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    TVS iQube Sales Higher Than Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter – For 1st Time

    Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter
    Electric two-wheeler sales are rising, but are still a small fraction of their petrol powered counterparts

    With growing consumer interest in electric two-wheelers, a number of startups and tech companies have launched their products in the market. Some of the leading companies in this segment include the likes of Hero Electric, Okinawa, Ampere, Ather and Revolt. However, for folks who prefer buying from established auto companies, the options are fairly limited to Bajaj Chetak and TVS iQube.
    Bajaj Chetak vs. TVS iQube Jan 2021 sales
    Both Chetak and iQube were launched last year in January. While Chetak was launched in Pune, iQube was launched in Bengaluru. Bajaj later introduced Chetak in Bengaluru, whereas iQube has expanded operations to Delhi.
    In terms of overall sales, Chetak currently has the lead. However, in monthly sales, iQube was ahead in December 2020 and January 2021. In January, Chetak sales were 30 units as compared to 211 units of iQube. These numbers may seem positive for iQube, but in reality, Chetak’s low sales in recent months is due to production constraints and not due to lack of demand.
    As may be recalled, auto companies are currently facing shortage of semiconductors at the global level. A number of parts used in Chetak are imported, which is why the company hasn’t been able to meet its production timelines. Bajaj currently has pending orders for Chetak in access of 1,500 units. Due to the backlog and production constraints, Bajaj is currently not taking fresh bookings for Chetak.
    Month
    Chetak
    iQube
    Jan-20
    21
    0
    Feb-20
    100
    0
    Mar-20
    91
    18
    Apr-20
    0
    0
    May-20
    0
    0
    Jun-20
    0
    30
    Jul-20
    120
    23
    Aug-20
    192
    23
    Sep-20
    288
    7
    Oct-20
    258
    101
    Nov-20
    264
    99
    Dec-20
    3
    58
    Jan-21
    30
    211
    Total
    1,367
    577
    As and when the supply chain improves and production normalizes, Bajaj Chetak sales are expected to increase rapidly. The company is currently working to increase localization for Chetak and streamline its supply chain network. Bajaj has plans to introduce Chetak in 24 cities by end of next fiscal.
    Chetak vs. iQube – Features, specs and pricing
    Both Chetak and iQube have elegant design, with the former carrying a potent retro flavour. In terms of features, both scooters are not very different from each other. Both have water and dust resistant IP67 rated lithium-ion batteries that come with 50k/3 years warranty.
    In terms of range, Chetak can travel 95 km on a full charge in Eco mode. iQube has 75 km range in Eco mode. In speed, iQube is ahead with a top speed of 78 kmph. Chetak top speed is around 70 kmph, as per user reviews.
    TVS iQube
    Talking about pricing, Chetak Urbane variant is offered at Rs 1.15 lakh in Pune and Bengaluru. Chetak Premium variant costs Rs 1.20 lakh. In comparison, TVS iQube is priced at Rs 1.15 lakh in Bengaluru and Rs 1.08 lakh in Delhi. More

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    2021 Bajaj Pulsar 180 At Dealer Showroom – First Look Walkaround

    2021 Bajaj Pulsar 180. Image – Auto Travel Tech
    In addition to switching back to the familiar bikini fairing, the 2021 Bajaj Pulsar also gets updated digi-analog instrument console and bold decals

    Back in 2018, Bajaj discontinued its popular Pulsar 180 variant with 180F which came equipped with 220F’s semi-fairing. The addition of fairing with projector headlamps permitted Bajaj to optimize the large Pulsar family’s tight market positioning with respect to each other. However, things have been evolving in the 150 to 200 cc motorcycle market and it seems the Pune-based two wheeler major has decided to roll back the change two years later.
    2021 Bajaj Pulsar 180
    The 2021 Bajaj Pulsar 180 with the original bikini fairing has started reaching dealerships, indicating that the official launch is not far away. It will be on sale alongside the semi-faired 180F, which is priced about Rs 9k more. Price of the Pulsar 180 is Rs 1.05 lakh ex-sh while that of the 180F is Rs 1.14 lakh, ex-sh.
    The new Pulsar 180 adopts the classic family styling but gets unique contrast decals on the fener, fuel tank extensions, tailpiece and belly pan. The headlamp housing appears to have been tweaked slightly but there are no other noteworthy visual changes.
    The digi-analog instrument console has been borrowed from the 220F. The blue backlit digital display unit offers multiple information including speed, distance to empty, fuel efficiency, side-stand status, odometer service reminder, and so on.
    2021 Bajaj Pulsar 180. Image – Auto Travel Tech
    Specifications
    Given that the Bajaj Pulsar family received BS6 updates only last year, we don’t expect the 2021 Pulsar 180 to have any significant changes to its powertrain specifications. To recap, the premium commuter is powered by a 178.6 cc air-cooled, fuel-injected engine which is mated to a 5-speed transmission. Power and torque figures stand at 17 hp and 14.52 Nm of torque.
    The 2021 Bajaj Pulsar 180 carries forward the traditional telescopic front forks, twin rear shock absorbers, front and rear disc brakes with single-channel ABS, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
    Market positioning
    The continued success of TVS Apache RTR 180 and the advent of Honda Hornet 2.0 has prompted Bajaj to reposition its Pulsar 180. Ditching the semi-fairing and reverting back to the bikini unit would lead to a considerable price drop. The 2021 Bajaj Pulsar 180 with aggressive pricing will take the fight to its rivals. Take a look at the detailed walkaround video by AUTO TRAVEL TECH below.
    [embedded content]
    The Pulsar 180F did not manage meet Bajaj’s sales expectations despite derive its design from the popular 220F. So, in the revised Pulsar lineup for this year, the semi-faired variant may not have a place.
    The classic Bajaj Pulsar design has aged very well over these years. While its competitors feel the need to constantly evolve and revise their aesthetics, the Pulsar continues to enjoy enviable popularity among young and middle-aged customers alike. We expect the new 180 variant to do better than its outgoing faired sibling in terms of monthly sales volumes. More

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    2021 Bajaj Pulsar TVC Highlights Global Presence Of The Made In India Motorcycle

    2021 Bajaj Pulsar
    Bajaj is planning to expand the Pulsar lineup by introducing Pulsar 180 Naked and Pulsar RS400 later this year

    Bajaj Auto is a household name in the Indian automotive market and has established its footprints in several international markets as well. This fact has been highlighted in the automaker’s latest TV commercial which shows its presence in foreign markets such as Brazil, Egypt, Philippines and Turkey.
    Bajaj Pulsar ads have always been the talk of the MoTown. Some of the early Pulsar commercials from over a decade ago, are still cherished by fans. Now, Bajaj has released the first Pulsar TVC for 2021.
    New 2021 Bajaj Pulsar TVC shows bikers performing breathtaking stunts on various models of the Pulsar range of motorcycles. These stunts have been shot across different exotic locations around the world. For reference, the stunts shown in the upcoming video have been carried out by trained professionals under observation.
    New Pulsar TVC
    From conducting stoppies to rolling stoppies along with burnouts, the advertisement shows bikers in prominent tourist locations such as Christ- The Redeemer in Rio De Janeiro and Pyramids in Giza. A snapshot with Buland Darwaza in Delhi in the background is also seen in the advertisement. Models such as Pulsar 150, 180F, NS200, RS200 and NS160 could be seen carrying out the antics in the TV commercial. Take a look at the 2021 Bajaj Pulsar TVC below.
    [embedded content]
    Bajaj has grown by leaps and bounds over the last few years both in domestic and overseas markets. The popularity of the Pulsar range of sporty commuter motorcycles has had a lot to do with it. A combination of practicality and performance at an affordable price has been the contributor to Pulsar’s success both in India and abroad. Collaboration with international brands such as KTM, Husqvarna and now Triumph has further earned Bajaj a valuable name in foreign markets.
    The indigenous bikemaker currently retails seven models of Pulsar range which includes Pulsar 125 Neon, Pulsar 150, Pulsar NS160, Pulsar 180F, Pulsar NS200, Pulsar RS200 and Pulsar 220F. The company is also looking to expand the lineup by introducing two new bikes this year including Pulsar 180 naked and Pulsar RS400.
    More Pulsar’s Incoming?
    Pulsar 180 will be the same motorcycle underneath as its semi-faired sibling 180F. It will be equipped with the same mechanicals but will wear a slightly different attire which would be similar to Pulsar 150. Interestingly, the naked roadster iteration of Pulsar 180 was on sale earlier and was discontinued in 2019 to be replaced by Pulsar 180F. It will be powered by a BS6 compliant 178.6cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that generates 16.6 bhp and 14.52 Nm of peak torque. This unit is linked to a 5-speed gearbox.
    Other than this, Bajaj is also looking to launch its top of the line Pulsar RS400 later in the second half of this year. This upcoming flagship faired sports bike from the Chakan-based manufacturer will be powered by the same liquid-cooled, triple spark 373.2cc engine which performs duties on KTM 390 series and Bajaj Dominar 400. This unit is likely to churn out 41 bhp and 34.5 Nm of peak torque while being mated to a six-speed gearbox. More

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    Bajaj Pulsar 180 To Be Relaunched At Rs 1.05 L – Rs 9k Cheaper Than 180F

    Image of Pulsar 150. Credit – The Sameer Vlogs
    With launch details still under wraps, we expect the new naked Pulsar 180 to be similar to its discontinued predecessor

    Bajaj Auto is planning to reintroduce Pulsar 180 in its naked iteration. The naked sporty commuter was discontinued and was replaced by the semi-faired version of Pulsar 180F. Pulsar 180, along with Pulsar 150, was the first derivative of Bajaj’s Pulsar range of sport commuter motorcycles when launched in the early years of this century.
    The naked version of Pulsar 180, in its last form, was very similar to its 150cc sibling in its looks. The only notable difference being a more upright tail section and two separate grab rails for the pillion in the former. The new Pulsar 180 is expected to carry forward the same design with minute changes.
    Design & Features
    This means the new Pulsar will likely receive a front end which boasts of a halogen headlight with twin DRLs, a tinted front visor, a bikini fairing, a muscular fuel tank, split-style seats, an engine cowl and a sporty pillion grab rail.
    In its new avatar, Pulsar 180 might be available with new colour schemes and subtle cosmetic updates. In terms of features, it will be equipped with a semi-digital instrument cluster with an analogue tachometer and digital readouts for speedometer, odometer, etc.
    Bajaj Pulsar 180F
    Mechanical Specs
    Mechanically, it will be the same bike as Pulsar 180F. It will be powered by the same BS6 compliant 178.6cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine which produces 16.6 bhp and 14.52 Nm of peak torque. This unit is paired with a 5-speed sequential gearbox. It will share the same underpinnings as its semi-faired sibling which will be suspended on telescopic forks at front and gas-charged shock absorber springs at rear.
    Braking duties will be handled by single disc brake in the front, assisted by a single-channel ABS. Top variant will get disc brake at rear as well. It rides on 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped around by tubeless tyres of 90/90 and 120/80 profiles at front and rear respectively.
    Upon its launch, Pulsar 180 naked will rival the likes of Honda Hornet 2.0 and TVS Apache RTR 160. Reports suggest that it will be pegged at a price tag of Rs 1,05,216 (ex-showroom) for the base variant. This will make it sit just above the top of the line Pulsar 150, and below the Pulsar 160NS. Below is the detailed price list of Pulsar motorcycles.
    Bajaj Pulsar Price List
    Currently, Bajaj retails seven iterations of Pulsar depending on its engine configurations- Pulsar 125, Pulsar 150, Pulsar NS160, Pulsar 180F, Pulsar NS200, Pulsar RS200 and Pulsar 220F. While the company is yet to make an official announcement regarding this development, we expect to hear about the upcoming roadster sooner rather than later.
    Pulsar NS250
    It was previously reported that Bajaj is looking to expand its Pulsar range of bikes by introducing a Pulsar NS250 based on the urban tourer Dominar 250. It will be powered by the same 248.8cc, fuel-injected, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine which also performs its duty on KTM 250 Duke, 250 Adventure along with Dominar 250.
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    Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter Price Likely To Increase To Rs 1.5 Lakh

    Bajaj Chetak
    The production halt is expected to be a setback on Bajaj Auto’s retail expansion plans for the Chetak

    It has been a year since the Bajaj Chetak retro classic electric scooter’s launch but the company has been struggling to realize its full potential. The lifestyle product received over 50,000 expressions of interest and has registered sales of over 1,300 units – from just two launch cities – Pune and Bangalore. Bajaj is currently sitting on an pending order book of over 1,500 units. However, production bottlenecks has forced Bajaj to close bookings temporarily.
    Bajaj Chetak price hike
    Business Standard reports that Bajaj is planning to increase the price of the Chetak when the production resumes to a INR 1.5 lakh (ex-showroom). The electric scooter was launched in two variants with base Urbane variant priced at INR 1 lakh and top-end Premium variant priced at INR 1.15 lakh (both prices are ex-showroom, Pune).
    It was earlier reported that Bajaj Auto has been making loss with every unit of Chetak sold at its launch price. The price hike is aimed at mitigating / eliminating this loss.
    Buoyed by a strong response from the customers, Bajaj Auto is confident that the price hike will not adversely impact the scooter’s prospects. The product is said to have attracted all kind of buyers including very affluent ones who have never owned a two wheeler before.
    Chetak sales were averaging 250-300 units per month before production got stopped due to shortage in semiconductor chips
    Production bottlenecks
    Soon after the Bajaj Chetak was launched amidst much fanfare, India went into a strict national level lockdown which brought production to a grounding halt. Subsequent logistical issues, compounded by a worsening relationship between India and China, adversely affected the import of critical components.
    Bajaj did finally manage to resume production only to put it on hold again due to acute shortage of semiconductors on a global scale. The pause in production would set Bajaj Chetak’s retail expansion plans back significantly. So, a price hike seems inevitable to limit the damage.
    Expansion plans and exports
    Bajaj is currently working on increasing the local content in the Chetak in addition to reforming its supply chain network. These issues are expected to be resolved in the coming months, and the company is confident of extending the market coverage from current 2 cities to 24 cities by end of next fiscal.
    Once the production constraints are sorted out and the Chetak settles into a rhythm in the domestic market, the company may look at exports. In Europe, the Bajaj Chetak could be positioned as a cheaper alternative to Vespa Elettrica. With the old continent taking fast strides in electric mobility domain, the Chetak seems like an attractive proposition. The retro classic styling is a big plus.
    In addition to the Chetak, Bajaj’s electric scooter platform will also serve KTM and its subsidiary Husqvarna. A new production facility in Chakan is being readied for Bajaj’s electric vehicle push.
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    Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS Modified Into Modern Retro Cafe Racer

    Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS Modified by IRONic
    This modified Pulsar 200 NS gives an impression of being a fighter jet on wheels

    Bajaj Pulsar NS200 is undoubtedly one the most one of the better looking bikes in its class. The naked streetfighter is definitely one of the strongest performers in the 200cc category with a powerful engine as well as features that enhance the riding experience. It is also a fan favourite when it comes to aftermarket customisation.
    An aggressive front end complemented by a muscular fuel tank and sharp extensions make it a hot favourite in the aftermarket industry. While there have been cases previously where a Pulsar 200NS has been modified into something tasteful, the latest example of a customised NS200 will surely blow everyone’s minds.
    Updated Design
    Hyderabad based IRONic has his stock Pulsar NS200 modified into a modern retro cafe racer. It is clearly evident that IRONic has put in a lot of effort and time to get this bike customised.
    In his own words, the project took a total of two and half years to complete, however, majority of the work was carried after the country went into a complete lockdown in March last year after the outbreak of novel coronavirus.
    Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS Modified by IRONic
    At first glance, the bike seems to have taken inspiration from a fighter jet streamlined front fairing which seamlessly integrates a small, circular headlamp. Fairing of the front end smoothly meets the sculpted fuel tank.
    Tons of chrome has been used for the front fairing, front forks, rear seat cowl, exhaust pipe and underbelly casing for the radiator engine. The images suggest that wheelbase of the bike might also have been increased by tweaking the front suspension unit slightly in order to compensate for the lowered front end of the bike.
    Another notable highlight is the wheel covers in a stunning dark maroon colour which pays homage to a 1947 Cadillac built and restored by IRONic’s father. The designer has given attention to little details, for starters, winged heel guards on the footpegs, a custom-made side stand, drilled out sprocket cover, a small taillight, an analogue speedometer and lastly an analogue fuel indicator neatly tucked in to the end of the fuel tank.
    Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS Modified by IRONic
    Mechanical Configurations
    Mechanically, improvements have been made to its powertrain with the addition of a pod filter on the intake. Pulsar NS200 is powered by a 199.5cc BS6 compliant single-cylinder engine which develops a power of 24.13 bhp and 18.5 Nm of peak torque. This unit is offered with a six-speed gearbox. Suspension setup consists of telescopic forks at front and a preload adjustable mono-shock at rear.
    Stopping power comes from Bybre calipers along with a 280mm front disc and a 230mm rear disc brake assisted by dual-channel ABS. It rivals the likes of TVS Apache RTR 200 4V and Honda Hornet 2.0.

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    Bajaj Jan 2021 Sales Report – Pulsar, Boxer, CT100, Platina, Dominar

    Image – MRD Vlogs
    Bajaj Auto Limited reported an 8 per cent increase in total sales at 4,25,199 units in January 2021

    Bajaj Auto Limited, a leading two-wheeler and three-wheeler manufacturing company based in Pune, has reported an increase of 8 percent in total sales for January 2021. Sales stood at 4,25,199 units in the past month up from 3,94,473 units sold in Jan 20.
    In terms of two wheeler sales in domestic market, sales stood at 1,57,404 units in Jan 21, practically on par with sales of 1,57,796 sold in Jan 20. Models in the Pulsar, CT100 and Dominar range commanded the most demand while only three units of the Chetak electric scooter were dispatched to dealerships last month.
    Exports on the other hand were the highest ever. Exports increased 30 percent to 2,27,532 units, up from 1,74,546 units exported in Jan 20. Total sales in the two wheeler segment thereby increased 16 percent to 3,84,936 units in the past month, up from 3,32,342 units sold in the same month of the previous year.
    Bajaj Auto will pay special attention to its premium segment with the likes of the Avenger, Dominar, KTM and Husqvarna range. Bajaj Auto is working on the next generation Pulsar range, which will include the new Pulsar NS250 and Pulsar RS250 set to launch in the country sometime during 2021.
    Bajaj Sales Jan 2021
    Commercial Vehicle Sales
    Commercial vehicle sales on the other hand, noted a 35 percent de-growth in Jan 21 to 40,263 units, down from 62,131 in the year-ago month. De-growth was noted both in terms of domestic sales and exports which fell 62 percent and 1 percent to 13,353 units and 26,910 units respectively. This took total sales of Bajaj Auto Limited up 8 percent to 4,25,199 units in Jan 21 up from 3,94,473 units sold in Jan 20.
    Bajaj Auto YTD Sales
    Taking into account the April 2020 to Jan 2021 period, the first few months of which faced constraints of lockdown and slow down, saw Bajaj Auto post de-growth across two wheeler and commercial vehicle sales. Two wheeler domestic sales dipped 19 percent as did exports by 8 percent.
    In domestic market, sales dipped to 14,79,048 units, down from 18,33,060 units sold in the same 10 month period of the previous year. Exports fell 8 percent to 14,64,149 units, down from 15,93,310 units, thus taking total sales in this segment down 14 percent to 29,43,197 units from 34,26,370 units sold in the April to Jan 2020 period.
    Bajaj Sales Apr 2020 to Jan 2021
    Commercial vehicles faced a deeper de-growth on account of the precarious economic situation in the country. Domestic sales dipped 77 percent to 76,257 units in April to Jan 2021, down from 3,25,759 units sold in April to Jan 2020.
    Exports also suffered de-growth of 21 percent to 2,08,995 units, down from 2,65,595 units, thus taking total YTD commercial vehicle sales down 52 percent to 2,85,253 units, down from 5,91,354 units in the same period of the previous year.
    Total YTD two wheeler and commercial vehicle domestic sales and exports dipped 20 percent to 32,28,449 units in the April to Jan 2021 period down from 40,17,724 units sold during the months of April to Jan 2020. More

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    Bajaj Sales, Exports Dec 2020 – Pulsar, Platina, CT, Dominar, Chetak

    Bajaj Pulsar 220F
    In line with industry trends, Bajaj has posted modest growth in December 2020

    A total of 1,22,750 units were sold in the domestic market, which is YoY growth of 1.63%. Sales during the corresponding period in 2019 stood at 1,20,776 units.
    Bajaj export numbers are even better, with YoY growth 27.67%. A total of 2,00,826 units were exported in December 2020, as compared to 1,57,302 units in December 2019. With export numbers significantly higher that domestic sales, it clearly demonstrates the company’s dominance in overseas markets.
    Pulsar, Platina lead in domestic sales
    Pulsar range continues to be the top selling brand in the domestic market with 75,421 units sold in December 2020. YoY growth is 48.08%, as compared to 50,931 units sold in December 2019.
    Max sales are from Pulsar 125 with 42,686 units sold in December 2020. YoY growth is a whopping 183.03%, as compared to 15,082 units sold in December 2019. Next bestseller in the range is Pulsar 150 with 19,958 units sold in December 2020. However, YoY growth is down by -25.47%.
    Bajaj Domestic Sales Engine Size Wise – Dec 2020
    Platina takes the second spot with 30,740 units sold in December 2020. YoY sales are down -14.41%, as compared to 35,914 units sold in December 2019. Platina is the company’s top selling product in 75-110cc category.
    CT is next with 13,835 units sold in December 2020. YoY sales have more than halved, as compared to 30,758 units sold in December 2019. At number four is Avenger with 1,976 units sold in December 2020. YoY sales are down by -21.40%, as compared to 2,514 units sold in December 2019.
    At number five, Dominar appears to be gaining traction with YoY growth of 330.56%. A total of 775 units were sold in December 2020, as compared to 180 units in December 2019.
    Bajaj Domestic Sales Brand Wise – Dec 2020
    Chetak comes in at number six with just three units sold in December 2020. Next is Discover, which has zero sales in the month.
    Boxer, Pulsar, CT dominate exports
    With 1,31,284 units exported in December, Boxer continues to be the most popular Bajaj motorcycle in overseas markets. YoY growth is 40.91%, as compared to 93,168 units exported in December 2019. Most Boxer exports are in 75-110cc category, followed by 126-150cc and 111-125cc.
    Bajaj Exports Engine Size Wise – Dec 2020
    Next Bajaj bestseller in overseas markets is Pulsar with 37,024 units exported in December 2020. YoY growth is 52.09%, as compared to 24,344 units exported in December 2019. Max Pulsar exports are in 151-200cc category.
    At number three is CT, with 14,765 units exported in December 2020. YoY numbers are down by -43.40%, as compared to 26,088 units exported in December 2019.
    Bajaj Exports Brand Wise – Dec 2020
    At number four and five are Discover and Platina with exports of 10,326 and 3,699 units, respectively. While Discover has positive YoY growth, Platina has registered negative growth in December 2020.
    At number six, Dominar has made impressive gains. Exports are up from 702 units in December 2019 to 3,564 units in December 2020. Avenger comes in last with 164 units exported in December 2020. YoY numbers are down -65.25%, as compared to 472 units exported in December 2019. More