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    Honda Working On New Affordable Motorcycle To Rival Hero Splendor

    Primary volume generators for Honda in motorcycle segment include CB Shine and Unicorn 160Hero Splendor Electric Motorcycle Render By Vinay Raj SomashekarWhile Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) leads in scooters, its ex-partner Hero dominates the commuter motorcycle segment. Hero bikes like Splendor and HF Deluxe are currently the preferred options in commuter segment. Things could change in future, as Honda is planning to launch an affordable commuter bike that will primarily rival Hero Splendor. This has been confirmed by Atsushi Ogata, President of HMSI in a recent interaction with ET Auto.Honda new commuter bikeHonda’s existing commuter motorcycle range has CD110 Dream and Livo. However, none of these are comparable to the high sale volumes generated by Hero Splendor. Ogata has also mentioned that CD110 hasn’t been able to match customer expectations in commuter segment. CD110 Dream is currently the most affordable Honda bike, available at a starting price of around Rs 63k (ex-showroom, Delhi). This works out cheaper than Splendor Plus that starts at around Rs 69k.One option for Honda is to focus on fuel efficiency, which is one of the key factors that has made Splendor so popular. Honda must be well-aware of this, as the Hero-Honda combine had started out the journey with their ‘Fill it, shut it, forget it’ campaign. Launched in 1984, Hero-Honda partnership had lasted for around 26 years. They decided to part ways in 2010 due to growing friction in terms of business objectives.Being a global player and with a much longer history, Honda surely has the technological edge. It has the capabilities to come up with a formidable rival to Hero Splendor. Or it can improve existing CD110 by introducing some new features such as engine start-stop system. Honda could also perform some tweaks to make CD110 just as nimble as Splendor.Honda CB Shine. Image – Ryt To KnowIt will be interesting to see Honda aggressively targeting the entry-level commuter segment. While Suzuki and Yamaha have decided to stay away, Honda will continue to face competition from Bajaj and TVS in addition to Hero MotorCorp.Honda sales analysisAs of now, close to 50% of HMSI sales come from its Activa scooter. Second bestseller is CB Shine, followed by Unicorn 160. In 200cc to 500cc segment, Honda’s offerings are fairly limited. Honda H’ness CB350 has registered consistent numbers every month, but it trails behind rivals by a significant margin.Honda also has limited presence in sport biking segment, which is dominated by Bajaj, KTM, and Yamaha. Honda could target these segments as well in future. Earlier this year in January, the company had expanded its middleweight portfolio to include CB300R. The bike was launched at an introductory price of Rs 2.77 lakh. It was available earlier in BS4 format and was quite popular.The bike has a sporty profile and comes with features such as golden USD forks, all-LED lighting, smartphone connectivity, USB charging port and assist and slipper clutch. CB300R can help Honda strengthen its position in 200cc-500cc motorcycle segment. More

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    Top 10 150cc To 200cc Motorcycles Feb 2022 – Pulsar, Apache, R15, KTM

    150-200cc motorcycles registered double digit YoY de-growth at 40.29 percent – Pulsar lead the segmentImage – SouRik MotoworldMotorcycles in the 150-200 cc segment have been registering dismal sales over the past few months. In February 2022, sales dipped 40.29 percent to 85,473 units, down from 1,43,138 units sold in February 2021. This related to a volume de-growth of 57.665 units. MoM sales dipped 4.51 percent from 89,509 units sold in January 2022.Top 10 150cc To 200cc Motorcycles Feb 2022Every motorcycle in the list posted a YoY de-growth, except for Xpulse 200. It was Bajaj Pulsar that led February 2022 sales charts with 22,470 units sold, down 39.59 percent over 37,193 units sold in February 2021.Pulsar commanded a 26.29 percent share in this segment in February 2022 up from 18.60 held in January 2022. Sales in January 2022 stood at 16,646 units relating to a 34.99 percent de-growth over February 2022. In the past month, Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 received a new black and white colour scheme to enhance its sporty appeal.At No. 2 was TVS Apache. YoY sales dipped 48.30 percent to 16,406 units from 31,735 units sold in February 2021 commanding a market share of 19.19 percent. MoM sales also fell significantly, down 36.72 percent over 25,925 units sold in January 2022.Motorcycle Sales 150cc to 200cc segment – Feb 2022 vs Feb 2021 (YoY)Yamaha FZ sales suffered a 24.74 percent YoY de-growth while on a MoM basis sales slipped 14.87 percent. Sales in February 2022 stood at 13,395 units, down from 17,798 units sold in February 2021 while in January 2022 sales had been at 15,734 units. Share percentage dipped from 17.58 percent held in January 2022 to 15.67 percent the following month.Unicorn 160 followed close behind at No. 4 with 12,812 units sold in February 2022 with negative YoY growth at 42.50 percent. Sales however, improved on a MoM basis with 12.89 percent growth reported over January 2022 sales at 11,349 units.Yamaha R15, Hero Xpulse, KTM, GixxerYamaha R15 sales dipped 14.30 percent YoY to 6,405 units from 7,474 units sold in February 2021 while MoM sales were up 4.21 percent from 6,146 units sold in January 2022. Yamaha R15S V3, the fully-faired motorcycle will soon be offered in two new paint schemes of Dark Knight Black and Red. These are slated to go on sale from April 11 onwards and could be priced marginally higher over the Racing Blue colour scheme which comes in with a price tag of Rs 1.58 lakh.Motorcycle Sales 150cc to 200cc segment – Feb 2022 vs Jan 2022 (MoM)Positioned at No. 6 on this list was Hero XPulse 200 with 49.30 percent YoY growth at 4,270 units up from 2,861 units sold in February 2021. MoM growth stood at 36.33 percent over 3,132 units sold in January 2022.Other bikes on this list, that included the Xtreme 160R (3,593 units), KTM 200 (2,318 units) and Gixxer (1,815 units) along with the Avenger 879 units each posted a YoY de-growth. The Hornet 2.0 (422 units) and XBlade (150 units) also saw sales dip on a YoY basis. Yamaha MT15 and Suzuki Intruder posted 0 sales. Yamaha is all set to launch updated MT15 this month. More

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    Two Wheeler Sales Mar 2022 – Hero, Honda, TVS, Bajaj, Royal Enfield

    Every leading two wheeler maker posted a YoY de-growth in March 2022 while MoM domestic sales ended on a more positive noteImage – Neev MotorcyclesThe second wave of COVID-19 pandemic has continued to influence two wheeler sales across India. The work from home policy coupled with a strained economy and rising fuel prices have had a devastating effect on two wheeler sales. Rising input costs which has resulted in automakers to raise prices, has further impacted sales as has been reflected in sales figures of March 2022.Taking the leading two wheeler makers in India, sales in domestic markets in the past month ended on a dismal note. Sales de-growth was posted by Hero, Honda, TVS, Bajaj, Royal Enfield and Suzuki to the extent of 21.12 percent. Total two wheeler sales in domestic markets last month stood at 11,38,561 units, down from 14,43,320 units sold in March 2021.Two Wheeler Sales Mar 2022 – Hero LeadsHero MotoCorp topped sales charts with 4,15,764 units sold last month, down 23.62 percent over 5,44,340 units sold in March 2021. This was 1,28,576 unit volume growth even as the company commanded a 36.52 percent share. MoM growth on the other hand stood at 25.43 percent over 3,31,462 units sold in February 2022. Hero MotoCorp has launched the new Destini Xtec and has the new Xpulse 300 under development as well which could boost sales in the months ahead.At No. 2 was Honda Two Wheelers with sales of 3,09,549 units in March 2022. YoY de-growth stood at 21.64 percent as against 3,95,037 units sold in March 2021. MoM sales improved 8.36 percent over 2,85,677 units sold in February 2022. Share percentage dipped from 28.64 percent held in February 2022 to 27.19 percent last month.Two Wheeler Sales March 2022TVS Motors domestic sales in the past month stood at 1,96,956 units, down 2.57 percent over 2,02,155 units sold in March 2021. MoM sales improved 13.72 percent over 1,73,198 units sold in February 2022 with share percentage at 17.36 percent. Domestic sales of Bajaj Auto noted the highest YoY degrowth, dipped 40.97 percent to 1,07,081 units last month. In March 2021, sales stood at 1,81,393. MoM sales improved 10.94 percent from 96,523 units sold in February 2022.RE sales dipped 2.82 percent last month to 58,477 units, down from 60,173 units sold in March 2021. MoM sales grew by 12.16 percent from 52,135 units sold in February 2022. Suzuki two wheeler sales dipped both on a YoY and MoM basis. Sales which had stood at 60,222 units in March 2021 dipped 15.76 percent to 15,734 units in the past month. It was also a 13.43 percent de-growth over 58,603 units sold in February 2022.Two Wheeler Exports March 2022Even as domestic sales remained in the red, two wheeler makers have seen somewhat better results in terms of exports. Bajaj, Hero MotoCorp, Suzuki and RE posted increased exports while TVS and Honda exports continued to dip on a YoY basis. Total exports in the past month stood at 3,15,890 units, down 0.73 percent over 3,18,204 units shipped in March 2021. MoM exports fell 10.16 percent from 3,51,599 units in February 2022.Two Wheeler Exports March 2022Bajaj Auto led the list with 1,49,243 units shipped in March 2022, up 0.34 percent over 1,48,740 units sold in March 2021 while MoM shipments dipped 18.36 percent from 1,82,814 units in February 2022. Hero reported YoY growth of 7.09 percent while Suzuki and Enfield saw YoY exports increase 51.86 percent to 14,761 units and 56.33 percent to 9,200 units respectively. TVS shipments dipped 8.82 percent to 95,962 units while Honda exports fell 26.29 percent YoY to 11,794 units.Two Wheeler Total (Sales + Exports) March 2022Total two wheeler sales last month stood at 14,54,451 units, down 17.43 percent YoY as against 17,61,524 units sold in March 2021. MoM sales however, ended more positively, up 7.80 percent from 13,49,197 units sold in February 2022. On a MoM basis, every two wheeler maker posted more positive results except for Bajaj (-8.24 percent) and Suzuki (-9.29 percent).Two Wheeler Total – Sales + Exports March 2022Hero (4,50,694 units), Honda (3,21,343 units), TVS (2,91,918 units), Bajaj (2,56,324 units) and Suzuki (65,495 units) each posted a YoY de-growth. Sales of Royal Enfield ended with a 2.45 percent YoY growth to 67,677 units, up from 66,058 units sold in March 2021. The new RE Scram 411 was launched last month while the company is working on a new generation Bullet and Electra along with some offerings in the 650 cc segment. More

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    2022 Hero Optima CX Electric Scooter Brochure Leaks – Launch Soon

    Currently, Hero Optima HX is offered at a price of Rs 55,850 for the single battery variant and Rs 65,640 (both prices ex-showroom) for the dual-battery variant2022 Hero Optima CX and CX ER Electric Scooter. Source – elevahanHero Electric will soon be upgrading the Optima CX series for 2022. Brochure of the same has leaked only. It will be offered in two variants – CX and CX ER (Extended Range). Hero Electric official website has listed existing CX at a price of Rs 62,190 ex-Delhi.The two variants of Optima CX are expected to sit on top of the existing Optima HX range of e-scooters. The primary difference between CX and CX ER is the battery pack on offer, the former offers a single battery unit whereas the latter comes with a dual battery pack.2022 Hero Optima CX- Updates over Optima HXThe new Optima CX will be visually identical to its predecessor Optima HX but is expected to differ in terms of specifications. Optima CX is expected to be 25 percent more powerful than the previous model.Further, efficiency of the electric motor will be 10 percent more than before and that will also result in a higher top speed. Thanks to a larger battery pack range will also be greater.2022 Hero Optima CX and CX ER Electric ScooterPowertrain SpecsGetting into specific details, the Optima series features a larger 52.2Volt, 30ah Lithium Ferro Phosphate battery pack. The base CX variant gets a single unit which offers a range of 82 km while CX ER is offered with dual batteries that offer a cumulative range of 140km on a single charge.2022 Hero Optima CX and CX ER Electric ScooterThe battery pack(s) feeds energy to a 550W electric motor that returns a peak output of 1.2kW (1.6 bhp) with a maximum top speed of 45kmph. For reference, top speed on Optima HX is limited to 42 kmph. Braking has also been made stronger by 30 percent to compensate for improved performance.Charging time for both variants will stay around 4-5 hours since CX ER will be provided with a stronger dual charger setup. There is no other difference between the two variants as both offer a similar set of features.2022 Hero Optima CX and CX ER Electric ScooterFeatures & Expected PriceThe Optima CX range will offer features like cruise control, walk assist, reverse mode, a digital instrument cluster, USB charging port, LED headlamps and an anti-theft alarm with a remote key. In terms of dimensions, the e-scooter rides on 12-inch wheels shod with 90/90 section tubeless tyres from Continental. It gets a ground clearance of 140mm.While Optima CX weighs 82 kilos, due to an additional battery pack Optima CX ER weighs slightly higher at 93kg. As far as prices are concerned, the Optima CX range could be priced slightly higher than the Optima HX series, likely between Rs 60,000 and Rs 70,000 (both prices ex-showroom). Both variants of Optima CX will be available in three colour options- blue, grey and white. More

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    Ola S1 Vs Bajaj Chetak Vs Ather Electric Scooter – Hill Climb Test

    While Ola S1 Pro got the best 0-40 kmph kick down acceleration, it failed to reach top of the hill even in Sport modeElectric Scooter Hill Climb TestThere has been a raging ongoing debate about performance of electric scooters which are key to future mobility solutions. Many electric scooters have faced scrutiny regarding their battery management system which often fail to respond in tough conditions.While it is very true that EVs are very quick off the block, many e-scooters fail to keep up the performance in challenging terrains. The latest video from Asardar Reviews on YouTube is a clear example of battery-powered scooters not being able to perform up to the mark in certain cases.Electric Scooter Hill Climb TestIn this particular video, the vlogger has cited three well-known examples in the form of Ather 450, Bajaj Chetak and Ola S1 Pro. Here, all three electric scooters are tested separately on hilly terrain and their performance is scrutinised. The vlogger reveals that this test has been conducted specifically for people living around hilly areas who are planning on buying an electric scooter.All electric scooters seen here have been tested with a pillion sitting behind the rider, at least initially, giving a real-world simulation. The test starts with Bajaj Chetak since it’s the oldest of all three models seen in this video. The vlogger slots Chetak in Eco mode initially. It started off well with some promising performance and managed to make some sharp turns relatively easily.[embedded content][embedded content]After a couple of tricky hairpins, Chetak automatically switched to Sport mode when it realised that the scooter might need more power while climbing up. Here the scooter has clocked a top speed of around 45 kmph on its upwards journey with fair ease. Next up is Ather 450 which has been a revolutionary model in the electric mobility space.Ather Performs BestLike Chetak, Ather 450 gets multiple ride modes, however, unlike the former, ride modes on this one have to be manually toggled. In this case, as well, the vlogger started out in Eco mode and after a couple of hairpins it was realised that it loses momentum, especially with 2 people sitting on it. When slotted in Warp mode, Ather 450 is able to reach the top of the hill fairly easily while attaining an impressive top speed of 60 kmph.Ola S1 Pro DisappointsOla S1 Pro was kept last since, it is the latest offering in the two-wheeler EV space and claims the best performance, at least on paper. When started in Eco mode, S1 Pro offers the quickest 0-40 kmph acceleration. However, when it comes across its first hairpin, speed of the scooter drastically reduces until it comes to a complete halt. The scooter refuses to respond to throttle twists.It remained the same, even after the pillion disembarked. The Ola e-scooter started climbing uphill once switched to Sport mode, however, it once again came to a sudden stop when the AI in the scooter notified that the battery has heated and needs to be cooled. Vlogger had to push the scooter before reaching the top. More

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    Bajaj Auto Sales March 2022 – Pulsar, Dominar, Platina, Chetak, CT100

    Bajaj Auto posted a 22 percent decline in two wheeler sales and exports in March 2022 to 2,56,324 unitsBajaj PulsarBajaj has reported a huge decline in domestic sales for March 2022. Bajaj Auto motorcycle range includes Pulsar, Platina, CT, Dominar, Avenger, etc. They also offer the Chetak electric scooter.Bajaj Auto Sales March 2022Bajaj Auto Limited has seen its two wheeler sales dip in the past month. Two wheeler sales stood at 2,56,324 units, down 22 percent over 3,30,133 units sold in March 2021. Domestic sales dipped 41 percent to 1,07,081 units from 1,81,393 units sold in March 2021 while exports remained flat at 1,49,243 units as against 1,48,740 units shipped in March 2021.Bajaj Two Wheeler Sales March 2022 and Q1 2022Bajaj performed better in terms of commercial vehicle sales with a 4 percent YoY increase to 40,864 units in the past month, up from 39,315 units sold in March 2021. Increased domestic sales led to a 15 percent growth with 19,671 units sold in March 2022 as compared to 17,158 units sold in March 2021. Exports on the other hand dipped 4 percent to 21,193 units from 22,157 units sold in March 2021.Total sales 2 wheeler (1,26,752 units) and CV (1,70,436 units) dipped 20 percent YoY to 2,97,188 units in March 2022, down from 3,69,448 units sold in the same month of the previous year. Here again it was the domestic sales that dipped 36 percent while exports remained flat.Bajaj Auto Sales March 2022Bajaj Auto Year-to-Date SalesThe company’s YTD sales (two wheelers and CVs) grew at 8 percent in March 2022. Total sales, which included two wheelers and commercial vehicles, stood at 43,08,433 units in the April to March 2022 period, up 8 percent over 39,72,914 units sold in the April to March 2021 period.Two wheeler domestic sales dipped 9 percent to 16,41,084 units from 18,09,375 units sold in the April to March 2021 period while exports increased 22 percent to 21,95,772 units from 17,96,292 units YTD.CV sales performed better in both domestic and exports. Domestic sales increased 47 percent to 1,60,723 units from 1,09,292 units. Exports on the other hand grew by 21 percent to 3,10,854 units from 2,57,729 units shipped in April to March 2021 period. Total sales of CVs stood at 4,71,577 units, up 28 percent from 3,67,021 units sold in the April to March 2021 period.Bajaj Auto Sales YTD FY 2022Two wheeler and CV domestic sales dipped 6 percent YTD to 18,01,807 units from 19,18,667 units sold in April to March 2021, while exports increased 22 percent to 25,06,626 units from 20,54,247 units sold in the same period lasts year.Bajaj Auto Upcoming PlansBajaj Auto Limited has ambitious plans for the years ahead, especially where its electric vehicle range is concerned. The company is seeking to increase its electric scooter range under the Chetak sub-brand with a new EV being introduced each year over the next 3-5 years. Bajaj has confirmed an investment of Rs 300 crores to roll out 5 lakh electric vehicles per year.The company seeks to roll out 50,000 electric vehicles in the financial year 2022-23 as against just 8,000 units in the existing fiscal. Bajaj Auto Limited has also been developing products in association with Bengaluru-based urban mobility startup Yulu. More

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    Suzuki Two Wheeler Sales March 2022 – Burgman, Gixxer, Avenis, Access

    Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. (SMIPL) reports sales decline for March 2022, ends FY22 on a strong noteImage – MRD VlogsSuzuki 2W sales in March 2022 were somewhat of a mixed bag. Domestic sales were on a decline, and exports gained. Domestic sales last month were reported at 50,734 units, down from 60,222 units. Volume gain stood at 9,488 units at 15.76 percent decline. Of total sales, its domestic business accounted for over three quarters of volume.Last month, Suzuki Two Wheeler exports were on a high at 14,761 units, up from 9,720 units. Volume gain stood at just over 5k units at 51.86 percent growth. Total sales in March 2022 are reported at 65,495 units, down from 69,942 units.At 6.36 percent decline, volume loss stood at 4.4k units. Seeing current trends at Suzuki, March 2022 sales were the lowest for the quarter. Sales trend deviated a bit for the usual growth numbers Suzuki 2 wheelers has been reporting in recent months.Suzuki Sales March 2022 – MoM delineKeeping in mind the decline in March 2022, MoM sales too are reported at a decline. In February 2022, sales were reported at 58,603 units. MoM volume loss stood at 7,869 units at 13.43 percent decline. MoM exports improved 8.56 percent, up from 13,597 units. Volume gain is reported at 1,164 units. MoM total sales decline is reported at 9.29 percent, down from 72,200 units. Volume loss stood at 6,705 units.Suzuki Sales March 2022Through Q1 2022, Suzuki Two Wheeler domestic sales are reported at 1,69,960 units, down from 1,76,756 units in Q1 2021. Volume loss stood at 6,796 units, following a 3.84 percent sales decline. Exports in the last three months improved by over 25 percent.Cumulative export in Q1 2022 is up at 37,827 units from 29,717 units. Volume gain is reported at 8,110 units at 27.29 percent growth. For the quarter just concluded, domestic sales contributed to almost 82 percent of total sales. Total sales in Q1 2022 is reported at 2,07,787 units, marginally up from 2,06,473 units. Volume gain stood at 1,314 percent at less than 1 percent growth. Overall growth is attributed to improved exports.Suzuki FY22 sales growthFor the fiscal just ended, FY22 (April 2021 – March 2022), SMIPL reports cumulative sales at 754,938 units, up from 591,846 units sold in the previous financial year. Overall result is positive at 27.6 percent growth.Satoshi Uchida, Managing Director, Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt Ltd. said, “It is quite satisfying that despite the COVID-19 induced challenges and supply chain issues, we successfully registered a sales growth of 27.6 % in FY 2021-22. This growth reflects that our products have been well received by our consumers. Additionally, the sales response on our recently launched scooter, Avenis has been overwhelming. We are thankful to all our customers and dealer partners for their trust and belief in the brand, and making Avenis a successful product in just a couple of months.” More

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    Honda 2W Sales March 2022 – Activa, Dio, CB350, Unicorn

    Honda ended the past month with sales of 3,21,343 units relating to a 21.82 percent YoY de-growthImage – Auto Travel TechTwo wheeler sales have not been particularly noteworthy over the past few months. Rising fuel prices have resulted in more demand for electric vehicles while the work from home or hybrid work culture continues even as the pandemic abates.Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI) has posted a YoY de-growth both in terms of domestic sales and exports. MoM sales however, ended more positively though the company has also reported significant de-growth in Q1 2022 sales.Honda 2W Sales March 2022Honda’s domestic sales in March 2022 stood at 3,09,549 units. This was a YoY de-growth of 21.64 percent over 3,95,037 units sold in March 2021. Exports on the other hand dipped 26.29 percent to 11,794 units down from 16,000 units shipped in March 2021. Total sales that included domestic + export stood at 3,21,343 units during the past month. This was a 21.82 percent de-growth to 3,21,343 units as compared to 4,11,037 units sold in March 2021.MoM sales also dipped 2.79 percent from 3,12,621 units sold in February 2022. Domestic sales increased 8.36 percent to 3,09,549 units from 2,85,677 units sold in February 2022 with a share percentage of 91.38 percent. This increased to 96.33 percent in March 2022.Honda Two Wheeler Sales Mar 2022Honda experienced a substantial MoM fall in exports by 56.23 percent from 26,944 units shipped in February 2022. Even as the Honda Activa sells well in the Indian market, Honda’s most exported scooter remains the sporty Dio. Honda Q1 2022 vs Q1 2021 SalesTaking into account Q1 2022 sales, Honda sold 9,88,173 units during the said period. This was a 23.45 de-growth over 12,90,916 units sold in the same Q1 period of 2021. Domestic sales dipped 25.58 percent to 9,10,422 units in Q1 2022 as against 12,23,331 units sold in Q1 2021 commanding a share percentage of 92.13. Exports on the other hand increased 15.04 percent to 77,751 units in Q1 2022 from 67,585 units sold in Q1 2021 with share percentage at 7.87.Honda recently hit the 30 lakh two wheeler export milestone in 21 years. Honda Navi, which has been recently launched, failed to find much demand in Indian markets but has been a topmost export for Honda over the past few months. Exports are conducted to over 29 global markets where along with the Navi, the Dio, X-Blade, Dream, CB Shine, Hornet, Unicorn, Activa and CB350 Hness see good demand.Honda Two Wheeler now plans to launch a range of new scooters and motorcycles in India, to boost sales. They will also be bringing in electric scooters considering its increased demand. Last month, they filed design patents for 3 new scooters, images of which have appeared online while Honda has also filed a trademark for CBR150R in India. Honda 2W continues to strengthen and expand its BigWing Networks which has touched 100 points across the country while the company’s Service on Wheels continues to offer quality service at customer’s doorstep. More