More stories

  • in

    Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter Europe Launch Plans – 30k Sold In 2022

    Bajaj Chetak electric scooter’s retro-styled, elegant design is globally relevant and will be an advantageous factor in European marketsImage – MRD VlogsWhile Bajaj already has presence in more than 70 countries, Chetak’s entry into Europe will be a new milestone for the company. Chetak electric scooter is popular in domestic market as well, although sales have been limited due to supply-chain issues. In 2022, Bajaj sold almost 30k units of Chetak electric scooter in the domestic market.Earlier this week, KTM CEO, Stefan Pierer was in Pune, to attend the roll out of 1 millionth KTM from Bajaj plant. It is here he announced that they will launch the Chetak electric scooter in Europe in first quarter of 2024. This will be part of the 50.1:49.9 joint venture that Pierer has with Bajaj.Chetak Europe roadmapChetak’s Europe launch plan comes at the right time, as the continent is aggressively pushing the shift to electric vehicles. Europe has reached an agreement, wherein production of ICE-based vehicles will be stopped by 2035. The European continent is among the regions that have been deeply impacted by climate change. It is one of the key reasons why there’s a major push for EVs in Europe.KTM is planning to launch Chetak in Europe around March 2024, as this period marks the beginning of marketing season in Europe. In around a year’s time till early 2024, KTM and Bajaj will work out the finer details of Chetak’s Europe entry. It is likely that Chetak will get a new name in European markets.KTM CEO, Stefan Pierer (center) with Rajiv Bajaj (right), MD Bajaj Auto – in Pune earlier this weekBajaj shouldn’t have any issues with supplying Chetak for European markets, as the company has already setup a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Pune, exclusively for electric two-wheelers. By 2024, the supply-chain issues and problems like shortage of semiconductor chips would have eased considerably. Bajaj’s EV plant is spread over an area of more than 5 lakh sq./ft. and also includes a dedicated R&D centre. When running at full capacity, around 5 lakh EVs can be produced annually.Chetak performance, build qualityChetak won’t be requiring any major modifications for European markets, as the scooter already promises an exhilarating performance. Build quality is also optimal with metallic panels and high-strength chassis. In comparison, much of the current breed of electric scooters in the market have plastic body panels. Chetak has an IP67 rated water resistant battery pack, which should meet the regulatory requirements of European markets.With a true range of 90+ km, Chetak should suffice for everyday needs. 100% charge can be achieved in around 4 hours. The scooter can be easily charged in a home environment with any 5A plug. Chetak’s battery pack is designed to last 70,000 km, which usually takes around 7 years. Bajaj is offering 50k km / 3 years battery warranty for Chetak.Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter Sales in 2022Another useful feature available with Chetak is the dedicated Bluetooth-based connectivity platform. Users can pair their smartphones and use the My Chetak app to access a range of functions. Some examples include battery charging status, available range, navigation-based vehicle location, trip history information, owner’s manual and vehicle information. More

  • in

    KTM 1 Millionth Motorcycle Production At Bajaj Plant – 390 ADV Rolls Out

    The future of KTM and Bajaj electric vehicles – Diverse battery solutions, and a common 48-volt electric two-wheeler platformKTM 1 Millionth Motorcycle ProductionKTM India reached a major achievement as the one-millionth motorcycle rolled out of Bajaj Chakan plant today. A KTM Adventure 390 rolled off the assembly line at Bajaj Auto Limited’s Chakan plant in Pune. This milestone showcases the partnership between KTM and Bajaj Auto as a global leader in collaboration between automotive companies.Notably, KTM reached the second half-million milestone in half the time it took for the first half-million, highlighting the brand’s rapid growth in popularity. In comparison to the first half-million motorcycles, the second half-million milestone was reached at a much faster rate, indicating a surge in the adoption of the KTM brand.KTM India: Powering the World’s Roads with 50% of Production Exported GloballyKTM and Bajaj Auto Limited intend to collaborate on cutting-edge technologies, including zero-emission exhaust systems. And urban-focused light electric vehicles. Both companies will adopt an open mindset towards diverse battery solutions. Additionally, they aim to create a common 48-volt electric two-wheeler platform for mass production in India.Furthermore, they are actively working on expanding the Chetak EV platform to the European market. Overall, this partnership aims to drive innovation in the electric vehicle industry. And meet the growing demand for sustainable transportation options.KTM and Bajaj Auto: A Winning PartnershipThe partnership between KTM and Bajaj Auto has been a driving force behind this success, with both companies working closely together to produce high-quality motorcycles. Furthermore, the success of the partnership can be seen in the quality of KTM’s manufactured, which is a testament to the dedication and expertise of both companies.This partnership between KTM and Bajaj Auto has not only set a benchmark for collaboration in the automotive industry, but also continues to drive growth and success of both companies.KTM India journey so farBajaj Auto boasts impressive global manufacturing capabilities for motorcycles across categories. The Chakan plant serves as a vital export center, with half of KTM motorcycles shipped to mature markets worldwide. Bajaj Auto collaboratively develops and manufactures a diverse array of motorcycles for both the KTM and Husqvarna brands, ranging from 125cc to 401cc.A Key Player in India’s Rising Motorcycle Export SceneInnovative technology, such as Motorcycle Traction Control, Cornering ABS, Supermoto ABS, Quickshifter, and TFT displays, sets these models apart. These advancements not only upgrade the technology landscape of Indian motorcycles but also enhance the vendor ecosystem.KTM and Husqvarna have both achieved remarkable success under Bajaj Auto’s expert manufacturing. KTM’s 12cc to 390cc models boast cutting-edge technology, making them firsts in the segment. Similarly, Husqvarna’s 125cc to 401cc models feature advanced technology and design, setting them apart in the market.Overall, Bajaj Auto’s Chakan plant has cemented its position as a key player in the global motorcycle industry, with both KTM and Husqvarna models leading the way in innovative technology, design and production. More

  • in

    KTM India Sales Nov 2022 – Duke, RC, 125, 200, 250, 390 ADV

    KTM India sales Nov 2022 showed a YoY growth in domestic and export markets while MoM domestic sales dipped across every model in the company lineupKTM India Sales Nov 2022KTM India has posted a 5.06 percent growth in domestic markets in November 2022. Sales which had stood at 3,796 units in Nov 2021 increased to 3,988 units in Nov 2022. MoM sales however, dipped 52.14 percent from 8,333 units sold in Oct 2022. YoY sales growth was seen across every model except the KTM 125.The KTM 200 series that comprises 200 Duke and RC 200 topped sales charts with 2,293 units sold last month, up 21.07 percent over 1,894 units sold in Nov 2021. MoM sales dipped 42.70 percent from 4,002 units sold in Oct 2022. However share percentage increased from 48.03 percent to 57.50 percent in the past month.KTM India Domestic Sales Nov 2022Of the 250 series, KTM sold 909 units in Nov 2022, up 23.67 percent from 735 units sold in Nov 2021 while MoM sales dipped 58.44 percent from 2,187 units sold in Oct 2022.KTM 390 series that include the RC 390, 390 Duke and 390 Adventure, domestic sales accounted for 455 units in the past month, a YoY growth of 91.18 percent from 238 units sold in Nov 2021. MoM sales fell by 63.60 percent from 1,250 units sold in Oct 2022. Down the list was the KTM 125 with 331 units sold last month, from 929 units sold in Nov 2021 leading to a 64.37percent YoY de-growth. MoM sales fell by 62.98 percent from 894 units sold in Oct 2022.KTM India Sales Nov 2022 – DomesticKTM Exports Nov 2022Where global markets were concerned, KTM India saw a YoY and MoM growth of 55.56 percent and 140.64 percent respectively. Exports which had stood at 4,107 units in Nov 2021 increased to 6,389 units in the past month while there had been 2,655 units shipped in Oct 2022.KTM’s 200 series were highly favored in export markets with 3,531 units shipped in the past month, a growth of 239.19 percent from 1,041 units shipped in Nov 2021. MoM sales also improved by 240.83 percent from 1,036 units shipped in Oct 2022.Exports also increased YoY and MoM for the KTM 390 range by 55.50 percent and 23.17 percent respectively to 1,611 units in Nov 2022. YoY exports declined both for the KTM 125 and 250 range by 37.17 percent and 33.63 percent to 720 units and 527 units respectively. MoM performance was however, much better with 125cc sales higher by 757.14 percent from 227 units shipped in Oct 2022 while 250 series exports increased by 132.16 percent from 227 units shipped in Oct 2022.KTM India Sales Nov 2022 – ExportsKTM India Cumulative SalesTaking into account total domestic sales and exports, KTM India sold 10,377 units in Nov 2022, up 31.30 percent from 7,903 units sold in Nov 2021. MoM sales however, dipped 5.56 percent from 10,988 units sold in Oct 2022.KTM 200 saw increased sales both on YoY (98.43%) and MoM (15.60%) basis to 5,824 units commanding a 56.12 percent share on this list. KTM 390 range also increased YoY by 62.17 percent to 2,066 units from 1,274 units sold in Nov 2021 while MoM sales dipped 19.23 percent from 2,558 units sold in Oct 2022. YoY sales de-growth was also seen in the case of KTM 250 (-6.08%) and KTM 125 (-49.35%) to 1,436 units and 1,051 units respectively.KTM India Sales Nov 2022 – Domestic + ExportsTotal MoM sales (domestic+ exports) dipped in the case of KTM 250 by 40.51 percent to 1,436 units from 2,414 units sold in Oct 2022. KTM 125 sales fell YoY by 49.35 percent to 1,051 units from 2,075 units sold in Nov 2021 while MoM sales grew 7.46 percent from 978 units sold in Oct 2022. More

  • in

    New KTM RC 990 Spied – Successor To RC 8C Sports Bike?

    Outgoing RC 8C makes 135 bhp of power and 98 Nm of torque, while KTM RC 990 spied testing recently is likely to offer more oomphImage – MotorradKTM big bikes are quite popular in global market. Unfortunately, most of them are not on sale here. In India, 390 Adventure is the flagship, which is set to receive a major update in the coming years. It will also get a new 390 Enduro version, as seen with recent spy shots.Sticking with big bikes, KTM currently has 890 platform and used to have 1190 platform. In early 2022, new Duke was spotted donning what could be a 990 platform from the Austrian brand. Now, we get to see spy shots of a new faired sports bike prototype.KTM RC 990 Spied TestingIt looks fairly pre-production and sports a matte black fairing with rough edges. It gets a new design language which is radical over 8C faired motorcycle. Even with a fairing, the chassis on this RC 990 is slightly different than what was spotted on Duke 990 papped earlier. Let’s take a look.KTM traditionally uses chrome molybdenum steel tubes for its trellis frame. Rear subframe is slightly different than found on Duke 990 test mules. On the Duke 990, KTM used a die-cast aluminium rear subframe and on KTM RC 990 spotted testing, the company has used a bolt-on type aluminium frame.KTM RC 990Even swingarm is kept different for upcoming 990 platform. KTM is using a banana-shaped swingarm on RC 990, while Duke 990 makes do with a regular profile aluminium swingarm. Both of these swingarm designs are different from KTM’s current RC 8C. KTM RC 990 sports a different TFT display as well which is different from the one found on 890 Duke.Hardware-wise, KTM RC 990 is equipped with a WP monoshock at the rear and WP Apex USD forks at front. These are fully adjustable types that get rebound and compression adjustments. Similar components are found on 890 Duke as well. Braking duties are taken care of by Brembo Stylema calipers.Specs & LaunchCloser inspection reveals that both rider and pillion footrest placement is not yet finalised. This is because of the testing rig incorporated with the test mule. KTM seems to be offering a decent balance between committed seating position and comfort. This is still a pre-production test mule and hence production-spec model can get a revised seating posture.KTM RC 990We can spot a single projector integrated into the front fairing. Also present are bar-end mirrors. There is a new engine behind the fairing which is said to be close to 990cc in cubic displacement. Outgoing 890 Duke and RC 8C is powered by an 889cc twin-cylinder engine.On 890 Duke, this engine is tuned to make 120 bhp and 99 Nm, while on RC 8C, it makes 135 bhp and 98 Nm. KTM RC 990 spotted testing is likely to offer more performance than RC 8C. Launch timeline is not known. Looking at the test mule, it is likely to break the covers at EICMA 2023. India launch could be a possibility.Source More

  • in

    KTM 890 Adventure 2023 Launched – Sportier, Tech Evolved

    New KTM 890 Adventure packs in new colour options, body touch-ups and range of hardware and tech upgrades2023 KTM 890 AdvAfter updating 890 Adventure R in September, KTM has now launched the 2023 version of the standard 890 Adventure. Updates are focused on providing a greater number of customization options, along with making the bike better prepared for on-road as well as extreme terrain.There are two new colour options, both of which appear equally rebellious. It is a diversified colour palette, with a vibrant mix of KTM signature orange and shades of black, white and grey. Exhaust canister and tip have varying metallic shade, which work to enhance the bike’s sporty profile.2023 890 Adventure – what’s newWhile the steel frame is the same as earlier, the bodywork around it has been refreshed. Front fairing has been extended downwards and now covers a larger section of the USD forks. It allows for a more dominating street presence and could also provide better protection against flying debris.Front fairing has been strengthened for improved safety and enhanced load carrying capacity. Two forged aluminium brackets have been used under the fairing to ensure optimal rigidity for the windshield, headlight mask and instrument tower.2023 KTM 890 AdvBody panelling losing its sheen overtime won’t be a problem with 2023 890 Adventure, as the bike utilizes colour injected plastic and in-mould graphics. Windscreen is now taller, offering better protection against the elements. It looks familiar to the screen used with KTM 450 Rally racer. The bike gets a new 5-inch TFT screen that displays a range of information with easy-to-understand infographics. The screen is chemically treated for anti-glare properties and optimal scratch resistance.Bluetooth-based connectivity features are largely the same as earlier. It includes accessing calls, text and music, turn-by-turn navigation and KTM roadside assistance. Tech upgrades for the bike include new riding modes, assistance systems, smartphone connectivity and traction control features. Optional upgrades include cruise control and Quickshifter+.A Demo mode is also available, which allows users to experience all the available tech features for the bike for the first 1,500 km. Based on what they like, users can continue using the features via a paid membership plan.2023 KTM 890 Adv2023 890 Adventure other updatesRefreshed 2023 KTM 890 Adventure gets an updated ABS system that can align better with the selected riding mode. For example, off-road ABS is automatically activated when the user selects off-road or rally riding mode. It reduces ABS function on the front wheel, while switching it off completely for the rear wheel.Suspension system is now more customizable, with option to adjust rebound and compression damping. These can be tweaked as per the type of terrain. Rear shock absorber also has the option to adjust rebound damping and spring preload. 2023 KTM 890 Adventure gets new off-road focused Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres. It has improved handling and durability and suits both on-road and off-road tracks. Most other hardware specs including the 103 hp, 889cc motor are the same as earlier. More

  • in

    2023 KTM 390 Adventure, 390 Enduro Spied – Himalayan 450 Rival

    2023 KTM 390 Adventure takes the shape of a Dakar rally motorcycle and 390 Enduro comes close to a motocross motorcycle390 AdventureKTM is widely popular in India for offering explosive performance. The Austrian firm’s Duke, RC and Adventure series of motorcycles have been very well received. Currently, It is 390 Adventure which is the company’s flagship. It offers decent trail ability and excellent high-speed touring ability.A new generation of 390 Adventure is long overdue. There were multiple speculations of an R version of 390 Adventure in India and we also saw a few aftermarket rally kits from Turtletechx which boosted its off-road ability. For MY2022, KTM gave riding modes and then offered these same modes for older vehicles for free as well.New-gen 390 Adventure has been spotted before. What if we told you that there are two variations of 2023 KTM 390 Adventure? You heard it right. KTM seems to be prepping two versions of its upcoming 390 Adventure platform. Let’s take a look.2023 KTM 390 AdventureOne is designed more like a rally motorcycle that is ready to hit the desert and the other is styled like an enduro motorcycle with minimal body panels. These are likely to be called 390 Adventure and 390 Enduro.Image – Motorrad MagazinRight off the bat, both motorcycles are pretty much identical when it comes to their frame, engine, fuel tank, subframe and everything. Even the minimal fairing, knuckle guards, mirrors, rear subframe, taillights, boomerang-shaped aluminium swingarm and front beak are shared between the two.Differences lie in seating position as 390 Adventure gets high-set handlebars and on top of it, gets a tall front windshield that makes it visually larger than 390 Enduro. 390 Enduro looks petite, composed and a lot more sporty and comes close to a motocross motorcycle. While 390 Adventure is designed with touring and rallying in mind.Aiding rally excursions on 390 Adventure, we have a tall windscreen, a high-set TFT screen that aids visibility when standing and riding, vertically stacked projector headlights, and a beefy engine bash plate. 390 Enduro misses out on this bash plate. Both of them get the same underbelly exhaust though.390 EnduroSpecs & FeaturesBoth 2023 KTM 390 Adventure and 390 Enduro offer slightly rear-set footpegs and an upright posture. 390 Adventure has a taller-set handlebar that should help while standing and cruising. KTM has switched to spoked wheels with 2023 KTM 390 Adventure as opposed to alloy wheels on outgoing model.Wheel size seems to be 21” at front and 17” or 18” at the rear on both motorcycles. USD forks by WP seems to offer decent travel. Features like ride-by-wire, slipper clutch, liquid cooling are already on offer. Cruise control would make a world of difference on 390 Adventure owing to its cruising credentials.Currently, the 373 cc mill makes 42.3 bhp at 9000 RPM and 37 Nm of torque at 7000 RPM. A slight bump in power figures is likely to be a possibility. A launch timeline is not yet revealed. That said, one can expect these machines to hit the road by the end of 2023. When launched, 2023 KTM 390 Adventure will rival BMW G310 GS, upcoming Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and 390 Enduro will rival upcoming Royal Enfield Scram 450.Source More

  • in

    KTM India Sales Oct 2022 – Duke, RC, 125, 200, 250, 390 ADV

    KTM Sales October 2022 showed overall positive growth in domestic market and witnessed growth YoY and decline MoM in exportsKTM 250 DukeIn domestic sales, KTM fares very well and falls in the greens in its backdrop. The 200cc platform that comprises 200 Duke and RC 200 topped the charts. KTM 200 series sold 4,002 vehicles last month. When compared to 4,696 vehicles sold a year ago and 3,970 vehicles sold a month before, 200 series saw a 14.78% YoY decline and 0.81% MoM growth.Volume lost YoY was 694 vehicles and volume gained MoM was 32 vehicles. At 48.03%, 200 series commands almost half of KTM’s domestic sales. KTM 250 series sold 2,187 bikes and registered 88.21% YoY growth and 1.25% MoM growth. Volume gained by 250 series of motorcycles are 1,025 bikes YoY and 27 bikes MoM. 390 series sold 1,250 units and gained 6.75% YoY and lost 17% MoM.KTM Sales October 2022Lastly, KTM’s baby 125 series managed to sell 894 units and registered 821.65% YoY growth as opposed to 97 units sold a year ago and 34.23% MoM growth as opposed to 666 units sold a month ago. KTM’s domestic sales totaled to 8,333 vehicles and gained 16.94% YoY and 0.37% MoM. Volume gain stood at 1,207 vehicles YoY and 31 vehicles MoM.In exports, 390 series motorcycles like RC 390, 390 Duke and 390 Adventure are the rockstars. With 1,308 units shipped, 390 series registered 13.34% YoY growth over 1,154 units shipped a year ago and declined 40.81% MoM over 2,210 units shipped a month before. 390 series account for 49.27% of KTM’s exports.KTM Sales October 2022 – Domestic200 series fell in the red completely along with 250 series. Figures stood at 1,036 and 227 units for 200 and 250 series respectively. YoY, 200 and 250 series registered a 6.07% and 34.77% decline in exports as opposed to figures a year ago. And MoM, KTM 200 and KTM 250 registered a 45.47% and 60.25% decline in exports as opposed to figures a month before.KTM Sales October 2022 – ExportsWith just 2 vehicles shipped last year, 125 series registered 4100% YoY growth by selling 84 bikes. MoM analysis revealed that 125 series lost 91.41% in exports. KTM exports in total, stood at 2,655 units and barely managed to outdo itself from a year ago by registering 1.84% YoY growth and exports dropped by 53.08% MoM.KTM India Cumulative SalesWhen YoY analysis is taken into account, except for KTM 200 series, rest show positive growth including the total. In MoM analysis, KTM’s backdrop is painted in red completely. KTM 200 series sold 5,038 vehicles and sales declined 13.12% YoY and 14.17% MoM and accounted for 45.85% of KTM’s total sales.KTM Sales October 2022 – TotalKTM 390 series sold 2,558 units, 250 series sold 2,414 units and 125 series sold 978 units last month. YoY analysis revealed 390 grew 10.02%, 250 grew 59.87% and 125 grew 887.88% in sales. MoM analysis revealed that 390 declined 31.16%, 250 declined 11.61% and 125 declined 40.51% in sales.KTM’s total sales (Domestic+Exports) stood at 10,988 units in October 2022. When compared to 9,733 units sold in October 2021 and 13,961 units sold in September 2022, KTM’s total sales grew by 12.89% YoY and declined by 21.30% MoM. More

  • in

    KTM India Sales Sep 2022 – Duke, RC, 200, 250 390 ADV

    KTM India sales and exports total for Sep 2022 nears 14k, with a staggering 71% growth YoYKTM MotoGP EditionAmidst the festive season, KTM’s domestic sales have bloomed in both YoY and MoM analysis. This couldn’t be said about the Austrian brand’s performance in August 2022. When the dust settles in the ring, it is actually the 200 series that comes out at the top in domestic and total sales. KTM 390 series of motorcycles still hold strong in exports.KTM 200 series include Duke and RC bikes that sold 3,970 units last month over 2,326 units sold a year before and 1,757 units sold a month before. In effect, a 70.68% YoY growth and 125.95% MoM growth were registered. In KTM’s domestic sales, 200s constitute 47.82% share, up from 41.29% a month before. Volume gain stood at 1,644 units YoY and 2,213 units MoM.KTM Sales Sep 2022After 200s, we have 250s that pushed out 2,160 units in September 2022 and registered 84.14% YoY growth and 53.74% MoM growth. Volume growth stood at 987 units YoY and 755 units MoM with a 26.02% share in domestic sales. 390s saw 1,506 units sold and registered a staggering 303.75% YoY growth and 81.45% MoM growth and holds an 18.14% share.125s take the last spot by only selling 666 units in September 2022, despite its lower pricing. YoY growth stood at 14.39% and MoM growth stood at 153.23%. In total, KTM’s domestic sales stood at 8,302 units with 86.39% YoY growth and 95.11% MoM growth. Volume gain stood at 3,848 units YoY and 4,047 units MoM.KTM Sales Sep 2022 – DomesticKTM sales Sep 2022 for exports are topped by 390s. 2,210 units were shipped last month over 893 units shipped in September 2021 and 3,672 units shipped in August 2022. With these figures, 390s register 147.48% YoY growth and a 39.81% MoM drop in sales. 390’s market share is 39.05%, down from 41.23% the previous month.200s fall completely in the red with a 15.44% YoY drop and a 12.96% MoM drop. With 1,900 units sold in September 2022, 200s hold 33.57% of KTM’s exports, up from 24.51% previous month. 125s shipped 978 units and registered a 53.25% MoM drop over 2,092 units sold in August 2022. Volume loss stood at 1,114 units.Lastly, we have 250s which only managed to ship 571 units. It still registered 53.24% YoY growth and a drop of 40.52% MoM and only constitute 10.09% of KTM’s exports. In total, KTM managed to ship 5,659 units and registered 53.24% YoY growth and a drop of 36.47% MoM. KTM’s exports saw a sharp drop in sales MoM across its portfolio and falls in the red entirely.KTM Sales Sep 2022 – ExportsKTM Sep 2022 – Total SalesIn total sales are accounted for, 200 series takes the lead, which was 390s in August 2022. KTM registers positive growth across its portfolio in terms of YoY analysis. However, 390 and 125 registered de-growth in MoM analysis in September 2022.200s sold 5,870 units, 390s sold 3,716 units, 250s sold 2,731 units and 125s sold 1,644 units. In total, KTM’s sales stood at 13,961 units last month over 8,147 units in September 2021 and 13,162 units in August 2022 and registered 71.36% YoY growth and 6.07% MoM growth.KTM Sales Sep 2022 – Total More