Aurelia Butler

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    Electric Car Sales Sep 2024 – Tata, MG, Mahindra, Citroen, BYD, Hyundai, Kia

    Tata Punch EV – Car MarvelSeveral upcoming models by leading automakers in the electric car segment could significantly boost sales in the months ahead
    Economic concerns, reduced incentives and sufficient charging infrastructure has led to the electric car segment seeing lackluster sales over the past few months. Lower sales both on a year on year (YoY) and month on month (MoM) basis was experienced in September 2024 to just 5,874 units sold. Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA), sales results showed many brands report lower sales while there were some gainers in this segment.
    Tata Motors Leads Electric Car Segment
    Total electric car sales in the past month stood at 5,874 units. This was a YoY de-growth by 7.76% from 6,368 units sold in Sept 2023. MoM sales also declined by 7.32% from 6,338 units sold in August 2024. This was the lowest sales recorded in this segment during the period January to Sept 2024.
    Electric Car Sales Sep 2024 – YoY Comparison
    Tata Motors, with the healthiest lineup of electric cars, among which are the likes of Nexon, Tiago, Tigor, Punch and new Curvv EV, has recorded retail sales at 3,621 units in Sept 2024. This was a marked decline of 16.26% over 4,325 units sold in Sept 2023. MoM sales also suffered a setback by 11.38% from 4,086 units sold in Aug 2024. Tata Motors is planning to launch BaaS (Battery as a Service) for its electric lineup which will relate to significantly lower pricing.
    MG Motor has the Comet and ZS EV along with the new Windsor in this segment, sales of which have seen a 9.16% YoY growth to 977 units in the past month from 895 units sold in Sept 2023. MoM sales however, declined massively by 27.79% over 1,353 units sold in Aug 2024.
    Electric Car Sales Sep 2024 – MoM Comparison
    Mahindra EV lineup, which currently sees the XUV400 as the only offering in this segment, has seen outstanding demand. Sales improved by 26.82% YoY and 43.22% MoM to 454 units. This was a growth over 358 units and 317 units sold in Sept 2023 and Aug 2024 respectively. In a bid to extend its EV segment, Mahindra is also actively testing the new range of electric SUVs among which the e9 and BE05 could be the first to launch as they have been recently seen during a TVC shoot.
    Citroen electric car retail sales saw overwhelming demand last month. Sales improved to 386 units which was a 169.93% YoY and 142.77% MoM growth. BYD India also showed YoY growth in electric car retail sales by 7.95% to 163 units while there had been 151 units sold in Sept 2023. MoM sales on the other hand declined by 22.01% from 209 units sold in Aug 2024.
    BMW Sales Exceed Mercedes in Luxury Segment
    German luxury car maker BMW India is a leader in the luxury segment with sales of 106 units in Sept 2024. The company reported both YoY and MoM growth by 37.66% and 68.25% respectively over 77 units and 63 units sold in Sept 2023 and Aug 2024. Mercedes electric car sales also surged YoY and MoM to 81 units last month. This was a 10.96% YoY and 68.75% MoM growth over 73 units and 48 units sold in Sept 2023 and Aug 2024 respectively.
    Lower down the sales list was Hyundai with 26 unit sales, reporting a double digit YoY and MoM decline by 67.79% and 33.33% while Kia India’s EV6 sales dipped to 17 units in the past month. There had been 35 units sold in Sept 2023 while in Aug 2024, sales were at 18 units.
    Volvo also reported significantly lower sales last month down to 15 units. This was a 72.73% YoY decline from 55 units sold in Sept 2024 while MoM sales were down 48.28% over 29 units sold in Aug 2024. Audi sales also fell 57.69% to 11 units over 26 units sold in Sept 2023 while there were others in this segment that added 17 units to total sales relating to a 142.86% MoM growth from 7 units sold in Aug 2024. More

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    Document Exposes Consumer Complaints Against Ola Electric

    Ola Electric Scooter ComplaintsHeavy Industries Ministry has sent letter to ARAI seeking more clarification into the complaints of Ola Electric scooters
    Ola Electric Mobility Ltd. is facing growing regulatory scrutiny as the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued a show-cause notice in response to widespread consumer complaints. The notice comes amid allegations of service deficiencies, misleading advertisements, and unfair trade practices, pushing the company to respond within 15 days with supporting documentation.
    Grievances Unveiled
    A leaked document reveals the scale and nature of the consumer complaints that have been lodged against Ola Electric. Some of the key issues include:
    Ola Electric Scooter Complaints. Image – Alisha Sachdev
    – Charging during free service period/warranty – 109 complaints– Charging extra than promised – 91 complaints– Customer requests not entertained by dealer/service centers – 117 complaints– Improper customer/helpline services – 67 complaints– Delays in new vehicle delivery – 1,899 complaints– Delays in service/repair – 3,364 complaints– Delays in providing vehicle documents – 244 complaints– Fake insurance/documents provided by dealers – 21 complaints– Mileage not as per commitment – 28 complaints– Misbehaviour by dealer/company – 52 complaints– Misleading advertisements – 34 complaints– Non/partial refunds on booking cancellations – 270 complaints– Unfulfilled promised gifts – 111 complaints– Promised services not provided – 1,459 complaints– Same problem persisting after repairs – 471 complaints– Sale of second-hand/test-drive vehicles as new – 34 complaints– Unsatisfactory redressal of complaints – 672 complaints– Manufacturing defects in vehicles – 761 complaints– False promises and misleading information about vehicles – 144 complaints
    In addition to these, there are over 10,000 complaints registered in total.
    Mounting Pressure and Market Share Worries
    Analysts have pointed out that Ola Electric’s market share is under increasing pressure as competition in the electric two-wheeler segment intensifies. The company’s reputation has been shaken by these complaints, which could lead to further challenges in maintaining market leadership. According to insiders, this wave of negative publicity could affect consumer confidence in the brand, making it crucial for the company to resolve the issues swiftly.
    Ministry of Heavy Industries Investigates Service Complaints
    In a parallel development, the Union Ministry of Heavy Industries has launched an investigation into the service-related issues raised by Ola Electric customers. The ministry has sent a letter to the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), seeking clarification and inputs regarding the complaints filed.
    The ministry also emphasized that, as per the FAME-II and PM E-Drive schemes, all original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), including Ola Electric, are required to maintain service centers and provide warranties. Ola Electric, being a beneficiary of these schemes, has been asked to provide detailed comments and address the grievances at the earliest.
    Analyst Insights: Tough Times Ahead for Ola Electric
    With the combined pressure from the CCPA and the Ministry of Heavy Industries, industry analysts predict challenging times ahead for Ola Electric. The company’s ability to manage the situation and provide satisfactory responses will be crucial in determining its future market position. Ola Electric is trading at Rs 91 on the NSE, down 5%. More

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    Upcoming Kia EV4 Electric Interiors Spied – Floating Widescreen

    Upcoming Kia EV4 ElectricWith its distinctive design, the Kia EV4 is a great option for those looking to experience something truly new
    Kia has started testing the EV4, a crossover sedan with SUV flavours and a sloping coupe roofline as well. EV4 is expected to be launched in 2025. Ahead of that, latest spy shots have revealed the interiors of Kia EV4.
    Kia EV4 cockpit revealed
    While test vehicles have been spotted earlier also, this is the first time the interiors of Kia EV4 have been revealed. A number of features appear to be borrowed from Kia EV3 that was introduced earlier this year in June.
    Upcoming Kia EV4 Electric
    One of the key attractions is the large widescreen panel. It has dual 12.3-inch screens for the touchscreen and the driver instrument display. In between, there’s a 5.3-inch climate control display. The widescreen covers more than half of the dashboard’s length.
    Below the floating widescreen, there’s a control panel with touch-sensitive buttons. These can be used to access the primary shortcuts such as Home, Media and Map. For practical convenience, EV4 has a conventional circular dial for the volume control. The AC vents are mounted on either side. With only a few physical buttons, the interiors look neat and decluttered. Similar to the EV3, the EV4 is expected to get a multi-layered dashboard.
    Upcoming Kia EV4 Electric
    Several of the tech features seen with EV3 could be introduced in EV4. For example, Kia EV4 could get the ChatGPT-powered AI digital assistant that is designed to improve overall user experience. Based on generative AI, the digital assistant can process various voice commands and act accordingly. It can provide travel related information, make music recommendations and control vehicle functions. With generative AI like ChatGPT, the possibilities are limitless. Kia EV4 will also be getting the regular tech features such as wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
    Upcoming Kia EV4 Electric
    Kia EV4 specs, performance
    Similar to Kia EV3, EV6, EV9 and various Hyundai and Genesis cars, the Kia EV4 also utilizes the Hyundai Motor Group E-GMP electric platform. Among these, only the EV3 has a 400-volt electrical system. Other cars utilize an 800-volt electrical system that is more advanced and capable of enabling faster charging. There are other benefits as well such as improved efficiency and performance.
    It will be interesting to see if Kia EV4 gets the 400-volt or 800-volt electrical system. Assuming that Kia will be aiming to introduce the EV4 at an attractive price point, the 400-volt electrical system will be more suitable. Battery pack options for Kia EV4 include a 58.3 kWh and an 81.4 kWh unit. Base variants will have a single motor setup, generating 201 hp. Higher variants could get AWD option, enabled with a dual-motor setup.
    While this test vehicle has the sedan body style, Kia EV4 is also expected to get another variant with an upright hatchback rear format. This was evidenced with another test vehicle spotted earlier. Upon launch, Kia EV4 will rival Tesla Model 3.
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    New Yamaha R9 Launch Price USD 12.5K (Rs 10.5L) – India-Bound?

    New Yamaha R9Being the fully-faired version of MT-09, new Yamaha R9 comes with the same 890cc in-line 3-cylinder engine and a host of electronics
    Yamaha has been significantly overhauling its fully faired portfolio. The company just updated their YZF-R3 to MY25 with new design language. Along with that, Yamaha has lifted the veil off its new R9, ushering into a new era of supersport motorcycles. It comes with enhanced aerodynamics for exceptional track excursions.
    New Yamaha R9
    With the launch of Yamaha R9, the company has been quenching the thirst of supersport motorcycle enthusiasts. With an appetite for cornering speed, Yamaha R9 is set to blaze the tracks in a few markets internationally. In USA, Yamaha R9 has been launched at USD 12,499 which turns out to be Rs 10.5 lakh in today’s currency exchange rates.
    New Yamaha R9
    There are three colour options with R9 – Team Yamaha Blue, Matte Raven Black and Intensity White / Redline. The first two colourways offer similar and minimal graphics, while Intensity White / Redline has more flamboyant stickers. Also, only the Yamaha Team Blue gets Blue coloured alloy wheels, while other two get Black ones.
    With the CP3 powertrain and the potent Supersport chassis, Yamaha is bringing track-capable performance to the streets. Yamaha R9 features a Deltabox Gravity Cast aluminium frame. The company claims this chassis to be the lightest on any Yamaha supersport yet.
    New Yamaha R9
    With 50:50 weight distribution, Yamaha promises exceptional agility and Supersport handling that can be tamed by a multitude of riders across wider experience levels. Like other Yamaha YZF-R motorcycles, R9 also comes with the latest R-Series styling with M-shaped front duct, angled LED DRLs, among others.
    Yamaha R9 also gets functional aerodynamic winglets at the front like MotoGP vehicle. These are intended to smoothen air flow and add considerable downforce at the front to improve handling characteristic at higher speeds. There is a TFT colour display as part of its instrumentation with a host of features.
    New Yamaha R9
    Electronics and Engine Specs
    There is a new 6-axis IMU, enabling 9-level Traction Control, 3-level Slide Control, 3-level Lift Control and a Brake Control system. Other notable features include 4-level Power Delivery Mode, two-level Engine Brake Management, Variable Speed Limiter, Yamaha Ride Control, Back Slip Regulator, cruise control and Launch Control.
    Yamaha R9 gets the same 890cc DOHC 4V/cyl liquid cooled in-line 3-cylinder engine as MT-09 with with around 120 PS of peak power and 93 Nm of peak torque, mated to a 6-speed gearbox. 43mm KYB fully adjustable USD front forks, KYB adjustable rear mono-shock setup, dual 320 mm front discs with Brembo Stylema calipers, 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped with 120/70 front and 180/55 rear Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport tyres. More

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    2025 Yamaha R3 Launch Price USD 5499 (Rs 4.62L) – New Design Language

    2025 Yamaha R3 LaunchWith 2025 Yamaha R3, the company has brought this motorcycle to modern design DNA, making it in line with other YZF-R and YZR-M bikes
    Team Blue is revving the hearts of motorcycling enthusiasts across the world with the launch of updated YZF-R3. This motorcycle was mong the last ones in YZF-R lineup to feature the older design DNA and has been ported to new generation R-Series styling inspired from the flagship YZR-M1 racing bike.
    2025 Yamaha R3
    In USA, Yamaha has launched the 2025 R3 and has thoroughly updated it where design is concerned. 2025 Yamaha R3 has been priced at USD 5,499 in USA, which translates to Rs 4.62 lakh with today’s currency exchange rates. There are three colours on offer – Team Yamaha Blue, Matte Stealth Black and Lunar White / Nebula Blue.
    2025 Yamaha R3
    We can see a new fascia featuring Yamaha’s newer R-Series design language. Aggressive new front fairing is the main change, while sleeker side panels and a sharper tail section are notable too. R3 now gets a single projector headlight flanked by quad element LED DRL signature, split in two parts.
    Raised tail section gets LED brake lights and turn indicators are LEDs, this time around. Team Yamaha Blue and Matte Stealth Black colours have slightly minimal decals on side body fairing where we see smaller R3 stickers. With Lunar White / Nebula Blue, Yamaha is offering larger R3 stickers and a Yamaha sticker below it.
    2025 Yamaha R3
    Also, Team Yamaha Blue is the only colourway where the company is offering Blue alloy wheels and Gold USD forks finish, while other two get Black at both areas. 2025 R3 comes with a new LCD instrument cluster with Blue backlighting.
    New Yamaha R3 Cluster
    It features extensive telemetry along with Bluetooth connectivity and Y-Connect app support. No navigation, though. Yamaha has also added a USB-A charging port, which could have been USB-C. The motorcycle promises 50:50 weight distribution for enhanced agility and offers rider a committed riding position to exploit all of its handling characteristics.
    New Yamaha R3 Fascia
    What else is new?
    The company has incorporated modern fuel injection system and a short muffler design for mass centralisation. The high-revving 321cc DOHC 4V liquid cooled in-line twin cylinder engine. Power and torque figures are around 41 bhp and 30 Nm, mated to a 6-speed gearbox and a slip and assist clutch for the first time.
    Sporty clip-on handlebars, USD telescopic front forks with 129.5 mm travel, preload adjustable rear monoshock with 124.5 mm travel, 298mm front single floating disc, 220 mm rear disc, dual channel ABS, 110/70-17 front and 140/70-17 rear Dunlop Sportmax tyres are some of the notable componentry. India launch is not confirmed yet. More

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    2W Retail Sales Sept 2024 – Hero, Honda, TVS, Bajaj, RE, Ola

    Honda Activa : Image – Gyani EnoughThe 2 wheeler retail sales list saw a new leader in September 2024 with Honda at No.1 ahead of Hero MotoCorp by large numbers
    Two wheeler retail sales in September 2024, as reported by Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), saw a severe decline. Sales fell to 12,04,259 units in the past month, down from 13,16,300 units sold in September 2023. It was also a 10.01% MoM de-growth over 13,38,237 units sold in August 2024. 2W H1 FY 25 sales however, grew by 9.08% to 85,66,532 units from 78,53,618 units sold in the same 6 month period of H1 FY24.
    2W Retail Sales in Sept 2024 – HMSI Leads
    Not only was the 2W segment in the negative but overall retail sales also dipped by 9.25% YoY with 2W, PV and CVs reporting lower sales by 8.51%, 18.81%, and 10.45% YoY, respectively. On the other hand, sales of 3W and tractors improved by 0.66% and 14.69% on a year on year basis. The automobile sector now pins its hopes on a revival of sorts with several new launches in various segments and the festive season while improved stock availability could also boost sales even further.
    Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) emerged as the No. 1 seller in September 2024. This was despite a YoY decline. Sales dipped to 3,33,927 units in the past month, down from 3,49,784 units sold in Sept 2023. Market share of the company also grew to 27.73% over 26.57% YoY.
    Hero sales fell to 2,71,390 units in Sept 2024, down from 3,52,254 units sold in the same month last year. Market share dipped from 26.76% held in Sept 2023 to 22.54% last month. As launch date nears, the company is actively testing the new Xpulse 210 adventure tourer. Hero HF Dawn is also on its test rounds though the exact timeline of launch is yet to be announced.
    2W Retail Sales Sept 2024
    TVS retail sales fell by a good 8,000 units to 2,21,257 units in Sept 2024 down from 2,29,382 units sold in Sept 2023. Last month, the company introduced the new Ronin Festive Edition with new colour schemes and several other design elements, setting itself apart from its standard model. TVS also showed off an improvement in market share to 18.37% despite lower sales.
    Bajaj Auto also saw lower retail sales in the past month down to 1,41,668 units from 1,49,633 units sold in Sept 2023. Suzuki on the other hand reported improvement in sales to 74,287 units from 73,837 units sold in Sept 2023. Royal Enfield sales fell to 57,504 units from 64,159 units on a YoY basis taking its market share down to 4.78% from 4.87%. Yamaha sales improved marginally to 50,065 units in Sept 2024 from 49,639 units sold in Sept 2023.
    Ola, Ather Post YoY Sales Growth in Sept 2024
    In the electric vehicle segment, Ola Electric has seen an improvement in retail sales to 24,679 units, up from 18,711 units sold in Sept 2023. Market share also grew to 20.05% from 1.42% YoY. Ather Energy, also posted a significant sales growth to 12,718 units in the past month from 7,195 units sold in the same month last year while the company plans to stir up festive sales with new promotions and benefits to the extent of Rs 25,000 across its 450X and 450 Apex e-scooters.
    Greaves retail sales dipped to 2,777 units in Sept 2024 from 3,613 units sold in Sept 2023 while Piaggio sales also fell to 2,562 units from 2,954 units on a YoY basis. Classic Legends also posted lower retail sales at 2,125 units last month over 2,483 units sold in Sept 2023. Bgauss Auto however, saw sales improve quite remarkably to 1,237 units in Sept 2024 from 935 units sold in the same month last year. Other 2W makers which also included EV manufacturers added 8,063 units to total retail sales, down from 11,722 units sold in Sept 2023. More

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    New 2024 KTM 250 Duke Launch Price Rs 2.41 Lakh – Updated Features

    2024 KTM 250 Duke LaunchDespite all the added features, 2024 KTM 250 Duke continues to be powered by the same 249 cc engine with 29.5 bhp and 25 Nm of performance
    Iconic sporty motorcycle manufacturer, KTM, has been sprucing up its lineup in India. After a few speculations and spy shots, KTM launched the updated 200 Duke in India for a starting price of Rs 2.05 lakh (Ex-sh). Now, the company has done something similar with 2024 KTM 250 Duke. Let’s take a look.
    2024 KTM 250 Duke
    The updated 250 Duke has been launched in India, rather silently, similar to the company’s strategy with 200 Duke. There has been a few features added with the new 2024 KTM 250 Duke to keep it competitive against rivals like Bajaj Dominar 250, among others.
    2024 KTM 250 Duke Electric Orange
    Launch price for 2024 KTM 250 Duke is Rs 2.41 lakh (Ex-sh), which is a slight increment as opposed to the model it replaces. Price difference between new and old model is within a couple of thousand rupees and is determined by the added features this updated model brings to the table, as opposed to its predecessor.
    Updated model brings improvement in features list and equipment, making it a better proposition than before. This could be a good thing to boost sales around the festive season, which seems to be the same strategy for the just launched 200 Duke as well.
    2024 KTM 250 Duke Atlantic Blue
    Where features upgrade are concerned, updated 2024 KTM 250 Duke comes equipped with the same 5-inch colour TFT instrument screen as 390 Duke and recently, 200 Duke. This instrument screen. Company calls it bonded glass TFT dashboard and it supports Bluetooth connectivity with app support enabling music control and navigation.
    This display replaces the less sophisticated LCD unit, which also supported navigation. With the addition of this TFT dashboard, KTM has provided a 4-way menu controls on left switchgear too. Apart from this, updated 250 Duke gets the same LED DRLs as larger 390 Duke, which increases its design appeal among buyers.
    New KTM Duke 250 Ceramic White
    What else does it get?
    Apart from these aforementioned updates, there doesn’t seem to be any other changes with this motorcycle. KTM has retained rest of its componentry as is. So, we still get all the goodies like USD telescopic front forks, off-set mono-shock suspension setup, 17-inch alloy wheels, fancy banana-shaped swingarm, underbelly exhaust and single disc brakes at both ends with dual-channel ABS, among others.
    Powertrain is the same 248cc DOHC 4V single-cylinder liquid cooled engine as before, generating 29.5 bhp of peak power and 25 Nm of peak torque. This engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox along with a slip and assist clutch.
    Also read – 2025 KTM 250 Adventure spied More

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    Royal Enfield Himalayan Rally Racer Debuts – Piloted By CS Santosh

    Royal Enfield Himalayan Rally RacerThe Himalayan Rally racer is likely featuring a modified Sherpa 450 engine, kicking out more performance than the stock bike’s 40 bhp and 40 Nm
    Royal Enfield’s 450cc platform has been a popular one and has now spawned a rally racer model. The first images of the upcoming bike have now been revealed from the Spanish Cuenca rally. Earlier, enthusiasts had witnessed a modified Himalayan 450 at the Swank Rally Di Sardegna, held in Italy.
    Himalayan Rally Racer – Styling and features
    From the images, it is evident that the Himalayan Rally racer model is in initial stages of development. The Spanish Cuenca rally is likely being used as a testing ground to identify the bike’s strengths and weaknesses. And with the renowned CS Santosh piloting the bike, some valuable feedback can be gained. Based on that, the necessary changes can be introduced in the rally-spec Himalayan.
    Royal Enfield Himalayan Rally-Spec Bike
    In its current form, rally-spec Himalayan comes across as a stripped-down version of the Himalayan 450. Some accessories from RE’s rally kit can be seen. The bike has knobby, rally-spec tyres and long-travel suspension. It is likely that the rally-spec Himalayan 450 will have different suspension and braking setup in comparison to the stock version.
    Images reveal that the side racks seen on the stock model have been removed. This improves handling and control across off-road tracks. A rally tower has been added at the front, something that is used to store rally essentials such as a road book. The production version of rally-spec Himalayan 450 could get digital GPS systems with advanced navigation functions.
    Royal Enfield Himalayan Rally-Spec Bike
    There can be various other possibilities such as a long-range fuel tank, reinforced frame and suspension and higher ground clearance. Rally-spec accessories such as skid plates and crash bars could be made available with the production model. Lighting systems could be upgraded to ensure improved visibility across low light / dark conditions.
    Rally-spec Himalayan 450 – Performance
    Visually, the engine appears to be the same as seen with the standard Himalayan 450. It also has the OEM radiator guard. However, given the gruelling conditions rally bikes have to endure, it is likely that the engine will see significant internal upgrades. For example, power output can be boosted to more than 50 hp.
    Royal Enfield Himalayan Rally-Spec Bike
    Rally bikes have high low-end torque, which allows enhanced control at slow speeds. Another common feature is wide-ratio gearboxes, designed to accommodate both crawling at low speeds and high-speed riding. In its stock form, Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 generates 40 hp and 40 Nm, mated to a 6-speed gearbox, slipper clutch and ride-by-wire throttle.
    It can take a couple of years or more for the rally-spec Himalayan 450 to reach production stage. The bike will need to be tested thoroughly, including participation in various other rally events, before it can be perfected. At the 2024 Rallye TT Cuenca, rally-spec Himalayan 450 came at 30th spot in its category. In the future, enthusiasts can even get to see the rally-spec Himalayan 450 at the Dakar Rally. Royal Enfield had hinted at it, although no official plans have been revealed. More