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      Hero And Zero Join Hands – New Premium Electric Motorcycles

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      Hero MotoCorp and Zero Motorcycles Collaboration for Premium Electric Motorcycles – Accelerating Transition to Electric MobilityHero and Zero join handsHero MotoCorp, the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer, and California-based premium electric motorcycle and powertrain manufacturer, Zero Motorcycles announced their collaborative business intent a few months earlier. With focus on new premium electric motorcycles, necessary agreements have been signed. No doubt, this collaboration is essential for the future of Hero MotoCorp’s electric mobility outreach. Both companies aim to transform the EV riding experience and accelerate electric mobility transition in India and other global markets.Brand growth for Hero MotoCorp is increasingly pointing to new segments for the brand. This is a stark departure from its reputation as a trusted mass market motorcycle manufacturer. Development progress can be seen in the 421cc engine being evaluated for its Xpulse 420cc product lineup.Hero MotoCorp – Advancing Electric Mobility in India and BeyondHero MotoCorp is a giant in manufacturing, sourcing, and marketing. Zero Motorcycles is known for its expertise in developing powertrains and electric motorcycles. Their collaboration will benefit both companies by combining their respective strengths. Tapping into these strengths streamlines processes from the word go. Most essentially it saves essential time to help get into a segment/space as an early mover. For Hero, this is the premium electric motorcycle segment.Currently Hero Motocorp’s EV market strengths are focused on the VIDA brand. Having launched its first EV, VIDA V1 scooter, and public charging infrastructure in Bengaluru, Delhi, and Jaipur. About 300 charging points are set up for public use.Equity Investment in Zero Motorcycles: A Strategic Move by Hero MotoCorpIn September 2022, Hero MotoCorp’s board approved an equity investment of up to US$60 million in Zero Motorcycles. This investment is significant and highlights the importance of this collaboration. Projections today emphasise that the future of mobility lies in electric vehicles. And Hero MotoCorp and Zero Motorcycles could lead the way considering the magnitude of monthly sales Hero is responsible for. They have a range of initiatives in place to advance electric mobility and transform the riding experience.Zero Motorcycles’ technology, combined with traditional motorcycle design keeps riding experience at the forefront of design synergies. Hero MotoCorp is committed to introducing remarkable, innovative products that offer exceptional value and performance-based fun in riding. Royal Enfield has made a strategic investment in Stark Future SL, a Spanish electric motorcycle manufacturer. Business fortitude is key in tapping into what the future of mobility will shape into in a few short years.Milestones in Sustainable Clean Technology: Hero MotoCorp and Zero Motorcycles’ CollaborationZero Motorcycles’ partnership with Hero MotoCorp is a significant milestone for sustainable clean technology in the mobility space. Zero Motorcycles will accelerate the transition to electric mobility in India and other global markets where Hero does business. The scope of this collaboration aligns with Hero’s goals of improved exports in existing and new markets.Pawan Munjal, Chairman & CEO, Hero MotoCorp, said “Our partnership with Zero Motorcycles is a significant milestone in our journey towards ushering in an era of sustainable clean technology in the mobility space. With Zero as our partner, we look forward to accelerate the transition of electric mobility in India and across our global markets.” More

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      Ultraviolette F77 Electric Motorcycle First Batch Owners Take Delivery

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      Ultraviolette will open its first dealership in India this month – Plans are afoot to expand presence in international marketUltraviolette F77 Electric Motorcycle Delivery StartsUltraviolette F77 is the first electric sports bike of India. It was launched in November 2022 and is presented in three variants of Airstrike, Shadow and Laser. Each of these are offered in two trims of F77 standard and F77 Recon. There is also a special edition on offer. One of the main advantages is its performance, but this comes at a price. The ex-showroom price of the F77 ranges from Rs 3.8 lakh – Rs 5.5 lakh, which may be a bit steep for some buyers. Additionally, the bike’s battery range may not be sufficient for long-distance rides.Ultraviolette F77 Deliveries CommenceFirst deliveries have now commenced. Initial units are being delivered from the company plant exclusively to buyers in Bengaluru. In the second phase, deliveries will be initiated in cities of Cochin, Mumbai, and Pune in the second quarter. Later this year, deliveries will be conducted in cities Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Delhi, and Lucknow.[embedded content][embedded content]Ultraviolette is committed to expanding globally, and the F77 is just the beginning. The company has plans to raise further capital to support growth acceleration plans, including developing new vehicle platforms and expanding its network of dealerships. Ultraviolette also plans to scale its electric two-wheeler R&D efforts in India, which could lead to even more innovative products in the future.Plans are afoot to set up its first company dealership later this month. The EV maker is also set to make inroads into global markets with an investment plan of USD 120 million. Ultraviolette F77 is presented in a sporty style. It gets a full LED headlamp unit and triangular LED tail lamp. Aiding to its sporty design are wider tyres, a sculpted fuel tank, scooped seat with a stepped up pillion seat, rear set foot pegs and low set handlebar.Ultraviolette F77 Electric Motorcycle Delivery StartsUltraviolette F77 comes equipped with a range of safety features with side panels for efficient battery cooling. Three ride modes (Glide, Combat, and Ballistic), and a 9-axis IMU with an in-built accelerometer and gyroscope. It also has common braking features via 320mm front disc and 230mm rear disc, and rides on 17-inch wheels fitted with 110/70 front and 150/60 rear Metzeler tyres. Advanced features like ABS, ride by wire throttle and Bluetooth-enabled TFT screen, make it tech appropriate.Power and PerformanceUltraviolette F77 Recron gets its power via a 10.3kWh battery pack and an electric motor that offers 39 hp power and 95 Nm torque offering a range of 307 kms. Top speed is 147 km/h. The standard model receives a 7.1kWh unit with a range of 206 kms on single charge with a top speed of 140 km/h.On the downside, the F77’s battery takes a long time to charge, between 7-10 hours with a standard charger. However, with the company’s 3 kW Boost charger, the charging time is reduced to 3.5 hours. Another potential drawback is the limited availability of charging stations in certain regions, which may affect the bike’s practicality for long-distance travel.There is also the special edition F77, which is limited to 77 units. It comes in with an electric motor offering 40 hp power and 100 Nm torque. This bike boasts of acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 152 km/h. Suspension is via USD fork in the front and monoshock at the rear. Recon and Special edition get preload adjustability in the front. Though launched in the electric two wheeler segment, performance pegs it for competition against ICE models, KTM RC 390, TVS Apache RR 310, and BMW G310RR. Ultraviolette F77 offers a significant advantage in terms of eco-friendliness and maintenance costs. More

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      Ather Sales At 12k In Feb 2023 – Registers 495% Growth YoY

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      Ather Energy sales grew significantly on a YoY basis by 495 percent while MoM sales dipped 0.02 percent in Feb 2023Ather Electric Scooter ProductionBengaluru-based electric scooter manufacturer Ather Energy has seen increased YoY demand in Feb 2023. However, it was in the red on a MoM basis. Overall, the electric two wheeler segment has seen a surge in demand and sales in Feb 2023 crossed the 65,000 mark. New entrants and new products keep this segment on its toes.Ather Sales February 2023Ather Energy sales in Feb 2023 stood at 12,147 units, this was a 494.86 percent growth from 2,042 units sold in Jan 2022 relating to a 10,105 unit volume growth. It was however, a marginal dip in MoM sales by 0.02 percent when compared to 12,149 units sold in Jan 2023, a difference of just 2 units. Market share currently stands at 15.5 percent at a national level and at 21 percent in those areas where the company commands a retail presence.Ather electric scooter sales Feb 2023During the month of Feb 2023, the company inaugurated its 100th Experience Center (6 ECs in Feb 2023) and installed 1000 charging grids across the country. Ather also announced a corporate partnership with 2500+ organizations. Another milestone that the company achieved during the past month was the delivery of its 100,000th vehicle.Currently, Ather Energy sells two scooters – 450 Plus and 450X, priced at Rs 1.35 lakh and Rs 1.58 lakh respectively (ex-sh, inclusive of FAME II Subsidies). In Jan 2023, the company introduced updates on the 450X. As a part of these updates, Ather 450X also got a bigger seat for added rider comforts.It received new colour options as well. These are Cosmic Black, Lunar Grey, Salt Green and a Red shade while it also continues to be seen in colours of White, Space Grey and Mint Green. Ather also plans on expanding its portfolio later this year to include a new electric scooter positioned below the 450X and 450 Plus, so as to compete against the new Ola S1 Air.Upcoming Ather Electric ScooterAs on date, Ather Energy has no scooter in the sub-Rs 1 lakh segment. This is about to change this year. Ather’s upcoming affordable electric scooter was recently spied on test. It is slated to be priced in the sub-1 lakh range and will compete with the Ola S1 Air.The new Ather e-scooter is said to be positioned on a cost-effective tubular chassis as against an aluminum chassis seen on the current Ather 450X and 450 Plus. This will help reduce production cost and along with a smaller battery pack, Ather can price this new e-scooter very aggressively. Expect a ride range of 80 kms on this new Ather EV. More

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      Two Wheeler Sales Feb 2023 – Hero, Honda, TVS, Bajaj, Royal Enfield

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      In February 2023, total two wheeler sales took a minor hit with a 4.81% YoY decline and a 1.43% MoM declineRoyal Enfield 650cc SalesHero established absolute dominance in the domestic 2W market with 3,82,317 units and 37.65% market share among the top five 2W manufacturers. Hero clocked 15.34% YoY growth and 9.41% MoM growth with 50,855 and 32,880 units gained in volume respectively. Honda couldn’t replicate Hero’s success and saw 20.52% YoY decline and 18.36% MoM decline as sales stood at 2,27,064 units.TVS came close to Honda with 2,21,402 units, just shy of 5,662 units. 27.83% YoY growth and 2.28% MoM growth were main highlights. TVS’ market share is 21.80%, just 0.56% behind Honda. With 1,20,335 units sold, Bajaj secured 4th spot and registered 24.67% YoY growth and a 14.06% MoM decline.Two Wheeler Sales Feb 2023At 5th place, we have Royal Enfield with 64,436 units sold last month. The British marque showcased 23.59% YoY growth and a 4.82% MoM decline. In total, Top five 2W brands accounted for 10,15,554 units. As opposed to 9,38,995 units sold in 2022 and 10,51,781 units sold in January 2023, we observed an 8.15% YoY growth and a 3.44% MoM decline.Two Wheeler Sales February 2023 – ExportsBajaj is by far the highest 2W exporter in India with figures more than three times the second-highest exporter. At 1,15,021 units, Bajaj exported just 5314 units less than what it sold domestically. Despite having a 57.51% market share here, Bajaj saw a 37.08% YoY decline and a 14.25% growth MoM.Two Wheeler Exports Feb 2023TVS secured 2nd spot with 45,624 units shipped and fell completely into the red with a 51.68% YoY decline and a 5.42% MoM decline. Honda managed to ship 20,111 units and registered 10.38% MoM growth. Sales declined by 25.36% YoY. Despite being the highest seller domestically, Hero’s exports stood at 12,143 units with numbers more than halved YoY and gained 67.42% MoM.Royal Enfield shipped 7,108 units and is the only one ending February on a positive note. A mere 1.18% YoY and 0.91% MoM growth were registered. In total, top 5 two wheeler exporters accounted for 2,00,007 units shipped and registered 40.83% YoY decline as opposed to 3,38,002 units shipped last year and a 10.24% MoM growth as opposed to 1,81,435 units sold a month before.Two wheeler Total Sales Feb 2023In total, it was Hero MotoCorp that took the cake getting close to selling 4 lakh units. When compared to 3,58,254 units sold a year ago and 3,56,690 units sold a month before, 3,94,460 units clocked in Feb 2023 resulted in 10.11% YoY growth and 10.59% MoM growth. Volume gain stood at 36,206 units YoY and 37,770 units MoM and 32.45% market share.Two Wheeler Total Feb 2023With good numbers clocked in exports, TVS surpassed Honda in total sales by almost 20,000 units. With 2,67,026 units, TVS lost 0.22% sales YoY and gained 0.87% in MoM. Honda clocked 2,47,175 units and fell into the red completely just like it did in domestic sales. With 2,35,356 units sold in total, Bajaj couldn’t manage to register positive growth.Royal Enfield managed to show a solid 20.93% YoY growth with 71,544 units sold in February 2023, but witnessed a 4.28% MoM decline. In total, top 5 2W manufacturers managed to clock 12,15,561 units. When compared to 12,76,997 units sold a year ago and 12,33,216 units sold a month before, we observed a 4.81% YoY decline and 1.43% MoM decline. More

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      2023 Hero Super Splendor XTEC BS6 II Launched – New Features, Colour

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      New Super Splendor XTEC BS6 Phase II gets LED headlamp, new colour, full digital instrument cluster and a range of cosmetic touch-ups2023 Hero Super Splendor XTEC BS6 II2023 Hero Super Splendor XTEC BS6 Phase II has been launched. First units have started arriving at dealerships. Users can expect an improved overall experience, as the bike packs in a comprehensive range of premium updates.New Super Splendor XTEC BS6 Phase II is expected to be priced higher than the outgoing model. The updates should allow for improved competencies against rivals such as Honda Shine, TVS Raider and Bajaj CT 125X.2023 Hero Super Splendor XTEC BS6 IISuper Splendor XTEC BS6 Phase II – what’s new?Among the most noticeable updates are the LED headlamp and LED DRL. It’s a 2-level LED headlamp with integrated low beam and high beam. The two sections of the headlamp are separated by the LED DRL placed in between. The LED DRL has an always-on feature, which means it is activated as soon as the keys are turned on. The engine is not required to be turned on for the LED DRL to work.Other lighting pieces such as turn indicators and tail lamp continue to have halogen bulbs. With the updated lighting at front, the headlamp cowl and visor have also been updated. Another big improvement comes in the form of a full digital instrument console. It appears to be the same unit, as seen with Splendor Plus XTEC variant. Take a look at the detailed walkaround by Biker Mjk 2.[embedded content][embedded content]The digital speedometer has Bluetooth connectivity and can be used for call and SMS alerts when paired with the user’s smartphone. Users can see a range of information such as real time mileage and indication for side stand, low fuel, high beam and i3S.With the change in lighting setup and new full digital speedometer, the wiring has also changed on the new Super Splendor XTEC BS6 Phase II model. Spaces around the digital speedometer have been updated and there’s a USB charging port as well.In terms of cosmetic updates, there’s a new colour and updated graphics and stickering. The Super Splendor logo on the fuel tank has a 3D design. Exhaust pipe has been updated and it is now a slimmer unit in comparison to the earlier model. Aural experience also seems to have been improved.2023 Hero Super Splendor XTEC BS6 IISuper Splendor XTEC BS6 Phase II performanceEngine is the same as earlier, with the only difference that it has been updated to comply with BS6 Phase II emission norms. The bike is powered by a 124.7cc air-cooled motor that generates 10.7 bhp of max power and 10.6 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. New Splendor XTEC supports E20 ethanol-blend fuel, which makes it future-ready. It is likely that relevant tweaks have been incorporated in the engine to make it E20 ready.While official details are not available right now, Hero Super Splendor XTEC BS6 Phase II could deliver mileage of around 60+ kmpl. In heavy-traffic usage, mileage could be around 50+ kmpl. Prices will be announced in coming days. More

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      New TVS Ronin Modified Custom Bikes Unveiled At MotoSoul 2023

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      Second edition of TVS MotoSoul has had a great start on Day 1 with unveiling of four droolworthy Ronin customizations by some of the world’s best custom buildersTVS Ronin SCRAn event that essentially celebrates the love for motorcycles, TVS MotoSoul 2nd edition has gotten off to a roaring start in Goa. The timing seems perfect, as TVS recently achieved the 5 million global sales milestone for its Apache range. TVS MotoSoul promises an exhilarating experience for racers, riders and performance enthusiasts via multiple racing events as well as action-packed performances by leading artists.On Day 1 of TVS MotoSoul, the focus was on the TVS Ronin platform. Ronin is popular for its modern-retro profile, a first in the Indian two-wheeler segment. To showcase its full potential, TVS unveiled 4 custom builds of Ronin. The company also announced its foray into a new format of racing called Flat Track Racing.TVS Ronin MusashiTVS Ronin custom buildsOne of the Ronin custom builds is Agonda, created by Germany-based JvB Moto. The name is derived from Agonda Beach, one of the popular beaches in Goa. The customized bike has a scrambler profile, with updates to the headlamp, fenders, side panels, seat and exhaust. Ronin Agonda custom build gets a new matte white colour shade with contrasting 5-colour bands on the fuel tank. Shape of the engine cover has also been modified.Another Ronin custom build is named Musashi, created by Indonesia-based Smoked Garage. It is inspired by ‘Ronin’, which in Japanese means a free, wandering samurai. True to its name, Ronin Musashi is probably the best example of a free-spirited entity. The custom design seems to work without any limitations or boundaries, which has ensured a radical profile for the bike.TVS Ronin AgondaSome of the key highlights include a reworked handlebar, wire mesh headlamp cover, custom engine guard and horizontal back-link rear suspension. The bike has a blacked-out profile that creates a captivating contrast with the golden USD forks.Ronin custom build from India is named Wakizashi, created by Rajputana Customs. It has a cafe racer profile with rider-only seat, low-set and pulled-back handlebar, wire-spoke wheels and custom designed sculpted fuel tank. Most of the panels have been removed, which makes the bike all muscle and bones. The bike has road-biased tyres, which makes it suitable for urban racing.TVS also unveiled its own factory custom Ronin named SCR. It has been customized by TVS Design Team. Ronin SCR custom build is a rally machine with features such as LED headlamp, raised front fender, modified seat and tail section, tracker style side panels and dual exhaust in metallic finish. The bike gets chunky block-pattern tyres. It has an attractive colour theme of light gey and bright yellow.TVS Ronin WakizashiTVS Flat Track RacingFor the benefit of racing enthusiasts, TVS has come up with a new form of racing called Flat Track Racing. Ronin will be part of this project that seeks to create a new breed of racing enthusiasts. The project will have the backing of TVS Racing’s extensive experience of more than 40 years. TVS will actively engage with riders to motivate and train them so that they can gain in-depth knowledge about the art of racing.Day 1 of TVS MotoSoul 2023 also witnessed a mesmerizing performance by Lucky Ali, a singer, actor and songwriter. DJ Nikhil Chinapa was also there to enthral the audience with a pulsating live-set performance. More

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      Honda Forza 330cc Scooter Patented In India – Launch Soon?

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      The single-cylinder 330cc engine on Honda Forza 350 patented in India makes 29 bhp of power and 31.5 Nm of torqueHonda Forza 330cc ScooterBeing the de facto scooter manufacturer in India comes with its perks. Take Activa for example, it overshadows almost every other scooter in the Indian market including Honda’s offerings. Honda has gotten synonymous with scooters in India. All this success for Honda is limited to budget everyday scooters.Till now Honda has held itself from testing its luck with big-capacity scooters in India. That seems to be changing, as Honda has patented Forza 350 in India. It would be interesting to see if Honda actually steps towards launching it instead of stashing the patented file in the archives.Honda Forza 330cc ScooterHonda Forza 330cc Scooter PatentedWe say this because Honda has historically patented a lot of products in India. Only a handful of those have materialised. A stark example of this approach by Honda would be recently patented Hawk 11 Cafe Racer based on the same engine as Africa Twin. Will it launch? Very likely not.When Honda teased us with the formidable CB300F, the Indian automotive fraternity expected Forza 350 to be launched instead. Honda Forza 350 was showcased to Big Wing dealers before and all of them were sold out. By patenting it in India, Honda seems to have come one step closer to actually launching it. For what it is, Honda Forza 350 is a maxi-scooter with a 330cc engine. It debuted at the Bangkok International Motor Show in 2021.Honda Forza 330cc Scooter patented in IndiaEven though it looked very similar to the Forza 300, the Newer Forza 350 came equipped with a 330cc engine as opposed to the 279cc of the former. This new single-cylinder engine is capable of generating 29 bhp of power at 7500 RPM and 31.5 Nm of torque at 5250 RPM. Equipped with a lighter crankshaft, slightly larger valves and a slightly bigger throttle body, Forza 350 could clock a top speed of 137 kmph.Design & FeaturesOne look at it is enough to realise that Forza 350 is a big scooter. The huge body wrap around its rider, protecting them from wind blasts. The tall windscreen at the front adds to it as well. Flanking this windscreen are substantial-looking ORVMs with integrated turn indicators. Front fascia gets a split headlight unit that wouldn’t look out of place on a superbike.Handlebar and footpeg position allows for a neutral riding position enabling the rider to go the distance in reasonable comfort. Large and padded seats add to it significantly. It gets a single-disc setup on both sides, combined with dual-channel ABS. Suspension duties are handled by telescopic front forks and twin shock absorbers at the rear.Honda Forza 350 SpecsFront gets a 15” alloy, while the rear gets 14” unit. All of this componentry tips the scale at 185 kg. If launched in India, it will compete with other big-capacity maxi-scooters like Keeway Vieste 300 and the pricey BMW C 400 GT. That said, the chances of this getting launched in India are very meek. More

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      Honda 2W Sales Feb 2023 Declines 21% – New Motorcycle Launch Soon

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      Honda is getting ready to launch a new 100cc motorcycle this month – Likely to help boost sales significantlyImage – Being TechnozzHonda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) figures for February 2023 are lackluster. Sales fell both on YoY and MoM basis to a total of 247,175 units. This was a 20.93 percent YoY de-growth over 3,12,621 units sold in Feb 2022 and  2,96,363 units sold in Jan 2023.Honda 2W Sales Feb 2023Honda 2W sales in Feb 2023 dipped both in terms of domestic sales and exports. Of the total 2,47,175 units sold in Feb 2023, domestic sales accounted for 2,27,064 units, a 20.52 percent YoY de-growth from 2,85,677 units sold in Feb 2022. This was a volume de-growth of 58,613 units and a 91.86 percent share.Honda 2W Sales Feb 2023Exports also fell YoY by 25.36 percent from 26,944 units shipped in Feb 2022 to 20,111 units in the past month. Volume de-growth was at 6,833 units with an 8.14 percent share.MoM sales on the other hand saw total sales in the red, down 16.60 percent from 2,96,363 units sold in Jan 2023. This was a volume de-growth of 49,188 units. Domestic sales dipped 18.36 percent from 2,78,143 units sold in Jan 2023 while exports ended on a more positive note, up 10.38 percent when compared to 18,220 units shipped in Jan 2023.Honda is now getting ready to launch a new 100cc motorcycle, teaser of the same has already been released. It will be a direct rival to Hero Splendor, the No 1 selling motorcycle in the world. Likely to be called Honda Shine 100, launch will take place on 15th March. This new motorcycle could help boost HMSI sales to a great extent, and has the potential to make Honda as the No 1 two wheeler brand in India.HMSI RDE Compliant ModelsHonda has expanded its Premium Motorcycle Business Network with new BigWing outlets in three new locations at Kannur (Kerala), Raghunath Ganj (West Bengal) and Patna (Bihar). The company has also undertaken several safety initiatives in view of the 10th anniversary of its Traffic Training Park in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The two wheeler maker also celebrated the 4th anniversary of Children’s Road Safety and Traffic Park in Chennai, Tamil Nadu and 2nd anniversary of Safety Driving Education Centre (SDEC) in Guwahati.The company launched its new Activa with Smart Key in January 2023, its first OBD2-compliant two wheeler in India. HMSI also gears up to update all its other models to comply with these new and stringent emission norms that will be made mandatory by 1st April 2023. The new Activa with Smart Key is priced at Rs 80,000 and is being offered in Standard, Deluxe, and Smart variants. Honda Smart Key, trademarked as H-Smart, is similar to what one sees on cars. It enables features like Smart Find, Smart Unlock and Smart Start. It also gets Mapped Smart ECU, which connects the ECU and Smart Key as an added security device.Honda Activa Smart draws its power via a 109.51 cc motor offering 7.85 hp power and 8.84 Nm torque, mated to an automatic transmission. Suspension and braking is via telescopic front forks and 3-step adjustable spring loaded hydraulic at the rear along with 130 mm drum brakes at the front and rear. More