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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

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      Ola Records Best-Ever Sales In March 2023 – S1 Pro Price Cut

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      With launch of affordable versions of its S1 electric scooter, Ola has been able to register strong growth in salesImage – OLA OWNERS KERALAOla Electric ended the financial year 2022-23 on a positive note, emerging as the bestselling EV manufacturer in the country. It is also the one to register the fastest growth in electric two-wheeler segment. Ola is India’s largest electric two-wheeler manufacturer, with an annual production capacity of 10 million units.Ola’s highest sales was in March at more than 27,000 units. The company has been outpacing rivals in monthly sales since September 2022. Ola commands a market share of more than 30%. It’s a significant achievement, considering the vast number of competing brands in electric two-wheeler space.Ola aims to end ICE-age soonOla has been pushing the idea of ending ICE-age, which may seem a bit overambitious at times. However, at the rate the company is growing, the end of ICE-age may come sooner than expected. Apart from Ola, other electric two-wheeler manufacturers have also registered strong growth throughout FY 2022-23. Biggies like Honda have plans to launch multiple new EVs in coming years. Such developments will trigger greater adoption of electric scooters and motorcycles.Talking about Ola Electric, the company has had its fair share of teething troubles. Numerous issues have been reported since the launch, although Ola has worked to resolve them. A key reason for Ola’s strong growth in recent months could be the availability of affordable variants. For example, Ola S1 Air with 2kWh battery and 85 km range is available at a starting price of Rs 84,999. This closely matches the pricing of other mainstream OEMs such as Hero Electric. Moreover, Ola’s entry-level models probably have the best-in-class features.Ola S1 Pro Price Cut – April 2023Another reason for Ola’s growth could be its focus on opening experience centres across the country. The company recently opened as many as 50 experience centres in a single day. As of now, Ola has more than 400 experience centres across the country. Users can avail a wide variety of services at these experience centres. As per data available with the company, around 90% of Ola users are located within 20 km of an Ola experience centre.Ola S1 Pro lowest price everOla recently announced a price cut for the top-spec Ola S1 Pro electric scooter. It is now available at a starting price of Rs 1,24,999. This is the cheapest price ever for Ola S1 Pro. It is a limited time offer, valid till April 16th.Ola S1 Pro offers a comprehensive range of features and has one of the highest range in its class. The scooter has peak power output of 8.5 kW and peak torque of 58 Nm. Certified range is 181 km whereas top speed is rated at 116 kmph. In Hyper mode, Ola S1 Pro can achieve 0 to 60 kmph in 4.5 seconds.Ola expects to register strong growth in the future as well. It will continue to focus on expanding its footprint across India, maintaining high quality standards and improving customer experience. More

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      Royal Enfield Records Highest Ever Sales In FY2023 – 8.34 L Motorcycles Sold

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      Royal Enfield recorded sales of 8,34,895 units in FY 2023 recording highest ever overall sales in its historyImage – Dev MishraRoyal Enfield has reported sales growth in March 2023 by 6.73 percent. Total sales (domestic + exports) stood at 72,235 units in the past month, up from 67,677 units.Royal Enfield Sales March 2023In domestic markets sales stood at 59,884 units in the past month, a 2.41 percent YoY growth from 58,477 units sold in March 2022. This related to a 1,407 unit volume growth with an 82.90 percent share. On a MoM basis, it was a 7.06 percent de-growth as against 64,436 units sold in Feb 2023.Royal Enfield Sales March 2023Exports on the other hand increased even more substantially by 34.25 percent to 12,351 units in March 2023 from 9,200 units sold in March 2022 with a 17.10 percent share. MoM exports improved by 73.76 percent from 7,108 units shipped in Feb 2023.RE Records Highest Ever Financial Year SalesWhen assessing Royal Enfield sales in the FY 2022-23 period, domestic sales were at 7,34,840 units in the said period. This was a 40.98 percent growth over 5,21,263 units sold in FY 2021-22 relating to a volume growth of 2.13.604 units. Domestic sales commanded an 88.02 percent share.Exports also improved by 23.48 percent in FY 2022-23 to 1,00,055 units from 81,032 units sold in FY 2021-22 with an 11.98 percent share. This took total sales (domestic + exports) to 8,34,895 units in FY 2022-23 from 6,02,268 units sold in FY 2021-22. It was volume growth of 2,32,627 units making the highest ever overall sales in the history of the company.Royal Enfield In FY 2024 – Even higher sales?There is a huge possibility that RE will break their sales record in FY2024. The company has planned multiple new launches in the coming year which will help boost sales even further.2023 started with Royal Enfield launching their flagship motorcycle – Super Meteor 650 cruiser. Recently they updated 650 INT and GT 650 with new features, colours and engines that now comply with new BS6 Phase 2 emission standards. Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor is priced from Rs 3.03 lakh to Rs 3.31 lakh. Prices of the Continental GT 650 range from Rs 3.19 lakh to Rs 3.45 lakh, which as against prices of its outgoing counterparts, has been increased by up to Rs 14,000.RE will be expanding its 650cc range even further. Some of the upcoming RE 650cc motorcycles include Scram 650cc, Classic 650 and Himalayan 650. In the 350cc range, RE will be launching the new gen Bullet 350 and Electra 350 later this year. More

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      Hero MotoCorp Sales March 2023 At 5.02 L – 51.55 L In FY23

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      Hero MotoCorp posted 15 percent YoY growth in sales in March 2023 and while domestic sales improved significantly, exports finished in the redNew Hero Super SplendorHero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters has reported a 15 percent YoY growth in sales in March 2023. Sales stood at 5,19,342 units in March 2023, as against 4,50,154 units sold in March 2022.Hero MotoCorp Surpasses 5.3 million (53 lakh) sales in FY 2023Riding high on its increased sales streak, the company has also ended FY 2022-23 on a positive note. Sales stood at 53,28,546 units in the April-March 2023 period. This was an 8 percent growth over 49,44,150 units sold in FY 2021-22.MoM sales growth stood at 31.66 percent when compared to 3,94,460 unit sales total (domestic + exports) in Feb 2023.Hero MotoCorp Sales March 2023 and FY 2023Taking into account motorcycle and scooter sales separately, motorcycle sales stood at 4,85,896 units in March 2023, up from 4,25,721 units sold in March 2022. On a YTD FY23 basis, motorcycle sales were at 49,59,156 units up from 46,27,765 units sold in FY 2021-22.Scooter sales also saw outstanding growth with 33,446 units sold in March 2023, up from 24,433 units sold in March 2022. YTD FY 23 sales were at 3,69,390 units from 3,16,385 units sold in YTD FY 22. In the scooter segment, it was the recently launched Xoom 110 cc scooter that added to sales.Out of total sales of 5,19,342 units in March 2023, domestic sales stood at 5,02,730 units while 16,612 units were exported. This was as against 4,15,764 units sold in domestic markets in March 2022 and 34,390 units exported relating to a de-growth in terms of exports. YTD FT23 exports were also lower at 1,72,753 units from 3,00,624 units shipped in YTD FY 22.Hero MotoCorp Achievements in FY 2023Hero has also entered the electric two wheeler segment late last year with the Hero Vida V1 electric scooter launched at Rs 1.45 lakh and offering a range of 165 kms. Hero Xoom is offered in two variants LX and ZX priced at Rs 68,599 and Rs 76,699 respectively (ex-showroom).Along with the launch of the new Xoom scooter and Vida V1 electric two wheeler, the company has also set up over 300 charging stations across 50 locations in cities of Delhi, Jaipur and Bengaluru. The company strengthened its portfolio with new and improved variants of the Splendor and Passion along with the Super Splendor XTEC along with XPulse 200T and XPulse 200 4V Rally Edition.Launches in the past financial year also included the Canvas Black Edition for Super Splendor and Stealth 2.0 Edition for Xtreme 160R. Hero MotoCorp entered into an alliance with Zero Motorcycles of California, USA for a more premium range of motorcycles and higher performing engines. Hero MotoCorp in partnership with Terrafirma Motors Corporation, marked its entry into South East Asian and is set to launch its products in the Philippines. More

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      TVS Sales March 2023 YoY vs MoM – Jupiter, XL, Ntorq, iQube, Apache

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      TVS iQube Electric registered sales above 10,000 units for the 5th consecutive monthTVS ApacheTVS Motor Company sold a total (domestic + exports) of 3,17,152 (2W and 3W) in March 2023. This was a 2.99 percent YoY growth from 3,07,954 units sold in March 2022. It was a YoY volume growth of 9,198 units.TVS Sales March 2023 vs March 2022 – YoYTwo wheeler sales in domestic markets stood at 2,40,780 units, up 22.47 percent YoY as against 1,96,596 units sold in March 2022 with a 44,184 unit volume increase. Out of these sales, motorcycle sales were at 1,41,250 units in March 2023, down 12.01 percent when compared to 1,60,522 units sold in March 2022.TVS Motor Sales March 2023 vs March 2022 – YoY analysisMotorcycle sales command a 45.93 percent share. Scooter sales, on the other hand, improved by 35.96 percent YoY to 1,28,817 units sold in March 2023 from 94,747 units sold in March 2022 relating to a 35,070 unit volume increase. Scooters command a 41.88 percent share.There were also 15,364 units of the iQube, TVS’ sole electric model sold in March 2023, 754.03 percent YoY growth over 1,799 units sold in March 2022. TVS also has the XL100 moped in its company lineup of which 37,492 units were sold last month, relating to a 0.42 percent YoY de-growth from 37,649 units sold in March 2022.TVS Motor Two Wheeler Sales March 2023 BreakupExports of two wheelers dipped 30.41 percent YoY to 66,779 units in March 2023 from 95,962 units shipped in March 2022. This took total two wheeler sales up 5 percent YoY to 3,07,559 units in March 2023 from a total of 2,92,918 units sold in March 2022.TVS Motor Sales March 2023 vs Feb 2023 – MoM AnalysisTVS Motors 3W Sales March 2023Three wheeler sales (domestic + exports) in March 2023 dipped 36.20 percent to 9,593 units, down from 15,036 units sold in March 2022. This was a 5,443 unit volume de-growth. 3W domestic sales increased by 4.79 percent to 1,335 units in March 2023 from 1,274 units sold in March 2022 with a 31.93 percent share. 3W exports on the other hand, dipped 39.99 percent to 8,258 units in the past month from 13,762 units shipped in the same month last year.Taking total Domestic 2+3 wheeler sales into account, sales improved by 22.36 percent to 2,42,115 units in March 2023 from 1,97,870 units sold in March 2022. This was a 44,245 unit volume growth with a 76.34 percent share. Exports (2+3W) fell by 31.61 percent YoY to 75,037 units in March 2023 from 1,09,724 units sold in March 2022. This took total sales of the company to 3,17,152 units in March 2023 up 2.99 percent from 3,07,954 units sold in March 2023.When assessing sales in the financial year 2022-23, total two wheeler sales of TVS Motor stood at 8.40 lakh units, up from 8.15 lakh units registered in the same period of 2021-22. Three wheeler sales stood at 0.29 lakh units in FY 2022-23, down from 0.42 lakh units sold in FY 2021-22. Total exports were at 1.85 lakh units the last quarter down from 3.15 lakh units shipped in the third quarter of 2021-22. More

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      Bajaj Racer, Hammer, Aura Registered – New Electric Scooter, Motorcycle?

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      Most OEMs work proactively to register various trademarks, even though only a few may actually get launchedImage for illustration purpose onlyProduct names play an important role in shaping consumer perceptions, which is why a lot of time is spent to find the best names possible. Pulsar is a relevant example that single-handedly changed the fortunes of the company. OEMs usually have a 5 to 10 year plan about new products to be launched. That’s where it becomes important to trademark the names in advance.OEMs like Bajaj Auto have been quite active in terms of registering new names. Recently, Bajaj Auto has registered three new names – Bajaj Aura, Bajaj Racer and Bajaj Hammer. All of these trademarks are registered under Class 12, which means they can be scooters, motorcycles, electric vehicles, etc.Bajaj registers three new names – Racer, Hammer and AuraBajaj Aura, Racer, Hammer – What could they be?Application status of all three new trademarks is ‘Formalities Chk Pass’. Bajaj Aura seems a good fit for a scooter, although Hyundai already has the Aura sedan. But a trademark clash is unlikely as Bajaj Aura won’t be the name of a 4-wheeled passenger vehicle. It is to note that Benling already has an electric scooter registered as Aura. However, it is marketed as Aura-Li. Even Hero Electric had applied for Aura trademark in 2022, but it was objected.As Bajaj does not have plans to return to ICE scooter segment, possibilities for Bajaj Aura are limited to being an electric scooter. It could be used for Bajaj’s upcoming premium electric scooter that is being developed in collaboration with KTM and Husqvarna.Bajaj Racer could be an all new electric motorcycleTalking about Bajaj Racer, the name can work for a performance machine. However, Bajaj already has the Pulsar and Dominar range. So, launching a new sub-brand of performance bikes seems unlikely. But if Bajaj is planning to launch electric motorcycles in future, the Racer name can be considered. However, the ‘Racer’ name is pretty generic. It doesn’t seem appropriate for Bajaj’s first electric motorcycle.Third trademark is Bajaj Hammer, which seems relevant for an ICE motorcycle. A bike with Hammer name was produced by American motorcycle manufacturer Victory Motorcycles. However, the company is no longer operational. Bajaj shouldn’t have any issues with using the Hammer name in Indian market. The term ‘Hammer’ exudes a sense of robustness. It can be applied to a commuter bike as well as a premium roadster or adventure bike.No clarity on launch timelinesRegistration of trademark names does not necessarily mean a potential launch. It may or may not happen. It can take years for these trademarks to reach the market or things can work out much faster.Also, unless the trademarks are ‘Registered’, it is always possible that the application could be objected to, withdrawn or sent for more detailed assessment. Last year, Bajaj had registered trademark names like Darkstar, Technik and Tecnica. These are yet to be utilized commercially. More

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      New Hero Motorcycle Design Patent Leaks – Hunk 200cc To Rival Pulsar, Apache?

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      Upon launch, Hero’s new motorcycle could take on rivals such as TVS Apache RTR 200 4V and Bajaj Pulsar NS200New Hero Motorcycle Design Patent Leaks – Is it Hunk 200cc?India’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp has started looking beyond the commuter segment. The company has plans to launch multiple new products in 200cc to 500cc segment. This space is expected to register strong growth in coming years and Hero wants to make the most of it.Last month in March, it was revealed that Hero will be bringing back Karizma in its new-gen avatar. Now, patent documents reveal another new bike, which is expected to be Hunk 200. While Hunk is no longer available in India, it is sold in several international markets. New Hunk planned for India will have a unique profile and equipment list.New Hero Motorcycle Design Patent Leaks – Is it Hunk 200cc?Hero Hunk 200 stylingJust like other bikes in this segment, Hero Hunk 200 has a sleek profile. It is expected to have all-LED lighting. Some of the key highlights include compact headlamp cowl, wide handlebar, sculpted fuel tank design, sporty shoulder fairing, rugged engine protector, cone-shaped exhaust canister, single-piece saddle and boomerang-styled grab rails.Hero Hunk 200 could get a full-digital instrument console. It is expected to be a compact unit, all while displaying a wide range of information. It remains to be seen if Bluetooth-based connectivity features will be available with the bike. Among rivals, TVS Apache RTR 200 4V has a dedicated connectivity suite. In comparison, Bajaj Pulsar NS200 does not have connectivity options.Riding stance seems a bit committed with the slightly low-set handlebar. However, foot pegs appear to be centrally mounted. Rider seat section has a scooped profile, which should ensure adequate comfort even during longer journeys. It also lowers the seat height, improving overall balance and handling. The bike appears to be agile and highly manoeuvrable, making it suitable for city streets. Pillion seat section seems a bit narrow, but the panels on the side are quite wide. These should ensure adequate thigh support.Hero Hunk 200 engine, specsPowering Hero Hunk 200 could be a new engine. Lack of a radiator indicates that the bike will have an air-cooled engine. Power and torque output could be comparable to other street bikes in this segment. For reference, TVS Apache RTR 200 4V has a 197.75cc engine. In Sport mode, it churns out 20.82 PS of max power and 17.25 Nm of peak torque. Pulsar NS200 is equipped with a 199.5 cc motor that makes 24.5 PS and 18.74 Nm.Hero Hunk 200 is expected to get 17-inch alloy wheels, shod with standard tubeless tyres. It will have disc brakes at both ends, with at least single-channel ABS. Suspension system comprises telescopic forks at front and a monoshock unit at rear. There is unlikely to be any premium equipment such as ride-by-wire tech and slipper clutch. Hero is likely to focus on sporty styling, peppy performance and affordable pricing to make it work. More

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      2023 Honda SP125 Launch Price Rs 85k – Gets BSVI OBD2 Compliant

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      In its budget motorcycle hierarchy, Honda SP125 updated for MY2023 comes off as more premium than the company’s highest-selling commuter Shine2023 Honda SP125India is considered to be one of the, if not, the largest market for motorcycles and scooters. Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India has strived hard to stay relevant in this price-sensitive market by adhering to customer needs. Even though CB Shine is Honda’s rockstar among budget commuters in India, SP 125 is just as important.For MY2023, Honda has updated SP125 to comply with phase II of BS6 standards along with OBDII for real-time emission tracking. Prices start at Rs. 85,121 for drum brake variant and Rs. 89,131 for disc brake variant (both prices ex-sh). There are five colours on offer, Black, Matte Axis Grey Metallic, Imperial Red Metallic, Pearl Siren Blue & a new Matt Marvel Blue Metallic shade.2023 Honda SP1252023 Honda SP125 – What’s Changed?For starters, SP125 is slightly more premium than Shine. This gets a ton of additional tech and features that Shine simply misses out on. In terms of styling too, Honda SP125 updated for MY2023 comes off as one of the premium 125cc commuters to rival TVS Raider and Bajaj Pulsar NS125. While Shine takes on lower-tier 125cc commuters. With MY2023, SP125 gets a 100-section tyre, updated graphics and more.To back up its premium appeal, Honda bestows a ton of equipment on new SP125. Making it one of the most VFM offerings in this space. The main highlight of this update is its beating 125cc heart. It is now BS6 phase II compliant, meeting RDE norms and also meets E20 compatibility (20% ethanol blend).2023 Honda SP125OBDII compliance allows Honda to monitor emissions of said vehicle in real time. Making its PGM-FI 125cc engine, even greener for years to come. Honda SP125 updated for MY023 also comes equipped with eSP (Enhanced Smart Power). Honda calls it future technology that has brought SP125 to global standards.What Is Honda’s eSP Tech?Honda’s eSP is a culmination of a silent starter generator (ACG), Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI), friction reduction, fully digital meter, fuel efficiency details, ECO indicator and gear position indicator. ACG allows for silent cranking of engine without the need for a conventional starter motor.The ECO indicator makes sure that rider is traveling in optimum gear, matching the speed traversed. If not on, rider can vary throttle inputs to get his ECO indicator to turn on. The 124cc engine makes 10.72 bhp of power and 10.9 Nm of torque. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox, while Shine just gets four cogs.2023 Honda SP125Features & Rivals In Similar Price BracketHonda SP125 updated for MY2023 gets quite a few features over a Shine. For starters, SP125 gets LED headlights, a fully digital instrument cluster, ECO indicator, gear position indicator, service reminder, distance to empty, real-time fuel efficiency, average fuel efficiency and more. Once a novelty on Honda bikes, now SP125 gets an engine kill switch too.Honda doesn’t include Bluetooth connectivity, which rivals from TVS and Hero offer. Speaking of rivals, we have Passion XTEC, Super Splendor and Glamour from Hero, Pulsar 125 and Pulsar NS125 from Bajaj and the benchmark of this segment TVS Raider 125. More