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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    Joy Electric Scooter, Motorcycle Sales Grow 446% In July 2021

    Joy Electric MotorcycleJoy e-bike sales momentum from low-speed models sees company sell just below a 1,000 units in July 2021
    WardWizard Innovations and Mobility Ltd (BSE Code: 538970) reports sales growth for its Joy e-bike range in July 2021. With demand for low–speed models rising, Joy e-bike reports sales of 945 units in July 2021. Sales growth is pegged at 446 percent, up from 173 units sold in July 2020.
    The current debate revolves around electric two-wheelers offering advantages over traditional two-wheelers to their users. With a rapidly increasing battery capacity in electric scooter models, they are now able to cover meaningful distances.
    EV incentives and subsidies
    Sneha Shouche, Chief Financial Officer – WardWizard Innovations and Mobility Ltd, said, “The announcement of incentives and subsidies by authorities have pushed the growth of electric vehicles by many folds. With more awareness campaigns on sustainable mobility and a continuous rise in fuel prices, we have noticed a quick shift in demand by the customers for electric two-wheelers to meet their daily commuting needs.
    For many, the electric two-wheeler has become their first preference for mobility. As the infrastructure continues to grow, we are receiving high demand from urban and semi-urban regions. Moving forward with the positive market sentiments, we are confident of robust sales momentum, especially in the upcoming festival season.”
    Joy E-Bike
    Revised government incentives or subsidies for EVs to support their pricing ensures that consumers now have a choice to gauge the advantages proffered to make EV purchases lucrative.
    Ever-growing charging infra network
    Under government guidelines, a specific policy on electric vehicles has been a long time coming. Following recent updates to policy, a renewed range of incentives and subsidies have been offered by different governments for electric two-wheelers. What they mean for Indian EV market will be easier to understand as sales improve in a time bound manner.
    As the world moves towards cleaner emission norms, India has its work chalked out where promotion of electric vehicles as a mobility option for the future generations is concerned. Goals point to making India ‘a global leader in manufacturing and exporting of electric vehicles.’
    For the longest time people have been sceptical about using electric vehicles. With limited information available, impression about their reliability and mileage has been poor. Most have been vocal about range of the electric two-wheelers not being enough to meet daily commuting needs.
    However these notions are fast changing and electric two-wheelers are now available in plenty. They are being marketed as a convenient means of daily commute. More and more people are buying electric vehicles with dependable batteries and range. Battery swapping, ease of charging, access to an ever-growing charging infra network, and competitive cost of charging are now key advantages than work in favour of electric two-wheelers. More

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    Honda Scooter, Motorcycle Sales July 2021 – Activa, CB Shine, Dio, Unicorn

    Honda ActivaLast month Honda has also created a milestone by noting highest demand in Gujarat driven by sales of Activa 6G along with CB Shine
    Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI), the second largest two wheeler maker in India, has ended the month of July 2021 with total sales of 3,85,533 units. This included 3,40,133 units in domestic markets while 45,500 units were exported. Comparing YoY, domestic sales growth was at 10% while the same for MoM was at 60%.
    What is also worth mentioning is that Honda 2Wheeler lead industry growth, contributing over 1 lakh incremental units in July 2021. Sales charts were led by Honda Activa, the company’s most popular model, followed by that of CB Shine, Dio scooter and Unicorn. Their CB350 motorcycle continues to record decent sales.
    Honda Sales – July 2021
    This increased demand is in view of the company’s dealer network once again resuming operations following lockdowns announced across several states. This surge could also be attributed to a favourable monsoon season, increased demand for personal means of transport and the upcoming festive season.
    July Highlights
    Apart from record sales, HMSI also achieved much during the past month. For a start the company expanded its BigWing dealerships with a new BigWing Topline inaugurated in Chennai for its premium big bike business vertical. There was also the opening of a BigWing outlet in Chandigarh for mid-size segment sales.
    Honda 2Wheeler also introduced BigWing ‘Service on Wheels (SOW)’ initiative for better management of after sales services for its big bike customers in the country. This ‘Service on Wheels’ will take quality service to the customer’s doorstep and is particularly looked upon with favour during these pandemic times.
    The company has also commenced deliveries of its CB650R and CBR650R models, launched in India in March 2021 and priced at Rs 8.67 lakh and Rs 8.88 lakh respectively. Delivery also commenced for the company’s 2021 Gold Wing Tour, its flagship model that is being retailed via Honda BigWing Topline dealerships in Gurugram, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Indore.
    Honda Gold Wing Tour is offered in two variants in India with manual and DCT and priced at Rs 37,20,342 and Rs 39,16,055 lakh respectively. This exclusive premium touring motorcycle has seen such outstanding demand that the first batch was completely booked within 24 hours of opening announcement.
    In view of the current scenario and urgent need for social distancing, Honda also accepts online service booking wherein customers can set dates for servicing of their two wheelers via the company’s online portal. They will receive confirmation via email or SMS so as to reach the service centers at the appointed time. The company has also introduced the Parts App mobile application for retailers and distributors to gain access to all part related information.
    As a part of the company’s Road Safety initiative, HMSI celebrates of the 5th anniversary of Traffic Training Park in Ludhiana. This is a training facility that is based on a mini city concept wherein 1.45 lakh riders have received added knowledge on road safety to date. More