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    Royal Enfield Dec Sales Highest In 2020 – Classic, Meteor, Bullet, Himalayan

    Image – Vimal Sumbly
    With a comprehensive lineup of new generation models lined up, Royal Enfield is set for a strong year

    Royal Enfield bids farewell to 2020 on a positive note by registering growth in all of the segments it participates in. While the YTD performance this financial year is still in the red, the sales momentum has picked up pace since festive season and things are expected to get better in the coming months.
    Royal Enfield sales December 2020
    On the back of strong performances from the Classic 350 and newly launched Meteor 350, the 350 cc segment registered sales of 63,580 units in December 2020 which represents a YoY growth of 33%. The flagship Interceptor and Continental GT 650 twins managed to post sales of 5,415 units, a growth of 7.85% compared to December 2019.
    Royal Enfield also witnessed an impressive growth of its export operations in the last month of 2020 with 3,503 units shipped at a YoY rate of 81.8%. Overall, the Eicher-owned brand clocked 68,995 units last month at a growth of 36.8%.
    The overall sales grew by 10% compared to November 2020 as well. In fact, in November 2020, 5 of the top 10 best selling motorcycles in the 200 to 500 cc segment were Royal Enfields. This is the highest monthly sales posted by Royal Enfield in the year 2020.
    Royal Enfield Sales Dec 2020 – YoY vs MoM
    Outlook for 2021
    Royal Enfield has a lot of reasons to look forward to an eventful 2021. The company’s product onslaught which was originally set to commence in mid-2020 has been delayed to the global crisis. The Meteor 350 based on the all-new modular J-Platform gives us a good idea of things to come from RE’s stable.
    The retro-classic specialist is expected to kick start the new year by upgrading its flagship 650 twins with alloy wheels and the Himalayan adventure tourer with the useful Tripper Navigation system.
    A few months down the lane, the eagerly anticipated next generation Classic 350 will be landing. A recently spotting of an Interceptor-style single-cylinder prototype also adds to the excitement. To top it all off, Royal Enfield is also working on a twin-cylinder cruiser based on the 650 cc platform. The test mules reveal a neatly styled low-rider with alloy wheels, inverted front telescopic forks and so on.
    Global expansion in the making
    In a significant step towards realizing its long-term goal of becoming global leader of medium-displacement motorcycle segment, Royal Enfield set up its first overseas CKD assembly unit in Argentina last year. The company is also working on opening a new assembly plant in Thailand this year. The overseas facilities would go a long way in making headway into crucial regional two wheeler markets while boosting its export operations from India (source of CKD kits). More

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    Yamaha India Sales Dec 2020 Grow – R15, MT15, FZS, Fascino

    Yamaha R15
    Yamaha Motor India reported H2 2020 growth of 21.10 percent, and growth in December 2020 at 33 percent

    The start to FY21 and end to FY20 had manufacturers deal with disarray. Following the initial period of inactivity, and slow restart, logistics and supplies chains were strengthened. Starting Q3 2020, Yamaha India was able to pick up the reins and go onward in a positive manner. The manufacturer reported ‘uninterrupted positive growth in the post-lockdown period’.
    This comes on the back of reporting sales growth consecutively over the past 6 months once Covid-19 pandemic related lockdown was lifted. Performance in the last 6 months lays strong groundwork for Q4 FY21, which could in fact help the bike manufacturer end the fiscal well.
    Q3, Q4, and H2 2020 sales growth
    In July 2020, Yamaha India reported 4.3 percent growth up at 49,989 units from 47,918 units. In August, wholesales grew 14.8 percent, up at 60,505 units from 52,706 units. For September 2020, growth in wholesales was up at 17 percent. At 63,052 units from 53,727 units.
    Through Q3, Yamaha sales grew to 1,73,546 units from 1,54,351 units at 12.44 growth. Volume gain stood at 19,195 units. Higher sales could be attributed to deferred demand from earlier months and a wide range of finance plans introduced to help foster buyer sentiment.
    Yamaha India Sales Jul-Dec 2020
    October 2020 growth was robust at 31 percent. Wholesales grew to 60,176 units from 46,082 units. Growth in November 2020 was pegged at 35 percent. Wholesales were up at 53,208 units from 39406 units.
    Yamaha Motor India reported total wholesales for December 2020 at 33 percent growth. Up at 39,224 units from 29,486 units in December 2019. Through Q4 2020, sales growth is reported at 32.73 percent up at 1,52,608 units from 1,14,974 units. Volume gain stood at 37,634 units. This can in part be attributed to low base sales for the comparable quarter last year and the traditional demand mindset each festive season.
    Together (Q3 and Q4) contributed to 21.10 percent growth in H2 2020. Wholesales grew at 3,26,153 units from 2,69,325 units at 56,828 volume gain. In all, the last 6 months averaged sales of just over 50k units on a monthly basis. While most manufacturers have reported stronger numbers for Q4 2020, Yamaha India did in fact report higher sales in Q3 than in Q4.
    Yamaha Motor India motorcycles and scooters
    Expectation for 2021 is for overall demand to grow basis varied demand of personal mobility. Currently, Yamaha retails Fascino, Ray ZR and Ray ZR Street Rally scooters in the 125 cc segment. 150 cc motorcycles on sales include R15 Version 3.0, MT15 in 155 cc, FZ FI & FZS FI Version 3.0. The 250 cc segment comprises of FZ 25 and FZS 25. More

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    Honda Sales, Exports Nov 2020 – Activa, CB Shine Top 2; CB350 Beats Hornet

    New Honda Activa
    Honda reported growth in domestic dispatches on decline in Exports in November 2020

    As always, HMSI continued it’s strong run in November 2020. Domestic wholesale dispatches grew at 7.87 percent, up at 4,02,640 units, up from 3,73,262 units at volume gain just under 30k. This was a grand performance keeping in mind the slow start to FY21 on account of Covid-19 pandemic related national lockdown.
    One that gives Honda a fighting chance to report decent Q4 2020 numbers. All the more necessary, owing to numbers reported in previous quarters. Notably, Honda’s presence continues to rely heavily on its flagship Activa scooter. Especially since it accounts for more than 50 percent of company sales in the domestic market. And the scooter delivered last month too. Just like every other month.
    Honda Activa wholesales was up 6.44 percent at 2,25,822 units, up from 2,12,164 units. Volume gain was reported at 13,658 units. Its share of total dispatches was at 56.09 percent. Granted that the scooter in its successive avatars has already had a successful run of over 2 decades, there’s little to stop its progress. In the said scooter segment, there’s hardly another product that’s in demand at all times.
    HMSI domestic wholesales for November 2020
    Honda CB Shine continued its top motorcycle run. At 84,413 units, dispatches grew 12.33 percent from 75,144 units for a share of 20.96 percent. In fact, both top runners accounted for upward of 75 percent of brand wholesales. Though the top order found things to be smooth sailing, Honda Dio sales dipped 18.05 percent. Numbers declined to 34,812 units from 42,481 units. Unicorn 160 units were reported at 21,796 units.
    Honda Two Wheelers Domestic Sales – Nov 2020. Top 4 registers over 91% of total sales for HMSI.
    Honda Dream wholesales grew by a quarter at 10,875 units from 8,748 units. At the same time, Livo sales dipped by almost a quarter. Numbers contracted to 9,554 units, down from 12,537 units. Decline for Grazia was even steeper at 42.76 percent. Wholesales fell to 4,675 units from 8,167 units.
    Its newest launch, Hness 350 saw numbers at 4,067 units. Remarkable, considering the motorcycle is only sold through a handful of dealerships . Numbers reported for Hornet 2.0, launched just prior to Hness stood at 4,067 units. X-Blade put in a positive showing at 38.41 percent growth. Numbers grew to 2,591 units from 1,872 units.
    Honda Two Wheelers Exports – Nov 2020
    Honda exports for November 2020
    Once expected to generate customer interest and help Honda further growth, Navi sales in India was lacklustre. While the product is now history here, last month it was the topmost Honda export from India. Exports grew 77.69 percent for Navi, up at 4,684 units. Livo exports grew substantially at 3.3k units, up from a grand. To repeat, Livo domestic sales is higher. X-Blade exports were higher than numbers generated back home. Numbers swelled to 2,796 units, up from 576 units.
    CB Shine exports fell by 44.52 percent. Numbers contracted to 2,505 units from 4,515 units. Though at the top of the list a year earlier, Honda Dio numbers failed miserably. Down at 2,248 units from 8,818 units. Exports for Dream were up at 1,588 units, up from 520. Unicorn 160 units were just lower at 1,248 units. Hornet 160R decline was at more than half, down at 696 units from 1,457 units.
    Decline for Grazia was steep at 640 units from 1,904 units, Down by more than a third. Aviator exports were reported at 520. The magic of Activa wasn’t;’t reflected overseas at a mere 2028 units. The all new Hness 350 is already being exported. Numbers were reported at 92 units. 40 units of Unicorn 150 were exported. To sum up, exports fell by 11.04 percent at 20,565 units, down from 23,115 units. More

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    Tiger 850 Sport Debuts On Triumph India Website – Price Reveal Soon

    Triumph Tiger 850 Sport
    Upon its launch, Triumph Tiger 850 Sport will rival the likes of Kawasaki Versys 1000 and the upcoming KTM 790 Adventure

    Triumph Motorcycles unveiled the Tiger 850 Sport over a month ago and now the British bikemaker has listed its upcoming middleweight adventure tourer on its official India website. Upon its launch, Tiger 850 Sport will serve as the brand’s entry-level motorcycle and positioned below Tiger 900.
    According to the company, Tiger 850 Sport has been primarily targeted at an audience which is still relatively new to biking at a more affordable rate. It caters to the demands of consumers who do not seek overloaded technical gizmos on its equipment yet provides strong performance for a thrilling ride.
    Powertrain & Tranmission
    The name would suggest that it is a scaled-down version of Tiger 900, however, that is not the case as it is essentially the same bike. It is powered by the same 888cc in-line three-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with T-Plane crankshaft which also powers Tiger 900. However, Triumph has detuned the output of this unit to produce 84 bhp and at 8,500 rpm and 82 Nm at 6,500 which is 10 bhp and 5 Nm less than its older sibling.
    Triumph has done this to make it a more approachable option for first-time riders. This unit is paired with a 6-speed gearbox with a slip and assist clutch for smoother gear shifts. This motor also ensures a more linear delivery of power.
    Tiger 850 Sport India Price Reveal Soon
    Dynamics
    This iteration of the ADV tourer has been developed more for road-focused touring rather than trail bashing off-road adventures. Therefore, it receives road-biased tyres and a non-adjustable suspension setup. It is offered with a 45mm upside-down forks at front with 180mm travel and gas pressurised manual preload adjustment mono-shock at rear with a travel of 170mm from Marzocchi.
    Anchorage duties are handled by a pair of 320 mm front discs with monoblock 4-piston Brembo Stylema callipers and a 255 mm single disc with Brembo single-piston sliding calliper at rear. These are assisted by dual-channel ABS. Tiger 850 rolls on 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels with 100/90 and 150/70 profile of tyres wrapped around.
    Features on offer
    In terms of electronic aids, Triumph has thrown in two riding modes- road and rain, with Ride-by-wire throttle and switchable traction control. Its list of features also consists of an all-LED lighting setup with DRLs, an adjustable windscreen, a USB charging port and a five-inch TFT instrument display which provides crucial readouts from odometer, speedometer, trip meter, etc. Apart from these, Triumph will also offer a number of optional accessories packages to spruce up the Tiger 850.
    Launch of Tiger 850 in India will be preceded by the launch of the all-new Trident 660 which is expected to hit showrooms in a few days time. As far as pricing goes, Tiger 850 Sport is likely to be priced around Rs 12 lakh (ex-showroom). The British brand recently revealed that it has lined up nine new models for the Indian market which will be launched in the space of the next six months. More

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    2021 Royal Enfield 650 Twins Conti GT Spied – Facelift With Tripper Navigation?

    2021 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 Spied
    While Interceptor is a retro classic roadster, Continental GT 650 is a retro cafe racer

    Ever since their launch in 2018, the 650 Twins- Interceptor and Continental GT have been the eye candy for Royal Enfield consumers. Especially those seeking a fun and spirited motorcycle to ride something different from retro commuter and cruiser motorcycles for which the brand is best known.
    The models have been instrumental for Royal Enfield’s resurgence as a global brand since both the models have received positive feedback from Royal Enfield customers of overseas markets. Now, the brand is looking to give a minor mid-life facelift to both its premium offerings.
    Changes Expected
    Spy shots of the 2021 RE 650 Twins have been clicked by automotive enthusiast Arjun, near ECR in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Though there has been no official announcement regarding a facelift for Interceptor 650 and Conti GT 650, recent announcements by Royal Enfield and the timing of these getting spied, does indicate towards an incoming facelift for 650 Twins.
    Recently, Royal Enfield claimed that they would be launching at least 28 new motorcycles in the next seven years; which means one new motorcycle every quarter. It is likely that a mid-life facelift to the 650 Twins fits the bill. If that is the case, these are the first reported set of 650 Twins Facelift. If we were to guess, then this new facelifted 650 Twins are expected to launch sometime next year.
    2021 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 Spied
    New Colours, Tripper Navigation
    The RE 650 Interceptor facelift and Continental GT 650 Facelift are not likely to incorporate any major changes, maybe only small cosmetic changes, new colours or a slight tweak to its engine to draw more output of it. In all probability, Royal Enfield will give facelift to Continental GT and Interceptor at the same time.
    Facelifted RE 650 Twins will continue with the same retro classic styling with round halogen headlamps, spoked wheels (alloys launch planned), minimal body panels and twin exhaust mufflers. It is also likely to get bluetooth enabled tripper navigation, which was recently launched with Meteor 350.
    2021 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 Spied
    Engine
    Both 650 Twins are powered by a 648c parallel-twin oil-cooled engine which in its BS6 form churns out 47 bhp and 52 Nm of peak torque. This unit is linked to a 6-speed gearbox. While Interceptor 650 is offered at a starting price of Rs 2.66 lakh, Continental GT 650 is pegged at a starting price of Rs 2.82 lakh (both prices are ex-showroom).
    Facelifted 650 Twins might get a minor bump in price, in comparison to the current prices. Royal Enfield has also announced that from Feb 2021, the 650 Twins will come with optional alloys. Existing customers can purchase the same from company dealers or via their website and get them replaced on their motorcycles. It is likely that the facelifted 650 Twins come with factory fitted alloys when launched later next year. More

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    Honda CB350 Exports Grow 205% In Nov 2020 – Still Behind RE Classic, Meteor

    Image – Gajanan
    Along with domestic sales, new Honda CB350 exports are also on the rise

    Honda H’ness CB350, launched in India in October 2020, has shown impressive start in the 350cc motorcycle segment. Sales got off to a fairly good start with the Honda H’Ness CB350 registering a sale of 1,290 units in the first month of sales. 2nd month, Nov 2020 saw sales increase to 4,067 units.
    No other motorcycle launched in the past to Royal Enfield 350cc range, has shown this good jump in sales. Be it Jawa or Benelli or the Dominar to an extent – who went all out against the REs with the Hathi Mat Paalo campaign.
    Sales and Exports Grow
    Honda CB350 posted 215% increase in sales, and that too when they are not even on offer at their entire dealer network across India. Honda CB350 is only on sale at select dealers in select cities as of now. Next year will see more cities get the new Honda motorcycle.
    Along with domestic sales, Honda has also been increasing export numbers of the CB350. After exported their first batch of 30 units in Oct 2020, Nov 2020 saw Honda export 92 units of the CB350. It is not clear as to which countries are getting this made in India 350cc motorcycle from Honda.
    350cc Motorcycle Sales and Exports – Nov 2020
    Both, domestic and exports of CB350 has grown by more than 200% in Nov 2020. But it still has a far way to go, in order to make a dent in the Royal Enfield camp – which continues to enjoy an elephant’s share, thanks to Classic and Meteor 350.
    Honda BigWing Dealers To Be Expanded
    At the time of launch, there were only 5 BigWing dealerships in India which the company is now in the process of expanding. This would ensure a shorter waiting period especially when compared to its prime rival RE Meteor 350, which commands a waiting period of upto 4 months in many cities.
    By the end of December, Honda expects to open 25 more BigWing outlets across different regions in India. Over the next two years plans are on to inaugurate around 250-300 BigWing dealerships so as to reach out to more customers with a constantly expanding product portfolio.
    Yes, this will help increase sales. But it is also likely to increase waiting period. Honda H’ness CB350 currently commands a waiting period of around 1 month specially where the dual tone blue colour option of the DLX Pro variant is concerned.
    One of the biggest two wheeler launches of 2020
    Honda H’Ness CB350 is offered in two variants of DLX and DLX Pro and priced at Rs.1.85 lakhs and Rs.1.90 lakhs respectively. It borrows much of its styling from the earlier CB350 but with modern touches of full LED lighting, Selectable Torque Control and Bluetooth enabled instrument. Honda is also offering an entire list of accessories that come in at an affordable price tag giving customers a host of options to choose from.
    Engine specifications include a 348cc, single cylinder, air cooled engine offering 21 hp power at 5,500 rpm and 30 Nm torque at 3,000 rpm mated to a 5 speed gearbox with assist and slipper clutch. It receives telescopic front fork and twin rear shock absorbers while braking is via 310mm front and 240mm rear disc with dual channel ABS as standard. More

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    Bajaj-Triumph Sub Rs 2 Lakh Motorcycle Launch Delayed To 2023

    Bajaj Triumph motorcycle render
    The Covid-19 pandemic has played spoilsport to another new automotive project in India

    The Bajaj-Triumph partnership is one of the most talked-about joint ventures in the Indian automotive industry in recent past. Both companies entered into a long-term partnership in 2017 which will focus on a non-equity tie-up to develop mid-capacity motorcycles ranging from 200cc to 750cc.
    However, the first product out of this joint venture might face a delay due to the ongoing crisis. In an interaction with ET Auto, Rajiv Bajaj, MD, Bajaj Auto, has revealed that the upcoming bike from Bajaj-Triumph partnership could be delayed by several months because of the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
    Delayed to 2023
    Bajaj said that due to COVID-19-related disruptions, launch of the first Bajaj-Triumph bike may get deferred to 2023. It was earlier reported that this JV planned to bring out its first model sometime in 2022. Both bikemakers have remained reticent about the models to be developed under this JV. However, some reports indicate that its lineup will include Triumph Tiger, a baby Daytona 250 and a mini Bonneville.
    Although one thing is clear that most of these motorcycles under this tie-up will be manufactured at Bajaj’s facility in Chakan near Pune in Maharashtra with localisation up to 99 percent as in the case with Bajaj-KTM partnership.
    Bajaj Triumph motorcycle render
    Additionally, Bajaj will also be responsible for marketing and sales of Triumph motorcycles in India manufactured by it as well as oversee the exports to neighbouring countries in the subcontinent, Asia, Africa and other markets.
    Expected Details of the first model
    All these motorcycles under this JV are likely to wear the nameplate of Triumph. The first model out of this is likely to be built on a 200cc platform which will be powered by the same 200cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine which also powers Bajaj Pulsar NS200 and KTM Duke 200. This bike is expected to be based on the entry-level Triumph Bonneville which sports a retro-classic design.
    It might feature a round headlamp, a single-piece flat seat, alloy wheels, a tear drop shaped fuel tank and a semi-digital instrument cluster. Anchorage duties might be handled by disc brakes on both ends assisted by a dual-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS) as standard. This motorcycle is likely to be priced below Rs 2.0 lakh (ex-showroom) and will rival models from Royal Enfield and Jawa.
    In recent times, we have witnessed many foreign high-end bikemakers partner with Indian manufacturers to offer affordable premium motorcycles for Indian consumers. Some of the notable examples are TVS-BMW Motorrad, Bajaj-KTM, Jawa-Classic Legends and the most recent being Hero MotoCorp-Harley Davidson.
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    Suzuki Two Wheelers Sales, Exports Nov 2020 – Access, Burgman, Gixxer, Intruder

    Image – Sinha Suzuki
    Suzuki domestic dispatches and exports for November 2020 were at a decline

    2020 has been a trying year. For manufacturers, FY21 started on a standstill in the grip of national lockdown owing to Covid-19 pandemic. With manufacturing and sales at nil, a system restart was announced in May 2020. And weeks went by in putting logistics and supply chains back on track. Suzuki two-wheelers one of the smaller manufacturers in terms of sales began Q4 2020 o a strong note.
    In October, the company was able to report flat domestic sales growth at 1.59 percent up at 67,225 units from 66,170 units. The uptick was largely fuelled by deferred demand, festive season demand, flexible EMI plans and improved finance options among other things. This, and the requirement for safe personal commute to maintain much need physical distancing.
    Domestic Sales
    For November 2020, YoY and MoM wholesale dispatches dropped. MoM numbers fell by 14.59 percent. YoY decline was reported at 5.58 percent. Down at 57,417 units from 60,812 units. Although Suzuki sells 5 products here, sales volume in some instances is low. It’s bestseller being the bestseller topped the chart at 45,82 units.
    Even though it’s top of the chart prowess is unchallenged, numbers did fall by 7.22 percent from 49,128 units. Sales volume contracted by 3.5k units. In fact, such a large chunk of Suzuki’s business depends on Access that the scooter accounted for 79.39 percent of domestic dispatches last month.
    Suzuki Two Wheelers Domestic Sales Nov 2020
    Suzuki Access a brand bestseller
    Comparatively, Burgman is a much newer launch from the brand. Dispatches gained 16.03 percent, up at 9,078 units from 7,824 units. Business at the domestic front accounted for 15.81 percent share. The top two selling scooters accounted for over 95 percent of Suzuki’s wholesales.
    Which means, the remainder 3 made up for less than 5 percent. At the narrow end, Gixxer numbers were reported at 2,145 units. This, at a YoY decline of 40.45 percent from 3,602 units. Gixxer 250 was reported at 65.50 percent decline. Given that base sales were at a low of 258 units, an increase to 427 couldn’t have been too difficult. Suzuki Intruder was discontinued at this time last year. But it did live on in its BS6 avatar. Given that the company decided to continue selling the product, its difficult to ascertain why. A mere 185 units were dispatched to dealerships last month.
    Suzuki Two Wheelers Exports Nov 2020
    Suzuki exports decline Mom and YoY
    Exports for November 2020 fell in MoM and YoY basis. Notably, Gixxer makes up the bulk of exports. At 4,572 units, MoM decline was reported at 11,43 percent, down from 5,162 units. Though discontinued here, Hayate lives on overseas. Exports were reported at 1,032 units, down 25.43 percent from 1,384 units. Volume contracted by 352 units. Both motorcycles made up for upward of 80 percent of exports last month.
    While domestic sales for Suzuki is dominated by scooters, motorcycles lead exports. Burgman numbers contracted to 512 units from 1,398 units at 63.38 percent decline. Notably, Gixxer 250 sales was in the green. Numbers grew from 16 units to 463.
    Though discontinued here, Lets scooter exports keeps the product alive. Numbers contracted manifold at 152 units, down from 668 units. Intruder units were down at 64 units. MoM decline was reported at 29.51 percent. And YoY decline at 23.74 percent. More