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    2022 Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter Homologated – Gets More Power

    Bajaj Chetak Electric ScooterShortage of imported components could be among the reasons for introducing more localization for Chetak
    Launched in January 2020, Bajaj Chetak electric scooter comes with USPs such as elegant design, sprightly colour options, metal body, connected tech and keyless start. However, as the pandemic began soon after its launch, Chetak wasn’t really able to unlock its full potential. Even now, shortage of semiconductor chips and other parts is being felt across the auto industry.
    2022 Bajaj Chetak with increased localization
    Things are expected to improve in future, as Bajaj is working on a new version of Chetak. It will have increased localization, which will reduce dependence on imported components. As revealed in Type Approval Certificate, one of the key changes is a new, more powerful motor. It generates 4.2kW of peak output and 4.0kW of max continuous output.
    In comparison, current Chetak model is powered by a Bosch-sourced motor. It makes 4.08kW of peak power and 3.8kW of peak continuous output. It is likely that other key components such as battery pack could also witness a higher level of localization. With the Type Approval Certificate in place, new Chetak could be launched soon.
    More affordable Chetak?
    One thing that’s not clear is whether 2022 Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter will be more affordable than the current model. Usually, a higher level of localization helps to reduce production costs. Chetak can benefit from reduced pricing, as there’s intense competition in electric scooter space. There are multiple products that are not only cheaper, but also claim better performance and range than Chetak.
    2022 Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter Homologated
    Bajaj Chetak is currently one of the costliest electric scooters in its class. Even with FAME subsidy, starting price is close to Rs 1.48 lakh in Delhi. At this price, it will be challenging to generate high sale volumes.
    For most buyers, a price of around Rs 1 lakh (including FAME subsidy) will be far more agreeable. TVS iQube is a good example, which is priced at Rs 1.01 lakh in Delhi (inclusive of FAME II subsidy). iQube and Chetak are not very different in terms of performance, range and top speed.
    One can also consider Ola S1 electric scooter, which is available for under Rs 1 lakh in several states. In Delhi, Ola S1 can be purchased at Rs 85,009 (effective ex-showroom including FAME II subsidy). It has better numbers (claimed) such as top speed of 90 kmph and range of 121 km.
    Bajaj new EV plant
    To strengthen its presence in EV space, Bajaj is currently building a new EV plant in Pune. The location is the same where original petrol-powered Chetak was once manufactured. New Bajaj EV plant is being built at an investment of Rs 300 crore (approx. USD 40 million). When working at full capacity, the plant will be able to manufacture 5 lakh EVs per year.
    EVs to be manufactured at the new plant include scooters, motorcycles and commercial vehicles. Apart from Chetak, Husqvarna electric scooter and motorcycles will also be manufactured at this facility. EVs manufactured here will cater to both domestic and international markets. More

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    Bajaj Auto Sales Dec 2021 – Pulsar, Dominar, Avenger, Chetak, CT100

    New Bajaj Pulsar NS200Bajaj Auto reported increased domestic sales (2 wheeler and CV) but a dip in demand in global markets leading to a marginal YoY degrowth
    Bajaj Auto Limited has reported a marginal 3 percent YoY de-growth in total sales as exports dipped 7 percent even as domestic sales noted a 5 percent increase. Total sales stood at 3,62,470 units in the past month, down from 3,72,532 units sold in December 2020.
    There were a total of 1,45,979 units sold in domestic markets, up 5 percent over 1,39,606 units sold in December 2020 while exports dipped 7 percent to 2,16,491 units in the past month, down from 2,32,92 units sold in December 2020.
    Bajaj Auto Sales Dec 2021 – Two Wheelers
    Speaking exclusively of two wheeler sales, domestic sales remained flat at 1,27,593 units, down by just 1 percent over 1,28,642 units sold in December 2020. Best sellers remained the Pulsar, Platina, CT, Dominar and Avenger, all of which have found favor among buyers in the country.
    Exports on the other hand, dipped 9 percent YoY to 1,91,176 units last month, down from 2,09,942 units sold in December 2020. This took total sales in this two wheeler segment to 3,18,769 units, down 6 percent over 3,38,584 units sold in December 2020.
    Bajaj Auto Sales Dec 2021
    Commercial vehicle sales grew both in domestic and global markets in the past month. Domestic sales increased 68 percent to 18,36 units, up from 10,964 units sold in December 2020 while exports were up 10 percent to 25,315 units, from 22,984 units sold in the same month of the previous year. Total sales in this segment stood at 43,701 units, up 29 percent over 33,948 units sold in December 2020.
    Bajaj Two Wheeler Sales 2021 – Monthly Report
    Bajaj Auto 2021 Year to Date Sales
    Year-to-date sales of Bajaj Auto Limited ended on a positive note. The period April to December 2021 saw a total of 33,31,782 units (2 wheeler and CV) sold, a growth of 19 percent over 28,03,250 units sold in the same 9 month period of 2020. Growth was seen both in terms of two wheelers and commercial vehicles though two wheeler sales in domestic markets dipped 1 percent to 13,01,984 units, down from 13,21,644 units sold in the year to date 2020 period.
    Total commercial vehicle sales increased 45 percent to 3,54,017 units in the April-December 2021 period, up from 2,44,989 units sold in the same period of 2020. This was a 76 percent increase in domestic sales to 1,10,668 units and a 34 percent increase in exports to a total of 2,43,349 units.
    Bajaj Auto Sales Dec 2021 – YTD
    Having noted increasing demand for the Chetak EV, Bajaj Auto has extensive plans in the electric vehicle segment for the New Year. The company has announced an investment of Rs 300 crores in a new EV plant in Akurdi, Pune. The plant is spread over an area of half a million sq ft and will employ over 800 people. The facility will have the capacity to produce around 5 lakh electric vehicles per annum. The first vehicle from this unit is expected to roll out by June 2022. More

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    2022 Husqvarna Electric Scooter Spied Again – Chetak Based New EV

    New Husqvarna Electric Scooter Spied. Image – Powerdrift.
    The upcoming Husqvarna Vektorr electric scooter is expected to make its global debut in production guise next year
    Bajaj Chetak is one of the most popular electric scooters in the country at the moment, if not by volume then by the brand. The company’s global partnership with the KTM group which also comprises the Husqvarna brand has proved to be an instrumental tool for Bajaj’s growth.
    The concept of platform sharing has already borne fruits for Bajaj and KTM and now it will be expanded further in the electric mobility space as well. A spy shot of the upcoming electric scooter from Husqvarna has been spotted testing near Pune. A concept based on the same e-scooter was unveiled earlier this year.
    Named Vektorr, this electric scooter is expected to be based on Chetak but is likely to don a completely different top. The latest spy shots reveal a prototype of the scooter completely wrapped under camouflage. Latest spy shot comes around the same time when Bajaj announced it was setting up a new electric vehicle plant in Akurdi.
    2022 Husqvarna Electric Scooter – Expected Specs
    Details about this upcoming e-scooter are too thin at the moment. However, the concept prototype revealed earlier this year is powered by a 4kW electric motor capable of a top speed of 45 kmph with a claimed range of 95 km on a single charge. The motor is expected to derive energy from the same 3kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
    Husqvarna Electric Scooter and Bajaj Chetak spied together
    In Chetak, this powertrain returns a range of up to 95 km on a full charge. However, this range drops to 85 km on a single charge when the scooter runs on Sport Mode. Top speeds at Sport and Eco modes are rated at 70 kmph and 45 kmph respectively. It will be interesting to see if the same specs will be offered by Husqvarna in the final production model of the scooter.
    Vektorr is also likely to borrow its cycle parts from its Indian cousin including a single-sided trailing link front suspension, single-sided swingarm and a mono-shock at the rear. The electric motor will be mounted on the swingarm with a transmission sending power to the wheel thus eliminating the need for a chain or belt drive. Braking hardware is likely to comprise a front disc and a rear drum setup.
    Styling & Expected Features
    Coming to its styling, the camouflaged 2022 Husqvarna Electric Scooter appears to be longer than Bajaj Chetak. The upcoming Vektorr e-scooter should also wear different body panels as judged by its silhouette. Other styling highlights would include a flat seat, oval rearview mirrors and a single-piece grab rail.
    While the spy image doesn’t showcase any part of its front end, we expect Vektorr to stay close to the concept flaunting a round headlamp with an integrated LED DRL, slim apron and an exposed front fork. In terms of features, Vektorr is expected to be equipped with a round digital instrument console that could be identical to Chetak but is likely to pack more features including turn-by-turn navigation. More

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    New Bajaj EV Plant Work Starts At The Site Of Iconic Chetak Scooter

    Bajaj Chetak ScooterEVs set to rollout by June 2022 for India and exports from new Bajaj Auto Electric Vehicle manufacturing unit at Akurdi (Pune)
    Bajaj Auto has announced a new ‘Electric Vehicle’ manufacturing unit at Akurdi (Pune). EVs are set to roll out by June 2022, and will cater to the domestic market, and exports. This entails an investment of Rs 300 Cr (USD 40 Mn) to build manufacturing capacity for 5,00,000 EVs per annum. The site is the same used as the original Chetak  scooter factory.
    Work at the Akurdi EV plant has now commenced, and in time, this site will generate incremental employment for 800 people. Bajaj will launch new electric scooters, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles in the future. These are expected to be built at this new plant. Next year, Bajaj will launch Chetak based Husqvarna electric scooter (spied in Pune recently). Post that, Husqvarna electric motorcycle e-pilen is also planned for launch.
    New Bajaj EV Plant
    Being co-located with Bajaj Auto’s Akurdi R&D centre ensures greater collaboration. The complete EV range solution ties together as a hub for design, development and manufacturing. For Bajaj, Chetak as a brand was the backbone of the manufacturer’s success for years to an end.
    As such, it came as no surprise that when an electric scooter was readied for launch, the Chetak moniker was re-introduced. The name breeds familiarity, and lives on as a great identifier in the blueprint for future mobility solutions.
    Rajiv Bajaj and Senior Management of Bajaj Auto at the new plant site
    Akurdi EV manufacturing plant is spread over half a million sq. ft. In addition to investments made by Bajaj Auto, vendors will invest an additional Rs 250 Cr (USD 33 Mn). Akurdi EV unit functionality is enhanced through robotic and automated manufacturing systems for all processes.
    This includes logistics and material handling, fabrication and painting, assembly and quality assurance. Systems are built to cater to a flexible product mix on the basis of maximum process efficiency. Systems take into account best worker ergonomics.
    EV mobility and solutions
    Bajaj has a unique business model that works wonders for the manufacturer. The company doesn’t sell scooters except Chetak electric scooter, which is a fairly recent launch. Its motorcycle market prowess sees exports at par with domestic market sales. And these ever-growing numbers are helped further with a small mix of CVs (auto rickshaws/tuktuks).
    Rajiv Bajaj – Managing Director, Bajaj Auto Ltd. said, “In 2001 Bajaj 2.0 took off on the roaring Pulsar, in 2021 Bajaj 3.0 arrived on the charming Chetak. Going forward, for the Bajaj portfolio, except for implementing one state-of-the-art ICE platform that is currently under development, all our R&D resources are now laser focused on creating EV solutions for the future.
    This alignment reflects our belief that light Electric Vehicles for sustainable urban mobility is an idea whose time may finally have come. Thus, this investment at Akurdi completes the virtuous cycle of hi-tech R&D competencies, high-efficiency engineering capabilities, world class supply chain synergies, and global distribution network which should leapfrog us into a market leading position in EVs in India and overseas.” More

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    Bajaj Sales Breakup Nov 2021 – Pulsar, Dominar, Avenger, Platina, CT100, Chetak

    Image – An Moto ExpoBajaj Auto Limited found its exports well in excess of domestic sales in November 2021, though both posted a YoY de-growth
    Bajaj was among the leading 5 two wheeler makers, Hero, Bajaj, Honda, TVS and Royal Enfield, who all reported double digit de-growth. The company has posted a YoY de-growth across both domestic sales and exports which had stood at a total of 3,28,476 units. Further breaking up this, domestic sales were at 1,40,909 units while exports stood at 1,87,561 units.
    Bajaj Sales Breakup Nov 2021
    Bajaj domestic sales dipped 22.62 percent YoY to 1,40,909 units, down from 1,82,093 units sold in November 2020. It was the Pulsar and Platina range that headed the list and the only two models that posted sales above the 50,000 unit mark.
    Pulsar sales stood at 61,913 units last month, down 40.98 percent over 1,04,904 units sold in November 2020. In this range, it was the Pulsar 125 and 150 that contributed most with 42,311 units and 13,084 units sold respectively. Pulsar 200 and 250 were down to 5,874 units and 644 units respectively.
    Bajaj saw increased demand for its Platina range. Sales increased 45.88 percent YoY to 60,646 units in the past month, up from 41,572 units sold in November 2020. Bajaj CT sales dipped 54.57 percent YoY to 13,196 units, down 54.57 percent over 29,046 units sold in November 2020 while Avenger sales also fell 42.31 percent to 2,663 units.
    Bajaj Sales Breakup Nov 2021
    Increased sales were seen in the case of the Bajaj Dominar at 1,980 units last month, up 17.09 percent over 1,691 units sold in November 2020. Dominar 250 claimed a maximum percent of these sales at 1,440 units last month while Dominar 400 had 540 units sold last month. Chetak sales increased 93.56 percent to 511 units, up from 264 units sold in November 2020.
    Bajaj Exports Breakup Nov 2021
    Exports of Bajaj Auto dipped but marginally in Nov 2021. Shipments of 1,92,244 units of Nov 2020 dipped 2.44 percent to 1,87,561 units in the past month. Boxer was most in demand commanding a 66.71 percent share with 1,25,128 units shipped last month, down 0.13 percent over 1,2,286 units shipped in November 2020. Boxer 110cc was most favoured with 1,09,016 units followed by Boxer 150cc of which 12,656 units were shipped last month.
    At No. 2 was Pulsar with sales of 23,850 units, down 26.71 percent over 32,540 units shipped in November 2020. It was Pulsar 150cc that commanded most attention in global markets with 10,632 units of this variant being exported while of Pulsar 200cc 10,632 units were shipped.
    Bajaj Exports Breakup Nov 2021
    Even as CT100 (20,224 units) and Platina (4,485 units) posted increased demand in global markets, Bajaj Discover sales dipped 10.32 percent to 10,448 units, down from 12,792 units sold in November 2020. Dominar exports also suffered a de-growth with 33.85 percent lower sales last month at 2,838 units, down from 4,290 units shipped in November 2020. Avenger sales increased 206.25 percent to 588 units last month, up from 192 units exported in November 2020. More

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    Bajaj Pulsar Sales Nov 2021 – 125, 150, 160, 180, 200, 220, 250

    Bajaj Pulsar NS 200Bajaj Auto reported a 12 percent YoY de-growth in two wheeler sales last month even as it was the No.1 motorcycle maker in November 2021
    Bajaj Pulsar sales have not been so promising either in terms of domestic sales or exports, both of which have posted YoY and MoM de-growth. Last month, Bajaj Auto announced that plans were afoot to update the existing range of Pulsar bikes with new gen models. The company is known to be working on these new gen models and with the Pulsar 125 and 150 bringing in most sales, these could be the two that will receive the updates first.
    Bajaj Pulsar Sales Nov 2021 – Domestic Market
    Bajaj Pulsar sales in November 2021 stood at 61,913 units, down 40.98 percent over 1,04,904 units sold in November 2020. It was also a MoM de-growth of 28.42 percent over 86,500 units sold in October 2021. Each model in the Pulsar range has posted de-growth.
    Pulsar 125 contributed the most to total sales in the past month. Sales stood at 42,311 units, down 25.18 percent over 56,549 units sold in November 2020 but with a share of 68.24 percent over 56.26 percent held in October 2021 when sales had stood at 48,662 units.
    Pulsar 150 sales also dipped 57.41 percent YoY and 46.59 percent MoM to 13,084 units in November 2021 down from 30,719 units sold in November 2020. In October 2021, sales had stood at 24,495 units. Share also dipped from 28.32 percent held in October 2021 to 21.13 percent in the past month.
    Bajaj Pulsar Sales and Exports breakup – Nov 2021 vs Nov 2020 (YoY)
    Of the Pulsar 160, 180 and 200, the company noted sales to the extent of 5,874 units last month, down 44.17 percent over 4,648 units sold in November 2020. MoM sales dipped 20.70 percent from 7,407 units sold in October 2021 even as share went up from 8.56 percent to 9.49 percent.
    Sales of Pulsar 220F / 250 fell by 90.85 percent to 644 units last month, down from 7,114 units sold in November 2020 while MoM sales dipped 89.15 percent over 5,936 units sold in October 2021. Pulsar 220F has been discontinued, as it makes way for new gen N250 and F250.
    Bajaj Pulsar Exports November 2021
    Exports of the Pulsar brand also suffered de-growth in November 2021. Shipments dipped to 23,850 units, down 26.71 percent over 32,540 units sold in November 2020 while MoM exports fell 10.71 percent from 26,711 units sold in October 2021.
    Bajaj Pulsar Sales and Exports breakup – Nov 2021 vs Oct 2021 (MoM)
    In global market, it was Pulsar 220F (1,536 units) that posted a YoY and MoM growth while the Pulsar 150 (10,632 units) saw a marginal increase on a MoM basis. Pulsar 160,180 and 200 exports fell 33.72 percent YoY to 9,410 units while MoM shipments dipped 1945 percent over 11,682 units sold in October 2021. Pulsar 125 exports fell 60.96 percent YoY to 2,272 units and 45.23 percent MoM from 4,148 units exported in October 2021.
    Taking total sales of the Pulsar range into account, sales dipped YoY and MoM. YoY sales were down 37.60 percent to 85,763 units from 1,37,444 units sold in November 2020 and down 24.24 percent over 1,13,211 units sold in October 2021. Even as each of the models in this range dipped YoY, growth was seen on a MoM basis in all models under the Pulsar range except for Pulsar 125 which fell 11.43 percent to 46,773 units.
    Bajaj Pulsar Sales + Exports Nov 2021 More

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    Bajaj Chetak Vs TVS iQube – Electric Scooter Sales Nov 2021

    Bajaj Chetak Electric ScooteriQube takes the lead in November 2021, with YoY sales improving by more than 600 percent
    Close fight between Bajaj Chetak and TVS iQube continues, with the latter posting higher sales numbers in November 2021. iQube also leads in overall sales during the period from January to November.
    With just one more month to go in this year, it is likely that TVS iQube will be ahead of Chetak in 2021. Unless of course Chetak makes a strong comeback in December. It is currently 421 units short of iQube in terms of total sales during Jan-Nov 2021.
    Electric Scooter Sales Nov 2021 – Chetak vs iQube
    Bajaj Chetak sales were at 511 units in November 2021. YoY growth is at 93.56%, as compared to 264 units sold in November last year. Chetak MoM growth is down by -38.80%, as compared to 835 units sold in October 2021. Average monthly sales during the period from Jan-Nov 2021 is at 395 units per month.
    TVS iQube sales in November 2021 is at 699 units. YoY growth has improved by a staggering 606%, as compared to 99 units sold in November last year. iQube MoM growth is at 76.96%, as compared to 395 units sold in October 2021. Average monthly sales during the period from Jan-Nov 2021 is at 433 units per month.
    Electric Scooter Sales Nov 2021 – Bajaj Chetak vs TVS iQube
    Taken together, Chetak and iQube have registered YoY growth of 233.33%. As compared to 1,210 units in November 2021, 363 units were sold in November last year. MoM growth is slightly down by -1.63%, as compared to 1,230 units sold in October 2021. Combined sales of Chetak and iQube have been consistently above the 1k mark since June this year.
    During the period from Jan-Nov 2021, iQube has been ahead of Chetak in seven months. Chetak highest sales this year was in October at 835 units. In case of iQube, its best performance was 766 units in September.
    Lowest point for both scooters this year was in May when sales were 31 units for Chetak and Nil for iQube. This was apparently due to second wave of Covid-19, when lockdowns and restrictions were quite common across the country.
    Electric Scooter Sales 2021 – Bajaj Chetak vs TVS iQube
    Chetak vs iQube expansion plans
    To boost sales, Bajaj and TVS are working to make their electric scooter available at more locations across the country. Chetak is currently available across four states – Maharastra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. Cities covered include Pune, Nagpur, Aurangabad, Bengaluru, Mangalore, Mysore, Chennai and Hyderabad.
    In comparison, iQube appears to have a wider sales network. It is available in cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Coimbatore, Aurangabad, Belgaum, Guntur, Guwahati, Jaipur, Indore, Kochi, Jamnagar, Kolkata, Kolhapur, Ludhiana, Lucknow and Meerut.
    Both companies are initially giving preference to cities that have greater acceptance for electric scooters. Availability of charging infrastructure is another key factor being considered.
    As global semiconductor chip shortage is expected to continue, electric scooter sales will be adversely impacted next year as well. New product launches in this segment will also pose significant challenges for Bajaj Chetak and TVS iQube. More

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    2022 Bajaj Triumph 250cc Motorcycle Inspired By Trident – Render

    Bajaj Triumph 250cc Motorcycle – RenderThe first Bajaj Triumph medium displacement motorcycle is likely to be ready in 2022
    New Trident has become the best-selling Triumph motorcycle in India. While this motorcycle shares components from the immensely popular Street Triple including its in-line three-cylinder motor, the bodystyle have a variant extension in the more affordable range.
    Bajaj Triumph 250cc Motorcycle
    We all know that Bajaj and Triumph are currently working on a family of medium displacement motorcycles, the first of which is set to carry a sub-INR-2-lakh price point. With Royal Enfield having a stronghold in that segment, it would make sense for the new Bajaj-Triumph offering to adopt a similar retro-classic flavour so as to take the fight up to the incumbent.
    The price point indicates that the upcoming Indo-British motorcycle would be adopting a single-cylinder engine with an estimated displacement of around 200-300 cc. Engineering and development is being taken care of by Triumph Motorcycles in the UK while Bajaj will be responsible for manufacturing it in a cost effective manner in India.
    Just like the compact family of KTM and Husqvarna motorcycles, Bajaj Auto’s production facility will be building Triumph’s medium displacement products locally for global consumption. Bajaj recently launched new 250cc motorcycles under the Pulsar branding. They already have Dominar 250, KTM 250 and Husqvarna 250 offerings in the 250cc segment. It is quite clear that Bajaj is bullish on the 250cc motorcycle segment.
    Bajaj Triumph 250cc Motorcycle – Render
    Triumph Trident 250 a possibility?
    While the body style of the first Bajaj Triumph medium displacement is anybody’s guess, cruiser or classic roadster are the most likely outcomes. If it is to be the latter, then we think the newly unveiled Trident could serve as design inspiration.
    Our rendering artist Pratyush Rout has envisioned the Bajaj Triumph medium displacement motorcycle as a roadster, which could rival the upcoming roadsters from Jawa, Yezdi and Royal Enfield. He borrowed the Triumph Trident’s design lines and introduced interesting dual-tone paint schemes. The Bajaj Dominar engine is used for illustration purpose only.
    From what you can see, a quarter-liter roadster with a good blend of classic and modern elements would be an interesting proposition at sub-INR-2-lakh price point. With a little over 20 hp on tap, the motorcycle in question would have Royal Enfield’s soon-to-be-launched next generation family of motorcycles covered.
    Launch Timeline
    Before the pandemic crippled the world, Bajaj and Triumph officials went on record to reveal that the first product of their partnership will be ready in 2022. We expect the two wheeler giants to stick to the timeline without much delay.
    This partnership would help Triumph establish its presence in the volume-rich global medium displacement segment while taking advantage of Bajaj Auto’s competitive cost structure. For the Indian partner, adding another globally renowned brand to its manufacturing portfolio can only be a good thing. More