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      Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter Launch In 30 New Cities By March 2022

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      Image – Naveen
      Bajaj Chetak Electric is currently on sale only in Pune and Bangalore – Has sold over 800 units in the last three months

      Bajaj Auto has been contemplating on expansion of its electric scooter offering Chetak Electric to a wider network. It has been reported that the homegrown two-wheeler manufacturer is eyeing to add as many as 30 new cities to its existing network across the country by March 2022.
      The above development was recently confirmed by Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director, Bajaj Auto, in an interview with Live Mint. A full-scale nationwide rollout could become possible only after Phase-1 of the expansion plan takes effect. This can be achieved thanks to a drastic increase in production capacity after the opening of the second facility in Chakan.
      Bajaj’s New Manufacturing Facility
      Earlier this month, Bajaj revealed its plans of opening a new manufacturing facility, the second in Chakan and will be used to manufacture Chetak e-cooter along with models from joint ventures such as Triumph, KTM and Husqvarna. The brand is looking to invest Rs 650 crores in developing this new facility.
      If everything goes as planned, Bajaj can start production of Chetak Electric at this new facility by 2023. Sharma also confirmed that this facility will be reserved for assembly of premium bikes and electric two-wheelers.
      Bajaj Chetak Electric
      Bajaj launched the Chetak electric scooter earlier this year in two cities- Pune and Bengaluru in order to receive consumers’ feedback and understand how they use this vehicle. Before making this new concept a pan-India offering, Bajaj wanted to test the market with a premium offering.
      However, the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent nationwide lockdown, resulted in supply chain constraints which is why Bajaj had to halt production of the electric scooter.
      Expansion of EV Network
      Due to this, the company had to stop accepting further orders from Chetak Electric and hold back its expansion plans. Currently, Bajaj is focused on completing the impending orders before the year comes to a close. With things improving in the last couple of months Bajaj is now looking to quicken its production speed. Like Ather Energy, Bajaj would expand its network for its high-speed e-scooter offering to Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities first.
      The bikemaker has circled out locations such as Delhi, Chennai, Vizag, Hyderabad, Jaipur and Goa as part of the Phase I expansion plan. Chetak Electric has so far received a very healthy response from the two cities it is available in. The e-scooter has raked in over 800 units of sales volume in the last three months.
      Such has been its positive response and that one of its rival companies has bought two units of Chetak Electric and shipped it to its R&D facility in Japan. Bajaj tracked down these two units using their GPS at its rival’s Japanese R&D facility. The company could be Yamaha, Suzuki or Honda. Currently, Chetak Electric competes against the likes of TVS iQube and Ather 450X.
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      Yamaha FZ-X Name Registered – New ADV To Rival Xpulse, Himalayan, KTM

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      Yamaha FZ-X Adv Render by Yogi Sejwal Design
      Yamaha FZ-X is most likely to be based on the 250cc platform

      Small and mid-segment adventure motorcycles have been slowly but surely gaining prominence over the past year or so. Sales number back this fact as well. In November 2020, Royal Enfield retailed 1,550 units of the Himalayan whereas Hero Motocorp witnessed sales of 1,372 units of Xpulse 200.
      About a month ago even KTM launched its entry-level 250 Adventure. Suzuki has plans to launch a Gixxer based adventure tourer sometime in coming years. Therefore, it does make good sense for Yamaha to introduce an all-new product in a relatively new space.
      Yamaha’s ADV for India
      Now, Yamaha has filed a trademark application with the name ‘Yamaha FZ-X’ in India. This name could be utilised by the Japanese brand for its upcoming adventure motorcycle, based on the FZ25 platform.
      The company had earlier revealed its intentions of making its entry into the small-capacity adventure segment of bikes. This new adventure tourer is likely to be based on the existing 250cc platform of Yamaha. This is because this platform is relatively new and affordable and is versatile enough to be used for an adventure bike.
      Yamaha FZ-X Name Registered In India
      Even the engine used in the 250cc Yamaha bikes is suited for an ADV since it has a fairly simple construction and a torque low and mid-range performance. Since it will be built on an already developed architecture, the cost behind its development will be less and, therefore, it could be competitively priced. Although Yamaha would have to make some changes to its steering setup to rework the geometry with longer travel suspension.
      Expected Design & Features
      The 250cc platform currently underpins Yamaha FZ-25 and FZS-25. Design of this upcoming adventure bike will be different from what seen in the naked street racer twins although certain design cues might be borrowed from them. FZ25 and its naked twin come with a sharper looking front face thanks to a bi-function LED headlight flanked by LED DRLs. It also features a new engine cowl.
      In terms of equipment, this upcoming adventure bike is likely to borrow features such as a multi-function negative LCD instrument console, a side stand with an engine inhibitor switch and more. Additionally, the ADV is likely to be equipped with a switchable anti-lock braking system (ABS) and Yamaha’s latest Bluetooth connectivity suite. Also, instead of alloy wheels, it is expected to be offered with wire-spoked wheels.
      Expected Powertrain Specs
      Coming to its powertrains, it will be powered by the same 249cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled SOHC engine which also powers FZ25. This unit returns an output of 20.6 bhp and 20 Nm of peak torque and is linked to a 5-speed gearbox. Suspension setup is likely to be a little different with more travel at both front and rear ends.
      As far as pricing is concerned we can expect this Yamaha FZ-X to bridge the gap between Hero Xpulse 200 and Royal Enfield Himalayan with the former priced at Rs 1.13 lakh whereas the latter is offered at a starting price of Rs 1.91 lakh (both prices are ex-showroom).
      It could also be loaded with tech and features, to be a worthy rival to KTM 250 Adventure. Recently, TVS Motor also registered a trademark application with the name ‘Raider’ which is also suspected to the brand’s upcoming adventure tourer motorcycle.
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      Husqvarna Blapilen (Blue Arrow) Cruiser Rendered – On The Anvil?

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      Husqvarna Blapilen Render
      The Husqvarna Blapilen cruiser family with multiple engine variants could bring in a whole new class of audience under the brand’s umbrella

      Under the ownership of KTM AG, Husqvarna evolved from making niche motocross and enduro models for competition to also making road bikes. The Vitpilen and Svartpilen family of motorcycles mark the beginning of a new era for the Swedish motorcycle brand.
      Husqvarna to explore more product segments
      While KTM continues to focus on sharp sportsbikes and adventure tourers, it will be using its subsidiary to expand its reach into hitherto unexplored territories. For starters, Husqvarna will debut a new electric scooter sometime next year with a 4 kW platform which will be derived from Bajaj Chetak. The stylish urban runabout will be made it India for global consumption. There will also be an electric motorcycle by the name of E-Pilen.
      Husqvarna Blapilen cruiser
      With demand for cruisers on the rise, what if Husqvarna decided to launch a cruiser motorcycle, christened Blapilen – Swedish for Blue Arrow. Our in-house design expert Pratyush Rout gave it a shot and this is the end result.
      If at all the Husqvarna Blapilen cruiser is to become a reality, we reckon it will derive its design inspiration from its street fighter siblings with a circular LED infused headlight, an unconventional fuel tank design with extruded badge-carrying elements, and a minimal tailpiece with a compact LED taillight.
      Husqvarna Blapilen Render
      It is reasonable to assume that the Blapilen cruiser would continue to employ a trellis frame but with altered geometry and a lower rear sub-frame. To keep the costs in check, such a product is most likely to share its suspension, wheels and braking system with the Vitpilen and Svartpilen families. As the rendering suggests, a Husqvarna cruiser could be a very interesting proposition.
      Powertrain
      Just like the existing Husqvarna road motorcycles, the cruiser could be available in 200, 250, 401 and 701 avatars depending on the market. If this project attains fruition, the first three are likely to have India as their production base.
      Husqvarna Blapilen Render
      We think the Husqvarna Blapilen cruiser has the potential to bring a whole new class of audience under the brand’s umbrella. The cruiser family will cover a wide range of rivals such as the Honda Rebel, Kawasaki Vulcan, Harley Street, and so on. Even the Royal Enfield’s to an extent.
      It is to be noted that Husqvarna has not officially confirmed the existence of a cruiser named Blapilen in its pipeline. If at all there is such a project underway, we don’t expect such a motorcycle to be ready for a couple of years. More

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      Bajaj Sales, Exports Nov 2020 Break Up – Pulsar, Platina, CT, Avenger, Dominar

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      Bajaj Pulsar NS 200
      Bajaj reported growth for domestic wholesales and exports in November 2020

      Domestic sales growth for Bajaj in November 2020 was at 6.09 percent. Wholesales grew to 1,82,093 units from 1,71,641 units at volume gain of over 10k units. Comparatively, exports was even better. Bajaj Pulsar, the quintessential bestseller range was listed at 53.66 percent YoY growth.
      Wholesales were up at 1,04,904 units from 68,268 units at volume gain of 36,636 units. Consequently, at 57.61 percent share of total Bajaj wholesales, it literally kept Bajaj’s float afloat.
      Smaller displacement Pulsar range was most in demand at 56,549 units. This was followed by the 150cc segment offering at about 30k units. At the 200 cc threshold, wholesales was reported at 10,522 units. While the bigger under 250cc unit saw numbers listed at 7,114 units.
      Beyond Bajaj Pulsar
      There’s no denying that smaller displacement mass market daily commuters make up the majority of market demand. The same is true for Bajaj Platina. While sales stood at 41,572 units, it was noticeably lower than the 53,015 units reported a year earlier. Sales decline was at 21.58 percent. CT sales decline was even more steep. Wholesales fell to 29,046 units. Down 35.18 percent from 44,808 units. Like Platina, CT too aids Bajaj’s small motorcycle quest.
      Bajaj Domestic Sales Nov 2020 – As per motorcycle brand
      Avenger wholesales was stable at 4,616 units. But this is an easy feat owing too mall sales volume. In fact, Avenger only accounts for 2.53 percent of total domestic sales for Bajaj. Growth was reported at 10.54 percent, up from 4,176 units. The smaller displacement units was the sales star at 3,586 units. Dominar was once projected as the next big thing. Obviously that never came to fruition.
      However, sales did pickup last month. At 1,691 units, up from 311 units. YoY growth stood at 443.73 percent. Both displacement units were sold in similar volume. While all of Bajaj’s products are strictly motorcycles, the company did resurrect Chetak last year.
      Bajaj Domestic Sales Nov 2020 – As per motorcycle engine capacity
      For the most part in an all new electric avatar barring the familiar name. 264 units were sold. Eventually, EV sales will be big. For now, its contribution to total domestic sales last month was .14 percent.
      Exports grew in November 2020
      Doing the month, Bajaj Boxer punched its way forward, even stronger than before. Sales grew to 1,25,286 units. Up from 98,772 units at 26.84 units. It made up 65.17 percent of exports. The smallest displacement boxer takes the lion’s share of sales at over a lakh units.
      Bajaj Exports Nov 2020 – As per motorcycle brand
      However many boundaries it crossed, Boxer sales in India has long since stopped. In the overseas department, Boxer deafest Pulsar sales by miles. At 32,540 units, exports grew 29.09 percent, up from 25,207 units. For Pulsar, its the mid variants that triumphed collectively at a cumulative total at over 15k units.
      CT exports fell 37.51 percent, down to 13,566 units from 21,708 units. The 125cc units accounted for more than half of total sales. Discover exports dropped by almost 10 percent at 12,792 units from 14,208 units. Although once popular name in India, both variants were snipped at the start of FY21. They simply didn’t warrant a BS6 update.
      Bajaj Exports Nov 2020 – As per motorcycle engine capacity
      Dominar sales overseas was more than what the company achieved here. Exports grew manifold at 4,290 units, up from 579 units. Platina sales was stable at 3,578 units. Avenger continued its low volume run at 192 units. More

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      Honda Organizes CB350 Brotherhood Ride – Owners Treated With Gifts, Breakfast

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      Honda CB350 Owners Brotherhood Ride – Gurgaon
      Apart from getting a top notch motorcycle, in order to beat Royal Enfield – Honda will also need a cult following

      Launched earlier this year in September, Honda CB350 has emerged as a popular choice in its class. Sales are on the rise, from 1,290 units in October to 4,067 units in November. This is MoM gain of more than 200%. However, when compared to segment leader Classic 350, sales of CB350 are still a fraction. In November, sales of Classic 350 stood at 39,391 units.
      CB350 brotherhood ride
      To boost sales further, Honda is actively working on a number of strategies. If we talk about things that are working great for CB350, it can be said that the motorcycle has the looks, a powerful engine, hi-tech features, throaty exhaust note and offers optimal rider comfort.
      However, the one thing that seems to be lacking is the cult-like fan following enjoyed by rivals such as Classic 350. This usually works as a significant influencing factor when a new customer starts looking for a 350 cc motorcycle.
      To build a sense of community around CB350, Honda recently organized a brotherhood ride for CB350 owners in multiple cities across India. The idea was to thank customers who have put their trust in a new product and also allow them to interact with other like-minded folks. Hopefully, such events will set the stage for further collaborations among CB350 owners, eventually leading to the creation of a dedicated community.
      Honda CB350 Brotherhood Ride
      The brotherhood event organized by Honda in Delhi, started at Honda BigWing Topline dealership in Gurugram. Participants were briefed about the ride and they also had the chance to interact with RJ Khurafati Nitin of Big FM. The ride was from the dealership to Throttle Shrottle, a popular eatery located on Gurgaon Faridabad Expressway. The distance is approximately 50 km.
      At the restaurant, CB350 owners were treated with a sumptuous breakfast. A photo session was also organized. At the end, participants received a gift as well from Honda. The event was properly planned and well-managed. It is expected that Honda will be organizing more such events in other cities to build an active community of CB350 users.
      Honda offers gift to CB350 owners at the brotherhood ride. Image – NH08 / Team-BHP
      CB350 cafe racer
      To give more options to customers, Honda might launch a new motorcycle next year based on CB350 architecture. This will be a cafe racer that will be sleeker and sportier, but will retain its retro character.
      Talking a bit about rival Royal Enfield, the company has plans to launch several new products in the coming years. The first of Royal Enfield’s next-gen products, Meteor 350, has already gotten off to a good start. In November, sales stood at 7,031 units, making it the second bestselling 350 cc motorcycle in the country. A 350 cc version of Interceptor 650 is also being tested and could be launched soon.
      So, even though CB350 has got a good initial response, it has a tough road ahead of it. It will be interesting to see how this space evolves over the next few years. More

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      Hero Electric To Supply Over 1,000 EVs To eBikeGo In FY 2021-22

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      Hero Electric
      Hero Electric and eBikeGo partnership gets underway with a commitment for a 1000 EVs

      Hero Electric has partnered with eBikeGO, an EV based last mile delivery and mobility solutions company. Through FY22, eBikeGO will procure over a thousand Hero Electric bikes. Hero Electric will be in charge of service support, and dedicate a relationship manager for maximum uptime. The project revolves around last mile deliveries with a systemic shift from petrol to electric. It’s backed by EV tech, and IOT enabled ops.
      Hero Electric has already supplied the first 120 bikes for the next FY. They are being deployed for last mile logistics on a per delivery model. And to individual consumers on monthly rental basis. The service caters to large customer base in big cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Amritsar and Jaipur.
      Hero Electric and eBikeGo network
      Hero Electric operates through a 600+ dealer network. Nyx-HX City Speed variants make for low running cost, high load carrying capability, intercity range, and custom features. Value proposition is designed to offer a comprehensive leasing solution for 90 percent uptime through vehicle lifecycle.
      Already, eBikeGO offers electric bikes on subscription in five cities – Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Amritsar, and Jaipur. Mobility solutions are on offer across 8 cities to more than 18,000 users at a total of over 4 million kms to date. Low-cost rides are viable for a speed of 55 km/hr after two hours charge time.
      Hero Electric
      To boost adaptability of electric last mile connectivity, Hero Electric works with multiple partners. An outcome which is helpful to businesses and consumers alike with focus on affordable and efficient solutions. The partnership with eBikeGO leverages the latter’s reach to transform the space. Eventually, bringing more electric vehicles on road.
      Electric bike opportunities
      Naveen Munjal, MD, Hero Electric said, “At Hero Electric, we’ve always believed that to solve last mile delivery connectivity, the best option is to go electric.”
      Sohinder Gill, CEO, Hero Electric said, “We are happy to partner with serious players like eBikeGO to offer a great experience of a smooth and a pleasurable ride to a discerning customer who cares for the environment and wants an easy, effortless and joyful riding experience”
      E-Bikes like Nyx have gotten the attention of varied segments of B2B customers. Including opportunities in deliveries, rentals, or bike sharing. For eBikeGO, the strategic alliance with Hero Electric helps further mass adoption of electric 2-wheeler adoption. With the bike rental space fast emerging as a viable alternate to bike ownership, opportunities are aplenty.
      Dr. Irfan Khan, Founder and CEO, eBikeGO said, “We are on a mission to disrupt the way last mile delivery happens in India, with our unique smart electric scooter utilisation model that provides for a transformation of the erstwhile delivery ecosystem.” More

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      2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350 Production Spec Spied Undisguised – Launch Soon

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      2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350. Credit – Krishna
      Much awaited launch of the new gen Royal Enfield Classic 350 is near – First undisguised spy shots

      Royal Enfield has dominated the sub-400 cc retro segment for several years with bestsellers such as Classic 350. However, things could change dramatically in this space in the coming months with availability of new products such as Jawa and Honda H’ness (CB350). There are talks that Bajaj will also be entering this space with launch of a cruiser named ‘Neuron‘. However, this hasn’t been officially confirmed by Bajaj.
      Even though Royal Enfield has updated Classic 350 to BS6, it won’t be enough to match offerings of rival motorcycles. This is why the company had planned to launch next-gen Classic 350 during the festive season. However, this did not happen due to corona virus, supply chain bottlenecks and production constraints – all have been cited as reasons for the delay in launch of Classic 350.
      But it seems that Royal Enfield is getting ready to launch the new gen Classic 350 in the coming weeks as an undisguised production-ready variant has now been spied on public road. Caught on camera by automotive enthusiast Krishna, it looks like 2021 Classic 350 is nearer than one would expect.
      Next-gen Classic 350 design and features
      As revealed in spy shots, next-gen Classic 350 continues with the core design of its predecessor. Similarities with the current model include features like round headlamp, chrome rear view mirrors, teardrop-shaped turn indicators, broad rear fenders, and chrome plated exhaust. Talking about the wheels, it is not certain if production variant will have spoke wheels or alloy wheels.
      [embedded content]
      Although the test mules have been spotted with new body panels, it is expected that production variant will continue to focus on retro styling that RE fans prefer. However, to keep the motorcycle relevant to evolving market trends, next-gen Classic 350 will come with features such as LED DRL, semi-digital instrument console and new paint options. Just like Meteor 350, even the Classic 350 will not get LED headlamp.
      2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350
      Next-gen Classic 350 has been built on the new modular J platform. This platform will be used for several other next-gen products that Royal Enfield will launch in the near future. It is expected that the new platform will be better in terms of handling, manoeuvrability and comfort. It could also be lighter, something that will improve power to weight ratio. This could make next-gen Classic 350 more agile in city conditions.
      2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350
      Next-gen Classic 350 engine
      Powering next-gen Classic 350 will be an all-new 350 cc engine that will have the advanced SOHC setup. In comparison, the current 350 cc engine utilizes the archaic tappet-valve (push rod) system. It is expected that the new engine will fare better in terms of responsiveness and acceleration. Vibrations are also likely to be reduced. The new engine is capable of generating 20.2 bhp of max power at 6100 rpm and 27 Nm of max torque at 4000 rpm. This is mated to a 5-speed transmission.
      2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350
      In terms of tech upgrades, next-gen Classic 350 could get Bluetooth connectivity. It will allow users to access a range of features via their smartphone. Rest of the equipment such as suspension, disk brakes and dual-channel ABS will be the same as the current model. Next-gen Classic 350 is expected to be offered in the price range of Rs 1.6 lakh to Rs 2 lakh. More

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      Yamaha Sales, Exports Break Up Nov 2020 – FZ, Ray, Fascino, R15, MT15, FZ25

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      New Yamaha MT15
      Yamaha India reported growth in wholesale domestic dispatches and loss in exports in November 2020

      The recently concluded festive season saw most manufacturers report wholesale growth. And that’s true for Yamaha too. Dispatches were up at 53,208 units, up 35 percent from 39,405 units. Volume gain stood at 13,803 units.
      In this case growth looks even more grand keeping in mind low base sales a year earlier. An improvement in December will further help strengthen Q4 2020 performance. For the most part, sales improvement for said period is expected going by sales in Oct and November.
      Then again, December may just prove to worth everyone’s time considering the range of discounts available. With an expected price hike in January 2020, dealers are liberal with end of year discounts and deals. This proves to be a two-fold benefit for manufacturers. The discount itself, and the perceived gain considering new model year vehicles are always costlier.
      Yamaha India portfolio
      Yamaha FZ, the manufacturer’s top selling motorcycle saw dispatches reported at 16,239 units. Of the complete portfolio, FZ sales was the only one reported at a decline. Sales fell 6.37 percent, down to 16,239 units from 17,344 units at volume lost at just over 1.1k units. Consequently, FZ managed to retain lead to account for 30.52 percent share of all domestic dispatches for Yamaha.
      Yamaha India Domestic Sales Nov 2020
      Currently, the company only sells a handful of products. Ray scooter sales were next best for Yamaha at 28.64 percent share. Dispatches grew 101.19 percent. Up at 15,238 units from 7,574 units. Wholesales more than doubled at volume gain of 7,664 units. Fascino scooter sales surpassed the 10k unit mark. At 10,992 units dispatched, YoY growth stood at 43.91 percent. Volume gain was at 3,354 units, up from 7,638 units. Altogether, three of the top sellers account for almost 80 percent of brand sales.
      R15 sales growth was healthy. Compare to last November, sales growth was 52.93 percent. Sales was reported at 5,848 units, up from 3,824 units. Dispatches grew by over 2k units. And though growth was positive, R15 fails to be a top seller at Yamaha. MT15 sales were even lower at 4,608 units. Although volume is low, it was the highest growth at 203.96 percent. A year earlier, sales was as low as 1,516 units. Volume gain stood at over 3k units. FZ25 dispatches were at a mere 283 units, at 68.45 percent YoY growth. Numbers for Nov 2019 stood at 168 units. While the majority of products sold gained ground, it’s left to be seen if Yamaha is capable of selling 50k units on a monthly basis in a consistent manner.
      Yamaha India Exports Nov 2020
      Yamaha India exports for November 2020
      Notably, Yamaha FZ isn’t just a bestseller in the domestic market but also leads the export chart convincingly. Exports were reported at 8,101 units, down 9.52 percent. As can be seen, sales fell from 8,953 units. Ray exports fell to 1,939 units from 4,379 units at 55.72 percent YoY sales decline. Crix was the only export parameter that was in the green. FZ25 finds more takers overseas than here. Exports fell to 1,304 units from 1,764 units at 26 percent decline. Saluto numbers fell drastically at 87.33 percent, down to 689 units from 5,436 units. Here volume loss was at a high of 4,747 units.
      SZ sales fell to 684 units from 1,596 units. YoY sales decline stood at 57.14 percent. Numbers fell by 912 units. In fact the remainder of the export list is just as low. R15 numbers fell to 280 units from 1,204 units. At 76.74 percent decline, volume contracted by 924 units. But export loss doesn’t end there. MT15 exports fell to a mere 120 units from 472 units.
      Alpha exports were down at 112 units. Saluto RX exports were at a paltry 36 units, down from 1,596 units. And fashion same in last at 3 units. Given that most products exported saw numbers fall, overall exports are at a noticeable decline of 44.46 percent. Exports fell to 15,034 units from 27,067 units. More