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    • 125 Shares99 Views

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      Hero MotoCorp Planning To Launch An Electric Car In India

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      Image for reference
      On the occasion to mark production of 100 million units, Hero MotoCorp launched six special celebration edition models

      World’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer Hero MotoCorp recently clocked its 100th million production unit in the form of new Xtreme 160R. The company has a selling capacity of 5 lakh units on a monthly basis at any given period. Going forward, the homegrown manufacturer has revealed its plans for future.
      The first major announcement made was that Hero MotoCorp would be launching ten new two-wheelers every year for the next five years. In addition to expanding its global footprint, the company will be launching new motorcycles and scooters under its vision ‘Be the Future of Mobility’.
      Plan For Future – Electric car?
      Hero MotoCorp has shared its plans with Dr. Pawan Munjal, Chairman & CEO, Hero MotoCorp addressing a large audience including customers, dealers, investors, suppliers, distributors, employees and media. Munjal summarised the company’s plan and vision for the next five years. During this period Hero MotoCorp will further aim to consolidate its numero uno position in the Indian market and expand its footprint on global markets.
      The company will be launching new, exciting and relevant products during this period and at the same time continue working on innovative product concepts. In the next five years, Hero will be launching ten products every year including variants, upgrades and refreshes. This includes both motorcycles and scooters.
      Hero Quark 1 electric 3 wheeler concept
      In an interview with Times of India, Dr Munjal also stated that Hero MotoCorp does not intend to be limited only to the two wheelers space. We have already seen their 3 wheeler electric concept Quark1 – which is a brainchild of their internal startup called Hero Hatch.
      Hero MotoCorp has a part, which is consistently working to be the future of mobility. Hero is not the first two wheeler company to dabble in the four wheeler space. Earlier, Yamaha has also suggested that they might enter the electric car space.
      Hero Manufacturing Facilities
      Currently, the brand has eight manufacturing facilities in India out of which six of them are in India and one each in Bangladesh and Colombia. In India, these facilities are located in Neemrana in Rajasthan, Haridwar in Uttarakhand, Halol in Gujarat and Gurgaon and Dharuhera in Haryana. Operations in the sixth plant at Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh began last year.
      Production capacities per annum at each facility are as follows- 1.7 mn at Haridwar, UK; 2.1 mn at Dharuhera, Haryana; 2.1 mn at Gurgaon, HR, 1.1 mn at Neemrana, Rajasthan; 1.8 mn at Vadodara, Gujarat; and 1.8 mn at Chittoor, AP. Its newest plant will hit full capacity in three phases.
      Hero’s Partnership With Harley Davidson
      The next five years will also hold significance to its partnership with American bike icon Harley Davidson as well after the latter quit independent operations in India last year. Higher pricing, wrong product portfolio and marketing strategy adopted by Harley were a few reasons cited by many for the company’s slow sales in the country which made it call quits.
      As part of this non-equity partnership with Harley Davidson, Hero MotoCorp will sell and develop models under the former’s brand name in India. Harley even released a new AD film last month titled “H-D India Forever” which assured its customers of its presence in the country in future as well.
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      Bajaj Pulsar 250 Launch In 2021 – To Be Cheaper Than Dominar 250

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      Bajaj Pulsar NS200. Image – MRD Vlogs
      Bajaj Auto currently retails six iterations of Pulsar in different engine configurations including 125cc, 150cc, 160cc, 180cc, 200cc and 220cc

      Bajaj is working on the development of its next generation of Pulsar bikes which will be powered by a 250cc engine. This will expand the bikemaker’s most popular range of motorcycles in India. Although no exact launch timelines have been confirmed yet, the new bikes are expected to hit showrooms sometime later this year.
      Latest reports suggest that the new Pulsar 250 will be offered in both naked sport and racing sport iterations, i.e., NS250 and RS250 respectively. These motorcycles will share most of their mechanical with KTM 250 Duke as they will utilise the latter’s platform as well as engine.
      Bajaj manufactures the quarter-litre naked streetfighter for the Austrian bikemaker in India at its Chakan-based facility near Pune, Maharashtra. While the fully-faired RS250 will rival the likes of Suzuki Gixxer SF 250, the naked street NS250 will lock horns with Yamaha FZ250 and Suzuki Gixxer 250. Both motorcycles will sport revised styling and will be equipped better in terms of features in comparison to their Pulsar 200 counterparts.
      New features onboard are likely to include a new LED headlight and all-digital instrument console with colour display and Bluetooth connectivity. Bajaj is also likely to offer new smartphone connectivity tech with these new bikes.
      Bajaj Dominar 250
      Engine Specification
      Coming to their powertrain specs, NS250 and RS250 will draw their power from a 248.8cc, fuel-injected, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine which also powers KTM 250 Duke, 250 Adventure and Bajaj Dominar 250. This unit is capable enough to produce 29 bhp at 8500 rpm and 24 Nm of torque at 6500 rpm.
      Although in Dominar this unit is slightly detuned to return an output of 27 bhp and 23.5 Nm of torque in order to suit its cruiser-friendly nature. This powertrain will be mated to a 6-speed gearbox.
      Hardware Configurations
      The new Pulsar range of bikes will offer slightly more torque at lower end in order to meet its city commuting requirements. A slipper clutch along with a dual-channel ABS is also expected to be offered as standard. Unlike Dominar 250, the new Pulsar NS250 and RS250 are not likely to be equipped with upside-down USD forks at front. It will get a preload adjustable mono-shock unit at rear. The suspension setup will be slightly tweaked for a sportier ride.
      Both Pulsar NS250 and RS250 are expected to be priced between Rs 1.60-1.80 lakh (ex-showroom) upon its launch in India. NS250 will be cheaper than Dominar 250 while RS 250 will be more expensive than Dominar 250, but cheaper than KTM Duke 250. Earlier, reports also suggested that Bajaj is also working on the development of an all new Pulsar AS 250 Adventure.
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      Ampere Electric Sales Cross 75k – Opens 300th Dealer Showroom In India

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      Ampere Electric Scooters
      These landmark sales has been achieved since the company’s inception in 2018

      Indian electric two-wheeler manufacturer, Ampere Electric, has achieved a major milestone. Sales have crossed the 75,000 unit mark, an achievement of this EV maker, in 2 years of launch in India in 2018.
      Ampere Electric is also keen to expand its dealer base in India. Over the past few months, since the easing of the lockdown announced due to the pandemic situation in the country, has seen the company open 80 new dealerships adding to its existing count. The latest dealership has just been opened at Panvel in Maharashtra making it the 300th dealership in the country.
      Ampere Electric Demand Surge
      Over the past months, demand for electric vehicles – 3 wheelers, 2 wheelers – scooters and motorcycles have increased substantially. The need for personal means of travel, increased awareness for conserving and preserving the environment and several government benefits being offered to electric vehicle buyers in India has spurred up this demand.
      Catering to B2B and B2C customers for last mile deliveries and for personal mobility respectively, Ampere Electric has introduced a range of high performance 2 wheelers over the last 18 months. The company commands a 20 percent market share in the electric vehicle segment and its latest Ampere Magnus Pro, the brands flagship model, has seen outstanding demand.
      Ampere electric 3wheeler
      The Zeal scooter was what has also allowed the electric two wheeler maker achieve this sales target. Ampere Zeal targets a younger segment of buyers in the country. It is powered by a 1,200 W hob mounted Brushless DC motor with a 30 Ah 60 V lithium-ion battery pack. Ampere Zeal is priced at Rs.68,000 and competes with the Ather 450 and Bajaj e-Chetak.
      Ampere Magnus Pro e-Scooter
      Ampere Magnus Pro was introduced in India in June 2020. This feature rich, removable lithium-ion battery powered e-scooter is priced at Rs.73,990. It is currently only available in Bengaluru but will soon move into other showrooms across the country.
      The Magnus Pro gets an in-built anti-theft alarm system, a digital LCD cluster, USB charging, keyless operation, find-my-scooter function, LED head lamps with LED DRLs, and telescopic suspension. It boasts of class leading 450mm leg space. This sporty e-scooter has been tested under varying conditions and found to be highly efficient in Indian environment where it works well despite dust, uneven road conditions and even under drastic changes in temperatures.
      It gets its power via a 30 Ah removable lithium-ion battery with a 1.2 kW motor allowing acceleration upto 40 km/h in a few seconds and a top speed of 55 km/h. The battery is capable of 100 km range in Eco Mode and at around 75-80 km in Cruise Mode. Charging time is at 5-6 hours while the company also states that fast charging option is available. Ampere Electric offers a 3 year warranty as standard on the battery pack, motor and controller along with an additional 2 year extended warranty at Rs.2,700. More

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      Kridn Electric Motorcycle New Colours Launched – Gets LED Headlight

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      Kridn Electric Motorcycle
      One Electric Kridn features a LED Headlamp, and is available in metallic colours

      One Electric Motorcycles has announced that its Kridn bike will feature LED headlamps. To be available in metallic colours, financing includes EMI options. As part of the media release, the company shared a first look of a Kridn in metallic red with a 6-inch LED headlight. Other metallic colour option sapper to be in shades of black and grey.
      On the financing front, One Electric is collaborating with multiple institutions. This makes it possible for one to finance their vehicle at an approx EMI of Rs 5,000. This could be lower basis individual credit score.
      Abhijeet Shah, COO of One Electric shares, “An EMI of Rs 5,000/- approx. makes KRIDN an immediately viable option for those looking forward to owning our motorcycle. Considering the savings on fuel, service cost and shorter EMI period, the cost of ownership is definitely lower.”
      Kridn motorcycle localisation
      CEO of One Electric, Gaurav Uppal expressed excitement at introducing a new range of metallic colour options and accessories. The choices go a long way in letting customers personalize their Kridn. LED headlights are on schedule to being launched in March 2021.
      Kridn Electric Motorcycle New Colours
      The company has already developed and started trials for its imported components. One Electric is on track to reduce parts imports to naught by 2021 end. A search is ongoing for dealer partners who look at this as a long term commitment. Upon finalisation of dealer partners, deliveries will start in Delhi NCR, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh.
      Electric motorcycles in India
      The quest for electric vehicles in India has begun, and progress is slow. However, there are some manufacturers that have read the market, and made an entry. The EV shift is being dominated by public transport, last mile commuter and delivery vehicles, and electric scooters.
      When it comes to electric two-wheelers, there are less than a handful of electric motorcycles available. As such, the marketplace could prove to be a great opportunity for new products.
      Kridn Electric Motorcycle
      Currently, only Revolt Motors operates in this space. With Kridn geared up for business, an early movers advantage is something the company would count on.
      This despite that fact that the said market is painfully small now. And there’s no telling how quickly folks adapt to EVs, especially an electric motorcycle. Nevertheless, though small, it’s a start. And for those seeking an electric motorcycle, a new entrant should be a welcome development.
      Kridn Electric Motorcycle More

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      Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Modified Into A 3 Wheeler – Total Cost Rs 3 Lakhs

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      Royal Enfield Modified 3 Wheeler
      While most Royal Enfield aftermarket modifications are tasteful in design, this one is very functional as well

      Royal Enfield Bullet holds a special place in the hearts of Indian motorcyclists and it is by far the longest-running and one of the highest-selling motorcycles in India. The brand itself is known to build class-leading mid-segment retro motorcycles which are well-known for their touring capabilities.
      Another space where Royal Enfield bikes are extremely popular is in the aftermarket industry as almost all its products offer a range of customisation options. However, the latest case of modified Bullet 350 is surely out of the box and is worth getting noticed. A senior citizen who is also a Royal Enfield aficionado has converted into a Trike, a three wheeler.
      A video of the same has been uploaded on YouTube channel by NCR Bikerz which shows the bike in detail. The vlogger on his way to Delhi spots this customised Bullet and requests the owner to spend a few minutes on this side discussing the modifications on the motorcycle.
      The unique looking three-wheeler Bullet is being used by an elderly couple. Entire design of the bike has been modified into a trike based upon a Bullet 350 ABS.
      The owner was on a road trip along with his wife on their modified Royal Enfield Bullet 3 wheeler
      Modifications Incorporated
      The owner had this bike specifically designed for his purpose and has been factory built. The bike has retained its stock headlamps, turn indicators, suspension setup, wire-spoked wheels and disc brakes. Finished in glossy silver, frame of the Bullet here has been heavily altered and redesigned to look like a trike.
      This modified Bullet is a lot wider than the regular bike. Fuel-tank of the bike is now sitting at the right side of the rider instead of front which makes it more convenient for refuelling.
      Additionally, the engine has been mounted on the right-hand side beneath the fuel tank. Since it is a trike, the rider does not have to put his legs around the fuel tank, instead he sits comfortably on a specially built seat on the left-hand side. The gear lever has also been repositioned. It can be shifted via the controls on switchgears on the handlebar instead of near the footpegs.
      [embedded content]
      Price of modification
      Since it is a trike, it rides on two wheels at rear which are connected to the engine on right side of the trike using the stock chain and sprocket setup. Pillion, in this case, the rider’s wife, is seated comfortably at the back facing the rear.
      On being asked about the cost of building this modified Bullet, the gentleman replied that the entire bike set him back by almost Rs 3 lakh. He paid Rs 1.75 lakh on-road for the Bullet 350 ABS and had to shell out nearly Rs 1.25 lakh for the customisation job.
      No changes have been made to its mechanical setup. It is still powered by a 346cc single-cylinder UCE engine which puts out 19.2 bhp and 28 Nm of peak torque and is paired to a 5-speed gearbox. Such modifications not only look unique but also prove to be utilitarian as well. More

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      Hero MotoCorp 3 Pronged EV Approach – Maestro Electric Scooter, Hero Hatch, Ather

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      Hero Maestro Electric Scooter. Credit – 91 Wheels
      Hero MotoCorp currently has adopted a three-pronged approach in its development of electric vehicles

      Hero MotoCorp recently clocked 100 million production units thus becoming the first Indian two-wheeler manufacturer to hit this momentous figure. It also laid down the roadmap for the next five years in which the company would launch 10 two-wheelers every year.
      The company under its vision ‘Be the Future of Mobility’ will be developing new scooters and bikes which will also include the ones running on batteries. The first electric two-wheeler likely to come out of the Hero MotoCorp’s facility is eMaestro which is an electrified version of Maestro Edge.
      Hero MotoCorp’s Future EV projects
      Moving forward, Hero MotoCorp will focus on premium segments and products. In an interaction with a leading newspaper, Pawan Munjal, Chairman, MD and CEO, Hero MotoCorp shared details of the company’s vision towards electric vehicles. He said that the bikemaker has “a three-pronged approach” in the EV segment. First, it has its own projects under development at the company’s R&D centre in Jaipur (CIT).
      Second, there is the company’s internal startup called Hero Hatch which presented Hero Quark 1, a prototype electric rickshaw. Finally, there is the Bengaluru-based EV startup Ather Energy in which Hero MotoCorp has invested generously. In a conversation with the same publication last year, Munjal had confirmed that the company will also be developing electric motorcycles.
      Hero Quark 1 electric concept. Image – ET Auto
      Out the company’s own premises, the first electric two-wheeler to come out is likely to be eMaestro based on its IC engine counterpart Maestro Edge. A prototype of the e-scooter made its first public appearance at the Hero World 2020 event. From a distant view, eMaestro looks very similar to the regular Maestro Edge. However, on a closer look, one can notice subtle cosmetic differences.
      Styling & Expected Features
      For example, it gets a smoked LED headlamp along with its front suspension forks, alloy wheels and engine casing finished in copper brown. As of now, Hero has been tight-lipped about the specifications of the e-scooter’s powertrains although it is expected to use a belt-driven motor. It is also expected to offer three ride modes including drive, park and reverse which could be selected from the left side of the handlebar.
      The prototype also showcased a fully digital instrument cluster which is expected to be carried over to the production model as well. Features such as keyless start/stop and internet connectivity are likely to be included. Its powertrain setup is likely to feature a Lithium-ion battery paired with a powerful permanent magnet motor.
      It is expected to be launched by the end of this year and will compete against the likes of Bajaj Chetak, TVS iQube, Ather 450X and the upcoming Ola electric scooter.
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      Bajaj Pulsar Sales, Exports Dec 2020 – 125, 150, 180F, 220F, NS160, NS200, RS200

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      Image – Firoz
      The Bajaj Pulsar brand of commuter bikes has seen increased demand both in domestic and export markets in the past month

      Bajaj Auto Limited reported total sales of 1,28,642 units in December 2020, up from 1,24,125 units sold in Dec 19. This was a 3.6 percent growth even as the company reported a 0.42 percent decline in market share from 11.82 percent to 11.41 percent. The two wheeler maker finished fourth in the lineup among best-selling two wheelers manufacturers in the country behind Hero, Honda and TVS.
      Bajaj Pulsar Brand
      The Bajaj Pulsar brand consists of 7 models in a price range of Rs.71,616 for the Pulsar 125, going up to the most expensive Pulsar RS200 sports bike available at Rs.1,52,179. The entire range offers high value for money, both in terms of performance and maintenance and is hence considered an important brand for Bajaj Auto. Their stand in terms of sales in December 2020 can be seen from the attached table.
      Pulsar sales in domestic markets in Dec 20 increased 48.08 percent to 75,421 units as against 50,931 units sold in Dec 19. MoM sales however, dipped 28.10 percent as compared to 1,04,904 units sold in Nov 20. Every model in the Pulsar lineup noted MoM de-growth.
      The Pulsar 125 was the most sold model in the Pulsar lineup with a YoY growth of 183.03 percent to 42,686 units in Dec 20. Even as sales of the Pulsar 150 dipped 25.47 percent to 19,958 units, sales of the Pulsar 160,180 and 200 increased to 8,279 units, up 58.51 percent as compared to 5,223 units sold in Dec 19.
      Bajaj Pulsar Domestic Sales Dec 2020
      The Pulsar 220F also noted a surge in sales to 4,498 units sold in the past month. For the 2021 model year, the company has introduced several updates on the 220F with an updated instrument cluster giving better and clearer readouts. The new Pulsar 220F is priced at Rs.1.25 lakhs and competes against the 2021 TVS Apache RTR 200 4V.
      Bajaj Pulsar Exports
      Every model in the Bajaj Pulsar lineup noted increased exports both in terms of YoY and MoM except for the Pulsar 125 which saw a 21.74 percent de-growth in Dec 20 over exports in Nov 20.
      Commanding the export list were the Pulsar 160, 180 and 200, with 42.27 percent market share and growth in terms of exports by 16.98 percent YoY. Total shipments to global markets stood at 15,573 units, up from 13,312 units shipped in Dec 19. MoM exports increased 9.68 percent as compared to 14,198 units exported in Nov 20.
      Bajaj Pulsar Exports Dec 2020
      Pulsar 150, 125 and 220F all noted increased YoY exports with exports of the Pulsar 150 noting a 100 percent increase from 7,008 units exported in Dec 19 to 14,043 units shipped in the past month. MoM exports were equally promising except for the Pulsar 125 which noted a 212.74 percent de-growth in Dec 20 to 4,555 units over 5,820 units exported in Nov 20.
      Earlier this month, Bajaj Auto increased prices across the Pulsar range. This was following the previous price hike that happened less than a month ago. Almost the entire Pulsar range except for the Pulsar 125 (drum variant) and RS 200 have seen a surge in prices. The price hike varies between Rs. 1,000 and a little over Rs. 2,000. However, Bajaj reduced price of Pulsar 125 Neon by Rs. 506 for an earlier Rs.72,122 to Rs 71,616. More

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      Royal Enfield Sales, Exports Break Up Dec 2020 – Classic, Meteor, 650 Twins

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      New Royal Enfield Classic
      Royal Enfield reports 35 percent increase in domestic sales and 82 percent high exports in the past month

      Royal Enfield has revealed their sales figures for December 2020. In the past month, Royal Enfield recorded its highest sales figure of the year. The company sales stood at a total of 68,995 units including 63,580 units of the Meteor 350 and Classic 350 and 5,415 units of the 650cc twins.
      It may be seen from the accompanying tables that there was positive growth both in terms of domestic sales and exports. In domestic markets, sales stood at 65,492 units in December 2020, a growth of 35 percent over sales of 48,489 units in December 2019. The bike-maker also registered an 82 percent increase in exports which stood at 3,503 units in the past month, up from 1,927 units in December 2019.
      Domestic sales commanded by 350cc models
      Royal Enfield has noted outstanding demand for its bikes in the 350 cc segment. The Classic 350, Bullet 350, newly launched Meteor 350 and the Electra 350 commanded its domestic sales list. The 650 Twins and the Himalayan also added a small portion to sales figures.
      Sales of the Classic 350 increased 35.03 percent to 39,321 units in the past month, up from 29,121 units sold in Dec 19. The new Meteor 350, launched in India in November 2020, has seen sales of 3,569 units in Dec 20 while Electra 350 sales surged 34.45 percent to 4,878 units, up from 3,628 units sold in Dec 19.
      Royal Enfield Domestic Sales Breakup Analysis Dec 2020
      Royal Enfield MoM sales were up 10.35 percent as against 59,084 units sold in Nov 20. MoM sales of the Classic 350 dipped marginally as did sales of the Himalayan while sales of the Bullet 350, Electra 350 and that of the 650 Twins ended on a more positive note.
      Royal Enfield Exports Dec 2020
      The Royal Enfield Himalayan was the most exported model in the company lineup and this model noted an increase both in terms of YoY and MoM exports. Exports of the Himalayan in Dec 2020 rose exponentially by 260.30 percent to 1,207 units, up from 335 units exported in Dec 19. MoM exports increased by 20.22 percent as compared to 1,004 units exported in Nov 20.
      The 650 Twins and Classic 500 also noted increased exports in Dec 20, up 55.34 percent and 75.41 percent respectively in YoY basis while MoM exports dipped not only where these two models were concerned but also in the case of the Meteor 350 and Electra 350.
      Royal Enfield Exports Breakup Analysis Dec 2020
      Royal Enfield 2021 Plans
      Royal Enfield has a series of upcoming launches in the months ahead. These launches were originally planned for the past year but the pandemic situation had delayed plans. Later this year will see launch of the 650 Twins with alloy wheels.
      Ahead of that, they will launch facelifted Royal Enfield Himalayan with new colour options and a Tripper Navigation System. Royal Enfield is also set to introduce new gen Classic 350 and an Interceptor 650 based, smaller, premium Interceptor 350/Hunter, could also be introduced this year. A new cruiser 650, Classic / Meteor 650 is also in the making. More