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      Harley Davidson Dealers May Reduce Because Of Partnership With Hero

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      File Photo
      Harley Davidson last week entered into a distribution and licensing agreement with Hero MotoCorp as a part of its Rewire strategy.

      Harley Davidson’s partnership with Indian two-wheeler giant Hero MotoCorp was on the expected lines since the American brand quit its India operations a couple of months ago. As per this deal, Hero MotoCorp will now develop and sell a range of premium motorcycles under the Harley Davidson brand name.
      However, this partnership has put the fate of Harley India’s existing 33 dealerships across the country in doubt. These dealers are spread across metros and smaller towns across India and have no idea what future holds for them. As per last update, Harley Davidson was still in process of communicating this transition to its existing dealers.
      Current status of Harley Davidson Dealer in India
      Dealers still awaiting clarity from Harley or Hero MotoCorp; expect the network to be shrunk to 13-15 dealerships from the current 33. Dealers have confessed that mid-sized motorcycle Street 750 accounted for 70-80 percent sales in the country and has been out of production for more than a month.
      A Harley Davidson dealer on condition of anonymity admitted that in its good days, the dealers sold around 20-25 units of Harley each month which has come down to single-digit figures. With Street 750 most likely not to return and the launch of a mid-size motorcycle from the Hero-Harley combination still a few years away, dealers feel they should be compensated for the investments made by them or should increase the profit margins to sustain operations.
      Hero will take care of Harley Motorcycle Sales and Service in India
      Future of these dealers
      The report states that Hero Moto will not only sell and service existing Harley bikes in India but also “sell parts and accessories and general merchandise riding gear and apparel through a network of brand-exclusive Harley-Davidson dealers network in India”.
      Another Harley Davidson dealer said that in 2013, the American motorcycle brand was solely dependent on CBUs and there were only 9-10 dealerships at that time. The company is heading towards the same direction now.
      The most affected dealers are going to be those in the smaller markets of the country and those who had recently refurbished their showrooms and invested a sizeable chunk. A clearer picture is expected later this week when an official communication from Harley Davidson is sent out to dealers which will throw some light on increased margins or compensation for the dealers.
      Harley Davidson officially announced its tie-up Hero MotoCorp. This is not a first in two wheeler industry. We have already seen the likes of Bajaj-KTM, BMW-TVS and Jawa-Classic Legends. The first product of this joint venture is likely to be a mid-size motorcycle in the 350-500cc segment. This made-in-India Harley motorcycle is also expected to be exported by Hero to overseas markets.
      SOURCE More

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      Two Wheeler Sales Oct 2020 – Hero, Honda, TVS, Bajaj, Suzuki, Royal Enfield, Yamaha

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      Hero Splendor BS6
      Powered by the festive mood, two-wheeler sales continued to be buoyant in October

      A total of 19,91,260 units were sold, which is YoY gain of 15.77%. Sales during the corresponding period last year stood at 17,19,962 units. MoM gain is 8.01%, as compared to 18,43,599 units sold in September 2020.
      Hero, Honda, TVS in top three
      At 32.54%, Hero MotoCorp has registered the highest percentage YoY growth in October. A total of 7,32,498 units were sold, as compared to 5,52,672 units in October last year. MoM growth is 5.05%, as compared to 6,97,293 units sold in September 2020. The company’s market share in October stands at 36.79%. Primary growth drivers for Hero are its popular commuter bikes, Splendor and HF Deluxe.
      Honda Two Wheelers is at second place with 4,94,459 units sold in October. YoY growth is 1.36%, as compared to 4,87,819 units sold in October last year. Interestingly, while sales were expected to grow in October, the company has registered negative MoM growth of -1.28%. Sales in September 2020 were higher at 5,00,887 units. Honda’s primary growth driver continues to be its popular Activa scooter. The company’s market share was 24.83% in October.
      TVS Motor takes the third spot with 3,01,380 units sold in October. YoY gain is 19.27%, as compared to 2,52,684 units sold in October last year. MoM growth is 24.66%, as compared to 2,41,762 units sold in September 2020. Some of the bestsellers in TVS portfolio include XL Super, Jupiter, and Apache. The company commanded a 15.14% market share in October. If we combine the top three (Hero + Honda + TVS), their collective market share turns out to be more than 75%.
      Two Wheeler Domestic Sales Oct 2020 vs Oct 2019 (YoY) vs Sep 2020 (MoM)
      At number four is Bajaj with 2,68,631 units sold in October. YoY gain is 10.77%, as compared to 2,42,516 units sold in October last year. MoM gain is 22.38%, as compared to 2,19,500 units sold in September 2020. The primary growth driver for Bajaj continues to be its Pulsar range. Other contributors include CT100 and Platina. The company’s market share in October was 13.49%.
      Suzuki takes the fifth spot with 67,225 units sold in October. YoY gain is 1.53%, as compared to 66,215 units sold in October last year. MoM gain is 3.11%, as compared to 65,195 units sold in September 2020. Suzuki’s bestsellers continue to be Access, Gixxer, and Burgman. The company’s market share was 3.38% in October 2020.
      No
      Two Wheeler Sales
      Oct-20
      Oct-19
      1
      Hero
      7,32,498
      5,52,672
      2
      Honda
      4,94,459
      4,87,819
      3
      TVS
      3,01,380
      2,52,684
      4
      Bajaj
      2,68,631
      2,42,516
      5
      Suzuki
      67,225
      66,215
      6
      Enfield
      66,891
      71,964
      7
      Yamaha
      60,176
      46,082
      –
      Total
      19,91,260
      17,19,952
      Royal Enfield YoY sales down
      At number six is Royal Enfield with 66,891 units sold in October. It is the only two-wheeler manufacturer to register negative YoY growth in October. Sales are down -7.05%, as compared to 71,964 units sold in October last year. However, MoM sales have improved 19.64%, as compared to 55,910 units sold in September 2020. The company’s bestseller continues to be its Classic 350 motorcycle.
      Yamaha is placed seventh in the list with 60,176 units sold in October. While YoY sales are positive at 30.58%, MoM sales are down by -4.56%. Yamaha’s bestsellers in October include R15, MT15, Ray, FZ and Fascino. More

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      Honda Sales Oct 2020 Crosses 5 Lakh Units – Thanks To New Activa

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      New Honda Activa 6G
      Honda 2Wheelers India reports YoY sales growth for 3rd month

      Honda domestic sales is just shy of 5 lakh units at 4,94,459 units. Volume gain is reported at 6,640 units, up from 4,87,819 units at 1.36 percent growth. Domestic sales accounts for 93.79 percent of total sales. Exports grew to 32,721 units at 8.98 percent growth. Volume gain is reported at 2,695 units, up from 30,026 units. Total sales is reported at 5,27,180 units, up 1.8 percent from 5,17,845 units.
      MoM domestic sales fell by 1.28 percent. Sales has dipped from 5,00,887 units at volume decline of 6,428 units. Exports gained 25.96 percent up from 25,978 units. Total MoM sales gain is minimal at .06 percent up from 5,26,865 units.
      Honda Two Wheeler Sales Oct 2020 vs Oct 2019 vs Sep 2020
      Looking Forward To Q4 2020
      With sales in October 2020 being a strong tailwind for most manufacturers, sales momentum has been noteworthy. This bodes well as the industry goes into Q4 2020 on the back of a weak start to FY21 on account of nationwide lockdown owing to Covid-19 pandemic. While a sudden standstill threw processes off-track, recovery now has been phenomenal. Of course this won’t be enough to recuperate losses incurred a few months earlier, it will help post a strong quarter to end 2020.
      While sales momentum was expected, it seems the industry for the most part has bounced back much better than some of the stifled expectations discussed earlier. HMSI covets precious podium spot and has been sitting pretty at number two for years now. Through October 2020, it continues to do so. As expected, HMSI’s strong march forward is propelled for the most part by the ever popular Honda Activa scooter.
      Interestingly, though Honda two-wheeler sales are obstinately strong, it still has always been difficult for the manufacturer to catch up with Hero MotoCorp’s sales. Both manufacturers function as strong protagonists of the industry, and foster and nurture the nation’s strong reputation as being a larger the life two-wheeler market. On any given month, cumulative sales from the top two manufacturers could hover around the 10 lakh mark. Interestingly, the two close competitors don’t really compete too closely across segments.
      Personal vehicle purchases
      Hero MotoCorp gallops forward basis its Splendor, and Honda sales is furthered by its Activa scooter. Current sales growth spurt at present is getting a shot in the arm through a cascading sentiment that’s tipping people’s decision making towards two-wheeler purchases. Need for a personal commute option is now paramount as more folks are cognisant about maintaining safe distancing.
      Public transport options though resumed on most routes doesn’t comes with the guarantee of safe distancing, meaning more or more people would rather have a bike. A range of finance options too is ensuring ease of purchase. Business resumption has meant the supply chain and logistics is now uninterrupted.
      Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Director – Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said, “Ending October, nearly 100% of our network is opened and charged up post recording YOY increase in retails during the first 2D’s of festival (Durga Puja and Dussehra). Riding into the festive season on a high note, our newly launched H’ness-CB350 has garnered great response in a short span of time. In less than 1 month of start of sales of our debut 350ccc mid-size motorcycle, our production is booked till November, even as new bookings continue to rise.” More

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      BS6 Ducati Multistrada 950 S Launch Price Rs 15.49 L – Deliveries Start Soon

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      BS6 Ducati Multistrada 950 S
      BS6 Ducati Multistrada 950 S has been made available in a single variant and will be offered in a single paint scheme- Ducati Red

      Italian superbike manufacturer Ducati has launched the much awaited Multistrada 950 S in its latest iteration. The updated adventure bike has been priced at Rs 15.49 lakh (ex-showroom, pan India) and will be available for display at showrooms in a few days time.
      Deliveries of the upcoming adventure tourer are expected to begin from the second week of November. Bookings have already commenced at a token amount of Rs 1 lakh. It is the entry-level motorcycle in the brand’s Multistrada range of ADV bikes both in terms of affordability and engine displacement.
      Design
      The Multistrada 950 is an amalgam of Multistrada 1260 and Multistrada 1260 Enduro in terms of design elements incorporated. Its front end features a distinctive horizontally extended full-LED headlight and an adjustable windscreen. It receives new side wings and a revised tank that have been borrowed from the larger Multistrada. It retains its traditional beak from its predecessor.
      On the other hand, the rider’s seat, passenger seat, rear grab rail, the design of the exhaust and swingarm and the wheel sizes are inspired from the Multistrada 1260 Enduro. The seat is very scooped and gets additional cushioning. The knuckle guards come with integrated turn indicators which adds a nice touch.

      Dynamics
      The new Multistrada 950 S sits on a tubular steel Trellis frame which is linked to a new, lighter double-sided aluminium swingarm which enhances its ADV looks. The freshly designed light 19-inch aluminium alloy wheel at front gets 320mm twin discs with callipers from Brembo. The rear wheel is equipped with a 265 mm rotor disc. It is linked to a suspension unit with a travel of 170mm to ensure ride comfort is complemented by agility. It also receives a class-leading 20-litre fuel tank capacity.
      In terms of features, it comes with a range of electronics onboard including Bosch Cornering ABS, Vehicle Hold Control (VHC) and Ducati Traction Control (DTC). It also features semi-active Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS) which continuously adjusts the 48mm diameter fork and rear shock absorbers. Other notable features include 5-inch TFT colour instrument panel with Ducati Multimedia System (DMS), Ducati cornering lights, Ducati quick shift up/down and cruise control.

      It gets two 12-V power sockets- one in the front dash, the other underneath the seat. It also gets a USB phone charging unit, different riding modes assisted by ride-by-wire technology and self-servo wet slipper clutch. It also receives backlit switchgear controls and a hands-free system.
      Powertrain & Transmission
      Coming to the performance aspect, the new Multistrada 950 S gets a BS6 (Euro-5) compliant 937 cc liquid-cooled, twin-cylinder Testastretta 11° engine which pushes out 113 hp at 9,000 rpm and 96 Nm of torque at 7,750 rpm. It is paired with a six-speed gearbox with a bi-directional quick shifter. More

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      Yamaha Sales Oct 2020 Grow by 30% – R15, MT15, Ray, FZ, Fascino

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      Image – Alagendran Autos
      Yamaha India is upbeat about its sales prospects in November and December as well

      Yamaha India witnessed an impressive YoY growth in its sales last month. The Japanese motorcycle maker managed to dispatch 60,176 units in October 2020 as against 46,082 units during the same month last year. This is the fourth straight month of YoY growth for the company as things look upbeat in the Indian two wheeler market.
      Yamaha India sales
      Compared to September 2020, the October 2020 figures are 4.56% or 2,876 units less. However, the YoY growth of 30.58% is the highest compared to the previous months after lockdown.
      The strong demand can be attributed to positive customer sentiments around the festive season, aided by the pent up demand this year. Yamaha is confident that the festive season rush will lead to record sales volumes in November and December as well.
      In a bid to enhance the appeal of its updated portfolio, Yamaha India has been offering low-downpayment finance schemes on its 125 cc scooter range in select regional markets. Below is the detailed sales report of Yamaha India motorcycles and scooters for Oct 2020.
      Yamaha Oct 2020 Sales vs Oct 2019 (YoY) vs Sep 2020 (MoM)
      Yamaha India’s stance in the market
      Over the years, Yamaha slowly steered itself away from 100 to 125 cc commuter motorcycle segment where the competition is cut-throat and rivals like Hero, Honda, Bajaj and TVS have a clear upper hand. Supported by its Chennai plant, the company started focusing on automatic scooters in the price sensitive spectrum of the two wheeler industry while continuing to strengthen its brand value in the compact displacement premium motorcycle segment with its comprehensive range of 150 and 250 cc motorcycles.
      In the BS6 era, Yamaha India made a further course correction by upgrading its entire scooter portfolio to a new 125 cc EFI platform, again a move to distance itself from the crowd and establish its own niche. As the post lockdown sales growth suggests, the brand’s latest strategy has been bearing fruits.
      Yamaha India’s festive season initiatives
      Last month, Yamaha introduced the FZS FI with Bluetooth connectivity to support its Connect X mobile app which offers features such as bike location, parking history, hazard, ride history, E-Lock and Answer Back functions. The Connect X Bluetooth module comes with the FZS Dark Knight edition but it will soon be available with the rest of the family. Customers can also buy the module as an accessory kit.
      In a related news, the updated Yamaha MT-09 sportsbike made its world premiere last week and is expected to be launched in India sometime in the first half of 2021. The premium motorcycles gets a larger engine, more power, lighter kerb weight and an all-new headlamp assembly. More

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      Suzuki Oct 2020 Sales Highest Ever – Access, Gixxer, Burgman

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      Image – Sinha Suzuki
      Suzuki Motorcycle India sold 76,865 units in October 2020, and YoY exports grew by 15 percent

      Suzuki Two Wheelers reports total sales of 76,865 units last month, up 3.02 percent at 2,255 units volume gain, up from 74,610 units sold last year. Of this, domestic sales accounted for 67,225 units, up 1.53 percent from 66,215 units at 1,010 units volume gain.
      Domestic sales accounts for 87.46 percent of total sales. Exports grew to 9,640 units. Up 14.83 percent from 8,395 units at 1,245 units volume gain. Exports account for 12.54 percent of total sales. For the company, this is the highest ever domestic sales reported to date.
      Alongwith YoY sales growth, Suzuki Two Wheelers has also reported MoM sales growth. MoM domestic sales grew by 2,030 units, up from 65,195 units at 3.11 percent growth.
      MoM exports grew 49.09 percent at 3,174 units volume gain, up from 6,466 units. Total sales gain from the month earlier is reported at 7.26 percent at volume gain of 5,204 units, up from 71,661 units.
      Suzuki Sales Oct 2020 vs Oct 2019 (YoY) vs Sep 2020 (MoM)
      Devashish Handa, Vice President, Suzuki Motorcycle India said, “Suzuki’s growth curve has continued into the month of October as well. The ongoing festive season has saw us achieve a 3% year-on-year growth for the month. We have surpassed our Sales Volume of last October. This is quite significant since in 2019, the predominant Festive Season from Navratri to Diwali was concentrated in the month of October unlike this year where it is spread over the latter half of October and going upto the earlier half of November. This makes us a little more optimistic about the demand recovery post pandemic.”
      Festive season offers
      October 2020 brought with it good tidings for the auto industry with most manufacturers posting sales growth. While this doesn’t negate the business losses endured through Covid-19 pandemic related lockdown, it does portend some positivity for Q4 2020.
      A good start in October has been possible owing to the ongoing festive season, and sales momentum is expected to be sustainable through November too. With festive season sales being a period that manufacturers look forward to each year, this year has been even better for most manufacturers.
      Festivities at Suzuki Motorcycles meant the auto manufacturer offer free accessories up to 3k on its two wheeler purchases through October 2020. Eligibility was approved for bookings made online. Offers on scooters was capped at 1,500 bucks, and at 3k for motorcycles, and was valid for a pre-approved list of accessories.
      Suzuki Ride Connect
      With new launches being a major strategy during the festive season, last month Suzuki Access 125 and Burgman Street scooters saw the introduction of connectivity features as part of ‘Suzuki Ride Connect’ suite. This is via Ride Connector app, and includes navigation, calls, and messages through bluetooth.
      The console displays ETA updates, calls/SMS/Whatsapp alert/missed calls, calledID, and turn by turn navigation. Speed warning system lets one set desired speed limit, and sends alerts if speed is breached. Phone battery level, ETA, and Find My scooter with last parked update can be accessed.
      While a number of manufacturers were beginning to report sales contraction by the end of the last fiscal, Suzuki was in fact reporting sales gain for months at an end. This however was disrupted industrywide starting March when lockdown was announced. With business now being brisk, it can be expected that Suzuki Motorcycles is able to build on that interrupted momentum to becomes a more formidable force. More

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      KTM 250 Adventure Test Ride Display Bike At Dealer Showroom – First Look, Exhaust Sound

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      KTM 250 Adventure. Image – Throttle 36
      Launch of the new KTM 250 Adventure is to take place in the coming days

      Catering largely to a niche target audience, most KTM products launched in the country have turned out to be successful. The Austrian motorcycle manufacturer will soon be expanding its product portfolio with KTM 250 Adventure, which is expected to be launched in the coming days.
      New 250 Adventure will be positioned above KTM 250 Duke in the company’s line-up. It has officially started to arrive at company’s authorized showrooms in major cities across India. Test ride of KTM 250 Adventure to start soon. Hat tip to automotive enthusiast guru_prasad53 for sharing the update.
      KTM 250 Adventure Arrives In Showroom
      KTM 250 Adventure design and features
      KTM 250 Adventure will share much of its design and styling with its bigger sibling, KTM 390 Adventure. Inspired by rally bikes, KTM 250 Adventure will come with an aggressive look and feel. Its dominating character is evident in its sleek headlamp, sculpted fuel tank, knobby tyres, short tail and upswept exhaust.
      The motorcycle is equipped with tapered aluminium handlebar, which ensures optimal control and a comfortable riding stance. Below is a detailed first look walkaround video of the new KTM 250 Adventure, credit to Throttle 36.
      [embedded content]
      As shown in the video, the motorcycle will have a black and white digital display instrument console with Bluetooth. However, it will be missing on features such as traction control system, off-road ABS, riding modes, and ride-by-wire technology. Another key difference is that 250 Adventure will come with halogen headlamp. The one on 390 Adventure is an LED unit.

      KTM 250 Adventure engine
      Powering KTM 250 Adventure will be the same engine as currently in use with 250 Duke. The 249 cc, single cylinder, liquid cooled engine is capable of generating 29.6 bhp of max power at 9000 rpm and 24 Nm of max torque at 7500 rpm. This is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The engine will be in the same state of tune as that of 250 Duke.
      KTM 250 Adventure
      250 Adventure will be utilizing steel-trellis frame, just like its bigger sibling. Suspension system comprises 43mm WP Apex forks with 170 mm of travel at the front and WP Apex mono-shock suspension system with pre-load adjustability at the rear. The motorcycle will utilize MRF Mogrip Meteor FM2 tubeless tyres, as compared to Continental tyres used on 390 Adventure. Braking duties on-board 250 Adventure will be performed by 320 mm front and 230 mm rear discs, integrated with dual-channel ABS.
      Adventure motorcycles are gaining popularity in the country, something that will work as an advantageous factor for KTM 250 Adventure. While 390 Adventure has emerged as a popular choice in the country, its over Rs 3 lakh pricing has had a limiting effect on sale volumes.

      250 Adventure is expected to produce higher sales, as it will be priced at around Rs 2.4 lakh. This will make the motorcycle accessible to a larger customer base. It would be a great choice for customers who may want to experience the thrill of adventure biking. KTM 250 Adventure can effortlessly tackle both city streets as well as mild to moderate off-road tracks.
      KTM 250 Adventure will compete with the likes of BMW G 310 GS BS6 and Hero Xpulse 200. As may be recalled, BMW G 310 GS BS6 was recently launched at Rs 2.85 lakh. It is now cheaper than KTM 390 Adventure. More

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      Bajaj Sales Oct 2020 Highest Ever – Pulsar, Platina, CT, Avenger, Dominar

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      Bajaj Pulsar range recorded highest ever sales in Oct 2020. Image – Deepak.
      Bajaj Auto Limited has reported an 11 percent increase in total vehicle sales to 512,038 units in October 2020

      Bajaj Auto Limited has released their sales report for October 2020. It may be seen from the attached table that the company did exceedingly well in terms of exports of two wheelers with numbers at their highest ever. Not only did the company excel in terms of YoY sales but October 2020 sales were also notably higher than sales in Sept 2020.
      Two Wheeler Domestic Sales and Exports
      Total two wheeler sales in the past month stood at 4,70,290 units, up 18 percent as against 3,98,913 units sold in October 2019. This was the highest ever sales reported by the company with the Pulsar brand amassing sales of 1,70,000 units.
      Bajaj Motorcycle Sales Oct 2020 vs Oct 2019 (YoY) vs Sep 2020 (MoM)
      Domestic sales increased 11 percent to 2,68,631 units in the past month, up from 2,42,516 units sold in October 2019. Exports were at their highest in the past month at 2,01,659 units, up 29 percent as against 1,56,397 units exported in October 2019.
      When assessing the company’s MoM sales increase, domestic sales increased 22.38 percent to 2,68,631 units up from 2,19,500 units sold in September 2020 indicating that sales are steadily increasing despite the pandemic situation prevalent in the country.
      Exports also saw a MoM increase by 8.80 percent to 2.01,659 units, up from 1,85,351 units exported in Sept 2020. This took a MoM increase in total sales up 16.16 percent from 4,04,851 units sold in Sept 20 to 4,70,290 units sold in October 2020.
      Bajaj Sales Oct 2020 – Two, Three Wheelers, CV
      Bajaj Auto Commercial Vehicle Sales
      Bajaj Auto Limited has noted a de-growth in terms of commercial vehicle sales in domestic markets while exports increased only marginally. Domestic sales dipped 65 percent to 12,529 units in October 2020 down from 36,260 units sold in the same month of the previous year.
      Exports increased 4 percent to 29,219 units, up from 28,035 units exported in October 2019. These took total sales in this segment down 35 percent to 41,748 units in October 2020, down from 64,295 units sold in October 2019.
      Bajaj Auto YTD Sales
      When taking the period April to October 2020 into account, two wheeler sales of Bajaj Auto dipped 26 percent. Total sales in this segment stood at 18,34,684 units, down from 24,65,780 units sold during the same period of the previous year.
      Bajaj Sales Apr-Oct 2020
      However, it should be taken into account that sales in April 2020 were at zero units considering the lockdown announced across the country in view of the COVID-19 pandemic situation. Sales have been gradually increasing only since July 2020.
      YTD commercial vehicle sales also dipped 58 percent. Domestic sales in this segment during the 6 month period April to October 2020 stood at 41,203 units, down from 2,30,207 units. Exports dipped 29 percent to 1,32,591 units, down from 1,87,986 units sold in the same period of the previous year taking total sales down 58 percent to 1,73,794 units in the April to October 2020 period as against 4,18,193 units sold in the same period of the previous year.
      Also Read;– TVS Records Good Growth In Oct 2020– Royal Enfield Sales Decline In Oct 2020– Hero Sales Cross Record 8 Lakh In Oct 2020 More