Bike

Subterms

    More stories

    • 163 Shares139 Views

      in Bike

      Pure EV Electric Scooters To Get Lithium-Ion Batteries That Can Resolve Defects Automatically

      by

      Pure EV Electric Scooter
      PURE EV’s ‘BaTRics Faraday’ System can address the issues in defective battery right from the customer’s residence

      PURE EV is a electric vehicle startup which was incubated at IIT Hyderabad. Now, it has come up with an Artificial Intelligence backed update that can address any issue of defects in the lithium-ion battery pack of electric vehicles. This system does not need to vehicle to be brought to any service center for rectification but can be done at the customer’s residence itself.
      Called ‘BaTRics Faraday’ System, it remotely checks defects in a series of batteries using Artificial Intelligence with no need of any manual intervention. The team of researchers has designed Artificial Neural Network (ANN)-based algorithms that can identify various series of batteries and rectify the defects to their best electro chemical potential of cells.
      Next Gen AI Solution
      The lithium-ion battery pack, which is the most vital component of any electric vehicle, consists of multiple lithium ion cells, welded together in series and parallel arrangements so as to comply with voltage and ampere hour capacities.
      Any defect in any cell series in these batteries leads to downtime. It is also a mammoth task to detect which are the defective series of cells and to get them replaced. Hence via this new AI driven hardware, this task is made easy which allows for external detection and rectification thus saving man hours in the manual replacement of series of cells.
      Pure EV Electric Scooter Batteries with next-gen AI tech
      Testing of the ‘BaTRics Faraday’ system has been completed and can be used on all 5 electric scooters launched by PURE EV in India. These e-scooters are already in sale in India, these include the Epluto 7g, Etrance Neo, Etrance, Egnite and Etron+. The system will come into effect from Q1 2021.
      As on date, ‘BaTRics Faraday’ System from PURE EV is based out of its factory. However, the company plans to set up company owned Battery Diagnostics and Repair workshops across many regions in India where demand is high. These workshops will ensure lower ‘Turn Around Time’ (TAT) for battery repair.
      Pure EV Electric Scooter
      PURE EV – CISR Collaboration
      Earlier last month, PURE EV also announced collaboration with CSIR – Central Electro Chemical Research Institute (CECRI), headquartered at Karaikudi, with an extension center in Chennai. Through this alliance, the company plans on indigenizing lithium-ion battery technology for electric vehicles and a MoU to this effect has also been signed. This will allow for indigenous Lithiou-Ion technology and will help in boosting electric vehicle demand along with stationary and storage applications.
      The Hyderabad based PURE EV startup operates from a dedicated factory spread over an area of 70,000 sq ft. It manufactures high performance lithium batteries and has access to R&D facilities from IIT Hyderabad along with technological support. Funding was via Hyderabad-based pharmaceuticals visionary Shri V.C. Nannapaneni, Chairman and Managing Director, NATCO Pharma Ltd, and the startup currently has a valuation of USD 35 Million. More

    • 163 Shares159 Views

      in Bike

      Bajaj Dec 2020 Sales Report – Highest Ever Exports; Pulsar, Boxer, Platina, CT

      by

      Bajaj Pulsar
      Bajaj Auto has become the most valuable two-wheeler company in the world – with a market capitalization of Rs. 1 lakh crore

      The Indian automobile industry struggled through the entire first half of 2020 due to the pandemic striking early in the year. However, it showed signs of recovery in the latter half after July/August and by the end of last year, sales improved substantially for almost every two and four wheeler in the country.
      Bajaj Auto has announced an 11 percent increase in sales in December 2020. Positive sales were noted both in terms of domestic sales and exports and where the company range of two wheelers were concerned while commercial vehicles sales dipped substantially.
      Bajaj Auto Domestic Sales and Exports
      In domestic markets, Bajaj Auto sold 1,28,642 units in Dec 20, an increase of 4 percent as against 1,24,125 units sold in Dec 19. Pulsar, Platina and CT range were the highest sellers in domestic market. Exports in the past month were at their highest at 2,09,942 units, up 31 percent from 1,60,677 units exported in Dec 19. Leading the exports were Boxer, Pulsar range. This took total sales in this segment up 19 percent to 3,38,584 units, up from 2,84,802 units sold in the same month of the previous year.
      Where commercial vehicles were concerned, domestic sales stood at 10,964 units in the past month, down by 62 percent, while exports increased marginally to 22,984 units up from 22,215 units exported in Dec 19. Total sales of commercial vehicles fell 34 percent to 33,948 units in Dec 20 down from 51,253 units sold in Dec 19.
      Bajaj Sales Report Dec 2020 – Registers highest ever monthly exports
      Year to Date Sales
      FY 2020 opened on a dismal note. Hence YTD sales of Bajaj Auto also suffered both where two wheeler and commercial vehicle sales were concerned. Two wheeler sales dipped 21 percent to 13,21,644 units in the April to December 2020 period, down from 16,75,264 units sold in the same period of the previous year.
      Exports fell 13 percent to 12,36,617 units thus taking total two wheeler sales down 17 percent to 25,58,261 units, down from 30,94,028 units sold in the April to December 2019 period. Domestic sales and exports of commercial vehicles dipped 54 percent to 2,44,989 units. Total two wheeler and commercial vehicle sales fell 23 percent to 28,03,250 units in the 9 month period, down from 36,23,251 units sold in the same period of the previous year.
      Bajaj Sales Report – April – Dec 2020
      Leading Two and Three Wheeler Maker
      Bajaj Auto Limited, a leading two and three wheeler maker recently hit its 75th year of operations. Apart from being the largest two wheeler maker in India, the company has also become the most valuable two wheeler company globally having crossed market capitalization of Rs.1 lakh crores. Share price now stands at Rs.3,479 and market capitalization at Rs 100,670.76 crores.
      The Bajaj Auto brands like the Pulsar, Boxer, Platina and RE are among the most popular across the globe. The recently launched Chetak eScooter has also found favour among buyers and the company has also made a major investment of Rs.450 crores in a 4th plant in Chakan, Maharashtra for the production of its premium range of motorcycles and e-scooters. Apart from this manufacturing facility, Bajaj also has its production units at Waluj near Aurangabad, and at Pantnagar in Uttarakhand.
      A successful partnership with KTM AG, Austria has also helped it on its journey to success and for KTM to become the largest manufacturer of premium sports motorcycles. Bajaj has also entered into an alliance with Triumph Motorcycles to develop budget friendly low capacity premium motorcycles. Plans are afoot to enter new global makers with entry to Thailand later this year and Brazil in early 2022. More

    • 175 Shares169 Views

      in Bike

      Benelli India To Launch 7 New Motorcycles In 2021 – 250cc To 600cc Segment

      by

      Image for reference
      Benelli discontinued all the models ever since BS6 emission norms kicked on April 1, 2020 and updated only offering in its portfolio- Imperiale 400

      Benelli has had a very quiet 2020 since the company hasn’t had much to celebrate about. It has only one product in its India lineup as of now, i.e., Imperiale 400. The Chinese-owned Italian bikemaker has now revealed its upcoming lineup for the Indian market which is going to comply with the latest BS6 emission norms.
      The company will launch seven new motorcycles in the coming few months probably starting from next month and going up to August 2021. These updated BS6 models are expected to witness a considerable price hike in comparison to their discontinued BS4 models somewhere between the range of Rs 20,000 – Rs 30,000.
      Benelli India Line-up for 2021
      The 2021 model lineup will include Benelli TRK 502, TRK 502X, Leoncino 250, Leoncino 500, 302S, 302R and TNT 600i. TRK 502 and TRK 502X are adventure tourer motorcycles with the former being more adept in handling hardcore off-road trails.
      The Leoncino brand is the Italian bikemaker’s range of scrambler motorcycles. Both models are similarly designed as street naked body styles with the smaller one equipped with a 250cc single-cylinder engine while the bigger one is powered by a 500c parallel-twin mill.
      BS6 Benelli Imperiale 400 on display at company showroom.
      Surprisingly Benelli has replaced TNT 300 with the new naked roadster 302S which will be powered by the same 300cc in-line two-cylinder engine which did its work in TNT 300. It will also be accompanied by its faired sibling- 302R which will be powered by a 300cc parallel-twin motor instead of an in-line two-cylinder unit.
      The brand’s flagship product TNT 600i will probably be the last of the lot which will be launched around August this year. The naked streetfighter will be powered by a 600cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC in-line four-cylinder motor.
      Other models in foray
      That’s not all, Benelli is also expected to widen its portfolio by bringing in other models such as its entry-level adventure tourer TRK 251 and its flagship ADV TRK 802 sometime at a later stage.
      TRK 802 was also stopped testing in foreign lands a few months ago. Retailed as SRB 750 in the Chinese market, TRK 802 will be powered by a 745cc, parallel-twin engine which is good enough for 76bhp and 67Nm of peak torque.
      Honestly, we expected Benelli’s flagship faired motorcycle- 600RR to be included in the lineup as it has been spotted testing on numerous occasions overseas. The motorcycle was revealed as ‘QJ SRG600’ in the Chinese market a few months ago. It will be powered by a 600cc in-line four-cylinder unit which kicks out close to 84 bhp and 54.6 Nm of peak torque while being mated to a six-speed gearbox. More

    • 175 Shares169 Views

      in Bike

      Mumbai Traffic Signal With LEDs On Traffic Pole – A First In The City

      by

      LED Traffic Lights on Poles in Worli, Mumbai
      New traffic signal at Worli Sea Face is a BMC pilot project

      A pilot project executed on Worli Sea Face in Mumbai, sees traffic lights in a new light. In essence, instead the usual setting of traffic signal lights, the current endeavour makes for improved traffic light visibility.
      The light parameter covers larger surface area as the lighting pole itself has been reworked. Fitted with LED lights means for every light change, the complete pole lights up instead of the traditional light setting overhead at intersections.
      The project was undertaken by BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation). While the project is only visible as a single unit at present, plans are on to introduce more such lights. Apart from functional benefits, the new traffic signal design is being touted for its ‘aesthetic appeal’. Challenges faced included bending the LED lights as required, and synchronising it with the traffic signal system.
      Novelty at traffic signals
      Overall, the idea behind the project tries to touch upon quite a few birds with a stone. The project idea is still being fine-tuned. An attempt is being made to turn to solar signals to make this a sustainable and environment-friendly approach. The cost effective solution does in the meantime make a larger street area glow.
      [embedded content]
      Last year, in another independent project, Hyderabad’s KBR Park junction saw new LED speed breakers installed at traffic signals across the road itself. Sadly, there’s no current update regarding what the outcome of that project has been.
      In its current stage, if the pilot proves to be successful, more such unidirectional traffic lights are expected to be introduced. Focus on Work Sea Face doesn’t end here.
      Mumbai Police with Freego self balancing vehicle
      In another development, self balancing vehicles have been introduced for area patrols in the promenade. Similar to what was earlier introduced at Marine Drive. The self balancing electric scooters have for long wowed audiences for its fun aspect. Current developments appear to be small steps being undertaken to modernise traditional practices.
      Pedestrian and road traffic safety in India
      Added visibility of the newly installed traffic lights in Mumbai would help motorists spot the signal from a distance, and thereby could improve pedestrian safety. If the theory can be backed by studies, it could provide insight into effectiveness of improved traffic signal visibility. For a nation that bears the burden of most road accident fatalities, every little bit helps.
      While the country doesn’t report the highest number of traffic accidents in a year, it does account for most lives lost owing to accidents. The extremely high human cost points to an immediate need to remedy the problem. India accounts for less than 3 percent of all vehicles, but does account for 12 percent of the world’s road deaths. World Health Organization (WHO) estimated almost 300,000 road accident deaths in India in 2018. The number of underprivileged who suffer is disproportionately high. More

    • 175 Shares129 Views

      in Bike

      Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Cat Con Removed – Illegal Mod Gets Original Thump Back

      by

      Meteor 350 With Almost Original Thump Gives Old Gen Royal Enfield Vibes
      Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is offered in three trims- Fireball, Stellar and Supernova

      Meteor 350 was undoubtedly one of the most anticipated launches in the Indian market in 2020. The new cruiser from Royal Enfield is the stepping stone to the brand’s new generation motorcycles as it is based on a new platform and is powered by a brand new 350cc engine.
      While it carries many traditional Royal Enfield elements from previous generation models, especially Thunderbird 350, Meteor 350 in many ways is not a traditional Royal Enfield motorcycle. The main point of focus here is the classical Royal Enfield thump which could be heard in older generation motorcycles.
      Reason for dilution in classical Royal Enfield Thump
      Ever since BS6 norms kicked in April 2020, Royal Enfield fans have complained that its traditional throaty noise from its exhaust note has been diluted to a certain extent. The conventional ‘dug dug’ sound usually associated with Royal Enfield motorcycles were suddenly seen missing. This was mainly attributed to the inclusion of a large catalytic converter which filtered most of its thump.
      With the new 350cc single-cylinder motor the traditional thump completely gives way to a nice melodious exhaust note which is pleasing to one’s ears. While it may sound pleasing to an environmentalist, a classical Royal Enfield lover might not approve of this sound. Well, here is a solution that can be into if one seriously wants his Meteor 350 to sound like an Enfield from older generation – even if it is not advisable.
      [embedded content]
      In a video uploaded by Abhinav Bhatt, the vlogger shows that by removing the collector box of a catalytic converter from the exhaust setup one can achieve an exhaust note which is somewhat reminiscent of the old Royal Enfield motorcycles. The catalytic converter is positioned at an intermediate stage where particulates of exhaust gas from the combustion chamber are filtered before passing through the muffler into the air.
      Getting the Thump back
      By replacing the stock exhaust with a straight line stainless steel pipe that connects the header to the bike’s exhaust can a throaty exhaust note is given out which though not loud will certainly be pleasing to the ears of a true Royal Enfield aficionado. Abhinav also takes a spin on this modified Meteor 350 after getting rid of the catalytic converter. Interestingly, it not only improves the exhaust note but also frees up 3.4 kg of the bike which might translate to slightly better fuel economy as well as performance.
      However, this modification is not road legal as it clearly violates the current BS6 emission norms which mandate every vehicle to be equipped with a catalytic converter. The vlogger here does not endorse the idea of removing it from the bike and is just showing the reason behind the muffled exhaust note of Meteor 350.
      Meteor 350 is powered by a 349cc single-cylinder engine which pushes out 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of peak torque. This motor gets an overhead camshaft setup instead of a conventional push-rod setup and is paired with a five-speed gearbox. More

    • 125 Shares189 Views

      in Bike

      Suzuki 2W Sales Dec 2020 – Gixxer, Access, Burgman, Intruder

      by

      Suzuki Burgman
      Suzuki Motorcycle India reports marginal growth for total sales and domestic wholesales in December 2020

      Suzuki Motorcycle India sold 51,719 units in December 2020. Of this domestic wholesale dispatches account for 44,773 units and exports for 6,946 units. Sales decline is reported at 1.20 percent.
      In December 2019, SMIPL reported total monthly sales of 52,351 units (Domestic + Exports). Domestic sales is December 2019 was reported at 44,368 units.
      In December 2018, total sales was reported at 52,362 units. As is evident, December sales for Suzuki has been more or less stable at just over 50k units over a 3-year period.
      SMIPL a major force for SMC
      The yardstick that is Maruti Suzuki is already a major force for Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC). India accounts for more than half of SMCs global car sales. It’s already an established fact that the Indian two-wheeler market keeps getting bigger and better. SMC’s global two-wheeler business is much smaller than the car business. And India already plays a key role. Despite volumes being seemingly small, India does account for about 40 percent of the giant’s global two-wheeler business volume.
      Suzuki Sales Dec 2020 – YoY vs MoM
      Suzuki Access scooter generously contributes to total domestic sales. Of the 5 products it sells here, Access and Burgman account for 90 percent of sales. In November 2020, that number was over 95 percent. Suzuki is keen on expanding its motorcycle business here.
      At the very least, SMIPL looks to improve that number to over 10 percent consistently. A few months prior, Suzuki upgraded its Gixxer 150, and introduced the all new Gixxer 250. While SMIPL will launch new motorcycles, now is not the time. Focus is on improving sales of current motorcycles being sold.
      Suzuki Motorcycle India outlook for 2021
      This also mean the company will increase the number of Suzuki dealerships in India. On the product front, Suzuki has stayed away from mass market commuter bikes to offer value in the performance aspect. SMIPL is optimistic about 2021 being a successful year.
      Koichiro Hirao, Managing Director, Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt Ltd. said, “Although year 2020 was challenging and uncertain for all, we have seen an approximately 1% growth in the domestic sales during December 2020 as compared to the same month in 2019. Our domestic sales number shows that the demand is steadily improving and has even surpassed pre-covid-19 times.
      We introduced the Gixxer series with new liveries followed by the launch of Bluetooth enabled Access 125 and Bluetooth enabled Burgman Street. Recently, the BS6 version of V-Strom 650 XT was added to our current product portfolio. With these new launches and registering record sale during festive season, we have successfully maneuvered through this tough year.” More

    • 138 Shares99 Views

      in Bike

      TVS Motor Sales Dec 2020 – Apache, Jupiter, XL Super, NTorq

      by

      Image – The Biker’s Diary
      TVS Motor sales reports growth both in terms of domestic sales and exports for December 2020

      TVS Motor Company a leading two and three wheeler maker in the country has reported strong growth in December 2020. Overall sales grew by 19 percent to 2,58,239 units, up from 2,15,619 units sold in the same month of the previous year. The company has noted increased sales in terms of motorcycle and scooter sales as well as in exports. Three wheeler sales continue to decline.
      TVS Two Wheeler Domestic Sales
      Taking motorcycle and scooter sales into account, the company has models such as the XL Super, Jupiter, Apache and Ntorq among the more popular models in its lineup. TVS reported motorcycle sales at 1,19,051 units, up 27.06 percent as compared to 93,697 units sold in Dec 19.
      TVS Scooter sales also increased, albeit marginally by 4 percent to 77,705 units in the past month, up from 74,716 units sold in Dec 19. The company noted strong demand for its mopeds with a 30.24 percent sales increase to 61,483 units, thus taking total sales in this two wheeler segment up 12.51 percent to 1,76,912 units, up from 1,57,244 units sold in Dec 19.
      In terms of three wheeler sales, the company registered sales of 13,845 units in December 2020 down from 15,952 units sold in Dec 19.
      TVS Motor Sales Dec 2020 – YoY vs MoM
      TVS Motor Exports
      Two wheeler Exports also noted a significant increase by 39.32 percent to 81,327 units. Dec 19 exports had stood at 58,375 units. Total exports grew by 28 percent to 94,269 units in Dec 20 as against 73,512 units exported in Dec 19.
      MoM Sales however dipped 17.10 percent. November 2020 sales both domestic and exports had stood at 3,11,519 units, which fell by 53,280 units to 2,58,239 units in December 2020. Sales de-growth was noted across all segments of motorcycle, scooter and moped.
      Domestic sales of 2 wheelers dipped 28.60 percent to 1,76,912 units, down from 2,47,789 units sold in Nov 20. Exports on the other hand increased 27.61 percent to 81,327 units in Dec 20, up from 63,730 units shipped to global markets in Nov 20.
      TVS-BMW
      TVS Motor Company is in a partnership with BMW Motorrad and produces around 17 percent of BMW motorcycles worldwide. TVS produces G310R and G310GS for BMW. These bikes are produced at the company’s Hosur facility and are sold in India as well as exported.
      TVS also recently launched the new TVS Apache RTR160 4V in Bangladesh to strengthen its portfolio in the country. This bike, presented in two variants of single disc and rear disc, gets Bluetooth enabled TVS SmartXonnect technology and is powered by a 159.7cc 4 stroke engine that delivers 16.05 hp power and 14.8 Nm torque. More

    • 138 Shares169 Views

      in Bike

      Hero MotoCorp Sales Dec 2020 – Splendor, Deluxe, Passion, Pleasure, Maestro

      by

      New Hero Splendor
      December 2020 domestic sales and exports in the green for Hero Motocorp

      No doubt, 2020 has presented challenges that the world hadn’t expected. In the face of such adverse conditions, two wheeler sales in recent weeks and months have stepped on a growth pedestal.
      Hero MotoCorp sold 4,47,335 units in December 2020 at 5.29 percent growth from 4,24,845 units in Dec 19. Total YTD FY21 sales was reported at 42,23,225 units, down 16.79 percent from 50,75,208 units sold in the same 9 months in 2019 at percent decline.
      December sales volumes indicate improved consumer sentiment. The company is upbeat about the positive trend, and expects it to continue in 2021 in the face of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The manufacturer relies on its wide range of tech savvy products to support strong growth impetus in 2021.
      Hero MotoCorp YTD FY21 domestic sales and exports
      Of December sales, motorcycles accounted for 4,15,099, up 2.84 percent from 4,03,625 units. YTD FY21 motorcycle numbers are reported at 38,96,089 units, down 17.29 percent from 47,10,766 units. Unchallenged and all-encompassing demand for the Splendor commuter variants makes Hero MotoCorp untouchable. The lead gained makes it difficult for any other manufacturer to catch-up.
      Hero MotoCorp Sales Dec 2020 – YoY vs MoM
      Though demand for Hero Motorcycles is unprecedented, its scooters don’t enjoy the same fandom. Scooter sales did grow to 32,236 units from 21,220 units at 51.91 percent growth. YTD FY21 scooter sales is at a decent 3,27,136 units, at 10.24 percent decline from 3,64,442 units in YTD FY20. The deficit is one Hero Motocorp should be able to overcome by the end of the ongoing fiscal. However, deficit in motorcycle sales is another story.
      The majority of vehicles sold by Hero MotoCorp is in the domestic market. Domestic sales in December 2020 was reported at 4,25,033 units, up 3.16 percent from 4,12,009 units sold a year earlier. YTD FY21 domestic sales was reported at 41,03,381 units, down 17.04 percent from 49,46,508 units. Last month, exports accounted for 22,302 units, up 71.64 percent from 12,836 units dispatched overseas a year earlier. YTD FY21 exports stands at 1,19,844, down 6.88 percent from 1,28,700 units exported in the same 9 months in 2019.
      Build of to Q3 FY21
      Demand for two-wheelers hasn’t just been backed by deferred demand being met. It gets a further boost because more people have felt the need to consider a two wheeler purchase as a safe commuter option that enables them to maintain physical distancing. As FY21 commenced, the stakes were high. A period of inactivity stretched on for weeks before sales and manufacturing resumed.
      Albeit in a phased manner, starting up allowed folks to sort supply chains and logistics, and prep for the next big challenge. Timely dispatches of pent-up demand. By the time to festive season was upon us, Hero MotoCorps order books were bursting at the seams. Resultantly, the manufacturer has been able to post its best ever third quarter. A feat that gains even more prominence considering its 2020, and anything could have happened.
      Q3 FY21 (October-December period) wholesale dispatches was reported at 18.45 lakh units. That’s an impressive growth of 19.7 percent over the corresponding quarter in the previous fiscal (FY ’20). At the time, Hero has reported sales at 15.41 lakh units. More