Aurelia Butler

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    BMW F 450 GS ADV Launch Plans – Made in India?

    BMW F 450 GS ConceptSimilar to the G 310 GS, the BMW F 450 GS will be manufactured in India and exported to multiple global markets
    BMW’s GS range has highly capable machines such as the R 1250 GS and F 850 GS. There’s the entry-level G 310 GS as well, manufactured at TVS plant in Hosur. The newest GS member, BMW F 450 GS, seems perfectly suited to fill the gap between the 300cc and 850cc/900cc segments. Let’s take a look at the bike’s launch timeline and explore its key features.
    BMW F 450 GS Launch in 2025
    Earlier this year, BMW had showcased the F 450 GS as a concept at the 2025 Bharat Expo. The bike was first revealed at the 2024 EICMA. While F 450 GS was showcased as a concept, the bike appears to be in near-production-ready form. While enthusiasts were excited about this newest GS member, there was not enough clarity about the bike’s launch timeline.
    BMW F 450 GS Concept
    BMW has now provided an update via its Instagram handle, indicating towards a global launch by the end of 2025. It is possible that the bike could be launched at the 2025 EICMA. The Instagram post reads – “Dreams are coming true soon – prepare for the #ConceptF450GS at the end of the year.” This could mean that BMW Motorrad will launch this motorcycle by 2025 end, or at-least showcase a production-spec model.
    TVS will be manufacturing the BMW F 450 GS at its plant in Hosur. Even when locally manufactured, the bike will still have a premium price tag. Starting price could be in the range of Rs 5 lakh mark (Ex-sh), similar to what Aprilia might do with upcoming Tuareg 457. That’s expensive on its own, but reasonable for a BMW bike. The entry-level BMW G 310 GS is available at a starting price of Rs 3.30 lakh.
    BMW F 450 GS Concept
    Talking about rivals, BMW F 450 GS will primarily take on Aprilia Tuareg 457 along with the likes of Honda NX500 and KTM 390 Adventure. Honda NX500 is currently available at a starting price of Rs 5.90 lakh. In comparison, the 390 Adventure is cheaper at Rs 3.68 lakh. KTM recently launched the updated 2025 model of 390 Adventure. Most affordable option in this space will continue to be Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, priced at Rs 2.85 lakh.
    BMW F 450 GS – Features, performance, specs
    Overall look and feel of BMW F 450 GS is similar to that of the larger sibling, the R 1250 GS. Some of the key highlights include a sharp beak, USD forks in golden finish, large windscreen and a quirky headlamp setup. The bike has a sculpted fuel tank, knuckle guards, robust sump guard, under seat exhaust, wire-spoke wheels and knobby tyres. Both ends have disc brakes and dual-channel ABS is likely (switchable).

    BMW has revealed that F 450 GS has a lightweight profile, weighing 175 kg. Powering the bike will be a new inline twin-cylinder engine that generates 48 PS of max power. Honda NX500 has a 471cc parallel-twin engine that makes 47.5 PS. But the NX500 is heavier at 196 kg. With its lightweight profile, BMW F 450 GS has a higher power-to-weight ratio. The bike will get a range of rider aids such as ride modes, traction control and cornering ABS (switchable). More

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    BattRE Storie Electric Scooter Test Ride Review

    BattRE Storie Electric ScooterElectric scooters initially struggled to gain traction due to their plastic build, toy-like feel, and awkward designs. However, brands like Bajaj and TVS raised expectations by offering better build quality and feature-loaded EVs. This shift has forced brands like Ampere and Okinawa, along with newer players, to carve their own niche. Enter BattRE Storie, a retro-classic styled electric scooter that positions itself between the mass-market and premium e-scooters in India. But does it bring anything new to the table?
    Design & Build – Retro Charm with Modern Touches
    At first glance, the BattRE Storie doesn’t scream for attention, but its Vespa-inspired styling makes it instantly inviting. The metal body panels give it a more premium appeal compared to its plastic-bodied rivals, though a closer look reveals differences in build quality.
    BattRE Storie Electric Scooter
    Key design highlights:
    – Round headlamp with integrated LED DRL– Cartoonish front indicators mounted on the apron– Wrap-around rear indicators & sleek LED tail lamp– Minimal yet stylish grab rail
    BattRE Storie Electric Scooter
    While the footboard offers ample space, the under-seat storage is compromised by the 3.1kWh swappable battery, leaving limited room for daily essentials. A full-face helmet won’t fit, but smaller bags and groceries will.
    Battery & Charging
    The BattRE Storie uses a CAN-enabled 3.1kWh lithium-ion battery, which takes 5 hours to fully charge. Charging is convenient with an external port, so you don’t have to remove the battery every time. However, if you do swap it out, a portable charger can directly charge a spare battery as well.
    BattRE Storie Electric Scooter
    Performance & Ride Quality – Built for City Use
    Powering the Storie is a 2kW hub motor from LUCAS TVS, offering a top speed of 65 kmph. The three ride modes (Eco, Power, and Sport) show only a minor difference in acceleration, with Sport mode being the most responsive. The company claims 132 km IDC range, and our real-world mixed riding conditions delivered close to that. There’s also a reverse mode, activated by a dedicated switch—an appreciated touch.
    BattRE Storie Electric Scooter
    Handling is smooth on well-paved roads, but the stiff suspension makes bumpy roads less enjoyable. The 10-inch wheels struggle on potholes, and braking performance, while adequate, could have been better with a front disc. The regen braking is non-adjustable, which can feel intrusive, especially on an underpowered 2kW motor.
    Tech & Features – Simple & Functional
    The LCD display presents vital information in a clean, easy-to-read layout. Other notable features include:
    BattRE Storie Electric Scooter
    – Keyless Start– Side Stand Cut-off– Anti-theft Alarm
    The Storie is available in 11 eye-catching colours, including Gunmetal Black, Midnight Black, Cosmic Blue, Ice Blue, Starlight Blue, Canary Red, Pearl White, Hunter Green, and more.
    BattRE Storie Electric Scooter
    Verdict – Should You Consider the BattRE Storie?
    At Rs 1,14,999 (ex-showroom, Delhi), the BattRE Storie isn’t the best in class, but it doesn’t try to be. It’s a simple, no-nonsense EV with retro styling, a sturdy metal body, and a decent real-world range. If braking performance and ride comfort on bad roads are deal-breakers, this may not be your pick. However, if you want an easy-to-ride, and practical electric scooter with the convenience of a swappable battery, the Storie is worth a test ride. More

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    Top 10 Motorcycles Jan 2025 – Splendor, Shine, Pulsar, Apache, Classic 350

    Honda Shine : Image – Being TechnozzThe month of January 2025 witnessed a usual pattern in motorcycle sales. There were no surprises in the top 10 motorcycles last month. The top 10 motorcycles contributed for 7,62,215 units in January 2025. This was a 0.01% YoY and 43.12% MoM growth over 7,62,109 units sold in January 2024 and 5,32,587 units sold in December 2024. Volume growth stood at 106 units YoY and 2,29,628 units MoM.
    Top 10 Motorcycles Jan 2025
    The segment was led by Hero Splendor again, like clockwork. Splendor successfully maintained a massive lead over the 2nd best-selling motorcycle, Honda Shine. With 2,59,431 units sold last month, Splendor accounted for 34.04% volume of the top 10 motorcycles and it registered 1.69% YoY and 34.81% MoM growth, leading to a volume gain of 4,309 units YoY and 66,993 units MoM.
    In 2nd place, we have Honda Shine with 1,68,290 units sold and accounting for 22.08% of sales of this list. When compared to the 1,45,252 units sold last year and 1,00,841 units sold a month before. This resulted in 15.86% YoY and 66.89% MoM growth leading to a volume gain of 23,038 units YoY and 67,449 units MoM.
    Top 10 Motorcycles Jan 2025 – YoY
    Bajaj Pulsar sold 1,04,081 units last month and secured the 3rd place on this list. Pulsar is the first motorcycle on this list to register a YoY decline in sales with 19.24% YoY decline, losing 16,544 units in volume YoY. However, sales grew by 58.73% in MoM aspect, gaining 38,510 units in volume, accounting for 13.66% of the total sales of this list.
    Royal Enfield sold 30,582 units
    In 4th place, we have Hero HF Deluxe which sold 62,223 units last month. It registered a 21% YoY decline in sales and a 49.17% growth MoM. TVS’ best-selling motorcycle lineup, the Apache, took 5th place on this list as it sold 34,511 units last month. Unlike Pulsar, TVS Apache lineup fell into the green completely with 10.53% YoY growth and 65.24% MoM growth.
    Royal Enfield Classic 350 took 6th place on this list, which is astounding considering its price tag. Such is its popularity. Classic 350 sold 30,582 units with 9.17% YoY and 3.19% MoM growth, gaining 2,569 units YoY and 945 units MoM in volume. TVS Raider 125 sold 27,382 units with a steep 36.81% YoY decline over 43,331 units sold last year and 56.88% MoM growth over 17,454 units sold a month before.
    Top 10 Motorcycles Jan 2025 – MoM
    Hero Xtreme 125R sold 21,870 units
    Also at 27K units, we have Bajaj Platina. 27,336 units, to be precise. When compared to the 33,013 units sold a year ago and 25,584 units sold a month before, Platina saw a 17.20% YoY decline and 6.85% MoM growth. In 9th place, we have Honda Unicorn with 26,509 units, which registered 43.25% YoY and 26.29% MoM growth.
    Unicorn’s volume growth stood at 8,003 units YoY and 5,518 units MoM. Hero MotoCorp was the only brand that managed to get 3 of its motorcycle lineups in the top 10 list. In 10th place, we have the Hero Xtreme 125R which sold 21,879 units in January 2025 and registered a 25.16% MoM growth over 17,473 units sold in December 2024, gaining 4,397 units in volume. More

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    2025 TVS Ronin Launch Price Rs 1.35 L – Updated Features, New Colours

    2025 TVS Ronin LaunchWith the Ronin, TVS aimed to bridge the gap between multiple motorcycle genres like Roadster, Scrambler and Cruiser. This motorcycle is loaded with technology and is a great proposition at the price point it is offered. With 2025 TVS Ronin, the company has introduced some changes. Let’s take a closer look.
    2025 TVS Ronin Launch
    In December 2024, on the final day of TVS MotoSoul 4.0 event held in Goa, the company unveiled the updated 2025 TVS Ronin. This motorcycle featured new colours and exciting upgrades to equipment list and the launch has materialised now, in February 2025.
    The price for 2025 TVS Ronin still starts from Rs 1.35 lakh (Ex-sh), just like before. That’s because the base SS variant has not undergone any changes. The main change with 2025 Ronin is bestowed on mid-spec DS variant, which is now priced at Rs 1.59 lakh (Ex-sh), which is a couple of thousand rupees more than the variant it replaces.
    Specs & Features
    The main addition that commanded this price hike with DS variant is dual-channel ABS, which is a welcome move. The top-spec TD variant along with TD Special Edition variant have been carried over as they were. Other then dual-channel ABS, 2025 TVS Ronin brings new colours – Glacier Silver and Charcoal Ember.
    2025 TVS Ronin – Glacier Silver
    Notable features of TVS Ronin continue to be LED lighting all around, fancy chain cover, dual-tone alloy wheels, Gold finish USD front forks, asymmetric speedo with SmartXonnect connectivity, ABS modes, Glide Through Technology, silent start with ISG, a slipper clutch, adjustable levers and more.
    Where powertrains are concerned, 2025 TVS Ronin continues to be powered by the same 225.9cc oil-cooled engine, delivering 20 bhp of peak power and 19.93 Nm of peak torque, mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
    Statement from TVS Motor
    Commenting on the launch, Mr. Vimal Sumbly, Head Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company, said, “TVS RONIN has redefined modern-retro motorcycling in the country and continues to embody the essence of #Unscripted motorcycling, empowering riders to explore unchartered paths with confidence and style.
    2025 TVS Ronin – Charcoal Ember
    With the 2025 edition, we bring in a new palette of striking colours along with upgraded safety features and are excited to bring this refreshed model to our customers and look forward to their enthusiastic response as they experience the next chapter of the TVS RONIN’s journey.” More

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    Electric Car Sales Jan 2025 – Tata, MG, Mahindra, Hyundai, BYD, Mercedes

    New Tata Curvv EV – Voyager AamirTata Motors maintained its lead position in this segment with further plans to expand its already extensive EV lineup with new electric variants of Harrier, Safari and Sierra
    Following our earlier report on petrol and diesel car retail sales in Jan 2025 we now assess the performance of its electric counterparts. Though these sales figures are nowhere near that of their ICE counterparts, the EV segment is showing some promise with new launches and reduced costs. Automakers are also keen to further expand their portfolios in this arena. Let us see how electric car sales performed in Jan 2025 both in terms of year-on-year (YoY) and month-on-month (MoM).
    Tata Motors Leads in Electric Car Sales in Jan 2025
    Electric car retail sales, as reported by Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA), showed off a strong YoY and MoM growth. Sales stood at a total of 11,266 units, up by 32.28% from 8,517 units sold in Jan 2024. It was also a growth of 27.70% when compared to 8,822 unit sales of Dec 2024.
    Tata Motors, with the most extensive lineup of electric vehicles, headed this list with 5,047 unit sales last month. Though this related to a YoY de-growth of 13.01% over 5,802 units sold in Jan 2024, the company witnessed a 24.71% MoM improvement from 4,047 units sold in Dec 2024. Tata Motors now has plans to expand their electric vehicle portfolio to include the Harrier, Safari, and Sierra SUVs. Each of these models was showcased at the 2025 Auto Expo and will be launched during the year.
    Overwhelming growth was reported by MG Motor with a 252.20% YoY improvement in sales to 4,237 units in Jan 2025. This was well over 1,203 units sold in Jan 2024. Its MoM performance also showed increased sales from 3,643 units sold in Dec 2024. Its existing lineup includes the Comet and ZS EV along with the relatively new Windsor EV. It will soon launch the Cyberster and M9.
    Electric Car Sales Jan 2025
    At No. 3 on this list was Mahindra with 688 unit sales in Jan 2025. Sales declined by 12.24% on a YoY basis from 784 unit sales of Jan 2024 while sales numbers grew by 78.70% when compared to 385 unit sales of Dec 2024. Mahindra’s EV portfolio currently includes the XUV400 along with the new BE6 and XEV 9e born-electric models.
    Hyundai has witnessed outstanding demand for its electric cars with retail sales at 321 units in Jan 2025. This was an 88.82% YoY growth from 170 units sold in Jan 2024. MoM sales on the other hand went up by an astounding 1589.47% from just 19 unit sales of Dec 2024. Hyundai has just launched the new Creta electric which is set to make a powerful impact in the EV segment.
    Sales of BYD India grew both on a YoY and MoM basis to 313 units in Jan 2025. There were 162 units and 284 units sold in Jan 2024 and Dec 2024 respectively. Triple-digit growth was reported by Citroen as sales went up to 269 units. This related to a 767.74% YoY growth from 31 units sold in Jan 2024 while MoM sales were up by 249.35% from 77 unit sales of Dec 2024.
    BMW India Top Luxury Electric Carmaker in Jan 2025
    BMW India was atop with retail sales of 181 units. The company witnessed an 18.30 YoY improvement from 153 unit sales in Jan 2024 and a 28.37% MoM growth from 141 units sold in Dec 2024. It was followed by Mercedes-Benz India at 95 units. This related to a 53.23% YoY growth from 62 units sold in Jan 2024. MoM sales declined by 1.04% when compared to 96 unit sales of Dec 2024.
    Lower down the sales list was Kia with 47 unit sales experiencing a 23.68% YoY growth though sales were 38.96% lower on a MoM basis from 77 unit sales of Dec 2024. Strong MoM sales growth was reported by Volvo India with 27 unit sales in the past month, a 58.82% increase over 17 units sold in Dec 2024.
    Audi sales at 18 units in Jan 2025 grew significantly by 20% YoY and 125% MoM. There were others on this list that added 23 units to total sales relating to severe decline as against 42 units sold in Jan 2024 and 28 units sold in Dec 2024. More

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    Tesla Begins Hiring in India – Job Listings Go Live on Official Website

    Tesla Model 3 Pre-Facelift : Image For Reference OnlyAfter a prolonged on-off see-saw play, Elon Musk led Tesla Inc. seems to have set a firmer foot in India. The EV giant just commenced hiring for various job roles in India and seems to be a hint at the start of India operations. An official announcement from Tesla regarding India operations is not public yet.
    Tesla Begins Hiring in India
    American EV giant, Tesla Inc. has initiated the hiring process in India for as many as 13 roles. These developments came to light when Tesla posted openings for 13 positions on their LinkedIn page. These job roles posted by Tesla hint at a possible entry into India, which has emerged as a major automotive market in recent times.
    Tesla Model 3 refreshed
    There is less clarity as to what led Tesla towards this step, considering the company’s on-off interests towards Indian market. However, these developments fall in close proximity with the recent meeting of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Tesla CEO Elon Musk during his USA visit.
    Tesla had expressed reservations on multiple occasions owing to rather high import duties set forth by Indian Government. Elon Musk himself has expressed his opinions on India’s high import duties, which doesn’t make it viable for a profitable business. Suggesting a reduction in import duties before making a significant commitment to Indian market.
    Tesla Model 3 Refresh
    However, Indian Government has revised its policies, reducing the import duties of cars priced above USD 40,000 (Rs 34.77 lakh) from 110% to 70%. This revision applies to EV makers that have pledged a local manufacturing presence with an investment of USD 500 million (Rs 4,150 Cr). Thus encouraging Tesla to set up a manufacturing presence in India.
    What are the job openings?
    These job openings that Tesla has put out for India include positions like Inside Sales Advisor, Customer Support Supervisor, Customer Support Specialist, Service Advisor, Order Operations Specialist, Service Manager, Tesla Advisor, Parts Advisor, Business Operations Analyst, Store manager and Service technician.
    Tesla India Job Openings
    The location for these positions can be seen as Mumbai in Maharashtra. More details about Tesla’s India operations are expected to be revealed soon. Tesla Model S and Model X are likely to be the imports, while Model 3 and Model Y are good candidates for local production. More

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    Aprilia Tuono 457 Launch Price Rs 3.95 L – 47 HP, 175 Kg

    Aprilia Tuono 457 Launch
    Aprilia launched the Tuono 457 in India by expanding its affordable multi-cylinder motorcycle lineup. This is a naked motorcycle based on the widely popular Aprilia RS 457 Supersport. Aprilia Tuono 457 has been priced at Rs 3.95 lakh (Ex-sh) and Aprilia’s brand ambassador and Bollywood actor, John Abraham, also graced the stage.
    Aprilia Tuono 457 Launch
    Building on its popular and widely accepted 457cc platform, Aprilia just launched the Tuono 457 in India. This motorcycle is offered in two exciting colours – Piranha Red and Puma Grey. Bookings for this motorcycle have started at a nominal fee of Rs 10,000. Deliveries and test rides will commence from first week of March 2025.
    Aprilia Tuono 457
    Where design is concerned, this is the first time a naked motorcycle is formulated on this 457cc platform. The next motorcycle based on this platform is Tuareg 457, which is an ADV Tourer motorcycle. It is spied testing and is likely to be showcased at EICMA Show 2025.
    Sticking with Tuono 457, it looks completely different when compared to Tuono 660 and Tuono V4 as it gets a Street Naked design language with a new headlight design. The headlight is in the middle, flanked by LED DRLs and is executed rather nicely. There is no semi-fairing with Tuono 457, but the rather large tank shrouds lend a muscular appeal.
    Aprilia Tuono 457 Unveiled
    Specs & Features
    Handlebar is now a wider street-bike style unit and blends in with the rest of Tuono 457’s design. It gets USD front forks, finished in Black, with preload adjustability along with rear monoshock unit. Single disc brakes can be seen at both ends with dual-channel ABS and wheels are 17-inchers wrapped with 110-section tyre at the front and 150-section at the rear.
    Powertrain is the same 457cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled DOHC 4V/cyl unit seen with RS 457. In Aprilia Tuono 457, this engine generates 46.9 bhp of peak power and 43.5 Nm of peak torque. This engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox, a slipper clutch and an optional bi-directional quick shifter. It weighs 175 kg, setting new benchmarks in the segment in power to weight ratio.
    Aprilia Tuono 457
    Traction Control, Ride Modes, TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity and navigation are notable attributes. It primarily rivals Yamaha MT-03, which just got a price reduction along with other motorcycles like KTM 390 Duke which also got a price reduction and others.
    Aprilia Tuono 457 More

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    2025 Toyota Innova Electric Debuts – 59.3 kWh Battery, 134 kW/ 700 Nm

    2025 Toyota Innova Electric DebutsAs part of its goal to achieve carbon neutrality, Toyota is developing multiple new models, including the Innova BEV
    At the IIMS 2025 (Indonesia International Motor Show), Toyota has showcased the Kijang Innova BEV Concept. There are some updates in comparison to the concept model showcased in Indonesia in March 2022. Let’s take a closer look at the details of Toyota’s fully-electric 7-seater MPV.
    Innova BEV Concept – Styling and features
    Toyota Innova BEV Concept shares the same outline and panelling as the diesel Kijang Innova offered in Indonesia. However, some distinctive features are noticeable such as sportier headlamps and DRLs, top mounted LED strip, a closed-off grille and a revised bumper section.
    2025 Toyota Innova Electric Debuts
    Innova BEV has a dominating street presence with its body cladding and blacked-out pillars and roof. Side profile is further enhanced with the addition of multi-colour graphics. The MPV has sporty 16-inch alloy wheels, the same as currently available with the diesel Innova in Indonesia.
    The rims are wrapped in 215/65 tyres. Other key highlights include conventional door handles in chrome finish and dual-tone ORVMs with integrated turn signals. At the rear, Innova BEV gets quirky wraparound tail lamps with an interconnecting LED strip. ‘BEV’ badging can be seen at the rear and on the sides as well.
    2025 Toyota Kijang Innova BEV Concept
    Moving in, one can see a spacious cabin, designed for optimal comfort and practicality. It’s a blend of advanced features and equipment that is easy to use. For example, Innova BEV utilizes physical buttons in most places. While the MPV has a large touchscreen infotainment system, the instrument cluster has analogue dials with a MID.
    The steering wheel is leather wrapped and has mounted switches. Other key highlights include ambient lighting, wireless phone charger, dual-tone interior theme and captain seats in the middle row. For 2nd-row passengers, dedicated rear-seat entertainment screens have been provided. A number of utility spaces are also available for second-row passengers.
    2025 Toyota Kijang Innova BEV Concept
    Specs & Performance
    7-seater Toyota Innova BEV Concept is equipped with a 59.3 kWh Lithium-ion battery pack. While most modern EVs use a flat, floor bed-mounted battery pack, the one used with Innova BEV is quite distinct. There are multiple smaller modules mounted on the floorboard, along with a much larger unit installed at the front, in the engine bay.
    The charger and inverter are installed at the rear side of the vehicle. Innova BEV supports Type-2 AC and CCS-2 DC chargers. Details such as range, charging time, etc. are not available at this point in time. It is not certain when Innova BEV will reach the assembly line. Where it will be introduced first and its launch possibilities in India are not known.
    2025 Toyota Kijang Innova BEV Concept
    Toyota will continue to focus on ICE and hybrids and is also working on other greener fuel options such as biofuels and hydrogen. In India, the Innova is currently available in petrol and strong hybrid formats (Hycross) along with a Diesel (Crysta). It is the top-selling Toyota model, with close to 24% contribution to overall sales.

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