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      Bajaj Sales, Exports Breakup Sep 2021 – Pulsar, Platina, Dominar, Avenger, CT100

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      New Bajaj Pulsar 200Bajaj Auto domestic sales dipped 19.98 percent YoY in September 2021 with exports up 1.72 percent
      Bajaj Auto Limited ranked at No. 4 among the leading two wheeler makers in terms of sales in September 2021. Next in order, following Hero, Honda and TVS, Bajaj Auto posted de-growth in terms of domestic sales while exports increased marginally.
      On the whole it was a bad month for the two wheeler segment. Every leading automaker has posted a dip in sales except for TVS Motor Company. Semiconductor chip shortage has impacted sales in the 150+ cc motorcycle segment but as inventories increase at company dealership a more lucrative festive season is on the cards.
      Bajaj Sales Breakup Sep 2021
      Bajaj Auto sold a total of 1,69,343 units in domestic markets last month. This was a 19.98 percent de-growth over 2,11,359 units sold in September 2020. Every bike in the company lineup posted lower YoY sales except for the Platina and Chetak. Bajaj Platina sales topped the domestic list with 82,559 units sold, up 48.77 percent over 55,496 units sold in September 2020.
      Bajaj Pulsar sales suffered last month, and was no longer the No 1 selling brand for the company. Pulsar registered sales of 57,974 units in the past month, down 43.55 percent over 1,02,698 units sold in September 2020. In the Pulsar range, it was the 125 that received most attention with 39,081 units sold while the Pulsar 150 saw sales to the extent of 11,082 units. Pulsar 200 sales stood at 3,703 units last month and of the Pulsar 220F the company sold 4,108 units. Bajaj also heralds in the new Pulsar 250. It will rival the Suzuki Gixxer 250 and Yamaha FZ25.
      Bajaj Sales Breakup Sep 2021
      Domestic sales of the Bajaj CT100 and Avenger dipped 42.68 percent and 81.45 percent respectively. Sales were down to 25,852 units and 1,090 units respectively as against 45,105 units and 5,877 units sold in the same month of the previous year.
      Bajaj Dominar sales also fell 35.30 percent to 1,226 units last month, down from 1,895 units sold in September 2020. On the other hand, Bajaj Chetak sales surged 122.92 percent to 642 units, up from 288 units sold in September 2020. The Bajaj Chetak recently underwent a price hike, its 3rd in 2021, making it the most expensive electric scooter on sale in India today.
      Bajaj Exports Breakup Sep 2021
      Bajaj Auto Limited reported exports at 1,82,697 units, up 1.72 percent over 1,79,609 units sold in September 2020. Buyers in global markets showed more preference towards the Boxer, of which 1,03,516 units were sold commanding a share of 56.66 percent. This was a 2.14 percent growth over 1,01,344 units shipped in September 2020. Bajaj Boxer 110cc demand dipped 0.76 percent to 82,420 units last month while the Boxer 125cc bike saw exports grow 73.13 percent to 5,824 percent. Boxer 150cc sales also increased in global markets by 2.28 percent to 15,272 units.
      Bajaj Exports Breakup Sep 2021
      Pulsar exports dipped 14.21 percent to 35,879 units, down from 41,821 units sold in September 2020 with a share of 19.64 percent. Pulsar 150-200cc (16,254 units) and Pulsar 125-150cc (14,064 units) were more in demand as compared to the Pulsar 110-125cc, of which the company shipped 5,002 units last month.
      The Bajaj Discover also saw an increase in YoY export, up 17.14 percent 18,199 units, over 15,536 units shipped in September 2020. Bajaj CT exports also increased significantly by 23.33 percent to 17,192 units over 13,940 units shipped in September 2020. Exports of the Platina, Dominar and Avenger too increased YoY.
      Avenger exports up 81.13 percent to 672 units over 371 units exported in September 2021. The Avenger 250cc saw more demand over the Avenger 200cc with 576 units of the former being exported over 96 units of its smaller capacity counterpart. More

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      Kawasaki Z650RS India Launch Price Rs 6.65 L – Two Colour Options

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      New Kawasaki Z650RS for IndiaPowering Kawasaki Z650RS will be the same parallel-twin engine as that of Ninja 650 and Z650
      2022 Kawasaki Z650RS was unveiled globally a few weeks back in September this year. Now, it has been launched in India at a starting price of Rs 6.65 lakh, ex-sh. At this price point, the Z650RS does not have any direct rivals in the segment. But it could be an option against the likes of Triumph Street Twin and Honda CB650R. Royal Enfield 650 twins can also be considered, but these are priced much lower at around Rs 3.5 lakh.
      Kawasaki Z650RS styling and features
      A number of styling bits have been borrowed from the larger capacity Z900RS. However, Z650RS comes across as more agile and manoeuvrable with its smaller tank and compact tail section. Indian version of the bike is largely the same as the one unveiled globally. Minor changes include a split grab rail that was spotted on a test mule in Mumbai.
      Focused on neo-retro styling, Kawasaki Z650RS has a classy feel to it. There aren’t any unnecessary flashy bits and yet the bike stands out just by the sheer brilliance of its timeless retro design. Some key features include round headlamp, retro themed instrument pods, circular mirrors and tear-drop shaped fuel tank.
      Other key features include single piece saddle, wire-spoke styled alloy wheels, and underbelly exhaust. A number of components such as engine, frame, and swingarm are blacked-out for a sportier look and feel.
      New Kawasaki Z650RS for India
      In international markets, Kawasaki Z650RS is available in colour options of Metallic Spark Black, Metallic Moondust Grey/Ebony and Candy Emerald Green. The green variant gets golden alloy wheels, making it the quintessential head turner on the streets. In India, it is offered only in 2 colour options of Candy Emerald Green and Metallic Moondust Gray.
      In terms of ergonomics, the bike has a comfortable, upright riding stance. Footpegs are centrally located and handlebar is ergonomically placed at just the right height. The compact fuel tank ensures that the rider’s legs can easily slide by its sides.
      Kawasaki Z650RS India Launch
      Powering the bike is a 649cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled motor. It is capable of generating 67.3 bhp of max power at 8,000 rpm and 64 Nm of peak torque at 6,700 rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The bike is equipped with advanced tech such as assist and slipper clutch. It helps ensure smooth downshifts and reduces the effort required for level pulls. The bike’s under-engine muffler works to improve the bike’s performance by lowering the centre of gravity.
      Kawasaki Z650RS utilizes a Trellis frame made from high tensile steel. It has standard telescopic forks at front and monoshock rear suspension. Braking duties are performed by 300mm discs with two-piston callipers at front and single 220mm disc at rear. Dual-channel ABS is offered as standard. More

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      Yamaha R15S Homologated Ahead Of Launch – Cheaper Version Of R15 V4

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      Image – Bike Point By Mintu & RahulNew R15 V4 and R15M are costlier than their predecessor R15 V3 – To target wider segment of buyers, a cheaper R15S variant to launch soon
      With features like USD forks, quickshifter, traction control system, connectivity tech and new colour options, Yamaha R15 V4 and R15M are significantly better than the earlier V3 model. However, these updates have resulted in price hike of around Rs 10-20k. To ensure that the popular R15 nameplate remains accessible to a larger user base, Yamaha has decided to launch a new variant named R15S.
      Yamaha R15S details
      Yamaha has already filed application to register the new name. R15S is likely to be an affordable version that would appeal to users with limited budget. While it could have the same looks as R15 V4, some of the advanced features may be removed to reduce cost. R15S can also be described as a re-branded version of R15 V3.
      It is to note that Yamaha had used a similar strategy earlier also in case of R15 V2. The idea was essentially to launch a no-frills product that would work out cheaper than the standard model. Needs of users vary widely and not everyone may be looking for advanced features.
      In case of entry-level performance-oriented bikes like R15, a significant percentage of users comprise youngsters. Availability of an affordable version will allow Yamaha to put more options on the table for its customers.
      Yamaha R15S Homologated In India
      For R15S variant, Yamaha is likely to retain the same look and feel as that of new R15 V4. This is necessary, as users may not like the idea of buying something that looks similar to the old model. Things like design updates, USD forks, new colour options, graphics and other cosmetic enhancements are likely to be retained for R15S. However, for reducing costs, other features such as quickshifter, traction control, etc. could be removed.
      2021 Yamaha R15S engine
      It is expected that Yamaha R15S will be powered by the same engine as was offered with R15 V3. It makes slightly more power, as compared to new R15 V4 and R15M. New R15 bikes are powered by a 155cc, SOHC, liquid cooled, 4-valve motor. It is capable of generating 18.4 ps of max power at 10,000 rpm and 14.2 Nm of peak torque at 7,500 rpm. It is mated to a constant mesh, 6-speed transmission. In case of R15 V3, power and torque output is 18.6 bhp and 14.1 Nm.
      One of the long pending demands fulfilled with new R15 V4 is USD forks. In international markets, this feature was offered as standard. However, it is only now that it has been introduced in India. Yamaha has also added additional features such as a new fully digital LCD meter console.
      It displays a range of information such as speed, rpm, gear position, ride mode, phone battery level, app connectivity status, and traction control system status. Alerts about SMS, email and calls are also displayed on the screen. Connectivity features include parking location finder, malfunction notification, fuel consumption tracker and maintenance recommendations. More

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      Ather Electric Scooter OATS For Champions – In Response Rajiv Bajaj’s Comment

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      Ather Electric Scooter is backed by Hero MotoCorpRajiv Bajaj is known for expressing his thoughts and doesn’t seem to care if his words can lead to controversies
      On the occasion of new Pulsar 250cc launch, Rajiv Bajaj took the opportunity to target EV startups like Ola, Ather, Tork and Smart E (OATS). His primary accusation was that these startups are cash burn businesses whereas established players like Bajaj are cash flow businesses.
      He said that he would bet on BET, which stands for Bajaj, Enfield and TVS. Rajiv’s punchline was “Champions eat OATS for breakfast”. Here, OATS meant Ola Electric, Ather Energy, Tork Motors and SmartE – an obvious challenge to new EV startups.
      Rajiv Bajaj at Pulsar launch. Image – BloombergQuint
      Ather Electric Scooter OATS
      While Bajaj’s primary target was Ola Electric, it’s Ather that has responded first. In a witty comeback, Ather has posted a tweet that talks about launching a new line of products – ‘OATs for champions’.
      It comes with the promise of giving a quicker and smarter start to the day. The punchline ‘Recommended by experts’ takes a dig at Rahul Bajaj. The packet mentions – ‘for when you need that instant pick-up’, which refers to superior acceleration offered by electric two-wheelers.
      Ather’s reply to the OATS comment from Rajiv Bajaj
      Apart from his sarcastic remarks, Rajiv Bajaj targeted Ola for not delivering even a single piece till date. He said that making customers wait for deliveries is the way of the startups. In comparison, he said that established players like Bajaj thrive on a cash flow model. Talking about Bajaj strengths, Rajiv said the company is 75 years old and has overcome numerous challenges in its journey.
      He said champions like Bajaj, Enfield and TVS have always adapted to evolving market dynamics. They have successfully adapted on various fronts, be it cost, competition or new regulations. And they have capabilities to adapt again in the emerging EV ecosystem. He said that EV startups should not take established players lightly.
      EVs and ICE – the great divide
      Even though EV sales are still pretty low, EV companies are emerging as potential disruptors of the future. Rising fuel prices have worked in the favour of EV startups. Attractive subsidies offered by central and state governments have made EVs more accessible to the masses. However, there’s a lot to be done in terms of building battery charging and battery swapping infrastructure.
      Ola head joins the banter
      Rajiv Bajaj directly targeting companies like Ola may have a valid reason. It’s because EV manufacturers have accused traditional players for not doing enough to promote EV usage. Ola Electric founder Bhavish Aggarwal had said that established players continue to produce fossil fuel vehicles in great numbers. It is statements like these that may have prompted Rajiv Bajaj to push back.
      While the shift to EV ecosystem is inevitable, established players cannot do it overnight. They have millions invested in facilities that produce ICE-based two wheelers. It’s practically impossible for these companies to have the same ambitious EV goals as that of electric startups. On the other hand, companies like Ola can afford to go full steam in EV space. They don’t have to deal with the baggage of making the shift.
      Moral of the story is that friction between EV startups and established players will continue till a complete shift to electric is achieved. Hopefully, the fireworks will be limited to sarcastic remarks and not move into the realm of lawsuits and defamation cases. More

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      Honda Sales, Exports Breakup Sep 2021 – Activa, Dio, CB Shine, CB200X, CB350

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      Image – MS AutoVlogsHonda Unicorn 150 recorded the highest YoY growth of 1700 percent in exports – While Unicorn 160 registered highest decline in domestic sales
      Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI) is the second-largest two-wheeler brand in India. However, like most other automakers in recent months, Honda has been facing a production slowdown thanks to a shortage in supply of semiconductor chips.
      The Japanese bikemaker was able to dispatch a total of 4,63,683 two-wheelers in September this year as opposed to 5,00,888 units sold during the same period last year. This led to a YoY decline of 7.43 percent. The sales chart was topped by Activa as usual with a total sales volume of 2,45,352 registered last month.
      Honda Sales Breakup Sep 2021 – Activa & Shine leading the way
      However, a YoY decline of almost 5 percent was recorded since the company sold 2,57,900 units of Activa during the same month last year. Activa was followed by CB Shine with a total registered volume of 1,42,386 units last month instead of 1,18,004 units sold in September last year. This led to a 20.66 percent YoY growth.
      Honda sold 34,557 units of Dio which recorded a YoY growth of 2.73 percent. Dream occupied the fourth spot with 15,210 units sold in September this year. During the same period last year, Honda sold 19,667 units of the 110cc motorcycle which has translated to a YoY decline of 22.66 percent.
      Honda Domestic Sales Sep 2021
      The OEM sold 11,213 units of Livo which was 5,681 units less than September 2020. This resulted in a 33.63 percent. A total of 11,213 units of Grazia were dispatched across the country which led to YoY growth of 8 percent.
      Honda launched CB350 retro motorcycle last year which has witnessed decent success. The bike recorded a sales volume of 2,995 last month. It was trailed by Unicorn 160 with 1,390 units which recorded massive YoY degrowth of 95.55 percent. Unicorn was closely followed by the brand’s latest addition CB200X with a registered volume of 1,387 units. Hornet 2.0, on which CB200X is based upon, raked in a volume of a mere 75 units.
      Honda Exports Sep 2021 – Dio, Navi, X-Blade Popular Overseas
      As far as exports are concerned, a total of 18,225 two-wheelers were shipped to overseas markets by Honda in September this year. During the same month last year, the company dispatched 25,978 units which resulted in a YoY decline of almost 30 percent. Dio was the highest dispatched two-wheeler with a total volume of 4,874 units shipped overseas.
      Honda Exports Sep 2021
      Last year, this figure stood at 3,807 units which led to YoY growth of 28 percent. Honda exported 3,450 units of the monkey bike Navi as opposed to 5,452 which resulted in a 36.72 percent YoY decline. The company exported 2,295 units of X-Blade which translated to YoY growth of 213.52 percent. Grazia recorded a volume of 1,319 units which led to YoY growth of 37.40 percent. More

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      Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 Cruiser In Production Guise – New Spy Shots

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      New Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 Cruiser. Image – Vasanth H
      Royal Enfield is expected to name its upcoming 650cc cruiser as Super Meteor – It will be positioned as the flagship product in the lineup
      Royal Enfield has a number of prospective launches up its sleeves in the coming few months. However, the next big launch is expected to be the 650cc cruiser which has been spotted on a number of occasions previously. Recently, it was reported that this upcoming cruiser will be named Super Meteor.
      One doesn’t have to guess too hard for the actual inspiration behind the name as the brand already retails a cruiser named Meteor. However, the former will be a proper cruiser rather than the 350cc machine which essentially is a retro-style roadster trying to be a cruiser.
      It has also come to light that Super Meteor 650 will make its first official appearance at the upcoming 2021 EICMA Show in Italy next month. Meanwhile, the motorcycle continues to be spotted testing on Indian roads. The undisguised prototype seen in these images is in line with the speculative digital renderings that have gone viral online. The latest spy images are credit to automotive enthusiast Vasanth H.
      Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 Cruiser – Design & Features
      Like most Royal Enfield models, retro styling forms a key aspect of the upcoming 650cc cruiser. Some notable highlights spied include a circular headlamp with a chrome bezel, split-style seats, a tear-drop fuel tank, twin-sided exhaust canisters embellished in chrome, a round taillight and broad fenders. A rear-swept handlebar and forward-set footpegs suggest the bike will offer a relaxed riding ergonomics of a typical cruiser.
      New Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
      In terms of features, Super Meteor 650 has been spied with a twin-pod instrument cluster. One of them is expected to be the Tripper Navigation which provides turn-by-turn navigation when paired with the Royal Enfield smartphone app via Bluetooth. We also expect the Chennai-based bikemaker to throw in a few electronic rider aids.
      Mechanical Specifications
      Powering Super Meteor 650 will be the same 648cc air and oil-cooled, parallel-twin engine that propels Interceptor and Continental GT. This motor churns out 47 bhp and 52 Nm of peak torque and will be coupled with a 6-speed gearbox accompanied by a slipper clutch. Hardware configurations will differ slightly from the existing RE 650 twins. Suspension setup will consist of upside-down front forks and twin-sided rear springs.
      Braking duties will be handled by disc brakes at both ends which will be aided by a dual-channel ABS as standard. Like a typical cruiser, Super Meteor will ride on a 19-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear wheel wrapped around by thick profile tubeless tyres.
      As mentioned previously, Super Meteor 650 will be positioned as a premium cruiser above the current 650cc twins- Interceptor and Continental GT in the RE lineup. The brand Super Meteor was previously used by Royal Enfield in the United States in the 1950s. The upcoming 650cc cruiser is expected to be launched in India in the first quarter of next year. More

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      New Bajaj Pulsar 250 Vs Yamaha FZ25 Vs Suzuki Gixxer 250 – Specs Compared

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      New Bajaj Pulsar 250cc LaunchedAll three quarter-litre motorcycles in this space are closely specced to each other, price and engine output being the only major differentiation
      Bajaj has finally launched its flagship model in the Pulsar range of motorcycles- Pulsar 250 in two iterations. The naked one is called N250 while the semi-faired version is named F250. Most of the specifications of Pulsar 250 are on the expected lines as it has been covered vigorously over the last few months.
      Pulsar 250 directly competes against its Japanese rivals- Yamaha FZ25 and Suzuki Gixxer 250. Like Pulsar 250, Gixxer 250 is offered in two iterations- naked and semi-faired (SF 250) whereas FZ25 is only offered as a naked streetfighter. The naked and semi-faired iterations of both Pulsar and Gixxer are similar, barring their styling.
      New Bajaj Pulsar 250 Vs Yamaha FZ25 Vs Suzuki Gixxer 250
      While design is purely a subjective thing, each of the motorcycles mentioned above looks sharp. However, if one wants to opt for a faired look, then FZ25 cannot be the choice. While exact dimensions of Pulsar 250 haven’t been revealed yet, it offers a wheelbase of 1351 mm which is bang in between FZ25 (1340 mm) and Gixxer (1360 mm). Pulsar 250 is also the heaviest among its rivals at 162 kg for N250 and 164 kg for F250.
      On the other hand, FZ25 is the lightest in the category. Both Pulsar and Gixxer offer a ground clearance of 165 mm while FZ25 offers 160 mm of ground clearance. Seat height of all three bikes is around the same region from 795 mm to 800 mm. The main difference among these three models is that Pulsar 250 is based on a tubular frame while the other two are based on a diamond frame.
      New Bajaj Pulsar 250 Vs Yamaha FZ25 Vs Suzuki Gixxer 250
      Powertrain Specs & Features
      Coming to powertrain, all three are powered by a 249cc single-cylinder SOHC engine. However, Gixxer 250 churns out the highest output of 26 bhp and 22.2 Nm. The reason behind this is while others offer a 2-valve setup, Suzuki offers a 4-valve setup in Gixxer 250.
      FZ25 is by far the least powerful in the segment. While Gixxer 250 is paired with a 6-speed gearbox, Pulsar 250 and FZ25 are offered with a 5-speed transmission.
      All three motorcycles offer more or less the same amount of features with a few variations. Common features on all three motorcycles include LED headlight, LED taillight and automatic headlight. While Pulsar 250 is the only one to offer a USB charger as standard, it misses out on a fully digital instrument cluster and a dual-channel ABS, like its compatriots.
      New Bajaj Pulsar 250 Vs Yamaha FZ25 Vs Suzuki Gixxer 250
      Price
      Coming to prices, Gixxer 250 is the priciest among them with both its naked and semi-faired iterations priced at Rs 1.71 lakh and Rs 1.83 lakh. Pulsar 250 trunks out to be the most affordable in this space with prices of Rs 1.38 lakh and Rs 1.40 lakh for the naked version and semi-faired version respectively. More

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      Hero Sales, Exports Breakup Sep 2021 – Splendor, Glamour, Pleasure, Destini

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      Image – Patna BikesHero MotoCorp sold 5,05,954 two-wheelers in September 2021 as opposed to 6,97,293 units in September 2020
      The automotive industry has been reeling under the effects of the ongoing Covid-19 for a very long time and now it has been facing a semiconductor chips shortage for several months which has adversely hit production across different segments. Even the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer hasn’t been left untouched.
      Production of Hero MotoCorp, like most other OEMs in India, has taken a hit during the recent crisis of semiconductor chip shortage. This has resulted in low sales and exports volumes. However, things appear to be stabilizing very slowly with production improving gradually.
      Hero Sales, Exports Breakup Sep 2021 – Splendor Continues Old Charm
      A total of 5,05,954 two-wheelers were sold by Hero MotoCorp last month which translated to a 27.44 percent YoY decline. On the other hand, the bikemaker witnessed an MoM growth of 17.37 percent. Splendor topped the list of domestic sales in September this year with 2,77,836 units sold as compared to 2,41,703 units sold in August this year. This resulted in MoM growth of 15 percent.
      However, marginal YoY degrowth of 0.86 percent was recorded since 2,80,250 units of the 100cc motorcycle were sold in September 2020. Splendor was followed by another 100cc bike in the form of HF Deluxe with a registered sales volume of 1,34,539 units. This led to a negative YoY growth of 37.77 and a positive MoM growth of 17.42 percent.
      Hero MotoCorp Sales Breakup Sep 2021 vs Sep 2020 (YoY)
      Pleasure- most sold scooter
      The third spot was taken by Glamour with 26,866 units dispatched across the country last month. This translated to a YoY decline of 61.33 percent and an MoM growth of 13.13 percent. Pleasure was the brand’s highest-selling scooter for September this year which recorded a sales volume of 21,648. This resulted in YoY and MoM growths of 7.87 percent and 25.86 percent.
      Hero dispatched 17,191 units of Passion to dealerships across the country last month resulting in a YoY decline of 72.84 percent and an MoM growth of 16 percent. Destini registered a sales volume of 12,358 units which led to a 37 percent YoY decline and a 49.74 percent MoM growth. Maestro, Xtreme 160R and Xpulse 200 recorded a monthly sales volume of 6,1137 units, 5,996 units and 3,375 units respectively.
      Exports- Hunk leads chart
      Coming to exports, as many as 24,783 two-wheelers were dispatched to overseas markets by the company. This translated to YoY growth of 33.78 percent and MoM growth of 8.97 percent. Hunk was the most exported two-wheeler from Hero with 6,999 units shipped overseas. This led to a massive YoY growth of 128 percent and MoM growth of 8 percent.
      Hero MotoCorp Sales Breakup Sep 2021 vs Aug 2021 (MoM)
      A total of 6,229 units of Splendor were shipped abroad last month leading to an MoM growth of 15.87 percent and a marginal YoY growth of 0.31 percent. It was followed by Hf Deluxe and Glamour with a monthly volume of 4,843 units and 4,246 units respectively. The latter recorded the highest YoY and MoM growth of 244.64 percent and 76.62 percent respectively. More