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      Honda Motocompacto Mini Electric Scooter Debuts – Lighter Than A Suitcase?

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      Honda Motocompacto e-scooterWith its compact, lightweight profile, Honda Motocompacto can fulfil a variety of last-mile commuting needsGoing beyond the compulsions of range and performance, Honda Motocompacto mini electric scooter creates its own niche market segment. It perfectly suits last-mile commuting needs across large campuses, offices and industrial hubs, urban centres, large fairs and exhibitions and tourist hotspots. With foldable parts, this suitcase-sized mini scooter can be easily carried and used anywhere.Honda Motocompacto features, specsWhen folded, Honda Motocompacto can be easily mistaken for some sort of hi-tech luggage carrier. The handlebar and seat can be neatly tucked away when the scooter is not in use. There’s a dedicated carry handle to make it easier to lift the mini scooter. Side stand and foot rests are fully concealed when not in use. The scooter also has a small LED headlight and tail lamp.There’s storage inside the scooter for the charger. The charging port is located at the front, just below the headlamp. The scooter can be charged with any 15-amp socket. It takes around 3.5 hours to achieve a full charge from 0% to 100%. The battery pack is rated at 6.8Ah and seems to be a non-removable unit.The scooter is equipped with a 490-watt electric motor that generates 16 Nm of peak torque. Honda Motocompacto can achieve a top speed of 24 kmph. Accelerating from 0 to 24 kmph will take around 7 seconds. Motocompacto offers a range of 19 km. Considering a two-way trip, any destination within a radius of 7-8 km should be easily reachable.[embedded content]Of course, range won’t be an issue in places where charging ports are easily accessible. While being lightweight and compact, Honda Motocompacto can support heavyset individuals. Rated load capacity is 265 lbs (approx. 120 Kg).Motocompacto has a small digital instrument console that displays info such as battery level, speed, etc. Next to it is a small on/off push button switch. The size of the wheels looks pretty small, which can limit the usability of the scooter. Hopefully, a good suspension setup has been used to compensate for any inconveniences created by the small wheels.Honda Motocompacto priceWhile it looks unique, Honda Motocompacto is not necessary an original idea. The original version was conceptualized a few decades back by Honda as an ICE-based 49cc two-stroke mini scooter. However, the new version of Motocompacto looks a lot more sophisticated and environment-friendly. Honda Motocompacto has already received 32 patents.Honda Motocompacto stored in a carAlthough Honda Motocompacto can be useful, it may not be accessible to everyone. Price in the USA is $995, which is approximately Rs 83,000. Going forward, Honda has plans to introduce more features with the Motocompacto mini electric scooter. A dedicated phone app is being developed, which will be available for both Android and Apple devices. Users will be able to access a range of features such as personalization, ride modes, remote battery status, navigation, etc. More

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      Ola Electric Motorcycles Trademarked In India – 4 New e-Bikes

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      Ola electric motorcycles trademarkedWith Diamond Head, Ola electric motorcycles could see a new direction in terms of engineering and can even break convention as wellWhen an automaker is at the peak of its intended success, branching out to different genres is one of the logical things to do. That is exactly what Ola Electric is doing. Ola recently launched its most affordable and ambitious S1 X range of electric scooters. At the same stage, Ola also showcased 4 new electric motorcycle concepts.Now, Ola Electric has trademarked the names of these upcoming electric motorcycles. As seen in the images below, these names are M1 Cyber Racer, M1 Adventure, M1 Cruiser and Diamond Head. Let’s take a look at finer details.Ola Electric Motorcycles Trademarked – A new era!The Indian startup brand, Ola Electric, is diversifying its portfolio like no other. The enthusiastic CEO Bhavish Aggarwal aims to venture into indigenous battery design and manufacturing, along with electric motorcycles and even electric cars. At the S1 X launch, Mr Aggarwal demonstrated working of its upcoming 4680 battery cells as well.With a mission to redefine electric motorcycles, Ola has been working relentlessly to have more outreach and penetration in the Indian market. Company’s four new upcoming electric motorcycles seem to be an important stepping stone in that direction. Ola has trademarked names for all four of its electric motorcycles.M1 Cyber Racer trademarkOf the four trademarks we see, only three have passed formality check, while one hasn’t. M1 Cruiser, M1 Adventure and M1 Cyber Racer trademarks were filed last month and all of them have passed formality check. Diamond Head is Ola’s flagship and flag bearer and the name has seen some objections.Which one will launch first?Names are pretty self-explanatory. M in M1 range means ‘motorcycle’ and M1 Cruiser is a low-slung electric cruiser, M1 is a dual-sport motorcycle with some off-road hardware, M1 Cyber Racer seems to be the roadster motorcycle that Ola demonstrated and Diamond Head is the flagship that will pack the new engineering direction.Of all the four, only M1 Cyber Racer seems to be a working prototype. This could be a good hint that Ola might launch its roadster before others. The most menacing and appealing of this bunch is definitely M1 Cruiser. Ola will launch all of these motorcycles in a phase-wise manner starting next year.Diamond Head trademark objectedPowertrains and specs are unclear at this point. But going with Ola’s approach to their S1 scooter lineup, performance should be one of the biggest priorities. Range, features and gimmicks will be in abundance as well. Faster EV adaptation will lead Indian electric motorcycle segment to new heights and there are a few examples like Ultraviolette F77 already on sale. More

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      RE Himalayan 452 Homologated Before Launch – Specs Leak

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      Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 renderThe new 451.65cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine might generate 39.47 bhp of peak power at around 8,000 RPMADVs are one of the biggest rages in motorcycling world both here in India and abroad. Royal Enfield has tried to cater to this segment with Himalayan 411 and has found quite a success. There is a new Himalayan 450 on the horizon with a larger displacement, more kit and more performance. Finer details have leaked for the first time.Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 – More details leaked!There have been multiple spy shots of Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and we have a general perception of what to expect from this upcoming machine. However, it has now been homologated ahead of launch. Leaked report has divulged finer details about this upcoming ADV from Royal Enfield. These details include engine displacement, a few performance metrics, dimensions and more.Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Details LeakFor starters, Royal Enfield has homologated this new motorcycle as Himalayan 452. It will pack a 451.65cc single-cylinder engine. This engine is liquid-cooled and looks like it has a DOHC setup too. 4 valves per cylinder can be a reality as well. Peak power output is supposedly 39.47 bhp, accessed at a healthy 8,000 RPM.Dimensionally, Royal Enfield Himalayan 452 will measure 852 mm wide and has a 1,510 mm long wheelbase. Spy shots had revealed Himalayan 452’s long wheelbase and the leaked numbers seem to justify that. Royal Enfield is getting ready to launch the new Himalayan between October 30 and November 1 this year.Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 LeaksIs the name Himalayan 450 or Himalayan 452?Royal Enfield chose to call its scrambler motorcycle ‘Scram 411’, denoting its engine displacement. Going by that logic, the name Himalayan 452 is likely. For the first time, Royal Enfield is offering significant kit to their single-cylinder portfolio. Himalayan 452 will be the embodiment of this change, sporting many firsts for any single-cylinder RE bike or any Royal Enfield motorcycle in general.Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 LeaksWe’re talking about upcoming Himalayan being the first single-cylinder Royal Enfield to get USD telescopic front forks, fully digital instrument cluster, a 6-speed gearbox, active engine cooling of any sort, LED headlights and more. Upcoming Himalayan 452 is the first Royal Enfield motorcycle ever to get liquid-cooling, LED turn indicators and a fully digital instrument cluster.What will it pack?The new engine is of primary importance with this motorcycle. Other notable components include a trellis frame of sorts and off-road-worthy hardware like long travel suspension, switchable dual-channel ABS, engine protection, wire-spoke wheels, block-pattern tyres, luggage mounting points, tubular frame for jerry can mounts and more.There is scope for Himalayan 452 to be a good tourer as well. We say this because of the windscreen, upright riding posture, neutral footpeg positioning and provision to haul a lot of luggage. Pricing could be around Rs. 2.5 lakh mark (ex-sh). It will rival current ADV-styled motorcycles like 390 Adventure and the likes. But face stiff competition from upcoming Hero Xpulse 440. More

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      Top 10 Two Wheelers Aug 2023 – Splendor, Activa, Pulsar, Shine, Jupiter, Raider

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      2023 Hero Splendor 125cc XTECTop 10 Two-Wheelers Sold in India in August 2023: A Year-on-Year and Month-on-Month AnalysisIndia’s two-wheeler market has been a cornerstone of the country’s mobility landscape for decades. As of August 2023, the industry continues to flourish, with a similar range of motorcycles and scooters capturing the attention of consumers. In this article, we delve into the top 10 two-wheelers sold in India for the month of August 2023, comparing their performance with August 2022 (year-on-year) and July 2023 (month-on-month).Top 10 Two Wheelers Year-on-Year Analysis (Aug 2023 vs. Aug 2022)With 2,89,930 units sold, Hero Splendor maintains its position as the top-selling two-wheeler in India, showcasing a modest 1.37% growth over August 2022. While still securing the second spot, Honda Activa experienced a slight decline of 2.84% YoY, with 2,14,872 units sold. Activa remains a formidable contender in the scooter segment.Top 10 Two Wheelers Aug 2023Honda Shine demonstrated a remarkable 23.78% YoY growth, selling 1,48,712 units in August 2023. Bajaj Pulsar series saw a 6.64% YoY decrease, with 90,685 units sold. Nevertheless, it retains its reputation as a sporty and performance-oriented choice. Hero HF Deluxe recorded a slight YoY increase of 1.08%, selling 73,006 units. It remains a budget-friendly option for Indian riders.TVS Jupiter maintained its position with 70,065 units sold, experiencing negligible YoY change. Suzuki Access witnessed impressive YoY growth of 32.88%, selling 53,651 units. TVS Raider made a remarkable leap with an astounding 111.20% YoY growth, selling 42,375 units. Raider has replaced Apache as the No 1 selling TVS motorcycle in India. Bajaj Platina faced a significant YoY drop of 59.30%, selling 40,693 units. With 38,043 units sold, Hero Passion showcased notable YoY growth of 35.15%.Top 10 Two Wheelers Aug 2023Top 10 Two Wheelers Month-on-Month Analysis (Aug 2023 vs. Jul 2023)Hero Splendor experienced a substantial 26.69% MoM growth, surpassing 2,89,930 units in August 2023, reflecting its strong market presence. Honda Activa recorded a remarkable 58.78% MoM growth, selling 2,14,872 units, likely due to increased consumer demand in August.With a 44.28% MoM growth, the Honda Shine sold 1,48,712 units. Bajaj Pulsar saw a modest 3.10% MoM growth, selling 90,685 units. Hero HF Deluxe witnessed a 10.73% MoM growth, selling 73,006 units. TVS Jupiter experienced a 5.46% MoM growth, selling 70,065 unitsSuzuki Access recorded a 3.82% MoM growth, selling 53,651 units. TVS Raider had an impressive 14.84% MoM growth, selling 42,375 units, signifying its increasing acceptance among motorcycle enthusiasts. Bajaj Platina showed a substantial 21.27% MoM growth, selling 40,693 units. Hero Passion recorded an 11.06% MoM growth, selling 38,043 units.The Indian two-wheeler market continues to showcase resilience and adaptability. While some models experienced YoY declines, the MoM performance suggests that demand remains robust in August 2023. Hero Splendor maintains its dominance, while Honda Activa and Honda Shine demonstrate strong market appeal. TVS Raider’s remarkable YoY growth highlights a changing preference among consumers, emphasizing the importance of staying competitive in this dynamic market. As consumer preferences evolve, manufacturers must continue to innovate to stay at the forefront of this thriving industry. More

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      2024 KTM 390 Duke Vs Apache RTR 310 Vs Triumph 400 – Which One To Buy?

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      TVS Apache RTR 310As of now, TVS Apache RTR 310 comes out on top with its extensive range of features, creature comforts and electronic rider aidsTVS made quite a spectacle when they launched Apache RTR 310 in India starting from Rs. 2.43 lakh (ex-sh). It packed segment-first and many first-in-any-motorcycle features. However, KTM recently launched its 2024 390 Duke, which is the OG sub 500cc single-cylinder firecracker in India. Let’s see how these motorcycles fare against each other and the slightly sober Triumph Speed 400.2024 KTM 390 Duke Vs Apache RTR 310Pitting 2024 KTM 390 Duke and TVS Apache RTR 310 against each other is rather interesting. We say this because KTM has the upper hand in raw performance and packs a decent number of features, while TVS has features and electronic aids packed to the gills, but is slightly low in sheer power and torque figures.2024 KTM 390 Duke vs TVS Apache RTR 310 vs Triumph Speed 400 comparisonWe have included Triumph Speed 400 as it lends perspectives to this space with minimal rider aids, strong performance numbers and is the most affordable at just Rs. 2.33 lakh (ex-sh). TVS has an attractive starting price of Rs. 2.43 lakh (ex-sh), but it lacks most of the bells and whistles. If fully specced up with BTO packs and Senpang Blue colour options, TVS Apache RTR 310 costs up to Rs. 2.9 lakh (ex-sh) (considering you won’t choose Fury Yellow for Rs. 6K and then Senpang Blue for Rs. 10K on top). KTM 390 Duke straight up costs Rs. 3.11 lakh (ex-sh), no options to tick.Raw performance vs feature-packed experienceIn terms of sheer performance figures, 2024 KTM 390 Duke trumps everything in this price bracket. 45.37 bhp and 39 Nm are easily the highest figures. Apache RTR 310 packs 35.11 horses and 28.7 torques whereas Speed 400 boasts 40 bhp and 37.5 Nm. Both Apache and Duke weigh almost the same, while Speed 400 weighs a hefty 176 kg.2024 KTM 390 DukeAll motorcycles pack a 6-speed gearbox, a slip and assist clutch, ride-by-wire, dual channel ABS and other basics in this space. KTM goes a step ahead and offers ride modes, bi-directional quick shifter, cornering ABS, traction control, launch control, supermoto ABS mode and adjustable suspension with 2024 390 Duke.However, TVS goes all out and packs everything on offer with Duke, along with TPMS, heated and cooled seat, dynamic stability control, cruise control, wheelie control, cornering traction control, rear lift-off control, cornering cruise control, slope dependent control and a few more on top. This makes it a compelling buy for riders who intend to own feature-packed superbikes in the future, and try some of these features on a smaller and friendlier motorcycle.Which one should you buy?Apache is also much friendlier for riders upgrading from a smaller-capacity motorcycle. Duke has the biggest fuel tank and the largest disc at the front. All LED lighting is common between all three motorcycles. Instrumentation is more modern with TVS and KTM, packing connectivity features as well.Triumph Speed 400Triumph aims for a retro appeal and lack of modern instrumentation is easily forgivable as it costs less too. Price quotient is extremely strong with Speed 400 and it is the most performance-oriented single-cylinder neo-retro bike in India. Buyers split between Apache RTR 310 and 2024 390 Duke have to choose between sheer number of features or raw performance. More

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      Bajaj 100cc CNG Motorcycle Possible – 6 New Pulsar Launches This Year

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      New Bajaj Pulsar 220A factory-made CNG motorcycle can be a major disruptor with its low pricing and running costIn a development that could emerge as a game changer in entry-level motorcycle segment, Bajaj has hinted at the possibility of a CNG powered bike. The suggestion was provided by Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director of Bajaj Auto Ltd. However, such decisions are likely to require the government’s stamp of approval. In case the idea gets the green signal, Bajaj will have the first-mover advantage in CNG motorcycle segment.Bajaj CNG motorcycles – key benefitsRajiv’s suggestion for CNG bikes comes at a time when there has been a major push towards using cleaner and greener fuels. While cars can choose from petrol, CNG, electric, hybrid, plug-in-hybrid, fuel cell, etc., the choices for two-wheelers are limited to petrol and electric. CNG can work as a good option, as it is cheaper in comparison to petrol.Moreover, CNG is less polluting than petrol and ethanol-mix petrol. The latter has issues related to corrosion, which may necessitate the use of special components in the powertrain. Such issues and related costs can be avoided with CNG powered bikes. Rajiv Bajaj has stated that CNG bikes will be cheaper to buy and reduce running costs.A CNG bike seems doable, as we have already seen Activa scooters fitted with CNG kits. Now, if CNG bikes are factory-made directly by an OEM, users can expect better results in terms of price, performance, mileage, durability and safety. Provided that the project gets the necessary approvals, Bajaj will be introducing CNG option for its 100cc – 125cc bikes.CNG bikes to boost salesCNG bikes can help boost sales in entry-level commuter segment. Growth in this space appears to have plateaued, as people are shifting to EVs or higher capacity bikes. Bajaj itself registered sales of 20,000 units of its Chetak electric scooter at the end of June 2023. But that is just around 2% of the company’s total sales in that period. Bajaj expects the EV contribution to increase to around 3-4 percent by end of this year.In ICE segment, around 70% of the company’s sales come from above 125cc bikes. This is why Bajaj has stepped up focus in this space. As part of that plan, the Pulsar 250 twins were launched in 2021. Bajaj has also updated the entire Pulsar range. Bajaj has now hinted at the biggest Pulsar ever, which could be a 400cc bike. Rajiv Bajaj has said there will be 6 new Pulsar launches this year.CNG powered bikes could be a major disruptor. These can attract an entirely new segment of users. For example, folks who may be relying on public transport. CNG bikes could also work for commercial applications. As CNG is far less polluting, there shouldn’t be an issue in having more of these bikes on the streets. The only concerns could be about the safety of these bikes. OEMs will need to design more robust systems that can comply with mandated safety norms.Source More

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      Biggest Pulsar Launch This Year, Says Rajiv Bajaj – Pulsar RS400, NS400?

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      Bajaj Pulsar 400 RenderAs of now, Bajaj Auto sell Pulsar branded motorcycles ranging between 125cc and 250cc in their engine displacementBajaj Auto MD, Rajiv Bajaj, has promised six new Pulsar motorcycle launches by the end of this financial year. Six new Pulsar motorcycles in itself, is a big deal for the brand. However, there is one Pulsar that could prove more prominent than the others. Rajiv Bajaj hinted at “biggest ever Pulsar” which might very well pack a 400cc engine.400cc Pulsar In The Works?Pulsar brand is one of the most popular among motorcycle enthusiasts in India and many markets across the world. As of now, Bajaj has launched Pulsar motorcycles ranging between 125cc and 250cc. At the lower tier, we have Pulsar 125 and Pulsar NS 125 and we have Pulsar RS200 and more recent Pulsar N250 and Pulsar F250 at the top tier.Bajaj Pulsar NS400 RenderAs revealed by Bajaj MD Rajiv Bajaj, we are getting “biggest ever Pulsar” among six new upcoming vehicles under Pulsar brand. Bajaj Auto intends to launch these by the end of this financial year. Mr Bajaj’s “biggest ever Pulsar” remark is highly likely to mean biggest Pulsar ever with respect to engine displacement, and not biggest Pulsar ever, in terms of size and dimensions.Going by that logic, Bajaj could launch a new Pulsar having an engine displacing more than 250cc. Considering Bajaj has already shared powertrain architectures with KTM, this new upcoming “biggest ever Pulsar” might share its powertrains with Triumph Speed 400 and KTM 390.[embedded content]The company currently sell Dominar 400 which is the biggest Bajaj yet. Dominar 400 shares its powertrain with previous-gen KTM 390 range. So, there is a good probability of this being a fully-faired version of Dominar 400, marketed under Pulsar brand as well. Another probability could be RS200 or NS200’s design and chassis, with a bigger engine.What does Rajiv Bajaj say about “biggest ever Pulsar”?In a recent interview, Bajaj Auto MD, Rajiv Bajaj, revealed there will be six new Pulsars by the end of this financial year. He promised that they have a fantastic product to offer Indian motorcycling enthusiasts. He intends to launch this motorcycle within this financial year so they get a full understanding of its growth and profitability by next year.In the same interview, Mr Bajaj mentioned the company is actively exploring more opportunities in premium motorcycle segment. This is a segment that goes beyond Rs. 1.7 lakh in value and has an engine that is generally beyond 200cc. This is where Bajaj’s current Pulsar RS 200, Dominar range fall, along with partner products from KTM, Husqvarna and Triumph.That said, prospect of a 400cc Pulsar at around Rs. 2 lakh (ex-sh) is very enticing. It could be equipped with a 399cc single-cylinder engine co-developed Triumph, marketed under Pulsar brand. USD telescopic front forks, dual-channel ABS, close to 40 bhp of power, 35 Nm of torque, slipper clutch, ride-by-wire throttle, full LED headlights might be its highlights. Launch is likely to happen in the coming months.Source, Render More

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      TVS Apache RR 200 Fully Faired Launch Likely – Karizma, Pulsar RS200 Rival

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      TVS ApacheWith a booming young population, a lot more enthusiasts will be looking to try entry-level faired bikesAlthough not a primary volume generator, the entry-level faired motorcycle segment does attract a niche segment of buyers. Folks with a fascination for the racetrack and speed will surely be interested in trying out new products in this space. Most recent offering is all-new Hero Karizma XMR 210 that has been launched at a starting price of Rs 1.73 lakh. Other options in this space include Pulsar RS200 and KTM RC200.TVS Apache RR200 fully faired bike featuresWith Hero and Bajaj already here, TVS also seems to have sensed an opportunity. It is possible that TVS can launch a rival product in the form of Apache RR200. There appears to be a strong hint, based on the company’s social media conversations.TVS Apache RR 200 is a possibilityTVS already has the 200cc Apache RTR 200 4V. The same platform can be used for Apache RR200. Some of the faired design elements can be borrowed from RR310. With this approach, Apache RR200 can make it to the streets in the shortest possible time. It is probable that TVS may have already started working on the RR200.While there is no straightforward confirmation, TVS twitter handle says that RR200 can be a possibility. TVS recently launched its new X electric scooter at a starting price of Rs 2.5 lakh. They also launcehd a street bike, likely to be RTR 310. In one of the conversations on Twitter, a user asked about the likelihood of RR200 and RR250. TVS has replied saying that it could be a possibility.TVS Apache 310With launch of Hero Karizma 210, the prospects of a rival TVS product become even more relevant. TVS has nothing to lose, as it already has the platform and design to work with. With the company’s expertise and resources, a fully-faired Apache RR200 can be created quite quickly. Market response to Karizma 210 could also dictate TVS decisions with respect to Apache RR200.TVS Apache engine, specsAssuming RR200 makes it to production stage, it could be powered by the 197.75cc engine that does duty on Apache RTR 200 4V. The oil-cooled engine generates 20.82 PS of max power and 17.25 Nm of peak torque in Sport mode. In Urban and Rain mode, the numbers drop to 17.32 PS and 16.51 Nm. The engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. TVS can probably bump up the numbers to make them comparable to that of Karizma 210. The latter churns out 25.5 PS and 20.4 Nm. Karizma has a 6-speed gearbox.Apache RR210 can get telescopic forks at front and a monoshock suspension at rear. The bike will have disc brakes at both ends, integrated with dual-channel ABS. TVS could launch RR200 at a competitive price point. Karizma XMR and Bajaj RS200 are almost equally priced at Rs 1,72,900 and Rs 1,72,358, respectively. More