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      Ola Electric Scooter India Launch Likely By January 2021

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      Etergo electric scooter image for reference
      Ola is looking to build India’s largest two-wheeler manufacturing facility and is in talks with various state governments

      Ride-hailing major Ola is venturing into the electric scooter retailing with the first vehicle likely to launch soon. As per a report by PTI, Ola Electric is expected to launch its first electric scooter by January next year. This comes after the recent development of Ola looking to start manufacturing electric scooters in India.
      Ola-Etervo BV Tie Up
      These scooters will initially be manufactured at a facility in Netherlands and will be sold in Europe as well as India. For reference, in May this year, Ola announced the acquisition of Amsterdam-based Etergo BV for an undisclosed amount which bolstered its design and engineering capabilities.
      As of now, there has been no official word from Ola regarding the current development. Developed as an all-electric state-of-the-art App scooter, Etergo BV uses swappable high energy density batteries to deliver a range of up to 240 Km. The company has had developmental experiences with leading automotive brands such as Tesla, General Motors, BMW, Jaguar and Ferrari in the past.
      The new Ola Electric Scooter is expected to be priced competitively against its fossil fuelled counterparts and the brand is looking to tap into majority of 20 million units of the Indian two-wheeler market. Some sources convey that Ola intends to sell at least a million e-scooters in India in its first year.
      Etergo electric scooter
      Ola’s Future EV Plans
      Ola is currently in talks with various state governments to set up an electric scooter manufacturing facility in India. This facility is slated to be the largest two-wheeler manufacturing facility in the country with an annual production capacity of 2 million units.
      This move to manufacture and retail electric scooters might pitch the SoftBank-backed brand as a worthy business opponent to Ather Energy, Hero Electric, Okinawa, Bajaj Auto and others which offer e-scooters in India. Plus it seems the right time for companies to venture into a business that has been extensively promoted by Central and several state governments by offering lucrative incentives.
      Future holds bright prospects electric vehicles (EV) in India and Ola might want to utilize this opportunity to expand its avenues. The shared mobility industry took a huge hit this year after the outbreak of novel coronavirus which shrunk the business. In the near future as well, people will prefer owning a vehicle rather than sharing mobility. Hence, it is imperative for Ola to venture into some other business that might return some great numbers.
      As per our previous report, production for electric scooters in India is targeted to commence in the next 18 months by Ola. The manufacturing site is expected to adopt Industry 4.0 philosophy and will use solar power and will have test tracks. More

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      Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Launched In Thailand – Few Days After India

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      Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Launched in Thailand. Image – Vimal Sumbly
      After its debut in the domestic market earlier this month, Royal Enfield Meteor 350 has been launched in Thailand

      Just like India, customers in Thailand will have access to all three variants – Fireball, Stellar and Supernova. Prices are in the range of 150,000 – 159,500 Thai Baht, which is approximately 3.67 lakh to 3.90 lakh in Indian Rupee. In comparison, Meteor prices in India are Rs 1.75 lakh for Fireball, Rs 1.81 lakh for Stellar and Rs 1.90 lakh for top-spec Supernova variant.
      Same as India-spec Meteor 350
      Meteor 350 launched in Thailand is the same as India-spec Meteor. There are no major changes or updates. Some of the key features include round headlamp, chrome accents, broad rear fenders and tear drop shaped fuel tank, turn indicators and rear tail light. The motorcycle has a comfortable riding stance and comes with high set handle bars, forward set foot pegs and low seat height.
      Royal Enfield has equipped Meteor with some unique features, one of which is Tripper Navigation. It comprises a dedicated display unit that offers turn-by-turn navigation when connected to the rider’s mobile phone. The motorcycle also comes equipped with USB charging port.
      Meteor 350 gets its power from a new J series 349 cc, air-oil cooled, SOHC engine that is capable of producing max power of 20.2 hp and peak torque of 27 Nm. The transmission is a 5-speed unit.
      Unlike India, where the launch of Meteor 350 was online, in Thailand launch event was on ground.
      Royal Enfield exports outlook
      It is to note that Thailand is an important South East Asian market for Royal Enfield. This is why the company has planned a dedicated assembly plant in the country, which will soon get operational.
      Most of their products such as Classic 350, Bullet 350, Himalayan, Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 are also available in Thailand. Apart from South East Asia, Royal Enfield is also focusing on expanding its presence in Latin American markets. Just a few weeks back, RE announced their first assembly plant outside India, in Argentina.
      As things stand now, exports by Royal Enfield are just a fraction of the company’s domestic sales. This presents both an opportunity as well as a challenge to expand presence in global markets. In October 2020, Royal Enfield exported a total of 4,033 units. Most in demand products included 650 Twins, Classic 350, Himalayan and Classic 500. In comparison, domestic sales were 62,858 units with bestsellers being Classic 350, Bullet 350 and Electra 350.
      In comparison to Royal Enfield, other domestic two-wheeler manufacturers in India have much higher export numbers. If we compare in terms of quantity, companies like Bajaj, TVS, Yamaha, and Honda have higher export figures.
      Royal Enfield is aware of the possibilities that exist in international markets and is actively working to increase share of exports in its overall revenue pie. In the initial phase, the company has planned to achieve 20% of total revenue from exports. More

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      Bajaj Dominar Records Sales Of 3,568 Units In Oct 2020 – New High

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      Bajaj Dominar 250
      Dominar sales crosses 3,500 mark for the first time in a calendar month – Both, 250 and 400 have contributed in achieving this new high

      In an encouraging development for Bajaj Auto, sales of its Dominar range have witnessed an upswing in recent months. As may be recalled, Dominar 400 was launched in 2016 whereas Dominar 250 had made its debut earlier this year in March.
      Talking about Dominar 400, the company had hoped that its flagship motorcycle will emerge as a bestseller. However, sales turned out to be below expectations. Nonetheless, the company persisted with the product and introduced a number of changes to make it a more attractive option for customers. Bajaj’s patience and efforts seem to be paying off now, as Dominar 400 sales are on the rise.
      Highest sales ever in October 2020
      After the lockdown was lifted, Dominar 400 sales have been consistently increasing since June. A total of 1,818 units of Dominar 400 were sold in October, which is the highest monthly sales this year. From January to October, total sales are 5,681 units. This is also the highest sales since June 2019, when a total of 2,044 units were sold.
      Talking about Dominar 250, the motorcycle has fared relatively better as compared to its bigger sibling. It has registered decent sales since its launch, excluding the obvious lockdown period from April to May. In October, sales were highest at 1,750 units. Cumulative sales since its launch are 7,230 units, which is higher than Dominar 400 for the same period.
      2020
      Dominar 250
      Dominar 400
      Total
      Jan
      0
      130
      130
      Feb
      2
      297
      299
      Mar
      861
      280
      1,141
      Apr
      0
      0
      0
      May
      50
      33
      83
      Jun
      1,018
      717
      1,735
      Jul
      1,222
      746
      1,968
      Aug
      1,317
      775
      2,092
      Sep
      1,010
      885
      1,895
      Oct
      1,750
      1,818
      3,568
      Total
      7,230
      5,681
      12,911
      Is the tide turning in favour of Dominar 400?
      Although sales have improved, it is too early to comment about Dominar 400’s future prospects. Post lockdown, most two-wheeler models have registered strong sales growth. Purchase decisions delayed due to the pandemic and associated uncertainties are now being fulfilled, which is one of the key reasons for sales boost post lockdown. Things have improved on the supply side as well, which is another factor for the rise in sales numbers.
      It is not certain if this rally can be sustained in the coming months. If we analyse past sales data, it is evident that sales are usually the highest during the festive season.
      From December onwards, sales have a tendency to move south. We will need to watch for a few months more to understand if the recent sales boost is a passing phase or Dominar 400 is finally emerging as a preferred option among customers.
      Bajaj Dominar 400 was launched at a competitive price point of Rs 1.36 lakh, but with multiple price revisions, it now retails at Rs 1.98 lakh, ex-sh. Even at this price, it remains to be one of the most VFM (value for money) motorcycles in its class. Dominar 250 primary rivals include Suzuki Gixxer 250 and Yamaha FZ-25. It has also undergone price revisions and now retails at Rs 1.66 lakh, ex-sh. More

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      Harley Davidson India To Reveal Updated Dealer Network By Dec 2020

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      Harley Davidson Motorcycles India
      Existing Harley Davidson India dealer network will remain active till 31st Dec

      Harley-Davidson India customers have received communication from the company to assure them of what 2021 and beyond will look like. For starters, the company is working closely with Hero Motocorp to ensure a continued and hassle-free customer experience starting next year.
      For now, all aspects of owning a Harley-Davidson are continuing just as they have until now. This includes accessories, gear, HOG activities, warranty, and service. All such, inclusions that are currently active will continue seamlessly from January 2021 in a renewed setup.
      Current Harley Davidson dealers will operate until December 31, 2020. The updated dealership and service network that will be operational in the new year will be commented before the end of 2020.
      Harley Davidson customer outreach
      The company remains engaged with Hero MotoCorp to ensure the Harley-Davidson experience isn’t affected. All concerns related to transitioning are a foremost thought at the company, and as updates are available, the same will be communicated with customers. Harley Davidson will continue to bring new motorcycles to the country. Such details will be communicated closer to launch date.
      Hero will take care of Harley Motorcycle Sales and Service in India
      Parts and accessories requirements will be available to order at dealers, and can be checked at the nearest dealer. The Financial Services Team will continue with customer Planned Maintenance Programme, and Extended Warranty.
      The association between both manufacturers and for long been one of a guessing game. Prior to the confirmation a few weeks earlier, Harley Davidson’s expected association meant all major names in the country were up for discussion. Despite rumours no formal announcements were forthcoming.
      It’s only in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic that Harley’s Davidson’s Indian business arm has been laid bare and geared the brunt of rapid and extreme sales contraction. Limitations that led to the situation had long been burying its claws deep into Harley Davidson’s ability to have a sustainable business plan in India.
      Harley Davidson India business model
      When exiting its sales and manufacturing operations in India, the company said this is part of a company-wide 5-year restructuring plan to rewire, focus on high-priority markets, and streamline its product lineup. It’s Bawal assembly plant has been responsible for assembling the few 1,000 units the manufacturer sold each other. Being a ‘complete knock-down’ (CBU) assembly plant means parts and components were shipped from US, and assembled here for India.
      The allure and premise of Harley Davidson in India has always been an expensive one, and its business model didn’t help in achieving a more price efficient system. Even though the company did go on to make smaller engine bikes for the lock market, that too found few takers and wasn’t transformative in terms of converting buyers as the company had hoped. More

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      Kawasaki W175 Sub 200cc Motorcycle Spied In India For First Time

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      Kawasaki W175 Spied in Pune
      The Kawasaki W175 is likely to adopt an electronic fuel injection system to comply with BS6 emission standards

      It seems the Japanese brands are suddenly interested in the Indian retro-classic roadster segment where homegrown Royal Enfield has a near-monopoly. Honda just introduced the H’ness CB350 which was specifically developed for India. Now, Kawasaki is gearing up to introduce its W175 compact displacement roadster in the country.
      Kawasaki W175
      A test mule of the Kawasaki W175 has been spotted for the first time in India, bolstering the previous reports that the company is considering it for our market. When launched, the W175 will be the most affordable model in the brand’s Indian lineup.
      With its utterly simply design characterized by a circular headlamp, slender fuel tank and a long saddle, the Kawasaki W175 oozes classic appeal. Interestingly, there is not a lot of chrome, and that is a good thing. A simple mud-guard mounted taillight, spoke wheels, fork gaiters and single-pod instrument cluster further add to the motorcycle’s old-school appeal.
      Specifications
      Just like its modest design, there is nothing particularly special about the Kawasaki W175’s technical specifications. Power comes from a single-cylinder, air-cooled 177 cc engine which breathes via a carburetor in markets like Indonesia and Philippines. However, the BS6 emission norms in India is likely force the motorcycle to adopt electronic fuel injection.
      Kawasaki W175 Spied in Pune
      In its carebureted avatar, the motor produces a sedate 13.05 hp and 13.2 Nm of torque. The motorcycle employs a 5-speed gearbox. With a kerb weight of 126 kg, the Kawasaki W175 is a light roadster which targets people who prefer a relaxed and unhurried riding style.
      The motorcycle is equipped with telescopic front forks, twin rear shock absorbers, a single front disc and rear drum brake. The India-spec version will be equipped with a single-channel ABS.
      India launch
      The Kawasaki W175 is most likely to be assembled locally but we doubt if the company can match the localization levels of its intended rivals. With an estimated price tag of around INR 1.40 lakhs (ex-showroom), the classic Kawasaki will have a lot of modern, better equipped and more powerful rivals to fend off.
      It will lock horns with the likes of Honda Hornet 2.0, TVS Apache RTR 200, Hero Xtreme 160R, and so on. The motorcycle would be hoping to take advantage of the residual brand recall Kawasaki has in the Indian small displacement market. It would be a positioned as a brand shaper rather than a full fledged volume generator. Kawasaki’s relatively limited dealership network would also make it challenging to realize the W175’s full potential.
      Source More

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      KTM 250 Adventure Launch Price Rs 2.48 L – EMI Starting From Rs 5.5k

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      KTM 250 Duke vs Adventure – The Bucket List
      The new KTM 250 Adventure will get a digital LCD instrument panel with all essential readouts

      KTM India has launched new 250 Adventure motorcycle in India. It is the company’s latest entry level offering in the ADV lineup. Bookings have officially opened today. Initial examples have moved into company dealerships. Price starts from Rs 2,48,256, ex-sh, Delhi. EMI scheme is also on offer, starting from Rs 5,500.
      At this price point, the new KTM 250 Adventure is cheaper than the 390 ADV by about Rs 57k while it is more expensive than the Duke 250 by approx Rs 40k. It is also only slightly cheaper (by Rs 8k), than the more powerful KTM RC 390. All prices are ex-sh.
      The new KTM 250 Adventure is powered by a 248.8 cc engine that also powers the 250 Duke. This single cylinder, liquid cooled engine offers 29.6 hp power at 9,000 rpm and 24 Nm torque at 7,000 rpm mated to a 6 speed gearbox.
      In terms of design, the KTM 250 Adventure entry-level adventure-tourer images have surfaced online giving us an ideal of some changes in terms of design elements. It will receive halogen lamps with LED DRLs and will sit on 19 inch front and 17 inch rear wheels fitted with MRF Mogrip Meteor FM2 tubeless tyres. Below is a detailed ride and first impression review of KTM D250 Adventure by The Bucket List.
      [embedded content]
      For better touring and off roading facilities, the 250 Adventure receives 858mm seat height. It will also receive sculpted 14.5 liter fuel tank, knobby tyres, high set handlebars and short tail with an upswept exhaust. Dry wt is at 156 kgs.
      LCD instrument cluster and not TFT display
      Based on the KTM 390 Adventure, the new 250 Adventure will borrow several design elements from its elder sibling, but will miss out on a full colour TFT display. It will instead receive an LCD instrument cluster which looks like a completely new unit.
      This new black and white cluster will miss out on smartphone/Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation but will offer information on gear lever position, clock, tachometer, odometer, trip meter and warning texts.
      Suspension is via 43mm WP forks in the front and monoshock set up at the rear. Braking will be handled by 320mm disc brake in the front and 230mm disc brake at the rear. It will not receive traction control system and ride-by-wire system and its only riding aid will be via switchable ABS with off-road mode. It will compete with the Hero Xpulse 200 and BMW G 310 GS in this segment.
      Add more to your Adventure – A wide array of KTM PowerParts has been specifically designed to further enhance the aesthetics and performance of the KTM 250 Adventure. The list of KTM PowerParts for the KTM 250 Adventure includes GPS brackets, radiator protection grill, crash bungs, headlamp protection and handlebar pads. More

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      Royal Enfield Sales, Exports Oct 2020 – Classic, Bullet, Himalayan, 650 Twins

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      Royal Enfield Classic 350
      Royal Enfield sold a total of 62,858 motorcycles in domestic markets in October 2020, witnessing a decline of 6.93 percent

      Royal Enfield, with its motorcycle range that includes the likes of the Bullet 350, Classic 350, Himalayan, Continental GT 650 and Interceptor 650, noted dip both in domestic sales and exports in October 2020.
      When taking into account total sales (domestic + exports), the company sold 66,891 units in the past month, down 7 percent as against 71,964 units sold in the same month of the previous year.
      Domestic sales dipped 6.93 percent to 62,858 units, down from 67,538 units sold in Oct 19 while exports dipped to 4,033 units, down 8.88 percent as against 4,426 units sold in the same month of the previous year. The company’s market share in the two wheeler segment in India stood at under 4 percent during the past month.
      Classic 350 Best Selling RE
      In terms of domestic sales, it was seen that the Classic 350 commanded a major chunk of total sales along with the Bullet 350 and Electra 350. Classic 350 sales increased 7.75 percent to 41,953 units in the past month, commanding a 66.74 percent share while Bullet 350 sales dipped 27.51 percent with share of 17.82 percent.
      Royal Enfield Oct 2020 Domestic Sales
      Electra sales also noted a significant increase of 14.11 percent to 6,405 units in Oct 20, up from 5,613 unit sold in Oct 19. The Himalayan and 650 Twins – Interceptor and Continental GT also contributed 1,791 units and 1,506 units to domestic sales.
      The TB 350, Bullet 500, Classic 500 and TB500 which were on sale in the past year. But have not been on sale since BS6 was implemented in India since April 2020. However, the Classic 500 continues to be exported to global markets.
      Royal Enfield Oct 2020 Exports
      Where exports were concerned, it was the RE 650 Twins that noted the maximum sales despite de-growth. 1,571 units of these two bikes were exported, down 44.78 percent as against 2,845 units exported in Oct 19. There was a surge in demand for the Classic 350 with exports increasing to 906 units, up 642.62 percent over 122 units exported in the same month of the previous year. The Classic 500 noted a 67.14 percent increase in exports to 712 units, up from 426 units exported in Oct 19.
      No
      RE Domestic
      Oct-20
      Oct-19
      1
      Classic 350
      41,953
      38,936
      2
      Bullet 350
      11,203
      15,454
      3
      Electra 350
      6,405
      5,613
      4
      Himalayan
      1,791
      1,172
      5
      650 Twins
      1,506
      1,724
      6
      TB 350
      0
      4,108
      7
      Bullet 500
      0
      49
      8
      Classic 500
      0
      391
      9
      TB 500
      0
      91
      –
      Total
      62,858
      67,538
      RE Meteor 350 a recent addition
      Earlier this month Royal Enfield launched the new Meteor 350 in India. It is priced from Rs.1.76 lakhs and presented in three variants of Fireball, Stellar and Supernova. The Meteor 350 is positioned on a new J platform and takes the place of the new defunct Thunderbird X. It sports some similarities in its design but gets a new engine. The 350cc air cooled, single cylinder engine makes 20.2 hp power and 27 Nm torque mated to a 6 speed gearbox. More

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      Ather 450X Electric Scooter First Batch Delivered To Customers

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      Ather 450X Electric Scooter
      Hero MotoCorp currently holds maximum shares of Ather Energy at 37.84 percent followed by Sachin Bansal at 20.69 percent

      Ather earlier this year has launched a new line of products including 450X and 450 Plus. A couple of weeks ago, the e-scooter brand discontinued the standard 450 after the last of its unit rolled out of the assembly line in September. The company is now back in the headlines as first phase of deliveries of the Ather 450X electric scooter has already started.
      What’s more exciting is that customers who had booked their 450X in its initial stages after its launch at the start of this year, i.e., prior to 28 January 2020 will be eligible to upgrade their bookings to a limited-run 450X Series 1 Collector’s Edition at no extra cost. This special edition model of e-scooter comes with translucent body panels that reveal its cast aluminum chassis and trellis framework.
      Expansion of Ather network
      “Electric vehicles are here to stay and Ather Energy is playing a leading role in driving this change”, said Tarun Mehta, Co-founder and CEO, Ather Energy. He further went on to add that post the successful launch of its new product line, Ather is now looking forward to delivering the vehicles and seeing them across all cities.
      The startup will be expanding its footprints to new centers across the country including Ahmedabad, Delhi, Pune, Mumbai, Coimbatore, Kochi, Kozhikode and Kolkata in coming days. The company also plans to install Ather Grid in each of the new places. Ather had initially started its operations in two cities- Bengaluru and Chennai.
      Ather 450X Electric Scooter First Batch
      Recently, the startup also revealed that it will be shifting its production base to Hosur in Tamil Nadu in order to meet the high prospective demands in coming years. This new manufacturing facility will be designed to roll out 1 million electric scooters every year.
      Ather 450X details
      Series 1 Collector’s Edition of 450X has already started shipping to dealers across the country, images of which have leaked online. The 450X is powered by a 2.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack which is paired with an electric motor generating 6kW/28 Nm and can return a single-charge range of 116 km. It has been priced at Rs 1.59 lakh (ex-showroom).
      Ather Energy, India’s first intelligent electric scooter manufacturer has received a fresh bout of investment amounting to $35 million which roughly translates to Rs 260 crore. In its latest round of Series D investment Sachin Bansal has invested a total of $23 million which when converted to INR translates to over Rs 170 crore.
      Bansal has been backing the Bengaluru-based electric scooter startup since its inception in 2014 as an Angel investor when it contributed $0.5 million. The latest investment takes Bansal’s contribution towards Ather Energy to $53 million. The other major investment in the latest Series D was made by Hero MotoCorp in the form of $12 million (or INR 90 crore). More