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

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      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

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

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      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.
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      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

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

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      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

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

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      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

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

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      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

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

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      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

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      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

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      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