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    Hero Motorcycles, Scooters Price Hike July 2021 – Splendor, Passion, Xpulse, Destini

    Image – Yo RidersHero MotoCorp announces price increase for its two wheelers (motorcycles and scooters) wef July 1, 2021
    With Q2 FY22 fast approaching, manufacturers are using the time to announce impending price hikes. The latest to do so is Hero MotoCorp. Starting at the fag-end of FY20, auto manufacturers found themselves slumped to zero activity. An absolute lockdown meant a majority of manufacturing activity came to an abrupt halt. For the auto industry it was an absolute end to manufacturing right until May 2020 when manufacturing resumed in a phased manner.
    Following a few months of increased production and sales, the start to FY22 was yet again dampened. And while things are starting to look up, there’s no telling when the market can recover. In the meantime, manufacturing costs continue to be impacted. Given the circumstances, Hero MotoCorp has announced an upward revision to ex-sh price of its motorcycles and scooters. The announcement comes into effect on July 1, 2021.
    Price revision in Q2 FY22
    Price revision for its motorcycles and scooters portfolio will be up to Rs. 3,000. Exact quantum of increase varies on model, and market specifics. Price of almost all scooters and motorcycles are expected to increase, including that of their best sellers like Splendor, Passion, HF Deluxe, Destini and even of their premium portfolio like Xpulse, Xtreme.
    Price hike has been necessitated to partially offset impact of continuous increase in commodity prices. And as is the norm, now some of this cost is being passed onto the customer. Hero MotoCorp’s cost savings programme continues to minimize impact on customer.
    Hero Xtreme 160R 100 Million Edition. Image – MotoXpert Khan
    This being Hero MotoCorp’s third upward price revision in 2021, and second for FY22. Going forward, it’s most likely that further price revisions are to be announced in the current fiscal. Depending on product and city, potential hike for Hero’s two wheelers are upto over 5 grands since the start of FY22.
    Resuming production after lockdown
    Hero MotoCorp enjoys market dominance when it comes to sales. And two wheeler wholesales were already beginning to take a stride forward once lockdown was relaxed. With markets reopening yet again, this is what manufacturers would be looking forward to. India’s two wheeler market collectively boasts of huge numbers, thereby offering some sense of stability as operations return to normal.
    In May 2021, the manufacturer reported sales of 1,83,044 units. The month prior, sales was reported at 3,72,285 units. This is attributed to production closure since end of April ‘21.
    Production at its 6 plants in India resumed through the latter half of May. Earlier in the year, Hero MotoCorp had announced its plans to launch multiple new and refreshed products each year. One can expect multiple announcements regarding the same in the months to come. More

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    Electric Cars, Scooters To Get Highest Subsidy In Gujarat – Nexon EV, Ather

    Image – Anubhav ChauhanState-level subsidy in addition to FAME-II will help boost electric vehicle sales
    It’s good to see that states have started doing their bit to promote use of electric vehicles. The latest update comes from Gujarat where the state government has chalked out a detailed plan to boost EV usage. Gujarat’s new EV policy covers various aspects such as subsidies, encouraging startups and manufacturers to set up operations, and augmenting charging infrastructure.
    Double subsidy
    Over the next four years, Gujarat government aims to increase electric vehicle count in the state to 2 lakh units. A number of steps will be taken to achieve that goal. One of the key policy decisions is to increase subsidy for EVs registered in the state. The state government has stated that it will offer double the amount of subsidy in comparison to other states. This will be applicable on a per kilowatt basis.
    For two-wheelers, subsidy of up to Rs 20,000 has been approved. For three-wheelers and four-wheelers, the subsidy amount will be up to Rs 50,000 and Rs 1.5 lakh, respectively. This will be in addition to the subsidy already available under FAME-II scheme launched by the central government.
    This means that the electric scooters like Ather, Okinawa, Hero, Ampere, etc and electric cars like Tata Nexon Electric, MG ZS EV, Hyundai Kona electric – will get even more cheaper in Gujarat. This new policy will basically make electric vehicles cheapest in the state of Gujarat, as compared to anywhere else in India.
    Ather Electric Scooter
    The subsidy amount being offered by the state will be transferred to the buyer’s bank account via direct benefit transfer (DBT). This will eliminate any possibilities of fake subsidy claims or fraudulent operations. In other incentives, EVs registered in Gujarat will not be required to pay registration fee.
    Manufacturing and infrastructure ramp-up
    Gujarat government is aiming to make the state a hub for manufacturing of EVs and related parts and components. The government will also be encouraging investors and startups, who could contribute towards the development of better products in the EV space.
    On the infrastructure front, 250 new charging stations will be setup in the state. The state already has 278 charging stations. To setup more charging stations, the government has plans to use the space available with petrol pumps. Charging stations are also planned to be setup at housing societies and commercial complexes.
    Fuel savings and pollution control
    Within four years of implementing Gujarat’s new EV policy, several crores worth of fuel will be saved. Another key benefit will be 6 lakh ton reduction in CO2 emissions.
    With this new EV policy, EV sales could soon witness a boost in the state. Subsidy amount available under FAME-II has also been increased. With both subsidies combined, the price gap between EVs and fossil fuel powered vehicles could be reduced. Constantly rising prices of petrol and diesel is another factor that may motivate people to switch to electric. More

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    Komaki Electric Scooter Price Cut By Rs 20k – Sales Cross 14.5k In 2021

    Komaki Electric Scooter. Image – Hello EVKomaki announces price subsidy for its electric two-wheelers, and continues to expand its dealer network
    Following new updates to Fame II EV policy last week, manufacturers have stepped right in to announce a price reduction almost immediately. The Indian EV industry, albeit a small one, has seen much activity from new age electric two-wheeler manufacturers in recent years.
    Being a fledgeling industry has ensured a level playing field for new entrants. Considering a transition is expected in the years to come, new players are using the current timeframe to establish their brand, and products. Komaki has announced a price subsidy for its limited product range. The company has also set foot in Delhi with a new dealership launch this month. Komaki already sells its vehicles through dealerships in Kerala, Gujarat, Karnataka, and West Bengal, starting in February 2021.
    Komaki Delhi dealerships
    Price dynamics when it comes to petrol has continued to rise. Those numbers now consistently bounce above the Rs 100 mark. This too can be a serious consideration when it comes to purchasing a two wheeler. That, and current price reduction puts electric two wheeler manufacturers in an enviable position.
    At the very least, the situation is likely to improve public interest in electric two-wheelers. An opportune moment for electric two wheeler makers to establish their stance of not only being a greener choice, but also a cheaper alternative when compared to IC engine-powered vehicles.
    Komaki Electric Motorcycle
    Through 2021, Komaki has sold 14,500+ vehicles. This counts for something since the company has begun sales ops only recently, and at present is still building its sales network. The newest dealership is spread over 1,500 sq. feet, in Jhandewalan area (110055). Since starting ops, the dealership has sold over 120 vehicles. At the same time, its orderbook continues to swell. 12 more dealerships will become operational across Delhi in the next 2 months.
    Electric two-wheeler industry
    With Fame II policy now extended until 2025, EV manufacturers can continue to strengthen longterm plans. Despite constraints in the face of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, electric two-wheeler sales continued to grow through the past fiscal.
    Of course, it helped that collective industry wise sales happened to be a small base number to begin with. But with the 2W EV industry benefitting from subsidy by 50 per cent per KWh, by 2025, this industry could very well be a force to reckon with.
    Komaki TN-95, a large-is family scooter is now available with a subsidy of Rs 20k. Komaki SE price reduction stands at Rs 15k. The EV manufacturer has introduced an online vehicle booking system to ensure safe digitalisation, as well as overall safety given the current circumstances. More

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    Royal Enfield Sales, Exports Breakup May 2021 – Classic, Bullet, Meteor, Himalayan

    Image – Throttle 98Royal Enfield sold 20,073 units in domestic markets while exports stood at 7,218 units in May 21
    Royal Enfield has noted growth in terms of both domestic sales and exports in May 2021 when compared to that of May 2020. Total domestic sales stood at 20,073 units in the past month, up 8.92 percent over sales of 18,429 units in May 20. However, when comparing MoM sales, there was a decline of 58.86 percent as against 48,789 units sold in April 21.
    Royal Enfield Domestic Sales
    Despite both YoY and MoM de-growth, it was the Classic 350 that maintained a top spot in domestic markets with 9,239 units sold in May 21, down from 10,033 units sold in May 20 and from 23,298 units sold in April 21. Though noting lower demand, the company is set to herald in the new Classic 350 which is expected to go on sale next month and will sport a 349 cc single-cylinder OHC engine.
    RE Bullet 350 was at No.2 in domestic sales with 4,557 units sold last month, down from 6,145 units sold in May 20. This related to a difference of 1,588 units and de-growth of 25.84 percent YoY. MoM sales of the Bullet 350 were also 54.01 percent lower as compared to 9,908 units sold in April 21.
    Of the Meteor 350 and Electra 350, the company sold 3,375 units and 2,112 units respectively in May 21. 0 units of the Meteor 350 were sold in May 20 as the model was introduced later last year while Electra 350 sales increased 59.64 percent over 1,323 units sold in May 20.
    Royal Enfield Sales Breakup May 2021
    Both the models showed a significant MoM de-growth from 7,844 units and 3,631 units sold in April 21 respectively. It was solely due to the growth of Electra 350 sales of 2,112 units in May 21 over sales of 1,323 units in May 2020 that led the company to YoY growth in domestic markets.
    YoY and MoM de-growth was also noted in the case of the RE Himalayan and 650 Twins. Himalayan suffered the maximum de-growth of 83.55 percent from 2,815 units sold in April 21 to 463 units sold in the past month.
    Royal Enfield Exports
    Royal Enfield exports, which grew 955.26 percent on a YoY basis and 0.08 percent MoM saw each of its models post higher sales except for the Classic 350 which noted a de-growth in MoM sales. The Meteor 350 was in a top spot with 2,884 units sold in the past month with a 152.32 percent MoM growth as compared to 1,143 units sold in April 21. The export market share of Meteor 350 also increased to 39.96 percent in May 21 from 25.35 percent held in April 21.
    Royal Enfield Exports Breakup May 2021
    650 Twin exports were at 1,902 units in May 21, up 418.26 percent over 367 units shipped in May 20. In April 2021, Royal Enfield sold a total of 1,046 units of the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT650, relating to a MoM growth of 81.84 percent.
    Even as the RE Himalayan showed a 921.43 percent in YoY sales to 1,430 units, up from 140 units sold in May 20 and a 2.29 percent MoM growth as compared to 1,398 units sold in April 21, it was the Classic 350 that noted the maximum export growth which stood at 1,242.86 percent. Exports of the Classic 350 increased to 564 units in May 21, up from 42 units shipped in May 21, However, MoM sales dipped 22.10 percent as against 724 units sold in April 21.
    Increased exports were also noted in the case of Classic 500 and Bullet 500, thus taking total exports of Royal Enfield to 7,218 units in May 21, up from 684 units in May 20 and 4,509 units in April 21. More

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    2022 Honda Monkey 125cc Debuts With New Engine, Gearbox

    2022 Honda MonkeyWhile Honda Monkey 125 is very unlikely to arrive on Indian shores, its mini-moto sibling Grom 125 has been patented here earlier this year
    Honda has revealed an updated iteration of its cult mini-moto called Monkey 125 which gets mechanical as well as cosmetic updates. Originally, launched as a 49cc miniature bike in 1961 to be used as a kid’s toy in amusement parks, the modern Honda Monkey made its debut in Europe as a 125cc mini-moto which is a fun-to-ride machine for teenagers.
    While design of the new Monkey is very similar to their older model, it gets new colour schemes to spruce up its lively character. It also gets a host of accessories for riders to personalise according to their preference. While the overall styling remains retro which appeals to classic motorcyclists, the add-ons give it a hint of funkiness in order to attract a younger section of riders.
    Same design with minute tweaks
    The 2022 Monkey is based on the same steel backbone frame paired to a swingarm with an oval cross-section echoing the circular design theme prominent across the mini-bike. Some of its styling highlights pay homage to the original mini-moto of the 1960s such as chromed mudguards, mini-ape handlebars, a single-piece padded seat, a peanut-shaped fuel tank, chunky tyres and an upswept exhaust with stamped heat shield.
    A glossy fuel tank measuring 5.6-litres wears the same colour as the frame, swingarm and rear shock absorbers. It also dons the 3-D Classic Wing design Honda logo. For 2022, Honda is offering Monkey 125 with three colour options namely Banana Yellow, Pearl Nebula Red and a new Pearl Glittering Blue.
    2022 Honda Monkey
    Another attractive highlight is a fittingly stylish tubular steel rear carrier which is only offered as an official accessory. This carries is useful to carry loads of up to three kilos.
    Mechanical Specs
    The bike weighs a very nimble 104 kilos and offers a wheelbase of just 1,145mm with a very accessible seat height of 775mm. The plush seat is made of high-density urethane for maximum comfort.
    For a bike of this size, Honda offers the new Monkey with USD forks at front with a travel of 100mm while wearing a premium Alumite finish. Further, suspension in the rear is carried out by dual shock absorbers with two-stage springs and revised damper rubbers, for improved ride quality on bumper roads and reduced bottoming.
    2022 Honda Monkey
    The mini-moto rides on 12-inch wheels shod by fat, block pattern tyres. Braking is handled by a 220mm disc at front and 190mm disc at rear which are managed by the IMU-based ABS. However, the most interesting highlight is a new heart which is now Euro-5 compliant and is borrowed from the new Grom. The new Monkey is powered by a 124cc SOHC two-valve, air-cooled engine which returns a slightly higher output of 9.4 bhp at 6,750rpm and a peak torque of 11 Nm at 5,500rpm.
    Moreover, this motor is now paired with a new 5-speed gearbox replacing the older 4-speed unit. Top speed is claimed to be 91kmph although few riders have claimed to breach the 100kmph mark in the older model. It is also claimed to return a fuel efficiency figure of around 67kmpl. Prices for the new Monkey 125 will be revealed upon its launch in the coming few months. More

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    Yamaha Sales, Exports May 2021 – FZ, R15, MT15, Fascino, RayZR

    Image – Roadster viewYamaha recently launched a neo-retro version of FZ named FZ-X at Rs 1.17 lakh (ex-showroom)
    Yamaha, like every other auto OEMs, has faced a severe fall in sales volume in May 2021 due to the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic which caused most states across the country to impose partial lockdowns last month. This impacted operations of auto manufacturers at both production and sales levels.
    Domestic Sales Plummet
    Domestic sales figures of the Japanese bikemaker have dropped by 68.88 percent last month compared to April this year. In May 2021, Yamaha sold 11,613 units of its two-wheelers across the country as opposed to 37,318 units retailed the previous month.
    Fascino led Yamaha’s domestic sales for May 2021 as the scooter recorded sales of 3,588 units last month. In comparison, 5,612 units of the 125cc scooter were sold last month which resulted in an MoM decline of 36.07 percent. The company sold 3,520 units of its most popular motorcycle FZ in May which is a huge dip from 12,298 units sold in April. This translates to MoM drop in sales by 71.38 percent.
    The company’s second scooter offering RayZR recorded a volume of 3,360 units inMay as compared to 7,512 units in April. This results in a decline in MoM figures by 55.27 percent. Both RayZR and Fascino have been updated with new features and colour options and the latest iterations are set to launch soon.
    Yamaha Domestic Sales May 2021
    Yamaha’s flagship R15 registered sales volume of 896 units in March which is way below 6,022 units dispatched to dealerships across the country in April. The Japanese brand recorded an MoM drop of 85.12 percent for its entry-level superbike in India.
    Its naked sibling MT-15 registered a sales volume of a meagre 249 units which is a massive drop from 5,692 units in April 2021. This translated to an MoM decline of 95.63 percent. Interestingly, the company wasn’t able to sell a single unit of its sole quarter-litre offering FZ25 last month. The previous month’s figures for FZ25 stood at 182 units.
    Export Numbers More Than Domestic
    Yamaha is one of the few OEMs in India which exports more volume than it is able to sell in local markets. This is mainly because it exports more models than it has in its domestic lineup.
    Yamaha Exports May 2021
    Despite shortage in supply, the company was able to dispatch 17,512 units of its two-wheelers to overseas markets last month as opposed to 21,558 units in April 2021. This resulted in a decline in MoM figure by 18.77 percent.
    The bikemaker shipped 5,946 units of the entry-level motorcycle Crux in May. This figure stood at 1,756 units in April which translated to an MoM growth of 238.61 percent. Apart from Crux, MT15 was the only model which recorded an MoM growth last month of 42.86 percent after Yamaha shipped 400 units of the naked streetfighter abroad. In April, the company exported only 280 units of the R15 sibling. All other models recorded negative MoM growth. More

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    Ola In Talks With CESL For 2 And 3 Wheeler Electric Vehicles, Charging Infrastructure

    Ola Electric ScooterOla is also in the process of setting up a plant in Krishnagiri in Tamil Nadu with capacity of 10 million e-scooters per annum
    As petrol and diesel prices rise, the two and three wheeler electric segment has noted unprecedented increase in demand. The e-scooter segment has been noting increased demand each year. From a total of 1,26,000 units in 2018-19 sales increased to 1,52,000 electric two-wheelers in 2019-20.
    This fiscal year, sales have not been upto the mark in view of the current pandemic situation but yet managed to reach a total of 1,43,821 electric two-wheelers, as per figures indicated by Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles.
    The amendments to the FAME-II electric vehicle policy rolled out on Friday favors the segment in a big way and is expected to draw in more buyers into the fray. Electric scooter makers Ola, joins the likes of Hero Electric, Mahindra Electric Mobility and Kinetic Green Energy and Power Solutions, all of who are also in talks with Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL) for the supply of electric two and three wheelers along with charging infrastructure.
    As per the latest amendments in the FAME-II policy, demand incentive has been increased to Rs 15,000 per kWh from an earlier Rs 10,000 per kWh for electric two wheelers. The cap on incentives has been raised to 40 percent of the cost of the vehicle which had earlier stood at 20 percent.
    Ola Electric Scooter Plant – Digital Render
    The Government of India had introduced the FAME-II Scheme in 2019. Eligibility for this criteria to avail of the subsidy stood at a minimum range of 80 km and top speed of 40 km/h for an electric two wheeler. The new amendment also offers subsidy for battery-powered two-wheelers that comply with this criteria.
    Ola Factory in Tamil Nadu
    The ongoing pandemic has not deterred Ola from continuing with the setting up of its new factory which is slated to be across a 500 acre of land in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu. It is being built at an estimated cost of Rs 2,400 crore, with a target of 15 percent of the world’s production, or 1 crore e-scooters per annum. The plant is scheduled to be completed by the middle of 2022.
    CESL also plans to supply 2 lakh electric two-wheelers and 3 lakh electric three-wheelers and an agreement to this effect has already been signed with the Governments of Goa and Kerala for the supply of 30,000 units. Where charging infrastructure is concerned, Ola Electric also targets a network of 1 lakh EV chargers across 400 cities out of which 5,000 points will be set up in 100 cities during the current financial year itself.
    In view of these ongoing developments, Ola Electric has also strengthened its leadership team with appointment of two new Chief Financial Officers. GR Arun Kumar will be the new CFO of Ola Group and Ola Electric while Swayam Saurabh will be in-charge of the company’s mobility, financial services and food businesses.
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    Yamaha FZ-X Accessories List Detailed Along With Official Prices

    New Yamaha FZ-XThe new Yamaha FZ-X is added to the company range of 150cc motorcycles which include the FZ, R15 and MT15
    Yamaha has officially launched the new FZ-X retro styled motorcycle in India. Bookings have opened at company dealerships even prior to the bike going on display. Prices start from Rs.1,16,800 for the FZ-X without Bluetooth while the model with Bluetooth connectivity is priced at Rs 1,19,800.
    Presented in three color options of Metallic Blue, Matte Black, and Matte Copper, the new FZ-X is pretty loaded with features. However, the company has just introduced a range of accessories for buyers wishing to accessorize it a bit further.
    New Yamaha FZ-X
    Yamaha FZ-X Accessories List
    The range of official accessories include a seat cover priced at Rs.300 and a tank pad and bike cover at Rs. 400 each. Buyers can also opt for chrome finished rear view mirrors at Rs.800, LED indicators at Rs.1,490 per pair, rear foot pegs at Rs.400 and engine guard at Rs.800.
    The seat cover and bike cover protect the vehicle of any damage from heat and dust and especially during the monsoon season. The tank pad offers protection to the tank from damage and also offers the rider a better grip of the bike. The chrome finished rear view mirrors add more aesthetic appeal while visibility is enhanced via the LED indicators. The pillion rider receives better comfort thanks to the rear foot rests and the engine guard protects from any damage or minor crash.

    Accessories
    Price

    Seat cover
    Rs 300

    Tank pad
    Rs 400

    Bike cover
    Rs 400

    Chrome rearview mirrors
    Rs 800

    LED indicators
    Rs 1490 (set of 2 pcs)

    Rear footrest
    Rs 400

    Engine guard
    Rs 800

    Key features that are seen on the new Yamaha FZ-X include LED head and tail lamp, digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth connectivity (on the top spec variant) with Yamaha ConnectX mobile application and upswept exhaust. It also receives a flat and comfortable seat, mobile charging socket and alloy wheels with block patent tyres. Thanks to the side stand engine switch kill, the FZ-X will not start if the rider forgets to fold the side stand on the motorcycle.
    The main highlight on the Yamaha FZ-X is its instrument cluster. This LCD unit comes in with Bluetooth connectivity and offers information on incoming calls, SMS alerts, battery level, engine oil check, bike locator and rev meter along with indicating any malfunction information.
    Engine Specs, Suspension and Braking
    Yamaha FZ-X is dimensionally larger than the FZ-FI with which it shares its engine. It measures 2,020mm in length, 785mm in width and 1,115mm in height with a wheelbase of 1,330mm.
    New Yamaha FZ-X
    The new Yamaha FZ-X borrows its engine lineup from the FZ-FI series. This 149cc, single cylinder, air cooled engine makes 12 hp power at 7,250 rpm and 13.3 Nm torque at 5,500 rpm mated to a 5 speed constant mesh gearbox. It receives conventional telescopic fork in the front and 7 step adjustable monocross at the rear and braking via disc brakes measuring 282mm front and 220mm rear Single channel ABS is offered as standard.
    As bookings have opened for the Yamaha FZ-X, the company has also announced that first 200 buyers will receive a Yamaha original Casio G-Shock watch. Buyers can connect with their nearest Yamaha dealership for bookings or can place their orders via the Yamaha online sales portal. More