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    Ather Mandating Dot Charger? Portable Charger To Cost Extra?

    Ather Dot Charger
    Ather Dot charger and Portable charger have their own unique benefits, which is why customers need to have the option to choose
    Ather 450X electric scooter can be charged in a home environment or via the Ather Grid charging network. The Grid is accessible for only the top-spec Ather 450X Pro Pack variant. For home charging, the options available are the wall-mounted Dot charger and the easy-to-carry Portable charger.
    However, as per inputs provided by a user, Ather now seems to be mandating the Dot charger with the scooter. Earlier, buyers had the option to choose between Dot charger and Portable charger at the time of making the payment. Now, it appears that Dot charger is part of standard equipment. Anyone who needs the Portable charger will have to pay extra.
    Different needs, different chargers
    Both Dot charger and Portable charger have their unique advantages. Dot charger seems more hassle free, as one does not need to carry the charger with them or worry about forgetting it or misplacing it.
    The Dot charger comes with all the required installation accessories. It can be installed by Ather on request or by any local electrician. Once installed, the Dot charger is like having a fuel pump installed right inside your home.
    Ather Portable Charger
    However, Dot charger won’t be suitable for folks who have varying commuting schedule. This is especially true in case there aren’t enough Ather Grid stations in the city. Also, 450X base-spec owners will anyways won’t have access to the Grid. Another limitation of Dot charger is that it will work with only the owner’s scooter. It will not work with any other Ather scooter. But users have the option to approach Ather customer helpline and request to link the charger with the scooter ID.
    Ather Portable charger seems more convenient, as it works just like a laptop charger. Any 5A socket can work for Ather Portable charger. It can be easily carried anywhere under the seat. Portable charger also makes sense for folks who switch houses and cities quite often. The Portable charger is not linked to any specific scooter ID and can be used to charge any Ather scooter.
    Users may end up with 2 chargers
    If the Dot charger is part of standard equipment, users wanting the Portable charger will end up with two chargers for their Ather scooter. They will also need to pay extra to get the Portable charger. This will result in wastage of resources.
    It remains to be seen how Ather responds to feedback from users. If there’s sizeable pushback, it is possible that Ather may bring back the option to choose between the Dot charger and the Portable charger. Clearly, there’s no technical or safety issue with the Portable charger, as it is available at additional price. Mandating Dot charger may not impact Ather scooter sales, but it seems a bit unsettling for folks who prefer a portable charger. More

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    Yezdi Launched In Nepal – Prices NPR 9.16 Lakh (Rs 5.72 Lakh)

    Yezdi Launched In NepalThe same 334cc single-cylinder engine with a 4V head and liquid cooling does duties on all Yezdi motorcycles launched in Nepal
    Mahindra-owned Classic Legends have revived the Yezdi brand along with Jawa. Yezdi’s resurgence mainly targets Royal Enfield’s lion’s share in classic and retro motorcycle segment. For Nepal, Classic Legends have partnered with Agni Moto Inc Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of Agni Group as authorized distributor.
    Yezdi’s entire portfolio is launched in Nepal. We’re talking about Roadster, Scrambler and Adventure motorcycles. Agni Moto priced NPR 9.16 lakh for Roadster, NPR 9.4 lakh for Scrambler and NPR 9.98 lakh for Adventure.
    Yezdi Motorcycle Range Launched In Nepal
    Today’s currency exchange rates translate into an (ex-sh) price of Rs. 5.74 lakh for Roadster, Rs. 5.89 lakh for Scrambler and Rs. 6.26 lakh for Adventure. In comparison, Yezdi Roadster costs Rs. 2.01 lakh for Roadster, Scrambler costs Rs. 2.08 lakh and Adventure costs Rs. 2.13 lakh (ex-sh) in India. This is a perfect example of perks for domestic manufacturing.
    All Yezdi motorcycles come equipped with the same 334cc single-cylinder engine. All three motorcycles get different tuning. In Nepal, Roadster generates 29.23 bhp and 29 Nm, Scrambler develops 29.1 bhp and 28.2 Nm and Adventure kicks out 30.2 bhp and 29.9 Nm. These performance figures are in the same ballpark as we get in India. Yezdi equips all its motorcycles with a 6-speed gearbox, a 4V head and a liquid-cooling setup.
    Yezdi Motorcycles Launch Price In Nepal
    Even though the engine is liquid-cooled, Yezdi took the extra mile and added fins to its casing. Paying tribute to Yezdis of the yesteryear, which is nice attention to detail. All motorcycles get LED lighting all around, a fully digital instrument cluster, 320mm front and 240mm rear disc brakes with dual-channel ABS. Only Scrambler and Adventure get Bluetooth connectivity.
    Style & Substance
    The neo-retro design theme is present across the portfolio. Elements that amplify this are round headlights, minimal body panels, fins on its engine and more. Yezdi Roadster gets 18” front and 17” rear alloy wheels, Scrambler gets 19” front and 17” rear wire-spoke wheels and Adventure gets 21” front and 17” rear spoke wheels.
    Both Roadster and Scrambler get a smaller 12.5L fuel tank, but Adventure gets a larger 15.5L fuel tank. Rider’s triangle is different across Yezdi’s motorcycle lineup, suiting respective body styles.
    Roadster gets Smoke Grey, Inferno Red, Crimson, Steel Blue, Hunter Green, Sin Silver and Gallant Grey shades. Scrambler gets Fire Orange, Outlaw Olive, Yelling Yellow, Bold Black, Midnight Blue, Rebel Red and Mean Green colours. That said, Yezdi only offers Adventure in Slick Silver and Mambo Black in Nepal. More

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    Charging Customers for Chargers? Ola Electric to Refund Rs 130 Crores

    Ola Electric Scooter Charger. Image – Ride With Ayan
    Ola Electric to refund Rs 130 crore to customers for overcharging on charging accessories/offboard chargers
    Ola Electric has announced that it will refund Rs 130 crore to customers who purchased charging accessories/ offboard chargers for their vehicles. This decision comes after an investigation initiated by the FAME found that the accessories were being sold at an additional price, in violation of the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme guidelines.
    Under the FAME scheme guidelines, integral parts such as chargers and proprietary software are not supposed to be sold as accessories above the price of the vehicle. This is to ensure that vehicle prices remain within a limit and to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles. Violations of these guidelines can result in subsidies being withheld from the companies.
    Ola Electric faces consequences for violating FAME guidelines on charging accessory prices
    Ola Electric sold off-board chargers as accessories for its S1Pro scooter at a price ranging from Rs 9,000 to Rs 19,000, which resulted in an overcharge of Rs 130 crore to customers.
    Ola Electric accepted the findings of the investigation and agreed to refund the overcharged amount to customers. The reimbursement applies to billings generated from FY 2019-20 until March 30, 2023.
    Ola Electric Scooter Charger
    Ola Electric’s refund: a victory for electric scooter customers
    The decision to refund Rs 130 crore to customers who purchased charging accessories for their Ola S1Pro scooter is a significant win for them. Customers who were overcharged will receive their money back, and this move will help to increase the adoption of electric vehicles in the country. It also sets a precedent for other companies who have violated FAME guidelines to follow suit and refund their customers.
    A lesson for companies to follow FAME pricing and accessory guidelines
    Ola Electric’s decision to refund its customers is a step in the right direction towards encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles in India. It also sends a clear message to other companies that violations of FAME guidelines will not be tolerated, and they will be held accountable for their actions. Going forward, it is essential that all companies adhere to the guidelines set by the government to ensure that the transition to electric vehicles is smooth and successful.
    In conclusion, the refund of Rs 130 crore by Ola Electric to its customers who purchased charging accessories for their vehicles is a welcome move. It not only benefits customers but also sends a clear message to other companies that FAME guidelines must be followed. This decision will go a long way in encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles in the country, and it is hoped that other companies will follow suit.
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    KTM 390 Adventure V With Duke 390 Suspension – Launched

    KTM 390 Adventure V Variant Launch SoonAfter launching the X variant, KTM has now launched V variant of the 390 Adventure – It gets the same engine
    With a high ground clearance, ADVs offer a lot of versatility. They can trundle along on a beaten path and even full-on off-roading sessions shouldn’t be an issue. But, high ground clearance is often directly proportional to a tall seat height.
    This becomes unappealing for shorter riders, who resort to tip-toeing. Riding such bikes is not recommended, especially on loose surfaces and soft ground, as it could be dangerous. KTM 390 Adventure is getting a solution for this. KTM has launched a new low seat-height variant denoted by ‘V’ that will address this shortcoming.
    Low Seat-Height ‘V’ Variant – New KTM 390 Adventure V
    The launch of 390 ADV X has been a solid effort from KTM to attract a wider range of audience. It made the motorcycle affordable by almost Rs 60k. With the 390 ADV V variant, KTM aims make the bike accessible to shorter riders
    In the image we can see a 5′ 9″ guy tip-toeing on a regular 390 Adventure and flat-footing on a 390 Adventure V. In the new 390 ADV V variant, KTM is offering both front and rear suspensions from 390 Duke to achieve a lower seat height and a new low-profile seat as well. This means, the suspension travel will be 142mm front and 150 mm rear with V variant as opposed to 177 mm and 170 mm on standard variant.
    KTM 390 Adventure V Variant
    Thanks to this, seat height of KTM 390 ADV has been reduced from 855 mm to 830 mm. KTM 390 Adventure V is priced at Rs 3.38 lakh, which is same as the standard KTM 390 ADV. Apart from the suspension setup, there is no other change. All other features, tech remain same.
    As of now, KTM offers two Adventure motorcycles based on 390 and 250 series platforms. Both of them share their design, body panels, and seating position. KTM 390 Adventure and 250 Adventure get 190mm of ground clearance, which leads to a rather high seat height of 855 mm. Similar changes to KTM 390 Adventure V are likely to trickle down to 250 Adventure in the future.
    Numbers On Papers Vs Real Experiences
    KTM’s high seat height might be because these platforms were not designed from scratch to be ADVs. If we take the Royal Enfield Himalayan for example, it has a much higher 220 mm ground clearance and despite that, boasts a seat height of just 800 mm. This is one of the main driving factors for Himalayan.
    Seat height on paper doesn’t completely translate to flat-foot ability in real life. Royal Enfield Himalayan’s 800mm seat height is not any friendlier over Hero Xpulse’s 825mm of seat height. This is because Himalayan has a much wider seat base. Now legs have to go sideways and then down to flat-foot, instead of just down. Narrow seat will ensure that a lower seat height number on paper translates into real-life convenience. Apart from seat ht, design of the seat also plays an important role in how comfortable the motorcycle will be.
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    TVS Motor Sales April 2023 – Grows YoY, Declines MoM

    Image – Bharat TVSTVS Motor production and sales of premium two-wheelers have been severely affected due to AIS156 changeover and shortage of semiconductors
    Sales of TVS Motor Limited increased by 3.70 percent YoY while MoM sales dipped 3.45 percent in April 2023. The TVS iQube has been seeing outstanding demand and sales of this electric scooter has reached an important sales milestone to 1 lakh units.
    Total sales (domestic + exports – 2W and 3W) in the past month stood at 3,06,224 units, up 3.70 percent YoY over 2,95,308 units sold in April 2022. This was a volume growth of 10,916 units. It was however, a 3.45 percent MoM decline in sales (total 2+3W) from 3,17,152 units sold in March 2023 relating to a volume decline of 10,928 units.
    TVS 2W Sales April 2023
    Taking into account motorcycle sales, it was a YoY growth of 9.59 percent to 1,52,365 units in April 2023, up from 1,39,027 units sold in April 2022. Motorcycles command a 51.69 percent share. MoM sales also saw positive results with a 7.87 percent growth over 1,41,250 units sold in March 2023 when share percentage stood at 45.93. Scooter sales also increased YoY to 1,07,496 units, up 5.17 percent from 1,02,209 units sold in April 2022. However, MoM sales dipped 16.55 percent from 1,28,817 units sold in March 2023.
    Electric Scooter sales also received a 338.52 percent YoY boost. The iQube electric scooter in this segment registered sales of 6,227 units, up from just 1,420 units sold in April 2022. Noting this increased demand, the company will be boosting production of this electric scooter from May 2023. MoM sales however, dipped 59.47 percent from 15,364 units sold in March 2023 relating to a 9,137 unit volume decline.
    TVS Motor Sales April 2023
    YoY and MoM dip in sales was seen in the case of TVS XL100 moped. Sales fell to 34,925 units in April 2023, down 9.95 percent from 38,786 units sold in April 2022. It was also lower by 6.85 percent when compared to 37,492 units sold in March 2023.
    TVS Motor Sales April 2023
    Total 2W domestic sales increased by 29.02 percent YoY but fell by 3.25 percent MoM to 2,32,956 units in April 2023. There had been 1,80,553 units sold in April 2022 but in March 2023 total 2W domestic sales had been at 2,40,780 units. On the other hand, 2W exports took a fall both in terms of YoY and MoM shipments.
    Exports fell by 37.85 percent YoY to 61,830 units from 99,489 units shipped in April 2022. On a MoM basis, it was a 7.41 percent de-growth over 66,779 units shipped in March 2023. This took total 2W sales to 2,94,786 units in April 2023, up 5.27 percent over 2,80,022 units sold in April 2022 but down 4.15 percent over 3,07,559 units sold in March 2023.
    TVS Motor Sales April 2023
    TVS 3W Sales and Exports April 2023
    Three wheeler domestic sales improved by 19.07 percent YoY to 1,605 units from 1,348 units sold in April 2022 with a 14.03 percent share on this list. It was also a 20.22 percent MoM growth from 1,335 units sold in March 2022 when share had stood at 13.92 percent. 3W export figures fell on a YoY basis by 29.45 percent to 9,833 units in April 2023 from 13,938 units sold in April 2022. This led to a 4,105 unit volume de-growth. MoM exports however grew by 19.07 percent from 8,258 units shipped in March 2023. TVS Motor 3W exports command a 85.97 percent share.
    Total 3W sales were brought down by lower exports last month to 11,438 units, a dip of 25.17 percent from 15,286 units sold in April 2022 while MoM sales improved by 19.23 percent as compared to 9,593 units sold in March 2023. Domestic 2+3W sales improved by 28.95 percent to 2,34,561 units on a YoY basis but fell by 3.12 percent MoM over 2,42,115 units sold in March 2023. Exports of 2+3Ws were lower both on YoY and MoM basis to 71,663 units in April 2023. More

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    Riding the Growth Wave: Royal Enfield April 2023 Sales Report

    Royal Enfield Hunter 350Royal Enfield April 2023 Sales: Domestic Market Drives 18 Percent Despite Export Blues
    Royal Enfield sales data for April 2023 shows that the company sold a total of 73,136 motorcycles. A significant increase of 18 percent from 62,155 unit sales in March 2022. However, sales performance of the two different types of models/segments, based on their engine capacity are a marked contrast.
    RE motorcycle sales with engine capacity up to 350cc increased by 25.53 percent, whereas model sales for engine capacity exceeding 350cc declined by 20.61 percent. The high-volume 350cc segment accounted for 64,728 units in April 2023, up from 51,564 in April 2022. Strongly indicating growing market demand for smaller engine capacity models.
    Royal Enfield’s April 2023 Sales: The Importance of Engine Capacity, Smaller is the Big Bet
    Decline in sales of models with engine capacity exceeding 350cc, from 10,591 in April 2022 to 8,408 in April 2023, suggests an overlap of trends. Sales performance of the international business segment/exports was also poor.
    Exports were reported at a 49 percent decline in sales, while domestic sales increased by 27.91 percent. Sales in India accounted for 94.18 percent of the total sales. There’s an overlap in sales of larger cc bikes and exports as the auto manufacturer has been concentrating on exports of bigger cc bikes to establish itself as a global mid-segment manufacturer.
    Royal Enfield Sales April 2023
    Domestic Market Dominates: Royal Enfield’s April 2023 Sales Figures
    The data highlights that Royal Enfield’s popularity in the domestic market is strong. Decline in sales of models with engine capacity exceeding 350cc and exports could be due to the company’s concentration on exports of bigger cc bikes to establish itself as a global mid-segment manufacturer.
    While exports almost halved, above 350cc segment sales didn’t decline as much in the domestic market. This could indicate that more larger cc bikes were sold in the domestic market. However, decline in export sales is a cause for concern for the company as it represents a portion of their revenue.
    Royal Enfield’s April 2023 Sales: Domestic Market vs. International Market
    Overall sales suggests that domestic consumers prefer smaller engine capacity models, particularly Royal Enfield’s 350cc wide range of products. With a clear differentiation in model types and market segments, Royal Enfield is working on manufacturing expansion to achieve sustainable growth. The company needs is focused on strengthening its domestic market while improving its exports, particularly by introducing new models that cater to consumers’ preferences.
    In March 2023, the company sold a total of 72,235 motorcycles, representing a 1.25 percent month-on-month increase in April 2023. The data shows that MoM domestic sales increased by 15.02 percent, while exports declined by 65.55 percent. More

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    KTM 390 Adventure X Delivery Starts – LCD Display, MRF Tyres (Walkaround)

    New KTM 390 Adventure X – Delivery StartsNew affordable 390 Adventure X will help target a wider audience base and also improve competencies against rivals like BMW G310GS
    KTM 390 Adventure is one of the best machines to explore the great outdoors. However, being the costliest KTM in India, it used to be out of reach of many enthusiasts. The new affordable 390 Adventure X variant is more accessible at Rs 2.80 lakh, which is 58k cheaper than the standard variant.
    KTM 390 Adventure X is cheaper than both 390 Duke and RC 390, which are priced at Rs 2,96,230 and Rs 3,16,070, respectively. As 390 Adventure X is probably the most versatile among the three, it can generate higher demand than earlier. Also, the price gap with 250 Adventure is now just around 35k, which presents a good upgrade opportunity.
    KTM 390 Adventure X Delivery Starts – First Look Walkaround
    Delivery of the KTM 390 Adventure X variant has now started. First batch owners have started taking the delivery. Speaking about the changes / missing features of 390X Adv, it does not get traction control, quickshifter and cornering ABS. It also misses out on the Metzeler tyres, and gets MRF tyres instead.
    Features that have been retained include dual-channel ABS. There is an option to switch off ABS on the rear wheel, which will be useful in off-road environments. It gets an LCD screen from the ADV 250, in place of the colour-TFT display available with the standard ADV 390 variant. Also missing is the adjustable brake lever.
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    There are no other changes to KTM 390 Adventure X. The bike continues with the aggressive LED headlamp, compact windshield, sleek turn signals, sporty rear-view mirrors, sculpted fuel tank, alloy wheels, rugged engine guard, split seat design and compact upswept exhaust. Colour options for KTM 390 Adventure X include Orange and Dark Galvano.
    KTM 390 Adv X gets LCD display from KTM 250 ADV
    Riding ergonomics are the same as the standard variant, featuring a wide handlebar and centrally mounted foot pegs. The scooped rider seat improves balance and handling and is also suitable for shorter riders. The bike has customizable foot pegs, wherein the rubber inserts can be removed for better grip on off-road tracks. The bike’s ergonomics are suited for both on-road and off-road environments.
    KTM 390 Adventure X performance, specs
    There are no changes to the engine either. The bike is powered by a 373.2 cc, liquid cooled motor that churns out 42.9 bhp of max power and 37 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. KTM 390 Adventure X has a lightweight, yet rugged trellis frame, integrated with WP Apex USD forks at front and a monoshock unit at rear. Suspension travel is 170 mm and 177 mm, respectively. Braking duties are performed by 320 mm and 230 mm disc at front and rear, respectively.
    KTM 390 Adv X gets MRF Tyres
    As KTM 390 Adventure X retains all the core mechanicals, it presents the best value-for-money one can get in this segment. It is more powerful than the BMW G310GS and yet around 40k cheaper. Folks planning to invest in Royal Enfield Himalayan can also consider KTM 390 Adventure X as an upgrade option. The price gap with Himalayan stands reduced to 65k. More

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    KTM India Sales March 2023 – Duke, RC, 125, 200, 250, 390 ADV

    KTM India Sales Mar 2023KTM sales more than doubled YoY both in domestic market and exports in March 2023 – It was MoM exports that declined
    KTM India has registered strong sales in March 2023. Total sales (domestic + exports) improved by 63.07 percent YoY to 11,952 units in March 2023 from 7,289 units sold in March 2022. It was a de-growth of 17.62 percent MoM from 14,509 units sold in Feb 2023.
    KTM sales increased 71.27 percent YoY and 7.55 percent MoM in domestic markets. Sales in March 2023 stood at 6,284 units, up from 3,669 units sold in March 2022 and from 5,843 units sold in Feb 2023. The month of March 2023 saw the company introduce a new variant of the KTM 390 Adventure called 390 Adventure X. It is below the Standard trim, missing out on several features that are available on the standard model and priced at Rs 2.8 lakh (ex-showroom).
    KTM India Domestic sales Breakup March 2023
    KTM’s 200 series (Duke + RC) saw maximum sales in domestic markets with 2,915 units sold in the past month, up 50.03 percent over 1,943 units sold in March 2022. This was a 972 unit volume growth with the KTM 200 commanding a 46.39 percent share. MoM sales however, dipped 10.42 percent from 3,254 units sold in Feb 2023.
    A 11.44 percent YoY and 3.94 percent MoM sales of KTM 250 (Duke + ADV) have been reported in March 2023. Sales in March 2023 stood at 1,715 units, up from 1,539 sold in March 2022. Feb sales had been at 1,650 units. Share percent stood at 27.29 in the past month.
    KTM Domestic Sales March 2023
    In 3rd place was the KTM 390 series (Duke + RC + ADV) which has seen the maximum YoY growth. Sales stood at 1,208 units in March 2023, up 120700 percent from just 1 unit sold in March 2022. It was also a 92.05 percent MoM growth from 629 units in Feb 2023. Sales of the KTM 125 (Duke + RC) also increased by 139.78 percent to 446 units in March 2023 from 186 units sold in March 2022 while MoM growth was at 43.87 percent over 310 units sold in Feb 2023.
    KTM India Exports Breakup March 2023
    Total exports on the other hand, saw a 56.57 percent YoY growth but fell 34.59 percent on a MoM basis. Exports which had been at 3,620 units in March 2022 improved to 5,668 units in March 2023. It had been higher at 8,666 units in Feb 2023. In export markets, it was the KTM 390 that commanded the most attention. Sales improved by 84.07 percent to 2,496 units in March 2023 from 1,356 units sold in March 2022 with a 44.04 percent share. MoM sales fell by 50.63 percent from 5,056 units sold in Feb 2023.
    KTM 200 series (Duke + RC) was next on the export list with a 104.80 percent YoY growth and 4.32 percent MoM growth to 1,450 units shipped in March 2023. This was as against 708 units and 1,390 units exported in March 2022 and Feb 2022 respectively.
    KTM Exports March 2023
    The KTM 125cc series saw YoY increase in exports by 18.28 percent to 1,294 units while MoM sales dipped 18 percent. The KTM 250 on the other hand posted a de-growth both in terms of YoY (-7.36 percent) and MoM (-33.33 percent) down to 428 units in the past month. This was against 462 units shipped in March 2022 and 642 units exported in Feb 2023.
    KTM Total Sales March 2023
    Total sales stood at 11,952 units in March 2023, a 63.97 percent YoY growth from 7,289 units sold in March 2022. MoM sales dipped 17.62 percent. Every model on the list has posted a MoM de-growth in terms of total sales brought down due to a dip in export figures. It was the KTM 200 series that topped the total sales list with 4,365 units sold in March 2023 up 64.65 percent over 2,651 units sold in March 2022. It was a 6.01 percent MoM de-growth from 4,644 units sold in Feb 2023.
    KTM Total (Sales + Exports) March 2023
    KTM 390 sales also grew by 172.96 percent YoY to 3,704 units in March 2023 but fell 34.85 percent MoM. KTM 250 series saw a 7.10 percent YoY growth to 2,143 units in the past month but fell 6.50 percent MoM from 2,292 units sold in Feb 2023. YoY growth in total sales were also seen for the 125 series up 35.94 percent YoY to 1,740 units from 1,280 units sold in March 2022 while MoM sales dipped 7.84 percent over 1,888 units sold in Feb 2023. More