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    Yamaha Recalls 3 Lakh Scooters – Fascino 125 and RayZR 125

    Yamaha FascinoThe biggest ever recall from Yamaha will involve replacement of brake levers at no additional cost to ownersThe Japanese motorcycle and scooter juggernaut, Yamaha, has issued its biggest ever recall in Indian operations. One that affects as many as 3 Lakh units manufactured between a time period between January 1st, 2022 and January 4th, 2024. The company has gone into ‘damage control’ mode and has issued a recall.Biggest Ever Recall From YamahaYamaha India currently sells three scooters in India – Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid, RayZR 125 Fi Hybrid and Aerox 155. Among these three, Fascino and RayZR are based on the same 125cc platform and are on offer with two entirely distinct design and genres.New colours for FascinoTwo different flavours of the same ice cream, if you may. Apart from sharing the powertrain, both Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid and RayZR 125 Fi Hybrid scooters share most of their components as well. Braking hardware is shared between the two scooters too and has emerged as a potential hazard.This has turned into the need for a voluntary recall from India Yamaha Motor. Sticking to its quality and safety standards, India Yamaha Motor has issued a voluntary recall that has affected as many as 3 lakh units. Said units have potential issues with their brake lever functions.Yamaha RayZR 125Where the operation of said brake levers might not be as per company specifications or get stuck in certain instances. The sample size for this recall is around 3 lakh units. Only the Yamaha Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid and RayZR 125 Fi Hybrid manufactured between January 1st 2022 and January 4th 2024 are subjected to this recall.Details about the recallOwners of Fascino and RayZR manufactured between the aforementioned time period can go to Yamaha India’s website and navigate towards the “Service” section and click on SC 125 voluntary recall. Here, owners can enter their chassis number to find out if their vehicle is eligible for this recall.Customers can also head towards their nearest Yamaha authorised service centre as well, to ensure eligibility for recall. If eligible for the recall, the owner will be directed towards further steps. As per this voluntary recall from India Yamaha Motor, the old brake lever will be replaced with a new one at no additional cost to the owner.Yamaha will also have to make sure a seamless experience is provided at a minimal time penalty for customers. Both Yamaha Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid and RayZR 125 Fi Hybrid come equipped with the same mild hybrid powertrain which claims to be the most fuel economical in their segment. Making them a tempting proposition for prospective buyers. More

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    Kawasaki 300cc ADV Spied In Pune – A Screamer To Rival Himalayan

    Kawasaki 300cc ADV Spied In PuneThe same 296cc DOHC 4V liquid cooled parallel-twin engine from Ninja 300 will do duties on Kawasaki Versys X-300 spotted in IndiaThe iconic Japanese motorcycle brand, Kawasaki seems to be on the verge of expanding its lineup in India. Especially in sub 500cc segment. In that regard, we saw Kawasaki launching Eliminator 400 in India at Rs. 5.62 lakh (ex-sh). Now, the company is considering re-introducing its Ninja 300-based ADV.Where will Versys X-300 operate?India is no stranger to Kawasaki Versys X-300 that used to be on sale in India, albeit at a premium. Because it was based on Ninja 300, many components were shared between the two. The same ideology seems to hold with the new Kawasaki Versys X-300 that has been spotted testing around Pune.Kawasaki Versys X-300Adventure and lifestyle vehicles have been gaining prominence in the recent past. We saw the success story that Royal Enfield and Hero MotoCorp wrote with Himalayan and Xpulse 200 respectively. With champs, there are challengers and we saw Yezdi Adventure, KTM 390 Adventure, BMW G 310 GS, Triumph Scrambler 400X and the new Himalayan 450.Honda launched NX500 too at Rs. 5.9 lakh (ex-sh), which is a multi-cylinder ADV/Tourer-style motorcycle. Kawasaki’s current ADV-style motorcycle for the mainstream audience is Versys 650, which costs Rs. 7.77 lakh. If priced around Rs. 4 lakh (ex-sh), Kawasaki could establish a decent bridge between Himalayan 450 and Honda NX500.Kawasaki 300cc ADV Spied In PuneKawasaki Versys X-300 Spotted TestingTeam Green currently sells Versys X-300 in overseas markets. Test mule spotted around Pune, India, looks very similar to the global model. For starters, Kawasaki Versys X-300 will be a Sports Touring/Adventure motorcycle. We say this because the test engineer is donning fancy riding gear with knee sliders and everything. So, there seems to be a sporty edge.Kawasaki Versys X 300There is a single-pod headlight housed in this handsome fairing. A tall transparent windscreen looks like it protects the rider from wind blasts. Speaking of rider, this test engineer is sitting quite relaxed with an upright seating position and centre-set footpegs. Rider triangle looks to be quite comfy for the long hauls.Conventional RSU telescopic forks take care of front suspension duties and we can see a mono-shock at the rear. Global model comes with a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wire-spoke wheel setup. The same was spotted in India too. We wish tyres were fatter, as 100-section front and 130-section rear look too skinny to be on a Rs. 4 lakh motorcycle.125cc and 160cc bikes are getting USD telescopic front forks and LED lighting all around and Kawasaki is less likely to implement both. What it will implement with Kawasaki Versys X-300, though, is Ninja 300’s 296cc DOHC liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine that delivers around 39 bhp and 26 Nm, mated to a slipper clutch and 6-speed gearbox. Launch could happen by the end of 2024.Source More

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    2024 Kawasaki Eliminator 400 Debuts – New Colours, More Features

    2024 Kawasaki Eliminator 400Among the new Kawasaki Eliminator 400 Models unveiled, only top-spec SE variant sports an all-new headlight cowl and dual-tone coloursThe high-performance multi-cylinder cruiser motorcycle segment is currently on the rise with more OEMs throwing their version of this genre. One of the latest entrants to this space is Kawasaki Eliminator 400, which is also launched in India for a starting price of Rs. 5.62 lakh (ex-sh). But Kawasaki unveiled new Eliminator models in Japan. Let’s take a look.2024 Kawasaki Eliminator 400 Models UnveiledThe Japanese brand, Kawasaki, has been the most sought-after big bike manufacturer in India. The company has India’s most affordable 4-cylinder motorcycle, most affordable 500cc+ 4-cylinder motorcycle, most affordable 200bhp litre-class machine as well. Kawasaki recently launched Eliminator 400 in India too.2024 Kawasaki Eliminator 400This sub 500cc+ multi-cylinder motorcycle shares its powertrain with Ninja 400 which is also on sale in India. This motorcycle is a fitting alternative to Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 and the newly launched Shotgun 650. Eliminator 400 is on sale in Japan too, where Kawasaki unveiled new models with this motorcycle.With this new update, Kawasaki Eliminator 400 now comes in three models – Standard Eliminator, Eliminator SE and Eliminator Plaza Edition. Kawasaki has only unveiled these variants and the launch will officially happen on March 23rd, 2024. This update was shared by Kawasaki Japan and we expect the same updates in Indian market as well.2024 Kawasaki Eliminator 400New design and featuresWhere Standard Eliminator remains the same as before, the new SE and Plaza Edition get new body panels, exclusive colours and features. One can say that Kawasaki Eliminator Plaza Edition is sort of a middle-trim, while Eliminator SE is the top-spec as it gets both enhanced design with added body panels along with added features.2024 Kawasaki Eliminator 400Speaking of added features, both Eliminator Plaza Edition and Eliminator SE get them. These are a USB Type-C charging socket on the handlebar and a GPS compatible front and rear two camera drive recorder system. In simple words, this is a dual-channel dash camera, recording feed from both the front and rear.Where standard Eliminator gets a single Metallic Flat Spark Black colour option, Eliminator Plaza Edition gets Pearl Storm Grey and Pearl sand khaki shades. Whereas Eliminator SE is the most fancy among the lot with dual-tone colour options of Metallic Flat Spark Black x Metallic Matte Dark Green and Phantom Blue x Ebony.2024 Kawasaki Eliminator 400Only SE model gets a stylish headlight cowl. Other than that, Trellis frame, 18-inch front and 16-inch rear wheels setup, tyres and other componentry remain identical between all models. Eliminator’s 399cc parallel twin-cylinder DOHC 4V liquid cooled engine with 48 bhp of peak power and 37 Nm of peak torque, mated to a 6-speed gearbox, remain the same. More

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    2024 Bajaj Pulsar NS200 Launch Teaser – LED Headlight, Digital Display, Navigation

    2024 Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 LED teaserUpdated 2024 Pulsar NS200 will focus on cosmetic and tech upgrades, while core mechanicals will be the same as the outgoing modelLast year in September, Bajaj had announced that six new Pulsar bikes will be launched by the end of FY 23-24. The company recently launched the top-spec variants of Pulsar N150 and Pulsar N160. Latest teasers reveal a new Pulsar bike, which is likely to be the updated Pulsar NS200.New 2024 Bajaj Pulsar NS200 – Key updatesWhile Pulsar bikes are popular for their agile performance, they seem to lag behind in terms of tech features. Based on market feedback and industry trends, Bajaj is updating the Pulsar range with tech features comparable to rival offerings. New teaser features LED headlight with integrated LED DRL.2024 Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 LED teaser2024 Pulsar NS200 gets a new digital instrument console and revised switchgear. These are the same as seen with the recently launched top-spec variants of Pulsar N150 and N160. The outgoing Pulsar NS200 is equipped with a semi-digital instrument console. It hasn’t seen any major changes since the time it was introduced in 2012.The new LCD digital instrument screen has Bluetooth, allowing users to pair their smartphone via the Bajaj Ride Connect App. Users can access calls, text messages, mobile signal strength indicator, battery health and various other information and functions. It will also offer turn-by-turn navigation. Rivals like TVS offer turn-by-turn navigation with the Apache motorcycles. The updated switchgear has a dedicated Mode button that can be used to access various functions of the new LCD instrument display.2024 Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 Digital Display with turn by turn navigationUpdated Bajaj Pulsar NS200 will be getting sportier graphics and decals, along with one or more new colour options. The existing model has four colour choices – Glossy Ebony Black, Metallic Pearl White, Cocktail Wine Red – White and Pewter Grey – Blue.New 2024 Pulsar NS200 specs, performanceMuch of the mechanicals will be the same as earlier. Pulsar NS200 is a well-equipped bike with features such as USD forks and dual-channel ABS as standard. Braking setup comprises 300 mm and 230 mm discs at front and rear, respectively. At rear, the bike has Nitrox mono shock absorber with canister. Both front and rear have 17-inch wheels, shod with 100/80 front and 130/70 rear tyres.Powering the bike is a 199.5 cc, liquid cooled, triple spark, 4-valve, FI DTS-i engine. It generates 24.5 PS of max power and 18.74 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The sixth gear ensures enhanced power delivery at higher RPMs. It also reduces the stress on the gearbox. Pulsar NS200 is designed to have an optimal body weight, which has helped achieve an improved power-to-weight ratio.With the updates, the new 2024 Bajaj Pulsar NS200 can witness a small bump in prices. The existing model is available at a starting price of Rs 1.49 lakh. NS200 competes with the likes of TVS Apache RTR 200 4V and Honda Hornet 2.0. More

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    Hero Mavrick 440 Vs Rivals – HD440, Triumph 400, KTM 390, Apache 310, Dominar

    Hero Mavrick 440 Vs RivalsAt 187kg (alloy wheel variant), Hero Mavrick 440 is lighter than Dominar 400, Yezdi Roadster and Harley-Davidson X440World’s best-selling commuter motorcycle manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp, is taking larger strides in premium motorcycle segment. The company launched its biggest, most powerful and most expensive product yet, the Mavrick 440, priced between Rs. 2 lakh and Rs. 2.24 lakh (ex-sh). Is it the best deal one can ask for, at Rs. 2 lakh? Or is there better proposition? Let’s take a look.Hero Mavrick 440 Vs RivalsWith a roadster design, Hero Mavrick competes with a lot of motorcycles from a similar genre and pricing. To keep the comparison apples to apples, we didn’t include Honda CB350 and Royal Enfield 350cc bikes as they don’t bring similar hardware and equipment. Shortlisted for this mega comparison are Triumph Speed 400, Honda CB300R, Bajaj Dominar 400, KTM 390 Duke, Apache RTR 310, BMW G 310 R, Yezdi Roadster and its alliance cousin Harley-Davidson X440.Hero Mavrick vs Rivals – Part 1Hero has launched this motorcycle in three trims – Base, Mid and Top (kudos to Hero for keeping trim names simple). At Rs. 2 lakh (ex-sh) starting price, Mavrick 440 undercuts all its rivals. It is Rs. 40,000 lower than X440 in base trims, which is laudable. Even the top-spec trim costing Rs. 2.24 lakh (ex-sh) undercuts every other vehicle except for Yezdi Roadster.Only the Hero-Harley duo have SOHC setup and 2V head, while others offer DOHC and 4V. Where performance is concerned, KTM 390 Duke takes the cake easily, and is the most expensive of this bunch too. BMW G 310 R comes off as overpriced, especially when compared to Apache RTR 310 with a plethora of electronics and equipment. Owing to its power cruiser positioning, Dominar 400 has the biggest wheelbase at 1,453 mm.Hero Mavrick vs Rivals – Part 2Duke has the highest ground clearance along with highest seat height. Honda CB300R shines brightly with its low 146 kg kerb weight and is easily the best city commuter among this bunch. Dominar and Yezdi come off as the heaviest. Only the Hero-Harley duo offer a spoke wheel with base trims, while others have made alloy wheels as standard. Only the Harley and Yezdi offer front 18-inch wheels. Even Hero offers 17-inch units at both ends.Specs, components and featuresOnly Mavrick 440 and Yezdi Roadster come with RSU telescopic front forks, whereas other contenders pack USD telescopic front forks. Rear suspension setup is twin-shock setup with Yezdi, Hero and Harley, while others offer sporty mono-shocks. All contenders offer all-LED lighting too and do not cheap out with halogens, which is a nice touch. Where fancy gizmos are concerned, only the 390 Duke, Apache RTR 310 and X440 offer colour TFT screens.Hero could have offered the same unit as we saw with Karizma XMR. But there have to be logical differences from its Harley-Davidson counterpart to establish hierarchy. However, Mavrick’s unit supports Bluetooth, navigation, and telematics with e-Sim integration and other notable attributes. Yezdi Roadster, BMW G 310 R, Bajaj Dominar 400, Honda CB300R and Triumph Speed 400 lack smartphone connectivity completely and associated features.In conclusion, Dominar 400 emerges as the best touring proposition with many touring-ready accessories as standard, while CB300R is easily the best city proposition. Apache RTR 310 is the most feature-packed, whereas 390 Duke is the most performant and Speed 400 is the most aesthetically pleasing. Hero Mavrick 440 shines with its pricing, undercutting X440 by up to Rs. 56,000 (ex-sh). More

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    Two Wheeler Retail Sales Jan 2024 – Hero, Honda, TVS, Bajaj, Ola, Ather, Jawa, RE

    Ola Electric ScooterThe two wheeler segment posted both YoY and MoM growth in January 2024 with every leading OEM posting outstanding improvement in salesThe year 2024 commenced on a strong note for the automobile industry in India with every segment showing off strong sales. Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) reports that the two wheeler retail sales have registered a 15 percent YoY growth while it was a 13.30 percent growth in sales seen across the passenger vehicle segment.Two Wheeler Retail Sales Jan 2024Taking into account two wheeler retail sales, the segment has seen a 14.96 percent YoY and 0.63 percent MoM growth in January 2024. Total sales grew to 14,58,849 units in the past month from 12,68,990 units sold in January 2023. There had been 14,49,693 units sold in December 2023. There were several factors that led to this increased sales. Rural sales improved thanks to several benefits offered by the Government of India in terms of crop production estimates. Introduction of new models, increased demand for electric vehicles and economic growth have also been contributing factors.Two Wheeler Retail Sales Jan 2024Hero MotoCorp led the segment with 4,10,395 units sold in January 2024, up from 3,71,244 units sold in January 2023. However, the company saw its market share dip to 28.13 percent from 29.26 percent on a YoY basis. Hero however has experienced a significant MoM decline in retail sales from 4,63,593 units sold in December 2023.At No. 2 was Honda with 3,57,088 units sold last month. This was an improvement over 3,18,817 units sold in January 2023. There was a significant growth in TVS Motor retail sales in January 2024 to 2,54,238 units, up from 2,08,731 units sold in January 2023. Market share also improved to 17.43 percent from 16.45 percent YoY.Two Wheeler Retail Sales Jan 2024Bajaj Auto has also posted a YoY growth to 1,76,836 units in January 2024 from 1,38,912 units sold in January 2023 while Suzuki sales grew to 75,502 units in the past month from 59,815 units sold in the same month last year. Flat growth was reported by Royal Enfield, sales of which improved from 65,140 units sold in January 2023 to 65,816 units in the past month. Lower down the list was Yamaha Motor with 57,805 units sold in January 2024, up from 47,451 units sold in January 2023.Electric 2W Retail Sales January 2024The electric two wheeler segment has seen outstanding growth in the past month. Ola led the segment with 32,252 units sold last month, up from 18,353 units sold in January 2023. Ather Electric has seen just a marginal improvement in sales from 9,227 units sold in January 2023 to 9,247 units in the past month.Piaggio has also reported minimal growth in sales in January 2024 to 3,139 units up from 3,129 units sold in January 2023. Classic Legends sales dipped YoY to 2,808 units in January 2024 from 3,641 units sold in January 2023. However, Greaves Electric sales escalated to 2,352 units in the past month from just 87 units sold in January 2023 taking its market share to 0.16 percent from 0.01 percent YoY.BGauss Auto has also seen rising demand with sales at 1,485 units in January 2024 from 716 units sold in January 2023. There were other two wheeler OEMs in India which also included electric vehicle makers who have seen total sales of 9,886 units in January 2024, down from 23,727 units sold in January 2023. More

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    Hero Mavrick 440 Launch Price Rs 1.99 Lakh to Rs 2.24 Lakh – Bookings Open

    Hero Mavrick 440 LaunchHero MotoCorp launches Mavrick 440: A Power-Packed Marvel on Two WheelsHero MotoCorp has officially launched its most powerful and expensive motorcycle to date – the Mavrick 440. This flagship model marks Hero’s bold entry into the upper premium segment, promising a thrilling riding experience and cutting-edge technology.Booking Open Nationwide – Three Variants, Attractive Price PointsStarting from today, Hero MotoCorp is opening bookings for the Mavrick 440, creating a wave of excitement among motorcycle enthusiasts across the country. Interested customers can reserve their Mavrick 440 either by visiting specified Hero MotoCorp outlets or digitally through the official website. The deliveries are scheduled to commence from April onwards, creating anticipation among eager riders.New Hero Mavrick 440Hero Mavrick 440 will be available in three enticing variants – Base, Mid, and Top. The price points are set at Rs 199,000/- (Base), Rs 214,000/- (Mid), and Rs 224,000/- (Top), making it an attractive proposition in the upper premium motorcycle segment. These prices are ex-showroom pan-India, reflecting Hero MotoCorp’s commitment to delivering value for money.To add to the excitement, Hero MotoCorp is launching the ‘Welcome to Mavrick Club Offer.’ Customers who book their Mavrick 440 before 15th March will receive a customised Mavrick Kit of Accessories & Merchandise worth Rs.10,000. This limited-time offer enhances the appeal for early adopters of this power-packed motorcycle.Hero Mavrick 440 LaunchThe Mavrick 440: A Marvel of Design and PerformanceUnveiled at the Hero World 2024 in Jaipur on January 23, the Mavrick 440 is poised to redefine the middle-weight motorcycle segment. It combines performance, style, and cutting-edge technology to deliver an unparalleled riding experience. The design of the Mavrick 440 is a head-turner, boasting a distinctive and assertive look with a blend of roadster aesthetics and robust styling.Hero Mavrick 440 LaunchUnder the hood, the Mavrick 440 features an Air-cooled with oil cooler 2V single-cylinder 440cc ‘TorqX’ engine with electronic fuel injection. This powerful engine produces 27 bhp @ 6000 rpm and a torque of 36 Nm @ 4000 rpm. With a 6-speed transmission, slip-and-assist clutch, and specially crafted 0° steel radial pattern tyres, the Mavrick 440 promises a smooth and stress-free ride.Comfort, Control, and ConnectivityDesigned with rider comfort in mind, the Mavrick 440 boasts roadster ergonomics, an upright riding position, spacious seat, ample legroom, and optimized grab-rails. Equipped with advanced telematics features, including smartphone integration, turn-by-turn navigation, and real-time information through eSIM-based connectivity, the Mavrick 440 offers a truly connected riding experience. Hero Mavrick 440 is available in five captivating color options spread across the three variants. The base version comes in Arctic White, the mid variant in Celestial Blue and Fearless Red, and the top variant in Phantom Black and Enigma Black.Hero Mavrick 440 LaunchMr. Niranjan Gupta, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hero MotoCorp, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Our premium journey continues full throttle with the Mavrick 440. This unique proposition of a Muscular & Youthful Modern Roadster builds on the momentum of our journey to win in the premium segment, catering to the diverse preferences of our discerning customers.” More

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    World’s First Electric Cargo Scooter Spied Testing – 150 Kms Range

    World’s First Electric Cargo Scooter SpiedQargos electric cargo scooter will improve operational efficiency and do away with the massive backpacks carried by delivery executivesWhile two-wheelers are already extensively used in B2B and B2C segments, they have limited load capacity. Moreover, existing two-wheelers used for deliveries aren’t protected from the elements. To overcome such challenges and solve other last-mile delivery issues, Qargos has come up with the world’s first electric cargo 2-wheeler.Qargos electric cargo 2-wheeler scooter specsDevelopment of Qargos electric cargo scooter is in its final stages. Qargos is a Pune-based start-up and has been working on the cargo 2-wheeler for the last 6 years. The EV is equipped with a 6.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, designed by French multinational software corporation Dassault Systèmes. The battery connects to a 3.4 kW motor that generates 6 kW of peak power.Qargos electric cargo scooterQargos electric cargo scooter has a range of 150 km. Top speed is limited to 80 km/h. The EV weighs 145 kg and comes with a 225-litre cargo compartment. It can carry around 120 kg of cargo. With a standard AC power socket, the charging time is currently around 5 hours 15 minutes. There are plans to develop DC charging capabilities that will reduce charging time to around 3 hours.Qargos EV testing is currently underway and modifications are being carried out, as needed. One of the key areas the company is focusing on is to improve the aerodynamics of the EV. This is being done in collaboration with Dassault Systèmes. With reduced drag force, Qargos EV will be able to achieve a higher range.Qargos electric cargo scooterQargos cargo 2-wheeler benefitsWith a conventional two-wheeler, an average of around 35 deliveries can be done. In comparison, the Qargos cargo 2-wheeler will allow deliveries of around 70 parcels. It will be possible with the larger 120 kg cargo space. Grocery carrying capacity can be increased 3X, as compared to around 36 kg currently possible with a standard 2-wheeler.Qargos electric cargo scooterDelivery executives won’t be required to carry the heavy backpacks, something that will improve their overall efficiency. Finding the parcels will become a lot easier with the dedicated cargo compartment, as compared to finding parcels inside a bag. The cargo compartment is lockable, so no worries about parcels getting stolen. The cargo compartment will also keep the parcels protected from the elements.Qargos cargo 2-wheeler launch, priceQargos has stated that the testing and validation process will be completed soon. Homologation is expected by March or April. Bookings could be announced in the subsequent months. Qargos electric cargo 2-wheeler is expected to be launched at a starting price of Rs 2 lakh. Around 250 units will be produced by the end of this year. As demand picks-up, production will be increased to around 12,000 units in 2025. Qargos cargo 2-wheeler will be manufactured at the company’s facility in Pune.Qargos electric cargo scooterTill date, funds worth USD 1 million have been invested in the project. The company will need more funds for production and marketing purposes. The prototypes have been developed in collaboration with leading Tier 1 suppliers. Ather has helped with developing the charging systems. Qargos is also developing a 2-seater version that will have a smaller cargo compartment.Source More