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    in Bike

    Ola Electric Scooter Will Also Be Sold Internationally – Post India Launch

    Ola Electric Scooter
    Ola electric scooter will be launched in key international markets in FY22 following its Indian debut
    The impending launch of Ola scooter has garnered much attention. While the Indian electric vehicle market continues to grow, volumes hardly make a dent. What’s needed is the right push button to make electric scooters a popular choice. And for now, that’s majorly missing.
    With Ola e-scooter mega factory project bringing spearheading a larger than life development, this could very bring a much needed growth impetus for electric scooters. Already product ready, Ola is currently working round the clock to bring up its production facility.
    Ola electric scooter launch
    While it may all seem a distant, Ola pretty much only needs a few weeks to bring its product to the market. Tentatively in July 2021. And that’s only a start. The company has a multi prong growth plan wherein international business is important. And this too will be executed in the current fiscal.
    In fact, opportunities are endless. And the giant 2.4k crore Tamil Nadu plant is just one chapter in this saga. The company is keen to take its Ola scooter product range to key markets in India within a short period of beginning sales in India.
    Ola Electric Scooter India Plant – 3D Render
    Work on the Hypercharger Network is ongoing. This in itself will be scaled up to be a force to reckon with. Plans are afoot to a lakh charging points over 400 cities. This offers insight to Ola’s plans of expansion in India. While most manufacturer’s selling electric two-wheelers in India have chosen to go from city to city as part of expansion, Ola has already set its sight over a larger territory.
    Hypercharger Network potential
    Another major difference from other electric two-wheeler manufacturers is its immediate focus on international markets. Traditional manufacturers are making space within existing plants to manufacture electric scooters.
    Newer manufacturers are building smaller plants. But Ola has spearheaded its idea with guns blazing. And with little or no competition in this space, Ola could very well lead as soon as it commences ops.
    Even the Hypercharger Network proffers possibilities. It will be expanded to cater to electric cars. And with that, the company offers just the slightest hint regarding its advent into production of electric four-wheelers in the years to come. One can start counting down the days to Q2 FY22, which will herald Ola’s electric scooter debut. More

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    Bajaj Trademarks Fluir, Fluor Names – For Future Electric Motorcycle?

    Image of Zero Motorcycle for reference
    The upcoming Bajaj electric motorcycle will rival the likes of other electric motorcycles such as Revolt RV400 and Okinawa Cruiser among others
    Bajaj Auto, like every other OEM in India, is looking to broaden its product portfolio. It has come to light that the Pune based two-wheeler manufacturer has filed new trademarks for Fluir and Fluor monikers in the country. Speculations indicate that these names would be used for the brand’s upcoming range of electric products.
    Fluir is a Spanish word that stands for flow (of steam or fluids). Since both the names sound similar, it might be the case where only one brand name gets utilised. Bajaj already retails an electric two-wheeler in the form of Chetak electric scooter. It is possible that at least one of these two trademarks could be used for an electric motorcycle.
    Bajaj FLUIR
    Upcoming Electric Two-wheelers
    While trademark applications don’t say that they can only be used for a battery-powered vehicle. However, adding more sub-brands for conventional IC engine-powered vehicles does not make much sense since Bajaj already has at least five of them in its current lineup.
    If Bajaj uses these monikers for conventionally powered two-wheelers, the company will most probably have to delete some models from its portfolio which is not likely to happen in the near future.
    Bajaj FLUOR
    An electric motorcycle seems the best bet since the trio alliance of Bajaj, KTM and Husqvarna are planning to amplify their electric lineup of models. While the Austrian and Swedish bikemakers will be utilising the platform of Chetak Electric to build their own respective e-scooters, Bajaj might very well do the same with its own version of a rebadged Husqvarna E-Pilen which was recently revealed to the world.
    If it turns out the way we speculate, the new electric bike from the Indian automaker is expected to be powered by a 8kW electric motor. While other specifications are yet to be revealed, the bike in all probability will feature a battery swapping technology to address range anxiety issues. A similarly specced bike is also expected to don the orange of KTM at some stage.
    Chetak Electric
    On the other hand, Chetak Electric is powered by a 3kWh battery pack paired with a 4kW electric motor which returns a peak output of 16 Nm torque. It is offered with two drive modes- Eco and Sport.
    The e-scooter offers a maximum range of 95km in Eco mode while in Sport mode it offers a range of 85km on a single charge. Bajaj retails Chetak in two trims namely Urbane and Premium at a starting price of Rs 1.42 lakh (ex-showroom). More

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    Two Wheeler Sales April 2021 – Hero, Bajaj, Honda, TVS, Suzuki, Royal Enfield

    Image – MRD VlogsWhile Hero leads in domestic sales, Bajaj tops export markets in April
    Adverse impact of Covid second wave is clearly evident on two wheeler domestic sales in April, which are down by -33.95% (MoM). A total of 9,53,338 units were sold in April 2021, as compared to 14,43,320 units in March 2021. All two wheeler manufacturers except Suzuki have negative MoM growth in April. The adverse situation could continue in the coming months since there’s a lot of uncertainly from rising Covid cases and lockdowns.
    Two wheeler domestic sales April 2021
    Even though its MoM sales are down by -37.06%, Hero continues to be the top selling brand. The company sold a total of 3,42,614 units in April, as compared to 5,44,340 units in March. Market share is at 23.74% in April.
    Honda is next with sales of 2,40,100 units in April. MoM growth is down by -39.22%, as compared to 3,95,037 units sold in March. Honda commanded a market share of 16.64% in April. At number three is TVS with sales of 1,31,386 units in April. MoM de-growth is at -35.01%, as compared to 2,02,155 units sold in March. TVS market share is at 9.10% in April.
    At number four is Bajaj with sales of 1,26,570 units in April. MoM growth has come down by -30.22%, as compared to 1,81,393 units sold in March. Market share is at 8.77%. Suzuki is placed at fifth place with sales of 63,879 units in April. MoM sales are positive at 6.07%, as compared to 60,222 units sold in March. Suzuki market share is at 4.43% in April.
    Two Wheeler Sales and Exports – April 2021
    Royal Enfield is next with sales of 48,789 units in April. MoM sales are down by -18.92%, as compared to 60,173 units sold in March. Royal Enfield market share in April is at 3.38%.
    Two wheeler exports April 2021
    Bajaj’s strategy to focus aggressively on both domestic and international markets appears to be paying rich dividends in these challenging times. While the company’s domestic sales are down, it is utilizing opportunities available in international markets. As a result, Bajaj exports have zoomed close to 50% in April. A total of 2,21,603 units were exported in April, as compared to 1,48,740 units in March. Percentage share in exports is a whopping 69.63%.
    TVS is another home-bred two wheeler manufacturer that has strong focus on exports. However, export growth in April is negative at -9.95%. A total of 94,807 units were exported in April, as compared to 1,05,282 units in March. Percentage share in exports is 29.79%.
    At number three is Honda, with a staggering 168.41% rise in MoM export growth. A total of 42,945 units were exported in April, as compared to 16,000 units in March. Share in exports is at 13.49%. Other two wheeler brands in the list include Hero (29,671 units), Suzuki (13,970), and Royal Enfield (4,509). Of these, only Suzuki has positive MoM growth. More

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    in Motor News

    You Could Own the Very Last Plymouth Ever Built

    Bring a Trailer is running an auction for the last Plymouth vehicle ever built, a 2001 Neon LX that rolled off the line in June 2001.The Neon in question is a single-owner car with 68 miles showing on the digital odometer.There’s no reserve, but as of Monday evening, the bidding stood at $10,250. The auction ends on May 10 at 2:15 p.m. Eastern time. We’ll update this story with the final selling price.If you’ve got several thousand dollars and a particular taste for pristine examples of objectively boring cars, have we got a car for you. Bring a Trailer (with which Car and Driver shares a parent company) is running an auction for the last Plymouth car ever built, a 2001 Neon. Hagerty reports that the car was custom ordered by Darrell Davis, who was then senior vice-president of parts and service for DaimlerChrysler. The car’s digital odometer has only recorded 68 miles of travel, and it’s currently based in Florida, safe from the salty winters of its Midwestern birthplace.

    The Neon is in the LX trim. It has a silver exterior and a black leather interior, and it’s packed with options including wood-grain trim, a sunroof, and an in-dash CD changer. It has front-wheel drive and a five-speed manual transmission, and it’s powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.

    Bring a Trailer

    Davis drove the car off the Belvidere, Illinois, assembly line himself and has saved every conceivable piece of memorabilia for the next owner. That person will take delivery of a banner displayed above the car as it came off the line, a never-installed radio antenna, the original window sticker, and assorted other paperwork and miscellaneous items. The car is stored in a climate-controlled garage, but there’s some corrosion visible on the muffler in the pictures provided to Bring a Trailer.

    Bring a Trailer

    The 2001 Neon was the second model year of the car’s second generation, and it was also sold as a Dodge in the United States and a Chrysler in other markets. After Plymouth folded on June 29, 2001 (the day after this car was built), Dodge continued building the cars and selling them in the U.S. until 2006.The Neon cost $18,210 when new. That works out to $27,250 in 2021 money. There’s no reserve on the auction, and at press time on the evening of Monday, May 3, the bidding stood at $10,000 after having risen quickly in the afternoon. The auction is scheduled to end on Monday, May 10 at 2:15 p.m. Eastern time. Davis, who says he has owned 160 cars in his life and is now selling the Neon in an attempt to shrink his fleet, is hoping the car will go to someone who can appreciate its place in automotive history.
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    BMW and Ford Invest in Solid-State Battery Startup for Future EVs

    Ford and BMW have invested in Colorado-based solid-state battery startup Solid Power.Solid-state batteries are promised to offer greater energy density than the lithium-ion batteries that are currently used in electric vehicles.The upcoming EVs with the new batteries will arrive by 2030. Ford and BMW are investing $130 million in solid-state battery startup Solid Power in a push to reduce the cost and increase the range of their future electric vehicles. Ford initially contributed to an earlier investment round in 2019, and both automakers have joint agreements to use the technology in upcoming electric vehicles that will arrive by 2030. Solid-state batteries, which are not yet being used in mass-market cars, promise to offer greater energy density compared to the lithium-ion batteries typically used in today’s electric vehicles. Solid Power uses sulfide-based cells and promises that its solid electrolyte is not flammable, and it says they deliver more than 50 percent more energy density. The startup produces them using a manufacturing infrastructure similar to that used for lithium-ion battery production.

    A BloombergNEF (New Energy Finance) report from December 2020 said that the production costs of manufacturing solid-state batteries could be 40 percent that of current lithium-ion batteries when they reach full-scale production. However, Ford’s chief product platform and operations officer told CNBC that its investment in solid-state batteries is currently “significantly smaller” than for lithium-ion.Solid Power will begin production of the automotive batteries early next year, according to Doug Campbell, CEO and co-founder of Solid Power. They’ll be used for the testing and development of upcoming Ford and BMW vehicles starting then, too. Ford announced last week that it’s opening a $185 million lab called “Ford Ion Park” next year to develop new processes for producing these solid-state battery packs in house. Ford just launched the Mustang Mach-E electric crossover, of which it has sold 6614 so far this year, and the electric F-150 Lightning will arrive next year. BMW currently has the electric i3 on sale in the U.S. and the i4 sedan and iX crossover will arrive soon. It says that its new generation of electric vehicles will launch in the middle of the decade. A prototype car with the technology will be on the road by 2025, BMW says.
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    Honda Scooter, Motorcycle Sales April 2021 – Activa, Dio, Shine, Hornet, CB350

    Honda ActivaHonda 2Wheelers reports total (domestic wholesales and exports) sales in April 2021 at 2,83,045 units
    The market is a strange place now. In a most astounding fashion, Bajaj has surpassed Honda Two Wheelers total sales in April 2021. This is on account of notable growth in exports for Bajaj.
    Total sales stood at just below 3.5 lakh units. Honda Two Wheelers sold a total of 2,83,045 units. MoM decline stood at 31.14 percent, down from 4,11,037 units. Volume decline stood at 1,27,992 units. Best sellers include Activa, CB Shine, Dio, Grazia, Unicorn, Dream, Hornet, etc. CB350 too recorded decent sales.
    Honda Sales April 2021
    Of this, domestic sales stood at 2,40,100 units. MoM decline stood at 39.22 percent, down from 3,95,037 units. Volume decline stood at 1,54,937 units. Exports for the month are reported at 42,945 units. MoM growth was reported at 3 figures, up from 16k units. Volume gain stood at 26,945 units.
    Temp production halt
    Disruption in production, processes, supply chain, and distribution networks is a matter that manufacturers are having to deal with on a daily basis. Through April 2021, Covid-19 infection numbers being reported have continued to touch new highs.
    This in turn has prompted states to announce curated lockdowns yet again. This is not too different from what auto manufacturers experienced in April 2021 when manufacturing and sales had come to an absolute halt.
    And given the current need to proritise on safety, and save lives, a number of manufacturers have announced a production halt for a varying number of days. Starting on Labour Day, Honda Two-Wheelers has temporarily halted production until May 15, 2021. The shutdown will be used effectively to advance annual maintenance schedules.
    Decisions in regard to resuming production will be made in accordance with the what the Covid-19 situation looks like in a fortnight. For now, those who can work from home are doing so, and only essential staff is being called in to work at the company’s plants, and offices.
    HMSI scope
    On the global front, Honda is working on electric motorcycles and scooters. Given the potential India supposedly has, one could expect a Honda electric scooter to be a first product from the brand here.
    Honda Two Wheelers India plays an important part in Honda’s global strategy. For one, Honda has a large marketshare in India. And in the last two decades, it has expanded its global footprint from here through exports. Last year with the introduction of CB350, HMSI has chalked out a new path to make inroads.
    For one, this is a sizeable segment in India with rather few competitors where brands are concerned. It’s more like Royal Enfield pitting its bikes against each other. And Honda has finally put it’s foot through the door. It’s 350cc range isn’t just being sold here, but is also being exported. More

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    You May Soon Be Able to Drive a New Citroën in the U.S.

    We have some great news for French car enthusiasts in our nation’s capital. Free2Move, a ride-sharing and rental service, may soon be offering the Citroën Ami, a tiny electric two-seat hatchback sold in Europe, to customers in the Washington, D.C., area.

    Free2Move has published a teaser on LinkedIn showing a silhouette of the Ami along with the phrase “From France with Love,” along with the caption, “Something big is coming to Washington, D.C.,” suggesting it plans to introduce the Ami into its lineup of available shared cars sometime soon. Sounds promising.
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    The Ami is already in use by Free2Move on the other side of the pond and, as you can probably already tell, barely qualifies as a car. According to Carscoops, it’s technically considered a quadricycle in Europe, being shorter and narrower than even a Smart Fortwo. Thanks to a 5.5-kWh battery pack mounted in the floor, it’s able to reach a top speed of 28 mph, with a range of up to 44 miles. There’s no word yet on when exactly the Ami might be available to drive in D.C., or how much it’ll cost to rent. Considering the car can be purchased for as low as around $7250 in Europe, we suspect it won’t be too pricey.

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    New Benelli Electric Scooter Makes Global Debut With 60 Kms Range

    Benelli Dong Electric Scooter
    Dong e-scooter has been designed strictly as an urban mobility solution with a single-charge range of only 60km
    Now, the Chinese are very well known for quirky and out-of-the-box designs and not in a good way. That is why most of their automotive designs are ripped off from international models. If you think, you have seen the craziest automotive designs then you are in for a treat, thanks to the new Benelli Dong electric scooter.
    Benelli recently introduced the mini e-scooter in Indonesia and it is certainly difficult to ignore despite its miniature size. The design is something very original that we doubt has been witnessed anywhere around the world. It has been designed to position as an affordable means of electric mobility.
    Benelli Dong Electric Scooter
    Quirky Design
    The e-scooter gets a curvy front apron that gels well with a cylindrical shape rear section with an under-seat panel housing the battery and electric motor. The floorboard tapers towards the rear to meet a silver-coloured serpentine-style swingarm.
    The e-scooter will be made available in three colour options- blue, dark grey and white. Other highlights include full-LED lighting, a circular LED DRL, turn indicators mounted on the handle, a large grab rail at rear and a negative LCD display for the instrument cluster.
    Benelli Dong Electric Scooter
    Modest Specs
    Speaking of its specifications, the majority of under-seat space is taken up by the 1.56kWh lithium-ion battery pack which is paired to a 1.2kW electric motor rated to produce a peak torque of 24.8 Nm. This powertrain returns a range of 60km on a single charge and can attain a top speed of only 45 kmph.
    Benelli Dong Electric Scooter
    Needless to point that it has been solely designed for short-distance urban commutes. The hub motor employed ensures that there is no need for either a chain or shaft drive system.
    This setup doesn’t leave much space for anything else in the under-seat storage, hence it isn’t the most practical scooter going around. The shape of the seat also wouldn’t be exactly ideal for a pillion. Another interesting bit of feature is the fake exhaust noise which gives it the vibe of a conventional IC engine-powered scooter. Fortunately, this feature could be turned off.
    Benelli Dong Electric Scooter
    Benelli Electric Scooter Price
    The Italian bike brand is owned by Chinese automaker Qianjiang Motors and little to doubt, we believe that QJ must have been involved in the development of this mini e-scooter on some level. Dong has been priced at 36.8 million Indonesian Rupiah that is equivalent to INR 1.89 lakh. Dong is surely a head-turner but is it valuable enough to be owned?

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