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      Royal Enfield Himalayan, 650 Twins Thailand CKD Plant Starts

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      650 Twins at Royal Enfield Thailand CKD PlantRoyal Enfield starts local assembly of Himalayan, Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 models at Thai facility
      In recent years, Royal Enfield has focused its interest in carving out a larger market share in the mid-size motorcycle segment (250cc – 750cc) globally. In strengthening its reach, today the manufacturer announced start of ops at its local assembly unit and CKD facility in Thailand.
      The South-East Asian development furthers RE’s ‘commitment to the Asia Pacific Region‘. With operations underway, Royal Enfield now has three local CKD (Completely Knocked Down) units. One in Argentina, and Colombia in Latin America, and now in Thailand. In India, the company operates three manufacturing facilities in Chennai.
      Royal Enfield Thai assembly unit
      The Thai local assembly unit is located at Gateway City Industrial Estate, Moo 7 Huasamrong, Plaengyao Chachoengsao. And the factory unit will cater to supplies not just to Thai customers but as a distribution hub to other countries in South-East Asia region. This includes Indonesia, Vietnam, etc. The development presents RE with ‘significant advantage and growth opportunities’.
      Operations at the new facility begin with local assembly of Himalayan, Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 models. The unit is setup in partnership with GPX. At this same unit, other brand motorcycles are also being manufactured / assembled, as can be seen in the photos below.
      Same plant also manufactures other brand motorcycles
      Royal Enfield entered the Thai market in 2015. Since then, it has been deemed a critical market for the manufacturer. Having entered many a new market in recent years, the company enjoys top position in mid-size motorcycle segment in multiple markets.
      This includes Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, and Korea. A consumer base that’s growing in Asia Pacific in tandem with a significant retail network in the region is key to growth. Add to this, the new local assembly unit, and Royal Enfield aims for a critical boost for business growth in Southeast Asia.
      CKD assembly plant in Thailand
      B Govindarajan, Executive Director, Royal Enfield, said, “Royal Enfield has been working extensively to grow and expand the middleweight motorcycling segment globally. With a strategic view to grow the business and cater to increasing demand we have been pursuing our plans to set up local assembly units in priority markets beginning with Argentina in 2020 and then Colombia earlier this year.”
      Royal Enfield Motorcycle Assembly In Thailand
      “Continuing this journey and marking a first for us in the Asia Pacific region, we are very happy to announce the commencement of operations at the CKD assembly plant in Thailand. A testament to our commitment to the region and the market potential, and to our growing community of riding enthusiasts, this facility will enable us to efficiently cater to the growing demand in the Asia-pacific region, and also become the hub for the rest of Southeast Asian markets.” More

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      Royal Enfield Shotgun SG650 Concept First Look – Classic 650cc

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      Image – Gagan ChoudharyThe SG650 bobber concept could be named Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 at the time of its launch
      Royal Enfield is one of the primary Indian motorcycle brands which is popular at a global level. They have always generated high anticipation at the biennial auto event. This time too, Royal Enfield fans had their eyes glued to the onset of 2021 EICMA in Milan, Italy as there were expectations of something new.
      At the latest edition of EICMA, Royal Enfield has pulled out a surprise by revealing the SG650 Concept. The pre-production prototype previews a 650cc single-seater bobber which is likely to turn into a production model soon. The model looks slightly different from the 650cc cruiser spotted testing on Indian roads on numerous occasions previously.
      As we already know, Royal Enfield is developing multiple new models based on the 650cc platform. One of them is a 650cc cruiser motorcycle which is speculated to be named Super Meteor 650 since it will serve as an elder sibling to Meteor 350. The other model spotted in recent times is a 650cc roadster which is believed to share styling elements with Classic 350.
      Royal Enfield Shotgun SG650 – Styling
      In all probability, the SG650 Concept could give birth to the 650cc equivalent of Classic as it shares plenty of design details with the latter. The low-set and wide handlebar, centre-set footpegs and a single rider seat indicate that it mimics the styling of Classic 350. The seat wears a premium hand-stitched black leather. Take a look at the detailed first look walkaround video, credit to Gagan Choudhary.
      [embedded content]
      Like other Royal Enfield motorcycles, SG650 gets several retro styling highlights such as a round headlamp and taillamp, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, bar end rearview mirrors and chunky front and rear fenders. Components such as the fuel tank and wheels have been carved out of a CNC billet machine whereas the former gets a retro-styled polished aluminum finish with digital graphics.
      Mechanical Specs & Features
      Mechanical specifications of SG650 Concept will be identical to the upcoming 650cc cruiser which will receive the same upside-down front forks and twin shock absorbers at rear. Braking duties on the motorcycle will be carried out by single disc brakes at both ends that will be aided by a dual-channel ABS as standard.
      Powering the SG650 bobber concept will be a 648cc parallel-twin engine which currently powers the 650 Twins- Interceptor and Continental GT. This motor kicks out 47 bhp and 52 Nm of peak torque and will be mated to a 6-speed gearbox with a slipper and assist clutch.
      In terms of features, we expect Royal Enfield to offer a semi-digital instrument panel that comprises a Tripper Navigation pod for turn-by-turn navigation. Other features such as all-LED lighting, USB charger and Bluetooth connectivity should also be offered since this model is likely to sit on top of the current 650 Twins. More

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      BSA Motorcycles Is Back With New Logo – First Official Teaser Out

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      First motorcycle under revived BSA motorcycles was recently spied near Pune. Image – ThrustZoneClassic Legends currently manufacturers motorcycles under the Jawa brand in India
      This news might bring smiles to the faces of classic motorcycle lovers. In the latest development, Mahindra & Mahindra owned Classic Legends will be reviving one of the iconic motorcycling brands in Britain- BSA Motorcycles. The company’s operations have been defunct since 1972.
      Classic Legends intends to start assembly of BSA Motorcycles in Britain by mid next year. Anand Mahindra, chairman of Mahindra & Mahindra Group, owns 60 percent of stakes at Classic Legends and is reported to be the primary backer of this project.
      Revival of BSA Motorcycles – New Logo Teaser
      Classic Legends will first start by developing a technical and design centre in Banbury, Oxfordshire which will be followed by the commencement of assemblies of new motorcycles at BSA’s facility in Midlands. The spotting of BSA motorcycle test mule in Pune, suggests that the new range of motorcycles may have already been developed by Classic Legends in India.
      BSA Motorcycles have launched their new social media handles, where they have announced their comeback, and even shared new logo. Hat tip to automotive enthusiast Rakesh for sharing the update. Take a look at the teaser below.

      Return of a Legend. #BSAisBack.
      We’ve evolved, but our DNA remains unaltered.#BSAMotorcycles #Motorcycles #BSA #BritishClassic pic.twitter.com/put30okQiV
      — BSA Motorcycles Official (@bsamotorcycles_) November 24, 2021

      Government of UK has already awarded a grant of £4.6 million (or INR 45.2 crore) to Classic Legends which is nearly half the money required to set up an R&D centre at Banbury, near Coventry. This will also provide 255 new job opportunities. This facility will be utilised exclusively to develop bikes with electric powertrains, first of which is expected to undergo production later next year.
      Legacy of BSA motorcycles
      BSA which stood for Birmingham Small Arms was originally founded in 1861 as an arms manufacturing unit at Small Heath in Birmingham. The setting of Small Heath has been aptly showcased in the popular BBC Network show ‘Peaky Blinders’.
      The company started producing motorcycles in the year 1910 and had a decent run until the mid-1960s. Things started to fall apart when Japanese manufacturers entered the market and BSA eventually had to shut down its entire operation in 1972.
      Upcoming BSA Motorcycle. Image – ThrustZone.
      Other Details To Look Out For
      Apart from the incentive by British Government, the other reason for Mahindra to revive BSA Motorcycles in the UK is to maintain the brand’s legacy. The project is being handled by Anupam Thareja, co-founder of Mahindra’s Classic Legends subsidiary. It will be interesting to see what powertrains and platforms Classic Legends use in the new BSA bikes. Currently, the company has two single-cylinder motors- a 293cc and a 334cc unit which it employs on Jawa motorcycles. The same team is also getting ready to revive Yezdi brand.
      It is to be noted that Mahindra brought the controlling stake of both Jawa and BSA Motorcycles around the same time in 2016. The proposed new bikes under the revived BSA brand will cost between £5,000 and £10,000 (Rs 4.9 to 9.8 lakh) in the UK. The first BSA motorcycles are expected to be in the 650cc segment, taking on the Royal Enfield Twins range. More

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      New Aprilia SR GT 125cc ADV Scooter Debuts At EICMA 2021

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      New Aprilia SR GT ADV ScooterAprilia SR GT is expected to go on sale in select international markets, launch in India remains uncertain as of now
      While adventure bikes in recent years have turned out to be the new blue-eyed boys in the global motorcycling community, it is time for scooter lovers to get a taste of adventure as well. At the ongoing edition of EICMA, a couple of ADV scooters made their maiden appearance, the most prominent of all being a 350cc ADV scooter from Honda.
      The list gets longer with Aprilia revealing not one but two adventure scooters at the biennial auto event. Unlike the ADV from Honda, the scooters from Aprilia are entry-level models and will serve a wider range of consumers. Called SR GT, the Italian brand has described the model as an ‘urban adventure scooter’.
      Aprilia SR GT – Design
      Starting with their design, the SR GT twins draw inspiration from other Aprilia models with a few elements borrowed from the SXR range. In true essence, SR GT is a Maxi scooter with an ADV-like stance. This translates to edgy styling with signature tri-LED headlights upfront on the apron.
      Other typical ADV elements include a smoked windscreen on top of the apron and a front-heavy faired body. Like most Maxi scooters, SR GT doesn’t feature a flat floorboard with the transmission tunnel running down its spine. The silver-coloured footrests extend to double up as bash plates for undercarriage protection. The single-piece saddle provides lumbar support to the rider.
      New Aprilia SR GT ADV Scooter
      At rear, the flat tail section features a single-piece grab rail along with a sharp LED taillight. SR GT can be had in three colour options namely Aprilia Black, Street Grey and Infinity Blue. Those wanting even sportier paint schemes can opt for the more premium Sport trim which offers three different liveries like Street Grey, Red Raceway, and Street Gold.
      To complement the sporty attire, SR GT gets a premium red-stitched seat cover along with the red alloy wheels. The alloys are shod with knobby dual-purpose tyres, commonly seen in adventure tourers to take on rough roads. In fact, a wide handlebar, increased ground clearance and long-travel suspension are all inspirations taken from contemporary ADVs.
      Mechanical Specs
      Underpinned by a double cradle chassis, the frame sits on 33mm telescopic forks upfront and twin shock absorbers at rear, both derived from Showa. Braking duties will be carried out by petal-shaped discs with 260mm and 220mm rotors at front and rear respectively. The SR GT twins ride on 14-inch front and 13-inch rear wheels.
      SR GT will be available in two derivatives- SR GT 125 and SR GT 200. The former is powered by a 125cc, single-cylinder engine that pushes out 14.75 bhp at 8,750rpm and peak torque of 12Nm at 6,500rpm. The latter, on the other hand, features a 174cc, single-cylinder unit that kicks out 17.43 bhp at 8,500rpm and 16.5Nm at 7,000rpm. Both cooters tip the weighing scales at 144kg and 148kg respectively. More

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      Suzuki Sales Breakup Oct 2021 – Access, Burgman, Gixxer, Intruder

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      Image – Sinha SuzukiSuzuki found its Access scooter most in demand in domestic markets commanding 82 percent of sales while the Gixxer had most buyers in export markets
      The two wheeler industry continues to battle challenges in view of the ongoing pandemic while the segment is also affected due to rising fuel prices and input costs along with supply chain disruptions. Suzuki Motorcycle India, SMIPL, posted a 15.53 percent decline in domestic sales to 56,785 units in October 2021. The company had sold 67,225 units in the same month last year. MoM domestic sales however, noted a marginal increase by 2.12 percent over 55,608 units sold in September 2021.
      Suzuki Sales Breakup Oct 2021 – Access Tops
      Domestic sales for October 2021 saw the Access scooter in top form despite an 11.42 percent YoY de-growth. The Access was also the third bestselling scooter in India following the Activa and Jupiter. Sales in the past month stood at 46,450 units, down from 52,441 units sold in October 2020. MoM sales performed better with a 3.13 percent growth over 45,040 units sold in September 2021. Share in the company lineup increased marginally from 81 percent held in September 2021 to 81.80 percent in the past month.
      At No. 2 was the Suzuki Burgman. Posting a YoY de-growth of 32.17 percent, sales dipped to 7,199 units last month from 10,613 units sold in October 2020. MoM sales also dipped 16.96 percent over 8,669 units sold in September 2021.
      Suzuki Gixxer and Gixxer 250 posted a 15.19 percent and 57.43 percent YoY decline in sales to 2,775 units and 255 units respectively in October 2021. MoM sales however improved for the Gixxer up 107.09 percent over 1,340 units sold in September 2021 while Gixxer 250 sales dipped 16.94 percent over 307 unit sold in September 2021.
      Suzuki Sales, Exports Oct 2021 vs Oct 2020 (YoY)
      Sales in domestic markets for the Suzuki Intruder dipped 77 percent YoY and 69.74 percent on a MoM basis. Sales stood at 69 units last month from 300 units sold in October 2020 and from 228 units sold in September 2021. Suzuki V-Strom 650 sales stood at 13 units in October 2021.
      Suzuki Two Wheeler Exports Oct 2021
      In terms of exports, the company performed better in a YoY basis with a 28.64 percent growth reported. Sales which had stood at 9,640 units in October 2020 increased to 12,401 units in the past month. MoM exports however remained flat with 12,404 units shipped in September 2021.
      In export markets, it was the Gixxer that found most demand. Sales increased 29.31 percent YoY to 6,092 units, up from 4,711 units sold in October 2020 and currently commanding a share of 49.13 percent. However sales in September 2021 had stood at 6,406 units relating to a de-growth of 4.92 percent while share had stood at 51.65 percent.
      Suzuki Sales, Exports Oct 2021 vs Sep 2021 (MoM)
      Suzuki Burgman posted YoY and MoM growth. Sales increased 225.52 percent YoY to 5,000 units over 1,536 units sold in October 2020. MoM sales surged 50.65 percent over 3,319 units sold in September 2021.
      Thereafter, the Gixxer 250 (380 units), Hayate (498 units), Access (257 units) and Lets (0 units) all posted YoY and MoM de-growth. Suzuki Intruder was in more demand with a 64.15 percent YoY growth to 174 units shipped last month over 106 units exported in October 2020. MoM exports also increased 89.13 percent over 92 units shipped in September 2021.
      Suzuki Avenis has just been launched in India which could boost sales in the coming months. It is the company’s third offering in the 125cc scooter market, following the Access 125 and Burgman Street 125. The Avenis is based on the Access 125 platform and gets its power via a 125cc engine that makes 8.7hp and 10Nm. More

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      TVS Plans Rs 1,200 Cr Investment For Upcoming Electric Motorcycles, EVs

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      TVS electric motorcycle render. Credit – Abin DesignsThe latest MoU between TVS and Tamil Nadu will have a significant beneficial effect on small and medium industries directly or indirectly associated with TVS
      TVS Motor has taken a giant leap towards electrification. The company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government of Tamil Nadu. According to the MoU, TVS will be investing a whopping Rs 1,200 crore over a period of four years in the electric vehicle (EV) space in the state.
      The MoU was signed at the Tamil Nadu Investment Conclave 2021 in Coimbatore in the presence of Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M K Stalin and Venu Srinivasan, Chairman, TVS Motor Company. The investment will cater to building EVs and developments of future technologies in the electric mobility space.
      TVS Upcoming Electric Vehicles – New EV factory
      A majority of this investment will be spent on building a new manufacturing facility in the state which will specifically cater to design, development and manufacturing of new products and capacity expansion in the EV space. The investment also reflects TVS’ continued commitment towards the state’s overall economic growth as a responsible corporate citizen.
      TVS stated that it is transforming itself into a digital age company with a connected, sustainable and electric brand. The company is committed to leading the technology development in EV and green fuel and leading the way to the electrification of the two-wheeler segment in the country.
      TVS Creon Electric Scooter Concept
      This development comes after Ola Electric made a swashbuckling entry into the country’s EV space earlier this year with a new Futurefactory, which is the world’s largest electric two-wheeler manufacturing facility.
      TVS might retail its future battery-powered models in a separate vertical dedicated to EVs. TVS reportedly has plans to launch a range of new electric vehicles including scooters, motorcycles, three wheelers, etc in the coming years. All these are expected to be manufactured at this new plant.
      TVS iQube- Mechanical Specs & Features
      Currently, TVS has only one EV offering in the form of iQube electric scooter in its entire lineup. Initially launched in January last year, the e-scooter is now available in many cities across the country. Priced a little more than Rs 1 lakh, it directly rivals the likes of Ather 450X, Bajaj Chetak and Ola S1. TVS iQube sales crossed the 4k mark for 2021 last month. It has stayed ahead of rival Chetak by a margin of about 200 units.
      Powering iQube is a 4.4kW hub-mounted BLDC motor that derives its energy from a 2.25kWh battery pack. This powertrain returns 3kW power and 140 Nm of peak torque and a claimed range of 75km for a single charge. The e-scooter gets two modes- Eco and Sport.
      iQube also comes loaded with features such as full-LED lighting along with a full-colour TFT instrument cluster sporting TVS’ SmartXonnect function. It allows connecting the display with a smartphone through Bluetooth for giving access to various information such as ride stats, remote battery range and geo-fencing. More

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      Hero Electric Scooter, EV Sales Double In 2021 Festive Season

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      Hero Electric ScootersHero Electric sales touched the 24k mark in the period from 1st Oct 2021 to 15th Nov 2021
      Hero Electric scooter and EV sales numbers foster a spirited outlook this festive season. Through 2021 festive season (October 01 – November 15, 2020), Hero Electric sales stood at 24,000 units. In comparison, for the same period last year, sales were at 11,339 units.
      Amended FAME II policy and fuel price fluctuations have helped strengthen focus on electric vehicles, and thereby resulted in increase in demand. Overall focus on EVs sees certain segments spearhead growth. This includes government backed public transport developments, and the focus of electric fleets by delivery businesses.
      On the consumer front, electric scooters and motorcycles are being projected as the next big thing. To support this, there’s been more awareness around such development. Updates to FAME II policy mean one can avail of rebates for specified vehicle segments. Over time, investments have been enhanced to strengthen charging infrastructure to help reduce range anxiety.
      Hero Electric Retail Sales Double In 2021 Festive Season
      Hero Electric’s growing customer base has seen the company report retail sales of 24k units during 2021 festive season. The manufacturer’s ‘30 days, 30 bikes’ festive offer fuelled sales momentum this festive season. And was designed for customers purchasing a Hero Electric two-wheeler with a chance to get their vehicle free.
      Hero Electric Scooter Sales
      FY2022 gaols revolved around ‘strong sales target’ and ‘market share’. During the time, sales touchpoints expansion is targeted at a 1,000 units. 300 new sales touchpoints will be made operational, adding to the current network of 700 such units. Expansion targets are in tandem with segment growth projection of 20 percent over the next five years. Production capacity expansion is on the cards.
      Electric Two Wheeler segment growth
      In the longer run, Hero targets to add 1 million customers annually. A strong EV ecosystem is being developed by installing charging infrastructure in major cities. A partnership with EV charging start-up Charzer targets 10k charging stations to start with.
      Through first year ops, chargers will be set up across Hero Electric dealerships. Charzer mobile app and website will aid users find the nearest charging station.The collab targets 1 lakh such stations, and the job is to be completed in 3 years. Simultaneously, the mechanic network is being developed by training those servicing petrol bikes to handle upkeep of electric two-wheelers.
      Sohinder Gill, CEO, Hero Electric, said, “We saw two clear indicators in our showrooms this festive season. A significant percentage of customers chose Hero Electric bikes over the Petrol bikes and many factored environment and sustainability as influencing factors in their purchase. This is a good indicator for Hero and the E2W industry to step into an exponential growth and bring around an EV revolution that will help reduce air pollution and make our cities a better place.” More

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      2022 Honda ADV 350 Scooter Debuts At EICMA – New Features

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      2022 Honda ADV 3502022 Honda ADV 350 will be launched in Europe first – It is not expected to be launched in India
      2022 Honda ADV has made its global debut. This adventure scooter will be on public display at the EICMA 2021, being held from November 25-28. This is the company’s third offering in the adventure scooter segment – that also includes models like the X-ADV and the ADV150.
      Honda ADV 350 comes with styling borrowed from the X-ADV. It will be presented in three colour options of Spangle Silver Metallic, Matte Carbonium Gray Metallic and Matte Carnelian Red Metallic. It sits on a tubular steel frame. Speaking about dimensions, it is 2200mm in length, 895mm in width and 1295mm in height. It has a 1520 mm wheelbase. Though based on the Honda Forza 350, the ADV 350 is bigger and heavier than the former at 186 kgs.
      2022 Honda ADV 350 – Features and Styling
      Honda ADV 350 sports dual LED headlamps. It gets a two stage adjustable windscreen which can be adjusted via a slide-lock mechanism through 2 stages and 133mm travel. A USB Type C socket is positioned in the left glove box while seat height is at 795m. Under seat storage is at a premium with 48 liter capacity making it large enough to accommodate two full face helmets.
      On board features include an LCD instrument cluster with Honda Smartphone Voice Control system, Honda RoadSync All. It also gets connectivity via Bluetooth to the user’s smartphone allowing for voice management of phone calls and music. Smart Key controls the main ignition switch knob and seat locking from the rider’s pocket and automatically locks the scooter when the rider is out of a certain range.
      2022 Honda ADV 350
      Engine Specs
      Honda ADV 350 is powered by a 330cc, SOHC, four valve engine making 21.5 kW (29 PS) peak power at 7,500 rpm and 31.5 Nm torque at 5,250 rpm. Fuel efficiency is rated at 30km/l economy (WMTC mode) with a potential 340km+ range on a full tank.
      Ideally suited both for city and out of city riding, the ADV 350 gets 37mm inverted fork with 125mm travel in the front. Rear suspension is via twin shock absorbers with 130mm travel. Front tyre is 120/70 R15 while rear tyre is 140/70 R14. Braking is via single disc in the front and rear via 2 channel ABS.
      Connectivity
      Keeping its rider fully connected, the ADV350’s LCD dash integrates the Honda Smartphone Voice Control system, which links the rider to their smartphone while on the move and allows voice management of phone calls and music. A helmet-mounted headset and Honda’s RoadSync app are all that is needed to activate the system, and the smartphone connects via Bluetooth; management of Honda Smartphone Voice Control System is from the left switchgear.
      Honda is also offering the ADV 350 with a list of accessories. These include a 50 liter smart top box, rear carrier rack, inner bags and heated grips. The list also includes a U lock and outdoor cover. More