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    Honda Electric Scooter, Flex Fuel Motorcycle – Bharat Mobility Expo 2024

    Honda e: SwapAt Honda’s pavilion at Bharat Mobility Expo 2024, the company showcased a wide variety of products across various sectorsThe Japanese auto giant, Honda, has set up a massive demonstrative pavilion at ongoing Bharat Mobility Expo 2024. Honda is a group of companies operating in different sectors. At Bharat Mobility Expo 2024, Honda made its presence known across Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI), Honda Power Pack Energy India (HEID), Honda Cars India Limited (HCIL) and HIPP (Honda India Power Products).Honda Electric Scooter, Flex Fuel MotorcycleThis is the first ever Bharat Mobility Expo ever and commenced today, extending to 3rd of February at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Honda is showcasing what it has to offer in India’s future of mobility. Bharat Mobility Expo 2024 acts as a platform for the company to showcase their products in commitment towards sustainability, road safety, zero traffic collision fatalities and carbon neutrality.Honda Motorcycle and Scooters India (HMSI) showcased the most interesting product among the rest. We’re talking about HMSI’s first flex-fuel powered motorcycle developed specially for Indian market. This move aligns with Indian Government’s alternative fuel direction and initiatives as well.Honda showcased a pre-production model that uses what the company calls “Flex Tech” technology. This motorcycle runs on flex fuel, which is a blend of Ethanol and gasoline. This is HMSI’s first-ever flex fuel capable offering and represents Honda’s decade-plus experience in active pursuits in flex fuel arena in Latin American markets like Brazil.Honda’s new flex-fuel capable bikeThe engine on this vehicle is a 293.52cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine compatible with up to E85 fuel (85% Ethanol blend). In the electrification realm, Honda Power Pack Energy India (HEID) proudly showcases its technology that is set to accelerate India’s electric mobility adoption. HEID is betting big on swappable battery tech.At the Expo, HEID will showcase Honda e: Swap, a battery-swapping solution developed for 2W and 3W applications. With Honda e: Swap, HEID intends to reshape the landscape of electric mobility in India. As of now, Honda e: Swap stations are operational in Bengaluru, Karnataka and there are plans to extend these to all major tier-1 cities.Honda Sensing DemonstratedHonda Cars India Limited (HCIL) is working on an electric version of its Elevate SUV. Until then, HCIL has showcased its City e:HEV and Elevate SUV at Bharat Mobility Expo 2024. Both of them feature Honda Sensing ADAS suite that aligns with Honda’s zero traffic collision fatalities goal. City e:HEV packs Honda’s two-motor strong hybrid system.Honda Bharat Mobility Expo 2024Lastly, Honda India Power Products (HIPP) showcased its new range of power tools at Bharat Mobility Expo 2024. HIPP’s new range of Li-ion battery powered robotic lawnmowers, hand-held grass trimmers, hedge trimmers and blowers comprised its extensive lawn and garden range. That’s not it. HIPP will showcase bio-fuel compatible portable inverter generator, 4-stroke Honda Marine engine, and others. More

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    Mahindra XUV.e9 EV Coupe Reveals Flamboyant Design

    Mahindra XUV.e9 EV CoupeWhen compared to XUV.e8 with a regular monocoque SUV proportions, Mahindra XUV.e9 EV Coupe emerges as significantly more stylishCoupe SUVs have been catching up in recent times. What started as a design trend with BMW X6 has reached mainstream car markets. Mahindra is also taking up the trend and developing XUV.e9 and BE.09. There have been spy shots showing profile, but the new spy shots show rear section as well.Mahindra XUV.e9 EV CoupeFor starters, the new XUV.e9 is essentially an electrified version of upcoming XUV700 Coupe or XUV800. While XUV.e8 is an electrified version of XUV700, XUV.e9 is an electrified version of XUV800, which could be launched at a later date. To ace aerodynamic performance of a coupe SUV, Mahindra seems to be benchmarking a Tesla Model Y, spotted at Mahindra’s premises.The recent XUV.e9 spy shots were captured by automotive enthusiast Anto Leo Thomson. This particular test mule was found trundling along near Paranur toll gate outside Mahindra City, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu. These are the clearest and the closest pictures of XUV.e9 yet. Most of the components like tail lights and headlights seem to be production-spec.In many Mahindra prototypes, we have seen temporary tail lights, but these seem to be finalised. We can see how massive Mahindra XUV.e9 looks and the massive road presence it exudes. Wheels look a tad small for a vehicle of this size. However, the coupe roof line is the primary highlight here.Mahindra XUV.e9 EV Coupe shapeIt smoothly flows into rear section that features a connected tail light design along with a fake air vent-type element. We can see split aero rear spoiler along with a shark fin antenna. Front door handles are flush, but rear door handle is in the C-pillar. Chunky body claddings will cut down on visual mass too.Immersive interiorsAnto Leo Thomson also mentioned that this particular test mule features a triple-screen setup – one for main infotainment, one for driver’s instrumentation and one for front passenger. We will see Mahindra’s new steering wheel which looks to be inspired by Tata’s new steering design. Like BE.05, XUV.e9 could feature a fixed glass roof too.Powertrain-wise, Mahindra’s new INGLO platform will underpin this stylish coupe SUV. Battery size will vary between 60 kWh to 80 kWh. Single motor RWD and dual motor AWD layouts will be offered as options. Performance with these SUVs will be plenty with instant electric torque. Mahindra demonstrated a 200 km/h top speed as well.Mahindra BE.09 Production DesignIn India, Tata Tigor was the first mainstream coupe vehicle, followed by Maruti Suzuki Fronx. That said, Mahindra had established interests in coupe vehicles much earlier and had even showcased XUV500 Aero Concept with a sloping roof line. The new BE.09 and XUV.e9 are spiritual successors of that design. More

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    Bajaj Sales Jan 2024 – Two Wheelers and CVs Register Growth

    New Bajaj Pulsar N 150Bajaj Auto has seen its two wheeler and commercial vehicle segments report growth both in terms of YoY and YTD basis in domestic markets even as CV exports experience some declineIn the two wheeler segment, domestic sales grew by 36 percent YoY to 1,93,350 units in January 2024, up from 1,42,368 units sold in January 2023. It was also significant growth on a MoM basis as compared to 1,58,370 units sold in December 2023.Bajaj Auto YoY Sales January 2024Exports also posted a YoY growth of 14 percent to 1,14,898 units in January 2024, up 14 percent from 1,00,678 units sold in January 2023. This took total two wheeler sales to 3,08,248 units in January 2024, up 27 percent from 2,43,047 units sold in January 2023.Bajaj Auto Sales Jan 2024In the commercial vehicle space, the company has recorded a 12 percent YoY growth in domestic sales which stood at 36,693 units in the past month, up from 32,842 units sold in January 2023. Exports dipped by 8 percent to 11,069 units, down from 12,046 units shipped in January 2023. This took total CV sales up 6 percent to 47,762 units in January 2024 from 44,888 units sold in the same month last year.Combining sales both in the two-wheeler and commercial vehicle segments, sales in domestic markets grew by 31 percent YoY to 2,30,043 units, up from 1,75,210 units sold in January 2023. Exports also showed off a 12 percent YoY growth to 1,25,967 units, up from 1,12,725 units sold in January 2023. Total CV sales (domestic + exports) thus stood at 3,56,010 units in the past month, relating to a 24 percent YoY growth over 2,87,935 units sold in January 2023.Bajaj Auto Sales YTDBajaj Auto YTD Sales – April – January 2024Taking into account two wheeler sales in the past 10 month, Bajaj Auto has seen a 24 percent rise in domestic sales. Sales stood at 18,97,054 units in the April-January 2024 period, up from 15,33,261 units sold in the same period of 2023. Exports however, dipped significantly by 14 percent to 12,22,300 units in the April-Jan 2024 period, down from 14,27,220 units shipped in April-Jan 2023. This saw total two wheeler sales at 31,19,354 units in the 2024 period up 5 percent from 29,60,481 units sold in the same period of the previous year.In the commercial vehicle segment as well, Bajaj Auto experienced growth across domestic sales, while exports suffered a setback. In domestic markets, there was a phenomenal growth of 67 percent to 3,90,382 units, up from just 2,33,543 units sold in April-Jan 2023 period. CV exports dipped by 21 percent on a YTD basis to 1,28,631 units, down from 1,62,040 units shipped in the April-Jan 2023 period. This took total sales in this segment up 31 percent to 5,19,013 units during the April-Jan 2024 period from 3,95,583 units sold in the same 10 month period last year.Total sales (domestic + exports) thus went up 8 percent on a YTD basis. This included 22,87,436 units sold in domestic markets and 13,50,931 units which were exported. Total sales thus stood at 36,38,367 units in April-Jan 2024 when compared to 33,56,064 units sold in April-Jan 2023. More

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    Hero Sales Breakup December 2023 – Splendor, Pleasure, Xtreme, Xpulse

    Hero Splendor Black EditionAnalysing Hero sales breakup December 2023, it is clear that company’s premium products need a significant push to boost salesIndia’s largest 2W manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp, closed its accounts for the year 2023 with a total of 3,91,735 units (domestic + exports) sold in December 2023. When compared to the numbers of November 2023, there was a significant decline. However, the company is poised to rack up numbers in 2024 with a slew of new products.Hero Sales Breakup December 2023 – Domestic MarketAt this point, Splendor topping 2W sales with a huge lead has become quite a routine. That stayed true in December 2023 as well. With 2,27,748 units sold, Splendor accounted for 60.63% of Hero’s domestic sales. Splendor saw 1.02% YoY growth with 2,305 units volume gain YoY. For some reason, popularity of HF Deluxe seems to have dropped drastically.Numbers almost halved YoY at 43.34% YoY decline as Hero sold 61,056 HF Deluxe over 1,07,755 units sold in December 2022. Despite that, HF Deluxe accounted for 16.25% of Hero’s domestic sales. In 3rd place, we have Passion with 33,551 units sold and a staggering 1,273.47% YoY growth, gaining 31,274 units in volume YoY.4th position was secured by Pleasure which is Hero’s best-selling scooter in domestic market. Hero sold 24,862 Pleasures over 23,814 units sold last year and saw 4.4% YoY growth. Glamour secured 5th spot with 11,382 units. Compared to 8,163 units sold last year, Glamour gained 39.43% in sales YoY and 3,219 units in volume growth.Hero Sales Breakup December 2023 – DomesticDestini 125 is Hero’s second highest-selling scooter in India and contributed 10,191 units with 11.71% YoY growth. Relatively newer scooter, Xoom 110, saw just 2,102 units sold last month. Hero is poised to launch Xoom 125 and Xoom 160 in the coming months, which will be a boost for Hero’s new scooter design language.Karizma XMR 210 clocked 1,747 units, while Vida managed 1,120 units with 833.33% YoY growth. Hero’s Xpulse 200 ADV sold 1,105 units which is 23.33% YoY growth. Xtreme 160R 4V and Xtreme 200S 4V combined, clocked 736 units, which is a 47.43% YoY decline. In total, Hero’s total domestic sales stood at 3,75,625 units with a 1.50% YoY decline as opposed to 3,81,334 units sold a year ago.Exports (International Business)While Splendor topped domestic sales charts, it is Hero Hunk topped export charts. Hunk clocked 4,084 units and accounts for 25.35% of Hero’s total exports and saw 65.14% YoY growth. Hunk is different for different markets ranging from OG Hunk sold in India to Xtreme 160R rebadged as Hunk.Hero Sales Breakup December 2023 – ExportsHero shipped 3,874 units of HF Deluxe and it saw a 35.54% YoY decline and managed to capture 24.05% of Hero’s total exports. Xpulse 200 faired better abroad than it did in India by shipping 2,687 units and almost quadrupled its numbers at 196.58% YoY growth. Glamour and Splendor also quadrupled their numbers with 2,356 and 2,024 units sold respectively and registering 203.61% and 228.04% YoY growth respectively.Maestro’s shipments numbered 910, while Pleasure managed to ship 84 units and Karizma just 1. Hero’s total exports stood at 16,110 units. This is a 25.72% YoY growth over 12,814 units shipped in December 2022. Volume gain stood at 3,296 units. More

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    2024 Bajaj Pulsar N160, N150 Launched – New Tech Inbound

    2024 Bajaj Pulsar N160 & N1502024 Bajaj Pulsar N160 will take the fight directly to TVS Apache RTR 160 4V which has been considered a benchmark in the segmentWith progressing technology, Bajaj is playing catch-up to keep its popular Pulsar motorcycle lineup up-to-date. After offering USD front forks with Pulsar NS160 and Pulsar NS200, Bajaj has now turned its progressive gaze at Pulsar N150 and Pulsar N160. The 2024 Bajaj Pulsar N160 and Pulsar N150 bring technology that is first-ever for Bajaj.2024 Bajaj Pulsar N160 & Pulsar N150Bajaj has been the de facto king of performance commuter motorcycles in India. With the launch of Pulsar series of motorcycles, Bajaj carved out a niche for itself. Bajaj developed Pulsar series to provide tech-laden, good-looking, performant and sporty commuter motorcycles for the average Indian without breaking his/her bank.The new technology that 2024 Bajaj Pulsar N160 and Pulsar N150 feature is a fully digital instrument LCD cluster. The headline figure, however, is that this instrument cluster now supports Bluetooth connectivity with a dedicated Bajaj Ride Connect App. To cycle through this interface on the go, there is a new Mode button on left switchgear.2024 Pulsar N160 price starts from Rs. 1,30,560 (ex-sh) offered in three shades – Black, Red and Blue, while Pulsar N150 price starts from Rs. 1,17,677 offered in Black and White shades. Where design is concerned, 2024 Pulsar N160 and N150 look identical to their predecessors, drawing inspiration from their bigger brother, Pulsar N250.Bajaj Ride Connect AppNew features!With the addition of Bluetooth connectivity, users can now connect their smartphone with their beloved Pulsar N160 and N150. Doing so, you get to accept or reject calls on the go, mobile notification alerts, mobile signal strength and battery level. Apart from that, gear position indicator, distance to empty, instant fuel economy and average fuel economy are notable features.Design, chassis and other cycle parts are the same as before including body panels, fuel tank, and headlamp assembly. Pulsar N160’s 164.82cc DTS-i engine makes 15.8 bhp of power and 14.65 Nm of torque. We can expect fuel economy figures of around 45 kmpl from this engine.Pulsar N150, on the other hand, gets a 149.68cc engine that generates 14.3 bhp and 13.5 Nm, mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Bajaj promises best-in-class power and torque, best-in-class passing acceleration (30-70 kph), smoothest gear shifts and an accentuated exhaust note with both bikes.Bajaj New Console FeaturesStriking designBajaj Pulsar N160 shares most of its features with its elder sibling N250. It gets naked wolf LED DRLs, Bi-LED projector headlamps, and a digital instrument console like N250 with features like gear position indicator. Overall motorcycle design is muscular and aggressive that fits the bill for younger riders.2024 Bajaj Pulsar N160 and Pulsar N150 are steps in the right direction. With modern technology, Bajaj better positions its products as opposed to Apache 160 and Apache 160 4V from TVS, FZ lineup from Yamaha, Xtreme 160R 4V and Gixxer 150 from Suzuki. More

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    Honda 350cc ADV Design Leaked – Himalayan Rival With Off-Road Hardware

    Honda CRF300L. Image for illustration only.Other than Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, Honda CB350 ADV will rival Yezdi Adventure and upcoming Hero Xtreme 440 as wellWith travel currently being one of the most popular trending activities, it has proportionally increased appeal towards motorcycling and adventure riding. After Hero MotoCorp, Royal Enfield has cashed in this segment with Himalayan 411 and now Himalayan 450. Honda is now challenging Himalayan 450 with a new contender. Let’s take a look.Honda CB350 ADV Design PatentedThis would be Honda’s first attempt at proper ADV off-road motorcycle segment, not counting CB200X. The target in sight is definitely Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. But Honda’s new ADV will lock horns with other off-road motorcycles like Yezdi Adventure and upcoming Hero Xpulse 440 built on Harley-Davidson X440’s platform.Honda CB350 ADV DesignOne look at Honda CB350 ADV design patented, your first thought might go to Royal Enfield Himalayan 411. That said, there are only so many ways to design a purpose-built ADV motorcycle. Something similar as observed when we compared Royal Enfield Classic 350 with Honda’s new CB350 Classic. These initial observations are based on a 2D side profile flat image. Final production-spec motorcycle in 3D and with surface finishing will surely look very different than Himalayan. On closer inspection, we can see design differences between Honda and Royal Enfield, even though overall approach is similar.Both get a beak, large windscreen, side guards to mount luggage, headlight guard and more. Honda is going for a round headlight too. Rear subframe has a flat pillion seat that is set higher for comfort. Pillion grabrail will have a luggage rack too. We can see rider knuckle guards on handlebar as well.2023 Honda CB200XSimilar componentry as CB350Differences are more pronounced with selection of componentry. Honda is going for a cradle chassis that houses an air-cooled single-cylinder engine with a single up-swept exhaust. Honda is going for RSU telescopic front forks with long travel and these get fork gaiters too. At the rear, Honda CB350 ADV gets twin shock absorbers.For context, Royal Enfield Himalayan offers USD telescopic front forks and rear mono-shock setup. This is too early to say based on a single 2D image, but front wheel is likely to be around 19-inches and not 21-inches like Himalayan and Hero Xpulse. Wheels are wire-spoke type and we hope Honda is giving tubeless dual purpose tyres.Considering everything, we think Honda is taking CB350 and extracting an ADV version of it. And that explains all the component choices that Honda has made. Currently, CB350 has a 348cc air-cooled engine generating 20.78 bhp and 30 Nm, mated to a 5-speed gearbox. We hope Honda is eking out more performance out of this engine to better rival Himalayan and Yezdi Adventure. Honda could launch it in 2025 and just like CB350, it is likely to be a global product as well. More

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    Volvo C40 Recharge Electric Car Catches Fire – Volvo India Official Statement

    Volvo C40 Recharge Electric catches fireQuick Thinking Ensures Escape from Burning C40 – How Will This Incident Impact Electric Vehicle Adoption?In a surprising turn of events, a video has surfaced online showing a Volvo C40 Recharge, known for its reputation as one of the safest car brands globally, engulfed in flames. The incident occurred in Chhattisgarh, while the owner was driving, raising concerns about the safety of electric vehicles.The Volvo C40 Recharge, an all-electric car, has been gaining attention for its eco-friendly features and advanced safety measures. Priced at Rs 62.95 lakh (ex-showroom), it is one of the premium electric offerings available in India. However, a shocking video shared by the car owner reveals a different side to the vehicle’s safety record.Volvo’s Safety Reputation TestedThe video, recorded by the owner at the time of the incident, captures the moment the Volvo C40 Recharge caught fire. Fortunately, everyone on board managed to escape unharmed before the flames engulfed the car completely. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, and investigations are underway to understand the circumstances that led to this unexpected incident.Volvo, known for its commitment to safety, has not released an official statement regarding the incident at the time of writing. Owners of the C40 Recharge and electric vehicle enthusiasts are awaiting an explanation from the company, seeking reassurance about the safety standards of their vehicles.[embedded content]This incident is likely to spark discussions about the safety of electric cars, particularly as they become more prevalent on roads worldwide. While electric vehicles are generally considered to be safer than traditional combustion engine cars, isolated incidents like these can raise concerns among consumers and prompt manufacturers to revisit their safety protocols.What Can the Electric Car Industry Take Away from This Incident?It is important to note that the swift evacuation and the absence of injuries in this incident highlight the importance of vehicle occupants being aware of safety procedures and emergency exits. The incident also emphasizes the need for continued research and development in the electric vehicle industry to enhance safety measures and prevent such incidents in the future. As investigations into the Volvo C40 Recharge fire continue, the incident serves as a reminder for both manufacturers and consumers to prioritize and stay vigilant about the safety aspects of electric vehicles.Update – Volvo India StatementWe are aware of an incident on Saturday involving a fire on a C40 while being driven. The embedded safety features informed the driver to take the car aside and step out of the car. There were no injuries & all occupants were safe. Our Customer Care call center was online to guide the customer on requisite safety measures. At Volvo Cars we pride ourselves on the safety of our cars and have taken this incident very seriously. The said vehicle will be minutely examined by our technical experts to ascertain the cause. We are in touch with and continue to support the customer. More

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    KTM India Sales, Exports Dec 2023 – Duke, RC, 125, 200, 250, 390 ADV

    2024 KTM Duke 390KTM India has showcased remarkable sales figures in the domestic market for December 2023, significantly outperforming its numbers from the same period in the previous yearKTM India has closed the year 2023 on a high note, reporting extraordinary figures in both domestic sales and exports for the month of December. The total sales, encompassing both the domestic market and exports, have exhibited robust growth, underscoring KTM’s stronghold in the competitive premium two-wheeler segment.KTM India Sales Dec 2023KTM 200 series emerged as the star performer, with a staggering 73.86% increase in sales compared to December 2022. The sales figures soared from 1,794 units in 2022 to an impressive 3,119 units in December 2023, reaffirming the popularity and demand for the KTM Duke 200 and RC 200 in the 125cc to 400cc segment. The models not only dominated the sales charts but also commanded a robust 67.10% share of the total units sold.KTM India sales Dec 2023Despite a minor dip in sales, the KTM 250 series remained a solid player, with 867 units sold in December 2023. While experiencing an 11.62% decline compared to the same period last year, the 250 series maintained an 18.65% share of the market. The models, including Duke 250 and ADV 250, continue to captivate enthusiasts with their blend of performance and style.KTM 390 series showcased an impressive growth rate of 101.38% Year-on-Year, selling 582 units in December 2023 as opposed to 289 units in the same month of the previous year. The Duke 390, RC 390, and ADV 390 contributed significantly to this surge, further solidifying KTM’s foothold in the high-performance motorcycle segment. While the KTM 125 series faced a decline of 68.13% in Year-on-Year sales, with 80 units sold in December 2023 compared to 251 units in December 2022, it remains a niche offering in the market, capturing the attention of entry-level riders.KTM India exports Dec 2023KTM India Exports Dec 2023KTM 390 series took the lead in exports, exhibiting a commendable 32.56% growth in December 2023. With a total of 4,780 units exported, compared to 3,606 units in December 2022, the high-performance Duke 390, RC 390, and ADV 390 have continued to captivate international riders, contributing to the brand’s global recognition.Undoubtedly, the KTM 125 series has emerged as a star performer in exports, experiencing an extraordinary 217.81% surge in Year-on-Year growth. The 2,498 units exported in December 2023, as opposed to 786 units in December 2022, underscore the global demand for the nimble and stylish 125cc motorcycles.KTM 200 series maintained a steady performance in exports, recording a 5.64% growth Year-on-Year. With 1,909 units exported in December 2023, the Duke 200 and RC 200 continue to attract riders internationally, contributing to KTM’s diversified market presence. The KTM 250 series displayed an impressive 291.40% growth in exports, with 1,730 units shipped in December 2023 compared to 442 units in the same month of the previous year. This surge reflects the global popularity of the Duke 250 and ADV 250 models.KTM India Total (sales + exports) Dec 2023KTM India Total (Sales + Exports) Dec 2023KTM 390 series spearheaded the charge with an impressive 37.66% growth in December 2023 compared to the same month in 2022. The Duke 390, RC 390, and ADV 390 collectively contributed to the sale of 5,362 units, reaffirming their dominance in the high-performance motorcycle segment. Not far behind, the KTM 200 series demonstrated a commendable 39.63% increase in sales, reaching a total of 5,028 units in December 2023. The Duke 200 and RC 200 continued to attract enthusiasts, contributing significantly to KTM’s overall market share.KTM 250 series experienced an outstanding 82.50% growth in Year-on-Year sales, with 2,597 units sold in December 2023. The Duke 250 and ADV 250 models showcased their global appeal, reinforcing KTM’s presence in the mid-range motorcycle segment. The 125cc category witnessed an extraordinary surge, recording a remarkable 148.60% growth in Year-on-Year sales. With 2,578 units sold in December 2023, the KTM 125 series, including the Duke 125 and RC 125, emerged as a formidable player in the entry-level segment. More