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    New Revolt Electric Motorcycle Likely To Be Cheaper Than Pulsar – Launch In 2022

    File photo.Revolt will launch a new entry-level electric motorcycle in India named RV1 which will replace the current RV300
    Electric mobility has received a renewed impetus in the Indian automobile industry this year. Many new manufacturers are geared up to introduce battery-powered vehicles which will pave the way for future mobility solutions in the country.
    Revolt was one of the first brands to introduce electric two-wheelers in India in the form of RV300 and RV400. A recent report published in PTI has revealed that the company will introduce a new entry-level electric motorcycle next year. Dubbed as RV1, this electric bike will replace the current RV300 in the company’s lineup.
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    This development was confirmed by a Business Chairman, Rattan India Enterprises, Anjali Rattan. The company is a major stakeholder in the EV startup. Formerly known as RattanIndia Infra, the company in April this year announced it was exiting from the traditional infrastructure business to focus on new growth businesses. A few weeks later, it acquired a 43 percent stake worth Rs 150 crore in Revolt Motor.
    Rattan added that the new RV1 will be manufactured in India with all components sourced locally, and that production will commence by January next year. This new model will be more affordable than the outgoing RV300 with similar specs which are comparable to conventional 110cc IC engine motorcycles. Much like Revolt’s current offerings, RV1 will be manufactured at the Manesar-based plant.
    Revolt Electric Motorcycle Delivery
    Locally Manufactured components
    By December this year, the company’s product lineup will be 100% make-in-India. As of now, Revolt has been importing parts from China but will now focus on every single supply from within India. Rattan further added that the company has witnessed an increase in demand which had forced it to stop accepting bookings of its bikes many times in the last two months.
    Price of the new Revolt Electric Motorcycle is expected to be in the Rs 80k range. This will make it the cheapest Revolt on sale. In this price range, it will be priced similarly to the cheapest Pulsar motorcycle. Pulsar 125cc today is priced from Rs 79k. The attractive price tag will help the brand bring new customers.
    RV300 Specs & Features
    In terms of specifications, RV300 is powered by a 2.7kWh lithium-ion battery pack which feeds energy to a 1.5kW hub motor. This powertrain returns an average range between 80-150km on a single charge. The battery takes 4.5 hours to charge fully whereas it takes 3.5 houses to charge from 0 to 75 percent charge.
    RV300 also features a smaller rear disc whereas the front disc and the suspension remain the same as the more premium RV400. It gets a box-type swingarm and misses out on keyless ignition and a slightly slimmer rear tyre as well. Currently, RV300 has been priced at Rs 95,000 (ex-showroom) while the new RV1 is likely to be priced below Rs 80,000 (ex-showroom). The current lot of RV300 will be acquired by pizza giant Domino’s for its delivery fleet. More

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    Hero MotoCorp Cannot Use HERO Brand For Their Electric Scooters, Motorcycles, EVs

    Gogoro Electric Scooter. Hero MotoCorp has partnered with Gogoro.Hero MotoCorp has been also been developing EV models independently at its R&D centres in Rajasthan in India and at Stephanskirchen in Germany
    We already know that Hero MotCorp, headed by Pawan Munjal, plans on heavily investing in the electric vehicle space in the near future. However, there is a big hurdle that the company needs to overcome before it can actually step into the EV space. The world’s biggest two-wheeler manufacturer cannot use the ‘HERO’ brand name when it comes to electric mobility.
    The fight between two Hero’s
    This name has been reserved for ‘Hero Electric’, which is a separate firm altogether and headed by another Munjal family member- Naveen Munjal. For the uninitiated, Naveen is Vijay Munjal’s son, cousin of Pawan Munjal. Naveen has been running the Hero Electric two-wheeler business since 2007.
    Naveen claims that his company has received “global rights over the Hero brand name in perpetuity” for electric mobility be it for personal use or the commercial market, reveals ET Auto. According to a family settlement of 2010, Hero MotoCorp and its promoters are barred from using the ‘Hero’ brand name for any segment of vehicle- two-, three- or four-wheelers which are powered by a battery. The Global rights for green technology have been allotted to Naveen Munjal-run Hero Electric.
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    Naveen said that his company would take legal recourse in case of a violation by Hero MotoCorp. He, however, added that Hero MotoCorp can enter the business of electric mobility using a different brand name, since there is no non-compete/prohibition on other clan members. But considering that the brand name is important, it will be a difficult task ahead for Hero MotoCorp in the EV space, without the HERO branding.
    Hero Electric Scooter Dealer
    Earlier this year, Hero MotoCorp announced its alliance with Taiwan-based electric mobility manufacturer- Gogoro, to develop EV’s in India. In addition to development of electric two-wheelers, Gogoro will also share its expertise with urban battery swapping and smart mobility innovation. The company will also help Hero to build a widespread charging network across India.
    Hero MotorCorp EV plans
    In May this year, Gogoro filed patents for Viva electric scooter at the intellectual property office in India. These trademarks were in the form of both its design as well as its name.
    This suggested that Viva would be launched as a rebranded Hero MotoCorp electric scooter in the country. Hero MotoCorp has planned to officially step into the EV space by launching its first electric two-wheeler in March 2022 which is expected to be the rebadged Gogoro Viva.
    Other than this, Hero MotoCorp has another battery-powered e-scooter on its way next year in the form of Maestro Edge Electric. Test mules of the electric scooter have been spotted on multiple occasions in recent past. However, Hero MotoCorp would want to settle all disputes with Hero Electric or think of another brand name for its upcoming EV lineup.
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    Bajaj-Triumph Motorcycle Launch By Mar 2023 – First Prototype Ready

    Bajaj Triumph Motorcycle Render
    This is the first time in its 118-year automobile history that Triumph is collaborating with another manufacturer
    The highly anticipated joint venture between Bajaj Auto and Triumph Motorcycles has hit another speed breaker as the launch of its first product has been delayed. No points for guessing the obvious reason behind this delay- the Covid-19 pandemic.
    Back in December 2020, MD of Bajaj Auto, Rajiv Bajaj had revealed that the launch of the first model under this joint production could be affected due to the ongoing pandemic. As per a recent report, this project has indeed now been pushed by another 6-9 months.
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    Earlier stated to make its debut in 2022, the upcoming motorcycle will now launch only at the end of fiscal year 2023. This development was confirmed by Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director of Bajaj Auto, during an interaction with analysts. The report further mentions that travel restrictions between India and United Kingdom brought about by the emergence of the Delta variant of Covid-19 have forced the company to take this decision.
    According to Sharma, development of this motorcycle has reached an advanced stage. In fact, pre-production prototypes of the bike are already in place. However, strict travel curbs meant that Triumph engineers couldn’t come to India and monitor the development process on these prototypes. Their physical presence is required to make necessary corrections if needed.
    Bajaj Triumph Motorcycle Render
    The deal between the India two-wheeler brand and the iconic British bikemaker was inked in 2020 after discussion began in 2017. This partnership will witness the development of Triumph branded motorcycles, designed and developed in UK by Triumph and manufactured in India by Bajaj. This alliance is set to come out with multiple mid-displacement (250cc-700cc) motorcycles catering to Indian consumers.
    Manufactured by Bajaj at its new plant
    These Triumph-branded bikes made by Bajaj will most likely be the first units to roll off the production lines from the company’s new Rs 650-crore plant at Chakan near Pune which is set to become operational by 2023. This facility will also manufacture other premium motorcycles from other alliance brands such as KTM and Husqvarna.
    This partnership between Bajaj and Triumph will help the British brand establish itself in large-volume markets like Asia and South America where cost is a huge factor. Bajaj is currently working on developing the new range-topping model of its Pulsar range of motorcycles- Pulsar 250. Test mules of the upcoming bike have been spotted on multiple occasions in recent months.
    Earlier reports have indicated that Bajaj is developing a new 250cc oil-cooled engine with the provision of air cooler for the upcoming flagship Pulsar. This powertrain might also be utilised for the upcoming entry-level Bajaj-Triumph motorcycle thus keeping development costs in check for both companies.
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    Ampere Electric Scooter Dealer Network Increases To 350 In India

    Ampere Electric Scooter DealerWith its sight set on growth, Ampere Electric now caters to customers from across 500+ touchpoints
    Ampere continues to expand its reach into newer markets and geographies. To meet these goals, the company is committed to reduce risks of its business with active screening process for new entrepreneurs, strict guidelines of third party channel partners and breakthrough technology-based products across electric vehicle segments.
    Ampere Electric has set its goals at 500 customer touch points across India. Currently, the company reaches its customers through 350 electric two wheeler dealerships, and 165 dealerships in e-rickshaw segment.
    A series of initiatives and policy announcements by various state governments have led to the launch and expansion of new players in the e-scooter space. Some states have announced subsidies for electric scooters, while others are focused on developing their own outlines that power EV growth.
    Committed to stakeholders
    The company has always thought about future business growth in the long run. Having its own factory and manufacturing unit dedicated to scooters and rickshaws which makes the manufacturer self reliant.
    Ampere Electric Dealer
    Not only can they cater to the needs of domestic market, with a growing number of Indian companies catering to overseas markets, Ampere too could expand on such business opportunities. Further as an outcome of this, its distributor and large dealer network is already in the process of making necessary expansion to their business model as they seek to bring more business opportunities. Ampere strives to provide the right products and services at the right price for customers.
    Roy Kurian, COO, E-Mobility Business (2 & 3-Wheeler), Ampere Electric, said, “With expanding footprint, superior online and offline customer experience, host of financing tie-ups, and customer friendly schemes. We are happily building strong assurance and peace of mind amongst the e-scooter buyers, B2B buyers and channel investors across the nation. We will continue to design & deliver complete lifecycle support for our stakeholders.”
    Gaining market share
    Ampere is keen on bulk orders from a wide range of corporate bodies, educational institutes and even government organizations. Ensuring market growth from B2B buyers. In addition to these developments, major e-scooter firms have announced new commitments to affordable pricing as a way of gaining market share.
    One of the most well-known factors contributing to the popularity and success of Ampere e-scooters is their affordability. This is due in large part to the notable reduction in prices that was enabled by state subsidies on electric vehicles as well as attractive low cost customized financing options. Ease of availability of Ampere e-scooters helps contribute to their popularity with consumers. More

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    New Gen Royal Enfield Classic 350 Signals – Spied During TVC Shoot In Rajasthan

    2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350 Signals Edition Spied For First Time. Image – Power on WheelLaunch of the new gen Royal Enfield Classic 350 is expected to take place next month – TVC shoot is taking place in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
    Royal Enfield, a leader in the 350cc motorcycle segment, is currently having to deal with some competition in the form of the new gen motorcycles like Honda Hness CB350 and Jawa. Not only this, Yamaha and Suzuki have plans to enter this segment as well. To counter this rivalry, the company is working on a host of new products in the 350cc segment. The new Meteor 350 cruiser was introduced last year, while the next gen RE Classic 350 is all set for debut next month.
    Next Gen RE Classic 350
    The new gen Classic 350 has been spied in production ready avatar in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan by Power on Wheel. The leaked images and videos have drawn our attention to a number of features and mechanics which will be a notable upgrade over its current counterpart.
    The new Classic 350 will share its platform and engine specs with the Meteor 350 which is positioned on the new modular J1D platform. This new platform offers better ride quality on the Meteor 350 while the addition of a balance shaft reduces vibrations to a great extent.
    Where its design is concerned, the next gen Classic 350, will sport a similar retro theme with a flatter fuel tank design, smaller handlebars, mid set foot pegs, an upswept exhaust and rounded headlamps. It will also receive a twin pod semi digital instrument cluster with Tripper Navigation System. Take a look at the leaked video below.
    [embedded content]
    It will also get an analogue speedometer with digital readout system for trip meter, odometer and fuel gauge, etc. On board features will also include dual channel ABS and new alloy wheels. Also seen is a revised tail lamp design and new double down tube frame, which it will share with the Meteor 350.
    It will be offered in single seat as well as dual seat option. Signals Edition, Desert Storm will also be on offer. New colours, as can be seen in the video above, will be offered via Royal Enfield smartphone customization app. Alloys will also be on offer.
    Engine, Suspension and Braking
    The next gen Classic 350 will share its engine with the Meteor 350. The 349cc, air/oil cooled, SOHC, single cylinder engine will make 20.4 hp power and 27 Nm torque, an improvement in power figures over its earlier 346cc engine that offers 19.1hp power. It receives telescopic forks in the front and dual shock absorbers at the rear and disc brakes on both wheels with ABS offered as standard.
    2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350 Desert Storm
    Royal Enfield is likely to launch of the new gen Classic 350 next month. In June 2021, current Classic 350 sales registered a significant decline. It is possible that the company has already started production of new gen Classic 350 at their plant in Chennai and already discontinued production of current gen Classic 350. More

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    KTM 390 Duke Modified Into A Scrambler With 3D Printed Parts

    KTM Duke 390 Modified. Image – Bike ExifThe design of this modified KTM 390 Duke has been created on 3D software – Parts have been created using a 3D printer
    While aftermarket modifications of automobiles are not very uncommon in India (although it is not legal), only seldom do we come across a custom-built motorcycle that has been created using a 3D printer. This example of a KTM 390 Duke turned into a scrambler is one of those rarities.
    Interestingly, the project of building this custom bike has not been carried out by some experienced aftermarket workshop but by a Mumbai-based couple. Akash Das, a graphic designer in the advertising industry, and his wife Garima, also a designer, are responsible for creating something new out of a Duke 390.
    KTM Duke 390 Modified
    The couple designed the custom parts using 3D software and then 3D printed the prototype parts before outsourcing the machined bits. The Duke 390 used here is a 2018 model and a personal possession of Akash. In order to convert a naked streetfighter into a neo-retro scrambler meant that there needed to be structural modifications and not just cosmetic updates.
    Neo-Retro Scrambler Design
    Hence, a new subframe was designed which was bolted onto the existing mounting points but with a shorter and flatter layout. This gave the motorcycle a stubbier rear section along with a short rear fender and a new LED taillight providing it with a completely different look at rear. The rear fender also houses a custom luggage rack. All final machined components are made of aluminium.
    KTM Duke 390 Modified
    Further, the seat foam was designed in-house, then outsourced to be wrapped in synthetic leather. Upfront, the motorcycle features a JW Speaker-sourced LED headlight with a custom surround. The unit was first 3D printed and then the final part was machined from CNC 6061 T6 billet aluminum. Other components such as front sprocket cover, a taillight surround, a custom cowl and a fuel tank cover have been created from a similar process.
    KTM Duke 390 Modified
    The motorcycle now runs on 17-inch Akront spoked rims instead of alloy wheels which are shod by block pattern dual-purpose tyres from Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR. This gives the bike some off-roading characteristics. The front braking setup now features a petal rotor from Galfer, though the ABS system remains stock.
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    Akash has used a custom handlebar that is more upright and a radiator coolant overflow tank. Other custom-made parts include a front sprocket guard, a radiator guard, a bash plate and a sump guard that protects the engine while off-roading. The custom-built fuel tank was the trickiest of them all which required Akash to fabricate the entire piece in wood first before shaping the metal onto it.
    KTM Duke 390 Modified
    It took two years and lot of patience for Akash and Garima to complete this prototype. From learning of new design softwares to actually executing the same. The cost of the project is not shared. KTM currently retails Duke 390 at a price of Rs 2.82 lakh (ex-showroom). A new-gen model of the naked streetfighter is expected to make its debut in the coming months.

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    Suzuki Sales, Exports Breakup June 2021 – Access, Burgman, Gixxer, Hayabusa

    Image – Sinha SuzukiSales growth was reported across both domestic and exports – Suzuki Access being the best seller in India
    Total domestic sales increased 97.61 percent YoY to 40,474 units, up from 20,482 units sold in June 2020. Suzuki Access scooter was the most sold model in the company lineup in June 2021. Sales which had stood at 15,540 units in June 2020 increased 102.05 percent to 31,399 units in June 2021. Access scooter commands a 77.58 percent share in the company lineup.
    At No. 2 in terms of domestic sales was the Burgman, which also posted positive YoY growth. Sales increased 129.14 percent in June 2021 to 7,935 units. Thereafter, sales of Suzuki Access and Intruder dipped 86.14 percent and 90.38 percent to only 42 and 20 units respectively.
    Sales of these two models in the same month of the past year had stood at 303 and 208 units respectively. The Hayabusa and V-Strom also added a few units to total domestic sales. Interestingly, Hayabusa sales were more than that of Intruder.
    Suzuki exports for June 2021 increased 666.94 percent YoY to 9,188 units, up from 1,198 units exported in June 2020. In export markets it was the Gixxer, Burgman and Gixxer 250 that were most in demand. Gixxer exports increased 371.41 percent to 3,149 units in June 2021 up from 668 units sold in June 2020.
    Suzuki India Sales and Exports June 2021 vs June 2020 (YoY)
    Burgman shipments stood at 3,392 units, the highest percentage increase of 2,131.58 percent over 152 units shipped in June 2020. Gixxer 250 exports increased 293.81 percent to 827 units in the past month. Hayate, Intruder and Access also added some numbers to exports along with the Lets that saw an 85.71 percent export growth YoY from 168 units in June 2020 to 312 units in the past month.
    MoM Sales and Exports
    Suzuki Motorcycle India reported a 223.46 percent growth in terms of domestic sales. Sales which had stood at 12,513 units in May 2021, increased to 40,474 units in June 2021. Suzuki Access sales grew 223.50 percent MoM from 9,706 units sold in May 2021. This was followed by Burgman and Gixxer with domestic sales growth of 189.07 percent and 110 percent respectively.
    Sales growth was also reported for Intruder, Gixxer and Hayabusa with Gixxer MoM sales growth at 8,516.67 percent to 1,034 units in June 2021 up from just 12 units sold in domestic markets in May 2021. MoM exports increased 37.38 percent to 9,188 units, as against 6,688 units shipped in May 2021.
    Suzuki India Sales and Exports June 2021 vs May 2021 (MoM)
    In export markets it was the Gixxer and Burgman that were in top two spots. Gixxer exports dipped 10.64 percent to 3,149 units, while Burgman shipments increased 64.66 percent to 3,392 units MoM. Gixxer 250 also saw some growth with exports increasing from 552 units to 827 units MoM but thereafter, Hayate exports fell 16.67 percent to 400 units in June 2021 from 480 units exported in May 2021. Exports of Access scooter rose exponentially by as much as 7,566.67 percent to 920 units in June 2021 from 12 units exported in May 2021. More

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    Upcoming Bajaj Electric Motorcycles, Scooters Will Launch Under New Subsidiary

    Image for reference. Credit – Stalin K Raju
    Bajaj’s EV subsidiary will aim at improved efficiencies and better competencies against rivals
    At a time when EV space is undergoing rapid transformation, OEMs need to think and act proactively to stay ahead in the game. With that in mind, Bajaj Auto has decided to setup a separate wholly owned subsidiary for its EV business. The new entity will have access to dedicated resources and freedom to take decisions in line with evolving market dynamics. Assigning responsibilities will also become easier with the new subsidiary.
    Board approval
    In its communication submitted to Bombay Stock Exchange, Bajaj has stated that the board has provided its approval for setting up of a wholly owned subsidiary. The subsidiary will focus on harnessing opportunities in the mobility space. It will also define the roadmap that will be used to achieve desired goals and objectives. The subsidiary will manufacture a new range of electric scooters, electric motorcycles and hybrid vehicles that will include two, three and four-wheelers.
    The name of the subsidiary has not been announced yet. Bajaj is working on some names and a final decision is expected soon. The name will be announced once it gets approval from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. The subsidiary will be setup with a proposed authorized capital of Rs 100 crore.
    Chetak expansion plans
    As of now, Bajaj has only Chetak in its EV portfolio. With significant interest from customers, Bajaj has plans to rapidly expand operations to more cities in the coming months. By 2021, it is targeted that Chetak will be available in 22 new cities. By end of this fiscal, the number would have increased to 40 cities.
    Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter
    At the time of its launch, Chetak was available in Pune and Bengaluru. The company recently added four more cities – Nagpur, Aurangabad, Mysore and Mangalore.
    Bajaj’s EV strategy indicates that the company is factoring in the threats as well as opportunities that exist in this space. As far as Chetak is concerned, its primary rivals include TVS iQube and Ather 450X. Both have been continuously expanding operations to newer cities across India.
    In the electric two-wheeler space, the biggest move till date is from Ola electric scooter. This is expected to be launched soon. Ola electric has turned out to be a huge hit with bookings of 1 lakh on first day itself. This is a new record in the country’s automotive history.
    Ola Electric’s mega plant in Tamil Nadu is currently under development. When fully complete, it will be capable of producing 10 million units per annum. The company will be targeting global markets as well to optimally utilize its production capacity. More