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      Hero Partners With Gogoro For Electric Scooter Tech, Charging Network

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      Gogoro Electric ScooterHero MotoCorp and Gogoro announce strategic partnership to develop vehicles and use an established battery swapping network
      Hero MotoCorp and Gogoro Inc. are embarking on a strategic partnership. Focus lays on accelerating the shift to sustainable electric mobility in India. Gogoro is reputed for urban battery swapping and smart mobility innovation.
      The development is headed towards a battery swapping joint venture. This will introduce Gogoro’s battery swapping platform to India. The collaboration will work on electric vehicle development to bring Hero-branded, powered by Gogoro Network vehicles to the fore.
      Gogoro Electric Scooter swappable battery
      Gogoro Network already caters to 3,75,000 riders and 2,000 battery swapping stations. This accounts for 2,65,000 daily battery swaps. To date, the company has undertaken upward of 174 million battery swaps. Gogoro is a Taiwan based company, a nation with a $100bn semiconductor industry. The country churns out the majority of advanced microchips too.
      Gogoro Network battery swapping
      The Gogoro Network battery swapping open platform succeeds on the back of connectivity, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. The end result is a smart swappable battery refuelling platform that is scalable, and is continually being developed to cater to wider needs.
      Gogoro Electric Scooter swappable battery
      Gogoro’s vehicle maker partners go on to access the company’s smart innovations and IP. This includes intelligent drivetrains and controllers, components and smart systems. The end product is a plethora of electric vehicles that are compatible with Gogoro Network battery swapping.
      Gogoro Electric Scooter
      To be fair, Hero MotoCorp has seen unprecedented success in the domestic two wheeler market. And this means the company is sitting at the cusp of great development when the next gen of new age vehicles become a mainstream affair. The future is electric. And when electric adaption becomes large scale, Hero MotoCorp will want to lead from the front. Its grip on the market is widespread, and in time, its network will simply shift to being an electric one.
      Ather Energy, Gogoro – What Next?
      Hero MotoCorp is also associated with Ather Energy, a fairly new electric startup. One can expect multiple such smart partnerships and collaborations as Hero lays the groundwork for its big electric transformation.
      Gogoro Electric Scooter
      As demand is generated, mega e-commerce companies are committed to using electric vehicles as part of their fleets. Ola electric is already vying for top spot in the area working at breakneck speed to ready its plant in India. Hero would very much like to be available with a range of products considering demand in the commercial space is already growing.
      Pawan Munjal, Chairman and CEO, Hero MotoCorp, said, “Our strategic partnership with Gogoro is in line with our Vision – ‘Be the Future of Mobility’ which we are bringing alive through our Mission to ‘Create, Collaborate & Inspire’. Today marks another major milestone in our journey, as we bring Hero’s leadership in two-wheelers, our Global scale and innovation powerhouse, with the leadership of Gogoro in Swapping business model, as they have demonstrated over the years in Taiwan and rest of the world.” More

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      Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 First Look Walkaround And Exhaust Note

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      Image – Biker Prakash ChoudharyBajaj Pulsar NS 125 is the third iteration and an entry level offering in the NS segment after the NS 200 and NS 160
      Bajaj Auto Limited has extended its Pulsar lineup with the new NS 125. Launched in India at Rs.93,690 (ex-sh), this entry level sportsbike costs about Rs 15-20k more than the regular Pulsar 125 currently on sale in the country. At the same time, it is cheaper than the Duke 125 by about Rs 70k.
      The new Pulsar NS 125 is offered in colour options of Beach Blue, Fiery Orange, Burnt Red and Pewter Grey while its body gets a high gloss metallic paint finish and it rides on bronze coloured alloy wheels.
      Segment First Features
      Several segment first features make their way onto the Pulsar NS 125. These include a rigid perimeter framework relating to added stiffness while low flex offers better handling facilities. It also receives a Nitrox mono-shock absorber aiding better stability at varying riding speed and on different road conditions.
      Targeting a younger and more adventurous segment of buyers, the Pulsar NS 125 gets sporty features with a signature wolf eyed headlamp cluster with twin pilot lamps, twin strip LED tail lamps and a split grab rail. Below is a first look walkaround video of new Pulsar NS 125 along with exhaust note. Video is credit to Biker Prakash Choudhary.
      [embedded content]
      New NS 125, likes its elder sibling, gets similar styling and is heavier than the regular Pulsar 125 by around 4 kgs. It has a total kerb weight of 144 kgs. Dimensions stand at 2,012mm length, 810mm width and 1,078mm height with a 1,353mm long wheelbase. It gets ground clearance at 179mm, saddle height at 805mm and rides on 17 inch alloy wheels with the tyre size 80 section at front and 100 at the rear.
      Technical Details
      Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 gets its power via the same 125cc, single cylinder, air cooled, fuel injected DTS-i engine that also powers the Pulsar 125 which offers 12 PS power at 5,500 rpm and 11 Nm torque at 7,000 rpm mated to a 5 speed constant mesh gearbox. Braking is via 240mm front disc and 130mm rear drum with CBS. Suspension is via telescopic front and mono shocks at the rear.
      Bajaj has been noticing huge increase in sales of Pulsar, post the launch of the 125 cc range. With the NS125, they aim to increase sales of Pulsar range even further. They aim to target young bikers who want a stylish entry level motorcycle in the 125cc segment.
      Bajaj Auto also offers the Pulsar NS series which includes the NS 200 and NS 160. The NS 200 was launched first as a new age and stylish Pulsar. The NS 160 came in with class leading power, advanced features and stylish looks at a highly competitive price point. Now the new entry-level NS 125 model comes in with class leading features, a powerful engine and sporty accents to strengthen the brands position in the entry level sports bike segment. More

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      Top 10 Motorcycles FY2021 – Hero Splendor Leads With 24.6 Lakh Sales

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      New Hero Splendor. Image – Consumer ABSTop 10 motorcycles report cumulative sales de-growth of 10.49 percent in FY21
      In the new environment of the COVID-19 era, when the need for personal means of travel is at an all-time high, motorcycle sales in India have suffered a negative impact. Taking into account the top 10 motorcycles sold in FY21, it may be noted that sales dipped 10.49 percent to 84,27,562 units, down 9,87,331 units as against 94,13,893 units sold in FY20.
      Hero MotoCorp and Bajaj Auto ruled the list while Honda, Royal Enfield and TVS Motor also made their contributions. Among each of these offerings, only Honda CB Shine and Bajaj Pulsar noted positive sales while each of the other motorcycles in the list posted de-growth.
      Hero Splendor at No. 1
      It was the Hero Splendor at No. 1 that commanded a 29.19 percent share in top 10 motorcycle sales in FY21. The Hero Splendor, an entry level commuter bike that boasts of high mileage and lower cost of maintenance saw sales of 24,60,248 units in the past year, down 6.55 percent as against 26,32,800 units sold in FY20.
      Hero MotoCorp had the HF Deluxe at No.2 but also suffering a de-growth, down 19 percent to 16,61,272 units sold in FY21 as compared to 20,50,974 units sold in FY20. Hero MotoCorp has just launched the new HF 100 in India priced at Rs.49,400. It is the most affordable model in the company lineup, positioned below the HF Deluxe with which it shares some styling cues.
      Top 10 Motorcycles FY2021 (April 2020 to March 2021)
      There was also the Hero Passion and Glamour on this list of top 10 motorcycles sold in FY21. Positioned at Nos. 5 and 6 respectively, both bikes saw de-growth in the past year. Passion sales dipped marginally by 2.95 percent to 4,87,455 units, down from 5,02,264 units sold in FY20. Sales of the Glamour motorcycle on the other hand, suffered a relatively high percentage of de-growth at 23.18 percent to 4,62,912 units as against 6,02,623 units sold in FY20.
      Honda CB Shine recorded the third highest sales in FY21. The CB Shine is a popular buy in the premium commuter segment and posted positive sales in the past year at 9,88,201 units, up 4.20 percent as against 9,48,384 units sold in FY20.
      Bajaj Pulsar Posts Sales Growth
      Sales of the Bajaj Pulsar range of bikes also noted positive growth. It was positioned at No. 4 with 10.51 percent growth to 9,45,978 units, up from 8,56,026 units sold in FY20. Bajaj Auto Limited has recently added to the Pulsar range with the new NS 125, an entry level model priced at Rs. 93,690.
      The Bajaj CT was also on the list at No.10 with the most de-growth among each of the top 10 motorcycles sold in FY21. De-growth stood at 41.06 percent with 2,83,027 units sold in FY21, down from 4,80,204 units sold in FY20. Platina sales dipped 21.89 percent to 4,51,685 units commanding a 5.36 percentage share.
      Royal Enfield and TVS Motor also featured on this list. RE Classic 350 was at No. 8 with 3,61,140 units sold down 9.29 percent as against 3,98,144 units sold in FY20. TVS Apache was at No.9 with 3,25,644 units sold, de-growth of 10.84 percent as compared to 3,65,237 units sold in FY20. The company has recently hiked the prices of the Apache range. Apache RTR 200 4V and 160 4V prices have been hiked and prices of the RTR 160 and RTR 180 have also increased by Rs 1,295. More

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      TVS iQube March 2021 Sales Highest Till Date – Beats Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter

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      Image – Auto Tech Zone
      Through an uncertain FY21, Bajaj Chetak electric scooter sales reach 1.4k units
      Being competitive in the electric two-wheeler segment is currently a small number game. For starters not everyone is participating yet. However, this doesn’t paint a complete picture. Grassroot level efforts are most oft not widely discussed, and patterns being enforced maybe difficult to understand.
      Nevertheless, the space will prove to be an exciting one as the push for electric vehicle adoption receives a timely impetus. For now, subsidy and rebate options exist under government policies if the vehicle qualifies as per set parameters.
      In India, both Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor are playing the electric scooter game through flagship models. Bajaj brought back its Chetak scooter in an all new electric avatar. Its the only electric vehicle in the company’s current portfolio. And TVS introduced iQube.
      Bajaj Chetak and TVS iQube
      There is no historic data when it comes to checking progress or growth on account of both e-ecooters being fairly new launches. And both were launched only months before Covid-19 pandemic rocked our world. Given that one can understand that sales plans and growth plans have all but gone awry. When sales came to an abrupt end in March, companies were only able to pick up on some activity in June.
      Bajaj Chetak vs TVS iQube – March 2021 Sales
      Through trials and tribulations when a trying fiscal ended, Bajaj Chetak came out n top at just under 1.4k unit sales. TVS iQube sales were clocked at 1,110 units. What’s interesting though is in March 2021, TVS managed to report iQube wholesales at a whopping 355 units. However given how logistics works, it’s most likely that both companies are still dealing with clearing the order books that were filled months earlier.
      Bajaj Chetak vs TVS iQube – FY 2021 Sales
      Electric scooter market
      When launched early in 2020, Bajaj Chetak bookings were said to be at 2k units. Even through the fiscal, the company has failed to sell that many units. And through the fiscal ended Match 2021, Bajaj has entertained bookings and has had periods where they haven’t accepted any.
      Where development and sales is concerned, Bangalore proves to be an important city for electric two wheeler manufacturers. The initial push came from Ather, which is associated with Hero Motocorp. The two wheeler manufacturing giant also sells its own electric scooters through its Hero Electric arm.
      Delhi has proven to be another important city in this regard. These set patterns can help determine that city based focus will mean that one can expect a more developed charging network in such focus cities. Bajaj Chetak sales will soon begin in Hyderabad and Chennai. More

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      New Yamaha FZ-X 150cc Retro Motorcycle Spied Undisguised

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      2021 Yamaha FZ-X SpiedDespite being based on Yamaha FZ FI, the upcoming FZ-X will wear its own unique styling
      When a test mule of Yamaha was spotted in Yamuna Expressway a few weeks ago, it was presumed that the Japanese carmaker was planning to bring the XSR lineup to India. While later it was revealed that it won’t carry the XSR branding and instead will be named FZ-X even though the latter is also likely to be a retro-style bike like the former.
      Yamaha FZ-X will be based on FZ-FI V3 as revealed by a government approval document leaked a few days ago. It is speculated to share a lot in common with its international counterpart XSR 150 as far as styling and specifications are concerned. A new photo has now leaked, which shows the front quarter completely undisguised.
      2021 Yamaha FZ-X for India
      While underpinnings and powertrain are likely to be the same, the FZ-X roadster is likely to wear a different top hat in comparison to its naked streetfighter. When launched, it will create a new segment of entry-level retro motorcycles and will be positioned as a more affordable alternative to current entry-level retro-style classic motorcycles (300-400cc). This segment is currently dominated by Royal Enfield with rivals from Jawa, Benelli and Honda.
      Expected Design Elements
      This could turn out to be extremely beneficial for Yamaha as the bikemaker will try and utilise the first mover’s benefits to ramp up its sales volume. In terms of design, some of the highlights expected are a box-style fuel tank, fork gaiters, flat seat design, center-set footpegs, a comfortable riding position, upswept exhaust and a digital instrument cluster. The relaxed riding stance would be suitable for daily urban commutes as well as highway touring.
      2021 Yamaha FZ-X
      Expected Specs
      It will be powered by the same 149cc air-cooled SOHC engine that performs duties in FZ Fi and FZS Fi. This unit is rated to return an output of 12.2 bhp at 7,250rpm and 13 Nm of peak torque at 5,500rpm and will be mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
      Suspension setup will retain telescopic forks at front and a 7-step adjustable mono-shock at rear. Braking duties will be handled by 282m discs at front and 220m disc at rear assisted by single-channel ABS as standard.
      Dimension-wise, FZ-X will offer the same wheelbase of 1330mm as the naked street racer. However, in terms of length, width and height the former will outstretch the latter by 30mm, 5mm and 35mm respectively. This suggests that FZ-X will wear its own unique bodywork. In figures, the classic roadster will measure 2,020mm in length, 785mm in width and 1,115mm in height.
      When launched, FZ-X could be offered at the same price as FZ Fi which currently has a starting price of Rs 1.05 lakh (ex-showroom). Exact launch timeline is yet to be confirmed by Yamaha.
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      KTM India Sales, Exports March 2021 – Duke 125, 200, 250, RC 390, ADV

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      KTM DukeKTM India domestic sales and exports growth reported in March 2021
      Exports from India are important, and the Indian auto industry has great potential to be a force to reckon with at this front. Over time, manufacturers have found meaning in overseas business. Bajaj for one has been making strides at this front. Not only are Bajaj Auto exports creating a benchmark, but so are its KTM volumes.
      However Covid-19 pandemic related situation have reigned in business potential. And the fiscal ended in the red zone despite some efforts at recovery in recent months. KTM exports grew by almost a quarter in March 2021. Total exports are reported at 4,764 units up from 3,855 units units. Volume gain stood at 909 units at 23.58 percent growth.
      KTM India sales and exports – March 2021
      This of course on account of the fact that the first Covid-19 pandemic related lockdown was suddenly announced towards March 2020 end. This brought to a stop all auto manufacturing and sales accounting for low base sales.
      KTM 200 and KTM 390
      Considering growth in recent months, the company showed great heart in February 2021 with exports reported at 8,153 units. Given the volume, MoM decline in exports is reported at 41.57 percent. Volume contraction stood at 3,389 units.
      KTM India Mar 2021 Sales Break Up
      In the domestic market, wholesales in March 2021 are reported at 45.32 percent. Sales is up at 6,217 units, up from 4,278 units, at volume gain of 1,939 units. Sales growth stood at 45.32 percent. Of the KTM motorcycles sold in India, the 200cc range was able to consistently pack in the biggest punch accounting for the biggest share in sales. Last month 2,226 units were sold at 35 percent volume share. The KTM 390 range saw wholesales cross a 1,000 units.
      KTM India Mar 2021 Exports Break Up
      Total KTM sales in March 2021
      MoM sales growth is reported at 15.26 percent. Volume gain stood at 823 units, up from 5,394 units reported the month prior. At the time, KTM 200 wholesales were just below 2.5k units. Whole the unit sees great demand in India, globally, it’s the KTM 390 range that dominates KTM exports charts. In March 2021, 390 exports were reported at just under 2.4k units at 50 percent market share of total KTM exports. The month prior that number crossed 3k units. YoY 390 exports fell by 8.67 percent down from 2,619 units at volume loss of 227 units.
      In the domestic front, KTM reported growth in wholesales for all its offerings, barring the 125cc range last month. The later saw wholesales contract by just under 5 percent. The KTM 250 range saw sales pick up at 1,249 units, up from 375 units. In a MoM comparison, the KTM 200 range sold about 200 units lesser.
      Total wholesales in March 2021 is reported at 10,981 units, up from 8,133 units. Growth is reported at 35 percent at volume gain of 2,848 units. MoM decline stood at 18.94 percent. Wholesales fell from 13,547 units at volume loss of just over 2.5k units. More

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      350cc Motorcycle Sales March 2021 – Classic, Meteor, Bullet, Hness CB350

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      Image – GauravRoyal Enfield Classic 350 is the most sold 350cc motorcycle in India, new generation model expected in a few weeks
      The retro-style classic segment of motorcycles once was clearly dominated by Royal Enfield. It still does command the space thanks to a loyal fanbase and a wide range of products in this space. However, in recent times it has faced stiff competition from new offerings from Honda, Benelli and Jawa.
      Domestic Sales
      In the 350cc segment, the Chennai-based bikemaker still enjoys a monopoly since it has three offerings against the one offered by Honda. A total of 61,201 motorcycles were sold in this space last month against l29,971 units sold in March last year that resulted in YoY growth of 104.20 percent even though MoM sales declined by 6.47 percent. Sales of Jawa and Benelli are not available.
      The segment was spearheaded by Royal Enfield Classic 350 with as many as 31,696 units sold in March this year. The figures stood at 24,304 units in March last year and 36,025 units in February this year.
      This resulted in YoY growth of 30.41 percent and a decline in MoM sales by 12.02 percent. Its sibling Bullet 350 managed to rake in 9,693 units last month against the previous month’s 11,044 units resulting in an MoM decline in sales by 12.23 percent.
      350cc Motorcycle Sales March 2021
      New Entrants- Meteor 350, CB350 Show Growth
      However, the longest-running motorcycle in production registered a massive YoY growth of 278 percent since it sold 2,507 units in March last year. The electric start version of Bullet, formerly known as Electra, recorded sales of 4,914 units that resulted in YoY growth of 55.51 percent and MoM decline of 24.1 percent. The company’s latest cruiser offering Meteor 350 registered sales of 10,596 units in March this year.
      In February 2021, the motorcycle witnessed sales of 8,624 units thus translating to an MoM growth of 22.87 percent. The list was rounded off by Honda’s latest roadster CB 350 in two forms- H’Ness and RS with a cumulative sales of 4,302 units. In comparison, the Japanese brand sold 3,268 units in February this year resulting in an MoM growth of 31.64 percent.
      Exports
      As far as exports are concerned, a total of 1,722 motorcycles from this segment were shipped to overseas countries. In comparison, last year during the same month, this figure stood at 416 units whereas this year in February, the numbers stood at 1,572 units. Therefore, it resulted in YoY growth of 75.84 percent and an MoM growth of 9.54 percent.
      350cc Motorcycle Exports March 2021
      Meteor 350 recorded the highest exports of 890 units which translates to an MoM of 383.70 percent. With 679 units dispatched abroad, Classic witnessed the highest YoY growth of 87.57 percent, however, its MoM sales declined by 38.66 percent. Honda shipped only 150 units of CB350 thus recording an MoM sales decline of 44.44 percent. More

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      Top 10 Two Wheeler Sales FY 2021 – Splendor, Activa, Jupiter, Platina

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      File photoTop 10 two wheeler sales volumes contracted by 12 percent in FY21 over sales in FY20
      Top 10 entries in the two wheeler segment for FY21 were commanded by Hero MotoCorp with four of its two wheelers in the list, while Honda, Bajaj and TVS had two each. Total top 10 two wheeler sales stood at 1,05,55,104 units in FY21, a de-growth of 12 percent as against 1,19,94,646 units sold in FY20. Each of the top 10 two wheelers suffered de-growth with the exception of Honda CB Shine and Bajaj Pulsar.
      Splendor No 1
      It was the Hero Splendor that was at the top of this list with a share of 23.31 percent. Sales during the period April 2020 to March 2021 stood at 24,60,248 units, down 6.55 percent over 26,32,800 units sold in the same period of the previous year.
      On this list of top 10 best-selling two wheelers for FY21, Hero MotoCorp also had the HF Deluxe at No.3 with sales de-growth of 19 percent to 16,61,272 units down from 20,50,974 units sold in FY20 while the Hero Passion and Glamour were lower down the order at Nos. 8 and 9 respectively. Both suffered de-growth in sales with Passion sales down 2.95 percent to 4,87,455 units in FY21, down from 5,02,264 units sold in FY20.
      Glamour sales suffered a deeper de-growth of 23.18 percent to 4,62,912 units in the past year, down from 6,02,623 units sold in FY2. Hero MotoCorp has announced a price hike across its best-selling models such as the Splendor, Passion, Maestro, HF Deluxe, Xpulse from 1st April 2021.
      Top 10 Two Wheelers FY 2021
      Honda Activa at No.2
      Sales of the Hero Splendor were over that of the Honda Activa by a huge margin. Activa scooter sales stood at 19,39,640 units, down 25.14 percent over 25,91,059 units sold in FY20. Honda also had the CB Shine at No.4 and reported sales growth of 4.20 percent in FY21 to 9,88,201 units, up 39,817 units as against 9,48,384 units sold in FY20.
      Bajaj Auto Pulsar and Platina also made it to this list at No.5 and No.10 positions. Pulsar sales grew by 10.51 percent in FY21 to 9,45,978 units, up from 8,56,026 units sold in the same period of the previous year. However, Platina sales dipped 21.89 percent to 4,51,685 units, down 1,26,552 units as compared to 5,78,237 units sold in FY20.
      Bajaj Auto Limited has also recently increased prices of the CT and Platina range from 1st April 2021 despite which they continue to be the most affordable commuter motorcycles in the country.

      Top 10 2Wheelers
      FY2021
      FY2020
      % Growth

      1. Splendor
      24,60,248
      26,32,800
      -6.55

      2. Activa
      19,39,640
      25,91,059
      -25.14

      3. HF Deluxe
      16,61,272
      20,50,974
      -19.00

      4. CB Shine
      9,88,201
      9,48,384
      4.20

      5. Pulsar
      9,45,978
      8,56,026
      10.51

      6. TVS XL
      6,17,247
      6,36,812
      -3.07

      7. Jupiter
      5,40,466
      5,95,467
      -9.24

      8. Passion
      4,87,455
      5,02,264
      -2.95

      9. Glamour
      4,62,912
      6,02,623
      -23.18

      10. Platina
      4,51,685
      5,78,237
      -21.89

      Total
      1,05,55,104
      1,19,94,646
      -12.00

      TVS XL and Jupiter
      TVS Motor had the XL moped and Jupiter scooter on the list of top 10 best-selling two wheelers for FY21. TVS XL at No. 6 suffered a de-growth of 3.07 percent to 6,17,247 units in FY21, down from 6,36,812 units sold in FY20. Jupiter sales on the other hand dipped 9.24 percent top 5,40,466 units, a difference of 55,001 units as compared to 5,95,467 units sold in FY20.
      TVS Motor recently introduced start-stop technology on the Jupiter recently so as to make it competitive against its counterparts. TVS has also increased prices by Rs.500-2,500 for its scooters from 1st April 2021. The Jupiter range prices are hiked by Rs.940-1,250 with the company citing rising input costs. More