Hero MotoCorp

Image – Mulraj Hero
Hero MotoCorp domestic dispatches and exports were both reported at YoY growth for November 2020

Hero MotoCorp’s claim to fame is the mass market commuter Splendor motorcycle. It’s the fulcrum around which the majority of the manufacturer’s business depends on. The motorcycle isn’t only a top seller for the company. But one that dominates the entire two-wheeler industry.
In November 2020, Splendor wholesales was reported at 1,97,899 units. That’s 8.88 percent YoY growth at volume gain of 16,142 units, up from 1,81,757 units. It captured 34.36 percent share of all Hero MotorCorp dispatches for the month.
Of course, Splendor’s splendid performance doesn’t end there. Over time, Splendor range was expanded to include the Plus and iSmart variant. There’s also a Black and accent edition. A comprehensive range gives Hero a convincing lead in the 100cc and 110cc segments. This also means, cumulative Splendor sales are even higher.
Addition of a further 50,499 units took total Splendor dispatches closer to 2.5 lakh units last month. HF Deluxe was a close second at 31.15 percent share. Dispatch grew 12.46 percent, up 19,882 units at 1,79,426 units from 1,59,544 units. In fact, both motorcycles accounted for just 75 percent of all domestic dispatches.
Hero MotoCorp Domestic Sales Nov 2020
Hero scooters and higher displacement bikes
The remainder of Hero’s portfolio is unable to replicate quite the same success. Hero Passion accounted for just under 10 percent share at 36.04 percent growth. Wholesales grew to 53,768 units from 39,525 units at volume gain of 14,243 units. Glamour sales fell. At 8.21 percent YoY decline, dispatches contracted to 39,899 units from 43,470 units. Though the company sells motorcycles by the dozen, so far, it’s been unable to replicate the same success with scooters.
Pleasure scooter sales grew at 6.67 percent, up at 19,707 units from 18,474 units. Destini 125 sales growth was robust at 100 percent. Sales doubled at 15,515 units from 7,744 units. Maestro sales grew to 12,412 units, up from 7,143 units. Hero finds even fewer takers for its higher displacement bikes. Xtreme 160R, a fairly new launch saw 5,460 units dispatched. XPulse 200 performance crumbled. Wholesales contracted to 1,372 units from 2,936 units.
Hero MotoCorp Exports Nov 2020
Hero MotoCorp exports in November 2020
And while Hero MotoCorp exercises complete dominance in the domestic front, its exports were at a bare minimal. Those numbers were as low as 16,801 in totality. Compare this with domestic wholesales of 5,75,957 units. At home, the company reported 13.80 percent YoY growth, up from 5,06,094 units.
In the export front, Splendor again topped the list with total 4,764 units exported. Both Splendor variant exports were similar at 2,454 units, and 2,310 units. HF Deluxe followed with 2,782 units. That of course was on the back of healthy growth at just under 50 percent, up from 1,872 units. Hunk exports stood at 2,549 units. Another product not on sale here. Xpulse 200 exports were reported at 1,434 units. In fact, that’s more than what was sold in India last month.
Achiever exports grew to 1,266 units. Duet was just shy of 1.1k units. Both from the Xtreme range, 200, and 150 saw numbers reported at 980, and 827, respectively. Currently, both bikes are not available for domestic sales – replaced by Xtreme 160R. While all the above products reported growth, Maestro exports fell. At 26.84 percent decline, sales fell to just under 500 units. Precisely, 496. Numbers reported for Destini 125 are on the same spectrum at 432 units. Last on the list with lowest export units were reserved for Hero Glamour. The glamour it enjoys in the domestic market is clearly lost overseas. Numbers were as low as 179 units.
December deals and discounts from Hero
In keeping the momentum going at the fag end of 2020, dealers have introduced a wide range of discounts. December deals are a great encouragement for potential customers. Especially since the preceding festive season saw most buyers schedule purchases then. And in the hope the Q4 ends positively, December proves to be a decent month for deals and discounts.
This makes sense as it’s an ideal way of ensuring MY20 stock is dispatched before the year ends. From the customer’s perspective, year end purchases prove to be a saving given the price hikes initiated in the new year when new model year vehicles are sold. This despite the fact that only the model year changes. One doesn’t expect any changes to the vehicle being sold. More

Hero Xtreme 160R
For those looking to buy a bike from Hero MotoCorp, there’s an offer on Xtreme 200S, Xtreme 160R, Xpulse 200

Aiming to boost sales, Hero MotoCorp has launched a special offer worth Rs 4k on its fully faired Xtreme 200S motorcycle, Xtreme 160R, and Xpulse 200. As may be recalled, Xtreme 200S was launched in its BS6 avatar in November at Rs 1.16 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The original variant made its debut last year and at that time, it was priced at Rs 98,500.
Xtreme 200S, Xtreme 160R, Xpulse 200 exchange / loyalty benefit
Customers buying Hero Xtreme 200S and 160R, and Xpulse 200 can save up to Rs 4k with this new offer. It is applicable for both new customers as well as existing users of a Hero motorcycle. Hero Xtreme 200S is already a competitively priced motorcycle and with the 4k offer, it has become even more attractive to potential buyers. Its primary rival is Bajaj Pulsar RS 200, which is available at a starting price of Rs 1.52 lakh.
In its price range, Hero Xtreme 200S also competes with TVS Apache RTR 200 4V that is available at a starting price of Rs 1.25 lakh. Another contender is Honda Hornet 2.0, which is available at a starting price of Rs 1.26 lakh. It was launched earlier this year in August.
Cash discount and loyalty bonus for December 2020
Current deals include Rs 2,100 cash discount on Hero Glamour. One can also choose from a loyalty and exchange bonus of Rs 2,100 on Hero Destini 125, Maestro 125, Maestro 110 Passion Pro and Super Splendor. With Hero MotoCorp offering a wide range of two wheelers, offers have been especially curated for a number of its motorcycles and scooters so a wide group of buyers can benefit.
Hero discounts Dec 2020
What’s new in Hero Xtreme 200S BS6
BS6 Hero Xtreme 200S is priced around Rs 17k more than the BS4 model. One key reason for this price hike is the new oil-cooled engine. The earlier BS4 engine was an air-cooled unit. The new 4-stroke, single cylinder OHC engine is capable of delivering 18 hp of max power at 8500 rpm and 16.45 Nm of max torque at 6500 rpm. It is mated to a 5-speed constant mesh gearbox and equipped with multi-plate, wet type clutch assembly.
The engine is powered by xSens tech that comprises a total of 14 sensors. These work together to ensure optimal power and performance as per riding conditions. The engine is also equipped with a cooling feature that reduces engine heating and prolongs its life.
Xtreme 200S utilizes a diamond type frame integrated with telescopic front forks and rectangular swingarm with mono shock suspension at the rear. Both front and rear wheels have disc brakes integrated with ABS.
Although the bike retains its core design, it gets some new features such as twin LED headlamps. It has sleek, aerodynamic fairing, fully digital instrument console and sporty exhaust. Colour options include Sports Red, Panther Black and Pearl Silver White.
A first-in-category feature is smartphone connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation. Once connected with the user’s smartphone and after entering the destination details, the navigation directions are displayed on the instrument console. Users also get alerts for incoming calls. More

Image – Mulraj Hero
Hero MotoCorp announces price revision across its product range of MY21 motorcycles and scooters

2020 bore witness to an unprecedentedly difficult business year owing to national lockdown relay to Covid-19 pandemic. As the year comes to a close, auto manufacturers have had important takeaways. Most managed to report an uptick in retail sales for the recently concluded festive season.
The two-wheeler industry has done well in recent weeks. Of them, Hero MotoCorp remains the industry giant with a lead that’s unthreatened. And despite difficult circumstances, it all came together for Hero MotoCorp. In October, the company reported retail sales at over 8 lakh units.
As 2021 approaches, one can expect all auto manufacturers to announce a range of price revisions across product portfolios. Hero MotoCorp attributes this to a steady rise in commodity costs across the spectrum, including steel, aluminium, plastics, and precious metals.
New Prices wef Jan 01, 2021
The manufacturer has accelerated its savings programme under Leap-2 umbrella, and continues to mitigate impact. This to reduce burden on customers, and protect company margins. To partially offset impact of commodity costs, Hero MotoCorp will increase product price by upto Rs 1,500, with effect from January 1, 2021.
Hero Discounts Dec 2020
Price increase will vary across models, including their best-sellers like Splendor, Passion, Deluxe, Glamour, Destini, Pleasure, Maestro and even the premium range like Xpulse, Xtreme. ‘Final price revisions will be communicated to dealers in due course,‘ said Hero MotoCorp in a regulatory filing.
A planned price hike such as this is a yearly occurrence. Depending on variables, price hikes are announced through the year. In most cases, for individual product ranges. Start of year price hike takes into account new model year vehicles. Given the situation, one can always opt to go bargain hunting for December deals.
With dealerships keeping a close eye on existing stock, it’s in everyones best interest to sell all current MY vehicles. More often than not, depending on availability, manufacturers curate special deals. Making price points as attractive as ever is enough to get noticed. And resultantly, maintain sales momentum.
Hero MotoCorp 2020 December deals
Hero MotoCorp is currently offering cash benefit of Rs 4,000 on exchange deals on purchase of Xtreme 200S, Xtreme 160R and Xpulse 200 over the fortnight. Destini 125, Maestro 125, Maestro 110 Passion Pro and Super Splendor are being offered with Rs 2,100 exchange and loyalty bonus while Hero Glamour comes with Rs 2,100 cash discount.
It’s safe to say that deals aren’t limiting. Customers could find themselves spoilt for choice. Especially, since, discount deals are available from multiple manufacturers. Following heightened sales activity during the festive season each year owing to a sizeable number of planned purchases, December sales could always seem lacklustre. The saving grace is always the quantum of end of year discounts and offers attractive enough to get customers back into showrooms.
This works well to ensure a strong year end, and Q4 cumulative sales. An inevitable price rise in 2021 is sometimes a good enough reason to buy that vehicle before the new year. Sales further thrived in recent months owing to flexibility in finance plans. This includes debit card bank EMI plans for two-wheeler purchases. More

File Photo.
Hero MotoCorp is developing an all new electric motorcycle for India

With Hero MotoCorp registering a new name ‘XTEC’, there are speculations that it could be the company’s first electric product. Considering that the company already has Xpulse and Xtreme range, the Xtec could be an electric motorcycle.
Hero MotoCorp electric motorcycle concept
As reported earlier, Hero MotoCorp is working on a premium electric motorcycle as well as affordable commuter electric two wheelers. The Xtec name could be used for the premium electric motorcycle that will be launched first. This is being developed via a joint collaboration between Hero Motocorp’s Technology Center in Germany (HTCG) and its R&D headquarters in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
The concept electric motorcycle is referred to as e-US, which is short for electric Ultra Sport. As of now, no other details are available about Hero MotoCorp’s first electric motorcycle. When unveiled, the concept will help the company to better understand customer opinions and expectations.
It’s true that India’s largest two wheeler manufacturer has been late in entering the electric segment. However, being an established brand, it shouldn’t have problems in convincing customers to buy its products. The electric two wheeler segment in the country was largely created by startups and it’s only recently that biggies like Bajaj and TVS have launched their electric products.
Hero XTEC name registered
Naming issue
The only problem Hero MotoCorp can face is that it has to come up with another name for its electric two wheelers. That’s because according to a legal agreement, Hero MotoCorp, which is led by Pawan Munjal, cannot use ‘Hero’ brand for its electric products.
The rights for that are with Hero Electric, which is owned and managed by Pawan’s cousin Naveen Munjal. It is to note that Hero MotoCorp and Hero Electric are entirely distinct business entities, even though the owners belong to the same family.
An option for Hero MotoCorp could be to use Ather Energy brand, which is already popular in the electric segment. As may be recalled, Hero MotoCorp owns 38.57% in Ather Energy. However, that route may also be challenging since Ather focuses on lifestyle products. Switching to low-cost electric products might negatively impact its premium brand value.
Hero MotoCorp can use a strategy similar to that of Chetak, which was launched without the obvious reference to Bajaj. Chetak electric scooter was positioned only as ‘Chetak’ and does not have ‘Bajaj’ branding. Hero MotoCorp already has popular names such as Splendor, Glamour, and Passion, which could be used as a part of the names for the company’s electric motorcycles. More

Hero Dealership
Yet again Hero MotoCorp domestic sales crosses 5 lakh units

Hero MotoCorp has reported strong sales in November 2020. The manufacturer consistently reports upward of 5 lakh units in monthly sales as a matter of habit rather than exception. So, yet again, total sales is reported at a mighty 5,91,091 units in November 2020. Sales growth is reported at 14.38 percent YoY when 5,16,775 units were sold. Volume gain stands at 74,316 units
Of this, domestic sales accounts for 5,75,957 units at 13.83 percent growth, up from 5,05,994 units at volume gain of 69,963 units. Exports accounted for 15,134 units. Though a small number, growth was significant at 40.38 percent from 10,781 units at volume gain of 4,353 units.
Hero MotoCorp Sales Nov 2020 vs Nov 2019 vs Oct 2020
Of domestic sales, motorcycles take precedence for the manufacturer. Sales is at a whopping 5,41,437 units, up 12.93 percent from 4,79,434 units. Volume growth alone stands at 62,003 units, more than what some manufacturers manage to sell in an entire month in the company. The scooter portfolio though on growth mode doesn’t seem to be as loved as Hero motorcycles. Sales is reported at 49,654 units, up by a third from 37,341 units.
Hero MotoCorp October 2020 MoM sales
MoM sales is reported at a decline since the manufacturer sold more than 8 lakh two-wheelers in Oct 20. A feat that only Hero MotoCorp could have pulled off. Total MoM sales decline is reported at 26.74 percent down from 8,06,848 units. Exports fell marginally at a deficit of 577 units down from 15,711 units. Domestic motorcycle sales fell 26.08 percent down from 7,32,498 units. Motorcycle range is dominated by Splendor, HF Deluxe, Passion, Xtreme, Xpulse, etc.
Hero MotoCorp YTD Sales Apr-Nov 2020
Scooter sales decline is reported at a third, down from 74,350 units. Total domestic sales fell by 27.2 percent down from 7,91,137 units at volume loss of 2,15,180 units. Scooter range includes the likes of Pleasure, Maestro, Destini, etc.
While sales in recent weeks has been promising, it’s not enough to go into the green for the year. FY21 YTD (April – Nov ’20) total sales amounts to 37,75,890 units, down 18.8 percent from 46,50,363 units. Of this, exports accounts for 97,542 units, down 15.81 percent from 1,15,864 units. Total domestic sales fell 18.88 percent down to 36,78,348 units from 45,34,499 units. Of tis motorcycle sales has fallen 19.18 percent at 34,80,990 units, and scooter sales fell 14.08 percent at 2,94,900 units from 3,43,222 units.
Hero intends to ride this wave further
At a time when it was difficult to foretell sales projection considering sales activity had come to a standstill owing to Covid-19 pandemic related nationwide lockdown, the two-wheeler industry has covered much ground, and how. No doubt market conditions have been challenged like never before, and supply and logistic chains disrupted but as business opened up in a phased manner, such niggles were sorted in a timely manner to prepare for the big fat Indian festive season.
Hero MotoCorp has led the two-wheeler industry revival from the front and reported record retail sales this festive season. Earlier it was reported that a staggering 14 lakh units were retailed in the 32- day period starting from Navratras till Bhai-Duj.
Hero MotoCorp attributes its stellar sales stance to its product portfolio, festive initiatives, digital sales solutions and safe customer buying experience. Sales growth has helped strengthen market leadership. Supply and production has been ramped across manufacturing units to meet increased demand. Hero MotoCorp aligns with the thought that increase in personal mobility requirements post Covid-19 restrictions will further strengthen demand for two-wheelers. The company intends to ride this wave further. More

Image – The Bengal Rider
New BS6 Hero Xtreme 200S is powered by a 199.6cc engine with oil cooling and XSens Technology

In October, Hero MotoCorp had launched four new products of Hero Splendor+ Black and Accent, Hero Glamour Blaze, Hero Pleasure+ Platinum and Hero Maestro Edge 125 Stealth. These will help the company boost sales during Diwali 2020.
Now, the company has launched the new BS6 compliant Xtreme 200S premium motorcycle. In its BS6 guise, the 200S sees some changes in terms of features, colour options and engine and this gets detailed in a walkaround video shot at the Ridhi Hero Howrah showroom and is seen on the Bengal Rider YouTube Channel.
Features and Colour Options
The new Hero Xtreme 200S is presented in 3 color schemes of Sports Red, Panther Black and a New Pearl Fadeless White and is now priced at Rs.1.16 lakhs which is higher by around Rs.14,800 over its BS4 counterpart which was priced at Rs.1,00,900.
The new BS6 Xtreme 200S sits on a diamond type frame and rides on 17 inch alloy wheels fitted with tubeless tyres. It stands 2,062mm in length, 778mm in width and 1,106mm in height with 165mm ground clearance and wheelbase of 1,338mm. Saddle height is at 759mm, fuel tank is of 12.8 liter capacity and kerb weight is at 154.5 kgs.
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The updated Xtreme 200S receives features such as twin LED headlamp, LED position lamp and LED tail lamp. It gets LED DRLs with black housing and LED back light unit. Its features also include sharp mirrors and an all digital LCD instrument panel with speedo and tacho readings along with gear position indicator and engine malfunction light at the top right hand corner of the screen. The rider can sync the system via Bluetooth and get turn by turn navigation and call alerts on the instrument panel.
BS6 Engine
The BS6 compliant engine that now makes its way onto the new Hero Xtreme 200S sees a dip in performance as compared to its BS4 counterpart. The 199.6 cc, single cylinder, 4 stroke, fuel injected, oil cooled engine gets XSens technology and delivers 17.8 hp power at 8,500 rpm and 16.4 Nm torque at 6,500 rpm mated to a 5 speed constant mesh transmission.
This is 0.3 hp and 0.7 Nm lower than that seen on the BS4 compliant engine. Suspension is via telescopic fork in the front and 7 step adjustable mono shock at the rear while braking is managed via 276mm disc in front and 200mm disc at the rear along with single channel ABS.
This premium, fully faired motorcycle, for which bookings have opened and deliveries are set to commence soon, competes with the likes of Bajaj Pulsar 180F, 220F, TVS Apache 200, etc. Hero MotoCorp is offering the new 200S with complimentary Road Side Assistance for 1 year with on call support, repair on the spot, tow to nearest Hero service center, fuel delivery in case of fuel run out, flat tyre support, key retrieval support and battery jump start. More