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    Honda Benly e Electric Scooter Spied Testing In India – Launch In 2021?

    Honda Benly e Electric scooter
    Honda has plans to launch electric scooter in India to take on the likes of Bajaj Chetak, TVS iQube, Ather 450x, etc
    The shift to electric motorcycles and scooters grows with each passing day. Rising fuel prices and the need for a cleaner and safer environment are also leading reasons for this new trend which every two wheeler maker in India is venturing into.
    Benly e is an electric scooter from Japanese brand Honda that is being tested at Automotive Research Association Of India (ARAI) ahead of launch in the country. As in 2019, Honda revealed the Benly e Series that consisted of 4 electric models – Benly e I, Benly e I Pro, Benly e II and Benly e II Pro.
    Of these, the Benly e 1 is classified as Class 1 Category 2. The Benly e II is classified as Class 2 Category 3. Benly e I Pro and Benly e II Pro are based on their respective models and come in with added features which include large storage basket in the front, a large rear carrier, knuckle guards and foot brake system as standard.
    ARAI Testing
    Directed for business use for everyday pickup and delivery services, the Honda Benly e is seen with an LED headlamp, digital instrument cluster and accessory power socket. Being directed for pickup and delivery use, it gets fitted with a flat rear deck and large basket in the front. It can carry upto 60 kgs load.
    The Honda Benly e Series is being developed as business-use electric scooter for corporate customers
    Honda Benly e is presented in a single colour scheme of Ross White. It comes with a reverse assist function so as to assist the rider to turn the scooter around in a narrow area and even on an inclined surface. The scooter rides on 12 inch front with 90/90 section tyre and 10 inch rear wheels with 110/90 section tyre. Kerb weight is at 125-130 kgs with combined braking system (CBS) offered as standard.
    Engine Specs and Range
    Honda offers the Benly e Series with two motor options. The Benly e I and I Pro get their power via a 2.8 kW (3.8 PS) electric motor making 13 Nm peak torque. The scooters are capable of a range of 87 km per charge at 30 km per hour on flat road.
    Honda Benly e II and II Pro sports a 4.2 kW (5.7 HP) electric motor offering 15 Nm peak torque and offers a range of 43 km at 60 km per hour on flat road. The two 48V lithium-ion batteries, called Mobile Power Pack (MPP) power each of the motors and are detachable and swappable.
    The batteries can be detached and power via dedicated chargers. The company claims hill climb is possible upto 12 degrees incline with cargo of 30 kgs for Benly e I and I Pro and upto 60 kgs for Benly e II and II Pro along with the reverse assist feature.

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    Two Wheeler Sales May 2021 – Hero, Bajaj, TVS, Honda, Royal Enfield

    Bajaj Pulsar NS 200Two wheeler sales noted significant YoY growth both in domestic and global markets
    Despite the on-going pandemic situation in the country, two wheeler sales are on the increase. Buyers are showing preference to personal model of travel and hence every two wheeler maker, with the exception of Honda has posted positive sales in May 21 over that of May 20.
    Two Wheeler Domestic Sales May 2021
    Total two wheelers sold in India in May 21 stood at 3,30,823 units, a growth of 26.43 percent over 2,61,630 units sold in May 20. However, when comparing MoM domestic sales, it was a sorry picture. Every automaker in the country has posted a de-growth. Total two wheeler domestic sales were down 62.81 percent from 8,89,453 units sold in April 21.
    Taking YoY sales growth into account, Hero MotoCorp was at the lead with 1,59,561 units sold, a YoY growth of 46.59 percent as against 1,08,848 units sold in May 20. The company commands a 48.23 percent share. It was products such as the Splendor, HF Deluxe, Passion, and scooters that included Pleasure, Maestro and Destini that were most in demand.
    Honda two Wheeler sales dipped 28 percent YoY to 38,763 units, down from 54,000 units sold in May 2020. Currently holding an 11.72 percent share, MoM sales had fallen 83.86 percent as against 2,40,100 units sold in April 21 when market share was also at 26.99 percent.
    Two Wheeler Sales May 2021
    TVS Motor sales increased 26.83 percent to 52,084 units in May 21, up from 41,067 units sold in May 20. MoM sales however, dipped 60.36 percent as compared to 1,31,386 units sold in April 21. The Apache range was the best selling in the segment while in terms of scooters, it was the Jupiter, Ntorq and iQube that were most in demand.
    YoY domestic sales of Bajaj Auto also saw a significant increase at 53.60 percent to 60,342 units, up from 39,286 units sold in May 20 while MoM sales dipped 52.33 percent as compared to 1,26,570 units sold in April 21. Royal Enfield also noted positive YoY sales with MoM sales dipping 58.86 percent.
    Two Wheeler Exports May 21
    Every two wheeler maker in India reported significant YoY sales growth. Total exports, which stood at 1,7,657 units in May 20 increased 91.56 percent to 3,32,653 units in May 21. However, MoM exports dipped 15.47 percent as compared to 3,93,535 units shipped in April 21.
    Two Wheeler Exports May 2021
    Bajaj Auto claimed the export charts maintaining its leadership with a 54.17 percent share. Exports increased 145.15 percent to 1,80,212 units in May 21, up from 73,512 units exported in May 20. MoM exports however dipped 18.68 percent as against 2,21,603 units shipped in April 21.
    TVS Motor Co reported positive YoY and MoM growth, up 7.94 percent and 7.94 percent respectively. While Hero MotoCorp exports surged 512.49 percent YoY to 19,405 units MoM exports, dipped 20.86 percent as against 29,671 units exported in April 21.
    It was Honda that noted the most YoY percentage increase. Exports which had stood at 820 units in May 20 increased a substantial 2266.46 percent to 19,405 units in May 21. However, these exports were significantly lower by 54.81 percent with 42,945 units exported in April 21.
    Royal Enfield exports also increased 955.70 percent to 7,221 units in May 21, up from 684 units shipped in May 20 while MoM exports increased 60.15 percent with April 21 export figures at 4,509 units with the Royal Enfield Classic, Bullet, Meteor and Electra making up the bulk of global sales. More

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    Yezdi Roadking Name Trademark Filed – India Launch By Dec 2021

    Yezdi Roadking test mule spiedWhile Yezdi will focus on domestic market, BSA will primarily target European countries
    After resurrecting Jawa brand in 2018, Classic Legends is working aggressively on expanding its product portfolio. Currently, it retails three motorcycles, Jawa, Jawa forty two and Perak. The company has around 200 outlets across India and cumulative sales have been around 50,000 units. To power the next phase of growth, the company urgently needs to expand its product portfolio. That’s where Yezdi and BSA brands are going to play a critical role.
    Yezdi motorcycle
    With Yezdi, Classic Legends can generate higher volumes. In FY2021, the company’s sales were 20,801 bikes (excluding data from Telangana, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh). At current volumes, it may become difficult for dealers to sustain their business in a profitable manner. Yezdi has good potential in the Indian market, as it is a popular name among enthusiasts. Just like Jawa, it also evokes a sense of nostalgia.
    Yezdi Roadking Testing
    Yezdi motorcycle is planned to debut during the festive season, around pre-Diwali period. It will be using the same 293cc, single cylinder, liquid cooled motor that does duty on Jawa. It is capable of generating 27.33 PS of max power and 27.02 Nm of max torque. It is mated to a 6-speed constant mesh transmission.
    Yezdi could also borrow other hardware pieces such as suspension and brakes. It will be manufactured on the same assembly line that is currently being utilized for Jawa at the company’s production facility in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh. Under the revival, Yezdi could name their first motorcycle as Roadking, appropriate trademarks have been filed.
    Yezdi Roadking Name Registered
    650cc BSA motorcycles
    BSA brand has similar familiarity and fan following in European markets, just like Jawa and Yezdi in India. Birmingham Small Arms (BSA) was established way back in 1861. The iconic British motorcycle brand was bought by Mahindra a few years back for around Rs 28 crore.
    Dedicated teams at Classic Legends are currently working to perfect a new 650cc engine. This will power multiple middleweight BSA motorcycles. The engine is being tested on various parameters such as dynamics, handling and emission compliance norms in UK. Simultaneously, the design of the motorcycle is being developed at the company’s design centre in UK.
    BSA motorcycles will initially be launched in UK. They will be manufactured in India and assembled overseas. A dedicated assembly line has already been setup at Pithampur plant for manufacturing the premium BSA motorcycles. The new bikes could be unveiled at upcoming EICMA 2021 in Milan. However, launch timelines are not clear. These will take on 650cc motorcycles from Royal Enfield.
    As per reports, Classic Legends is also working on an electric motorcycle that will be launched under BSA brand. For this, the company has been given a grant of 4.3 million pounds (around Rs 45.2 crore) by UK government.
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    Honda Two Wheeler Sales May 2021 – Activa, Dio, CB Shine, Hornet, CB350

    Image – Takuli’s TalkHonda Two Wheelers reports slowdown in wholesales in May 2021 following surge in Covid-19 infections
    The Indian auto market has yet again taken a hard hit In May 2021. With Covid-19 pandemic related pandemic infections and complications at an all time high in April and May 2021, manufacturers have had to rework procedures to reduce production. On the sales front, individual state levied lockdowns meant that dealerships were not open for sales, nor service.
    Domestic sales for Honda Two Wheelers was even lower than in May 2020. This is when the country was beginning to open up for business in a phased manner having announced a complete and absolute lockdown in March 2020.
    Honda domestic sales in May 2021
    Domestic sales was reported at 38,763 units, down from 54k units. Sales volume declined by 15,237 units at 28.22 percent decline. This accounted for 67 percent of total business. The figures reported are nowhere close to the volume of business Honda usually does. Best sellers in the scooter segment were the likes of Activa and Dio. In the motorcycle segment, it was the CB Shine while in performance segment, Hornet as well as CB350 posted decent numbers.
    Exports stood at 19,405 units having improved from the 820 units exported a year earlier. Exports accounted for 33 percent of total wholesale business last month. Total business stood at 58,168 units at 6.11 percent gain. Volume gain stood at 3,348 units, up from 54,820 units YoY.
    Honda Sales May 2021
    Current uncertainties for business
    Keeping in mind the situation of May 2021, a meaningful MoM comparison isn’t possible. In April 2021, total sales was reported at 2,83,045 units. Of this, domestic sales were reported at 2.4 lakhs, and exports at 43k. The previous April, business stood at naught.
    Given the difficult circumstances, one can expect sales to be subdued in June too. As states relax lockdown guidelines, chances are dealerships across more locations will open up for business. Even then, a lot would change in terms of actual business hours as shops are no longer open for the entire duration of a regular work day.
    Current circumstances have compelled manufacturers to make business decisions based on ever-changing limitations and lockdowns. Given the myriad of uncertainties, coping and keeping up is difficult. Hence businesses are gauging risk factors and responding as appropriate.
    Considering the totalitarian nature of a sudden lockdown last March, it took auto manufacturers months to report sales that appeared to be worth writing about. But a complete failure to gauge a potential second wave by the centre meant manufacturers were yet again pushed into a corner having had to resort to stopping or reducing production to a bear minimum. Given the lack of preparedness to deal with Covid-19, the arrival of any subsequent wave is likely to yet again push manufacturers to a corner. More

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    Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter To Tata Nexon EV To Get Cheaper As Govt Proposes No Registration Fees

    Bajaj Chetak Electric ScooterThe draft notification proposed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is open for comments from public and stakeholders within 30 days
    Government of India has been vigorously pushing towards adoption of electric vehicles in the country over the last few months. From concession on road tax for consumers and added concessions for local battery and components manufacturers in India, the Central Government has been pushing hard to adopt cleaner sources of power in automobiles.
    As per the latest development, the government has drafted a proposal that exempts all battery-powered vehicles from registration charges in a bid to promote electric mobility in the country. This development comes at a time when demand for electric vehicles and transition to cleaner sources of mobility is slowly gathering momentum in India.
    More Details
    While issuing a draft notification, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed to exempt all Battery Operated Vehicles (BOV) from payment of fees for registration of a new vehicle as well as renewal of registration.
    It also mentions exemption of fees for the assignment of a new registration mark. A copy of the above notification draft has been uploaded on the road and transport ministry’s official Twitter handle.
    Tata Nexon EV.
    The notification further stated that comments from the general public and all stakeholders have been sought within 30 days from the date of issuance. The draft proposes an amendment to Rule number 81 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 which states the various fees chargeable to consumers including issue and renewal of trade certificate for vehicles, issue of registration certificates, transfer of ownership and more.
    Speaking of registration of EVs, India sees higher cases of registration of vehicles running on three wheels, although two-wheelers have also gained prominence ever since new EV brands have come into picture.
    If this proposal is implemented, more customers will be drawn into buying EVs. This will help increase the demand for EVs in India which will, in turn, prompt manufacturers to make batteries in India thereby reducing the cost of battery manufacturing.
    EVs in India
    At present, building batteries requires huge capital for all manufacturers which forms the bulk of the final cost of an EV. Two wheeler segment is led by the likes of Okinawa, Ampere, Hero Electric, Ather, Bajaj Chetak, TVS iQube and many others. The passenger vehicle segment in India, as of now, has very few options when it comes to cleaner sources of power. Tata Motors has two in the form of Tigor EV and Nexon EV which serve as entry-level models.
    Going higher in the segment, there Hyundai Kona electric and MG ZS EV, both electric crossovers which are locally assembled in India. Apart from this luxury marques such as Mercedes Benz and Jaguar have launched their EV lineup with EQC and I-Pace respectively. Other makers such Audi and Volvo will also be launching new EVs in India in the coming few months. More

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    NawaRacer Hybrid Electric Motorcycle Set To Make Debut Soon

    NawaRacer Hybrid Electric MotorcycleNawaRacer is unlikely to become a production model anytime soon but may end being a one-off racing prototype
    “Electric power sources hold the key to future mobility solutions.” This statement has been reiterated countless times in the past few years and as time goes by, we have witnessed new advancements in electric vehicle (EV) technologies. Earlier EVs were powered by Lead acetate batteries which later evolved into Lithium-ion batteries and are the predominant source of power currently.
    In January last year, Nawa Technologies, a company that specialises in development of super high-tech batteries and charging systems, revealed the NawaRacer Concept. This concept was powered by a first-of-its-kind hybrid electric powertrain and is soon set to be revealed in the form of a working prototype.
    More Details
    This electric bike is presently being developed by the French battery tech expert in association with YSY Group, Pronergy, FAAR and AKKA Technologies. The concept made its appearance last year at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Not to be confused by the hybrid description stated earlier, NawaRacer draws its entire energy from a battery, however, the technology in use is a lot more sophisticated with a new battery management system.
    Design
    Starting with its styling, the electric motorcycle adopts a classic design inspired by the cafe racers of the 1960s. It gets retro-inspired elements such as a round LED headlamp with an integrated circular LED DRL, minimalistic bodywork, black alloy wheels and smooth flowing lines.
    NawaRacer Hybrid Electric Motorcycle
    The neo-retro look is further accentuated by copper accents and an upswept single-piece tan seat. A completely exposed tail section provides a modern touch giving the overall design a nice contrast.
    Specs Details
    Coming to its specs, the cafe racer utilises a combination of nano and clean technologies. This unique combination forms an electrode that has been incorporated into what the company calls an Ultra Fast Carbon Battery. Commonly known as an ultracapacitor, this new technology is capable of storing ten times more power and producing five times more energy. It also provides much faster charging which makes it ideal for a wide number of applications.
    This NawaCap ultracapacitor lithium-ion hybrid setup is capable of charging zero to 80 percent in just one hour. It comes with a capacity of 0.1kWh and weighs only ten kilos. 80 percent of the energy lost could be recovered through regenerative braking. Thanks to an impressive regen capacity, NawaRacer requires a small 9kWh battery. This battery feeds energy to a hubless rim motor instead of a regular hub-mounted motor which develops a power output of close to 100 horses.
    Weighing a total of 150kg, NawaRacer is comparatively lighter than contemporary electric motorcycles. It is claimed to attain a top speed of 160 kmph with a combined single-charge range of 150km. On the other hand, its Urban range is claimed to offer an impressive range of 300km. Nawa Technologies has no intention to bring the e-bike to a full production stage. However, the company has revealed that it could end up being a production model should any manufacturer be interested to take this project ahead. More

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    Hero MotoCorp Sales May 2021 – Splendor, Passion, Xpulse, Maestro

    Image – The Bengal RiderHero MotoCorp has resumed single shift operations on all its manufacturing facilities from the second half of May
    Amidst the raging second wave of Covid-19 pandemic, Hero MotoCorp has managed to sell 1,83,044 two-wheelers in May 2021. Keeping the unprecedented rise in fresh infections, the manufacturer shut down all operations at all its manufacturing facilities across the country from April 22, 2021.
    Given the fresh lease of life given to the deadly virus, Hero claims the sales volume registered in May this year is not comparable to the corresponding month of the previous year as well as sequential months of this year. Despite the lockdowns imposed across various states of the country which led to limited sales and production, the company managed a YoY growth.
    More Details
    Hero witnessed a YoY increment of 62.44 percent since it sold 112,682 units in May 2020. However, the numbers were 50.83 percent less than 372,285 units sold in April this year. Out of 1,83,044 two-wheelers sold last month, 1,78,706 units were motorcycles while 4,338 units were scooters. These figures include both domestic sales and exports.
    In May last year, the bikemaker sold 1,06,038 motorcycles and 6,644 scooters which resulted in YoY growth of 68 percent and a decrease in YoY sales by 34.71 percent respectively. In April this year, Hero registered sales of 339,329 motorcycle units and 32,956 scooter units in April 2021, which are substantially more in terms of volume.
    Hero MotoCorp Sales – May 2021
    The world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer sold 159,561 units domestically in May 2021 in comparison to 108,848 units sold during the same month last year. This translates to YoY growth of 46.59 percent. Leading products sold by Hero for May 2021 include Splendor, HF Deluxe, Passion, etc. While best-selling scooters include Pleasure, Maestro, Destini, etc
    The numbers for exports stood at 23,483 units as opposed to 3,834 units exported in May last year. This resulted in a staggering YoY growth of 512.49 percent. The bikemaker sold 342,614 units in the domestic market and shipped 29,671 units to overseas markets in April 2021.
    Resumption of Operations
    The company decided to resume single-shift operations on three of its manufacturing plants located in Gurugram, Haridwar and Dharuhera from May 17. This was followed by resumption of operations of the other three facilities located in Neemrana, Halol and Chittoor from May 24. Hero, in its recent media release, stated that it continues to monitor the situation closely and will move to double-shift production gradually.
    The brand hopes that with the vaccination drive gaining pace and a sharp decline in the number of Covid positive cases, markets across the country could open up gradually. This will aid in the swift recovery of businesses in the coming weeks. The company also added that currently all its corporate offices are in Work from Home (WFH) mode and a very small number of its employees are allowed in offices on a rotation basis for the continuity of essential services. More

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    Royal Enfield Sales May 2021 – Classic, Bullet, Meteor, Himalayan, 650 Twins

    Image – Yo RidersJust like other OEMs, Royal Enfield has been experiencing problems across production and retail network
    In May 2021 and May 2020, auto manufacturing and sales were impacted due to the pandemic. As compared to May last year when a complete nationwide lockdown was imposed, this time the lockdowns have been imposed in specific areas only. And these lockdowns have come in a staggered manner, which has provided some relief to auto companies.
    Royal Enfield YoY growth at 43%
    Royal Enfield has reported total sales of 27,294 units in May 2021. This includes domestic sales as well as exported units. Total sales during the corresponding period last year stood at 19,113 units. MoM numbers for domestic market are in the red, as compared to 48,789 units sold in April 2021.
    Total sales (domestic sales + exports) during the period April 2021 to May 2021 was 80,592 units. This is a gain of 320%, as compared to 19,204 units sold in the corresponding period last year.
    YoY export growth in May 2021 is 956%, up from 684 units in May last year to 7,221 units in May 2021. MoM exports numbers are positive, as compared to 4,509 units exported in April 2021. Exports during the period April 2021 to May 2021 is 11,730 units, which is a growth of 1414%. Exports during the same period last year stood at 775 units.
    Royal Enfield Sales and Exports – May 2021
    350cc motorcycles dominate
    More than 80% of the total units sold and exported comprised 350cc motorcycles. These include Classic, Bullet, Meteor and Electra. Classic 350 is Royal Enfield’s top selling motorcycle in the domestic market. Its sales are usually more than the combined sales of other 350cc Royal Enfield motorcycles.
    Classic 350 will soon be launched in its next-gen avatar. It will get a range of updates including visual enhancements and new features. The updated motorcycle will be utilizing a new engine and chassis, which are currently available with Meteor 350. Royal Enfield is also working on other new 350cc motorcycles, as part of its portfolio expansion strategy. One of these is a scrambler motorcycle, which could be launched as ‘Hunter‘.
    Sales and exports of 350cc motorcycles during April 2021 to May 2021 were 69,295 units. This is growth of 295%, as compared to 17,543 units sold in the corresponding period last year.
    Sales and exports of motorcycles above 350cc were 4,560 units in May 2021. YoY growth is 190%, as compared to 1,570 units in May last year. Sales and exports during the period from April 2021 to May 2021 were 11,297 units. This is an increase of 580%, as compared to 1,661 units sold during the corresponding period last year.
    In this segment, Royal Enfield currently offers the Himalayan and 650 twins (Interceptor and Continental GT). Just like 350cc segment, Royal Enfield will introduce new products in this space as well. It includes a 650cc roadster, a scrambler and a cruiser. More