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    Honda Scooter, Motorcycle Sales April 2021 – Activa, Dio, Shine, Hornet, CB350

    Honda ActivaHonda 2Wheelers reports total (domestic wholesales and exports) sales in April 2021 at 2,83,045 units
    The market is a strange place now. In a most astounding fashion, Bajaj has surpassed Honda Two Wheelers total sales in April 2021. This is on account of notable growth in exports for Bajaj.
    Total sales stood at just below 3.5 lakh units. Honda Two Wheelers sold a total of 2,83,045 units. MoM decline stood at 31.14 percent, down from 4,11,037 units. Volume decline stood at 1,27,992 units. Best sellers include Activa, CB Shine, Dio, Grazia, Unicorn, Dream, Hornet, etc. CB350 too recorded decent sales.
    Honda Sales April 2021
    Of this, domestic sales stood at 2,40,100 units. MoM decline stood at 39.22 percent, down from 3,95,037 units. Volume decline stood at 1,54,937 units. Exports for the month are reported at 42,945 units. MoM growth was reported at 3 figures, up from 16k units. Volume gain stood at 26,945 units.
    Temp production halt
    Disruption in production, processes, supply chain, and distribution networks is a matter that manufacturers are having to deal with on a daily basis. Through April 2021, Covid-19 infection numbers being reported have continued to touch new highs.
    This in turn has prompted states to announce curated lockdowns yet again. This is not too different from what auto manufacturers experienced in April 2021 when manufacturing and sales had come to an absolute halt.
    And given the current need to proritise on safety, and save lives, a number of manufacturers have announced a production halt for a varying number of days. Starting on Labour Day, Honda Two-Wheelers has temporarily halted production until May 15, 2021. The shutdown will be used effectively to advance annual maintenance schedules.
    Decisions in regard to resuming production will be made in accordance with the what the Covid-19 situation looks like in a fortnight. For now, those who can work from home are doing so, and only essential staff is being called in to work at the company’s plants, and offices.
    HMSI scope
    On the global front, Honda is working on electric motorcycles and scooters. Given the potential India supposedly has, one could expect a Honda electric scooter to be a first product from the brand here.
    Honda Two Wheelers India plays an important part in Honda’s global strategy. For one, Honda has a large marketshare in India. And in the last two decades, it has expanded its global footprint from here through exports. Last year with the introduction of CB350, HMSI has chalked out a new path to make inroads.
    For one, this is a sizeable segment in India with rather few competitors where brands are concerned. It’s more like Royal Enfield pitting its bikes against each other. And Honda has finally put it’s foot through the door. It’s 350cc range isn’t just being sold here, but is also being exported. More

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    New Benelli Electric Scooter Makes Global Debut With 60 Kms Range

    Benelli Dong Electric Scooter
    Dong e-scooter has been designed strictly as an urban mobility solution with a single-charge range of only 60km
    Now, the Chinese are very well known for quirky and out-of-the-box designs and not in a good way. That is why most of their automotive designs are ripped off from international models. If you think, you have seen the craziest automotive designs then you are in for a treat, thanks to the new Benelli Dong electric scooter.
    Benelli recently introduced the mini e-scooter in Indonesia and it is certainly difficult to ignore despite its miniature size. The design is something very original that we doubt has been witnessed anywhere around the world. It has been designed to position as an affordable means of electric mobility.
    Benelli Dong Electric Scooter
    Quirky Design
    The e-scooter gets a curvy front apron that gels well with a cylindrical shape rear section with an under-seat panel housing the battery and electric motor. The floorboard tapers towards the rear to meet a silver-coloured serpentine-style swingarm.
    The e-scooter will be made available in three colour options- blue, dark grey and white. Other highlights include full-LED lighting, a circular LED DRL, turn indicators mounted on the handle, a large grab rail at rear and a negative LCD display for the instrument cluster.
    Benelli Dong Electric Scooter
    Modest Specs
    Speaking of its specifications, the majority of under-seat space is taken up by the 1.56kWh lithium-ion battery pack which is paired to a 1.2kW electric motor rated to produce a peak torque of 24.8 Nm. This powertrain returns a range of 60km on a single charge and can attain a top speed of only 45 kmph.
    Benelli Dong Electric Scooter
    Needless to point that it has been solely designed for short-distance urban commutes. The hub motor employed ensures that there is no need for either a chain or shaft drive system.
    This setup doesn’t leave much space for anything else in the under-seat storage, hence it isn’t the most practical scooter going around. The shape of the seat also wouldn’t be exactly ideal for a pillion. Another interesting bit of feature is the fake exhaust noise which gives it the vibe of a conventional IC engine-powered scooter. Fortunately, this feature could be turned off.
    Benelli Dong Electric Scooter
    Benelli Electric Scooter Price
    The Italian bike brand is owned by Chinese automaker Qianjiang Motors and little to doubt, we believe that QJ must have been involved in the development of this mini e-scooter on some level. Dong has been priced at 36.8 million Indonesian Rupiah that is equivalent to INR 1.89 lakh. Dong is surely a head-turner but is it valuable enough to be owned?

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    TVS Motor Sales April 2021 – Apache, Jupiter, Ntorq, XL Super

    TVS ApacheTVS Motor now gears up for the launch of the updated Apache RR 310 which has been rescheduled due to the pandemic situation in the country
    TVS Motor Company has released their sales report for April 2021. While sales cannot be compared with that of April 2020, the period when the country went into a complete lockdown in view of the pandemic, we can compare sales MoM which also suffered a de-growth.
    TVS Motor total sales stood at 238,983 units in April 2021 a significant increase over 9,640 units sold in April 2020. Even April 2021 has been bogged down by lockdowns announced in some states in view of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, but retail sales continued to be ahead of dispatches. TVS Motor has reduced dealer stocks so as to not to put added burden on channel partners but production will continue so as to meet customer demands once the situation is back to normal.
    TVS Motor Two Wheeler Sales and Exports
    TVS Motor registered two wheeler sales at 2,26,193 in April 2021 as against 8,134 units sold in April 2020. In domestic markets, two wheeler sales stood at 131,386 units in April 2021. Of these, scooter sales stood at 65,213 units in April 2021 while motorcycle sales were at 133,227 units in April 2021.
    Total exports on the other hand stood at 107,185 units in April 2021 as against 9,640 units exported in April 2020. Two wheeler exports stood at 94,807 units in April 2021 as against 8,134 units in April 2020. Leading two wheelers in terms of sales and exports include Apache, Jupiter, Ntorq, XL Super, Star City, Pep+, etc.
    TVS Motor Sales April 2021 vs March 2021
    The fear of the second wave, lockdowns in several states and supply constraints saw lower footfalls through the month of April 21 over that in March 21, the month when Covid positive cases in the country was on the ebb.
    Where MoM two wheeler domestic sales were concerned, TVS Motor Co had sold 1,31,386 units in March 21, a de-growth of 35.01 percent over 2,02,155 units sold in March 21. Two wheeler exports also dipped MoM by 9.95 percent from 1,05,282 units exported in March 21 to 94,807 units exported in the past month. Total two wheeler sales stood at 2,26,193 units in April 21 down 26.43 percent over 3,07,437 units sold in March 21.
    TVS Motor Three Wheeler Sales and Exports
    Taking into account YoY three wheeler sales, the company reported sales of 12,790 units in April 2021 as against 1,506 units in April 2020. Three wheeler MoM sales however, dipped both in terms of domestic sales and exports. Domestic sales fell 62.75 percent to 412 units in April 21 even as sales had stood at 1,106 units in March 21.
    Exports on the other hand dipped 12.46 percent from 14,140 units exported in March 21 to 12,378 units exported in the past month. This took total two and three wheeler sales (domestic and exports) down 25.94 percent to 2,38,983 units in April 21 down from 3,22,683 units sold in March 21.
    Future Plans
    Where future plans are concerned, TVS Motor gears up for the launch of the updated Apache RR 310 in the months ahead while the company also plans to expand sales of the iQube electric scooter in new cities across the country. More

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    Bajaj Sales April 2021 – Pulsar, Avenger, Dominar, Platina, CT100

    Image – Biker Prakash ChoudharyBajaj Auto recorded their second highest ever exports in April 2021
    Even as the two wheeler segment saw some promise over the past few months, a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases pan India and lockdowns announced by several state governments has affected domestic sales once again. April 2020 was a month of 0 sales and hence YoY comparisons are not being evaluated.
    Bajaj Auto Limited has released their two wheeler and commercial vehicle sales for April 2021. While we cannot compare domestic sales to any previous year’s figures, it may be seen from the attached table that the company has done well in terms of exports.
    Two Wheeler Sales
    In the past month, Bajaj Auto sold a total of 1,26,570 two wheelers in domestic markets. Leading sales charts were Bajaj motorcycles like Pulsar, Platina, CT100, Avenger, Dominar, etc.
    However, it was its export figures that need a mention. The company has recorded its second highest ever exports in April 21, which stood at 2,21,603 units, up from 32,009 units exported in April 20. This took total sales in this segment to 3,48,173 units.
    Bajaj Sales April 2021
    Even as sales of commercial vehicles in domestic markets stood at 7,901 units in the past month, Bajaj Auto has noted a marked increase in commercial vehicle exports. A total of 31,942 commercial vehicles were exported last month, up from 5,869 units exported in April 20. Total sales in April 21 hence stood at 39,843 units with 0 commercial vehicle domestic sales recorded in April 20.
    Total 2 Wheeler and CV Sales
    Bajaj Auto reported total domestic sales, which included that of two wheelers and commercial vehicles, at 1,34,471 units. Exports were their second highest ever at 2,53,545 units in April 21, up from 37,878 units exported in April 20 thus taking total sales in April 21 up to 3,88,016 units.
    New launches in the past month included that of the Pulsar NS 125. Priced at Rs.93,690, this new bike will further strengthen the brand’s position in the Entry Sport Bike segment. It gets its power via a 12cc, BS6 compliant DTS-i motor that offers 12 hp power at 8,500 rpm and 11 Nm torque at 7,000 rpm mated to a 5 speed transmission and comes in with Nitrox mono shock absorbers offering better stability even at higher speeds. Braking setup consists of a single 240 mm disc brake in front and a130 mm drum brake at the rear along with CBS.
    Following the launch of the NS 125m, Bajaj also introduced the Dagger Edge editions of the Pulsar 150, 180 and 220F. Each of these three special edition models see no change in engine specifications but receive new color options, distinctive badging and graphics to set them apart. The Dagger Edge Edition Pulsar 150 is priced at Rs. 1.02 lakhs while the the Pulsar 150 (twin disc) retails at Rs. 1.05 lakhs. The Dagger Edge Pulsar 180 carries a price tag of Rs.1.10 lakhs and top end Pulsar 220F is at R. 1.28 lakh. More

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    Suzuki Two Wheelers Sales April 2021 – Gixxer, Burgman, Access

    Image – Sinha SuzukiApril 2021 proves to be a high point for Suzuki Two Wheelers having reported its highest ever monthly sales in India
    As the country battles growing devastation that Covid-19 brings with it each day, businesses too are being affected. For starters production modules are being closely watched to adapt to situations that are changing on a daily basis. Add to this, an increasing number of state issued lockdown protocols announced in recent weeks. The situation has again begun to become increasingly difficult for businesses.
    Suzuki two wheelers has held its own despite an uncertain April. Cumulative sales is reported at 77,849 units. Considering no manufacturing and sales activity in April 2020, a YoY comparison is not possible. If April 2019 numbers are considered, the increase is at 18 percent.
    Suzuki India Sales – April 2021
    Domestic sales and export growth
    Of total sales in April 2021, domestic sales is reported at 63,879 units. MoM gain is reported at 6.07 percent, up from 60,222 units. Volume gain is reported at 3,657 units. Top sellers include Access, Burgman and Gixxer.
    Exports are reported at 13,970 units. MoM gain stood at 43.72 percent, up from 9,720 units. Volume gain is up at 4,250 units. MoM cumulative sales growth is stood at 11.31 percent. Sales grew from 69,942 units at volume gain of 7,907 units.
    Suzuki India Sales – April 2021
    Koichiro Hirao, Managing Director, Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt Ltd. said, “It is very satisfying that despite all the challenges associated with the second surge of Covid-19 Pandemic in the month of April, we could post of 12% YOY growth in domestic and an exceptional 57.5% growth in our exports volumes.”
    2021 Suzuki Hayabusa launch in India
    Given current circumstances, the start to FY22 is at best uncertain. SMIPL has gotten ahead on a strong foot to FY22. Earlier in the week, the company launched the all new Hayabusa. The first batch of 101 units was booked allotted to India were sold out in 2 days of bookings being opened.
    Last week, the company announced shift reduction at its Haryana plant. For four days, April 28 to May 1, 2021, the plant ran for a single shift instead of the regular 3 shifts.
    The company has also recalled Suzuki Gixxer 250 and Gixxer SF 250 units on account of an excessive vibration problem. The recall covers 199 units that were manufactured between August 12, 2019 and March 21, 2021.
    SMIPL is contacting customers regarding the same. Excessive vibrations are on account of balancer shaft positioning in the engine. The vibrations could result in two of the six nuts in the tail-light casing to come loose. More

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    Royal Enfield April 2021 Sales – Classic, Meteor, Bullet, Electra, Himalayan

    Image – The Bengal RiderRoyal Enfield reports total sales in April 2021 at 53,298 units at 10 percent MoM decline
    The start to FY22 is one of sheer uncertainty. What seemed like a few good months was quite simply a prelude to absolute resolution. In this environ of daily death and destruction, auto manufacturers are putting their best strategies forward to move from day to day as best as possible.
    Royal Enfield has reported domestic wholesales for April 2021 at just below 50k units. YoY comparison is impossible considering the nationwide lockdown through April 2020 when manufacturing and sales had been stopped. A year later, there’s more business for businesses, and more affliction for citizens.
    Domestic sales in April 2021
    Of total sales, domestic sales in Apr ’21 accounted for 91.54 percent of volumes. MoM decline stood at 18.92 percent, down from 60,173 units. Volume decline stood at 11,384 units. Of this, the 350cc segment accounted for 46,561 units. It also makes up the bulk of domestic sales at 87.36 percent. MoM decline stood at 20 percent, down from 58,471 units. Volume decline is reported at just under 12k units.
    The 350+ cc accounted for 6,737 units contributing to 12.64 percent of domestic sales. MoM sales fell by 11 percent, down from 7,587 units. Volume decline stood at 850 units. Exports is reported at 4.5k units. This accounts for 8.46 percent of total sales for Apr ’21. MoM exports fell by 23.38 percent, down from 5,885 units. Volume loss stood at 1,376 units.
    Royal Enfield Sales April 2021
    Total sales last month is reported at 53,298 units. MoM sales decline is reported at just below 20 percent. Sales fell from just over 66k units. Volume loss stood at 12,760 units. Best selling motorcycles include Classic 350, Meteor, Bullet, Electra. Himalayan and 650 Twins also registered decent numbers.
    New motorcycles from Royal Enfield
    It’s not difficult to see why MoM sales was inevitable. Each year one witnesses a sales push in March on account of a new financial year approaching. This inevitably implies a revised price list across manufacturer product portfolios prompting purchase decisions. Add to this the continuous growth in infection numbers across India through April 2021.
    Given the current situation, states have in recent weeks announced curated lockdowns. This means, dealerships across key markets are yet again shut for business. Apart from the sales end, production end activity too is being constantly monitored.
    This also puts focus on impending launches. Following the launch of Meteor, Royal Enfield is geared up to launch a bike in the 350cc segment and 650cc segment. The latter helps the manufacturer expand its global footprint in the mid-segment. The recently launched Meteor will be retailed in USA in select trims. More

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    Hero MotoCorp April 2021 Sales At 3.72 L – Splendor, Deluxe, Passion, Pleasure

    Image – Indian IdentityHero MotoCorp sees subdued sales in April 2021 owing to temp closure of plant ops, and closure of dealerships across regions

    As Covid-19 infections continue to reach new highs in India, the auto industry is blighted by its spread. Depending on strategies to arrest growth, in recent week many a state government has issued lockdown orders.
    This apart, manufacturers are dealing with shortage of parts and interrupted supply chains. While the market hasn’t completely shutdown as was the case in April 2020, current challenges are many.
    In this atmosphere of uncertainty, Hero MotoCorp has reported domestic wholesales at 3,42,614 units. The auto manufacturer has also extended plant closures by 6 days to arrest the spread of Covid-19. Operations will be resumed on May 10, 2021. Including exports, total sales in April 2021 is reported at 3,72,285 units. MoM decline stood at 35.47 percent, down from 5,76,957 units. Volume decline is reported at just over 2 lakh units.
    Sales in April 2021
    Of total sales, motorcycles sales in the domestic market continues to lead from the front. Wholesales was reported at 3,39,329 units accounting for 91.15 percent of domestic sales. MoM decline stood at 35.32 percent, down from 5,24,608 units. Volume loss stood at 1,85,279 units.
    Hero MotoCorp Sales April 2021
    Scooter sales is reported at 32,956 units accounting for the remainder of domestic sales. MoM decline stood at 37.05 percent, down from 52,349 units. Volume loss stood at 19,393 units. Exports are reported at 29,671 units, accounting for 7.97 percent of total sales. MoM decline is reported at 9 percent, down from 32,617 units at volume loss at just under 3k units.
    Hero says sales in April ’21 was subdued owing to temporary closure of plant ops, and the fact that retail outlets remain have again been shut across many regions. These are state issued orders planned to stop the spread of the current devastation of the pandemic. As manufacturing and dealer dispatches remained shut in April 2020, there is no comparable YoY data for manufacturers for April 2021.
    Hero extends closure at plants
    Hero is committed to safety and has stopped work at its manufacturing facilities in IndiaIndia, its Global Parts Center (GPC) in Neemrana, and the R&D facility – the Centre of Innovation and Technology (CIT) in Jaipur till May 9, 2021. Plant ops will resume on May 10th.
    All corporate offices are on Work from Home (WFH) mode, and personnel that are required to visit office are doing so on a limited and rotational basis. The situation is being monitored continuously, and Hero MotoCorp aims to compensate for production loss during the remainder of the quarter. More

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    2021 Honda CB500X First Units Start Arriving At Dealer Showroom

    2021 Honda CB500X arriving at a dealer showroom. First in Kerala.2021 Honda CB500X enters a segment wherein it takes on the likes of Benelli TRK 502 and Kawasaki Versys 650
    2021 Honda CB500X is a road based adventure bike that has just been introduced in India. It is priced at Rs.6.87 lakhs (ex-sh) and is offered in 1 variant and 2 colour options of Grand Prix Red and Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic.
    Targeting the adventurous biker segment in the country, the new CB500X comes in with touring features with particular attention to seat height, riding position and an adjustable windscreen. This is the company’s first offering in the 500cc motorcycle segment in the country and, though priced higher, the CB500X takes on the Benelli TRK 502 and Kawasaki Versys 650 in terms of competition.
    Honda CB500X comes in via the Completely Knocked Down (CKD) route and is sold via the company’s exclusive BigWing Dealerships. First units have now arrived at dealer showrooms across India while deliveries are also expected to start soon. Video below is credit to Radiant Clicks LifeStyle.
    Inspired by the Africa Twin
    Honda CB500X borrows some design inspiration from the Africa Twin. It gets LED head and tail lamps along with LED indicators, a large adjustable windscreen, angular bodywork and seat height at 830mm. It sports a 17.7 liter fuel tank and dimensions stand at 2,156mm length, 828 mm width and 1,412 mm height.
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    It gets a wheelbase of 1,443mm and ground clearance at 181 mm with kerb weight of 199 kgs while it rides on on 19 inch front and 17 inch rear alloy wheels fitted with 110/80 and 160/60 section of tyres respectively. As against a TFT display, the CB500X gets a negative LCD display with no traction control, quickshifter or cornering ABS being offered.
    The Honda CB500X gets its power via a 471cc, parallel twin, liquid cooled engine offering 47 hp power at 8,500 rpm and 43 Nm torque at 6,500rpm mated to a 6 speed transmission with slip and assist clutch.
    It gets telescopic suspension in the front and Honda ProLINK monoshock at the rear while braking is via 310mm disc brake with two pot caliper in the front and 240mm disc with single piston at the rear. The bike also receives Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) technology that detects sudden braking following with it automatically activates hazard lights to warn nearby vehicles.
    2022 Honda CB400X and CB400F
    Even as the Honda CB500X has been officially launched in India, two other Honda bikes, 2022 Honda CB400X and CB400F have made their global debut but are not set for launch in India. Having been shown off at the Shanghai Auto Show in China, the CB400X is an adventure tourer while the CB400F is a naked streetfighter. The two bikes share similar features and get their power via the same 399cc parallel twin engine that makes 44.2 hp power and 37 Nm torque when mated to a 6 speed gearbox. More