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    Hero MotoCorp To Launch Their First Electric Scooter In Q1 2022 – Chetak Rival

    Hero Maestro Electric Scooter. Credit – 91 WheelsHero MotoCorp will rival the likes of Bajaj, TVS, Ather, Okinawa and other electric two-wheeler manufacturers in India
    While Hero MotoCorp is undoubtedly the largest two-wheeler manufacturer in the world, it is yet to actively venture into electric mobility like its immediate rivals Bajaj Auto and TVS MotoCorp (no Hero Electric is a separate entity altogether). Even though company chairman Pawan Munjal has invested heavily in Ather Energy, a brand like Hero with so many resources is bound to have an electric lineup of its own.
    The two-wheeler manufacturer has now announced that it will launch its first electric product by the end of the fiscal year of FY2021-22, which means between January and March next year. The development was confirmed by company CFO, Niranjan Gupta, in an interaction with a leading business news website.
    Partnership With Gogoro
    The brand is currently working on developing both fixed-battery and swappable battery EVs. The latter type is being developed in association with Hero MotoCorp’s Taiwanese partner Gogoro. The electric scooters and motorcycles will make use of Gogoro’s technology and will be sold and marketed by Hero. In fact, in addition to its own models, Hero MotoCorp could also launch rebadged Gogoro scooters although nothing is confirmed as of now.
    Due to a family pact with Hero Electric, Hero MotoCorp would have to launch its electric two-wheelers under a separate brand name so as not to create confusion. This new brand name will be announced close to the launch of its first electric two-wheeler. Maybe we could get a sneak peek into the upcoming brands at the AutoExpo scheduled for February 2022 (if it were to happen).
    Gogoro Electric Scooter
    Electric Maestro Edge
    Hero’s first electric two-wheeler is expected to be based on Maestro Edge which has also been spotted testing on a couple of occasions a few months back. The e-scooter is currently being developed at the company’s R&D centre in Jaipur (CIT). A prototype of the e-scooter made its first public appearance at the Hero World event last year.
    On first glance, the electric scooter looks very similar to its IC engine-powered counterpart. However, on a closer look, one can notice subtle cosmetic variations. For instance, the biggest difference is the absence of an exhaust setup complemented by contrasting gold-coloured alloy wheels and front forks. Other styling elements included a smoked LED headlamp and blacked-out visor and rearview mirrors.
    The bikemaker is still tight-lipped about the e-scooter’s specifications regarding its powertrain although it is expected to utilise a belt-driven motor. As far as features go, it is expected to be offered with three ride modes including drive, park and reverse which could be controlled from the left-hand side switchgear.
    The fully digital instrument cluster from the petrol-powered scooter is expected to be carried forward in this electric iteration. Other features likely to be on offer include keyless start/stop and internet connectivity.
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    Honda Scooter, Motorcycle Sales April 2021 – Activa, Dio, Shine, Hornet, CB350

    Honda ActivaHonda 2Wheelers reports total (domestic wholesales and exports) sales in April 2021 at 2,83,045 units
    The market is a strange place now. In a most astounding fashion, Bajaj has surpassed Honda Two Wheelers total sales in April 2021. This is on account of notable growth in exports for Bajaj.
    Total sales stood at just below 3.5 lakh units. Honda Two Wheelers sold a total of 2,83,045 units. MoM decline stood at 31.14 percent, down from 4,11,037 units. Volume decline stood at 1,27,992 units. Best sellers include Activa, CB Shine, Dio, Grazia, Unicorn, Dream, Hornet, etc. CB350 too recorded decent sales.
    Honda Sales April 2021
    Of this, domestic sales stood at 2,40,100 units. MoM decline stood at 39.22 percent, down from 3,95,037 units. Volume decline stood at 1,54,937 units. Exports for the month are reported at 42,945 units. MoM growth was reported at 3 figures, up from 16k units. Volume gain stood at 26,945 units.
    Temp production halt
    Disruption in production, processes, supply chain, and distribution networks is a matter that manufacturers are having to deal with on a daily basis. Through April 2021, Covid-19 infection numbers being reported have continued to touch new highs.
    This in turn has prompted states to announce curated lockdowns yet again. This is not too different from what auto manufacturers experienced in April 2021 when manufacturing and sales had come to an absolute halt.
    And given the current need to proritise on safety, and save lives, a number of manufacturers have announced a production halt for a varying number of days. Starting on Labour Day, Honda Two-Wheelers has temporarily halted production until May 15, 2021. The shutdown will be used effectively to advance annual maintenance schedules.
    Decisions in regard to resuming production will be made in accordance with the what the Covid-19 situation looks like in a fortnight. For now, those who can work from home are doing so, and only essential staff is being called in to work at the company’s plants, and offices.
    HMSI scope
    On the global front, Honda is working on electric motorcycles and scooters. Given the potential India supposedly has, one could expect a Honda electric scooter to be a first product from the brand here.
    Honda Two Wheelers India plays an important part in Honda’s global strategy. For one, Honda has a large marketshare in India. And in the last two decades, it has expanded its global footprint from here through exports. Last year with the introduction of CB350, HMSI has chalked out a new path to make inroads.
    For one, this is a sizeable segment in India with rather few competitors where brands are concerned. It’s more like Royal Enfield pitting its bikes against each other. And Honda has finally put it’s foot through the door. It’s 350cc range isn’t just being sold here, but is also being exported. More

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    Hero MotoCorp April 2021 Sales At 3.72 L – Splendor, Deluxe, Passion, Pleasure

    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

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    Hero March 2021 Sales, Exports Breakup – Splendor, Passion, Maestro, Destini

    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

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    Hero Partners With Gogoro For Electric Scooter Tech, Charging Network

    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

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    New Hero HF100 Launch Price Rs 49.4k – Cheaper Than Splendor, HF Deluxe

    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

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    Hero Xpulse 200, Xpulse 200T, Xtreme 200S Prices Increased – Apr 2021

    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

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    Hero MotoCorp Sales March 2021 – Splendor, Passion, Xpulse, Destini 125

    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