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  • Hero Maestro Stealth 125, Pleasure Platinum Black 110 – Activa Rivals Launch Soon

    It is not surprising that the special edition version gets only minor cosmetic upgrades
    The festive season is here and the flood of special edition variants are just starting to gather momentum. Hero Motocorp is gearing up to be one of the first to introduce a special edition in the highly competitive automatic scooter segment. The Hero Pleasure Plus Platinum Black Edition and Maestro Edge Stealth have been leaked ahead its imminent launch.
    Hero Pleasure Plus Platinum Black Edition

    Launched in mid-2019 as a premium version of the popular Pleasure nameplate, the Plus variant offers bolder styling. The scooter received a slightly larger engine with electronic fuel injection earlier this year to comply with the BS6 emission norms. The leaked Hero Pleasure Plus Platinum Black Edition receives a few visual additions to justify its special edition status.
    For starers, the new version of the automatic scooter sports dual-tone black-brown seat and matching brown plastic panels and foot board. The new colour tone goes well with the special edition model’s black paint job. In addition to the default chrome applique on the front apron, the Hero Pleasure Plus Platinum Black Edition also receives chrome accents on rims, heat shied on silencer, rear view mirror housings and stalks, handlebar end weights and seat backrest mount.
    Hero Pleasure Plus Platinum Black Edition
    Hero Maestro Edge Stealth Edition
    Just like the Hero Pleasure Plus Platinum Black Edition, the new Hero Maestro Edge Stealth Edition also gets dark matte grey colour treatment. In addition, it also gets carbon black stripes on exterior, new graphics with matte grey theme, stealth chest badging, dual textured seat and diamond cut alloy wheels.
    Features and specifications
    The feature highlights of the Hero Pleasure Plus Platinum Black Edition as well as the Maestro Edge Stealth are identical to those of the regular variants. It includes alloy wheels, USB charging port, LED illumination for the undeseat storage space, tubeless tyres, side-stand indicator and integrated braking system.
    Hero Pleasure Plus Platinum Black Edition
    The special edition Hero Pleasure Plus will continue to be powered by the 110 cc air-cooled, fuel-injected engine which is delivers 8 hp and 8.7 Nm of torque. The company claims that the BS6 motor offers slightly better fuel economy and pickup compared to the old carbureted engine. It rivals the likes of Honda Activa 6G and TVS Jupiter in the 110 cc scooter segment.
    Speaking about the Hero Maestro Edge Stealth, it is powered by a 125 cc air cooled FI engine, which delivers 9 bhp of power and 10.4 Nm of torque. It rivals the likes of Honda Activa 125, Suzuki Access 125, etc in the 125cc scooter segment.
    Hero Maestro Edge 125 Stealth Edition
    Prices
    The Hero Pleasure Plus scooter is priced at INR 56,800 for the entry-level electric start, steel wheel variant. The Platinum Black special edition is likely to command a premium of around INR 2-3k over the top-end variant which is currently priced at INR 58,950. Similarly, the Maestro Edge Stealth 125 is expected to be priced about Rs 2-3k over the top variant, which is priced at Rs 71,450 for the top variant. (prices are ex-showroom, New Delhi).

    Hero Motocorp Sales
    Post lockdown, Hero Motocorp has been witnessing steady growth in sales performance. In September 2020, the company posted strong sales of 7,15,718 units in the domestic market, helped significantly by the Splendor which emerged as the best selling two wheeler in the country again. Motorcycles alone accounted for over 6.60 lakh units last month. More

  • Hero Splendor Helps Co. Post 7.15 Lakh Sales In Sep 2020 – Prices Increased

    Hero Splendor was the no 1 selling two wheeler in the company line-up for Sep 2020
    Hero MotoCorp reported sales of 7,15,718 units in September 2020, its highest in a year that’s been unprecedented, and like never before. Sales grew at 16.91 percent having gained volume of 1,03,514 units from 6,12,204 units sold in September 2019.

    Of this motorcycle sales takes the lion’s share of 6,60,948 units. Hero offers a range of mass market commuter motorcycles, and given the current unavailability of public transport, a small cc motorcycle seems a good bet. Sales grew 18.30 percent at volume gain of 1,02,252 units from 5,58,696 units sold a year earlier. Splendor was once again the no 1 selling Hero.
    Scooter sales gained 2.36 percent, up at 54,770 units from 53,508 units. Hero’s domestic market sales being its stronghold accounts for 6,97,293 units at 16.12 percent growth, up from 6,00509 units. Exports growth is reported at 57.55 percent up at 18,425 units from 11,695 units.
    Hero MotoCorp Sales Sep 2020
    Price Increase
    Hero announced that from today, October 1, 2020, the company has made a price revision of upto 2 percent across its product range to offset rising input costs and commodity prices. At present, Hero is working at almost 100 percent production capacity and almost all its dealerships are open.
    While sales is looking up, the lull experienced at the start of FY21 has created a creator that’s going to be hard to fill by the end of the FY. The only thing to look forward would be to see how much of that gap Hero MotoCorp can cover in the remaining 6 months. Being the largest two-wheeler manufacturer means the brand’s sales decline is in lakhs now at almost a third down.
    April – September 2020 sales
    April – September motorcycle sales decline is reported at 32.61 percent, down at 22,07,055 units from 32,75,035 units sold in the same 6 month last year. The deficit stands at 10,67,980 units. Scooter sales decline for the period is reported at 34.09 percent. Sales fell to 1,70,896 units, down 88,409 units from 2,59,305 units sold in the same 6 months in 2019.
    Total domestic sales decline is pegged at 32.84 percent. Sales fell to 23,11,254 units from 34,41,517, lower by 11,30,263 units. Exports have declined by 28.15 percent, down at 66,697 units from 92,823 units. Total sales for YTD FY21 is pegged at 23,77,951 units, down 32.72 percent from 35,34,340 unit sold in the same six months a year prior. Sales is currently trailing by 11,56,389 units. Sales slowdown is attributed to total business shut down through April, and restarting of operations in May 2020 in a phased manner.
    MoM Sales
    Alongwith YoY growth, the manufacturer posted MoM sales growth of 16.9 percent, up from sales of 6,12,204 units the month earlier (Aug 2020). While manufacturers continues to deal with disruption in its network components supply chain owing to labour shortage, and logistics, Hero MotoCorp sold 18,14,683 units in the Q2 FY21 (July-September) at 7.3 percent YoY growth., up from 16,91,420 units sold in Q2 FY20.
    Hero MotoCorp remains cautiously confident of the potential of the ongoing festive season with peak festival season in October and November. The manufacturer looks forward to yet another month of high retail sales. More

  • Hero Destini 125cc BS6 Scooter Xtra Features Detailed – New TVC

    Hero Destini 125cc BS6 is the most affordable scooter in the segment
    While Hero MotoCorp dominates the commuter motorcycle segment, its scooters are yet to achieve the top-selling tag. To boost its performance in scooter segment, the company has consistently launched new products and introduced new features. The latest to join the list is all-new Destini 125 that comes with improved styling and a range of updates.

    All-new Destini 125 is being positioned as an effective upgrade option for customers that have the budget for a standard 110 cc scooter. It is claimed that while customers will benefit from the new features, they will not be burdened with additional costs. All-new Destini 125 metal wheel and alloy wheel variants are priced at Rs 65,810 and Rs 68,600, respectively (ex-sh, Delhi).
    All-new Destini 125 – New features
    The scooter has been updated with features such as new LED guide lamps and XSens smart sensor technology. Talking about the latter, XSens comprises several sensors that improve performance according to riding conditions. These sensors include oxygen sensor, throttle position sensor, crank position sensor, vehicle speed sensor, air pressure sensor, air inlet temperature sensor, engine oil temperature sensor, bank angle sensor and side stand sensor. Below is the new TVC of Hero Destini BS6.
    [embedded content]
    These sensors ensure a range of benefits such as smoother rides, more power and torque, improved engine life, improved rider safety, fast acceleration and improved fuel economy. All-new Destini 125 acceleration and mileage have been improved by 10% and 11%, respectively, as compared to the outgoing model.
    Other key features include always headlamp on, chrome accents at the front for a trendy look and feel, premium dual seat, body coloured rear view mirrors, semi-digital instrument console, external fuel filling, mobile charging port & boot light, and combination lock. Safety features include side stand indicator and integrated braking.
    Destini 125 is available in a range of attractive colour options such as Noble Red, Candy Blazing Red, Panther Black and Chestnut Bronze. Customers looking for relatively sober colour options can choose Pearl Silver White or Matt Grey Silver.
    Hero Destini vs Rivals, ex-sh Prices
    All-new Destini 125 engine
    Powering the scooter is a 124.6 cc air cooled engine that churns out 9 bhp of max power at 7000 rpm and 10.4 Nm of max torque at 5500 rpm. Transmission is a variomatic drive connected to a dry, centrifugal clutch. Rivals of the Destini 125 are Honda Activa 125, Suzuki Access, Honda Grazia. In comparison to rivals, it is the cheapest scooter in the segment.
    With the updates, Hero MotoCorp will be expecting a boost in sales for Destini 125. In August, Destini 125 was the second bestselling Hero scooter, trailing behind Hero Pleasure. In the top ten list of bestselling scooters, Destini 125 was placed at ninth position with 13,609 units sold in August 2020. It had registered an impressive 39.79% YoY gain, as compared to 9,735 units sold in August last year. Just like other two-wheelers, Destini 125 sales could witness an upswing during the festive season. More

  • Hero MotoCorp Likely To Manufacture Harley Davidson Motorcycles In India

    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

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

    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

  • Hero Ultra Sport electric motorcycle under development in Germany

    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.
    Source More

  • Hero Maestro 110 BS6 Deliveries Start – Prices vs Activa, Jupiter

    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

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

    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