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      TVS Europe Operations Start Jan 2024 – Distribution Partner Zeroed In

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      TVS Europe Operations CommenceJanuary 2024 will mark the commencing of TVS Europe operations, partnering with leading automotive distributor and service provider, Emil FreyIndigenous Indian 2W and 3W manufacturer, TVS Motor, is extending its operations to Europe for the first time. As of now, TVS has a massive presence on its home turf, along with other ASEAN nations, African and Latin American nations among 80+ countries worldwide. For the first time, TVS is stepping in European market and has finalised its distribution partner.TVS Europe Operations Commence SoonFor its European sales and distribution, TVS has zeroed in on Emil Frey, a leading automotive distribution network that has around 100 years of experience. TVS and Emil Frey have signed an agreement for import and distribution of TVS branded ICE vehicles and EVs across multiple European nations, starting January 2024.This aligns TVS’ interests in extending its global footprint in the old continent. In that regard, TVS has been developing quite a few premium vehicles with export intentions. Primary examples of this are newly launched TVS X premium electric scooter, Apache RTR 310 along with existing premium vehicles like Apache RR 310.Not just the premium motorcycles, TVS is offering quite a few premium commuters as well in both motorcycle and scooter design. TVS’ European lineup includes TVS Jupiter 125, TVS NTORQ, TVS Raider, TVS iQube S, TVS X, TVS Ronin, TVS Apache RR 310, and TVS Apache RTR 310. Commercial 3W ICE vehicles and EVs may follow in the future.TVS Apache RTR 310Emil Frey will provide its vast understanding of local markets and buying trends, service satisfaction and other market insights along with access to its extensive dealer and service networks across multiple European nations. In collaboration, TVS and Emil Frey will penetrate European nations with strong demand for 2W vehicles. France will be the first European country to witness TVS products.Words from the manufacturer and distributorAnnouncing the foray into Europe, Sudarshan Venu, Managing Director, TVS Motor Company said, “This strategic alliance with Emil Frey is a crucial step in our global expansion strategy. Europe will be a key market for us, and through this partnership, we aim to bring our cutting-edge products closer to European customers.In having a partner like Emil Frey, there is a coming together of two century old, pedigreed organisations, both driven by shared values of responsible and sustainable mobility and customer service. Together, we are excited to serve customers and two-wheeler aficionados in Europe and look forward to a successful partnership.”Lorenz Frey-Hilti, Director Emil Frey Group & Sudarshan Venu, Managing Director, TVS Motor CompanyLorenz Frey-Hilti, Director Emil Frey Group said, “We take great pride in forging a robust and loyal partnership between our two esteemed traditional companies in the mobility sector. Together, we seamlessly blend heritage with innovation. I am very proud that TVS Motor Company is relying on our expertise in the European market and using our distribution network to bring their great products to customers. Our two companies complement each other perfectly and I look forward to seeing this partnership flourish.” More

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      New Electric Scooter Spotted Testing In Silicon City – TVS Or Ather?

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      New electric scooter spotted in BengaluruThe new electric scooter spotted testing in Silicon City, Bengaluru, bears more design semblances with TVS iQube and less with Ather’s design patentsBengaluru, the capital of Karnataka state, is known for many things. But with automotive relevance, it is a startup hub for many new electric mobility companies. A lot of these startups conduct their vehicular testing around Bengaluru. One such test mule has been spotted and bears stark resemblance with TVS iQube.New Electric Scooter Spotted Testing In Silicon City – Is it TVS?Given that the test mule has been spotted in Bengaluru, thins down the possibilities of it being a TVS product. Most of TVS’ testing happens in and around Chennai, close to their R&D centre. But the design similarities with TVS iQube are uncanny.Take the front of this test mule. It has iQube inspired handlebar cowl, LED headlight assembly, and bulbous and curvaceous body panels among others. From the sides, differences start to get more profound. We can see slightly different body panels, grab rail, smaller floorboard with slightly more intrusive elements behind front apron and more.Seat appears to be slightly more cushioned and the area around its swingarm is slightly different. Rear gets slightly different tail lights from iQube too. Front gets RSU telescopic forks along with a petal disc brake. ORVMs are now different as opposed to the squarish units on iQube.New electric scooter spotted – TVS or Ather?Rear wheel seems to be covered, hinting at a hub motor and the way this test mule has elements near its swingarm on both sides reminds me of iQube too. We would lean on the possibility of this being TVS’ iQube ST that never launched. If TVS can spend R&D budget on 200 units of Apache RTR 165RP, surely they can carve out a different looking top-spec model.Is this an Ather?This concept of selling different body styles within the hierarchy has worked wonders for Ola Electric, TVS’ key rival. So, this test mule might be TVS’ top-spec iQube ST with slightly more premium hardware and componentry. The vehicle might be testing some of these new components that are developed by a Bengaluru-based company. This theory checks with uncanny design similarities with iQube.Conversely speaking, there is a possibility of this being Ather’s upcoming family scooter too, considering it was spotted tested in Bengaluru. As of now, Ather has just one body style that is of a sporty and youthful scooter and there is a maxi-scooter design patented as well. If this is Ather’s baby, there could be legal tussles with TVS owing to design similarities.This test mule looks like it is packing an all-new platform that looks slightly similar to the one seen with Ather’s maxi scooter patents. Increased performance and range along with practicality might be primary attributes. Launch might happen in 2024 or in early 2025. Ather Energy has homologated 450X HR and 450S HR, that will launch before this new scooter spotted testing.Source More

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      Top 10 Two Wheeler Sales October 2023 – Splendor, Activa, Pulsar, Jupiter

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      Hero Super SplendorThe festive season unlocked great sales potential and top 10 two wheelers for the month October 2023 all registered positive YoY growthIndia is one of the largest 2W markets in the world. Leading 2W manufacturers strive to outperform each other in this highly competitive market. For the month of October 2023, it was yet again, Hero Splendor, that took the crown as India’s highest selling two wheeler. The festive season favoured Splendor with 3,11,031 takers last month.Top 10 Two Wheeler Sales October 2023When compared to the 2,61,721 units sold in October 2022 and 3,19,692 units sold in September 2023, Hero Splendor saw 18.84% YoY growth with 49,310 units gain in volume and 2.71% MoM decline with 8,661 units loss in volume. In total, Splendor captivates 23.99% market share among the top 10 two wheeler list, down from 26.57% in September 2023.Honda Activa is the highest-selling scooter in India like clockwork. During the festive season, Activa saw 2,18,856 takers. This yielded 3.91% YoY growth as opposed to 2,10,623 units sold a year ago and a 6.89% MoM decline compared to 2,35,056 units sold a month before. Activa gained 8,233 units in volume YoY and lost 16,200 units in volume MoM.Activa’s market share dropped from 19.54% to 16.88% MoM. In 3rd place, we have Honda Shine with 1,63,587 units sold last month. Shine is Honda’s best-selling motorcycle range recording 24.96% YoY growth and 1.26% MoM growth as opposed to 1,30,916 units and 1,61,544 units respectively. Honda Shine holds a 12.62% market share of this list.Top 10 two wheeler October 2023 – YoYIn 4th place, we have Bajaj’s popular Pulsar lineup clocking 1,61,572 units. 125cc Pulsars bring the most numbers and hence Bajaj is on the verge of introducing Pulsar P125 soon. With 41.89% YoY growth and 34.50% MoM growth, Bajaj gained 47,702 and 41,446 units in volume YoY and MoM respectively with 12.46% market share, up from 9.99%.Yamaha missing from the listHero’s HF Deluxe took 5th place with 1,17,719 units clocked. Sales fell in the green completely with 50.77% YoY growth and 39.95% MoM growth, while gaining 39,643 and 33,601 units in volume respectively. TVS’ first entrant in this list is Jupiter lineup, making it the company’s best-seller with 91,824 units sold.Jupiter registered 19.19% YoY growth and 10.46% MoM growth as opposed to 77,042 and 83,130 units sold respectively. Jupiter’s volume growth was 14,782 units YoY and 8,694 units MoM. Next in line is Bajaj Platina with 74,539 takers last month. Platina registered 28.87% YoY and 53.33% MoM growth gaining 16,697 and 25,924 units in volume respectively.Top 10 two wheeler October 2023 – MoMIn 8th place, we have Suzuki Access, one of the popular 125cc scooters. With 56,909 buyers during festive season, Access saw 15.69% YoY growth and 0.23% MoM decline. The 9th and 10th spots were occupied by TVS, with XL 100 and Raider 125. This makes TVS the only company in this list to have three entrants.Where XL sold 53,162 units, Raider sold 47,483 units. YoY growth was 19.10% and 96.59% along with MoM growth of 18.29% and 118.15% respectively. In total, top 10 two wheeler accounted for 12,96,682 units with 23.72% YoY growth and 7.79% MoM growth when compared to 10,48,073 and 12,03,018 units respectively. Volume growth was 2,48,609 units YoY and 93,664 units MoM. More

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      Honda CB350 BABT Classic Motorcycle Teased – RE Classic 350 Rival

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      Honda CB350 BABT teasedUpcoming CB350 cafe racer has a truly unique profile, even though it borrows much of the hardware from Honda H’ness CB350Honda CB350 had ambitious plans against popular 350cc bikes from Royal Enfield. However, with REs with their cult following and immense fan base, CB350 hasn’t been able to make any major impact despite the recent variations of CB350. CB350 RS was also introduced later, but sales numbers are nowhere close to RE bikes like Bullet 350 and Classic 350.Honda CB350 is taking a more Classic route?Further complicating the situation for CB350 is Hunter 350 which has emerged as one of the bestselling bikes in 350cc segment. When we analyse 300cc to 500cc bike sales, CB350 YoY and MoM sales have dipped in recent months, which seems a worrying trend. To boost its prospects in 350cc segment, Honda is readying a new classic motorcycle based on CB350.As of now, Honda CB350 is a neo-retro motorcycle. This neo-retro appeal is further amplified in CB350 RS. But customer reception and buying trends seem to be favouring more “Classic” appeal, something which Royal Enfield excels at. Now, Honda is bringing more “Classic-ness” to CB350 lineup as teased on social media handles.This is by far Honda’s most significant dig at Royal Enfield Classic 350. This time around, Honda seems to be business, as it is tackling rivals with their ethos. In this case, “Classic-ness”. There is one word that Honda has thrown frequently in this teaser is BABT, which should abbreviate to something.As seen in the company’s teaser, Honda CB350 BABT is taking the Classic route. We can see the same Nissin callipers, alloy wheel designs and other components as CB350. But there are changes. The front telescopic forks now get a silver finish. Along with that, Honda is offering a fork cover like Royal Enfield does. The new split seat design and tan seat covers are new too. What does BABT stand for?The front mudguard now gets two connecting spokes that emerge from the bottom of the front fork. This is a signature classic bike design trait that was missing in CB350. From what little Honda has teased, Honda CB350 BABT version has a lot more classic appeal than regular CB350 and CB350 RS.If striking a Classic appeal was the agenda, chrome spoked wheels would have helped a lot in that regard. But that is not the case. Honda’s teaser mentions “Coming Soon”. Caption for this post read, “Brace yourself for the rise of a legend with fearless voice. Get ready to take on the open roads.”CB350 BABT Classic style front mudguardHonda CB350 BABT performancePowering CB350 cafe racer will be the 348.36cc, 4 Stroke engine churning out 21 PS of max power and 30 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Most of the hi-tech features will be borrowed from CB350. It will include Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), Honda Smartphone Voice Control system (HSVCS), all-LED lights, assist and slipper clutch, side stand with engine inhibitor and gear position indicator.Primary rival is likely to be the slew of 350cc Royal Enfield motorcycles along with offerings from Jawa and Yezdi. Launch is likely to be in the coming days, as this is just a variation of an already existing motorcycle.CB350 BABT Classic front fork cover More

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      Bajaj New Commuter Bike Spotted – Could Be CT150X

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      New Bajaj commuter motorcycle spiedA 150cc commuter can make every day rides a lot more exciting and also do some heavy lifting across difficult terrainBajaj is known to pull up surprises. At a time when the focus is on the biggest Pulsar ever, an entirely new test mule has been spotted. Hat tip to Rushlane Spylane member for sharing this exclusive spy shot. It is possible that Bajaj could be working on a 150cc commuter bike. It could be launched as CT150X.Bajaj new commuter bike – What to expect?The usual set of commuter bikes are largely pooled in 100cc to 125cc segment. At 150cc and above, the majority of bikes are positioned as performance-oriented machines. In this space, Bajaj already has Pulsar 150 and Pulsar N150. These are among the bestselling Pulsar bikes in the country. With the new 150cc commuter bike, Bajaj can provide something more relevant for the specific target market.New Bajaj commuter motorcycle spiedSpotted with heavy camouflage, the test mule wants to keep things under wraps as far as possible. However, a closer inspection does provide some hints about how the final version will look like. Some of the features that are evident include round headlamp, standard commuter-style handlebar with brace, heavy-duty front forks, a single piece seat and a standard grab rail. The bike also has an engine crash guard, rear tyre hugger and saree guard with integrated footrest. Just like CT125X, the new 150cc commuter is likely to have fork gaiters.As evident, there are enough similarities to link the test mule to a 150cc commuter bike under CT brand. Bajaj may also be looking to boost the CT range that hasn’t been doing all that great in comparison to Pulsar and Platina range. CT bikes have significantly fewer numbers than Pulsar and Platina, across both domestic and international markets. A new 150cc CT bike can probably bring about positive changes.Bajaj CT150X performanceIt is possible that Bajaj CT150X could get a tweaked version of the existing 149.50 cc engine in use with Pulsar 150. Power and torque output could be adjusted in favour of fuel efficiency. On-board Pulsar 150, the engine delivers 14 PS of max power and 13.25 Nm of peak torque. In comparison, Pulsar N150 has slightly higher numbers at 14.5 PS and 13.5 Nm. Both models have a constant mesh 5-speed gearbox.The engine being used with the test mule can be seen with fins. It indicates that this is an air-cooled engine. The bike comes with new alloy wheels. It has disc brake at front, which appears to be similar to that of CT125X. Other highlights include rugged foot pegs and hand guards.A 150cc commuter bike seems to have potential, as there aren’t many players in this space. Bajaj CT150X could especially do well across smaller cities and rural markets. The usual set of 100cc to 125cc bikes are quite popular, but they can reach their limits when subjected to heavy work. With more power and torque, a 150cc commuter bike will be appropriate for the specific needs of such markets. More

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      Bajaj Pulsar P125 Spotted Testing Without Camouflage For The First Time

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      New Bajaj Pulsar P125 spottedThe upcoming Bajaj Pulsar P125 will sport the same design and componentry as the now discontinued Pulsar P150, with Pulsar 125’s powertrainLeading Indian 2W and 3W manufacturer, Bajaj Auto, is on the verge of expanding its 125cc Pulsar portfolio. Current 125cc Pulsar lineup includes OG Pulsar 125 and Pulsar NS125. The latest entrant to this highly competitive segment is Bajaj Pulsar P150. Launch must be nearing as the test mules donned zero camouflage.Bajaj Pulsar P125 spotted testing – Does it make sense?In a rather surprising move, Bajaj replaced Pulsar P150 with Pulsar N150. We say surprising because Bajaj is known to hold on to its motorcycle designs and Pulsar P range debuted in November 2022. For context, design of OG Pulsar is around 15 years old. But what happens to all the dyes, jigs and manufacturing equipment dedicated to making body parts for discontinued Pulsar P150?This is where the new Pulsar test mule comes into play. Bajaj seems to be shifting Pulsar P range from 150cc to 125cc class. Lacklustre sales registered by Pulsar P150 seem to be a primary reason for its discontinuation. 150cc Pulsar buyers sought some beef and brawn that P150 never could never bring to the table.Hence the introduction of Pulsar N150. Now Pulsar P range will re-spawn in 125cc category which makes a lot of sense for Bajaj. We say this because it is 125cc Pulsars, attracting highest footfall in showrooms and they seem to have highest conversion rates as well.Pulsar P125 – Same design as P150Sales charts reflect the same with 125cc Pulsar being Bajaj’s best-seller with 35% of the company’s total sales in September 2023. Launch is likely to happen soon and it will be positioned between OG Pulsar 125 and Pulsar NS125. Price of around Rs. 90,000 (ex-sh) would be logical too.What does the new Pulsar P125 pack?First set of spy shots reveals an overall similar silhouette to Pulsar P150. This test mule shows zero camouflage on it. We would wager that none of the body panels and components from Pulsar P range will be altered.Sleek and slender body, attractive LED headlight assembly with a large projector and a unibrow-type LED DRL signature, extended tank shrouds, clip-on handlebars, an engine cowl, single-piece seat, a conventional grab handle, a semi-digital instrument cluster, a USB port and twin-LED tail lights are some of the highlights.As per componentry, upcoming Bajaj Pulsar P125 will come equipped with RSU telescopic front forks, single disc setup at the front with single-channel ABS, rear drum brake, conventional box-section swingarm, similar 17-inch alloy wheels as P150 and the same 124cc single-cylinder engine.Speaking of engine, it will develop around 11 bhp of peak power and 11 Nm of peak torque, mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Fuel efficiency is likely to be around 50 km/l. Primary rivals are TVS Raider 125, Honda SP 125 and Hero’s Glamour XTEC and rumoured Xtreme 125, along with Bajaj’s own OG Pulsar 125 and Pulsar NS125. More

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      Hero Xoom 125R And Xoom 160 – TVC Reveals Real-World Capabilities

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      New Hero XOOM 160With new-gen products like Xoom125R and Xoom 160, Hero MotoCorp can grab a larger share in scooter segmentWhile it dominates the entry-level motorcycle segment, Hero MotoCorp hasn’t been able to achieve similar results in scooter segment. But the company continues to be on the offensive by launching new products and features at regular intervals. As part of that plan, Hero will soon launch the Xoom 125R and Xoom 160 scooters.Hero Xoom 125R, Xoom 160 detailed in TVCHero Xoom 125R will primarily take on TVS Ntorq. The scooter has a distinctive profile and not a copy of Xoom 110cc. It is probably being positioned as the sportiest scooter in 125cc segment. To make it work, an entirely new design format has been used. Some of the key features include a majestic, multi-layered front fascia, full-width headlamp, eye-catchy handlebar cowl, wide shoulders, muscular side panels and sporty upswept exhaust.With 14-inch wheels, the scooter has a tall profile and can easily tackle rough road conditions. Its aerodynamic design will allow riders to breeze through urban streets. Seats are wide and comfy and there’s ample space in the floorboard area. For folks looking to add some style to their daily commutes, Hero Xoom 125R seems to be an appropriate option.Talking about Xoom 160, it will be Hero’s new flagship when launched. The maxi scooter is designed as a versatile machine that’s good for urban streets as well as some mild off-road explorations beyond city limits. Some of the key highlights include a signature front beak, dual headlamp setup, large windscreen, sharp body panelling and upswept exhaust. There’s a dedicated rear rack for a top box. With its aggressive design, Hero has chosen to call it a ‘SUV of 2-wheelers’. Xoom 160 will primarily rival the likes of Yamaha Aerox 155 and Aprilia SXR 160.Xoom 125R and Xoom 160 specs, performanceHero Xoom 125R will be using a slightly detuned version of the 125cc engine in use with Maestro Edge 125 and Destini 125. Onboard the Xoom 125R, the air cooled, single-cylinder engine churns out 9.37 bhp of max power and 10.14 Nm of peak torque. Xoom 160 has a 156cc liquid cooled engine. It is different from the engine currently in use with Hero Xtreme 160R 4V. Power and torque numbers of the new engine are yet to be revealed. The scooter will have i3S and ABS.Both Xoom 125R and Xoom 160 will have digital instrumentation. A range of connectivity features will be available via Hero Connect App. It will include geofencing, live tracking, remote immobilization, battery removal alert, location sharing, accident and topple alert, speed alert and SOS alert (panic button). Other possibilities include vehicle diagnostics, roadside assistance, booking a service and trip analysis.In addition to the domestic market, Xoom 125R and Xoom 160 will also be introduced across overseas locations. Hero has stepped up focus on exports, which is expected to get a boost with truly global products like Xoom 125R and Xoom 160. Launch in India is expected in the first or second quarter of CY2024. More

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      Aprilia RS 457 Pricing Announced For USA, Canada – Details Here!

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      Aprilia RS 457 pricing announcedWith its sporty styling and racy performance, new Aprilia RS 457 comes across as a perfect machine for enthusiastsAprilia has added a new member to its racing squad in the form of RS 457. The bike has a brawny profile and comes in sporty colour options. It has Aprilia’s racing DNA, a great starting point for enthusiasts and the new generation of bikers. Aprilia has announced pricing for markets like USA and Canada. Let’s take a look.Aprilia RS 457 pricing revealed – Attractive proposition?There is no denying that Aprilia RS 457 is an achingly pretty motorcycle. So much so, that even hard-core loyalists of rival brands will appreciate the absolute beauty of the bike’s appearance. Aprilia RS 457 can be a serious threat to the likes of Kawasaki Ninja 400, KTM RC 390 and upcoming Yamaha R3.The pricing that Aprilia has announced, is rather reasonable. In USA, Opalescent Light and Prismatic Dark colours cost USD 6,799 (approx Rs. 5.65 lakh) and Racing Stripes colourway costs USD 6,899 (approx Rs. 5.75 lakh). Canadians, however, have to pay CAD 7,799 (approx Rs. 4.7 lakh) and CAD 7,999 (approx Rs. 4.84 lakh) for the same colours.Considering Aprilia RS 457 is manufactured here in India at Piaggio’s facility at Baramati, Indian pricing should be much lower than these. Some of the key highlights include full LED front headlight, integrated turn signals, sweptback windscreen, sculpted fuel tank, layered fairing, underbelly exhaust and step-up seat. The bike has versatile ergonomics, which can be adapted for both racing environments and everyday needs.Aprilia RS 457 designWithin 300cc to 500cc motorcycles, the choices are quite diverse. It’s products like Aprilia RS 457 that draw enthusiasts to sports bike segment. RS range has always been Aprilia’s strength. For example, the larger sibling RS 660 is the bestselling sports bike in Europe. New RS 457 has potential to achieve something similar, as it will be accessible to a broader segment of users. In Europe, the bike meets the requirements for A2 license.Attractive design – Key to buyer’s heart?While the bike is all muscle, it still manages to look quite affable. The designers have ensured that RS 457 does not have any unnecessary attitude or aggression. This one is not to intimidate. But to draw one closer and take it for a spin. The smooth curves, aerodynamic fairing and compact proportions have helped achieve a well-rounded profile for the bike.Powering Aprilia RS 457 is a modern, liquid-cooled, twin-cylinder engine. It is equipped with a dual overhead camshaft setup and has four valves per cylinder. The engine can generate 48 hp of max power. Performance will be even better than the numbers indicate, as the bike has a lightweight profile. Dry weight is 159 kg, which ensures a higher power-to-weight ratio. This will be difficult to beat by rival offerings.Aprilia RS 457 profileTo support the powerful engine, the bike gets a rigorous chassis built from aluminium. It’s the same set of materials that Aprilia has been using for its race-winning bikes. Just like the RS 660, the new RS 457 utilizes the engine block as a stressed element. Other key highlights of Aprilia Rs 457 include 17-inch sports rims with 110/70 and 150/60 tyres at front and rear, respectively. Suspension system comprises 41mm forks at front and a mono-shock unit at rear.Braking duties are performed by single 320 mm and 220 mm discs at front and rear. Dual-channel ABS is standard. The bike has ride-by-wire tech and comes with riding modes. A quickshifter is also available as an option for those who need it. More