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    Hero Splendor Helps Create Largest Hero MotoCorp Logo With 1,845 Motorcycles

    Hero Splendor Motorcycles Creates Largest Hero LogoThis monumental feat was achieved at the Hero MotoCorp manufacturing facility in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh
    Ten years ago, Hero parted ways with long-time partner Honda to venture solo into the Indian auto industry. This led to the birth of Hero MotoCorp which went on to become the largest two-wheeler manufacturer in the world. Recently, Hero MotoCorp celebrated its tenth anniversary in the Indian two-wheeler market.
    The company decided to mark this occasion in a rather unique and memorable way. Hero MotoCorp has now entered the Guinness World Book of Records after creating the largest replication of its brand’s logo to become ‘Largest Motorcycle Logo’ in the world and the bikemaker used its oldest existing model for this purpose.
    More Details
    As many as 1845 units of Splendor Plus motorcycles were used at the company’s manufacturing facility in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, to create this enormous logo. The motorcycles were assembled in an empty field measuring 1000ft by 800ft which folks at the plant had to level first in order to make it a flat canvas.
    The entire process took 90 days and over 300 man-hours worth of work. A total of 100 people were involved in completing this mammoth task. Below video shows the detailed process carried out in achieving this unique record.
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    Although the record was set on July 29, it was formally announced by Hero on August 9, the day when the completed 10 years of its solo operations in India. The bikemaker has also released a video of the same on social media.
    Since the pandemic has struck globally, an adjudicator from Guinness World Records was virtually present to witness the record. The adjudicator was accompanied by other independent witnesses who were also appointed as per the Guinness guidelines.
    Splendor Plus Details
    Hero Splendor Plus is one of the most affordable motorcycles in the country at present with a starting price of Rs 63,000 (ex-showroom). It is powered by a 97.2cc single-cylinder fuel-injected engine which develops a power of 7.91 bhp and a torque of 8.05 Nm. This unit is paired with a 4-speed gearbox.
    The latest iteration is also offered with Hero’s XSens technology. This feature turns off the engine when it idles for more than 5 seconds in traffic and turns back on once the clutch lever is pulled. This helps in extracting better mileage out of the motorcycle.
    The company also organised an event recently to mark its tenth anniversary in the Indian market which highlighted future products from the company. These included upcoming battery-powered two-wheelers, the first of which was teased at the event. However, the bikemaker cannot use its ‘Hero’ brand for its dedicated EV lineup due to a conflict of interest between itself and Hero Electric. More

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    New Hero MotoCorp Electric Scooter Officially Teased – Bajaj Chetak Rival

    Hero MotoCorp electric scooterDuring the event, it was confirmed that Hero MotoCorp is currently working on a number of electric vehicles
    There have been a lot of conjectures regarding the development of electric two-wheelers from Hero MotorCorp. Right from its launch timeline to its prospective range of products, everything has been ambiguous up until now. The company hasn’t even decided on a brand name for its dedicated electric vehicle (EV) vertical as of now.
    As already revealed, it cannot use the brand ‘Hero’ for its EV lineup since this right has been held by Hero Electric, a separate EV manufacturing entity. Amidst all uncertainties, images of what is supposed to be the first electric scooter from the two-wheeler giant have gone viral on the internet.
    A pre-production prototype of the upcoming electric scooter from Hero MotoCorp has been teased during the company’s 10th anniversary celebration live stream recently. While the company refrained from divulging any specific details regarding the product, the teaser image does give us an idea of what to expect from the upcoming e-scooter. The scooter shown in the image is an uncamouflaged prototype wearing a white paint scheme.
    Styling of e-scooter
    For starters, the scooter appears to stand on 12-inch front and 10-inch rear black alloy wheels which look sporty. The rear wheel also doesn’t feature a hub-mounted motor. The scooter also misses out on double-sided swingarms as found on Gogoro electric scooters patented in India a few months ago.
    Dr Pawan Munjal, Chairman, Hero MotoCorp revealed their new electric scooter at their R&D Center in Rajasthan.
    Interestingly, as opposed to earlier notions, the upcoming electric scooter from Hero doesn’t share any major styling elements with the two-wheelers from the Taiwanese manufacturer. Therefore, it indicates that this scooter might be indigenously developed by the bikemaker. In fact, the design is very different from the electrified version of Maestro Edge whose testing prototype had been spotted on a couple of occasions earlier.
    The blacked-out embellishments on the handlebar, side and rear fenders and floorboard give the scooter a sporty appeal. Other notable design highlights include curvy bodywork, a shoot flyscreen and a lengthy split-seat. The detachable pillion seat suggests this e-scooter could also be offered for last-mile business purposes.
    More Details
    During the event, Dr. Pawan Munjal, chairman and CEO, Hero MotoCorp, said that the upcoming electric scooter will be officially revealed soon. He further went on to reveal that the company is currently working on multiple other products, including ones with the battery swapping tech from Gogoro, something that was revealed earlier this year in April. The electric scooter shown in the image above is speculated to be the one to be offered with a fast-charging option.
    Upon launch, it will rival the likes of Ola Electric, Bajaj Chetak, TVS iQube and many more. Electric scooter sales are on the rise in India, thanks to reduction in prices and increase in fuel prices. More

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    Hero MotoCorp July 2021 Sales Decline – Splendor, Passion, Deluxe, Maestro

    Hero SplendorHero MotoCorp also introduced two new products – Glamour Xtec and ‘Connected’ Maestro Edge 125
    Two-wheeler major Hero MotoCorp has released their sales figures for July 2021. Even as the company has commenced operations at most of its dealerships across the country save for those in certain areas where COVID-19 pandemic rages on, sales have declined. The report states that sales dipped 12.6 percent year-on-year (YoY). This decline in sales was seen both in case of motorcycles and scooters in the past month.
    Total sales which had stood at 5,20,104 units in July 2020 dipped to 4,54,398 units in July 2021. Motorcycle sales were at 4,24,126 units in July 2021 which was a de-growth from 4,48,260 units sold in July 2020. Best sellers include Splendor, HF Deluxe, Passion, Glamour, etc.
    Scooter sales also dipped from 35,844 units sold in July 2020 to 30,272 units in the past month. Top selling scooters include Pleasure, Maestro, Destini. Domestic sales suffered a de-growth from 5,12,541 units sold in July 2020 to 4,29,208 units in July 2021 while exports surged significantly from 7,563 units shipped in July 2020 to 25,190 units exported in the past month.
    YTD Sales Growth
    Even as YoY sales suffered de-growth, Hero MotoCorp has noted significant growth in terms of YTD sales. During FY2021 percent, motorcycle and scooter sales stood at 10,84,769 units which increased to 14,78,905 units in FY 2022. Growth was seen in motorcycle sales which increased from 10,08,439 units sold in FY 2021 to 13,83,715 units in YTD FY 2022. Scooter sales stood at 95,190 units in FY2022, a notable increase of 76,330 units sold in FY 2021.
    Hero MotoCorp Sales July 2021
    Even as YTD domestic sales increased from 10,52,278 units in FY 2021 to 13,69,915 units in FY2022, company’s exports excelled at 1,08,990 units in FY 2022 up from 32,491 units shipped in FY 2021.
    Future sales of Hero MotoCorp are expected to surge both in rural and urban markets following a favourable monsoon along with an urgent need for personal means of travel in view of the ongoing pandemic. The upcoming festive season would also see a boost in sales. Hero MotoCorp has established a strong presence in a host of global markets over the past few years. Apart from increase in domestic sales, export figures could also increase in the months ahead following commencement of retail sales in key markets of Mexico.
    In Mexico, where the company will operate through local agencies and dealerships, products such as Xpulse 200, Xpulse 200T, Hunk 190, Hunk 160R, Hunk 150, Eco 150 TR, Eco 150 Cargo, and Ignitor 125 and Dash 125 scooter will be offered to cater to a diverse segment of buyers in the country. These products will be available with a 3 year/30,000 km warranty.
    New Product Portfolio
    Hero MotoCorp has introduced an extensive portfolio of products that including motorcycles and a scooter. The company has strengthened its 125cc segment with two new launches that include the Glamour in an ‘Xtec’ avatar along with a ‘connected’ Hero Maestro Edge 125 scooter. As a part of company’s initiatives in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic in India, Hero MotoCorp has extended support in setting up a 50 bed COVID Ward and ICU at Janakpuri Super Specialty Hospital, New Delhi. More

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    Hero MotoCorp Starts Retail Ops In Mexico – Xpulse 200, Hunk 190, Ignitor, Dash

    Hero Hunk In Mexico. Image – SamuelHero MotoCorp begins retail ops in Mexico through distributor network
    As part of Hero Motocorp’s aggressive expansion plans in furthering global business, the auto manufacturer has started retail sales in Mexico. Business in the key market had been announced earlier in the year. And now sales channels have been set up to see the growth plan come to fruition.
    Product portfolio that has been currently introduced includes motorcycles and a scooter. This helps reach out to a diverse segment of customers. Vehicle range includes Xpulse 200, Xpulse 200T, Hunk 190, Hunk 160R, Hunk 150, Eco 150 TR, Eco 150 Cargo, and Ignitor 125, and Dash 125 scooter.
    Distributor, agencies and dealers
    The company has been able to offer these products at competitive prices through the retail arm of the distributor, agencies and dealers. This extensive network helps have control over distribution costs. Products will be distributed through an extensive retail distribution network encompassing dealer and consumer outlets, and service centres.
    The distribution agreement introduces a good range of products for Mexican customers. Alongside, customers can benefit from attractive financing options. With this development, buyers can now pick from a range of stylish and affordable two-wheelers. Vehicles are available with a warranty of three years or 30,000 kilometers. The products compliment Hero’s aim to improve its market share in the international market.
    Hero Dash. Image – hirudov
    Over time, Hero MotoCorp has reported phenomenal growth spurt in sales owing to their wide variety of high-quality products at efficient price points. In addition to this, they have built upon market reach that is envied by most other companies.
    Growth in exports
    Hero MotoCorp being a multinational conglomerate has a wide array of operations in many different countries around the world. The company has grown considerably over the years. In recent years, we can see its ever-growing presence an international level, and not just from its ever-growing revenues.
    Growth in global operations can be evidenced by volumes which have increased year on year. Amidst difficulties through the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, Hero MotoCorp registered its highest-ever monthly dispatch to global markets in March 2021. Growth has been reported in the current financial year (FY22) too.
    Sanjay Bhan, Head of Global Business, Hero MotoCorp, said, “This is an important development in our international business growth story. Mexico will be a key market for us in the future and this is the first step in this direction. The range of products that we have introduced here should excite and cater to a wide segment of customers.” More

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    Hero MotoCorp Cannot Use HERO Brand For Their Electric Scooters, Motorcycles, EVs

    Gogoro Electric Scooter. Hero MotoCorp has partnered with Gogoro.Hero MotoCorp has been also been developing EV models independently at its R&D centres in Rajasthan in India and at Stephanskirchen in Germany
    We already know that Hero MotCorp, headed by Pawan Munjal, plans on heavily investing in the electric vehicle space in the near future. However, there is a big hurdle that the company needs to overcome before it can actually step into the EV space. The world’s biggest two-wheeler manufacturer cannot use the ‘HERO’ brand name when it comes to electric mobility.
    The fight between two Hero’s
    This name has been reserved for ‘Hero Electric’, which is a separate firm altogether and headed by another Munjal family member- Naveen Munjal. For the uninitiated, Naveen is Vijay Munjal’s son, cousin of Pawan Munjal. Naveen has been running the Hero Electric two-wheeler business since 2007.
    Naveen claims that his company has received “global rights over the Hero brand name in perpetuity” for electric mobility be it for personal use or the commercial market, reveals ET Auto. According to a family settlement of 2010, Hero MotoCorp and its promoters are barred from using the ‘Hero’ brand name for any segment of vehicle- two-, three- or four-wheelers which are powered by a battery. The Global rights for green technology have been allotted to Naveen Munjal-run Hero Electric.
    More Details
    Naveen said that his company would take legal recourse in case of a violation by Hero MotoCorp. He, however, added that Hero MotoCorp can enter the business of electric mobility using a different brand name, since there is no non-compete/prohibition on other clan members. But considering that the brand name is important, it will be a difficult task ahead for Hero MotoCorp in the EV space, without the HERO branding.
    Hero Electric Scooter Dealer
    Earlier this year, Hero MotoCorp announced its alliance with Taiwan-based electric mobility manufacturer- Gogoro, to develop EV’s in India. In addition to development of electric two-wheelers, Gogoro will also share its expertise with urban battery swapping and smart mobility innovation. The company will also help Hero to build a widespread charging network across India.
    Hero MotorCorp EV plans
    In May this year, Gogoro filed patents for Viva electric scooter at the intellectual property office in India. These trademarks were in the form of both its design as well as its name.
    This suggested that Viva would be launched as a rebranded Hero MotoCorp electric scooter in the country. Hero MotoCorp has planned to officially step into the EV space by launching its first electric two-wheeler in March 2022 which is expected to be the rebadged Gogoro Viva.
    Other than this, Hero MotoCorp has another battery-powered e-scooter on its way next year in the form of Maestro Edge Electric. Test mules of the electric scooter have been spotted on multiple occasions in recent past. However, Hero MotoCorp would want to settle all disputes with Hero Electric or think of another brand name for its upcoming EV lineup.
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    New Hero Maestro Edge 125 Launched – LED Headlamp, Bluetooth, Digital Speedo

    2021 Hero Maestro EdgeHero MotoCorp offers updated Maestro Edge 125 at a starting price of Rs 72,250 and goes up against TVS Ntorq 125
    Hero MotoCorp first launched its premier scooter brand Maestro in India back in 2015 along with the Duet. While the latter has been discontinued since April last year, the Maestro Edge brand continues to be a strong seller for the two-wheeler company. The scooter is sold in two engine configurations- 110cc and 125cc.
    The latter made its debut in February 2020. The largest two-wheeler manufacturer has now updated the 125cc iteration of Maestro Edge. It comes with mild cosmetic updates which includes new body graphics and colour options. It also gets new features.
    Updated Styling
    Overall design is retained as it gets the same design from the current model. There are subtle feature upgrades such LED headlight, a sportier front apron and sporty colour combo which make the scooter look more attractive.
    It will continue to feature 12-inch black alloy wheels and a textured single-piece seat. In terms of features it gets first-in-segment projector LED Headlamp, fully digital speedometer, Bluetooth connectivity with call alerts and turn-by-turn navigation, Hero Connect and new sharper design features.
    2021 Hero Maestro Edge
    Available in exciting new colors at Hero MotoCorp customer touch-points across the country, the Maestro Edge 125 is attractively priced at Rs. 72,250/- (Drum variant), Rs. 76,500/- (Disc variant) and Rs. 79,750 (Connected variant). All prices are Ex-Showroom, Delhi.
    Specifications & Features
    There would be no changes in terms of its specifications. It will be powered by a 124cc single-cylinder air-cooled motor that is capable of producing 9 bhp at 7,000rpm and peak torque of 10.4 Nm at 5,500rpm.
    This unit is paired with a V-Matic CVT gearbox. In terms of hardware, suspension duties are handled by telescopic forks upfront and a mono-shock at rear. Braking is carried out by drum brakes at both ends as standard with an option for a disc brake at front.
    2021 Hero Maestro Edge
    Other features on offer include an external fuel filler cap, under-seat USB charging, Hero’s Integrated Braking System and i3s engine start/stop system. Maestro Edge 125 is offered in three trims- standard, front disc and Stealth Black, the last one being an additional colour variant with a front disc. The scooter is offered in six standard colour options including Pearl Fadeless White, Matte Red, Matte Vernier Grey, Matte Techno Blue, Matte Brown, and Prismatic Purple.
    Malo Le Masson, Head of Strategy and Global Product Planning, Hero MotoCorp, said, “The Maestro Edge 125 has been a key player in the 125cc scooter segment. In this latest avatar, we have sharpened its ‘Edge’ further with LED Projector headlamp, Digital Speedometer, Turn-by-Turn Navigation and Bluetooth connectivity. This scooter has it all. These upgrades are part of our overall portfolio push to provide more technology and features to our customers.” More

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    New Hero Glamour Xtec 125cc Launch Price Rs 79k – Gets Bluetooth, Navigation

    Hero Glamour XTECGlamour Xtec variant packs in visual enhancements as well as functional updates
    One of the bestselling Hero motorcycles, Glamour has consistently featured in the list of top ten motorcycles in the country. However, if we consider the premium 125cc segment, Glamour doesn’t quite fit the bill in its current form. Customers looking for a more premium experience in the 125cc space usually go for bikes such as Honda SP 125. This is exactly why Hero feels the need for a more upmarket product.
    With the updates, Xtec is priced around Rs 3k-4k higher. Existing Glamour is available in the price range of Rs 73,200 to Rs 78,500. XTEC is priced from Rs Rs 78.900 for the base drum variant and Rs 83,500 for the disc brake variant. All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi.
    Hero Glamour Xtec styling
    Xtec is essentially a feature-rich variant of Glamour. Its sportier styling and new range of features will enable improved competencies vis-à-vis rivals like SP 125. Xtec continues using the same design as the current Glamour model. Visual updates are primarily in the form of new colour options and refreshed graphics.
    Glamour Xtec will be offered in three colour options, Techno Black, Grey Blue and Grey Red. Techno Black is an all-black colour theme, which ensures a dominating road presence. It comes with contrasting white graphics, as can be seen on the headlamp cowl, fuel tank, and side panels.
    Hero Glamour XTEC
    White rim strips are also part of the package. The other two colour options utilize the same basic layout. The only difference is in the colour of graphics used. Grey Blue and Grey Red get blue and red coloured graphics, respectively.
    Existing Glamour motorcycle is offered in colour options of Sports Red, Midnight Black, Radiant Red, and Techno Blue. The 100 Million Limited Edition model was also launched earlier this year in March.
    Glamour Xtec new features
    Talking about functional updates, Glamour Xtec gets a fully digital instrument console. It packs in digital speedometer, tachometer and real-time mileage indicator. The bike also gets gear position indicator. To justify its premium profile, Xtec is also equipped with LED headlight. It also gets first-in-segment Bluetooth connectivity, Turn-by-Turn Navigation, Integrated USB Charger along with Side-Stand Engine cut off, Bank Angle Sensor.
    Powering Xtec will be the same 124.7 cc engine as is used with Glamour and other 125cc Hero motorcycles. The engine is capable of generating 10.73 hp of max power at 7500 rpm and 10.6 Nm of max torque at 6000 rpm. It is mated to a 5-speed constant mesh transmission.
    Malo Le Masson, Head of Strategy and Global Product Planning, Hero MotoCorp, said, “The new Glamour Xtec brings an ‘X’ factor to the segment, with first-in-class features like LED headlamp and Turn-by-Turn Navigation through Bluetooth connectivity. It has the ideal combination of features that appeal to the youth. The Glamour Xtec caters to customers’ aspirations for Technology, Style and Safety at a much more accessible price.” More

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    Hero Price Increase July 2021 – Splendor, Passion, Deluxe, Xpulse, Maestro

    Image – Hyper RiderThe price increase will impact every model in the company lineup – Rising input costs has been cited as reason for this decision
    Hero MotoCorp has announced a price hike across portfolio. The new prices come into effect from 1st July 2021. This is the second price hike in this calendar year. The company had earlier hiked prices in March 2021.
    As the prices for raw materials like steel, aluminum and precious metals have sharply increased, Hero MotoCorp had no other option but to pass on the hike to end customer. Raw materials price, many of which are at an all-time high, has impacting input costs. Hero MotoCorp’s cost saving program has however ensured that this price hike will have a minimum impact on customers.
    Hero Motorcycle Prices – July 2021
    The price hike will impact all models of scooters and motorcycles and start off at a price hike on the Hero HF 100 Kick Drum Spoke by Rs 300. The earlier price of Rs.50,700 has now been increased to Rs.50,900 while the highest price hike of Rs.3,800 is on Hero Xtreme 200S which was earlier priced at Rs.1,20,214 to a new high of Rs.1,24,014.
    Price hikes across the scooter segment start off at Rs.850 for the Hero Pleasure Plus which from Rs.64,100 has now been increased to Rs.64,950. There is also a Rs.1,600 price hike on the Hero Destini 125 drum brake steel wheel variant which has been hiked from Rs.58,900 to Rs.60,500. Below is the detailed list of new prices of all Hero motorcycles on sale.
    Hero Motorcycle Prices – July 2021
    Hero MotoCorp is set to introduce the new Glamour XTEC premium commuter bike in India. This is a more premium iteration of the standard Glamour 125cc that the company already retails in India along with the Super Splendor. The Glamour XTEC will come in with more premium features and will hence carry a higher price tag.
    Hero Scooter Prices – July 2021
    Hero Scooter Prices – July 2021
    Scooters such as the Hero Maestro Edge, Maestro edge 125 and Hero Destini 125 Drum Brake Alloy Wheel Platinum has also been hiked by Rs 1,560 while the Drum Brake Alloy Wheel variant gets a price hike of Rs 1,550. Below is the list of new prices of Hero scooters.
    Several other two wheeler makers have also announced price hikes. Honda Two Wheeler prices have also been increased from 3rd July 2021 by upto Rs.2,000. Honda also cites that rising input costs are reasons for this price hike along with escalating fuel prices.
    Decline in sales in view of the pandemic situation has impacted the industry and rising input costs are putting on further pressure. The situation however, seems to be easing in several states and restrictions are being lifted which could soon see operations and sales moving back to normal.
    Along with two wheeler makers, automakers are also announcing revised pricing. Maruti Suzuki announced higher pricing for the third time in June 21, the third time this calendar year while other automakers could soon follow suit. More