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      2023 Yamaha R3, R7, MT03, MT07, MT09 India Launch Soon – Dealer Showcase

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      Out of the five, Yamaha R3 and MT-03 comes off as the most attractive proposition for Indian market, breathing new life into quarter-liter segment2023 Yamaha R3, R7, MT03, MT07, MT09 India Launch SoonIndian motorcycling fraternity has been waiting keenly for a long time to get some special motorcycles from Team Blue. A 150cc faired motorcycle is Yamaha’s current flagship offering for India, believe it or not. After ages, Yamaha seems to be bringing some of its big bikes to India. Motorcycles like R7 and MT-09 have been teased before, but are now showcased.We’re talking about MT-09, MT-07 and MT-03 street-fighter motorcycles and R3 and R7 faired motorcycles. These were showcased to dealers in a recent event. Our sources have revealed that Yamaha intends to launch all these motorcycles by the end of this year as well. Let’s take a look.2023 Yamaha R3, R7, MT03, MT07, MT09 India Launch SoonYamaha MT-03 & R3 – The Next Big Thing In Quarter-Liter SegmentOff all the Yamaha motorcycles showcased in this recent dealer event, our eyes were set on the R3 and MT-03. Both of them might not come equipped with fancy gizmos like a TFT screen, but they will pack substance. ABS, ride-by-wire, traction control, and ride modes are likely.The MT-03 showcased to dealers was in Grey and Cyan colour combination and R3 in Racing Blue. We will see more shades for these when launched. They both get a diamond frame chassis, 37mm USD front forks with 130mm travel, a rear mono-shock with 120mm travel, and 298mm and 220mm brake rotors at front and rear.2023 Yamaha R3, R7, MT03, MT07, MT09 India Launch SoonWe would have liked fatter tyres as opposed to 110/70-17M front and 140/70-17M rear. Both bikes boasts a low 780mm seat height and a 1,380mm long wheelbase for straight-line stability. 160mm ground clearance should be enough to scale any illogical speed breaker in India. With 14L of fuel in the tank, MT-03 will tip the scales at 168kg and R3 weighs a kilo more.2023 Yamaha R3, R7, MT03, MT07, MT09 India Launch SoonEngine is shared between both Mt-03 and R3. Both gets a DOHC setup and its parallel-twin arrangement displaces 321cc and is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. 42 PS of power at 10,750 RPM and 29.6 Nm of torque at 9,000 RPM are more than sufficient for this class. KTM 390 Duke and Kawasaki Ninja 300 are the arch-rivals for MT-03 and R3 respectively.R7, MT-07 & MT-09 Will Be Launched TooYamaha’s middle-weight offerings like R7 and MT-07 have lost two of their cylinders, high-revving nature and a lot of character. But 73.4 PS of power at 8,750 RPM and 67 Nm of torque at 6,500 RPM generated from their 689cc parallel twin motor, is not to be scoffed at. This engine gets a 6-speed transmission too.2023 Yamaha R3, R7, MT03, MT07, MT09 India Launch SoonBoth R7 and MT-07 get a fancier TFT display with a load of functionalities. Other componentry includes dual 298mm and single 245mm front and rear disc brake setup, 120/70-17M front and 180/55-17M rear tyres, and a 14L fuel tank. Weight is just 184 kg with MT-07, while R7 weighs 188 kg.Talking about the “Triple” of Yamaha’s lineup, we have MT-09. It gets a 3-cylinder 890cc engine kicking out 119 PS of power at 10,000 RPM and 93 Nm of torque at 7,000 RPM and is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. It comes with fully adjustable 41mm front USD forks, same tyres as MT-07 and weighs 189 kg with 14L of fuel. Taking power-to-weight ratio to a new level.Launch will happen soon and pricing might be on the higher side of the spectrum, given that it is from Team Blue.Source 1, Source 2 More

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      2024 KTM RC 390 Render Based On Spy Shots – New Colours

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      New-gen KTM RC 390 is getting ready to make global debut later this year – It will be made in India by Bajaj2024 KTM RC 390 RenderKTM RC 390 has been around for a few years now. It offers the right balance between everyday rideability and an occasional track day. KTM is developing a new version, one that has been spied on multiple times. Most recent spy shots of the new KTM 390 give us a clearer look at the design of the motorcycle. Based on 2024 KTM RC 390 spy shots, automotive rendering artist Pratyush Rout has created a digital render.2024 KTM RC 390 to get new design – Render based on spy shotsThe render stays true to the spy shots. There is a single projector headlight at front, which has a jet plane-inspired nose. Side fairing covers more of the engine bay now as opposed to the outgoing model.2024 KTM RC 390 spy shots – Cycle World.Tasteful orange elements are playing with base colours. Side fairing also gets RC 390 badging along with the Ready To Race emblem on KTM logo. On the 2024 KTM RC 390 test mule, pillion seat was replaced with a rack to carry testing equipment. In the render, that is being replaced with a proper split seat setup which is more in line with the 2nd generation model.In the 1st gen model, there was a rather uncomfortable single-seat element that had a neatly integrated pillion seat. WP USD front forks might make it to the production model. There will be more performance than the outgoing model.2024 KTM RC 390 RenderNew-Gen KTM RC 390 – Back To The Drawing Board?There has been a paradigm shift in RC’s design since its inception. When first launched, RC range had a rather minimalist design with body panels, saving precious weight. It was also skinny, in this sense, it was narrower and less bulky with an underbelly exhaust, aiding in bringing the mass towards the center of the motorcycle.2024 KTM RC 390 RenderThe second generation on sale currently, came with a new design, which made the bike look a bit bigger and bulkier. The bug-eyed front dual projector headlight was replaced with a flatter one which looked more cohesive. There were mixed reactions to 2nd gen model and many fans were quite vocal on social media. This could be the reason behind KTM taking a step back, and building the 3rd gen based on 1st gen design language.In effect, 2024 KTM RC 390 gets a single projector headlight and an underbelly exhaust. Side fairing is fuller too, which is reminiscent of the 1st generation model. New-gen KTM RC 390 is likely to make its global debut at the 2023 EICMA show in Italy later this year. India launch can be expected in early 2024.Just like with current RC 390, new gen will also be made by Bajaj at the company plant near Pune. It is from here that the bike is exported across the globe. Similar design language can also be expected to feature on the next gen KTM RC 125 and RC 200. Prices of 2024 KTM RC 390 will remain similar to the current gen RC 390, which is about Rs 3.15 lakh. More

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      Two Wheeler Sales March 2023 – Hero, TVS, Honda, Bajaj, Suzuki, RE

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      Hero MotoCorp topped the domestic sales list while Bajaj Auto was at No. 1 in terms of exports in the past monthBajaj PulsarWhen assessing sales of top 6 two wheeler makers in India, sales in March 2023 saw some growth in domestic markets both YoY and MoM, while exports fell YoY but improved MoM.Hero MotoCorp topped the sales charts, heading over TVS, Honda, Bajaj Auto, Suzuki and Royal Enfield by a significant margin.Two Wheeler Domestic Sales March 2023Two wheeler sales of the leading 6 automakers stood at 12,26,262 units in March 2023, up 7.75 percent from 11,38,101 units sold in March 2022. This was a volume growth of 88,161 units. MoM sales also improved by 14.82 percent from 10,68,009 units sold in Feb 2023 relating to a volume growth of 1,58,253 units.Two Wheeler Domestic Sales March 2023Hero MotoCorp continued its dominance in the two wheeler segment. Sales stood at 5,02,730 units last month, a 20.92 percent YoY growth from 4,15,764 units sold in March 2022. MoM sales also improved by 31.50 percent from 3,82,317 units sold in Feb 2023. Hero MotoCorp share currently stands at 41 percent from 35.80 percent held in Feb 2023.At No. 2 was TVS Motor with domestic sales at 2,40,780 units in March 2023, up 22.54 percent when compared to 1,96,496 units sold in March 2022. It was also an 8.75 percent MoM growth from 2,21,402 units sold in Feb 2023.Two Wheeler Domestic Sales Market Share March 2023Domestic sales performance was not positive for Honda as the company has noted a YoY and MoM de-growth by 36.19 percent and 13.01 percent respectively. Sales dipped to 1,97,512 units in the past month whereas the company had sold 3,09,549 units in March 2022 and 2,27,064 units in Feb 2023. Market share also dipped to 16.11 percent last month from 21.26 percent held in Feb 2022. Bajaj Auto was at No. 4 with a 42.22 percent YoY growth and 26.55 percent MoM growth to 1,52,287 units.Two Wheeler Exports March 2023It was followed by Suzuki with a 44.02 percent YoY and 39.30 percent MoM growth to 73,069 units. The company had sold 50,734 units in March 2022 and 52,455 units in Feb 2023 and currently commands a 5.96 percent market share. Royal Enfield sales improved by 2.41 percent YoY to 59,884 units while MoM sales dipped 7.06 percent from 64,436 units sold in Feb 2023 with the Hunter 350 and Super Meteor 650 in high demand.Two Wheeler Exports March 2023Total exports of the 6 top two wheeler OEMs in March 2023 stood at 2,29,438 units. This was a 27.22 percent YoY de-growth from 3,15,251 units shipped in March 2022. MoM sales were higher by 5.16 percent from 2,18,177 units exported in Feb 2023.Two Wheeler Exports Market Share March 2023Bajaj Auto topped the export sales list with 94,715 units exported last month despite a YoY and MoM de-growth. YoY exports dipped by 36.54 percent while MoM exports were lower by 17.65 percent with Bajaj Auto claiming a 41.28 percent share on this list.TVS Motor in March 2023 saw 66,779 units exported, down 30.41 percent YoY as against 95,962 units shipped in March 2022. MoM sales improved marginally by 5.16 percent. It was followed by Suzuki with two wheeler exports at 24,515 units in the past month, a growth of 66.07 percent YoY and 34.92 percent MoM.Two Wheeler Total Sales March 2023Hero MotoCorp also suffered export de-growth by 51.55 percent YoY to 16,162 units though MoM exports improved by 36.80 percent. Lower down the order was Honda with 22.66 percent YoY growth but 28.07 percent MoM decline in exports to 14,466 units while Royal Enfield has seen 34.25 percent YoY and 73.76 percent MoM growth in exports.Two Wheeler Total (sales + exports) March 2023Total sales (domestic + exports) of these 6 two wheeler makers stood at 14,55,700 units in March 2023. This was 0.16 percent YoY growth from 14,53,352 units sold in March 2022. MoM sales improved by 13.18 percent when compared to 12,86,186 units sold in Feb 2022.Two Wheeler Total Market Share March 2023Hero MotoCorp scaled over each of the other 5 OEMs with total sales of 5,19,342 units, up 15.40 percent YoY and 31.66 percent MoM. It was followed by TVS Motor with 3,07,559 unit sales also with a YoY and MoM growth of 5.16 percent and 15.18 percent respectively.Bajaj Auto followed at No.3 with a total of 2,47,002 units sold last month relating to 3.64 percent YoY de-growth but a 4.95 percent increase on a MoM basis. Honda total sales also declined YoY by 34.03 percent to 2,11,978 units in March 2023 while MoM sales dipped by 14.24 percent. Suzuki and Royal Enfield each posted YoY and MoM growth at 97,584 units and 72,235 units respectively. More

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      Suzuki 2W March 2023 Sales Highest Ever – 24.3% FY23 Growth

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      Indian Motorcycle Market Shifts: Suzuki Seizes the Day, Reports 24.3 percent sales increase for FY 2022-2023Image – RyT 2 KNOwSuzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. had an absolute banger of a fiscal year 2022-2023, with a whopping 24.3 percent increase in sales compared to the previous year. That’s right, they sold a total of 9,38,371 units! It’s clear that their product portfolio and marketing strategy are hitting all the right notes with consumers, both domestically and internationally.Suzuki Exports from India Continue to Soar in March 2023In March 2023 alone, Suzuki 2W sold 97,584 units, which is a YoY growth of 49 percent. Of those sales, 73,069 units were sold in the domestic market, up from 50,734 units in March 2022. They also exported 24,515 units, further solidifying their presence in international markets.Suzuki 2W Sales March 2023 and Q1 2023Suzuki is poised ‘to grow in line with emerging countries.’ That means they’re looking at expanding their business operations in emerging markets. And, they already have a significant presence in India. One way they can contribute to the growth of emerging markets is by exporting cars and bikes from their Indian manufacturing facility to other countries. This helps sustain increased demand for Suzuki’s products, while also generating revenue for their Indian operations.In March 2023, Maruti Suzuki exports stood at 30,119 units. A number that has continually gone from strength to strength. For CY2021 and CY2022, Maruti Suzuki positioned itself as the country’s topmost exporter, and CY2023 trends show further growth. Exports for SMIPL are up from 14,761 units in March 2022 to 24,515 units last month.New Suzuki Burgman Electric ScooterSuzuki eBurgman (electric scooter) – How Suzuki Plans to Stay AheadSuzuki has a strong brand reputation and a wide range of products that cater to various segments of the market. But that’s not all. They also have a robust distribution network that enables them to reach more customers each day. Plus, they’re dedicated to innovation and technology, allowing them to stay ahead of the competition and meet the evolving needs of customers.Suzuki plans to launch a battery electric vehicle (EV) for small and mid-sized motorcycles that are commonly used for daily commute in fiscal year 2024. All eyes are now on the Suzuki Burgman electric scooter that is undergoing field tests in Japan.And that’s not all. By fiscal year 2030, they plan to introduce eight models with a target ratio of 25 percent of their overall motorcycle sales being battery EVs. This move towards electric motorcycles is driven by global goals to reduce carbon emissions. For the leisure category, large motorcycles, Suzuki is looking at carbon-neutral fuels. They’re focused on reducing the environmental impact of their products.In other news, Kenichi Umeda is the new Managing Director of Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. His responsibility is to help the company continue its growth trajectory and solidify its position in both the Indian market and markets outside of India. In conclusion, Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. is killing it. Their strong sales, dedication to innovation, and commitment to sustainability are helping move them forward and onward. More

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      Hero 420cc Harley Davidson For India – 1st Photos Of Royal Enfield Rival

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      The new Hero-Harley Davidson bike has been developed and designed to be best suited for the Indian market – It is set to come in at aggressive pricingHero 420cc Harley Davidson For IndiaIt may be recalled that in September 2020, Harley Davidson exited the Indian market on the back of lackluster sales. The company however, entered into an alliance with Hero MotoCorp in 2021 and the two companies are jointly developing a range of new motorcycles.Hero-Harley 420cc Motorcycle For India – Different than Chinese X350The made-in-India India Harley-Davidson motorcycle first photos have now been shared by Hero MotoCorp. In the photos, the new Hero 420cc Harley Davidson motorcycle is seen at the Hero MotoCorp CIT R&D facility outside of Jaipur. It is in a near production ready format indicating launch is near, likely by Diwali 2023.Pawan Munjal with the Hero 420cc Harley Davidson For IndiaHarley-Davidson has recently launched the X350 in China, in association with local partners QJ Motor. In India, they are going to launch this 420cc motorcycle in association with Hero MotoCorp. This new Harley Davidson motorcycle is likely to be offered with a single cylinder 420cc engine. It will rival the likes of Royal Enfield 350 (Classic, Meteor, Hunter, Bullet), Honda Hness 350 and the upcoming Bajaj Triumph 350cc.Made-in-India Harley-Davidson – Features, SpecsThe new Harley Davidson has been designed at the company headquarters in Milwaukee. Its testing and development has been carried out by Hero MotoCorp in India so as to ensure its suitability for the India buyer.Hero 420cc Harley Davidson For IndiaIt boasts of an LED signature circular headlamp with Harley Davidson lettering in LED DRLs much in the same way as is seen on the HD X350. It also gets LED turn indicators and a muscular fuel tank. It gets a colour TFT screen with a speedometer, odometer, tachometer and fuel indicator, and an instrument cluster with connectivity features which can be paired to the user’s smartphone.Hero 420cc Harley Davidson For IndiaHero 420cc Harley Davidson rides on 18 inch front and 17 inch rear alloy wheels fitted with tubeless CEAT Zoom Cruz tyres. Seat height is at around 790-810mm thus ensuring comfort for most riders. The bike also boasts of wide set handle bars, mid mounted foot controls and neutral rider triangle for better ergonomics. Images also show off a saree guard as per RTO mandate.Power and PerformanceThe new Harley Davidson will likely be powered by a 420cc air/oil cooled, single cylinder engine. The engine could get mated to a 6 speed gearbox with slip and assist clutch. However, it may come with ride modes of Rain and Sport Mode. Braking will be via Bybre disc brakes at the front and rear along with dual channel ABS.Hero 420cc Harley Davidson For IndiaUSD forks are seen at the front and gas charged twin shock setup at the rear, instead of monoshock, so as to ensure affordable pricing . The upcoming Hero Harley motorcycle is expected to be competitively priced and expected in the sub Rs 2.5 lakh range. Once launched, it will take on the RE Classic 350 which currently retails at Rs 1.93-2.20 lakh (ex-showroom). More

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      Bajaj Auto Sales March 2023 – Pulsar, Platina, Dominar, Chetak

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      Bajaj Auto reported lower overall sales in March 2023 on the back of weaker export figures both in terms of 2W and CVsBajaj Pulsar F250Bajaj Auto also revealed their sales figures for the past month. The company has done well in terms of domestic sales while exports of both two wheelers and commercial vehicles ended in the red.Bajaj Auto YoY Sales March 2023Bajaj Auto two wheeler sales stood at 2,47,002 units in March 2023. This was a 4 percent de-growth over 2,56,324 units sold in March 2022. It was however, a growth over 2,35,356 units sold in Feb 2023.Bajaj Auto 2W sales March 2023 and Q1 2023The company’s domestic sales improved by 42 percent to 1,52,287 units in March 2023 from 1,07,081 units sold in March 2022. Top selling bikes from Bajaj Auto included the Pulsar, Platina, CT, Dominar and Avenger along with the Chetak electric scooter. Negative overall sales were the result of lower exports which dipped 37 percent YoY. Exports which had stood at 1,49,243 units in March 2022 fell to 94,715 units in the past month.It was a similar performance in commercial vehicle sales. Domestic sales improved by 74 percent to 34,235 units in March 2023 from 19,671 units sold in March 2022. Exports fell by 51 percent to 10,330 units last month from 21,193 units exported in March 2022. This took total sales in this segment to 44,565 units in March 2023 up 9 percent from 40,864 units sold in March 2022.Bajaj Auto Sales March 2023Total (2W + CV) domestic sales increased by 47 percent to 1,86,522 units in the past month from 1,26,752 units sold in March 2022 while exports (2W + CV) fell by 38 percent to 1,05,045 units. Lower exports brought down total sales (domestic + exports) by 2 percent to 2,91,567 units in March 2023 from 2,97,188 units sold in March 2022.Bajaj Auto Sales FY2023Bajaj Auto FY2023 SalesIn FY 2023, Bajaj Auto finished with lower sales. Two wheeler sales dipped 10 percent in the FY 2022-23 period to 34,42,839 units down from 38,36,856 units sold in FY 2021-22.In this segment, domestic sales improved by 10 percent to 18,05,883 units in FY 2022-23 from 16,41,084 units sold in the same period last year. However, exports fell by 25 percent to 16,36,956 units in FY 2022-23 from 21,95,772 units shipped in FY 2021-22.CV sales improved in domestic markets by 87 percent to 3,00,734 units in the FY 2022-23 period. Exports fell by 41 percent to 1,84,284 units thus taking total sales up 3 percent to 4,85,018 units in the FY 2022-23 period from 4,71,577 units sold in FY 2021-22. This brought total YTD sales down by 9 percent to 39,27,857 units in FY 2022-23 from 43,08,433 units sold in the same period last year. More

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      Honda 2W Sales At 1.97 L In March 2023 – TVS Overtakes HMSI

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      Honda has posted one of their lowest ever monthly sales in March 2023 – They are no longer No 2 two wheeler brand of IndiaHonda ActivaThe country’s largest scooter maker, Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI), has closed its account for FY2022 – 23 (April 2022 – March 2023) on a positive note. With a lot of products planned in the pipeline, we expect HMSI to register even better numbers in the coming months and all the way along FY 2023 – 24.But YoY, MoM and QoQ analysis reveal that Honda is bleeding numbers in the Indian automotive market. With domination in scooters set in place, Honda seems to aim for the budget commuter motorcycle space where Hero MotoCorp is dominant. The CB Shine 100 will be directly against Hero Splendor, which is currently the highest-selling motorcycle in India by a very significant margin.Honda 2W sales March 2023 and Q1 2023Honda 2W Sales For March 2023 – One of their lowest ever monthly domestic salesIn the domestic market, Honda sold around 1,97,512 units last month. This doesn’t bode well when compared to 3,09,549 units sold a year ago in March 2022. Honda saw a decline of 36.19% YoY in its numbers. Volume loss YoY in the domestic market alone is a staggering 1,12,037 units.Honda 2W sales in March 2023 is probably one of their lowest ever monthly sales recorded, excluding the months when lockdown was implemented due to Covid-19. TVS has now beaten Honda 2W in domestic sales. TVS sold 2.4 lakh two wheelers in the domestic market last month.When compared to 2,27,064 units sold in February 2023, Honda registered a 13.01% MoM decline. This directly led to a volume loss accounting for 29,552 units MoM. Exports stood at 14,466 units. In Honda’s total sales, exports account for just 6.82%. As opposed to 11,794 units shipped in March 2022, Honda’s exports is the only saving grace for the brand as it registered a 22.66% YoY growth, gaining 2,672 units in volume YoY.Honda shipped 20,111 units in February 2023 and hence a 28.07% MoM decline was observed. In the process, Honda lost 5,645 units in volume MoM. In total, Honda’s sales stood at 2,11,978 units, which was not enough to beat 3,21,343 units sold in March 2022 and 2,47,175 units sold in February 2023. A 34.03% YoY decline and 14.24% MoM decline was registered.Honda 2W Loses No 2 Spot, falls behind TVS MotorNow that the first quarter of 2023 is past us, Honda has sold 7,02,719 units in that time period. This was significantly lower, when compared to 9,10,422 units sold in Q1 2022 and 10,12,696 units sold in Q4 2022. Hence, a 22.81% YoY decline was registered with 2,07,703 units lost in volume.QoQ decline was even worse, standing at 30.61% with a loss of 3,09,977 units in volume. In total, HMSI’s sales between April 2022 to March 2023 was around 43,50,943 units. Out of this, domestic sales were 40,25,486 units and 3,25,457 units were exported. Honda’s YTD growth stood at 14% in FY 2022 – 23.February 2023 sales were considered to be a brutal blow for HMSI as the company saw YoY growth only with Activa. In comparison, March 2023 numbers seem to be even worse for the Japanese brand. We hope Honda turns the table with the new Shine 100. More

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      Ather Sales Zoom In March 2023 – Registers 353% YoY Growth

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      Ather is working proactively to expand its retail footprint and fast-charging network across the countrySaurabh Joshi shares photo of taking Ather electric scooter delivery for his family.FY 2022-23 has been a good year for the automotive industry in India, as most OEMs have registered strong growth. In two-wheeler space, most ICE-based and EV manufacturers have been witnessing robust sales. India automotive space is growing even when geo-political and economic uncertainties continue to persist at the global level.In electric two-wheeler space, Ather is among the OEMs that have registered strong growth in FY 2022-23. If Ather can maintain its current sales momentum, it can easily cross 1 lakh annual sales milestone by FY 2023-24. As of now, OEMs like Ola Electric and Hero Electric have annual sales of more than one lakh units.Ather electric scooter sales March 2023 and Q1 2023Ather sales March 2023 and Q1 2023Ather sold a total of 11,754 units in March. YoY growth is 353.65%, as compared to 2,591 units sold in the corresponding period last year. Ather MoM growth in March 2023 is negative at -3.24%. Sales were higher in February 2023 at 12,147 units. Speaking about Q1 2023 performance, Ather sales were at 36k units, which is a 383% YoY growth over Q1 2022. Compared to Q4 2022, when sales were at 24.6k units, it is a 46% growth QoQ. Total sales in FY’23 were at 82,146 units. According to  Ravneet Singh Phokela, Chief Business Officer at Ather Energy, sales could have been higher if the chip shortage had not impacted operations in the first six months of FY’23.Ather expects that their sales momentum will continue in FY’24. To encourage faster adoption of its electric scooters, Ather has been consistently adding new retail outlets across the country. In FY’23, the company increased its retail outlets by 4X, from 30 to 116 stores.Ather has also been expanding its network of fast-charging stations. The pace at which Ather is adding new charging stations is truly commendable, as more than 900 charging points have been added in FY23. Ather now has a total of 1224 fast charging stations, making it the largest two-wheeler fast charging network in the country.Ather has also been collaborating with third-parties to set up charging stations at strategic locations. These will benefit commuters who may be using electric two-wheelers along with other modes of transport such as metro, bus, etc. Ather recently partnered with Southern Railways to install charging stations at ten MRTS and suburban stations in Chennai.Ather pricing a hurdleAther 450X is one of the most well-equipped electric scooters in the country. Safety record of Ather scooters is also impeccable, especially when compared to other electric scooters. However, high pricing of Ather 450X limits its customer base. Ather 450X price in Bengaluru starts at Rs 1,58,462 (Including FAME II subsidy). This may not be within the reach of a significant percentage of potential buyers looking for an electric scooter for everyday commutes.Ather can probably take some inspiration from Ola Electric that has launched affordable versions of its S1 electric scooter (Ola sales in March 2023 were 27k). The affordability is achieved primarily by using a smaller capacity battery pack. Even though range is reduced, affordable pricing is still a major draw, especially in case of buyers with limited budget. A new affordable Ather launch is expected later this year. More