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    KTM India Celebrates 10th Anniversary – Ownership Benefits Announced

    Image for reference. Credit – Adarsh SureshSpecial benefits from KTM are being offered for a limited period of time on all KTM and Husqvarna models booked from 18 August 2021 onwards
    KTM brand is widely credited for giving impetus to the premium segment of motorcycles in India. Offerings from the Austrian brand are especially known for their exceptional performance and cater to a large section of enthusiastic riders across the country. The company is now celebrating its 10th anniversary in the Indian market.
    Over the course of a decade, the bikemaker has gone on to become a reputed brand for sporty motorcycles. First launched in 2012, KTM has grown from a portfolio of just two models in only one segment to eleven models under three different segments including Naked, Supersport and Adventure in India.
    The company currently offers motorcycles for different purposes with different engine displacements ranging from 125cc to 390cc. To mark its 10th anniversary in India, KTM has introduced a range of benefits for its consumers.
    These special offers are valid on all new KTM and Husqvarna motorcycles sold in the country. The Husqvarna brand of motorcycles, a Swedish subsidiary of KTM, made its debut in India early last year.
    Image – KTM Kollam
    Special Benefits on offer
    The Austrian bikemaker is offering a free three-year warranty extension in addition to the standard two-year warranty. This effectively translates to a 5-year free warranty package. Other benefits include a complimentary one-year roadside assistance and a 50 percent discount on Pro-Experiences. These offers will be valid for a limited period of time on all KTM and Husqvarna models booked on or after 18 August 2021.
    KTM introduced Pro-Experiences last year which offers a range of expert curated ride experiences across trails, tarmac and track for its owners The bikemaker hasn’t yet specified an exact end date for the offers to expire, however, it will be communicated subsequently. Apart from the benefits listed above, customers can also avail retail finance schemes covering up to 95 percent of the loan amount.
    Updated KTM Range
    According to Sumeet Narang, President (Probiking) at Bajaj Auto Ltd., KTM currently has 500 showrooms and workshops across India. The brand is currently looking to overhaul almost its entire lineup with new generation models which will be launched starting in a few weeks. These include new-gen models of RC 200, Duke 200, Duke 250, RC 390, Duke 390 and Adventure 390.
    In all probability, KTM will launch the new-gen model of its flagship RC 390 first. Booking for the upcoming iteration of the supersport motorcycle has commenced at certain dealerships unofficially at an unspecified token amount ranging between Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000. The new Rc 390 is expected to undergo radical upgrades both on top and underneath its skin. More

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    Husqvarna India Motorcycle Sales, Exports Crosses 15k In H1 2021

    Image – Area of InterestHusqvarna India manufactures Svartpilen and Vitpilen range of motorcycles at their plant near Pune
    Swedish brand Husqvarna made its entry into the Indian market early last year. Despite of going through struggles caused due to the pandemic, the brand has managed to maintain their sales number steady.
    They have also been able to create a niche market for itself. Currently, Husqvarna sells only two models- the 250 siblings- Svartpilen and Vitpilen in India. However, the India has become the brand’s export hub for select sub 400cc motorcycles.
    The motorcycles from the Swedish brand are manufactured at Bajaj Auto’s Chakan-based manufacturing facility near Pune where both Bajaj and KTM branded two-wheelers are manufactured. The company was able to dispatch as many as 15,485 units of its models in the first six months of 2021 which includes both domestic sales and exports.
    Larger Export Lineup For Husqvarna
    Out of them, only 2,120 units were sold in the Indian market while the rest were shipped overseas. This is due to a large portfolio for the export market which is locally manufactured in India. The company manufactures 125, 201 and 401 along with 250 iterations of Svartpilen and Vitpilen bikes in the country which are shipped overseas.
    Husqvarna India Sales / Exports – June 2021
    The maximum number of units exported were Svartpilen 401 and Vitpilen 401 with a total 6,698 units shipped to foreign markets during the first half of calendar year 2021. These two models are powered by a 373cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine which also propels Bajaj Dominar 400 and KTM 390 series. This unit pumps out 43 bhp and 37 Nm of peak torque and is paired with a six-speed gearbox.
    While the company was able to sell 2,120 units of Husky 250 in the Indian market, it shipped 1,602 units of Husky 250 to overseas countries. The entry-level Husky model- Svartpilen 125 witnessed exports of 3,696 units during the first six months of CY2021. On the other hand, Husqvarna 201 recorded the least number of exports during the first of CY2021 with a total of 1,369 units dispatched.
    Average monthly dispatches
    Interestingly, despite the peak of second wave of pandemic, the month of April witnessed the highest number of dispatches with 3,337 units including both domestic sales and exports. March recorded the lowest number of dispatches of 1,487 units. For the first six months, average monthly dispatches for the domestic market as well as overseas markets stood at 2,581 units.
    Average monthly dispatch for Svartpilen 401 and Vitpilen 401 was the highest for the first six months of CY2021 with 1,116 units per month. Whereas, Husky 201 recorded the lowest average monthly dispatch of 228 units per month. While all these models are manufactured in India, it is not clear if and when Husqvarna will launch its new set of motorcycles in the country. More

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    KTM Duke 125, 200, 250, 390 ADV, RC And Husqvarna – July 2021 Prices

    Image – AUTOHOLIC MANISHKTM and Husqvarna have released fresh prices of their models which have been in effect since July 1, 2021
    A fresh bout of price hike has been kickstarted by automotive brands in India. Bajaj Auto’s alliance partner KTM has hiked prices for all models under its own brand and Husqvarna brand by a considerable amount. The latest price revision is the third instance this year and certainly not going to be the last.
    The hike in prices is attributed to rising input costs caused due to high inflation of the market. This might affect the prospects of new consumers wanting to own a new automobile. Meanwhile, the latest price hike from KTM and Husqvarna ranges from Rs 2,022 to Rs 11,685. Other than revision of prices, there is no update on any motorcycle on any level. Latest price hike is upto a staggering 6.36%.
    KTM 125, 200 Range
    The KTM range starts with Duke 125 now priced at Rs 1.70 lakh as opposed to Rs 1.60 lakh after a hike of Rs 10,196. RC 125 is up next, whose price has been increased by Rs 10,324 and now offered at Rs 1,80,538. Prior to this update, the entry-level sportbike was offered at Rs 1,70,214.
    These two are among the best selling KTMs in India and now come with the highest price hike among the KTM India range. Both motorcycles share the same underpinnings and are powered by a 125cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine which delivers 14.5 bhp at 9250rpm and 12 Nm of peak torque at 8000rpm.
    KTM and Husqvarna Prices July 2021 vs Last Price Hike In April 2021
    Duke 200 has witnessed the least hike in the form of Rs 2,278 and is now priced at Rs 1,85,606 as opposed to Rs 1,83,328 previously. RC200 can now be had at Rs 2,08,602 instead of Rs 2,06,349 after a price increment of Rs 2,253. Both motorcycles are powered by a 200cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine which churns out 25.83 bhp at 10,000rpm and 19.5 Nm of torque at 8000rpm.
    KTM and Husqvarna Prices July 2021 vs Nov 2020. This is the 5th price hike since Nov 2020.
    KTM 250, 390 Range
    KTM will now offer Duke 250 at a price of Rs 2,28,736 after a hike of Rs 7,104. Earlier it was priced at Rs 2,21,632. Duke 250 is the only bike in the KTM range which hasn’t received any substantial price hike and only received a hike of Rs 256 due to an increase in freight charges. It continues to be priced at Rs. 2.55 lakh. Both models are propelled 249cc 4-valve DOHC engine which develops 30 bhp at 9000 rpm and a peak torque of 24 Nm at 7500rpm.
    390 Series of KTM comprises three models- Duke 390, RC 390 and Adventure 390. All have received a similar hike of around Rs 11,600 and are now priced at Rs 2,87,545, Rs 2,77,515 and Rs 3,28,286 respectively. All of them feature the same 373cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine which pushes out 43.5 bhp at 9000rpm and 37 Nm of torque at 7000 rpm.
    Husqvarna Range
    There are only two models retailed under the Husqvarna brand in India- Svartpilen 250 and Vitpilen 250. They are currently priced at Rs 2,10,650 and Rs 2,10,022 respectively after a hike of Rs 11,908. Both Swedish models feature the same 249cc liquid-cooled engine they share with their Austrian cousins. All prices mentioned are ex-showroom. More

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    Husqvarna India Sales, Exports FY21 Crosses 18k – Svartpilen, Vitpilen 125, 201, 250, 401

    Image – Trending MotoPHHusqvarna is currently focused more on global markets, as compared to domestic sales
    Husqvarna motorcycles in India are manufactured at Bajaj Auto’s plant in Chakan, near Pune. The company produces sub 400cc Husqvarna motorcycles under the Svartpilen and Vitpilen brand. Production includes 125, 201, 250 and 401 range of the two brands.
    Of these, only Vitpilen 250 and Svartpilen 250 are offered in the domestic market. The ratio of exports to domestic sales is roughly 2:1. As Husqvarna motorcycles have received good response in the Indian market, other capacity bikes could also be launched here in the future.
    Husqvarna Sales and Exports FY21
    Total sales of Vitpilen 250 and Svartpilen 250 in FY21 in domestic market is 6,170 units. Lowest sales of 73 units was recorded in May last year, whereas highest sales of 972 units was in August. Average sales works out at around 560 units per month.
    In export markets, the most preferred is Husqvarna 401. A total of 6,472 units were exported from the period May 2020 to March 2021. Lowest export numbers of 72 units was recorded in November last year, whereas highest exports of 1,466 units was in February 2021. The average works out at around 588 units per month for Husqvarna 401.
    Husqvarna Sales and Exports – FY 2021
    The second bestseller in terms of volumes is Husqvarna 125 with total exports of 2,508 units in FY21. Lowest exports were 114 units in November last year and highest came in January 2021 at 1,092 units. Average works out at around 501 units per month in FY21.
    At number three in exports is Husqvarna 250 with a total of 1,986 units. Lowest numbers of 42 units were recorded in May last year and the highest of 420 units came in February 2021. Average is at around 180 units per month.
    Husqvarna 201 has total exports of 1,670 units in FY21. The least numbers were in May last year at 3 units and highest of 360 units was recorded in February 2021. Average is around 151 units per month.
    Husqvarna Sales and Exports – FY 2021
    Future Plans
    For increasing sales, it is imperative that Husqvarna will have to expand its portfolio in the domestic market. Husqvarna 125cc and 201cc could generate good demand in the domestic market. We have already witnessed a similar trend with KTM 125cc and 200cc motorcycles, which are the primary volume generators for KTM in the domestic market.
    Another possibility is that Husqvarna may step up focus on electric segment to boost sales in India. The company recently unveiled an electric scooter and an electric motorcycle, named Vektorr Concept and E-Pilen Concept, respectively. Vektorr will share its platform with Bajaj Chetak and is expected to be launched by next year. E-Pilen could drive in by late 2021 or sometime next year. Husqvarna electric scooter and motorcycle will have range of 95km and 100km, respectively. More

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    Husqvarna Electric Scooter Vektorr Concept Debuts – Based On Bajaj Chetak

    Husqvarna Electric Scooter Concept – VektorrHusqvarna has taken wraps off their electric scooter concept – Production version is scheduled to be launched next year
    A few days after revealing the E-Pilen electric motorcycle concept, Husqvarna has taken wraps of their electric scooter concept. Called Vektorr, this is a concept version of the upcoming electric scooter. Speaking about the scooter, Husqvarna says, it is “an eco-friendly offering that brings the future of personal urban transport into the present.”
    Not much has been revealed in terms of actual specs, dimensions or technology. What is mentioned as of now, is that this scooter has a top speed of 45 kmph and a ride range of up to 95 kms on full charge. Interestingly, there is no mention of swappable battery – a feature which was announced with the Husqvarna electric motorcycle concept.
    Husqvarna Vektorr Electric Scooter
    Speaking about the design, the new electric scooter carries on with Husqvarna’s design language. In the front, you have the circular headlight with circular LED DRL border. Husqvarna says, “The Vektorr Concept is the first electric scooter ever produced by Husqvarna Motorcycles and is aimed squarely at the urban commuter who demands a compact, stylish and effective personal transport solution to fit their busy lifestyle.”
    The seat is wide and long, enough for rider as well as pillion. Front as well as rear has a single spring suspension. In the front you have a disc brake while rear has a drum brake. Alloys look larger, production spec version could get 12 inch alloys.
    Husqvarna Electric Scooter Concept – Vektorr
    Based On Bajaj Chetak Platform
    Pierer Mobility, owners of KTM and Husqvarna had revealed in their report that the upcoming Husqvarna electric scooter will be based on Bajaj Chetak, which is currently on sale in India. The report also added that it will be made in India.
    Interestingly, the two scooters have many similarities. Bajaj Chetak too does not offer swappable battery option, has a similar range of 95 kms, has single spring suspension in the front and rear, has disc brake in front and drum brake at rear.
    Launch Timeline
    Husqvarna Vektorr Electric Scooter is expected to enter production sometime next year, at the Bajaj Auto plant near Pune. Bajaj is currently in the process of increasing production capacity for their KTM, Husqvarna and Chetak brands. Plan is to increase production by 5 lakh units annually, in the first phase.
    Husqvarna Electric Scooter Concept – Vektorr
    Launch of the Husqvarna electric scooter could first take place in Europe. After which, it will be launched in India. Expect price to be on the higher side. Recently, Bajaj increased price of their Chetak scooter, and it now retails at an ex-sh price of about Rs 1.45 lakhs. Once launched, it will rival the likes of Ather 450X and upcoming Ola Electric Scooter. More

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    KTM 125 Duke Based Husqvarna 125cc Motorcycle Production Starts

    Image for referenceIn the initial phase, the manufactured units will be entirely exported to European markets
    As of now, Husqvarna offers only Vitpilen 250 and Svartpilen 250 in the Indian market. Bajaj manufactures Husqvarna 201 and 401 cc motorcycles at the same facility. But these are currently meant only for exports. Svartpilen 125 is the newest addition, which could be introduced in the Indian market at a later date.
    Earlier this year in February, Husqvarna Svartpilen 125 was launched in Europe. Hungary was among the first country to get it, where it was offered at a starting price of HUF 1.64 million (approx. Rs 4.02 lakh). The entry-level Husqvarna is imported from India as completely built-up (CBU) units.
    It is expected that Vitpilen 125 will also be added to the list of Husqvarna motorcycles being manufactured by Bajaj at its Chakan production centre. Vitpilen 125 will head to European markets first.
    Husqvarna Svartpilen 125 design and features
    In terms of looks, Svartpilen 125 is almost identical to its bigger siblings. The bike features retro-modern design and comes with sleek bodywork. Some key features include round LED headlamp, LED DRL ring around the headlamp, minimal body panels, LCD instrument cluster, bronze engine cover, and low profile seat.
    Husqvarna Svartpilen 125
    The 17-inch wheels are wire-spoke units that are shod with dual sport tyres at both ends. The bike offers a comfortable, upright riding stance, which makes it suitable for city streets as well as mild off-road environments.
    Husqvarna Svartpilen 125 engine and specs
    Svartpilen 125 will borrow its engine and most other hardware from KTM 125 Duke. The 124.7cc, liquid cooled, DOHC motor is capable of generating 15 hp of max power at 9,500 rpm and 12 Nm of max torque at 7,500 rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed transmission. Top speed is around 100 kmph.
    The bike utilizes a powder coated steel trellis frame, suspended on 43mm WP Apex USD forks at front and WP Apex monoshock rear suspension with 5-step preload adjustability. Braking duties are performed by 320 mm disc at the front and 230 mm disc at the rear. Callipers used are ByBre four-piston at the front and ByBre single-piston, floating type at the rear. Dual-channel Bosch ABS is offered as standard.
    Husqvarna Svartpilen 125 India launch
    Considering the immense interest in entry-level performance biking segment in the country, Husqvarna Svartpilen 125 could be introduced in the Indian market. It could be positioned as a relatively affordable option as compared to KTM 125 Duke. The latter is currently offered at a starting price of Rs 1.62 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Husqvarna has followed the same strategy for its 250cc twins that are priced lower than KTM 250 Duke. More

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    Husqvarna Electric Motorcycle E-Pilen Concept Revealed

    Husqvarna Electric Motorcycle E-Pilen Concept
    Husqvarna E-Pilen is expected to undergo production by late this year with a launch aimed at late 2021 or late 2022
    With every other OEM venturing into electric mobility space, we often get to witness new designs and advent of some new technology even if it’s minuscule. The latest manufacturer is Husqvarna who plans to enter the emission-free auto world with the production version of E-Pilen Concept revealed recently.
    Based on the unique and pioneering design of successful twins- Svartpilen and Vitpilen, E-Pilen Concept is the Swedish bikemaker’s first step into urban electric mobility. The company has ensured that the production-spec electric motorcycle will bear stark resemblances to the concept version showcased.
    Husqvarna Electric Motorcycle E-Pilen Concept
    Modern Design
    The progressive design philosophy of Svartpilen and Vitpilen has been carried forward to the electric bike which features some distinct styling elements such as an exposed trellis frame, wide handlebars, a compact fuel tank and a round headlamp.
    While a light paint scheme has been carried forward from Vitpilen, the tank rack has been inspired by Svartpilen. Other design elements included are inverted forks, mono-shock at rear, and a gullwing swingarm.
    Husqvarna Electric Motorcycle E-Pilen Concept
    Expected Powertrain Specs
    It should be pointed out that the fuel tank houses the electric battery setup. The battery supplies energy to an electric motor with a rated capacity of 8kW (10.73 bhp). Although exact details of the powertrain are yet to be revealed, the company claims a modest range of 100km on a single charge. However, Husqvarna has assured that it will address the range anxiety issues of consumers by equipping E-Pilen with swappable batteries featuring a modular system.
    Husqvarna Electric Motorcycle E-Pilen Concept
    Official statement from the company read as “It has always been the aim of Husqvarna Motorcycles to develop new products accessible to the broadest possible spectrum of riders. The E-mobility range will retain and continue the riding pleasure and dynamics refined through the long history and experience of the brand.”
    More Details
    More details regarding E-Pilen will be revealed as the electric motorcycle nears its final production-spec version. Husqvarna’s Austrian cousin KTM has already ventured into electric mobility space with 5 kW SX-E and 16 kW Freeride E. If E-Pilen indeed undergoes production it can also pave the path for electric KTM Dukes. Motorcycles of both brands are manufactured at Bajaj’s manufacturing facility in Chakan near Pune, Maharashtra.
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    In fact, Bajaj and KTM have been working together on a common electric platform that will underpin products ranging from 3kW to 10kW electric motors using a 48V electric system. Also, it was reported a couple of months back that KTM and Husqvarna are developing an all-new electric scooter as well which will be based on Bajaj Chetak Electric. We can expect E-Pilen to be launched late this year or early next year. More

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    KTM, Husqvarna Electric Scooters To Utilize Chetak Platform – Rival Ather

    KTM Electric Scooter Concept. Image – Roadrider JapanKTM and Husqvarna electric scooters will help strengthen Bajaj’s EV portfolio
    Over the next five years, competition in electric two-wheeler space is expected to increase manifold. Already there are more than two dozen players in this segment. Bajaj will be keen to grab significant market share in this segment, a goal that is already being pursued with Chetak electric scooter. To give more options to customers and expand its EV portfolio, Bajaj has planned to launch KTM and Husqvarna electric scooters in the Indian market.
    Made in India products
    Just like Chetak, KTM and Husqvarna electric scooters will be manufactured in India. To reduce development cost, these new electric scooters will share the same platform as that of Chetak.
    However, KTM and Husqvarna electric scooters are expected to be sportier, trendier and futuristic, as compared to retro-styled Chetak. While Chetak can work for all age groups, KTM and Husqvarna electric scooters will primarily target the young audience. These new scooters will rival the Ather 450X, which is currently the leading electric scooter in the country when it comes to performance and features.
    Bajaj is currently planning to open a new production facility in Chakan, near Pune, to manufacture a range of premium motorcycles and electric vehicles. This facility could be used for manufacturing KTM and Husqvarna electric scooters. Launch is expected by 2022.
    KTM Electric Scooter leaked info
    Collaboration with Pierer Mobility
    KTM and Husqvarna electric scooter will be manufactured as part of collaboration between Bajaj Auto and Pierer Mobility. The latter was earlier known as KTM Industries. In addition to electric scooters, the partnership will entail development of electric mopeds as well as electric bicycles.
    On its part, Pierer Mobility is currently working on multiple EVs in power range of 3kW – 10kW. These will be manufactured at Bajaj Auto’s Pune plant. Production is expected to commence sometime next year. These new EVs will be available for sale both in domestic and international markets. As may be recalled, KTM had unveiled its E-Speed electric scooter way back in 2013 at Tokyo Motor Show. However, that project did not reach production stage.
    Battery swapping infrastructure in European markets
    To ensure that KTM electric scooters and motorcycles are not subjected to range anxiety in European markets, efforts are being made to develop a robust battery swapping infrastructure. Fast-charging stations are also being built. KTM has shown interest in partnering with Yamaha, Honda and Piaggio to develop common-use battery swapping infrastructure. These will be used for motorcycles and light EVs.
    It has already been confirmed that Husqvarna electric scooter will be utilizing a 4kW electric motor. As for the electric motorcycle named Husqvarna e-Pilen, the EV will be equipped with a modular battery system. These two products are expected to go on sale in European markets by second half of 2022.
    For the battery pack, Pierer Mobility will be collaborating with Austria-based Varta Innovation. The company will also use in-house E-mobility expertise from KTM E-Technologies GmbH. It will involve development of new electric drive systems and battery platforms. More