Aurelia Butler

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    Top 10 Scooters FY 2024 – Activa, Ntorq, Ola S1, iQube, Burgman, Dio, RayZR, Pleasure

    TVS iQubeTaking into account some of the best-sellers in the scooter segment, sales grew by 14.52% in FY24 period with sales of over 52 lakh unitsFollowing our earlier report on top 10 two wheeler sales in FY24, we now assess scooter sales in the same period. Double digit growth was seen as demand improved both across urban and rural markets. While most ICE models in this list have shown a YoY growth except for Honda Dio and Hero Pleasure, more particularly, it was electric scooters that recorded higher percentage  growth as was seen with both the TVS iQube and Ola S1.Top 10 Scooter Sales FY24 – Honda Activa Undisputed Segment LeaderTop 10 scooter sales in FY24 stood at 52,24,616 units, up from 45,62,346 units sold in FY23. This was a 14.52% YoY growth with a volume growth of 6,62,270 units. Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has seen the highest sales for its Activa scooter in FY24. It was not only the highest selling scooter in the past fiscal but also the second best-selling two wheeler in the country after the Hero Splendor. Sales improved by 4.88% to 22,54,527 units in the FY24 period, up from 21,49,658 units sold in FY23.Top 10 Scooters FY 2024TVS Jupiter scooter also posted significant improvement in sales in FY24 by 15.81% YoY to 8,44,863 units up from 7,29,546 units sold in FY23. The Jupiter, with its host of attractive features, superb styling and outstanding performance, commands a 16.17% share on this list. At No.3 was the Suzuki Access scooter with 6,34,563 units sold in FY24, a YoY growth of 27.21% over 4,98,844 units sold in FY23. The facelifted Suzuki Access 125 has been spied on test and set to woo buyers with its better styling and new features.TVS had the Ntorq at No. 4 on this list with a 14.22% YoY growth in sales to 3,31,865 units, up from 2,90,539 units sold in FY23. This led to a 41,326 unit volume growth to command a 6.35% share. Posting a massive 96.47% YoY growth was the TVS iQube. Sales improved dramatically to 1,89,896 units in FY24, up from 96,654 units sold in FY23. Lower down the sales list was the Suzuki Burgman with a 44.51% YoY growth to 1,80,194 units in FY24, up from 1,24,691 units sold in FY23.Top 10 Scooters FY 2024Honda Dio suffered a YoY setback with a 32.63% decline in sales to 1,70,765 units in FY24 from 2,53,467 units sold in FY23 relating to a massive 82,467 unit dip in volumes. Honda Dio 125 comes with a price tag ranging between Rs.83,400 to Rs. 92,300.Ola Electric Ends FY24 with 115% YoY GrowthWhile Yamaha RayZR has seen a 52.95% YoY growth in FY24 to 1,47,092 units, up from 96,172 units sold in FY23, the Hero Pleasure has posted a 16.70% YoY decline in sales. Pleasure sales dipped to 1,41,604 units in FY24 from 1,69,984 units sold in FY23. This was a 28,380 unit volume decline.At No. 10 on this list but with a maximum YoY growth was the Ola S1 in the electric scooter segment. Retail sales improved by 115.48% in FY24 to 3,29,237 units, up from 1,52,791 units sold in FY23 relating to a volume growth of 1,76,446 units and a share of 6.30% on this top 10 scooter sales list. More

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    BYD Seal EV First Drive Review – Seal The Deal Of The Day!

    BYD Seal EV First Drive Review2024 BYD Seal EV rivals sedans like Audi A4, BMW 2 Series, Merc A Class Limousine, Toyota Camry, Skoda Superb and BEVs like Volvo XC40 Recharge, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6Being an automotive enthusiast, I always fancied saloon cars (sedans) owing to their iconic three-box design. There’s something special about driving a proper sedan and it always puts you in a good mood. That’s exactly what happened to us when we drove the new BYD Seal EV around Delhi NCR at the media drive event. Here’s our first impression of this vehicle and why we think it is the deal of the day.BYD Seal EV First Impressions ReviewIf there’s one electric vehicle manufacturer who probably gives Tesla nightmares, it is BYD. Despite being a global EV juggernaut, BYD is relatively a new brand in India. The company has E6 MPV and Atto 3 SUV on sale in India and the portfolio was recently expanded with the launch of Seal EV. It falls under company’s ‘Ocean’ lineup of vehicles. This electric sedan brings a luxury proposition at an affordable price despite being a fully electric vehicle. Hence packing all vital ingredients to emerge as the ‘Deal of the Day’. But is it, though? Let’s take a look.BYD Seal FasciaSeal EV is offered in a choice of 3 variants. Its mid-spec Premium variant brings amazing value proposition to the table. Since we are talking about variants, let’s get pricing and specs out of the way, shall we? BYD Seal EV price starts from Rs. 41 lakh for base Dynamic, Rs. 45.55 lakh for mid-spec Premium and Rs. 53 lakh for top-spec Performance variants (all prices ex-sh).BYD Seal EV First Drive ReviewBase Dynamic packs a 61.44 kWh battery, 202 bhp and 310 Nm RWD single motor, 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.5 seconds and a NEDC range of 510 km. Premium variant offers a larger 82.56 kWh battery, 310 bhp and 360 Nm, RWD single motor, 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and a NEDC range of 650 km (highest in the lineup). Top-spec Performance variant has the same 82.56 kWh battery and 310 bhp and 360 Nm rear motor as Premium. However, Performance variant gets a 215 bhp and 310 Nm front motor taking total system output to 525 bhp and 670 Nm. Range is slightly lower at 580 km but the acceleration is insane hitting 100 km/h mark in just 3.8 seconds.BYD Seal RearIs Pricing Justified?These are very impressive numbers and lend BYD Seal EV a multitude of titles in India.1. Most affordable electric sedan in India (non hatchback-derived).2. Most affordable luxury sedan in India.3. Most affordable rear-wheel-drive sedan in India (EV & ICE).4. Most affordable all-wheel-drive sedan in India (EV & ICE)5. Most affordable high-performance vehicle in India (EV & ICE).6. Most affordable dual-motor EV in India.BYD Seal EV First Drive ReviewThese are some of the titles BYD has bagged for itself with Seal EV. BYD Seal offers tremendous value for what it costs. If we take luxury sedans like Mercedes-Benz A-Class Limousine, Audi A4, BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe along with mainstream sedans like Toyota Camry and Skoda Superb, they all cost more than BYD Seal. Also, none of them are fully electric, none of them are anywhere near as performant and none of them offer at least RWD as standard. BYD Seal annihilates its competition if we bring RTO taxes and maintenance costs of the aforementioned ICE and Hybrid vehicles.BYD Seal FrunkComparing apples to apples, only real rival for BYD Seal is BMW i4 which costs significantly more and offers significantly less performance than Seal’s top-spec Performance variant. Now the question arises, why go for legacy brands? Does BYD Seal have a lot of cost-cutting measures to strike an attractive price point? Answer is, no. We’re happy to report that the best part about BYD Seal is that it works with no surprises and idiocies. There were very few “Huh” moments with BYD Seal too, which is commendable at this price point.BYD Seal EV First Drive ReviewDesign & QualityBYD Seal is a handsome-looking machine. The aerodynamic shape with 0.219 Cd might be slightly off-putting in pictures but looks much better in person. Car’s design grew on me with time, especially in the lovely Cosmos Black shade we had. Headlights are sleek and remind me of a Porsche Taycan and a Toyota Crown or a Prius. Actual ‘Double U’ lighting elements on the inside along with ‘Ripple’ LED elements in bumper stay true to its ‘Ocean’ theme. Similar Ripple design attributes are seen on front quarter panels too.BYD Seal ‘Ripple’ Aesthetics From Ocean Range19-inch aero alloy wheels look very swanky and side profile is swoopy and curvaceous. There are interesting creases on doors and bonnet lending underlying aggression and muscle. Rear gets a ‘Boundless’ LED connected tail light design. Rear bumper gets a large diffuser (real) like on a sportscar which must be contributing to the overall aero performance. BYD uses double-glazed glass with front windshield and windows for sound-proofing and they work. The silver-plated glass roof boasts 99% UV isolation and a large 1.9 m2 viewing area.BYD Seal EV First Drive ReviewStepping in, you will first be greeted by metallic scuff plates at all door sills. Aiding ingress and egress for driver is a welcome function where seat moves back making it easy to climb in and has a memory function too. Once you’re in, swooping lines across the interiors and lovely quilted leather seats captivate you. These seats are well-bolstered and thoroughly hug occupant’s body. Floating centre console has a gear selector along with start/stop, parking brake, a few telephony and climate control buttons and dials to select driving modes.BYD Seal Shoulder LineCabin lighting is LEDs and there is soothing ambient lighting on the inside as well. Lights for vanity mirrors were diffused LEDs which feel upmarket. Overall ambience from BYD Seal’s interior is top-notch for the price. BYD has used soft-touch plastics extensively and almost all touch points had them. There is suede material on the dashboard which is unique in this price bracket. BYD doesn’t call it Alcantara (maybe there was no deal with Alcantara brand). Touchpoints lower down the centre console were also soft to touch, which is just nice. Headliner is finished with premium knitted material too.BYD Seal EV First Drive ReviewSteering wheel and upholstery were clad with real leather. No “leather with an asterisk” nonsense here. All the buttons and rollers felt very premium and had a damped feeling to them, like a proper luxury car. BYD Seal EV gets felt lining inside the damped glovebox and storage bin under front centre armrest for a premium feel. Carpeting is also of premium quality and extends all the way till the car’s cargo area.BYD Seal EV Infotainment ScreenFeatures & PracticalityBYD’s rotating 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports wireless Android Auto and wired Apple CarPlay. Premium Dynaudio audio system gets a subwoofer at the back for a much fuller sound. Voice control yielded a fast response and ‘Hi BYD’ command triggers the system. A 10.25-inch colour TFT screen takes care of car’s instrumentation and incorporates speedo, SOC, DTE, ADAS-related info, performance metrics and more.BYD Seal EV First Drive ReviewWhere space and practicality are concerned, BYD Seal EV offers a lot of room for both front and rear occupants. I am 182 cm long individual and I didn’t face any issues with legroom, headroom and shoulder room at the back or front. Seat ergonomics is spot on too, striking the right amount of comfort and support. Practicality-wise, Seal EV gets a 400L boot with wide and large hatch-style opening tailgate. There is a 50L frunk (front trunk) which is reasonably practical. All the door packets, glovebox and storage under front armrest can house water bottles and other paraphernalia without breaking a sweat. Below floating centre console, we have additional storage space with a couple of USB sockets.BYD Seal Glass RoofFeatures-wise, BYD Seal is packed to the brim. We get LED lighting all around, 19-inch wheels, keyless entry, pop-out flush door handles, electrically adjustable front seats with 4-way lumbar support for driver’s seat, a HUD, ventilated front seats, auto-dimming IRVM, rear AC vents, front and rear armrest, dual-zone climate control, PM 2.5 air purifier, NFC on ORVMs, heated ORVMs, twin wireless mobile chargers on centre console, steering mounted controls, cruise control, electrically operated rear tailgate with soft-close feature, hydraulic bonnet struts, full-fledged puncture repair kit among others.BYD Seal EV First Drive ReviewWhere safety is concerned, BYD is offering 6 airbags, 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, TPMS, TCS, auto hold, hill hold, ABS EBD and a host of ADAS suite. Speaking of ADAS suite, BYD Seal EV gets Adaptive Cruise Control, Auto Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, Emergency Lane Keeping Assist, Intelligent Cruise Control, Predictive Collision Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, Speed Limit Control, Front and Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Braking, Blind Spot Detection, High Beam Assist and Driver Attention Warning.BYD Seal DashboardRide, Handling & PerformanceBYD Seal EV is based on the upgraded e-Platform 3.0 architecture with Cell To Body technology. Tightly integrating battery into vehicle’s floor improves vehicle safety, stability, handling and performance. The car feels rigid and stiff and there is no point of concern with BYD’ impeccable engineering. High-strength materials used in vehicular engineering have resulted in a full-fat 5-star crash safety rating awarded by Euro NCAP.When I first saw the 45 profile tyres on Seal, I was sceptical about car’s ride quality. However, BYD Seal EV surprised me with commendable composure, offering the right balance between ride comfort and sporty handling. Front double wishbone setup and rear 5-link setup with adaptive dampers and forged aluminium swingarm on top-spec model proved to be quite impressive. There is minimal body roll on corners and nose-dive on braking. Car stays pretty composed, thanks to its impeccable 50:50 weight distribution.BYD Seal WheelsSeal EV gracefully absorbed most of the bumps and undulations our Indian roads could throw at it without any thunks. That said, I wish Seal EV packed a 55-profile tyre to prevent damage to wheels in worst-case scenarios. The 145 mm ground clearance is a point of concern, however. We didn’t scrape car’s underbelly on speed breakers. We were tacking a steeply stepped side intersection in Delhi NCR and it slightly scraped the car’s underbelly. Again, a 55-profile tyre would have made all the difference here.235/45-R19 XX tyres on BYD Seal offered great grip. Car didn’t lose traction while putting the power down from a standstill. Top-spec Performance variant gets iTAC (Intelligent Torque Adaption Control) which predicts wheel speed in advance depending on road conditions. Despite being a 4.8m long vehicle, BYD Seal EV has a pretty manageable 5.7m turning radius. Overall, BYD Seal EV feels athletic and is very confidence-inspiring and sure-footed. In and around Delhi NCR, I was searching for gaps in the traffic to launch this like a missile and it never disappointed me once.BYD SealConclusionNo car is perfect. Suppose we take BYD Seal EV for example. In that case, it lacks wireless Apple CarPlay, it doesn’t have felt lining in door pockets like VW Passat had, Android Auto doesn’t work when infotainment screen is in portrait mode and there is no sun blind for the glass roof and sun shades for rear windows, which is not a good idea for a hot and sunny market like India. Front AC vents can only be positioned from the screen or choose one of the swing modes. Driver-side air vents are smaller and didn’t move up and down, chilling my hands. Ingress and egress for tall individuals into driver seat could have been more streamlined.At this point, I’m just nit-picking because there are no deal breakers with BYD Seal EV. While there are a few minor criticisms, BYD more than makes up for it with an unbeatable price-to-performance ratio. The car poses incredible value for what it offers and is a very unique luxury proposition for the price. To answer our question, BYD Seal EV is the ‘Deal of the Day’ . If you are a prospective buyer, BYD Seal EV should be on your shortlist. More

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    Royal Enfield Sales Breakup March 2024 – Classic, Hunter, Meteor, Bullet, 650 Twins, Himalayan

    Image – AniketRoyal Enfield has posted YoY growth in domestic markets with the Classic 350 and Hunter 350 bringing in most sales while its exports suffered serious setbackRoyal Enfield experienced a surge in demand in March 2024. The total sales, combining domestic and exports, rose to 75,551 units, marking a notable increase from 72,235 units in March 2023, showcasing a volume growth of 3,316 units. The company is poised for further expansion with plans to introduce the new Guerrilla 450, among five new models scheduled for launch in the current fiscal year.RE Domestic Sales Overview for March 2024In analyzing the company’s domestic sales for the previous month, a significant year-on-year growth of 10.29% was observed, totalling 66,044 units compared to 59,884 units sold in March 2023. However, month-on-month sales experienced a slight decline of 2.76% from February 2024.Royal Enfield Sales Breakup March 2024Royal Enfield’s 350cc range emerged as the frontrunner in the Indian market. The Classic 350 led the sales chart with 25,508 units sold last month, indicating a 4.26% year-on-year growth. Despite commanding a substantial 38.62% share, the Classic 350 experienced a 9.90% month-on-month decline in sales.The Hunter 350 witnessed exceptional demand, boasting a 45.07% year-on-year and 29.53% month-on-month growth, with 15,702 units sold in March 2024. Conversely, the Bullet 350 faced a 5.91% year-on-year and 19.23% month-on-month decline in sales, totalling 11,262 units. Notably, the introduction of new colour schemes failed to significantly boost Bullet 350 sales.Royal Enfield Sales Breakup March 2024Furthermore, the Meteor 350 showcased remarkable sales growth, rising by 44.31% year-on-year and 10.31% month-on-month to 8,963 units. In the higher displacement segment, Royal Enfield’s Himalayan (2,216 units), 650 Twins (2,175 units), and Super Meteor (218 units) were notable performers, with only the 650 Twins witnessing increased year-on-year and month-on-month sales in March 2024.Royal Enfield Exports Breakup March 2024Royal Enfield Exports in March 2024In contrast to domestic sales, Royal Enfield experienced a 35.03% year-on-year decline in exports in March 2024. The export volume decreased from 12,351 units in March 2023 to 9,507 units in the current month. However, there was an 18.64% month-on-month improvement from February 2024.Global markets displayed a preference for larger motorcycles, with the Himalayan leading exports at 2,667 units, marking a significant 340.10% year-on-year growth and a 70.96% month-on-month increase. The RE Meteor 350 also garnered attention internationally, with 1,816 units shipped, reflecting a 10.66% year-on-year improvement and a substantial 45.16% month-on-month growth.While year-on-year sales declined for models like the Classic 350, Super Meteor, Hunter 350, and 650 Twins, each saw remarkable month-on-month growth in exports, except for the Super Meteor. Additionally, Bullet 350 exports surged by 24.61% month-on-month to 400 units in March 2024. More

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    Top 10 Two Wheelers FY24 Vs FY23 – Splendor, Activa, Shine, Pulsar, Jupiter, Access

    Hero Splendor 125cc Matte BlackTwo-wheeler sales in India increased by 11.48% Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y) in FY2024 led by Hero Splendor and Honda ActivaFollowing our earlier report on two wheeler retail sales in FY2024, we now assess the top 10 models that garnered the most attention. New and updated models, improved market trends, favorable government policies and improved rural purchases pushed up sales in the past fiscal.Top 10 2 Wheeler Sales FY2024Two wheeler sales grew by 11.48% YoY in FY24 to 1,24,18,128 units, up from 1,11,38,889 units sold in FY23. This was a volume growth of 12,79,239 units. The world’s largest two wheeler maker, Hero MotoCorp had the Splendor as its best-selling model in FY24 while it was also the company’s top selling model through each of the 12 months. Splendor sales improved by 1.15% YoY to 32,93,324 units in the FY24 period, a growth of 37,580 units over 32,55,744 units sold in FY23. The Splendor currently commands a 26.51% share on this top 10 list.Top 10 Two Wheelers FY24 Vs FY23Honda Activa was the next top selling two wheeler in FY24 with 22,54,537 units sold during the 12 month period, a 4.88% growth when compared to 21,49,658 units sold in FY23. Currently holding an 18.16% share in the top 10 list, the Activa could soon receive an electric variant as most two wheeler makers in India are exploring this route to boost sales. Also from the Honda stables was the Shine. Sales of this commuter bike increased by 22.66% on a YoY basis to 14,82,957 units in FY24 from 12,09,025 units sold in FY23. This related to a YoY volume growth of 2,73,932 units.Bajaj Pulsar has seen a notable increase in sales in FY24 to 14,10,974 units, up 37.11% when compared to 10,29,057 units sold in FY23. The company is continually expanding its Pulsar range either with new models or updating existing models. Recently it was the 2024 Pulsar N250 which has been launched with several feature updates. Soon we will get Pulsar 400.Top 10 Two Wheelers FY24 Vs FY23TVS Jupiter, Suzuki Access, Bajaj PlatinaReporting marginally lower YoY sales was the Hero HF Deluxe which dipped 1.70% t0 10,34,178 units in FY24 down from 10,52,043 units sold in FY23. Lower down the sales list was the TVS Jupiter with a 15.81% hike in sales in FY24 to 8,44,863 units, up from 7,29,546 units sold in FY23. This was volume growth of 1,15,317 units with the Jupiter commanding a 6.80% share on this list.Suzuki Access scooter has posted a 27.21% YoY improvement in sales to 6,34,563 units in FY24. The new Suzuki Access 125 facelift has just been detailed with a host of improved features and updated technology that will allow it to compete even better with rivals such as the Honda Activa 125, TVS Jupiter 125 and Hero Destini 125.While Bajaj Platina sales dipped to 5,02,486 units in FY24, sales of TVS XL were up 9.11 percent to 4,81,803 units on a YoY basis. It was the TVS Raider that has noted the most YoY growth in FY24 by  as much as 99.86% to 4,78,443 units, up from 2,39,388 units sold in FY23. More

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    Kia Clavis Electric Spied Testing Ahead Of Launch – Punch EV Rival?

    Kia Clavis EV SpiedTo challenge the top-selling Tata Punch in sub-4-meter segment, Kia can introduce the ICE and EV versions of Clavis simultaneouslyKia Clavis test mules have been spied on road tests multiple times in recent months. It will be Kia’s most affordable SUV for India and is expected to be launched later this year. But that’s not all. Now, an EV version of Clavis has also been spotted in South Korea. It is apparent that Kia is planning a major onslaught to challenge the supremacy of Tata Punch.Kia Clavis EV – What to expect?Clavis ICE versions spotted earlier and this recent EV model are almost identical. The SUV has vertically stacked headlamps and LED DRLs, sculpted bonnet, flush-type door handles and functional roof rails. Even the alloy wheels are the same for both ICE and EV versions. However, this configuration could change with the production model. At rear, the lighting setup has the same vibes as one sees at the front. Overall, Kia Clavis has a compact, boxy profile.Kia Clavis Electric Spied – RearTo achieve a differentiation between the ICE and EV variants, Kia could introduce some minor changes at the front and rear. EV-specific badging will also be there across both exterior and interiors. A distinctive profile for both versions can also be achieved with exclusive colour shades and unique interior theme options.Kia Clavis EV – Key featuresMuch of the equipment list will be common for both ICE and EV versions of Kia Clavis. To engage rival Tata Punch in a close contest, Kia will ensure that Clavis gets a comprehensive range of features. It will include multiple segment-first and best-in-class features. Clavis test mules have revealed the presence of premium equipment such as ADAS, panoramic sunroof, 360° camera, ventilated seats and front parking sensors. These features will be available with the top-spec variants of Clavis.Kia Clavis – Casper Inspired ProfileOther key highlights of Clavis include dual, integrated screens for the infotainment and instrument cluster. This setup will be a close match to that of new Sonet and Seltos. The steering wheel seems familiar to that of Kia EV6. Kia Clavis will have dual-tone fabric upholstery. Interiors seem spacious in the spy shots, although one can get a better idea only after taking a test drive.Kia Clavis Alloy WheelKia Clavis EV – Performance, rangeDetails about the powertrain for Kia Clavis EV are yet to be revealed. However, it is possible that Clavis EV could borrow the powertrain from Hyundai Casper EV. As per estimates, Kia Clavis EV could have a range of around 320 km for the base variant. Kia will focus on features such as advanced regen system and fast charging.Rival Tata Punch EV is available in standard and long-range formats. The standard version has a 25-kWh battery that delivers a range of 315 km. Punch EV long range variant utilizes a 35-kWh battery, with a range of 421 km.Kia Clavis Electric Spied More

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    Honda Activa Electric Launch Likely In 2025 – To Rival iQube, Chetak, Rizta

    Image for illustration purpose.When launched, Honda Activa Electric will rival the family electric scooters like Ather Rizta, Ola S1 X+ and TVS iQube to name a fewIndia being the largest 2W market in the world, poses a stellar proposition for 2W manufacturers to offer a diverse portfolio, touching a wider audience base. EVs are more of a lucrative option today than they ever did. One of India’s leading 2W manufacturers, Honda, is exploring the promising EV route and the first offering might hit the roads in FY 2025.Legacy 2W manufacturers such as HMSI (Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India) currently lack an electric offering in India. HMSI is poised to redefine Indian 2W electric mobility space with an upcoming EV based on the mighty Activa brand.Honda Activa EV Launch PlansActiva is currently India’s best-selling scooter by a huge margin and has been that way for well over a decade. Associating an EV with the massively popular Activa brand will establish a sense of familiarity. Recent reports suggest HMSI intends to expand its production capacity to incorporate new assembly lines for Activa Electric.If you may recall, HMSI scaled back its expansion plans ahead of stricter BS6 emission norms implementation. Covid-19-related atrocities soon followed and the company’s expansion plans were put on hold until now. In an attempt to scale up production capacity, HMSI has added two new manufacturing lines at their Gujarat and Karnataka plants.Honda ActivaThe new third line at Gujarat plant is projected to bring around 6.6 lakh units of additional volume. A dedicated EV manufacturing line is said to be in the works and might go operational in FY25 to meet growing demands for both 2W ICE and electric vehicles. Combined, the total increment in capacity hovers around 9 lakh units per annum mark.Will Activa Electric be among the biggest impacts on 2W market?Post Covid-19, the market is falling back to its former glory and HMSI is eying to get closer to its peak performance of 5.9 million units in FY19. Past financial year has awarded Honda with a 13% growth in domestic sales with around 4.5 million units in volume and a 25% market share of the total 2W industry of India.Today, India is among the leading economies of the world. Better distribution of incomes, sustained economic growth, normal rainfall, increasing population and increasing consumption among the population can prove to be a perfect recipe for significant growth in the 2W market from both urban and rural areas.Considering the gargantuan popularity of Activa in India, we would reckon upcoming Activa EV might prove to be India’s biggest scooter launch in almost a decade. Considering the conservative and non gimmicky approach to ICE Activa, Honda might strike the right balance between features and pricing to dominate India’s e-scooter market.Source More

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    Hero Mavrick 440 Scrambler Launch Planned – RE Scram 450 Rival

    Hero Mavrick 440Hero Mavrick 440 Scrambler will have some distinctive hardware to support effortless riding across off-road tracksFor a roadster, it is a natural progression to spawn into multiple body styles. Hero appears to be following a similar approach for Mavrick 440, as a trademark for a new scrambler version has been filed. In the future, there could be a cafe racer or an ADV variant as well based on the same platform.As compared to the roadster, Mavrick 440 Scrambler will have capabilities to tackle more challenging riding environments. It will be a versatile machine, suited for urban streets as well as off-road tracks. To unlock such possibilities, Mavrick 440 Scrambler will be getting some functional upgrades.Hero Mavrick 440 Scrambler name trademarkedFor example, the bike is expected to get a wider handlebar. It will allow improved control and leverage, something that will be useful across off-road tracks. A wider handlebar will also enable improved weight distribution, enhanced steering control and increased comfort. Having a wider handlebar can also improve the bike’s visual appeal.Another key change possible with Mavrick 440 Scrambler is a flatter, narrower seat. It will allow the rider to easily shift their position to suit their riding environment. The bike could get more robust footpegs to support the weight when riding the bike standing up. The positioning of the footpegs could also be altered to achieve a more committed riding stance. For a more rugged look and feel, Hero Mavrick 440 Scrambler could get fork gaiters.Hero Mavrick 440 Scrambler Trademark FiledWheel size could be 19-inch front and 17-inch rear for the scrambler. In comparison, the roadster version has 17-inch wheels at both ends. Tyre profile could also be different for the scrambler.  It could get dual-purpose or all-terrain tyres. The standard Mavrick 440 has 110/70 front and 150/60 rear tyres.Hero Mavrick 440 Scrambler performance, specsPowering Hero Mavrick 440 Scrambler will be the 440cc, single cylinder, air cooled with oil cooler engine. It churns out 27 bhp / 36 Nm and is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Hero may introduce some slight tweaks to the engine to suit the scrambler’s profile. However, there is unlikely to be any major difference in output numbers. Suspension and braking setup will be largely the same as the roadster. Mavrick 440 has 43mm telescopic forks at front and 7-step adjustable twin shock absorbers at rear. Braking setup comprises 320 mm and 240 mm discs at front and rear, respectively.Mavrick 440 Scrambler will have all LED lighting. The digital speedometer with negative display will be the same as the roadster version. Users can pair their smartphones via Bluetooth to access functions such as missed call alerts, message notifications, phone battery status and turn-by-turn navigation. The digital speedometer displays a comprehensive range of information such as low fuel indicator, gear indicator, distance to empty and real time mileage.2024 Royal Enfield Scram 450 Spied – Will rival Hero Mavrick 440 ScramblerA launch timeline for Hero Mavrick 440 Scrambler is not available at this point of time. Hero could introduce it later this year or sometime in 2025. Just like the roadster, the scrambler version will also be introduced across international markets. Upon launch, it could rival the Triumph Scrambler 400, upcoming Royal Enfield Scram 450, etc. More

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    Honda CB350 RS Custom In Japan Gets Carbon Fibre Parts, Metzeler Tyres

    Honda CB350 RS CustomThe stock 348cc single cylinder air-cooled engine on this custom Honda CB350RS by Magical Racing generates 20 PS and 29 NmHonda’s rival to Royal Enfield Classic 350, CB350 has been one of the popular classic motorcycles on sale in India. There are three variations of CB350 on sale and the sportiest of this bunch is CB350RS, a scrambler-esque motorcycle. A custom Honda CB350RS by Magical Racing gets carbon fibre parts from Magical Racing in Japan.Custom Honda CB350RS By Magical RacingThis CB350 series has spawned three body styles till now and multiple optional packs offering customers some kind of personalisation options right from the OEM. That said, a full-on custom offering with accentuated sportiness is a good proposition for Honda CB350RS and that’s exactly what Magical Racing is aiming for.Honda CB350 RS CustomFor starters, Honda manufactures the CB350 lineup in India and exports it to Japan. CB350 H’ness is sold as GB350, CB350 RS as GB350 S and the newest CB350 (Classic) as GB350 C in Japan. Magical Racing has selected GB350 S owing to its sportiness and has worked its magic on it.Magical Racing did not go overboard with its sportiness criteria and achieved a completely different-looking motorcycle. Instead, what Magical Racing has done is in keeping with the vision Honda had while creating Honda CB350RS. In that regard, we can see subtle changes that lend a sportier appeal than stock.Honda CB350 RS CustomOther notable changesThe main highlight is the carbon fibre ORVM codenamed “NK-1 Mirror” which uses a Type 6 head and 10 mm thread. Other changes we can spot are an FRP rear tail tidy that looks much better than stock. Also notable is an open-type chain cover that looks more industrial and raw, perfectly complementing the new short rear fender.Honda CB350 RS CustomMatching the short rear fender is a short front fender. Both fenders get an option of either a silver finish or a matte black finish. Brackets for both FRP fenders are made of stainless steel. Adding a dash of retro-ness is a short fly screen that is also offered in either silver finish or matte black.These components are from TCW and the stickers on front and rear fenders along with front windscreen come with the package and are optional. Another notable attribute of this build is that lighting elements are kept stock. Metzeler Tourance Next tyres will add a dash of sportiness to the stock vehicle’s dynamics.Honda CB350 RS CustomMagical Racing has established a good unison of carbon fibre, stainless steel and aluminium and achieved a slightly sportier look that should appeal to many. Powertrain is kept stock too. The same 348.36cc air-cooled engine as the stock donor bike develops 21 PS of peak power and 29 Nm of peak torque and is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. More