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    Volvo XC20 Electric SUV Planned For Launch – Hyundai Kona EV Rival

    Volvo XC20 Render by Auto Express
    Volvo is soon expected to launch the all-new XC40 Recharge in fully electric and plug-in hybrid configurations in global markets as well as India

    Volvo is amplifying its plans of expanding its electric vehicles (EVs) portfolio by teasing a potential lineup of future electric crossovers. The Swedish automaker had earlier made its intentions clear that its entire lineup would turn fully electric by 2030. The company pushes ahead in its plans to convert half of its total sales volume to fully electric cars.
    The teaser image shows the prospective line of electric SUVs in the company’s lineup with the range-topping XC100 flagship. In addition to this, the company has also filed trademarks for entry-level models such as XC10 and XC20 that will be fully electric crossovers sitting below the electrified XC40.
    All-new XC20 as a pure EV
    While Volvo hasn’t confirmed any development, it has positively indicated that the upcoming XC20 will be its next big launch. The Swedish brand had earlier confirmed this new electric crossover will be underpinned by the new pure-electric platform developed by its parent company Geely. The Chinese manufacturer unveiled the pure EV-specific architecture underpinning the Lynk & Co Zero Concept at the 2020 Beijing Auto Show which is called Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA).
    XC40 is currently underpinned by the CMA platform which is a combination platform for EVs and combustion-engined cars and is not very suitable for smaller size cars. SEA, on the other hand, has been developed in China from materials sourced from Chinese suppliers which would make the car very cost effective.
    Volvo XC20 Render by Auto Express
    It would also make use of a battery smaller than XC40 Recharge which would be good enough to provide a single-charge range of around 350 km. Upon its debut, it will be directly rivaling the likes of Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia e-Niro at international markets. More details are expected to be furnished in months to come.
    New Volvo Flagship XC100
    Meanwhile, Volvo’s lineup will be topped by its upcoming flagship electric SUV- XC100. The next-generation SUV is expected to make its debut in 2022 and will be based on the second generation of its large-car platform, named SPA2, which is currently under development. This new platform will allow Volvo to build cars longer than its current flagship full-size SUV XC90.
    The new SPA2 architecture could underpin models measuring up to 5.5 metres in length. As for XC100, it will be around 300mm longer than XC90 and significantly longer than BMW X7 and Mercedes Benz GLS with a three-row seating layout, a long wheelbase and a very spacious boot.
    It will be offered in fully-electric as well as plug-in hybrid powertrain options while a mild-hybrid powertrain could also be offered in lower-specced trims. It will be exclusively sold in larger and developed car markets of the US, China and Europe.
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    2021 CFMoto 300NK BS6 Launch Price Rs 2.29 L – KTM Duke Rival

    CFMOTO 300NK
    The 2021 CFMoto 300NK is offered with minute styling revisions and a BS6 updated engine

    For the entire 2020, we barely got to hear about Chinese bikemaker CFMoto. The company neither launched any new products nor did it update its existing ones. Many were made to believe that would put a full stop on the company’s operations in India with the outbreak of novel coronavirus until recently, after a long time it made its presence felt in social media.
    A few days ago, the manufacturer had shared a couple of teasers of the upcoming BS6 avatar of 300NK. Now, the Chinese brand has launched the updated naked streetfighter in India at the same price as its BS4 predecessor.  Therefore, the BS6 compliant 300NK will be retailed at a price of Rs 2.29 lakh (ex-showroom).
    Updated Design
    At first glance, one wouldn’t notice any major differences because there aren’t any. There are only subtle cosmetic variations from its BS4 iteration which include small tweaks to fuel tank covers and tank extensions.
    The updated 300NK continues to sport the same styling which features design elements such as a low-slung full-LED headlamp, an upswept rear section, a muscular fuel tank, an underbelly exhaust and a rear-fender mounted number plate.
    CFMOTO 300NK BS6
    Contrasting blue colours of its fuel tank cover and frame make it look edgier and sportier with the influence of KISKA. These are the same folks who have designed KTM’s Duke range of motorcycles. It rides on new Y-shaped spoke alloy wheels with new contrasting coloured rims instead of the older star alloy spoke design.
    BS6 Updated Engine
    The major update has been in its engine department which now complies with the latest BS6 emission norms. One can sport the large catalytic converter below the engine underbelly. It continues to be powered by a 292.4cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine which in its BS4 guise kicked out 33.5 bhp and 20.5 Nm of peak torque.
    The exact specifications of the engine are yet to be revealed officially although output figures might alter slightly to its BS4 predecessor. It will be mated to a 6-speed gearbox but will miss out on a slip and assist clutch.
    Mechanical Configurations
    Its hardware setup has also remained untouched with it being based on a steel Trellis frame. Suspension duties will be taken care of by upside-down USD forks at front and a mono-shock at rear. Braking duties will be handled by calipers from J. Juan which are chewed down by single discs at both ends. The braking setup will be assisted by dual-channel ABS.
    CFMoto 300NK will take on the likes of BMW G310R and KTM 250 Duke. Its launch will be followed by the introduction of other models of the Chinese brand including 650NK, 650MT and 650GT. The company is also planning to launch an electric two-wheeler in India at some stage in the near future. More

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    Two Wheeler Sales Feb 2021 – Hero, Honda, TVS, Bajaj, Royal Enfield, Suzuki

    Image – Biker Babu
    Hero MotoCorp and Honda Two-wheelers lead the table at about 9 lakh sales in February 2021

    Two wheeler domestic wholesales in February 2021 improved YoY. In fact 6 of the top 7 manufacturers reported growth in wholesales. As always Hero MotoCorp led from the top reporting growth at under a percent. Wholesales were up at 4,84,433 units, up from 4,80,196 units. Volume gain is reported at 4,237 units.
    Honda two wheelers gained significantly at 30.54 percent growth. Wholesales were up at 4,11,578 units, up from 3,15,285 units. Volume gain is reported at 96,293 units. For Hero, it was the Splendor which was the best-seller and for Honda, it was the Activa.
    YoY growth
    TVS reported 15 percent growth at volume gain of over 25k units. Wholesales were up at 1,95,145 units, up from 1,69,684 units. Bajaj reported marginal gain at 1,48,934 units, up from 1,46,876 units. Volume gain was just over 2k units at 1.40 percent growth.
    Royal Enfield reported 6.42 percent growth, and volume gain was just below 4k units. Wholesales are up at 65,114 units from 61,188 units. Suzuki two-wheelers reported 1.51 percent growth. Volumes grew to 59,530 units, up from 58,644 units. Volume gain stood at 886 units. Volume gain for the aforementioned manufacturers stood at 1,32,861 units. Cumulative wholesales is reported at 13,64,734 units, up from 12,31,873 units.
    Two Wheeler Sales Feb 2021. Other Two Wheeler brands are yet to reveal sales report.
    MoM growth for Hero MotoCorp is reported at 3.56 percent, up from 4,67,776 units. Honda reported MoM decline at 1.23 percent, down from 4,16,716 units. TVS reports MoM decline at under 5 percent, down rom 2,05,216 units.Bajaj reported MoM decline at 5.38 percent, down from 1,57,404 units. Royal Enfield MoM gain stood at 1.15 percent, up from 64,372 units. Suzuki reports MoM gain at 4.43 percent up from 57,004 units.
    Two wheeler exports
    While Bajaj Auto doesn’t top the sales domestic chart, where exports are concerned, its reach is undisputed. Last month exports rose to 1,83,629 units, up from 1,63,346 units. Volume gain stood at over 20k units at 12.42 percent gain. TVS was able to improve exports to 89,436 units at about 35 percent growth. Volume growth stood at 23,229 units, up from 66,207 units.
    Honda exports grew to 31,118 units, up from 26,736 units at 16.39 percent growth. Hero exports were up at 21,034 units at 16.56 percent growth, up from 18,046 units.
    Two Wheeler Exports Feb 2021
    Suzuki exports grew by 30.21 percent. Exports rose to 12,132 units, up from 9,317 units. Enfield exports were up at 4,545 units, up from 2,348 units. Just like domestic wholesales, all 6 manufacturers reported improvement in exports.
    Bajaj reported MoM decline in exports at under 20 percent. Exports fell to 1,83,629 units, down from 2,27,532 units. TVS exports were flat. As was Royal Enfield. Honda’s was most at volume gain of over 10k units. All other aforementioned manufacturers reported MoM growth in exports. At the time of publishing Yamaha had not yet announced sales in February 2021. More

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    Mercedes-AMG Confirms Higher-Performance GT Four-Door Hybrid

    Mercedes-AMG has confirmed an even higher-performance GT four-door, and it could have upward of 800 horsepower.
    There’s a “V8 BiTurbo E Performance” badge on the fender, meaning it should use AMG’s twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 paired with a more powerful hybrid system.
    The new model is rumored to be called the GT73, and we expect it’ll cost close to $200,000.
    Mercedes has a lineup of electric vehicles on the way under the EQ name, and its AMG high-performance wing will dabble with them as well. However, Mercedes-AMG also plans to have its entire lineup employ hybrid powertrains soon, including this upcoming electrified version of the GT four-door, likely named the GT73, which will be targeted straight at the 690-hp Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid.

    Mercedes-AMG

    AMG hasn’t shared any details on the GT73’s powertrain yet, but we expect it to use a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8, which makes 630 horsepower in the GT63 S, in conjunction with a more powerful electric motor totaling around 800 horsepower. The 73 will need to have different type of hybrid system than the lesser GT four-door models (GT 53/GT 43), which use a 3.0-liter inline-six assisted by a small electric motor—and, in the GT53’s case, an electric supercharger—that adds no additional peak power. In our testing, the V-8-powered GT63 S hit 60 mph in 2.9 seconds, so it’s safe to say the 73 will have acceleration that borders on reality-warping. As with other GT four-door models, we expect all-wheel drive to help more of the power get to the ground.

    Mercedes Will Make AMG Versions of Its EQ EVs

    Five Upcoming Mercedes EQ Electric Cars Previewed

    Mercedes EQS Electric Luxury Sedan Coming to U.S.

    A “V8 BiTurbo E Performance” badge (pictured above) adorns the front fender, and AMG says that the rest of its upcoming high-performance hybrids will fall under that E Performance name as well. Besides that, the GT73 should look similar to the current top-spec GT63 S with a gloss black front fascia. It’s also wearing AMG’s black cross-spoke wheels, which are available on the 63 and 63 S.
    We’ll know more about the Mercedes-AMG GT73 soon, and it should arrive by the end of the year. The current top-of-the-line GT63 S starts at $162,950, so expect the 73 to approach $200,000.
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    Kabira Electric Motorcycles 1st Batch Of 5,000 Units Sold Out In 4 Days

    Kabira Electric Motorcycles have even garnered interest from International market
    Kabira Mobility Electric Motorcycles KM3000 and KM4000 are sold out for now

    New vehicle bookings are quite rightly the backbone of a brand’s existence. And having greater control on how these bookings are dispatched in timely manner is the winning strategy.
    A fortnight ago, Kabira Mobility launch two electric motorcycles. KM3000 and KM4000 at a launch price of Rs 1.27L and Rs 1.37L, respectively. The manufacturer has now confirmed its first batch is sold out. The current order book is 5,000 units strong. And it took 4 days to get the confirmations.
    Potential for electric motorcycles
    Kabira KM3000 Electric Motorcycle comes with a range of 120 kms while the KM4000 comes with a 150 kms range. Given the overwhelming response to the first time manufacturers launchpad, if the bikes have piqued your interest, you’ll simply have to wait it out. The current diversion will allow Kabira Mobility to plan production and dispatch effectively for logistics to be optimal.
    As the EV market in India adapt and strengthens, it’s the availability of electric motorcycles in all its glory that will enthral us one day. Current market trends show motorcycles being the top purchase among vehicle types. But for now there’s even lesser than a handful of electric motorcycles being sold in India.
    Kabira KM3000 Electric Motorcycle
    Handful of electric motorcycles
    While traditionally scooters trail motorcycle sales, for now e-scooters have bucked the trend for electric two-wheelers. Since there are a growing number of low-speed electric scooters that contribute to sales, electric scooter sales is way more than motorcycles for electric two-wheelers.
    Some of these scooters can be ridden without a licence or even having to register the unit. And for a while, until EV policies are more exacting and specific, multiple factors will aid and encourage the low-speed scooter segment.
    An early mover advantage could have longterm benefits. For now, the bigger names in two-wheeler manufacturing show no indication of entering the EV market with full force. This has created somewhat of a space where it’s anyone’s game. 2021 will also see Ola enter the two-wheeler market. With India’s two wheeler market being humongous, the opportunities here will be endless.
    Kabira KM4000 Electric Motorcycle
    Current circumstances following Covid-19 pandemic related lockdown sees more and more people consider two-wheeler purchases. The trend has even boosted the performance of electric scooters. Petrol prices are currently between 90 and 100 bucks, and app-based companies are having to consider pay hikes to compensate rides appropriately.
    A number of e-commerce bigwigs are already focused on commercial electric vehicles in their fleets, and this pattern is expected to trickle down to rider vehicles too. More

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    2022 Volvo C40 Recharge Expands Volvo's EV Family

    The C40 Recharge is Volvo’s latest electric-vehicle offering.
    Similar in size and specs to the XC40 Recharge, the C40 has a lower roofline.
    Volvo estimates it will provide an EPA-rated driving range of 210 miles.
    Volvo’s second electric vehicle is here, and it looks a whole lot like the first one. The 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge is essentially a reshaped version of the XC40 Recharge, with a lower roofline that gives Volvo a set of crossover twins not unlike BMW’s X1 and X2 siblings. The C40, however, will come only as an electric model, as opposed to the XC40 which also offers gasoline engines.

    XC40 Recharge P8 Puts Volvo in the EV Game

    Volvo Unveils 408-HP XC40 Recharge Electric SUV

    Polestar 2 and XC40 Recharge EPA Range Announced

    The C40’s dimensions are nearly identical to the XC40’s, other than its lower height. The roofline in the rear slopes into a tapered liftback shape, meaning it has less cargo volume than the more squared-off XC40. Otherwise, the C40 is nearly identical to the electric version of the SUV. It rides on the same CMA platform and shares its 402-horsepower two-motor electric drivetrain and 75.0-kWh battery pack with the XC40 Recharge. (The related Polestar 2 also has this powertrain.)

    View Photos

    Volvo

    Volvo estimates that the C40 will provide an EPA-rated driving range of 210 miles, which is 2 miles more than the XC40 Recharge’s rating. The zero-to-60-mph acceleration claim of 4.7 seconds is the same as the XC40.
    The C40’s interior is nearly identical to the XC40 Recharge’s, with a digital gauge cluster and interesting-looking dashboard trim. It has Volvo’s latest Android-based infotainment system with built-in Google apps, and the car is capable of receiving over-the-air software updates.
    Volvo says it won’t offer many different configurations of the C40 Recharge, meaning it will likely come in a single well-equipped trim level, possibly starting around $55,000. The company says it will use an online sales model for this EV, meaning customers in the U.S. will likely be able to place an order online for delivery at their local Volvo dealership. Look for more details to come as Volvo prepares to start production of the C40 Recharge later this year.
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    2021 Kawasaki Ninja 300 BS6 India Launch Price Rs 3.18 Lakh

    2021 Kawasaki Ninja 300
    New Ninja 300 will rival the likes of TVS Apache RR 310 and the KTM RC 390

    New Kawasaki Ninja 300 has been launched in India today. Price starts from Rs 3.18 lakhs, ex-sh. The BS4 model was sold at a starting price of Rs 2.98 lakh (ex-showroom). This makes the BS6 version Rs 20k more expensive than BS4 Ninja 300.
    Track-ready Ninja 300 BS4 was among the bestselling products in its segment and Kawasaki will be hoping to achieve similar results with the BS6 model. Ninja 300 is preferred for its sporty profile, dominating road presence and superior performance.
    2021 Kawasaki Ninja 300 key updates
    As far as design is concerned, new Ninja 300 is largely the same as the earlier model. Most of the features have been carried forward including aggressive dual headlamp, design of the fairing, compact and sculpted fuel tank, front blinkers on the fairing, split style seats, upswept exhaust, chrome heat shield on the muffler, and minimalist tail section.
    The only major change in new Ninja 300 is the availability of new colour options. The primary new colour is a peppy shade of green, which has been used in different variations with other colours to create the new themes. One of these themes utilizes a combo of the new green shade and sporty red and white accents.
    2021 Kawasaki Ninja 300
    Another colour theme is a blacked-out version that has minimal use of the new green shade. The third option is a combo of green and black. These new themes also have sporty, mesh-type decals on the fairing.
    The new green shade is similar to the Lime Green option that was available with the earlier model. Colour options for BS4 Ninja 300 also included Ebony / Metallic Moon Dust Grey, Candy Plasma Blue and Lime Green / Ebony. It is not certain if these will be retained for new Ninja 300.
    New Ninja 300 powertrain
    Powering 2021 Ninja 300 will be the same engine as earlier, which has been tweaked to comply with BS6 emission standards. The BS4 296cc, parallel-twin, liquid cooled engine was capable of generating 38.4 bhp of max power at 11,000 rpm and 27 Nm of peak torque at 10,000 rpm. Engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Power and torque output of the BS6 engine is similar to the BS4 unit.
    Next in line, is the launch of the Kawasaki Versys X-300 BS6. It is expected to be launch in the coming weeks. Kawasaki India has already shared a teaser of the motorcycle on their social media page. Once launched, it will take on the likes of KTM 390 ADV and BMW G310 GS. More

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    Honda Scooter, Motorcycle Sales Feb 2021 – Activa, Shine, CB350, Dio, Unicorn

    Image – Gyani Enough
    Honda reached sales milestone of 1.5 crore units in South India

    Honda 2Wheelers India witnessed 7th straight month of positive YoY sales growth as it ended February 2021 with 30.54% growth in domestic sales compared to the same month last year. The domestic two wheeler market is projected to have a double digit growth this year owning to a low base BSVI transition last year but Honda is confident of outperforming the industry average.
    Honda 2Wheelers February 2021 sales
    Last month, the Japanese two wheeler giant dispatched 411,578 units in the domestic market which is 96,293 units more than what it managed in February 2020. The MoM figure dropped marginally by 1.23% but then February has 3 less days compared to the preceding month.
    As far as export markets are concerned, Honda witnessed a 16% YoY growth as BSVI models started gaining traction in overseas markets as well. 31,118 units were shipped last month compared to 26,736 units in February 2020. Overall, Honda 2Wheelers India clocked 442,696 units last year, an increment of over 1 lakh units compared to the same month last year (YoY growth of 29.44%).
    Key sales highlights in February 2021
    In February 2021, Honda 2Wheelers India expanded its BigWings premium dealership footprint by inaugurating three new outlets in Thane, Siliguri and Vadodara. With this, Honda now has 18 BigWing outlets in addition to the 5 BigWing Topline (retails the brand’s entire range of 300+ cc models). More outlets are set to be added in due course as the company is looking to maximize the potential of its new Honda CB350 lineup.
    Honda 2 Wheeler Sales Feb 2021
    Speaking of the CB350, a sportier variant called the CB350RS was introduced last month. The retro-classic motorcycle which debuted in October 2020 also crossed its 10,000 sales milestone last month.
    With first-in-segment features like assist and slipper clutch, and Honda Selectable Torque Control, the CB350 emerges as a very attractive proposition, especially at a starting price of INR 1.96 lakh (ex-showroom). The motorcycle is sitting on huge number of bookings and Honda is working to increase the production capacity and decrease the waiting period.
    February 2021 also marks Honda’s achievement 1.5 crore sales milestone in South India which establishes it as the leading motorcycle brand in that part of the nation. The company also claims to have become the first choice of 70 lakh families in North India.
    Upcoming launches
    Buoyed by the success of its new 350 cc motorcycle, Honda is gearing up to augment its well priced premium motorcycle portfolio. Rumors suggest that the company is getting ready to introduce the Honda CB500X medium displacement adventure tourer in April 2021.
    Likely to be imported a a CBU, the motorcycle will slot between the KTM 390 Adventure and Kawsaki Versys 650 with a final balance between performance, features and affordability. Based on its reception, rest of Honda’s popular 500 cc lineup could make it to our shores eventually. More