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    in Bike

    New Yamaha FZ-X 150cc Retro Motorcycle Spied Undisguised

    2021 Yamaha FZ-X SpiedDespite being based on Yamaha FZ FI, the upcoming FZ-X will wear its own unique styling
    When a test mule of Yamaha was spotted in Yamuna Expressway a few weeks ago, it was presumed that the Japanese carmaker was planning to bring the XSR lineup to India. While later it was revealed that it won’t carry the XSR branding and instead will be named FZ-X even though the latter is also likely to be a retro-style bike like the former.
    Yamaha FZ-X will be based on FZ-FI V3 as revealed by a government approval document leaked a few days ago. It is speculated to share a lot in common with its international counterpart XSR 150 as far as styling and specifications are concerned. A new photo has now leaked, which shows the front quarter completely undisguised.
    2021 Yamaha FZ-X for India
    While underpinnings and powertrain are likely to be the same, the FZ-X roadster is likely to wear a different top hat in comparison to its naked streetfighter. When launched, it will create a new segment of entry-level retro motorcycles and will be positioned as a more affordable alternative to current entry-level retro-style classic motorcycles (300-400cc). This segment is currently dominated by Royal Enfield with rivals from Jawa, Benelli and Honda.
    Expected Design Elements
    This could turn out to be extremely beneficial for Yamaha as the bikemaker will try and utilise the first mover’s benefits to ramp up its sales volume. In terms of design, some of the highlights expected are a box-style fuel tank, fork gaiters, flat seat design, center-set footpegs, a comfortable riding position, upswept exhaust and a digital instrument cluster. The relaxed riding stance would be suitable for daily urban commutes as well as highway touring.
    2021 Yamaha FZ-X
    Expected Specs
    It will be powered by the same 149cc air-cooled SOHC engine that performs duties in FZ Fi and FZS Fi. This unit is rated to return an output of 12.2 bhp at 7,250rpm and 13 Nm of peak torque at 5,500rpm and will be mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
    Suspension setup will retain telescopic forks at front and a 7-step adjustable mono-shock at rear. Braking duties will be handled by 282m discs at front and 220m disc at rear assisted by single-channel ABS as standard.
    Dimension-wise, FZ-X will offer the same wheelbase of 1330mm as the naked street racer. However, in terms of length, width and height the former will outstretch the latter by 30mm, 5mm and 35mm respectively. This suggests that FZ-X will wear its own unique bodywork. In figures, the classic roadster will measure 2,020mm in length, 785mm in width and 1,115mm in height.
    When launched, FZ-X could be offered at the same price as FZ Fi which currently has a starting price of Rs 1.05 lakh (ex-showroom). Exact launch timeline is yet to be confirmed by Yamaha.
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    in Bike

    KTM India Sales, Exports March 2021 – Duke 125, 200, 250, RC 390, ADV

    KTM DukeKTM India domestic sales and exports growth reported in March 2021
    Exports from India are important, and the Indian auto industry has great potential to be a force to reckon with at this front. Over time, manufacturers have found meaning in overseas business. Bajaj for one has been making strides at this front. Not only are Bajaj Auto exports creating a benchmark, but so are its KTM volumes.
    However Covid-19 pandemic related situation have reigned in business potential. And the fiscal ended in the red zone despite some efforts at recovery in recent months. KTM exports grew by almost a quarter in March 2021. Total exports are reported at 4,764 units up from 3,855 units units. Volume gain stood at 909 units at 23.58 percent growth.
    KTM India sales and exports – March 2021
    This of course on account of the fact that the first Covid-19 pandemic related lockdown was suddenly announced towards March 2020 end. This brought to a stop all auto manufacturing and sales accounting for low base sales.
    KTM 200 and KTM 390
    Considering growth in recent months, the company showed great heart in February 2021 with exports reported at 8,153 units. Given the volume, MoM decline in exports is reported at 41.57 percent. Volume contraction stood at 3,389 units.
    KTM India Mar 2021 Sales Break Up
    In the domestic market, wholesales in March 2021 are reported at 45.32 percent. Sales is up at 6,217 units, up from 4,278 units, at volume gain of 1,939 units. Sales growth stood at 45.32 percent. Of the KTM motorcycles sold in India, the 200cc range was able to consistently pack in the biggest punch accounting for the biggest share in sales. Last month 2,226 units were sold at 35 percent volume share. The KTM 390 range saw wholesales cross a 1,000 units.
    KTM India Mar 2021 Exports Break Up
    Total KTM sales in March 2021
    MoM sales growth is reported at 15.26 percent. Volume gain stood at 823 units, up from 5,394 units reported the month prior. At the time, KTM 200 wholesales were just below 2.5k units. Whole the unit sees great demand in India, globally, it’s the KTM 390 range that dominates KTM exports charts. In March 2021, 390 exports were reported at just under 2.4k units at 50 percent market share of total KTM exports. The month prior that number crossed 3k units. YoY 390 exports fell by 8.67 percent down from 2,619 units at volume loss of 227 units.
    In the domestic front, KTM reported growth in wholesales for all its offerings, barring the 125cc range last month. The later saw wholesales contract by just under 5 percent. The KTM 250 range saw sales pick up at 1,249 units, up from 375 units. In a MoM comparison, the KTM 200 range sold about 200 units lesser.
    Total wholesales in March 2021 is reported at 10,981 units, up from 8,133 units. Growth is reported at 35 percent at volume gain of 2,848 units. MoM decline stood at 18.94 percent. Wholesales fell from 13,547 units at volume loss of just over 2.5k units. More

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    in Motor News

    Tesla Model S That Crashed in Texas May Not Have Been on 'Autopilot'

    Michael Simari/Car and Driver

    In a crash and subsequent fire of a Tesla Model S near Houston, Texas, over the weekend, police say they are certain there was no one sitting in the driver’s seat of the vehicle, implying it was using Autopilot at the time.Tesla CEO Elon Musk, however, said on Twitter that the car did not have the optional Full Self-Driving feature and that Autopilot could not have been engaged because the road did not have marked lane lines.Reuters reports that Harris County, Texas, police will subpoena Tesla for the car’s data to find out for certain.A crash and subsequent vehicle fire in Texas over the weekend has made major headlines for the fact that the 2019 Tesla Model S crashed at high speed with, police say, the two occupants sitting in the front and rear passenger seats with nobody at the wheel. Now police said they will subpoena the EV maker to get the car’s data and find out if its Autopilot feature was engaged.Tesla CEO Elon Musk insisted via Twitter that the car could not have been on Autopilot, saying it only can be engaged on a road with lane markings:
    This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

    An important note about Autopilot is that it is designed not to stay engaged without regular steering-wheel input, so the occupants of this Model S could not have climbed into the passenger seat or back seat for any significant period of time and continued using Autopilot even if it were engaged—unless they were purposely trying to fool the system by taping a weight to the steering wheel.Reuters reported that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will both investigate this accident. The crash occurred on Saturday when the vehicle, traveling at what police described as “a high speed” in the Houston area, missed a curve and crashed into a tree, then catching on fire. The bodies of the two occupants were in the vehicle’s two passenger seats, and the car’s owner was the person found in the back seat, according to Reuters.

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    in Motor News

    Hennessey's Chief Engineer Updates Us on the Venom F5

    This content is imported from YouTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

    Hennessey has previously stated that its upcoming Venom F5 will surpass the Bugatti Chiron’s record for fastest production car in the world, by reaching 310 mph.The Venom F5, the company claims, will eventually make 1817 horsepower from its twin-turbo V-8 engine.The specialist’s chief engineer said progress looks good but that the company is also working on making it a more well-rounded performance car beyond top speed.We’ve previously told you about Hennessey’s ambition to prove that the forthcoming Venom F5 is the fastest production car in the world. That milestone is still a way off, presuming the Hennessey manages to beat the Bugatti Chiron’s 304-mph record. But the Texas company has announced that the F5 has already passed the 200-mph mark during testing, and with its 6.6-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 making just half of what will be its eventual 1817-hp output.

    “We have been working up to the full output,” John Heinricy, Hennessey Performance’s chief engineer, explained. “It’s much easier to do the basics at a lower output to get the learnings in, and we can then build on that . . . But if you look at 900 horsepower and the [3053-pound] weight of the car, there’s no lack of performance.”

    Hennessey

    Development work has been done both at Hennessey’s HQ in Texas and also on a 2.2-mile runway of a one-time U.S. Air Force base in Arkansas. Last year John Hennessey told us the F5 will make top speed runs on the 3.2-mile runway of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, but also on public roads if this proves insufficiently long to validate the car’s aimed-for 311-mph top speed.Although working toward the same ultimate performance goal, Heinricy is equally determined that the finished F5 will perform at lower speeds, with development work set to include both roads and technical race courses including Circuit of the Americas near Austin.”Sure, we’re focusing on top speed and being the fastest on the racetrack, but we’re also looking at the whole balance,” he said. “If you just look at top speed, you’re not going to make a car that is capable of everyday driving, we’re not going after just a single area . . . and if you get the basics together it’s going to be a lot easier to get the ultimate performance.”When asked to nominate a rival he particularly wants to beat, Heinricy said, “All of them.” He elaborated: “Sure, we want to make a car that can be compared to a Bugatti or the Konigsegg, but not just on top speed. We want to create a decathlete.”Heinricy was previously development chief for the Chevrolet Corvette, and he told us the F5 will offer similar usability. “I’ve spent my career trying to make cars accessible for regular customers,” he said. “It’s very much my focus here to make sure the car has that capability.”We look forward to testing both sides of the Venom F5’s character.

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    in Bike

    350cc Motorcycle Sales March 2021 – Classic, Meteor, Bullet, Hness CB350

    Image – GauravRoyal Enfield Classic 350 is the most sold 350cc motorcycle in India, new generation model expected in a few weeks
    The retro-style classic segment of motorcycles once was clearly dominated by Royal Enfield. It still does command the space thanks to a loyal fanbase and a wide range of products in this space. However, in recent times it has faced stiff competition from new offerings from Honda, Benelli and Jawa.
    Domestic Sales
    In the 350cc segment, the Chennai-based bikemaker still enjoys a monopoly since it has three offerings against the one offered by Honda. A total of 61,201 motorcycles were sold in this space last month against l29,971 units sold in March last year that resulted in YoY growth of 104.20 percent even though MoM sales declined by 6.47 percent. Sales of Jawa and Benelli are not available.
    The segment was spearheaded by Royal Enfield Classic 350 with as many as 31,696 units sold in March this year. The figures stood at 24,304 units in March last year and 36,025 units in February this year.
    This resulted in YoY growth of 30.41 percent and a decline in MoM sales by 12.02 percent. Its sibling Bullet 350 managed to rake in 9,693 units last month against the previous month’s 11,044 units resulting in an MoM decline in sales by 12.23 percent.
    350cc Motorcycle Sales March 2021
    New Entrants- Meteor 350, CB350 Show Growth
    However, the longest-running motorcycle in production registered a massive YoY growth of 278 percent since it sold 2,507 units in March last year. The electric start version of Bullet, formerly known as Electra, recorded sales of 4,914 units that resulted in YoY growth of 55.51 percent and MoM decline of 24.1 percent. The company’s latest cruiser offering Meteor 350 registered sales of 10,596 units in March this year.
    In February 2021, the motorcycle witnessed sales of 8,624 units thus translating to an MoM growth of 22.87 percent. The list was rounded off by Honda’s latest roadster CB 350 in two forms- H’Ness and RS with a cumulative sales of 4,302 units. In comparison, the Japanese brand sold 3,268 units in February this year resulting in an MoM growth of 31.64 percent.
    Exports
    As far as exports are concerned, a total of 1,722 motorcycles from this segment were shipped to overseas countries. In comparison, last year during the same month, this figure stood at 416 units whereas this year in February, the numbers stood at 1,572 units. Therefore, it resulted in YoY growth of 75.84 percent and an MoM growth of 9.54 percent.
    350cc Motorcycle Exports March 2021
    Meteor 350 recorded the highest exports of 890 units which translates to an MoM of 383.70 percent. With 679 units dispatched abroad, Classic witnessed the highest YoY growth of 87.57 percent, however, its MoM sales declined by 38.66 percent. Honda shipped only 150 units of CB350 thus recording an MoM sales decline of 44.44 percent. More

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    in Bike

    Top 10 Two Wheeler Sales FY 2021 – Splendor, Activa, Jupiter, Platina

    File photoTop 10 two wheeler sales volumes contracted by 12 percent in FY21 over sales in FY20
    Top 10 entries in the two wheeler segment for FY21 were commanded by Hero MotoCorp with four of its two wheelers in the list, while Honda, Bajaj and TVS had two each. Total top 10 two wheeler sales stood at 1,05,55,104 units in FY21, a de-growth of 12 percent as against 1,19,94,646 units sold in FY20. Each of the top 10 two wheelers suffered de-growth with the exception of Honda CB Shine and Bajaj Pulsar.
    Splendor No 1
    It was the Hero Splendor that was at the top of this list with a share of 23.31 percent. Sales during the period April 2020 to March 2021 stood at 24,60,248 units, down 6.55 percent over 26,32,800 units sold in the same period of the previous year.
    On this list of top 10 best-selling two wheelers for FY21, Hero MotoCorp also had the HF Deluxe at No.3 with sales de-growth of 19 percent to 16,61,272 units down from 20,50,974 units sold in FY20 while the Hero Passion and Glamour were lower down the order at Nos. 8 and 9 respectively. Both suffered de-growth in sales with Passion sales down 2.95 percent to 4,87,455 units in FY21, down from 5,02,264 units sold in FY20.
    Glamour sales suffered a deeper de-growth of 23.18 percent to 4,62,912 units in the past year, down from 6,02,623 units sold in FY2. Hero MotoCorp has announced a price hike across its best-selling models such as the Splendor, Passion, Maestro, HF Deluxe, Xpulse from 1st April 2021.
    Top 10 Two Wheelers FY 2021
    Honda Activa at No.2
    Sales of the Hero Splendor were over that of the Honda Activa by a huge margin. Activa scooter sales stood at 19,39,640 units, down 25.14 percent over 25,91,059 units sold in FY20. Honda also had the CB Shine at No.4 and reported sales growth of 4.20 percent in FY21 to 9,88,201 units, up 39,817 units as against 9,48,384 units sold in FY20.
    Bajaj Auto Pulsar and Platina also made it to this list at No.5 and No.10 positions. Pulsar sales grew by 10.51 percent in FY21 to 9,45,978 units, up from 8,56,026 units sold in the same period of the previous year. However, Platina sales dipped 21.89 percent to 4,51,685 units, down 1,26,552 units as compared to 5,78,237 units sold in FY20.
    Bajaj Auto Limited has also recently increased prices of the CT and Platina range from 1st April 2021 despite which they continue to be the most affordable commuter motorcycles in the country.

    Top 10 2Wheelers
    FY2021
    FY2020
    % Growth

    1. Splendor
    24,60,248
    26,32,800
    -6.55

    2. Activa
    19,39,640
    25,91,059
    -25.14

    3. HF Deluxe
    16,61,272
    20,50,974
    -19.00

    4. CB Shine
    9,88,201
    9,48,384
    4.20

    5. Pulsar
    9,45,978
    8,56,026
    10.51

    6. TVS XL
    6,17,247
    6,36,812
    -3.07

    7. Jupiter
    5,40,466
    5,95,467
    -9.24

    8. Passion
    4,87,455
    5,02,264
    -2.95

    9. Glamour
    4,62,912
    6,02,623
    -23.18

    10. Platina
    4,51,685
    5,78,237
    -21.89

    Total
    1,05,55,104
    1,19,94,646
    -12.00

    TVS XL and Jupiter
    TVS Motor had the XL moped and Jupiter scooter on the list of top 10 best-selling two wheelers for FY21. TVS XL at No. 6 suffered a de-growth of 3.07 percent to 6,17,247 units in FY21, down from 6,36,812 units sold in FY20. Jupiter sales on the other hand dipped 9.24 percent top 5,40,466 units, a difference of 55,001 units as compared to 5,95,467 units sold in FY20.
    TVS Motor recently introduced start-stop technology on the Jupiter recently so as to make it competitive against its counterparts. TVS has also increased prices by Rs.500-2,500 for its scooters from 1st April 2021. The Jupiter range prices are hiked by Rs.940-1,250 with the company citing rising input costs. More

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    in Electric Cars

    2022 Nissan X-Trail Debuts With New Hybrid Electric Powertrain

    2022 Nissan X-TrailLike its American counterpart, the new Nissan-Trail will be offered in multiple seating configurations
    The latest edition of the Shanghai Auto Show in China has been a showcase to many highly anticipated international models. One of them is the fifth generation Nissan X-Trail which was recently unveiled at the biennial motor show. From the first look, it can be witnessed that the upcoming SUV has undergone quite a few changes both above and underneath its skin.
    Nissan’s flagship SUV in its latest form is based on the CMF-C crossover platform that has been co-developed by the Japanese manufacturer along with its alliance partners Renault and Mitsubishi. The upcoming SUV already went on sale in the US market as ‘Rogue’ a few months back.
    Exterior Design
    The new-gen X-Trail is based on Nissan’s 3.0 design philosophy which results in a plethora of exterior updates. This includes a more butch appearance at front with a new split lighting setup, oversize trapezoidal front grille and aggressive front bumper.
    Blacked-out roof, ORVMs, pillars and side body claddings provide the necessary sporty appeal to the premium SUV. At rear, it features a pair of wraparound LED taillights and a muscular bash plate along with striking design lines.
    2022 Nissan X-Trail
    Interior Layout & Features
    Although dimensions are yet to be revealed officially, if it follows its American sibling then the new X-Trail is likely to be 38mm shorter and 5mm lower than its predecessor. Inside the cabin, things don’t change much as the upcoming model continues to offer a three-row configuration with folding seats in the third row.
    As far as features are concerned, it will be offered with a larger touchscreen infotainment system that houses various connectivity features, wireless charging, ventilated front seats and a bunch of driver-assist functions.
    New powertrain on offer
    The most notable highlight lies under the SUV’s hood. The new-gen X-Trail gets an e-POWER technology featuring a VC Turbo 300 petrol motor that is solely used to charge a battery powering a DC electric motor mounted on the front axle.
    This hybrid powertrain results in an output of 201 bhp and 300 Nm of peak torque. Like the fully electric Nissan Leaf, 2021 X-Trail also features a one-pedal operational ability called ‘e-Pedal’. This system offers enhanced fuel efficiency and lower emissions in comparison to its conventional IC engine-powered counterparts.
    The upcoming SUV will also be available with Nissan’s 4×4 Intelligent AWD system that sends power to all four wheels. This new iteration of X-Trail is expected to go on sale in international markets later this year. While the current third-gen X-Trail never made it to India, we hope Nissan gives it some consideration this time around. More

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    in Bike

    2021 Bajaj Pulsar NS125 India Launch Price Rs 94k – 4 New Colours

    2021 Bajaj Pulsar NS125New Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 launched to further strengthen and widen Bajaj’s entry sport bike segment
    New Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 is the auto manufacturers sportiest 125cc segment offering. Pulsar NS125 entry sportsbike is designed to cater to the needs of young enthusiasts. The engine delivers power of 12 PS and torque of 11 Nm for segment topping performance. In keeping with the spirit of Pulsar, power comes from a 125cc BS6 DTS-i engine characterised by superior power, and immediate throttle response.
    Segment-first features include a rigid perimeter frame for high-stiffness, and low flex for sharp handling. Nitrox mono-shock absorber helps with stability at varying riding speed. This makes for greater handling and stability on varied road types.
    2021 Bajaj Pulsar NS125
    Pulsar NS 125 is now available at a price point of Rs 93,690, ex-sh Delhi. The entry level product widens the Pulsar ‘NS’ range of motorcycles’ portfolio and strengthens brand appeal and utility in the sports motorcycle branding front.
    Pulsar NS 125 features
    Pulsar NS 125 is available in four colour options, including Beach Blue, Fiery Orange, Burnt Red and Pewter Grey. The body is decked in high gloss metallic paint. The perimeter frame and alloys are finished in bronze shade.
    2021 Bajaj Pulsar NS125
    Signature wolf-eyed headlamp cluster is matched with twin pilot lamps. The infinity twin-strip LED Tail lamps, split grab rail and smart design belly pan complete the external design aspects for a touch of sharpness.
    Pulsar NS series has a firm grip on the entry sport segment. And over time, Bajaj has ensured there’s something for everyone in the Pulsar range, whether NS or not. The NS range benefits from its product range which includes Pulsar NS 200, and NS 160. The portfolio affirms the need for varied products across segments that can pack in a punch at an attractive price point.
    First-time sport biking enthusiast
    NS 160 is available at a price point of Rs 1,10,086, and NS 200 is available at a price of Rs 1,33,222. NS 125 intends to bring in yet more buyers into the fold by offering something to the first-time sport biking enthusiast.
    2021 Bajaj Pulsar NS125
    Sarang Kanade, President – Motorcycles, Bajaj Auto said “We are excited to bring the pedigree of the higher cc Pulsar NS series bikes, for first-time performance riding enthusiasts. The thrill that the new Pulsar NS 125 is built to offer, will appeal to a large segment of customers with its multiple class leading features. The Pulsar 125 has been very well received by consumers and we are confident that the new NS 125 will further strengthen the brand’s position in the Entry Sport Bike segment”. More