Aurelia Butler

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    Hyundai To Invest Rs 6,180 Cr In Tamil Nadu – EV Battery And Car Manufacturing

    Hyundai India at Tamil Nadu Global Investors Meet 2024Hyundai commitment towards a sustainability and a green future sees the company earmark an additional Rs 6,180 crores investment in Tamil NaduTamil Nadu Global Investors Meet 2024 held on January 7 and 8, at Chennai Trade Centre has wooed investors from various segments and from across the globe. It was at this meet that Hyundai Motors, a leading automaker in India, has announced investment to the tune of Rs 6,180 crores in Tamil Nadu and an MoU to this effect was also signed between Hyundai Motor India and Guidance Tamil Nadu.Hyundai Signs MoU of Rs 6,180 Crore Investment in Tamil NaduThe MoU was signed between Mr. Unsoo Kim, MD and CEO, Hyundai Motor India Limited and Mr. V Arun Roy, IAS., Secretary to Government, Industries Department, Government of Tamil Nadu. Thiru M K Stalin, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and Textiles, and Dr. T R B Rajaa, Hon’ble Minister for Industries, Investment Promotion and Commerce were present at the signing.Hyundai India signs an MoU to establish a dedicated ‘Hydrogen Valley Innovation Hub,’ at IIT – Madras with an investment of Rs. 180 croreAlong with this investment and signing of MoU, Hyundai also signed another MoU with IIT Madras to set up a dedicated ‘Hydrogen Valley Innovation Hub’. The auto maker also showcased its fuel cell electric vehicles at the NEXO and ADAS Experience Zone at the show.Out of this investment of Rs 6,180 crores in Tamil Nadu, Hyundai Motors has set apart Rs 180 crores towards a Hydrogen Valley Innovation Hub along with IIT Madras. This is in addition to Rs 20,000 crore investment which will be spread over 10 years in the development of electric vehicles, setting up of charging infrastructure and generating employment and developing skill in the region.Hyundai has been specially concentrating on investments in Tamil Nadu over the past 27 years. With this new investment, the company continues to show their support towards the state, both in terms of socio economic development and self-reliance. Hyundai continues to pay special attention to project the state of Tamil Nadu in terms of the hydrogen technology ecosystem in its aim towards achieving a milestone of becoming a $1 trillion economy.Hyundai Showcase Fuel Cell Electric VehiclesHyundai Motor and Kia are set to incorporate advanced PEM technology into next-generation fuel cell systems for passenger cars. Apart from passenger vehicles, the company is also actively expanding its fuel cell business to include commercial vehicles, marine vessels, aerospace applications, power generation, etc.Hyundai recently showcased its Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV) NEXO and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Engagement Zone at Tamil Nadu Global Investors Meet 2024. NEXO is the company’s initiative towards a cleaner and greener environment with hydrogen fuel cell engine generating electricity. It combines oxygen with compressed hydrogen to emit only water. Visitors to the show were also shown Hyundai SmartSense (Level 2 ADAS) technology which has been integrated and demonstrated using an immersed experience with Gaming. More

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    Tata Motors EV Sales Growth At 59% – Almost 70k Electric Cars Sold In 2023

    New Tata Nexon EVTata Tiago EV, launched in January 2023, has been instrumental in raising company’s EV sales substantially over the past yearTata Motors foray into the electric vehicle segment has been a game changer for the company. Its endeavour to venture into a more sustainable avenue with environmentally friendly products towards a greener and cleaner future has led the company to outstanding success in CY 2023. During the past year, the company has seen a 59 percent increase in EV sales and Tata Motors continues to add more products to their EV range with the new Tiago launched last year.What has aided the company in its growth is the fact that these electric vehicles are being offered in three body styles of hatchback (Tiago EV), sedan (Tigor EV), and SUV (Nexon EV), thus appealing to customers both in the premium and mass market segments.Tata Motors’ Electric Vehicle (EV) Sales PerformanceTalking about Tata Motors EV sales during the past calendar year, sales touched 69,153 units in CY 2023, a 59 percent YoY growth over 43,451 units sold in CY 2022. EV sales contributed to 12.55 percent of the company’s passenger vehicle sales that stood at 5,50,883 units in CY2023, relating to a growth of 8 percent over sales in CY 2022.Monthwise EV sales have seen positive results through the past year. Sales stood at 4,133 units in Jan 2023, up 39 percent over 2,982 units sold in Jan 2022. February 2023 sales escalated to 5,318 units while in March and April sales touched 6,509 units and 6,516 units respectively.Tata Motors EV sales in 2023 vs 2022Sales of EVs were the highest to date in June 2023 at 7,025 units relating to a 95 percent YoY growth while in the following months sales dipped marginally but yet posted sales growth as compared to corresponding months in CY 2022. Tata Motors’ EV sales averaged at 5,762 units in CY 2023 up from an average of 3,720 units sold in CY 2022. Even in terms of electric vehicle retail sales, Tata Motors has seen outstanding success with a 118 percent increase to 81,000 units in CY 2023.Tata Motors – EV Market LeaderTata Motors is a market leader in the EV segment in India with a 70 percent share. It is the company’s endeavour to have its EV range command a 50 percent share in its portfolio by 2030. A major portion of its sales are seen for the Tigor EV which is also offered in X-Press T fleet only EV. Tata Motors has also found more demand from rural areas and outside of the top 20 cities while preferred by first time owners and 24 percent by women buyers in the country.As on date, the company has an EV portfolio of the Tata Nexon EV, Tata Tiago EV and Tata Tigor EV while the new Punch EV is also set to roll out soon. Along with its range of electric vehicles, the company is also actively testing Harrier and Safari EVs, both of which will be flagship offerings positioned above the Nexon EV. More

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    Gensol EV Spotted Testing For The First Time – 3W EV Will Pack ADAS, Auto Park

    Gensol EV spotted testingConsidering Gensol EV spotted testing has three wheels, it might be sold as a motor tricycle and may require just a motorcycle licensePrimarily known for its solar business, Gensol Group is now foraying into electric car business. The company aims to provide urban mobility solutions to reduce city congestion. Last month, the company teased Gensol EV online and the car is now spotted in testing — hat tip to automotive enthusiast K Pratham who spotted this test mule in Chakan, Pune.Gensol EV Spotted Testing For The First TimeThe electric car startup, Gensol Electric Vehicles PVT LTD, has set up a base in India’s biggest auto cluster, Pune. The HQ seems to be in Mundhwa, Pune and the manufacturing facility is in Chakan, boasting production capacity of 30,000 units per year. The test mule is running temporary registration provided by Chinchwad RTO and the plates read ‘on test’.Gensol aims at affordable EV category that has very few action. We’re talking about a segment that will sit below MG Comet EV in terms of pricing and above PMV. Refreshing your memory, PMV has launched a mini electric car in India for Rs. 4.79 lakh (ex-sh). It is a four-door, two-seater (back-to-back) electric car with interior parts from Honda cars.Other players are toying with launch plans in this segment too. We’re talking about Ligier Mygi, a French contender, running for this segment whose test mules have been spotted in India too. Renault is planning Kwid EV that will end up in this segment as well. So, this is a potent segment for Gensol to target.Gensol EV 3-Door TeasedBut there is one oddity with the Gensol EV which is absent in the expected rivals we just mentioned. Which is, Gensol EV is a 3W vehicle, something that even PMV is not. The 3W architecture has two wheels at front and one at the back. So, it doesn’t look like a rickshaw or a Reliant Robin (Jeremy Clarkson would approve).How the seating arrangement could be?Considering Gensold EV spotted testing is aimed at affordable urban electric mobility, we might see a small battery pack capable of 200 km claimed and 150 km of real-world range and a single motor FWD layout, driving both front wheels. Top speed is claimed to 80 km/h. Gensol EV may provide seating for four adults (three in comfort) and a decently sized boot space.Doors are limited to just two and then a tailgate. Gensol is going for a tallboy design, which might be concerning to prospective buyers. High centre of gravity and three wheels are like oil and water. Gensol is developing ADAS tech and auto parking features too, that will be offered with their maiden EV. On the inside, there are two electric windows, manual AC, Android-based touchscreen infotainment (likely aftermarket), a single-pane sunroof and more.Gensol EV DashboardThis particular test mule had basic halogen reflector-style tail lights. Looking at rear section, Gensol might be using axle braking instead of wheel braking for rear single wheel. There might be RWD setup too looking at all the camouflaged components around rear wheel. Launch might happen around 2025 and the price might be below MG Comet’s. The main question remains, though – Can we drive it with a motorcycle license? More

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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