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      Hero MotoCorp Likely To Manufacture Harley Davidson Motorcycles In India

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      Hero MotoCorp looks the likely candidate to continue Harley Davidson’s operation in India
      A few days ago we received the heartbreaking news of motorcycling giant Harley Davidson quitting India. The company failed to increase their sales in India and that has forced the bike maker to make this tough decision. After a decade of unfruitful returns, the company shut down all its manufacturing and sales operations in India.

      The Milwaukee-based motorcycle brand on Thursday announced that it is shutting down its manufacturing plant in India. According to FADA, the closure of Harley Davidson’s operations in India could lead up to over 2000 job losses. However, that might not be the end of the road for the iconic brand in India.
      What this deal could mean?
      As per reports, Hero MotoCorp is close to inking a deal with Harley Davidson which will grant the distribution rights of the latter’s products in India. This distribution arrangement will allow the Indian bikemaker to import and sell Harley-Davidson bikes in India. However, there has been no official word from either of the companies.

      Hero MotoCorp could also manufacture Harley Davidson motorcycles in India. They have no plans to takeover the Bawal plant of Harley, as they have production capacity at their existing plants. This could likely mean that the Street 750 and the upcoming Street 350 will likely be produced in India by Hero MotoCorp.
      A Harley official was recently quoted saying, “This is not a permanent exit. We are evaluating all options to maintain a presence in the Indian market after December.” Currently, both companies are working out the modalities of managing Harley’s 33 outlets in India. Confirmation about the same could be received in the next fifteen days.
      Harley in India
      HD arrived in India about a decade back. At first, they only sold CBUs. Later, Harley Davidson started assembly operations and brought completely knocked down (CKD) kits imported from the USA at their facility in Bawal, Haryana. The company is currently in the process of laying off its workers and informing its dealers and suppliers about reimbursements and future plans. In a decade of operations in India, the American marque could only sell 25,000 units of its motorcycles till date.
      Hero MotoCorp, on the other hand is the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer and therefore, it is fitting that the company takes over Harley’s operations in India. However, industry experts believe that Hero is not looking to take over Harley’s Bawal facility or any other asset as it is confident of contract manufacturing and assembly of Harley motorcycles in India.
      If the deal does materialise, then Harley could continue its operations in India at a considerably lower cost structure than before. Harley Davidson is currently evaluating options to continue offering servicing and spare parts to its existing customers. Reports suggest an official announcement could be made within 2 weeks.
      Other Manufacturers who quit India
      The Street 750 has been the most popular bike from the American bike manufacturer in India. Harley Davidson becomes the latest bandwagon of automotive manufacturers to quit India. The others include General Motors, Fiat, UM Motorcycles, MAN and Scania. More

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      Hero Splendor, HF Deluxe, Passion, Glamour – Sales and Exports Data Aug 2020

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      Splendor and HF Deluxe have kept up their strong performances on the sales chart
      Hero MotoCorp seems to have recovered from the lull that it was facing along with other manufacturers for the last few months due to an economic meltdown further aided by the novel coronavirus. Numbers suggest that the bike maker has surpassed the figures registered in August last year to the numbers recorded in August this year.
      Domestic Sales

      The world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer has exceeded the number of vehicles registered in August 2019 by 48,834 units. In the domestic market, Hero recorded sales of 5.68 lakh units in Aug 2020 as compared to almost 5.20 lakh units sold during the same period in 2019. Thus the company recorded an overall growth of 9.39 percent over last year.
      As usual, it was the old lads from Hero’s range- Splendor and HF Deluxe which recorded maximum sales of 1,77,811 units and 1,77,168 units. Both of them recorded an impressive YoY growth of 4.44 percent and 10.26 percent. They are also the most affordable bikes in the company’s lineup.
      Hero MotoCorp Domestic Sales Aug 2020
      Strong figures have also been registered by Splendor 125 (54,490), Glamour (54,315) and Passion (52,471), although unlike the others Glamour registered degrowth of 10.53 percent. The Splendour 125 and Passion registered a positive growth of over 27 percent each.
      The scooter segment of Hero MotoCorp has also been performing very well with Pleasure and Destini 125 registering sales of 16,935 units and 13,609 units respectively. However, Maestro witnessed a fall of 33 percent on YoY sales since until last month only Maestro 125 was on sale. The Maestro Edge 110 got its BS6 compliance a few days ago and went on sale recently.
      However, the surprise package was the new Xtreme 160R which sold 12,037 units with a massive growth of 476 percent. Needless to say, the Xtreme 160R has been given a thumping response by the consumers.
      Exports
      Hero MotoCorp Exports Aug 2020
      However, things were not as smooth when it comes to exports as overall exports declined by 14.89 percent. Some of the products registered decent exports which include Passion (3,060), Splendor 125 (2824), Hunk (discontinued in India) (2,180) Glamour(1,574) and Splendor(1408) recorded decent enough numbers
      The scooter segment is not very popular overseas and that can be witnessed clearly by the YoY decline in exports. Maestro (250 units), Destini 125 (131 units) and Pleasure (40 units). Hero MotoCorp would be hoping that the export figures could also improve in the coming months just as its domestic figures stood.
      Also READ;Bajaj Sales and Exports Aug 2020TVS Sales and Exports Aug 2020 More

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      Hero Ultra Sport electric motorcycle under development in Germany

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      The Hero e-US is expected to be unveiled at one of the high-profile events in foreseeable future
      Hero Electric and Hero MotoCorp are two different companies. Both are into manufacturing and selling of two wheelers in India. The former has only focused in electric vehicles, while the latter, which is India’s largest two wheeler brand, is yet to launch an electric vehicle.

      With electric vehicles the future, Hero Motocorp’s Technology Center in Germany (HTCG) is currently collaborating with the two wheeler giant’s Jaipur R&D HQ to develop a new premium electric motorcycle concept in addition to working on mainstream, cost-effective EV solutions.
      Hero e-US or Hero Ultra Sport Eectric
      According to a recent report by Moneycontrol, the powerful electric motorcycle concept which is currently under development by Munich-based HTCG is called the e-US (electric Ultra Sport). No additional information is available at this point but it is likely to be a design study to gather public opinion about a potential electric high-performance flagship.
      Hero ION Concept from 2014 Auto Expo
      If we were to hazard a guess, the Hero e-US could be an edgy street fighter with performance levels equivalent to a conventional quarter liter motorcycle. Or it could even be offering higher levels of performance to match something like the Ultroviolette F77. The concept is expected to be showcased at a high-profile event when it is ready. The timeline is not clear as of now.
      Branding challenge for electric portfolio
      Speaking at the latest Annual General Meeting, Hero Motocorp’s chairman Pawan Munjal stated that the company is well on course with its plans to enter the promising electric two wheeler market in the country. He also added that the pure electric products that are being developed by Hero Motocorp are independent of its subsidiary Ather Energy’s products.
      It is to be noted that a pact between the Munjal family prevents Pawan Munjal-led Hero Motocorp to use the Hero brand name for its own electric products. As per the agreement within the family, this right is reserved for Hero Electric which is run by Pawan’s cousin Naveen Munjal.
      Hero Electric is already a well established brand in the country with a market share of 45% in the e-scooter space. So, Hero Motocorp will have to chose a different brand name for its EV operations and that could be posing a huge marketing challenge.
      Given Hero Motocorp has a significant stake (38.57% to be preceise) in Ather Energy, one could think using this brand to expand its electric vehicle business is a no brainer. However, Ather focuses on lifestyle products above INR 1 lakh and has previously stated it has no intention to cater to lower price categories.
      Using the Ather brand for its low-cost electric commuters would significantly dilute its value in premium segment. We expect Hero Motocorp to announce its new EV brand in the coming months.
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      Hero Maestro 110 BS6 Deliveries Start – Prices vs Activa, Jupiter

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      The Hero Maestro 110 will rival India’s two best selling scooters – Honda Activa 6G and TVS Jupiter
      Hero MotoCorp has launched the new BS6 compliant Maestro Edge 110 scooter. It will be presented in two variants of STD and ZX priced at Rs.60,950 and Rs.62,450 respectively. Deliveries of the scooter has already started.

      Sporting a similar design as seen on its BS4 counterpart, the BS6 Hero Maestro 110 scooter gets new body decals. It will be seen with features such as a halogen headlamp, LED tail lamp, semi digital instrument cluster and side stand sensor. It will also come equipped with an under seat light, USB port and external fuel filler cap as a part of its user conveniences.
      The update on the website also details a total of 6 colour options. These include Midnight Blue, Seal Silver, Candy Blazing Red, Pearl Fadeless White, Panther Black and Techno Blue. The 110 scooter also receives a revised exhaust muffler that is in a similar design as that which is also seen on the Maestro Edge 125. This change has resulted in a 2 kg increase in kerb weight to 112 kgs.
      First owner of Hero Maestro 110 BS6
      Engine
      Both variants of Maestro Edge 110 will be powered by the same engine that powers the BS6 Pleasure Plus. This 110.9cc single cylinder, fuel injected, air cooled engine makes 8 hp power at 7,500 rpm and 8.75 Nm torque at 5,500 rpm. The engine gets mated to a CVT gearbox. The bike will also get Xsens technology which the company states will improve acceleration and fuel efficiency.
      Suspension will be handled via telescopic fork in the front and single shock absorber at the rear. The Maestro 110 will ride on a 12 inch front wheel and 10 inch wheel at the rear. Its pricing and feature put the Hero Maestro 110 in direct competition with the Honda Activa 6G (priced from Rs 65,419) and TVS Jupiter (Rs 63,552). Below are prices compared of Hero Maestro BS6 110 Rivals.
      Hero Maestro BS6 110 Prices vs Rivals
      Sales
      Hero MotoCorp has noted increased sales following the lockdown with 5,84,456 units of scooters and motorcycles sold in August 2020 as against 5,24,003 units sold in August last year. The company currently has four scooters on offer, that include Destini 125, Maestro Edge 125, Maestro Edge 110, and Pleasure+.
      Plans are to capture a one-fifth share of the scooter market with new products planned for launch this festive season. The company could also enter the electric vehicle segment with the launch of new electric scooters in the future. More

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      Honda Activa 6G vs Hero Maestro BS6 vs TVS Jupiter – Specs Compare

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      The BS6 compliant Maestro Edge 110 has been revealed by Hero MotoCorp and will be pitted against Honda Activa 6G and TVS Jupiter
      The 110cc scooter segment has always been a competitive one with good offerings from all two-wheeler brands. Hero MotoCorp has recently revealed its BS6 compliant Maestro Edge 110 and is expected to be launched soon. Upon its launch, it will rival other strong performers in this segment like Honda Activa 6G and TVS Jupiter.

      All three scooters have their fair share of strengths which makes them popular among consumers. Let us see how the latest scooter offering from Hero stack up against its closest rivals from Honda and TVS.
      Engine
      Hero Maestro Edge 110 will now carry a BS6 compliant 110.9cc engine which is a little bigger than the rest of its compatriots in this segment. This is why power figures are also slightly higher whereas torque is more or less the same in all three. Due to fuel-injection, there is no visible power loss at least on paper and the torque has increased by 0.05 Nm.
      BS6 Hero Maestro Edge 110
      The BS6 compliant fuel-injected motor of Jupiter claims an efficiency of 62 kmpl which is 15 percent more than its BS4 model. Honda Activa 6G, on the other hand, is said to have an improved fuel efficiency of nearly 10 percent which translates to 45 kmpl. The exact fuel efficiency figures of Maestro are yet to be revealed but we can expect an ARAI rated mileage of over 60 kmpl.
      Specs BS6
      Maestro
      Activa
      Jupiter
      Engine
      110.9 cc
      109.51cc
      109.7cc
      Power
      8.15PS at 7500rpm
      7.79PS at 8000rpm
      7.47PS at 7000rpm
      Torque
      8.75Nm at 5500rpm
      8.79Nm at 5250rpm
      8.4Nm at 5500rpm
      Gearbox
      CVT
      CVT
      CVT
      Features
      All three are decently equipped with a semi-digital instrument cluster, mobile charging port and external fuel cap common to all. Like all BS6 upgrades, the updated Maestro Edge 110 gets an ECU. The ECU is complemented by a number of sensors like a throttle position sensor, engine oil temperature sensor, crank position sensor and many others which collectively form the new XSens sensor technology. However, it misses out on a starter generator which Jupiter and Activa 6G are offered with.
      Honda Activa BS6
      Dynamics
      All three carry an underbone frame with a telescopic fork at front, however, the Maestro gets a simple shock absorber instead of a preload adjustable mono-shock suspension. The Activa 6G and Maestro Edge 110 continue to employ drum brakes at both front and rear. Whereas, TVS recently launched a new ZX variant of Jupiter which comes with disc brakes of size 220mm at front.
      CBS is offered as standard on all three scooters. Front and rear wheels of both Activa and Maestro measure 12 and 10-inch respectively. However, the Jupiter ZX comes with 12-inch wheels at the rear as well which gives a better ride quality.
      Specs BS6
      Maestro
      Activa
      Jupiter
      Frame
      Underbone frame
      Underbone frame
      Underbone frame
      Front Suspension
      Telescopic
      Telescopic
      Telescopic
      Rear Suspension
      Shock absorber
      Mono-shock
      Mono-shock
      Front brake
      Drum CBS
      130mm drum CBS
      220mm disc/130mm drum CBS
      Rear brake
      Drum CBS
      130mm drum CBS
      130mm drum CBS
      Front tyre
      90/90-12 54J
      90/90-12 54J
      90/90-12 54J
      Rear tyre
      90/100-10 53J
      90/100-10 53J
      90/90-12 54 J
      Dimensions
      BS6 TVS Jupiter ZX Disc
      TVS Jupiter has the longest wheelbase but the lowest ground clearance while Activa has the highest ground clearance at 171mm. At 112kg, the updated Maestro is the heaviest among the three which might affect the performance as well as the fuel efficiency a little. Also, fuel tank capacity of Maestro Edge 110 is the lowest at 5 litres which means more refilling at long-distance commutes.
      Specs BS6
      Maestro
      Activa
      Jupiter
      Wheelbase
      1261mm
      1260mm
      1275mm
      GC
      155mm
      171mm
      150mm
      Fuel tank
      5 L
      5.3 L
      6 L
      Seat ht
      775mm
      764mm
      765mm
      Kerb wt
      112kg
      107kg
      109kg
      Price
      At the time of filing this story, Hero has not released the prices of the BS6 compliant Maestro Edge 110 but we can expect a jump of Rs 6000-7000 for prices to stand at around Rs 56,000. On the other hand, Activa 6G prices start at Rs 65,419 and Jupiter prices start at Rs 63,552. All prices mentioned are ex-showroom. The BS6 Maestro Edge 110 will continue to be the most affordable of the lot.
      BS6
      Maestro
      Activa
      Jupiter
      Ex-sh Price
      N.A
      Rs 65,419-66,919
      Rs 63,552-70,052 More

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      New Hero Maestro Edge 110 Revealed – Honda Activa 6g Rival

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      The BS6 updated Maestro Edge gets new body graphics and is expected to be launched soon
      Hero MotoCorp has officially revealed the BS6 complaint Maestro Edge 110 automatic scooter. The same has been listed on its official website. The new BS6 model is similar in terms of its design to its BS4 predecessor, however, the updated model comes with new graphics over its body panels and front apron.

      The updated model looks more sporty as it targets the young audience. It comes with alloys as before. The BS6 Maestro Edge 110 will now be available in six colours– Midnight Blue, Candy Blazing Red, Techno Blue, Pearl Fadeless White, Seal Silver and Panther Black.
      Features
      As far as equipment is concerned it comes with a semi-digital instrument cluster, an integrated braking system, an always-on headlamp, LED tail lights, side stand indicator and a mobile charging port to name a few. It also comes equipped with a smart sensor technology- XSens, which helps improve the fuel economy. In terms of safety, it gets a combination lock and external fuel filler cap.

      Hardware on the scooter remains identical to the BS4 model. The suspension is operated by a unit swing with telescopic forks at the front and a spring-loaded hydraulic damper at the rear. Details about the braking setup have not been revealed on the website. Although it is most likely to feature drum brakes on both ends. The front and rear wheel of the scooter measures 12 and 10 inches respectively. The Maestro Edge 110 tips the weighing scales at 112 kg.
      Powertrain

      The BS6 updated scooter gets its power from a 110.9cc single-cylinder fuel-injected engine which develops an output of 8 bhp at 7,500rpm and 8.75 Nm of peak torque 5,500rpm. The engine is mated to a CVT gearbox. Thanks to XSens- smart sensor technology, the updated Maestro Edge 110 will see a rise in fuel efficiency, improved pick up and better uphill climb.
      Expected Price

      Hero MotoCorp has updated almost all its scooter range to BS6 emission norms. It currently has four scooters in its product lineup- Destini 125, Pleasure Plus, Maestro Edge 125 and its younger sibling which is yet to be launched. Prices of the updated Maestro Edge 110 will be revealed at the time of launch.
      One can expect a hike in prices of Rs 6,000-7,000. For reference, the BS4 model was retailed at Rs 49,904 (ex-showroom). Although bookings haven’t started as of yet, interested consumers could register themselves for a test ride. Once launched, it will take on the likes of Honda Activa 6G and TVS Jupiter in the 110 cc scooter segment. More

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      New Honda Hornet Arrives At Dealer – Exhaust Note, First Look Video

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      The Hornet 2.0 has started reaching dealerships and deliveries are expected to commence shortly
      Honda Two-Wheelers India recently launched the Hornet 2.0, which will serve as a sporty commuter in the 180-200cc segment in the company’s line-up. The CB Hornet 160R has been discontinued, and in its place, Hornet 2.0 has been launched. It has received a new BS6 compliant engine and fresh makeover.
      Design

      The Hornet 2.0 is the first commuter bike from the Japanese auto giant to feature in this highly competitive segment of 180-200cc. Honda claims that the new Hornet 2.0 doesn’t share any components from its predecessor Hornet 160R. In fact, it borrows its hardware from CBR190R which is sold at the international markets. As evident from the video, the new motorcycle is a lot more muscular in design.
      The Japanese two-wheeler manufacturer launched the Hornet 2.0 on the occasion of its 20th anniversary at the Indian market. As mentioned above, the bike has received a complete makeover as seen in the walkaround video below. The video posted by MRD Vlogs on their YouTube channel describes the new bike in detail. Take a look at the first look video of Honda Hornet 2.0 below.
      [embedded content]
      Each body panel has been reconfigured to give it a distinct look and including parts such as the headlamps and tail lamps. The most prominent thing one notices are the sharp extensions of its fuel tank which syncs well with the rest of the body. The headlight cluster gets a new split design. So does the tail light which now gets an X-shaped design.
      Another beautiful addition is the faux vents positioned underneath the pillion seat. The new Hornet 2.0 now gets a twin-barrel exhaust. Also, the engine cowl below adds to the sportiness of the bike. The motorcycle is available in four colours– Pearl Igneous Black, Matte Sangria Red Metallic, Matte Axis Grey Metallic and Matte Marvel Blue Metallic.
      Mechanical Details
      Coming to the dynamics, the bike employs upside down USD forks at front which is the first in this segment. It stands on 17-inch front and rear wheels with profiles of 110/70 and 140/70 which make it the widest pair of tyres in the segment. Braking duties are carried out by discs of size 276mm and 220mm at front and rear respectively.
      As far as powertrain is concerned, it draws its powers from a 184cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine which delivers an output of 17bhp @ 8,500rpm and 16.1 Nm @ 6000rpm. This is a little low considering the competition it faces. This engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox and is expected to return efficiency of around 40-45 kmpl.
      The video has been shot at Ganpati Honda in Gurugram which shows that the motorcycles have started reaching dealerships and deliveries are expected to begin soon. Honda has pitted the Hornet 2.0 against the likes of Bajaj Pulsar NS 200, Apache RTR 200 4V. Hornet 2.0 is offered at a starting price of Rs 1.26 lakh (ex-showroom). More

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      Hero MotoCorp Aug 2020 Sales at 5.84 Lakh – Splendor Best Seller

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      The company is running at nearly 100% production capacity and is expecting further growth during festive season
      In what could be a considered as a good news for the two wheeler industry in the country, Hero MotoCorp has posted a positive YoY sales growth for the first time after the onset of this ongoing pandemic. The country’s leading two wheeler maker witnessed its sales surpass pre-COVID levels in the month of August 2020 with a tally of 584,456 units. That’s a YoY growth of 7.55%.
      Areas of growth

      The August figures represent fourth consecutive month of positive growth for Hero MotoCorp and is 13% higher than what it achieved in July 2020. The company credited the latest product, the Hero Xtreme 160R, for the improved sales performance. The motorcycle has quickly improved the brand’s market share in the premium segment.
      Hero MotoCorp says that it has been witnessing a strong retail off-take lead by rural and semi-urban centers generating demand. The demand is so strong that the company is currently operating in pull-market mode of production and supply. Below is the detailed sales report of Hero MotoCorp for Aug 2020.
      Hero MotoCorp Sales Aug 2020
      Moving forward
      Buoyed by the consistent growth in the recent months, the world’s largest maker of motorcycles and scooters (by volume) is ‘cautiously’ anticipating an upward trajectory in sales owing to several factors such as the increasing consumer confidence and the upcoming festive season.
      As the Indian government easing lockdowns and travel restrictions across the country, almost all of Hero MotoCorp’s touch points across the country are open. Moreover, the company is operating nearly at its 100% capacity to plug the demand supply gap.
      Hero MotoCorp’s strong performance could be considered as a clear indicator of recovery in the two wheeler market. We expect other major two brands to witness similar improvement in sales figures in the coming months as festive season approaches. With India being one of the largest two wheeler markets in the world, the industry has a significant contribution to the nation’s economy.
      Hero Xtreme 160R
      The newly launched Hero Xtreme 160R has been receiving a positive response in the market. August 2020 was its first full month of retail. With a radical styling, the compact displacement sports naked motorcycle has caught the fancy of young urban audience.
      The motorcycle is powered by a 163 cc fuel-injected, air-cooled engine mated to a 5-speed gearbox. The power and torque figures stand at 15 hp and 14 Nm respectively. Salient features include LED headlamps and turn indicators, digital instrument console and single-channel ABS.
      Hero
      Aug-20
      Aug-19
      Diff
      %
      Motorcycles
      5,44,658
      4,98,547
      46,111
      9.25
      Scooters
      39,798
      44,859
      -5,061
      -11.28
      Domestic
      5,68,674
      5,24,003
      44,671
      8.52
      Exports
      15,782
      19,403
      -3,621
      -18.66
      Total
      5,84,456
      5,43,406
      41,050
      7.55

            Hero
      Apr – Aug 20
      Apr – Aug 20
      Diff
      %
      Motorcycles
      15,46,107
      27,16,339
      -11,70,232
      -43.08
      Scooters
      1,16,126
      2,05,797
      -89,671
      -43.57
      Domestic
      16,13,961
      28,41,008
      -12,27,047
      -43.19
      Exports
      48,272
      81,128
      -32,856
      -40.50
      Total
      16,62,233
      29,22,136
      -12,59,903
      -43.12 More