announced the launch of 'India's Next Dakar Hero' (INDH) program - a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to identify, develop, and champion the next generation of Indian rally-raid talent. The program focuses on:
- Identifying India's top young off-road racing talent
- Providing structured 2-3 year development program
- Training in riding technique, navigation, physical conditioning, and endurance
- Building a pathway from national racing to international rally-raid stage
The program builds upon Hero MotoSports Team Rally's existing rider development ecosystem, leveraging the team's decade of global rally experience. The first milestone was achieved in September 2025 when national racing ace Arun Thayappa made his international rally-raid debut at the Cierzo Rally in Spain aboard the Hero 450 Rally prototype.
Talent Acquisition - Shlok Ghorpade
Hero MotoSports Team Rally formally welcomed 18-year-old Shlok Ghorpade from Satara, Maharashtra into the team. Ghorpade has completely swept the National India Supercross circuit, claiming every major title available and finishing as the fastest national racer in the India Supercross League. His development program includes:
- Training alongside FIM World Rally-Raid Champion Ross Branch and core team riders
- Intensive race simulation program in Morocco
- Dedicated pathway to Dakar Rally participation
Company Background
Hero MotoCorp, headquartered in New Delhi, India, is the world's largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters for 25 consecutive years with approximately $5 billion revenue. The company's global footprint spans 52 countries with over 130 million customers. Operational facilities include eight manufacturing plants (six in India, one in Colombia, one in Bangladesh) and two R&D centers (Centre for Innovation and Technology in India and Tech Centre Germany).
The company is driving electric mobility transition through VIDA, powered by Hero, with strategic alliances with Harley-Davidson and Zero Motorcycles. Strategic investments include two- and three-wheeler EV manufacturers Ather Energy and Euler Motors. Hero MotoCorp is the only Indian two-wheeler manufacturer listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI).
Beyond mobility, Hero MotoCorp promotes sports including golf, football, field hockey, and cricket, with Hero MotoSports Team Rally representing India in global rally racing.