Hero MotoCorp

Image – Indian IdentityHero MotoCorp sees subdued sales in April 2021 owing to temp closure of plant ops, and closure of dealerships across regions

As Covid-19 infections continue to reach new highs in India, the auto industry is blighted by its spread. Depending on strategies to arrest growth, in recent week many a state government has issued lockdown orders.
This apart, manufacturers are dealing with shortage of parts and interrupted supply chains. While the market hasn’t completely shutdown as was the case in April 2020, current challenges are many.
In this atmosphere of uncertainty, Hero MotoCorp has reported domestic wholesales at 3,42,614 units. The auto manufacturer has also extended plant closures by 6 days to arrest the spread of Covid-19. Operations will be resumed on May 10, 2021. Including exports, total sales in April 2021 is reported at 3,72,285 units. MoM decline stood at 35.47 percent, down from 5,76,957 units. Volume decline is reported at just over 2 lakh units.
Sales in April 2021
Of total sales, motorcycles sales in the domestic market continues to lead from the front. Wholesales was reported at 3,39,329 units accounting for 91.15 percent of domestic sales. MoM decline stood at 35.32 percent, down from 5,24,608 units. Volume loss stood at 1,85,279 units.
Hero MotoCorp Sales April 2021
Scooter sales is reported at 32,956 units accounting for the remainder of domestic sales. MoM decline stood at 37.05 percent, down from 52,349 units. Volume loss stood at 19,393 units. Exports are reported at 29,671 units, accounting for 7.97 percent of total sales. MoM decline is reported at 9 percent, down from 32,617 units at volume loss at just under 3k units.
Hero says sales in April ’21 was subdued owing to temporary closure of plant ops, and the fact that retail outlets remain have again been shut across many regions. These are state issued orders planned to stop the spread of the current devastation of the pandemic. As manufacturing and dealer dispatches remained shut in April 2020, there is no comparable YoY data for manufacturers for April 2021.
Hero extends closure at plants
Hero is committed to safety and has stopped work at its manufacturing facilities in IndiaIndia, its Global Parts Center (GPC) in Neemrana, and the R&D facility – the Centre of Innovation and Technology (CIT) in Jaipur till May 9, 2021. Plant ops will resume on May 10th.
All corporate offices are on Work from Home (WFH) mode, and personnel that are required to visit office are doing so on a limited and rotational basis. The situation is being monitored continuously, and Hero MotoCorp aims to compensate for production loss during the remainder of the quarter. More

Hero SplendorHero MotoCorp domestic wholesales and exports growth reported for March 2021
March 2021 saw Hero MotoCorp report total wholesales at over 5 lakh units. The feat is no ordinary one, and the manufacturer was able to hit the target multiple times through FY21. More than half of its domestic sales cam from Hero Splendor.
Sales is reported at 2.8 lakh units, up from 1,43,736 units YoY. Volume gain stood at 1,36,354 units. HF Deluxe contributed to a little over 26 percent in sales. Sales is reported at 1,44,505 units, up from 1,14,969 units. Volume gain stood at a little below 30k units at growth of 25.69 percent.
Hero MotoCorp has a strong grip on the mass market commuter motorcycle market, and this is demonstrated through the sheer volume of its leading two-wheeler lineup. The manufacturer also sells a small number of scooters. While the bulk of its monthly sales is contributed by the success of Splendor and HF Deluxe, the remainder of its motorcycles and scooters make up for the remainder of its sales.
Glamour, Passion and Pleasure sales
Hero Glamour, Passion, and Pleasure sales accounted for about 91k units. Glamour sales was up at 32,371 units, up from 12,713 units. Volume gain stood at almost 20k units to account for about 6 percent of domestic sales.
Hero Domestic Sales – March 2021
Passion sales grew to just over 30k units from just under 18k units. Volume gain is reported at 12,527 units. It’s share in total sales was also pegged at just under 6 percent. Pleasure scooter sales grew to 28,516 units, up from 13,898 units at volume gain of 14,618 units.
Destini 125 sales crossed the 14k units mark from a little under 10k units. YoY sales growth stood at 47.47 percent at volume gain of 4.5k units. Maestro sales reached 8k units, up from 3.5k units. Volume gain stood at 4,467 units.
Xtreme 160R sales stood at 3,840 units. And XPulse 200 sales at 2,485 units. In total, domestic wholesales grew to 5,44,340 units at 12.37 percent YoY growth. Volume gain stood at about 60k units, up from 4,84,433 units.
Hero Exports – March 2021
Hero MotoCorp March 2021 exports
While Hero MotoCorp enjoys great market prominence in India, exports are seemingly low as compared to its closest competitors. This sees Bajaj and TVS enjoy far more volumes in exports though domestic sales remains lower than Hero MotoCorp. HF Deluxe rules the export log at just over 9k units.
The manufacturer’s biggest volume product Splendor sees exports at 7,106 units. Achiever exports are reported at 4,573 units, and that of Xtreme 150 at 3,319 units. Hunk exports fell to 2,375 units. Pulse 200 exports grew to 2,375 units. The remainder of the export wagon saw numbers below 1,000 units each. Exports for the month grew to 32,617, up from 21,034 units at volume gain of 11,583 units. More

Gogoro Electric ScooterHero MotoCorp and Gogoro announce strategic partnership to develop vehicles and use an established battery swapping network
Hero MotoCorp and Gogoro Inc. are embarking on a strategic partnership. Focus lays on accelerating the shift to sustainable electric mobility in India. Gogoro is reputed for urban battery swapping and smart mobility innovation.
The development is headed towards a battery swapping joint venture. This will introduce Gogoro’s battery swapping platform to India. The collaboration will work on electric vehicle development to bring Hero-branded, powered by Gogoro Network vehicles to the fore.
Gogoro Electric Scooter swappable battery
Gogoro Network already caters to 3,75,000 riders and 2,000 battery swapping stations. This accounts for 2,65,000 daily battery swaps. To date, the company has undertaken upward of 174 million battery swaps. Gogoro is a Taiwan based company, a nation with a $100bn semiconductor industry. The country churns out the majority of advanced microchips too.
Gogoro Network battery swapping
The Gogoro Network battery swapping open platform succeeds on the back of connectivity, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. The end result is a smart swappable battery refuelling platform that is scalable, and is continually being developed to cater to wider needs.
Gogoro Electric Scooter swappable battery
Gogoro’s vehicle maker partners go on to access the company’s smart innovations and IP. This includes intelligent drivetrains and controllers, components and smart systems. The end product is a plethora of electric vehicles that are compatible with Gogoro Network battery swapping.
Gogoro Electric Scooter
To be fair, Hero MotoCorp has seen unprecedented success in the domestic two wheeler market. And this means the company is sitting at the cusp of great development when the next gen of new age vehicles become a mainstream affair. The future is electric. And when electric adaption becomes large scale, Hero MotoCorp will want to lead from the front. Its grip on the market is widespread, and in time, its network will simply shift to being an electric one.
Ather Energy, Gogoro – What Next?
Hero MotoCorp is also associated with Ather Energy, a fairly new electric startup. One can expect multiple such smart partnerships and collaborations as Hero lays the groundwork for its big electric transformation.
Gogoro Electric Scooter
As demand is generated, mega e-commerce companies are committed to using electric vehicles as part of their fleets. Ola electric is already vying for top spot in the area working at breakneck speed to ready its plant in India. Hero would very much like to be available with a range of products considering demand in the commercial space is already growing.
Pawan Munjal, Chairman and CEO, Hero MotoCorp, said, “Our strategic partnership with Gogoro is in line with our Vision – ‘Be the Future of Mobility’ which we are bringing alive through our Mission to ‘Create, Collaborate & Inspire’. Today marks another major milestone in our journey, as we bring Hero’s leadership in two-wheelers, our Global scale and innovation powerhouse, with the leadership of Gogoro in Swapping business model, as they have demonstrated over the years in Taiwan and rest of the world.” More

2021 Hero HF100Hero HF 100 motorcycle launched to give Hero MotoCorp an all new entry price point in the competitive two-wheeler market
Commuter segment motorcycles in the 100cc-110cc segment are what make for great volumes. And manufacturers understand this rather well. So, it’s no surprise that Hero MotoCorp now has an even more affordable motorcycle in the popular segment.
This time the brand has introduced a new entry level product, which in simple words is available for just below 50 grands ex-sh price. For the auto manufacturer, Hero HF 100 its their most affordable offering at present. The entry price point product is an entry level HF Deluxe. This gives, Hero MotoCorp a pedestal to compete against the Bajaj CT 100. The latter has a kickstart variant available at a price of Rs 44,890.
In keeping with the opportunities the segment presents, Bajaj Bajaj CT110X was launched as a top-end CT variant earlier today. The competitive nature of the segment means manufacturers are leaving no stone unturned and covering all bases to ensure they have something for everyone.
Hero HF 100 kickstart variant
In keeping costs competitive, HF 100 is a kickstart and drum brake model in basic trim. Its skeletal form sucks to functionality and form over frills. Buyers will have to pick a black bike. Alloy wheels, and handlebar are in black too.
2021 Hero HF100
The black grab rail is slimmer. The unit does use the same 97.2cc, air-cooled engine to return 7.91bhp of power, and 8.05Nm of peak torque, paired to a four-speed gearbox. Shared features include telescopic forks, dual shock absorbers, 130mm drum brakes, and 18-inch wheels.
The large scale commuter market has such great potential that it can be tapped into again and again. And each time, there are new buyers. Of course FY21 has been a trying period but that doesn’t undermine the potential of the segment. Hero’s 2nd best selling motorcycle, HF Deluxe is priced from Rs 50,700, ex-Delhi. Hero’s best selling motorcycle is Splendor. It is priced from Rs 62.5k, ex-Delhi.
Segment practicality is enhanced considering such units are workhorses and could very well be a requirement for those who are keen on delivery jobs, among other things. Furthermore, current needs to shield ourselves against the spread of Covid-19 means two-wheelers can be that platform of safe daily commute.
2021 Hero HF100
Hero MotoCorp market dominance
Hero MotoCorp already dominates the market in more ways than why. Whether it be their wide range of products, competitive price points and humungous sales volume, Hero has a handle on things. Its dominance will likely take long to be challenged, if at all.
Considering their wide ranging product availability, introducing a new motorcycle as HF 100 is all about tapping into market research that determines what the market wants. Through FY21, Hero MotoCorp was able to improve its market share. More

Image for reference. Credit – NischitPrices of other models from Hero MotoCorp would also be increased at a later stage
Hero MotoCorp, like all other automotive brands, has increased the prices of some of its models. This includes the company’s flagship touring lineup of Xpulse 200, Xpulse 200T and Xtreme 200S. The bikemaker had earlier last month announced its intention to hike prices since the start of a new financial year.
All three models have received a uniform price increment of Rs 3,000. The revised prices have come into effect since the beginning of this month. The revision in prices is not accompanied by any sort of updates either mechanical or aesthetic. There are no updates to the feature list as well.
Price Revision
Despite the increase in prices, all three motorcycles continue to be one of the most affordable in their respective segments. In fact, Xpulse 200 and Xpulse 200T are the most affordable adventure and touring motorcycles in the Indian market at a price of Rs 1,18,230 and Rs 1,15,800.
After the latest revision, Hero’s only faired motorcycle- Xtreme 200S, is offered at a price of Rs 1,20,214 (all prices are ex-showroom). Below are the new prices of the three motorcycles, applicable from April 2021.
Hero New Price – April 2021
Engine Specs
All three motorcycles draw their energy from the same 199.6cc single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine that delivers an output of 17.8 bhp at 8,500rpm and 16.45 Nm of peak torque at 6,500rpm. This motor is linked to a 5-speed gearbox.
Apart from the mechanical stuff, all three models also share the same amount of features which include a digital instrument console, a full-LED headlamp and Bluetooth connectivity for navigation and call alerts.
Hardware Specs
They, however, differ in their on-road dynamics. Suspension setup of all three bikes consists of conventional telescopic forks at front and a mono-shock at rear but they are tuned differently for different purposes for each model. Being an adventure bike, the rear mono-shock in Xpulse 200 is 10 step Rider-adjustable whereas in Xpulse 200T is 7 step adjustable. For Xtreme 200S, the mono-shock is linked to the rectangular swingarm.
Since Xpulse 200T and Xtreme 200S are built for tarmac they are equipped with 17-inch wheels shod by the same 100/80-R17 and 130/70-R17 tubeless tyres at front and rear respectively. On the other hand, Xpulse 200 has been designed to venture into beaten tracks (even though not hardcore trail bashing). Hence it is provided with 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels shod by 90/90-R21 and 120/80-R18 tubed tyres respectively. More

Hero SplendorHero MotoCorp recorded total of 5.77 lakh units in terms of domestic sales and exports
Hero MotoCorp continued to be the most sold two-wheeler maker in India for the month of March 2021. The company has registered sales of 5,76,957 units of motorcycles and scooters in the past month, registering a 72.41 percent growth over sales in March 2020 which had stood at 3,34,647.
Sales in March 2020 were impacted for two reasons. One was the upgrade to BS6 emission standards while it was during the same month that the COVID-19 pandemic raised its head in the country leading to a nationwide lockdown.
YoY Domestic Sales and Exports
Taking motorcycle and scooter sales separately into account, motorcycle sales stood at 5,24,608 units in the past month, up 71.48 percent over 3,05,932 units sold in March 20. Scooter sales saw a higher percentage of growth at 85.80 percent from 28,175 units sold in March 20 to 52,349 units sold last month.
These took total domestic sales in March 21 to 5,44,340 units, up 71.89 percent over 3,16,685 units sold in March 20. Exports on the other hand were the highest ever in global markets in a single month. Exports stood at 32,617 units in March 21 up 81.59 percent over 17,655 units sold in March 20.
Hero MotoCorp Sales March 2021 and FY 2021
MoM Domestic Sales and Exports
When assessing MoM sales of Hero MotoCorp motorcycles and scooters, it can be seen from the attached table that growth was quite significant. Motorcycle sales increased 13.13 percent from 4,63,723 units sold in Feb 21 while scooter sales saw a 25.40 percent increase from 41,744 units sold in Feb 21 to 52,349 units sold last month.
While domestic sales saw a 12.37 percent increase as against 4,84,433 units sold in Feb 21, exports surged 55.07 percent from 21,034 units in Feb 21 to 32,617 units last month. This took total sales up 14.14 percent from 5,05,467 units sold in Feb 21 to 5,6,957 units in March 21.
Year to Date Sales
Taking into account the period April 2020 to March 2021, Hero MotoCorp has noted de-growth in terms of motorcycle sales to the extent of 10.97 percent. Sales stood at 59,90,440 units in the 2019-20 period, dipping to 53,33,481 units in the same period of the current year. Scooter sales however increased 9.25 percent to 4,58,058 units, up 38,779 units as against 4,19,279 units sold in the FY 2019-20 period. However, total domestic sales dipped 10.13 percent while exports increased 7.49 percent from 1,78,261 units sold in FY2019-20 to 1,91,609 units sold in FY2020-21.
Over the past year, Hero MotoCorp has seen some significant launches of motorcycles and scooters among which were the Glamour Blaze, Pleasure+ Platinum, Maestro Edge 125 ‘Stealth’ Edition and Splendor+ Black and Accent. The company also launched the BS6 compliant Xtreme 200S and the Destini 125 Platinum.
Recent Updates
Hero MotoCorp also forged a partnership with Harley Davidson for development and sale of their premium range of motorcycles under the Harley Davidson brand name. The partnership also included setting up of a unit to manage Harley business in India and for the sale of parts and accessories and other riding gear via the Harley / Hero dealerships. Earlier this week, the company also announced an offer called ‘First to Ride’ under which a limited lot of 200 units of Harley Davidson bikes were offered to company employees or their family members at hefty discounts with each bike sporting the Chairman’s signature.
In June 2020, Hero MotoCorp also announced an investment of Rs.174 crores in Ather Energy, a Bengaluru based electric scooter startup, thus taking its total shareholding in the company to 34.81 percent. More

Hero SplendorPrice revision announced on Hero MotoCorp two wheelers wef April 1, 2021
At the fag end of FY21, one is left with no choice but to look back on the year that’s gone by. Last year this time, people were just waking up to Covid-19 pandemic. With it came a lockdown. Stringent norms meant for the first time ever, the auto industry collectively sold no vehicles in April 2020. Production and sales were at nought, and movement of people was restricted to only emergencies.
Since then, a lot has changed. Step by step businesses have inched their way back. And come April 2021, similar to most manufacturers, Hero MotoCorp is revising the ex-sh price of its motorcycles and scooters. Price hike comes in effect on April 1, 2021.
Price hike of upto 2.5k
Keeping in mind Hero’s wide product portfolio, price increase across the two-wheeler range will be up to Rs 2500. Exact hike varies depending on model/variant, and specific market. Price of best selling Hero products like Splendor, Passion, Maestro, HF Deluxe, Xpulse, etc – will also be increased.
Hero MotoCorp attributes the upward revision to partially offset impact of increased commodity costs. The company has accelerated its cost savings program. This is turn ensures minimal impact on the customer.
Hero Destini and Maestro – 100 Million Edition
FY22 price revision
Manufacturers have had to tread carefully in the quarter ending March 2021. Following a largely inactive Q1, it’s only in Q2 FY21 that business were slowly able to bob their head above the surface. The October to December quarter saw much activity considering traditional purchases during the festive season.
When the previous fiscal came to an end, companies were in a transition phase to BS6 compliant vehicles. The deadline for this was April 1, 2020. And that transition wasn’t the smoothest owing to Covid-19 pandemic related lockdown restrictions.
Luckily though, there has been an uptick in conversations related to the need of private commuter vehicles keeping in mind safety. Keeping in mind Hero MotoCorp’s ability to make sales of 5 lakh units on any given month look like a cakewalk, it seems its business as usual.
For 2021, this is the second public price revision announcement from Hero MotoCorp. The first again by design was made as we stepped into 2021. As is customary, new manufacturing year vehicles warrant a price hike at the start of each year. At the time, price revisions were made to the extent of 1,500 bucks depending on model and state of sales. In theory, this means a purchase decision deferred by 3 months can prove to be dearer by 4 grands for a prospective Hero customer. And this will not be the last of it. More