Aurelia Butler

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    Two Wheeler Sales Dec 2023 – Hero, Honda, TVS, Bajaj, Suzuki, Enfield

    Bajaj Pulsar 220Even as two wheeler domestic sales saw positive growth on a YoY basis, its MoM performance saw significant declineTwo wheeler domestic sales of these 6 automakers improved by 16.17 percent to 11,63,617 units in December 2023. This was against 10,01,624 units sold in December 2022. However, on a MoM basis, every automaker on this list has suffered a de-growth by 24.97 percent down from 15,50,849 units sold in November 2023. This was a massive volume dip of 3,87,232 units.2W Domestic Sales December 2023Hero MotoCorp, the largest two-wheeler manufacturer in India, has posted YoY and MoM decline in sales in December 2023. Sales dipped by a minor 0.92 percent to 3,77,842 units in December 2023 from 3,81,365 units sold in December 2022 with a 32.47 percent share on this list. On the other hand, MoM sales dipped even more by 20.67 percent from 4,76,286 units sold in November 2023.Two Wheeler Sales Dec 2023Honda 2W sales grew by 22.71 percent on a YoY basis to 2,86,101 units in December 2023 from 2,33,151 units sold in December 2022 while MoM sales fell by 31.99 percent from 4,20,677 units sold in November 2023. Share percentage also fell from 27.13 percent held in November 2023 to 24.59 percent in the past month.With 1,58,370 units sold last month, Bajaj Auto Limited has reported a 26.14 percent YoY growth. This was against 1,25,553 units sold in December 2022. MoM sales suffered a 27.55 percent setback, down from 2,18,597 units sold in November 2023. Suzuki domestic sales surged 68.74 percent YoY but dipped 5.62 percent MoM to 69,025 units in December 2023. However, trailing the list was Royal Enfield which has seen both a YoY and MoM de-growth by 3.36 percent and 23.75 percent respectively to 57,291 units.Two Wheeler Exports Dec 20232W Exports December 2023Exports ended on a more positive note with a 5.69 percent YoY and 1.78 percent MoM growth to 2,63,393 units in December 2023. There had been 2,49,216 units and 2,58,790 units shipped in December 2022 and November 2023 respectively. In export markets, Bajaj Auto led the list with 1,24,631 units shipped last month, a 2.58 percent YoY growth but a 4.46 percent MoM decline.TVS Motor (75,076 units), Honda (31,022 units) and Hero MotoCorp (16,110 units) each posted both YoY and MoM growth in exports. Suzuki had 10,458 units exported last month with a 54.54 percent YoY decline as well as a 35.46 percent MoM de-growth. Royal Enfield exports dipped 28.94 percent YoY to 6,096 units but made up on a MoM basis by 19.20 percent over 5,114 units shipped in November 2023.2W Total Sales December 2023The 6 leading two wheeler makers in India saw combined sales (domestic + exports) of 14,27,010 units in December 2023, up 14.08 percent over 12,50,840 units sold in December 2022. MoM sales however, fell by 21.14 percent from 18,09,639 units sold in November 2023.Two Wheeler Total (Sales + Exports) Dec 2023Apart from Hero MotoCorp which has suffered a total YoY de-growth of 0.06 percent to 3,93,952 units and Royal Enfield, down 6.59 percent to 63,387 units in December 2023, every other 2W maker has posted a YoY growth. Honda (3,17,123 units), TVS (2,90,064 units). Bajaj Auto (2,83,001 units) and Suzuki (79,483 units) each saw sales growth by double digits. MoM sales on the other hand, had each of these two wheeler makers experience significantly lower numbers as most buyers had made their purchases during the festive season. More

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    Yamaha 9th Jan Event – New EV? Or Colours For Fascino, FZ, R3, MT-03?

    Yamaha 9th Jan Event TeasedAmong many possibilities, Yamaha 9th Jan event could launch new colours for Fascino or Ray ZR, or R3 or MT-03 : Maybe a new EV launch tooYamaha recently announced a virtual launch event held on 9th of January, 2024. The event is expected to light up buyer’s world with “new hues”. The new colours could either be offered with company’s scooter range for MY2024, or motorcycles. Considering YamahaRacing hashtag was used in the post.Yamaha 9th Jan Event – What could it be?If we take a look at 2W market in India, scooters contribute to just as much volume as motorcycle does. Within scooter realm, Honda Activa is the one to beat. TVS has put up a spectacular show with Jupiter and is slowly inching towards 1 lakh per month mark. Suzuki often comes up in the top 10 scooters list too.If we take November 2023, Yamaha missed the cut-off to make it to top 10 scooter chart. Ray ZR 125 sold 11,402 units and Fascino sold 8,565 units. This is what we think Yamaha is working on. New colours to already stylish and retro scooter may bring a desired effect for intended buyers.The “new hues” could be with its sporty motorcycles too. Primary colours that we can see in the teaser are White, Purple and Blue. If we look at Yamaha’s portfolio internationally, there are Intensity White and a Phantom Purple on offer with R3 and others. These colours resemble the highlighted colours in Yamaha’s recent teaser.New colours for Fascino possibleYamaha R3 in India lacks both these colours and the MT-03 lacks Icon Blue, which is the third colour we can see in Yamaha’s teasers. Yamaha R3’s primary rivals are Aprilia RS457 which entered production recently and Kawasaki Ninja 400 and to some extent, KTM RC 390. The fiercest rival by far is RS457 which has more features, performance (on paper) and kit when compared to R3 and MT-03.More appealing colours could prove beneficial for Yamaha’s multi-cylinder offerings. If we take Fascino and Ray ZR, both lack White, Purple and Icon Blue shades as of writing this article. Also, Yamaha’s FZ lineup lacks these new teased colours too.Is Yamaha launching its first EV?We can’t deny the possibility of Yamaha launching its first EV on 9th January as well. The company has showcased multiple electric scooters for Indian dealers in an event. Considering TVS X costs Rs. 2.5 lakh (ex-sh), Yamaha could initially import e-scooters at that price point and later take CKD approach, based on demand.Yamaha R3 and MT-03 launchedIn terms of functionality, Yamaha is not likely to fettle with mechanicals with any of its products. Both Fascino and Ray ZR get the same 125cc Fi Hybrid air-cooled motor that generates 8.2 PS of max power and 10.3 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a V-belt automatic transmission. Users should be able to experience tangible difference in terms of ascent, standing and passing acceleration. More

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    Aprilia RS 457 Enters Production – Deliveries from March 2024

    Aprilia RS457 Enters ProductionAprilia RS457 is priced competitively allowing it to contend effectively with the Kawasaki Ninja 400, KTM RC390 and Yamaha R3Following the launch of Aprilia RS 457 at the India Bike Week 2023 in December, first units of Aprilia RS 457 have started rolling out of Piaggio’s manufacturing plant at Baramati, near Pune. This marks the first-ever Aprilia motorcycle to be manufactured in India. Bookings had opened from 15th December 2023 while deliveries are set to commence from March 2024.Aprilia RS 457 – Design and FeaturesThe RS 457 has been designed and developed at the company’s headquarters in Noale, Italy, with developmental updates being offered by the Indian team. Earlier this month, the company also listed out a total of 28 official accessories for the RS 457 among which are a pillion seat cowl, adjustable levers, side panniers, tall windscreen and racing brake pads.Crash protectors, anti-theft and bi-directional quick-shifter are also a part of these accessories. Targeting new-gen bikers and biking aficionados, the new Aprilia RS457 is sporty in its design while performance is at its best, where rivals are concerned. Key features include LED headlamps with integrated turn signals and DRLs along with an LED tail lamp, a sculpted fuel tank, a tall windscreen, low seat and pulled-back handlebars.Its features also include an underbelly exhaust, short tail section, rear set foot pegs and sporty body graphics. It is also equipped with a 5-inch TFT colour display unit with optional Bluetooth connectivity and gets backlit handlebar controls, traction control and quick shifter with three riding modes.Aprilia RS457Dual-channel ABS with an anti-roll-over system is offered as standard. RS 457 is available in 3 colour options – Racing Stripes, Prismatic Dark, and Opalescent Light. Aprilia RS457 boasts a dual-beam aluminium frame. It has a dry weight of 159 kg and a wet weight of 175 kg. Seat height is 800mm, while fuel tank capacity is 13L. The RS 457 rides on 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels fitted with 110/70 front and 150/60 rear tyresEngine Specs, Braking and TransmissionAprilia RS457 draws its power via a new 457cc parallel twin cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine offering 47.58 hp power at 9,400 rpm and 43.5 Nm torque at 6,700 rpm mated to a 6-speed gearbox thereby making the RS 457 the most powerful offering in its segment.Braking is via 320mm floating ByBre 4 piston radial callipers in the front and 220mm disc ByBre 2 piston callipers at the rear with upside-down front forks, and a rear mono-shock. Pricing of the Aprilia RS457 is competitive at Rs 4.1 lakh (ex-sh).Thus allowing it to take on rivals such as the KTM RC 390 (Rs 3.81 lakh), Kawasaki Ninja 400 (Rs 5.24 lakh) and new Yamaha R3 (Rs 4.65 lakh), all prices ex-showroom. Aprilia RS 457 is arguably the best-looking motorcycle in its segment too and is the only Italian. A naked sibling is also in the making, as seen with recent spy shots. More

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    Tata Punch EV Buyers Get Price Quotes Ahead Of Launch – Tata Calls It A Glitch

    Tata Punch EV PriceThe new Tata Punch EV buyers have received a price quotation via email from Tata Motors ahead of the electric car’s launchIndia’s highest-selling electric car maker is Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, a subsidiary of Tata Motors. The company yesterday revealed Punch EV in official pictures and commenced bookings too. But the prices seem to have leaked from Tata’s booking portal with many buyers who booked Punch EV, reported getting price quotations.Tata Punch EV Buyers Get Price QuotesThe company’s newest electric car is Punch.ev which was revealed ahead of launch yesterday. Punch EV will debut company’s acti.ev pure-electric platform on which future products will be based. Bookings for Tata Punch EV (sold as Punch.ev) commenced yesterday. Official prices are to be revealed at launch.However, many Punch EV buyers who booked their new electric car, reported that Tata Motors gave them a price quotation for their booked variant via email. One buyer (X handle techgeeksid) who booked Punch EV LR (Long Range) Adventure (without sunroof) with a 3.3 kW charger, got a quote via email from Tata Motors for a price of Rs. 13,73,846 (ex-sh).Another Punch EV buyer (X handle Hariraj_Rathod) booked a top-spec Punch EV LR Empowered Plus (with sunroof) with a 3.3 kW charger via Shreeji Automart dealership and he received a price quotation in the email for Rs. 16,13,729 (ex-sh). This was not supposed to happen, as per Tata Motors.Tata Punch EV owners get price quotesAre the quoted prices wrong, though?The company quickly got to damage control and posted on X saying “Technical hiccup alert! The prices making the rounds of Punch.ev are because of a system glitch. We’re actively addressing it, and the official prices will be disclosed at launch. Thanks for your patience!”. Tesla Club India X account highlighted these glitches.However, the company didn’t mention whether the quoted prices were wrong or valid. Something similar happened with Nexon facelift launch in September 2023 where base model price was leaked as Rs. 7.39 lakh by tatanexonofficial official Instagram handle. Then, company’s official response to that had the word “inaccurate” in it.This turned out to be true later on as Nexon’s prices started from Rs. 8.1 lakh. That said, we would wager that the quoted price Punch EV buyers got, is highly likely to be true as the company didn’t directly deny these leaked prices. Or a glitch, as they call it.Prices to not exceed Rs. 17 lakh?In effect, Tata Punch EV prices for top-spec models could stay well under Rs. 17 lakh (ex-sh). Hariraj Rathod’s quoted price was Rs. 16.13 lakh for a top-spec model for a 3.3 kW AC charger. Considering that there may be a Dark Edition or a variant with a 7.2 kW AC charger, sub Rs. 17 lakh (ex-sh) prices are very probable.Punch EV’s direct competitor is Citroen eC3 and Renault’s Kiger EV is incoming too. Citroen eC3’s top-spec variant is Feel Vibe Pack DT and it tops out at Rs. 13 lakh (ex-sh) and significantly lacks in features when compared to soon-to-be-launched Punch EV. More

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    Ather 450 Apex Launched At Rs. 1.89 Lakh – 100 km/h, Warp+ Mode, MagicTwist

    Ather 450 Apex LaunchedWhen opposed to 450X, the new Ather 450X Apex launched, is a significantly better rival to recently launched Ola S1 X Gen 2Indian electric mobility startup, Ather Energy, is among the heavy hitters in India where electric scooter sales are concerned. Ather currently offers 450S and 450X electric scooters with a new budget-oriented family scooter under testing. The company now launched its flagship electric scooter, Ather 450 Apex, at Rs. 1.89 lakh (ex-sh, exclusive of subsidies).Ather 450 Apex LaunchedJust like the push towards launching more budget-oriented electric scooters, the push for high-performance and premium electric scooters is just as important. Ola Electric swears by this tactic by offering the S1 X and S1 X+ at the budget end with S1 Pro Gen 2 at the premium end. Speaking of S1 Pro Gen 2, it is Ather 450 Apex’s primary rival.Where design is concerned, Ather 450 Apex is similar to 450X. However, there are transparent panels on the side that allow a peek into scooter’s internals that has been displayed with flair. It is not a fashion statement of any kind, but a geeky and minimalist approach to EV ownership. Similar to what Nothing’s smartphones are providing.Apart from that, it is the same old 450X with new colour option with Indium Blue and Stark Orange with a satin feel and red flakes. The vehicle will be open for test rides in February 2024.450X Apex’s Transparent PanelsPerformance upgradeWith S1 Pro Gen 2, Ola came out with a significant boost in performance. We’re talking about 11 kW peak power, 5.5 kW rated power, 58 Nm torque, 120 km/h top speed and a blistering acceleration of 0-40 km/h in 2.6 seconds. Ather is among the OG enthusiast electric scooter brand leaning towards performance reliability.In keeping with their ethos, 450 Apex brings more performance than what 450X used to offer. To establish relevance, Ather 450X boasted 6.4 kW peak power, 3.3 kW rated power, 26 Nm torque, 90 km/h top speed and 0-40 km/h in 3.3 seconds.In comparison, Ather 450 Apex launched, packs 10% more power, 10% more torque, 100 km/h top speed and 0-40 km/h in 2.9 seconds acceleration. This is a significant bump in performance and is worthy of a high-performance flagship tag. The new Warp+ ride mode unlocks the full performance of this e-scooter.450X Apex’s New Vibrant ColourwaySay Goodbye to brakes?With Ather 450 Apex launched, the company has implemented a significantly stronger adjustable regenerative braking system. Ather calls it MagicTwist. A twist in throttle accelerates and a twist back ensures braking. Ather calls it a significant bump up in regen.Regen is strong enough to negate the use of traditional brakes, as per Ather Energy. Only real-world testing will demonstrate these claims. Twist less to slow down and a little more twist will stop the vehicle too. Company claims MagicTwist will be relevant to almost all city braking scenarios.450X ApexRange has seen an increase with 450 Apex too. For context, 450X promises a 150 km certified range and 110 km TrueRange. 450 Apex packs 157 km IDC range on a single charge. Features like the 7-inch TFT touchscreen, smartphone connectivity, navigation with Google Maps, LED lighting, Park Assist, Auto Hold, aluminium spaceframe chassis, alloy wheels and others remain the same.Ather is bundling Delight Kit for 450 Apex buyers. This kit includes a handcrafted helmet finished in the colours of 450 Apex, Ather’s TPMS accessory, a neck gaiter, iron-on garment patch and a unique keychain. 5-year or 60,000 km warranty and complementary Ather Connect for 3 years are standard with 450 Apex too. More

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    2024 KTM 390 Adventure Testing In India For The First Time – Scrambler 400X Rival

    New 2024 KTM 390 AdventureThe same 399cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine from 390 Duke will be offered with 2024 KTM 390 Adventure spotted in India with 45 bhp and 40 NmTeam Orange has launched its new 399cc-based 390 Duke in India. It is just a matter of time before this platform gets its supersport and adventure counterparts too. There is a new Enduro-style motorcycle spotted testing based on this platform too. But for the first time in India, 2024 KTM 390 Adventure is spotted testing.2024 KTM 390 Adventure Testing In IndiaWith the launch of Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and Triumph Scrambler 400X, BMW G 310 GS and KTM 390 Adventure began to show their age. We’re not sure about an update for G 310 GS. But 2024 KTM 390 Adventure is incoming. For the first time, new 390 Adventure test mules are spotted testing in India.For starters, there is no camouflage around this motorcycle. There are no visible brandings on this bike to establish its identity too. However, this is unmistakably the new 390 Adventure. Primary difference which is a key visual differentiator for this new bike is headlight design. Vertically stacked headlight assembly gets two projectors.Larger projector seen on top, is for low-beam and smaller projector below is for high-beam. Both these headlights are highly likely to get LEDs behind these projectors. There is a 4-part split LED DRL design engulfing the projector headlight setup. There is a tall windscreen above, with a groove for smoothening air flow and reduce wind buffeting.More off-road variant of KTM 390 Adventure Spotted AbroadUnlike the current 390 Adventure, there is a large front beak too. Front gets fully adjustable (compression and rebound) USD telescopic WP APEX forks with a long travel. Rear has a mono-shock setup that will get pre-load and rebound adjustments too. The seat height is tall and we hope there is a large fuel this time around.What to expect?Looking at the test mule spotted in India, we’re sure that KTM and Bajaj duo might be cooking different variants with different off-road worthiness. We say this because the recent sightings from abroad showed the same motorcycle riding 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wire-spoke wheels with skinny off-road tyres.2024 KTM 390 Adventure spotted in India has smaller 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel sizes with fatter tyres that have dual-purpose tread patterns. All of this hardware is likely to be mounted on the same mainframe as 2024 390 Duke with slight tweaking to suit ADV character. Rear subframe is unique to 390 Adventure.Banana-shaped swingarm and other components seem to be shared with 390 Duke. Speaking of sharing, 2024 KTM 390 Adventure spotted in India will also get the same 399cc single-cylinder engine with liquid cooling and 6-speed gearbox as 390 Duke. This engine makes 45 bhp and 40 Nm. KTM will offer a few electronic riding aids along with the same under-belly exhaust setup. The TFT screen with connectivity will be on offer too.Image – Powerdrift More

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    Tata Punch EV Bookings Open – Debuts acti.ev Platform, Gets A Frunk Too

    Tata Punch EV Bookings OpenThe new acti.ev platform is a dedicated pure-ev platform that will underpin Tata Punch EV along with other future vehiclesAmong the Indian electric car manufacturers, one brand outshines the others with unparalleled dominance. That brand is Tata Motors. The company recently greenlighted its dedicated EV showrooms providing curated experience for EV buyers. The newest entrant to Tata’s EV portfolio is Punch EV.Tata Punch EV Bookings OpenRight now, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility (TPEM), subsidiary of Tata Motors, sells three electric cars in India. These are Tiago EV, Tigor EV and Nexon EV. The company’s fourth electric offering for Indian market is Punch EV and it is set to light up the electric car stage on fire (not literally).Bookings for the same has commenced for a token amount of Rs. 21,000. These bookings can be placed via Tata Motors Dealerships authorised for EV sales or by visiting Tata.ev dedicated electric car showrooms. The price increment over ICE Punch is likely to be around Rs. 5 lakh as it is debuting a brand new dedicated electric car platform.Punch EV gets a revised design with a radical new fascia similar to Nexon EV. It looks more sophisticated than before. The charging port is in the front, housed in its closed-off grill.[embedded content]Debuts acti.ev PlatformAbbreviated to Advance Connected Tech-Intelligent Electric Vehicle, acti.ev platform is a dedicated electric car platform developed by Tata Motors. This is a pure-electric architecture that will debut with soon-to-be-launched Punch EV (sold as Punch.ev). This new platform will form the baseline on which future Tata EVs will be based.This acti.ev (read active) platform will support multiple sizes for chassis and multiple body styles as well. Upcoming Tata Curvv EV, Harrier EV and Safari EV might be based on this new platform and not Ziptron architecture seen with Tiago EV, Tigor EV and Nexon EV. Because acti.ev is a dedicated pure electric platform, there is a Frunk (front trunk) beneath the bonnet too.The company mentioned key pillars for their new pure-ev platform. They are Performance, Technology, Modularity and Space Efficiency. These pillars further consist of four layers too. These are Powertrain, Chassis, Electrical Architecture and Cloud Architecture.Tata Punch EV Fascia1. PowertrainTata promises advanced battery pack design with global standards with 10% improvement over Ziptron architecture in energy density. The scalable platform allows for battery pack variations with minimum of 300 km range all the way till 600 km. Modularity allows for FWD, RWD and AWD configurations too. Charging speeds have seen a bump too, with up to 11 kW AC and 150 kW DC compatibility.2. ChassisTata Motors is historically known to make Indian-road-worthy vehicles that offer excellent ride quality with precise suspension setup. The new body structure associated with acti.ev platform for Punch and future vehicles are said to meet future NCAP safety protocols. Being a dedicated EV platform, there is a front trunk and flat floor too.Tata Punch EV Design3. Electrical Architectureacti.ev is pitted as a future-ready architecture offering possibilities of high computing powers that should allow for a seamless L2 ADAS suite. Company claims L2+ ADAS possibilities too. It is 5G ready as well ensuring a host of connected features. Just like recent Nexon EV, acti.ev platform supports reverse charging in the form of V2L (Vehicle 2 Load) and V2V (Vehicle 2 Vehicle) tech too.4. Cloud ArchitectureLastly, acti.ev boasts of cloud architecture too with enhanced user experience, newly introduced Arcade.ev app suite along with future software updates and other features.Tata Punch EV Debuts acti.ev platform More

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    Honda Project ACE Will Spawn Elevate-Based EV By 2026

    Honda ElevateA BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) based on Elevate SUV is likely to be the first product under Honda Project ACEHonda Cars India has a game plan for launching 5 SUVs by 2030 and the Elevate is first of these offerings. Recent reports mention that the company is developing a new EV which could be based on Elevate’s design and platform. Internally known as Project ACE, this development might mark Honda’s first-ever BEV to Indian market.Honda Project ACE will spawn Elevate EV In 2026The new Elevate enters a segment wherein it will find itself competing with a host of well-established compact SUVs that currently commanding the segment. These include Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, MG Astor and Citroen C3 Aircross.The electric version of Elevate will compete with Mahindra XUV400, MG ZS EV and upcoming Tata Curvv, Hyundai Creta EV and the likes. Reportedly, this new Elevate based EV under Project ACE (Asian Compact Electric) is codenamed DG9D and the company is likely to manufacture it in India and export it globally including markets like Japan.The expected volume for this vehicle might hover around 1 lakh units per year. Majority of that volume might be targeted at global markets, with spare for Indian buyers. At Elevate launch event in Delhi, the company has set forth its roadmap to launch 5 new SUVs by 2030.Honda Elevate DashboardHonda is skipping the hybrid phase that a few other Japanese manufacturers have been holding on to dearly. Instead, Honda will launch BEVs directly, the first of which will be based on ICE-powered Elevate SUV. Launch could happen in 2026 and share many of its components with its ICE cousin and strike an attractive price point.Electric Iteration of Honda Elevate to launch by 2025-26Honda India’s senior management has confirmed that the company’s manufacturing plant in Tapukara, Rajasthan will undergo a retooling process, starting in 2024. The purpose is to accommodate EV production and there may be a bump in production capacity with significant capital investment earmarked for the same.Elevate is a global product too and is set to be exported to multiple nations starting from Japan, where it will be sold as WR-V. Just like ICE Elevate, Honda India is keen on exporting its EV derivative as well. With an increase in production and inclusion of new EVs under Project ACE, company’s exports could double by 2025 when compared to present data.When that happens, international business could account for up to 40% of total Honda Cars India’s sales. More info regarding Project ACE and the EVs falling under it (Including Elevate EV) will be revealed in the coming months.Source More