More stories

  • in

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

    Bajaj PulsarDespite being the only company to report de-growth, Hero MotoCorp once again topped the list commanding a 35.75 percent share in domestic markets
    Sales reports for July 2021 have shown growth across all segments. While sales of passenger vehicles increased significantly, two wheeler segment has seen marginal growth of 0.97 percent YoY. Taking into account the leading 6 two wheeler makers in India, total two wheeler sales stood at 12,00,621 units in July 2021, up from 11,89,106 units sold in July 2020. MoM sales saw more improvement at 16.76 percent growth from 10,28,302 units sold in June 2021.
    Hero And Honda Top 2
    Hero MotoCorp once again ruled this segment despite de-growth reported in a YoY and MoM basis. Hero commands a 35.75 percent market share with 4,29,208 units sold in the past month, down 16.26 percent as against 5,12,541 units sold in July 2020. MoM sales decline stood at 2.12 percent as compared to 4,38,514 units sold in June 2021. Decline was seen both in the case of scooters and motorcycles. Last month, Hero MotoCorp also introduced two new products – Glamour Xtec and ‘Connected’ Maestro Edge 125.
    Honda sales increased 9.96 percent YoY and 60.10 percent on a MoM basis. Sales in July 2020 which had stood at 3,09,332 units, increased to 3,40,133 units in July 2021 while in June 2021 sales had been at 2,12,446 units. Honda sales mainly comprised of the Activa, CB Shine and Dio. Last month, the company has also commenced deliveries of CB650R and CBR650R, launched in India in March 2021.
    At No.3 on the list was TVS Motor Co with 1,75,169 units sold in July 2021, up 20.46 percent over 1,45,413 units sold in July 2020. Bajaj Auto has reported flat sales in July 2021 which stood at 1,56,232 units, just a 2.46 percent increase over 1,52,474 units sold in July 2020 while MoM sales increased 0.38 percent over 1,55,640 units sold in June 2021. Among the company lineup, it was the Pulsar, Avenger, Dominar, CT100 and Platina that noted most demand.
    Two Wheeler Sales July 2021
    Suzuki and Royal Enfield
    Suzuki Motorcycle India has reported the highest YoY and MoM sales growth. Sales in July 2021 increased 92.83 percent to 60,589 units, up from 31,421 units sold in July 2020. MoM sales increased 49.70 percent from 40,474 units sold in June 2021. Suzuki Hayabusa, V-Strom 650 XT, Gixxer series along with Intruder, Access 125 and Burgman Street are among the popular models currently sold in Indian markets.
    Royal Enfield sales in July 2021 increased 3.60 percent YoY to 39,290 units over 37,925 units sold in July 2020. MoM sales improved 9.70 percent over 35,815 units sold in June 2021.
    Two Wheeler Exports
    Two wheeler exports surged significantly on a YoY basis. Exports of the leading 6 two wheeler makers in India increased 71.46 percent to 3,49,728 units in July 2021, up from 2,03,975 units exported in July 2020. MoM exports also increased 14.19 percent from 3,06,267 units shipped in June 2021.
    Two Wheeler Exports July 2021
    In terms of exports, it was Bajaj Auto Limited that ruled the list with a 49.85 percent share. Total exports stood at 1,74,337 units in the past month, up 102.52 percent from 86,082 units exported in July 2020. MoM exports increased 12.52 percent from 1,54,938 units shipped in June 2021.
    TVS Motor Co suffered de-growth in exports both on a YoY and MoM basis, down 5.52 percent to 87,559 units in July 2021, over 92,679 units exported in July 2020. Honda exports however, surged 270.58 percent to 4,400 units in July 2021 over 12,251 units shipped in July 2020 while MoM exports also increased 110.35 percent over 21,583 units of June 2021.
    Hero MotoCorp has just opened exports in markets of Mexico with models such as the Xpulse 200, Xpulse 200T, Hunk 190, Hunk 160R, Hunk 150, Eco 150 TR, Eco 150 Cargo, and Ignitor 125, along with the Dash 125 scooter. Total exports for July 2021 stood at 25,190 units, up 233.07 percent over 7,563 units shipped in July 2020. MoM exports grew 22.01 percent over 20,646 units exported in June 2021.
    Suzuki and Royal Enfield exports increased 317.72 percent and 97.09 percent on a YoY basis respectively. However, while Suzuki exports increased 5.98 percent MoM that of Royal Enfield dipped 34.36 percent. More

  • in

    Sub 200cc Kawasaki Motorcycle Spied In Pune – Launch Expected This Year

    Kawasaki W15 Spied In Pune by Navin SanilWhile Kawasaki hasn’t released an official timeline for the launch of W175, sources suggest launch to take place around the festive season
    Late last year, it was reported that Kawasaki will be bringing a new entry-level motorcycle to India in the form of W175. A few weeks later, test mules of the retro-style classic motorcycle were spotted testing on the country roads. Since then, there has been no development regarding the launch of W175.
    However, a testing prototype of W175 fully wrapped under camouflage got caught on camera in Pune. Hat tip to automotive enthusiast Navin Sanil for sharing these spy shots. From the looks of it, the bike appeared to be an almost production-ready prototype with all its traditional design elements.
    Retro Styling
    Speaking of its design, the sub 200cc Kawasaki motorcycle carries a modern approach to retro styling with notable highlights such as round headlamps, teardrop-shaped fuel tank, single-piece seat with a ribbed pattern, wire-spoked wheels, a single-pod round instrument cluster and circular rearview mirrors. The side-on exhaust with a thin nozzle-head muffler must produce a lovely throaty note.
    The handlebar, seat and footpegs put the rider in a natural position, contributing to rider comfort and making W175 ideal for a wide range of riding conditions. It is offered with a conventional round analogue instrument cluster with a “W” emblem inside.
    Kawasaki W15 Spied In Pune
    The console reads out information from the trip meter, speedometer and odometer. At rear, it features a squared-off taillight with similar round turn indicators as spotted in front.
    Engine and other mechanical parts such as swingarm, suspension setup, leg guard and exhaust have been painted in black which lends the bike a sporty appeal. Also giving it a retro vibe are fork gaiters in the front suspension unit. The India-spec model also gets a conventional single-piece grab rail which is not offered in the model retailed in international markets.
    Mechanical Specs
    The bike is powered by a 177cc air-Cooled, single-cylinder engine that kicks out 13.05 bhp at 7500rpm and a peak torque of 13.2 Nm at 6000rpm and is paired with a 5-speed gearbox. While output figures are very modest, a low kerb weight of just 126 kilos should offer a decent enough performance. Hardware comprises telescopic forks at front and twin gas-charged shock absorbers at rear.
    Kawasaki W15 Spied In Pune
    Braking duties are handled by a single front disc and rear drum brake. If and when launched in India, W175 is expected to be more than 90 percent localised which will help the Japanese bikemaker price it aggressively. At the time of launch, it could carry a sticker price of Rs 1.50 lakh (ex-showroom). More

  • in

    Bajaj Dominar New Colour Options – Yellow, Orange, Black

    2021 Bajaj Dominar 250 New Colour – Citrus Rush / Matte SilverBajaj Dominar 250 competes against the likes of Suzuki Gixxer 250, Yamaha FZS 25 and KTM 250 Duke
    After introducing new colour schemes across the Pulsar range of motorcycles, Bajaj Auto has now decided to update its quarter-litre tourer with some new shades. The bikemaker has launched three new colour options to Dominar 250 to make it more attractive. All the new colour options are offered as dual-tone paint schemes.
    New Colour Options on Dominar 250
    From the look of the leaked images, these new colours look like shades of Orange, Yellow and Black. But they have specific names in Bajaj speak. These include Citrus Rush and Matte Silver; Sparkling Black and Matte Silver; and Racing Red and Matte Silver.
    The new colour options join the existing options namely Charcoal Black and Canyon Red. Sales have been particularly slow for Dominar 250 in recent months which is why Bajaj has introduced these new colour options to the lineup to grab the attention of bike enthusiasts.
    This comes almost a month later after the Chakan-based two-wheeler manufacturer decreased prices of the quarter-litre touring motorcycle by up to Rs 17k. The new prices of the bike start at Rs 1.54 lakh instead of the earlier 1.71 lakh (both prices ex-showroom).
    2021 Bajaj Dominar 250 New Colour
    More Details
    Noticeably all these three colour options offer white-coloured alloy wheels in a similar fashion to Pulsar NS 160, NS 200 and RS 200. Further, design of the alloy wheels remains identical to the existing finish in the quarter-litre motorcycle. These alloy wheel designs were also carried forward to the recently introduced Pulsar NS125.
    In addition, the matte silver paint is found common to all three colour options introduced in Dominar 250. Matte silver paint acts as the base colour whereas the contrast accents are subjected to the shades chosen.
    The contrasting shades of red, black or fluorescent green are found painted on the alloy wheel rims, engine cowl, front and rear fender, headlamp cowl and fuel tank. Prices of the updated Dominar 250 wrapped in these new paint schemes have not been declared. However, we expect a slight increase in prices just as the Dagger Edge Edition of Pulsar range.
    2021 Bajaj Dominar 250 New Colour
    Same Specs
    No changes to specifications or features have been made in this new iteration of Dominar 250. It is powered by a single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-valve engine that pumps out 26.6 bhp at 8,500rpm and a peak torque of 23.5Nm at 6,500rpm. This unit is paired with a six-speed gearbox and features a slipper clutch system.
    Hardware configuration comprises upside-down telescopic forks at and a mono-shock at rear. Anchoring duties are handled by disc brakes on both wheels assisted by a dual-channel ABS. More

  • in

    All Electric Two Wheelers, EV Car Buyers Exempted From RC Fees

    Bajaj Chetak Electric ScooterExemption announced from RC issue costs for all electric cars, scooters, motorcycles – Basically all battery operated vehicles
    Ministry of Road Transport & Highway’s (MoRTH) notification dated August 03, 2021 focuses on an all important amended. Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 has been amended to waive off registration charges for electric vehicles. For now, policies catering to boost demand for EVs is pretty much a tree that doesn’t stop giving.
    Following incentives, and subsidies, doing away with registration costs is not just convenient but does translate to a direct financial benefit. Put together, buyers can now enjoy a quantum of benefits. GST on EVs too is a benefit at 5 percent.
    The announcement will see many take this opportunity to save money that would otherwise be spent on e-vehicle registration. Electric two wheeler makers welcome central government’s decision to waive off registration charges for electric two wheelers. The decision is expected to give boost in sale of two-wheeler in the country.
    In the larger picture, the move is also expected to reduce congestion on roads due to toxic emission from vehicles. With these changes, no registration fee is required to be paid for a large variety of battery operated vehicles. The decision helps in promoting sales of electric vehicles in the country.
    Tata Nexon Electric
    Electric vehicles sales roadmap in India
    It’s very much obvious that market situations are now in a much better condition to lay the groundwork for robust EV industry growth. The number of players that have entered the market continues to be encouraging. While electric vehicles have been part of discussions, it’s only in recent months that decision making bodies are aggressively pushing Electric Vehicles (EVs) through revised subsidies and tax exemptions.
    For long one has had to gauge policies that consistently failed to make EVs sell. With an absolute need to follow global targets of pollution and emission reduction, the government has seemingly become more supportive of EV manufacturers.
    Growth expected for EVs
    Ever since the introduction of e-bikes, manufacturers haven’t exactly benefitted from the new tech that’s available. Despite all the markings of a big space for development, there were no takers when it came to buying. It’s only very recently that electric two-wheeler manufacturers have been able to increase their production volume meaningfully.
    In order to meet the increasing demands and market penetration, companies too need to make longterm investments for production, research and development. And this isn’t conducive on the back of weak policies. Now electric bike manufacturers are hoping that this demand will continue grow, so that they can make more money out of it, and see a return on their investment as well. More

  • in

    KTM 390 Duke, RC And Adventure New Batch With Metzeler Tyres

    KTM 390 ADV with MetzelerKTM had switched to MRF tyres last year for 390s due to new import restrictions
    It was during the festive season last year that KTM had introduced new colour themes for several of its popular motorcycles. Along with that, the company had also replaced Metzelers with MRF tyres for 390 Duke, RC 390 and 390 Adventure. While Duke and RC received MRF Revz C1 tyres, Adventure was fitted with MRF Mogrip Meteor tyres. These tyres are offered with lower capacity KTM bikes in 125cc, 200cc and 250cc range.
    Only A Few
    Even though Metzelers are back on KTM 390s, the company has chosen not to increase prices. The strategy was similar last year when prices were left untouched upon replacement of Metzelers with MRF tyres.
    However, KTM has increased prices of its motorcycle multiple times this year. The most recent was last month in July when prices were increased by up to Rs 11,685. While 390 Duke and RC 390 had become costlier by Rs 11,620, 390 Adv witnessed a hike of Rs 11,685. In percentage terms, the highest price hike was for 125 Duke. Most such price hikes have been attributed to rising input cost and high market inflation.
    It is possible that KTM may revise rates once again in the coming months. Even though it may not be attributed to a change of tyres, the increased pricing may cover for any loss that may occur due to replacement of MRFs with Metzelers.
    KTM 390 ADV with Metzeler
    Next-gen RC range spotted
    In international markets, next-gen KTM RC motorcycles have been spotted wearing Continental ContiRoad sport touring tyres. It is not certain if the same tyres will be used in India as well. Based on prevailing conditions, it is likely that KTM will continue using Metzeler tyres for its 390s.
    Using imported tyres for vehicles in India has become difficult with the change in import policy for certain types of pneumatic tyres. Amendments have been made to change this import sector from ‘free’ to ‘restricted’. This was done largely to curb dumping of cheap tyres, most of which came from China.
    However, this change in import policy has also impacted premium tyres including Metzeler. Importers are essentially required to get a new license that limits the total volume that can be imported.
    Government is aiming to promote made in India, which has created problems for tyre brands that do not have local manufacturing operations. Businesses that were purely importers have had to limit their operations due to the new restrictions. In comparison, global brands that have local manufacturing remain unaffected. More

  • in

    Top 10 Motorcycles 500cc+ June 2021 – RE 650 Twins, Hayabusa, Ninja, Tiger 900

    Royal Enfield 650 Modified By STG Tracker
    No units of Harley Davidson or Indian Motorcycles were dispatched to India during June 2021
    Big premium motorcycles cater only to a handful of customers in India but attract a lot of eyes from the general public. However, in these trying times, sales of such two-wheelers have been on the lower side. A total of 840 units of such motorcycles with engine displacement exceeding 500cc were sold in the country in June this year.
    Royal Enfield 650 Twins Lead Sales
    In comparison, a total of 1,058 units of such bikes were sold in India last year during the same month. The sales chart was headed by Royal Enfield 650 Twins- Interceptor and Continental GT with a cumulative sales of 530 units last month. The 650 Twins witnessed a drop in sales by 34.57 percent since during June last year, the company retailed 810 units.
    None of the other models in this bracket was able to sell a three-digit figure. The second highest in this list was Kawasaki Z900 with a total sales of 46 units followed by the recently launched Triumph Trident with 37 units dispatched to dealers last month. The three-cylinder naked streetfighter is currently the most affordable offering from the British brand and is priced between Rs 6.95 lakhs and Rs 7.08 lakh (ex-showroom).
    Triumph, Kawasaki Reveal Decent Numbers
    Trident was followed by another new entrant- the third-gen Suzuki Hayabusa. The Japanese bikemaker was able to dispatch only 35 units of the supersport tourer last month. The first two batches of 101 units each have already been booked online and are being delivered to consumers in a phased manner. Unlike the previous-gen Hayabusa, the current model is a fully imported one brought via the CBU route.
    Motorcycle Sales 500cc+ Segment – June 2021
    Another Triumph broke into the top ten in the form Street Twin placed at the fifth spot. The British brand was able to sell only 23 units of the entry-level Bonneville. During the same period last year, the company retailed only 10 units of the classic motorcycle resulting in a YoY growth of 130 percent. Kawasaki sold 22 units of its flagship Ninja ZX-10R.
    The Ninja was followed by Triumph Tiger 900 at seventh place. The adventure bike raked in 21 units for the British bike brand. Honda made its first impression with CBR 650F. The Japanese auto giant sold 18 units of the full-faired sports bike.
    Honda CBR650F was trailed by Triumph Street Triple. The naked streetfighter raked 16 units in June this year which is 5 units less than June last year. Thus, it translated to a YoY decline of 23.81 percent.
    Kawasaki sold only 15 units of Ninja 650 last month. During June last year, the Japanese bikemaker sold 30 units of CBR 650F-rival which resulted in a YoY decline of 50 percent. All the rest of the bikes witnessed single-digit sales with Ninja 1000, Bonneville Bobber and Bonneville T120 each raking in 9 units. More

  • in

    Simple Energy Electric Scooter Bookings Open On 15th Aug – Production Plant Details

    Simple Energy Electric Scooter Prototype and Manufacturing PlantSimple Energy has set its target at manufacturing a million units annually – In the first phase
    Bangalore-based Simple Energy has big goals for its production plant at Hosur, Tamilnadu. The company is set to begin production operations later in 2021. An investment of Rs 350 crores has being earmarked over the next 2 years to increase the manufacturer’s footprint in India. This is in sync with the fast-paced EV industry’s growth.
    The first phase of the factory is spread across 2 Lakh sq ft. Production capacity is pegged at upto 1 million (10 lakh) units annually. To begin with, processes will create 1,000 jobs. Sustainable increase in its manufacturing capacity is aimed to meet the rising demand of electric two-wheelers. At the same time it gives fillip to the concerted focus on a future that progresses through an electrification drive.
    Simple One electric scooter launch
    Simple Energy is set to launch its first flagship electric scooter, Simple One on August 15, 2021. Bookings will open on the same date, reveals their CEO. Deliveries are expected to start later this year. To be synonymous with superior quality products in automobiles, Simple Energy is full focused on increasing production capacity.
    Being a modern day manufacturer, the company would rely on global best practices in production processes. In establishing itself as a strong force in India’s new age market, Simple Energy would stick to its brand philosophy of offering high-quality products at affordable prices while catering to a growing market.
    Bookings open on 15th Aug. Deliveries expected to start before Jan 2022 – Simple Energy CEO
    Suhas Rajkumar, Founder, and CEO of Simple Energy said, “This is a huge milestone for Simple Energy. Although we aim to lead electric mobility in the country, we will now be able to cater to a larger audience faster than ever. We look forward to the launch on 15th August to embark on this remarkable initiative.” Simple Energy will be launching its first flagship electric scooter, the Simple One on 15th August. Prices are expected to be in the Rs 1.1-1.2 lakh range, ex-sh.
    Clean vehicles in India
    The EV industry in India appears to have gotten just the impetus it needed with large number of new companies having turned manufacturers. With investments soaring, sales and marketing networks are being developed. Alongside, the EV charging infra too is growing. This could help in increasing the adoption of electric vehicles.
    The idea of independent EV manufacturing brands with the best technology and state-of-the-art facilities is fairly new. For the longest time electric vehicles have been a concept rather than a convenience.
    But that scenario is quickly evolving. The market for clean vehicles in India is moving from strength to strength. Opportunities and forecasts have prompted electric two wheeler manufacturers to make efforts in building an electric automobile manufacturing ecosystem in India. Of course this has to be sustainable and non-polluting. More

  • in

    Ather Bangalore Center Records Electric Scooter Sales Worth Rs 10 Cr In July 2021

    Ather Electric ScooterHuge response to the Ather electric scooters has resulted in the company opening experience centers in 13 cities across India
    Bengaluru based, electric two-wheeler manufacturer, Ather Energy has been seen outstanding success of their electric scooters. Following the revisions in the FAME II Scheme, prices of the scooter become cheaper by Rs 14,500 to buyers in Bengaluru and by Rs 13,500 for the Ather 450X and 450 Plus in New Delhi.
    Tarun Mehta Co-Founder and CEO of Ather Energy expects electric scooter market share to be above 40% of the total scooter sales of India. And the rate at which electric scooter demand is growing, some might even consider Tarun’s target to be achieved even faster.
    Ather Bangalore Experience Center
    Ather Energy has announced today that their single experience center in the city of Bangalore has generated sales of Rs 10 crores in the month of July 2021. Ather says that this is double the business done by brands which sell petrol scooters. And that too from a showroom which is half the size (in comparison to ICE scooter showroom).
    Ather Energy started this calendar year with a new showroom opened in Mumbai in January 2021 followed by showrooms across Pune and Ahmedabad in February 2021. Ather Experience Centers are now located in cities of Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Vizag, Calicut, Trichy, Delhi, Indore.
    Ather 450x in Pune
    Ather now targets 30 new showrooms across new cities by the end of this year to span 100 cities in due course. Along with company owned showrooms, Ather is also in the process of entering into agreements with dealer partners for the sale of Ather 450X and Ather Plus e-scooters.
    In FY2021 a total of 4.5 million petrol powered scooters were sold. Tarun Mehta estimates that there is potential for 1.8 million or 18 lakh electric scooters to be sold in FY2025. Earlier this year in February, Ather’s new manufacturing plant, with a production capacity of 110,000 e-scooters and 120,000 battery packs per annum, went on stream.
    Central and State Governments Support
    Demand for electric vehicles surged in view of escalating fuel prices. It should be recalled that petrol prices have crossed the Rs 100 mark in most metros and is nearing that figure in other cities of India. An Ather e-scooter promises one-sixth the running cost of a petrol scooter which relates to substantial saving to the user.
    Electric two wheeler popularity also increases with ongoing support from both Central and State Governments in the form of revisions in the FAME II incentive scheme. The company cites that it could be supply and not demand that will be a limiting factor in the future.
    The amendment to the FAME II, (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India) introduced in June 2021 saw electric two wheeler subsidy increase to 50 percent to Rs 15,000 per kWh. This has led to a substantial price reduction of electric two wheelers.
    Automakers such as Ather and TVS Motor reduced prices of the 450X and iQube respectively while Okinawa Scooters also stated that the price of the iPraise+ will cost Rs 17,892 less to a new reduced pricing of Rs.99,708. Praise Pro prices have also dipped by Rs 7,947 to Rs 76,848 while the Okinawa Ridge+ is now at Rs 61,791, down Rs 7,209 over earlier pricing.
    Along with this new policy, several states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, etc have also announced EV policies that has boosted sales and successfully turned buyer sentiments towards electric vehicles. More