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      Ducati Bengaluru Ex-Employee Arrested For Cheating Customers – Rs 5 Crore Scam

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      Ducati BengaluruThe theft came to light following several complaints from customers stating their inability to register their bikes with the RTORakesh, a 38 year old ex-employee of the Ducati Bengaluru Showroom has been arrested on charges of having cheated the company to the tune of Rs 5 crores. Rakesh, a resident of Kukatpally at Ranga Reddy district in Andhra Pradesh, worked at the VST Ducati bike showroom for 5 years holding a post of Head of Operations. He had resigned on October 20th, just 3 weeks prior to his arrest.Fraud Comes to Light during Customer Complaints and AuditAs per the complaint registered, Rakesh has embezzled the company of Rs 5 crores. He sold a total of 21 bikes during the period July 2019 and September 2022. However, none of the sales were recorded in the company record books and nor was the amount collected from the sale of these bikes, collectively priced at around Rs 5.2 crores, deposited in company bank accounts.In his complaint, CN Mahesh, General Manager of the company stated that Rakesh had collected the amount from 21 customers and deposited the same in various bank accounts which also included one in the name of ‘Office Facility Suppliers’.The fraud was discovered following complaints from several buyers who brought their bikes back to the showroom on complaints that they could not get them registered with the RTO. An audit also brought to light the fact that there were a total of 21 such Ducati bikes sold by Rakesh, collected money from the buyers but deposited only a part of it in the company’s account while diverting the rest.The audit conducted by the company found that these included 9 Ducati Panigale, 3 Multistrada, 4 Diavel, 2 Monster, a Desert X, a Scrambler and a Streetfighter. Each of these bikes carry a price tag between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 40 lakh.Suspect Arrested but Insiders could also be involvedThough a complaint was registered and the suspect has been arrested, the police are also looking at another angle wherein some other insiders could be involved in the scam. The company should have followed certain procedures of sale such as inventory of bikes received, sales and delivery notes along with invoice details which should have been sent to the RTO. An inquiry is also being conducted into verifying authenticity of invoices while Mukesh the General Manager of VST Ducati bike showroom was not available for comment.Ducati offers 22 bikes in India which are categories into sports, cruiser, sport-naked, café racers and adventure tourers. The company is also planning launch of new models Scrambler 1100 Tribute Pro, Scrambler 800 Urban Motard and V21 L. More recently, Ducati introduced the world’s most powerful and highest revving single-cylinder engine. This 659cc, single-cylinder engine has been named the Superquadro which means the super square. More

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      Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono Unveiled – 659cc, 84.5hp, 162Kg!

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      Ducati Hypermotard 698 MonoThe 659cc single-cylinder engine on Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono generates up to 84.5 bhp pf peak power with a race-only Termignoni exhaustUsually not the name that springs while conversing single-cylinder motorcycles, Ducati has stepped into this arena after more than half a century. The motorcycle Ducati’s new 659cc single-cylinder unit will debut is the Hypermotard 698 Mono. Ahead of launch, specs and details of this highly-anticipated launch have surfaced on the internet.Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono unveiledCurrently known for its slew of V2s and V4s, the Italian marque is stepping into single-cylinder production motorcycle realm with Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono. The last single-cylinder motorcycle that Ducati ever made was Supermano in 1993, which was a race-only machine.With Hypermotard 698 Mono, Ducati’s portfolio turns much more profound and diverse, including both single and multi-cylinder machines. On the surface, Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono will primarily rival KTM 690 SMCR and its Swedish counterpart Husqvarna 701 Supermoto along with GasGas SM700.Ducati’s new 659cc single-cylinder engine features squarish proportions. Hence the name Superquadro Mono. Lightness and compactness were among Ducati’s primary objectives. It features tech like horizontal cylinders and Desmodromic valve operation, 116mm piston from 1299 Panigale’s V-twin motor.Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono wheelieAll of these have allowed Ducati’s new 659cc single-cylinder engine to eke out a peak power output of 77.5 bhp at 9,750 RPM. The engine redlines all the way to 10,250 RPM. With a track-only Termignoni exhaust, peak power can go till 84.5 bhp as well. These power figures can easily dwarf rival single-cylinder machines.Hardware and componentryA lighter engine is mated to a lighter frame to keep the overall weight low. Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono comes equipped with a steel trellis frame that only weighs 7.2 kg. With rest of the componentry on board, Hypermotard 698 Mono weighs 151 kg dry and 162 kg with a full tank. Low weight ensures a high power-to-weight ratio too.Overall appeal and stance of the motorcycle are quintessentially Hypermotard but shrunk to slightly smaller proportions. Up front, we can see a handsome headlight unit with fang-like LED DRLs along with a functional beak, LED turn indicators and knuckle guards. Suspension duties are handled by Marzocchi 45mm fully adjustable USD telescopic forks with 215 mm travel and a Sachs rear mono-shock unit with 240 mm travel.Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono drifting17-inch cast alloy wheels get 120/70 front and 160/60 rear tyres from Pirelli. These are Diablo Rosso IV, known for their grip, traction and track performance. Dropping anchor on Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono is Brembo’s hardware with M4.32 calipers at the front biting into a single 330 mm disc and at the rear, there is a single 240 mm disc.The bike even gets Ducati’s extensive rider aids with an advanced IMU. These include launch control, engine brake control, adjustable wheelie control, traction control, 4-level ABS, cornering ABS along with wheelie assist function on optional Ducati Performance software patch. There is a bi-directional quick-shifter and a 3.8-inch TFT dashboard as well.There will be another version of Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono for riders with a restricted license in select markets. This version will pack a friendlier 43.5 bhp and 49 Nm. More

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      Royal Enfield Himalayan 452 Accessories Detailed In Official Brochure

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      Royal Enfield Himalayan 452The new liquid-cooled Sherpa 450 engine on Royal Enfield Himalayan 452 develops 40 bhp of peak power and 40 Nm of peak torqueRoyal Enfield is set to wow the world with the new Sherpa 450 engine that debuted with Himalayan 452 ADV. In a recent post, we detailed specs and features of Himalayan 452 ahead of launch. Now, official brochure is out, revealing everything there is to know about RE Himalayan 452 including the extensive list of accessories.Royal Enfield Himalayan 452 colours detailedFor starters, Royal Enfield is offering 5 new colours. The off-white shade without decals is called Kaza Brown, off-white with decals is called Kamet White, nardo grey with blue stripes is Slate Poppy Bue and nardo grey with red stripes is Slate Himalayan Salt and lastly, we have Hanle Black, which has black and gold elements.As detailed in the previous post, Himalayan 452 comes equipped with Royal Enfield’s latest Sherpa 450 engine. This engine has DOHC setup, a 4V head and liquid cooling hardware. These attributes were unheard of from any Royal Enfield before.Even the bigger 650cc parallel twin motor has 2V head and is oil-cooled. This new engine makes 40 bhp and 40 Nm, mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Slip and assist clutch and ride by wire tech are on offer too. With advances in technology, Royal Enfield is taking larger strides and matching its key rivals.Royal Enfield Himalayan 452 coloursSlew of accessories for Himalayan 452Royal Enfield is offering a much more profound repository of accessories for Himalayan 452. These include a taller adventure screen replacing stock windscreen, a sleek headlight grill, sturdier touring mirrors in place of regular ones and a black rally handlebar pad.Not just that, there is a silver radiator guard which might contrast well with colourways like Kamet White and Kaza Brown. Royal Enfield is also offering a larger engine guard for protection along with a rally protection accessory that offers beefier protection to Himalayan 452’s underbelly.Considering Royal Enfield Himalayan 452 is an adventure tourer, it gets multiple touring-related accessories too. Adventure top box and adventure top box mounts will go on bike’s rear rack and ensure additional luggage carrying ability. There are adventure pannier rails that will hold adventure panniers.Royal Enfield Himalayan 452 accessoriesNot only are Royal Enfield Himalayan 452 accessories functional, but they enhance the overall looks and appeal by some margin. This gives personalisation for owners. That said, there are a few accessories missing in the list, primary among them are knuckle guards.The company is offering an extended warranty for up to 5 years and 5,000 km. Other than that, RSA, annual maintenance contract, online service booking are some of additional services Royal Enfield provides. Pricing for accessories will be revealed at launch, which is likely to happen any day now.Royal Enfield Himalayan 452 accessories touring More

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      TVS Motor Records Highest Ever Sales In Oct 2023 – 21% Growth

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      New TVS RaiderTVS iQube electric scooter sales stood at a total of 20,153 units in October 2023, an YoY growth of 148.71% over 8,103 units sold in October 2022TVS Motor Company, one of India’s leading two-wheeler and three-wheeler manufacturers, recorded its highest ever monthly sales last month. Total sales (2+3W) (domestic + exports) stood at 4,34,714 units in October 2023 a 20.66 percent YoY growth, as against sales of 3,60,288 units in October last year. It was also a MoM growth of 7.99 percent over 4,02,553 units sold in September 2023.TVS Motor’s 2W Sales October 2023In the two wheeler segment, motorcycle sales far exceeded that of scooters while it was the e-scooter TVS iQube that saw an impressive increase in demand. Motorcycle sales stood at 2,01,965 units in the past month, a 22.72 percent growth over 1,64,568 units sold in October 2022 to command a 48.02 percent share in the company lineup. MoM sales also improved by 8.33 percent over 1,86,438 units sold in September 2023.TVS Sales Oct 2023 vs Oct 2022 – YoY comparisonImproved scooter sales were also seen last month with 1,65,135 units sold in October 2023, up 22.15 percent over 1,35,190 units sold in October 2022. It was also a MoM growth of 6.18 percent when compared to 1,55,526 units sold in September 2023.Sales of the TVS iQube increased 148.71 percent YoY to 20,152 units from 8,103 units sold in October 2022. It was however, a marginal MoM decline of 1 percent as against 20,356 units sold in September 2023. TVS also sells the XL100 in the moped segment and sales improved 19.25 percent YoY and 18.93 percent MoM to 53,510 units in October 2023.TVS Sales Oct 2023 vs Sep 2023 – MoM comparisonThis took total 2W domestic sales up 25.01 percent YoY to 3,44,957 units from 2,75,934 units sold in October 2022 while on a MoM basis, domestic sales grew by 14.80 percent from 3,00,493 units sold in September 2023.Two wheeler exports also improved 10.13 percent YoY but fell by 12.50 percent MoM to 75,653 units. There had been 68,696 units and 86,462 units shipped in October 2022 and September 2023 respectively. Total two wheeler (domestic + exports) sales stood at 4,20,610 units in October 2023 up 22.05 percent over 3,44,630 units sold in October 2022 while MoM sales grew by 8.70 percent from 3,86,955 units sold in September 2023.TVS Motor Three Wheeler Sales October 2023In the three wheeler segment, sales grew in domestic markets but exports fell. There were 1,805 units sold in domestic markets, a 17.36 percent growth over 1,538 units sold in October 2022. MoM sales also improved by 2.21 percent over 1,766 units sold in September 2023. 3W exports on the other hand fell 12.90 percent YoY and 11.08 percent MoM to 12,299 units. There had been 14,120 units and 13,832 units exported in October 2022 and September 2023 respectively. This took total exports down 9.92 percent YoY and 9.58 percent MoM to 14,104 units.Total domestic (2+3W) saw an impressive 24.97 percent YoY growth to 3,46,762 units while total exports (2+3W) grew 6.20 percent YoY to 87,952 units in October 2023. Exports fell by 12.31 percent MoM over 1,00,294 units shipped in September 2023. More

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      TVS Apache RTX Name Trademarked – ADV Based On G310 GS ?

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      TVS Apache RTX 310 ADV RenderWith the new Apache RTX, TVS will complete the triad of a roadster, sports bike and adventure bike based on the 310cc platformAs the ADV segment continues to register strong growth, TVS has plans to aggressively target this space. Towards that end, the company has registered a new name, Apache RTX. The new bike will be built on the 310cc platform, which is currently in use by both TVS and BMW bikes. It includes Apache RR310 and RTR310, and BMW G310R, G310RR and G310GS.TVS Apache RTX – What to expect?In line with the design language used for Apache bikes, the new RTX adventure bike will have an aggressive profile. Some of the key highlights will include a dominating front fascia, LED headlight with integrated LED DRL, golden USD forks, raised front beak, compact windscreen, layered shoulder panels, sculpted fuel tank, exposed frame in contrasting colour, upswept exhaust and rear rack.TVS Apache RTX Name TrademarkedApache RTX will be offered in a range of exciting colour themes. It will have a full digital instrument cluster with a comprehensive range of display items. Users will be able to pair their smartphones via Bluetooth to access a range of features and functions. This will be available via TVS SmartXonnect connectivity suite. The app allows access to a range of telemetry and data. Users will be able to analyse all the details about their trip and riding style.TVS Apache RTX performancePowering TVS Apache RTX will be the 313cc, water-cooled, single cylinder, 4-stroke engine. It generates 34 hp of peak power and 28 Nm of max torque. It is mated to a constant mesh 6-speed gearbox. As with BMW G310GS that has top speed of 143 kmph, similar numbers will be achievable with Apache RTX. Fuel efficiency will be around 28 kmpl.TVS Apache RTX 310 ADV RenderMuch of the equipment for Apache RTX will be borrowed from BMW G310GS. The bike will have a tubular space frame, 41mm USD forks, cast aluminium dual swing arm, monoshock rear suspension, 300 mm front and 240 mm rear disc brakes and dual-channel ABS. The bike will have 19-inch front and 17-inch rear alloy wheels. Overall dimensions will be close to that of BMW G310GS. The latter is 2,075 mm long, 880 mm wide and 1,230 mm tall. Seat height is 835 mm.TVS Apache RTX 310 ADV RenderJust like other Apache bikes, the new RTX adventure bike will come with a range of accessories. Adventure related kit could include option for low and high seat based on the rider’s height, a topcase, heated grips and 12V socket.As the platform is already in place, TVS shouldn’t take much time in launching the new Apache RTX adventure bike. The trademarked name is listed as ‘Accepted & Advertised’, which can be considered as just one step short of getting approved. TVS Apache RTX could be launched soon, at a starting price of around Rs 3 lakh to 3.5 lakh. More

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      Hero Sales October 2023 Is 5.74 Lakh Units – Splendor, Pleasure, Passion

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      Hero Xpulse at new Premia dealershipHero MotoCorp commenced deliveries of the Harley-Davidson X440 premium motorcycle during the Navratri festivalWhile the ongoing festive season added to company sales, a series of new product launches in the premium segment is set to steer Hero MotoCorp to new heights in terms of sales in the months ahead. Hero MotoCorp ended the month of October 2023 on a positive note with 5.74 lakh scooter and motorcycle sales relating to double-digit YoY growth of 26 percent.Hero sales October 2023The new Harley Davidson X440, co-developed along with Harley-Davidson, which was re-opened for bookings and test rides has seen deliveries being effected during the month of October 2023. Since its launch, the company has received over 25,000 bookings. Having commenced deliveries of this premium motorcycle on the first day of Navratri festival, Hero MotoCorp delivered 1000 units across 100 dealerships in India.Along with this, the company also inaugurated a new dealership called ‘Hero Premia’ in Calicut, Kerala. It is here that the company’s premium range – Karizma XMR, Vida V1 scooters and Harley-Davidson X440 will go on display.Hero MotoCorp sales(motorcycles + scooters) (domestic sales + exports) in October 2023 stood at 5,74,930 units. This was a 26 percent growth over 4,54,582 units sold in October 2022. It was also a MoM growth over 5,36,499 units sold in September 2023. YTD sales also improved to 33,44,030 units in the April-October 2023 period from 32,72,943 units sold in the same period of 2022.Hero Sales October 2023Ending the month with a positive noteMotorcycle sales grew to 5,29,341 units in October 2023, a YoY growth over 4,19,568 units sold in October 2022. It was also a YTD increase to 30,99,029 units during the April-October 2023 period when compared to 30,58,185 units sold in a year ago period.Scooters also saw increased demand both on a YoY and YTD basis. Sales improved to 45,589 units in October 2023 from 35,014 units sold in October 2022 while on a YTD basis, scooter sales grew to 2,45,001 units from 214,758 sold during FY23.Out of a total of 5,74,930 units sold in October 2023, domestic sales stood at 5,59,766 units while exports were at 15,164 units. This was significantly higher when compared to domestic sales of 4,42,825 unit and exports of 11,757 units in October 2022. YTD domestic sales also grew to 32,40,956 units in April-October 2023 from 31,60,105 units sold in October 2022 while exports fell to 1,03,074 units in the FY24 period as compared to 1,12,838 units shipped in FY23.Hero MotoCorp Upcoming LaunchesIn October 2023, Hero MotoCorp was actively testing the new Xtreme 210 and Xpulse 210. The two models were spotted on test in the higher regions of Khardung La revealing several features. More recently, the company is also testing the new Hero Xpulse 440. It is expected to be launched in March 2024 and could be priced in a sub Rs 2 lakh range (ex-showroom). More

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      Royal Enfield Himalayan 452 Specs Leaked – Ride Modes Included

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      Royal Enfield Sherpa 450 EngineThe new Sherpa 450 engine with 452cc, 4V head, DOHC, liquid cooling, 42mm throttle body, ride-by-wire are primary highlights of Royal Enfield Himalayan 452With Hero MotoCorp starting the adventure tourer segment in India with Impulse, this segment has seen unprecedented growth. Both pseudo and real ADVs have come out since then. Most recent of the bunch is Royal Enfield Himalayan 452. Specs for the motorcycle have been leaked for the first time, revealing key details.Royal Enfield Himalayan 452 Specs LeakedThe new Himalayan 452 is based on a brand-new platform that will spawn multiple body styles in the future. The Sherpa 450 engine is the main highlight of this motorcycle and is of prime importance for Royal Enfield, stepping into a new direction with vehicular technology. This new engine displaces 452cc and has a compression ratio of 11.5:1.It is a single-cylinder engine with a 4V head along with a complex DOHC setup. This is the first Royal Enfield to get liquid-cooling architecture too. Royal Enfield has thrown in a 42mm throttle body as well. All of these attributes help in achieving 40 PS of peak power at 8000 RPM and 40 Nm of peak torque at 5500 RPM.Slip and assist clutch, ride-by-wire system and a 6-speed gearbox are highlight features too. Himalayan 452 boasts a semi-dry sump and takes 10W40 semi-synthetic engine oil. Oil quantity not mentioned. According to Royal Enfield, not a single bolt on Himalayan 452 is carried over from Himalayan 411.Royal Enfield Himalayan 452 Leaked SpecsThe new twin-spar steel tubular frame is all new and should unlock more potential over Himalayan 411’s frame where off-road and on-road performance is concerned. This frame is suspended by 43mm USD front forks from Showa and a rear mono-shock type suspension. Suspension travel is 200 mm at both ends.Leaked specs reveal larger dimensions and better kitJust like current Himalayan 411, Royal Enfield Himalayan 452 packs a 21-inch front wheel with 90/90-21 rubber and a 17-inch rear wheel with 140/80-17 rubber. Both tyres are of dual-purpose type from CEAT. Front brake setup includes a 320 mm ventilated disc with a double piston calliper and a 270 mm rear ventilated disc with a single-piston calliper. Dual-channel ABS is standard and switchable.Dimensionally, Royal Enfield Himalayan 452 is 2245 mm long, 852 mm wide, 1316 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 1510 mm. For context, Himalayan 411 measures 2190 mm long, 840 mm wide, 1370 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 1465 mm. At 230 mm, ground clearance is up by 10 mm and at 196 kg, the whole package weighs less than that of current Himalayan 411 (kerb weight).Royal Enfield Himalayan 452 Leaked Specs, FeaturesThis is impressive considering all the upgraded kit and larger engine along with larger 17L fuel tank. The seat has height adjustability ranging between a seat height of 805 mm and 825 mm. The features include LED headlight, tail light and turn indicators, ride modes, Type-C USB charging port and the new 4-inch circular TFT instrument display with phone connectivity, Google Map integration and media controls.Launch will happen in the coming days with 5 new colours on offer initially. Primary rivals include recently launched Triumph Scrambler 400X along with upcoming KTM 390 Adventure, 390 Enduro and Hero Xpulse 440.Source More

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      Bajaj Auto Sales October 2023 – Highest Ever Pulsar Sales Record

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      Bajaj Pulsar F250Bajaj Auto has reported their highest Pulsar sales in October 2023 while it also marked the company’s highest ever domestic CV salesBajaj Auto has seen a significant increase in total domestic sales while exports ended in the red in October 2023. The company has recorded a 19 percent YoY growth in total sales (2W+CV) in October 2023 while YTD sales also improved by 3 percent during the period April to October 2023.Bajaj Auto YoY Sales October 2023Bajaj Auto Limited announced total sales (2W+CV) of 4,71,188 units in October 2023, a 19 percent YoY growth over 3,95,238 units sold in October 2022. Taking only two wheeler sales into account, there were a total of 2,78,486 units sold last month, up 35 percent when compared to 2,06,131 units sold in October 2022. There was also a MoM growth in sales when compared to 2,02,510 units sold in September 2023.Bajaj Auto Sales Oct 2023Bajaj Pulsar range that contributed most to company sales with numbers crossing the 1.61 lakh unit mark during the month. Exports on the other hand dipped 5 percent YoY to 1,29,658 units last month from 1,35,772 units shipped in October 2022. This took total 2 wheeler sales up 19 percent to 4,08,144 units from 3,41,903 units sold in October 2022.Commercial vehicle sales also grew in domestic markets by 39 percent to 51,132 units in October 2023 from 36,786 units sold in October 2022 thus making the company’s highest domestic CV sales. Exports fell by 28 percent to 11,912 units in the past month from 16,549 units shipped in October 2022. Total CV sales thus increased by 18 percent to 63,044 units from 53,335 units on a YoY basis.Bajaj Auto Sales Oct 2023 YTDTotal 2W and CV sales saw a 19 percent YoY growth to 4,71,188 units out of which there were 3,29,618 units sold in domestic markets in October 2023. This was a 36 percent YoY growth over 2,42,917 units sold in October 2022. Exports fell by 7 percent to 1,41,570 units from 1,52,321 units YoY.Bajaj Auto YTD Sales April-October 2023The positive streak across two wheeler domestic sales was seen on a YTD basis as well with 13,26,737 units sold in the April-October 2023 period, up 16 percent over 11,41,683 units sold in the same 7 month period of 2022. Exports of two wheelers however, fell by 20 percent to 8,52,320 units from 10,66,412 units shipped in the April – October 2022 period. This took total two wheeler sales down 1 percent to 21,79,057 units from 22,08,095 units sold on a YTD basis last year.In the CV space, Bajaj Auto also saw growth on the domestic front with a 90 percent YTD growth to 2,81,993 units in April-October 2023 from 1,48,445 units sold in the same period of 2022. Exports fell by 26 percent to 91,498 units in the first 7 months of 2023 from 1,23,356 units sold in the April-October 2022 period. Total CV sales ended positively, up 37 percent to 3,73,491 units from 2,71,801 units sold in the 2022 period.Total (2W + CV) sales in domestic markets grew by 3 percent YoY to 25,52,548 units in October 2023 from 24,79,896 units sold in the same period of 2022. This was also higher domestic sales by 25 percent to 16,08,730 units while exports fell 21 percent down to 9,43,818 units in the April-October 2023 period from 11,89,768 units sold in the same 7 month period of 2022. More