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    Tata Nexon Electric Removed From Delhi EV Policy Subsidy List

    Tata Nexon Electric Subsidy Removed
    Tata Nexon EV de-listed from Delhi EV Policy subsidy eligibility until further notice

    There’s no denying that if one were to opt for an electric car, the options in India are limited to the point of being disadvantageous for the buyer. You either buy this, that, or that. Nothing more. And now trouble seems to be brewing in this limited scope. 
    The matter first surfaced in February 2021 when the company was given the opportunity to counter complaints raised. When it comes to EVs, Delhi has for long been wanting to lead the charge where EV adoption is concerned. This translates into actual benefits for electric car buyers.
    One is offered a purchase incentive of 10 grands per kWh of battery capacity. The max incentive is capped at Rs 1.5 lakhs and is available to the first 1,000 electric cars to be registered in Delhi. Additional benefits include Road Tax, and reg fee waivers. Under the Delhi EV incentive policy, Tata Nexon EV ZX+ was approved.
    ARAI test result
    As is rampant in marketing material, and media information, Nexon EV single charge drive range is stated at 312 kms. A vehicle owner refuted the claim saying his car never provided a range of more than 200 kms. He did follow all advice offered by the dealership (Treo, Safdarjung Enclave) in question. No amount of effort resulted in range improvement. Tata Motors was issued a show cause notice, and a rep countered the matter at hand.
    Mr Gahlot, Cabinet Minister, Govt of NCT of Delhi
    In short, Tata says the Tata Nexon EV got 312 kms on a single full charge during mandatory testing by ARAI. There’s no subjective representation of range of kms on a single charge. Its vehicle has a minimum range of 140 kms as per norm, which also serves as an eligibility criteria for said Policy. Actual range varies on independent factors including use of AC, driving pattern, real-time traffic conditions, and on-ground conditions, User familiarity with new tech is also mentioned. Tata Motors implies that as customers get familiar with the EV, results improve in 4-6 weeks. 
    Tata Motors assertions
    Reasoning furnished by Tata Motors was found to be non-satisfactory.  The body determined that while ARAI testing of 312 kms has value, it’s not sufficient to undermine the complainant’s result, which is based on actual and real time experience. ARAI isn’t responsible for granting each and every Tata unit will function optimally and the particular piece and model could be faulty.
    Despite the situation having come to a head, Tata Motors hasn’t taken any corrective measure to disprove the component by involving any independent third party. A recent post on social media saw a Doc discuss the EVs range in an adverse manner. Which means, this is not an isolated incident, and the ruling body finds merit in the second complaint made by a responsible person in society.
    Pending further investigation
    In simple words, the ruling says, ‘Such a vehicle isn’t expected to perform in a manner, which isn’t in the interest of the very objective behind the said policy.’ Given the situation, the manufacturer can’t be allowed to benefit from the subsidy, as Tata Motor’s is essentially undermining it. The governing body’s stance is clear and looks to be safeguarding customer interest. As a conclusion, if strict action isn’t taken, general public maybe discouraged to rely on range claims made by OEMs. And this is a basic buyer expectation.
    Complainants’ claims as well as assertions made by Tata Motors will now be verified by a specially constituted committee before a final decision is made. In the meantime, until a final report is pending, and to prevent further adverse fallout on the EV policy and its clearly outlined objectives, the situation necessitates the suspension of the Tata Nexon EV listing.

    Tata Nexon Subsidy De-listed from Delhi EV Policy

    Tata Nexon Subsidy De-listed from Delhi EV Policy

    Tata Nexon Subsidy De-listed from Delhi EV Policy

    Tata Nexon Subsidy De-listed from Delhi EV Policy More

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    2021 TVS Star City Plus Launch Price Rs 68k – Gets Disc Brake Option

    2021 TVS Star City+
    The new disc brake variant on Star City Plus comes in a solitary colour option

    A few days ago TVS had teased a new variant of its entry-level commuter motorcycle Star City Plus. Turns out, the homegrown two-wheeler manufacturer has launched a new disc brake variant of Star City Plus. Priced at Rs 68,465 (ex-showroom), this new variant of the bike comes equipped with ‘Roto Petal Disc brakes’.
    2021 TVS Star City Plus disc brake variant is Rs 2,600 costlier than the standard variant and it comes wrapped in a red-black dual-tone colour scheme. This makes Star City Plus one of the most affordable motorcycles to be offered with a disc brake option. One of the most popular commuters in its segment, TVS claims that Star City enjoys a consumer base of 3 million.
    Features on offer
    The bike has been on sale for over 15 years now and competes against the likes of Bajaj Platina 110 H-Gear, Hero Passion Pro and Honda Livo. Other segment highlights offered in Star City Plus include an LED headlamp, a USB mobile charger and a semi-digital instrument cluster.
    The instrument console consists of an analogue speedometer and a digital display for information like odometer, clock, fuel gauge, etc. Equipped with ET-Fi technology (Ecothrust Fuel Injection), it is claimed to offer fifteen percent better fuel economy.
    2021 TVS Star City+
    Mechanical Specs
    Star City Plus is powered by a 110cc, single-cylinder, fuel-injected engine that produces 8.08 bhp at 7,350 rpm and a peak torque of 8.7 Nm at 4,500 rpm. It is paired to a 4-speed gearbox and can clock a top speed of 90 kmph.
    Suspension setup comprises telescopic forks at front and 5-step adjustable shock absorbers at the rear. It rides on 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped by dura grip tubeless tyres. Anchorage is handled by a petal disc brake at front and a 110mm drum brake at rear with a combi-braking system.
    In Other News
    For Feb 2021, TVS reported a growth in sales. TVS recently hikes prices on almost all its models including the flagship offering in its lineup Apache RR 310. The supersport tourer is now offered at a price of Rs 2.5 lakh (ex-showroom). It comes with features on offer such as a new 5.0-inch TFT colour instrument panel that houses a new integrated Bluetooth connectivity system called TVS Smart Xconnect. It allows riders to access a host of features via TVS Connect App on one’s smartphone.
    The faired sports bike draws its power from a 312.2cc, liquid-cooled, reverse inclined, single-cylinder motor which is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Output figures differ depending on the mode the rider is riding the motorcycle. For Sport and Track mode, output figures stand at 34 PS of power and 27.3 Nm of peak torque. In Urban and Rain mode, figures drop to 25.8 ps and 25 Nm of torque. More

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    2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350 Side View Spied – New Exhaust System

    2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350 – New Gen
    The 350 cc single-cylinder engine will be shared with the Meteor

    The next generation Royal Enfield Classic 350 has been spotted testing in its near-production guise once again. This time, the latest spy shot gives us a closer look at the motorcycle and its side view – detailing the new exhaust system. We have learnt that the motorcycle is very close to launch and it could be in the showrooms in a few weeks.
    New Royal Enfield Classic 350
    The new Classic 350 is easily the most anticipated member of Royal Enfield’s next generation family based on the modular J platform. The launch which was originally planned for 2020 was delayed due to several reasons not the least of which is the ongoing pandemic. It seems the Chennai-based retro-classic specialist has sorted out the final details and is geared up to bring in the next iteration in a matter of weeks.
    Based on the spyshots, we can say that nothing much has changed. The current Classic 350 is still the best selling RE even at the very end of its lifespan, strongly indicating that the old-school styling is still popular among loyalists. We do get a slightly revised headlamp cowl, fuel tank and seats. We expect the new Royal Enfield Classic 350 to be equipped with Tripper Navigation system.
    Royal Enfield has recently introduced alloy wheels and dark colour themes for the Classic 350, and these cosmetic features are likely to be carried forward by the next gen model even though the prototypes are equipped with traditional spoke wheels and chrome finished components.
    2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350 New Exhaust System – Catbox has been removed from under the engine. Instead, New Classic 350 will have catalytic converter on inside of the silencer bend pipe.
    Specifications
    Powering the next generation classic roadster will be the new 350 cc SOHC air-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine which debuted on the Meteor. With 20.2 hp and 27 Nm of torque, the motor will offer a decent balance between highway performance and fuel efficiency. The transmission will continue to be a 5-speed unit.
    The modern setup in addition to several quality related improvements are expected to make the new Royal Enfield Classic 350 much more refined and robust compared to the outgoing model which is known for its niggles despite its undeniable charm.
    The company added an auxiliary catalytic converter chamber on the exhaust downtube to make the current engine meet the BS6 emission norms. The addition was an ad-hoc solution until the new model arrives. The test mules of next generation model do away with this additional component, thereby reverting to the old sleek exhaust system.
    Prospects
    With an all-new engine and several tangible improvements, the new Royal Enfield Classic 350 is all set to take the best selling nameplate to a new level. It will be supported by a slightly more modern looking roadster called the Hunter 350 which will go after the likes of Honda H’ness CB350. RE’s product onslaught is about to begin. More

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    Hero MotoCorp Feb 2021 Sales Crosses 5 Lakh – Splendor, Destini, Maestro

    Image – Abhishek
    Hero MotoCorp sales surpass the 5 lakh units mark yet again in February 2021

    Yet again Hero Motocorp has reported total sales at over 5 lakh units. February 2021, saw the manufacturer reports sales decline for motorcycles, and growth for scooters. Motorcycle sales fell to 4,63,723 units, down from 4,79,310 units at volume loss of 15.587 units. Sales decline stood at 3.25 units.
    Motorcycle sales contributes to the lion’s share of volumes at over 90 percent. Scooter sales improved significantly in Feb 2021. Sales was up at 41,744 units, up from 18,932 units. Sales more than doubled at volume gain of 22,812 units. Growth is pegged at 120 percent to raise scooters’ share in total sales to 8.26 percent.
    Hero MotoCorp Exports Feb 2021
    Hero MotoCorp does most of its business at home. Domestic sales stood at 4,84,433 units, remaining flat-tish, up from 4,80,196 units sold in Feb 2020. Some of the star performers in sales were Splendor, Passion, HF Deluxe, Maestro, Pleasure, Glamour, etc.
    Exports grew by 16.56 percent, up at 21,034 units, up from 18,046 units at volume gain at just under 3k units. Exports accounted for just over 4 percent of total sales at Hero MotoCorp. Total sales growth last month is reported at 1.45 percent. Sales rose to 5,05,467 units, up from 4,98,242 units. Volume gain stood at 7,225 units.
    Hero MotoCorp Sales Feb 2021
    MoM sales growth is reported at just over 4 percent, up from 4,85,889 units. volume gain stood at 19,578 units. MoM motorcycles’ sales growth is reported at 3.27 percent. Sales rose from 4,49,037 units at volume gain of 14,686 units. Scooter sales MoM growth is reported at 13.27 percent. Sales rose from 36,852 units at volume gain of 4,892 units.
    Of this domestic sales MoM growth stood at 3.56 percent at volume gain of 16,657 units. Sales rose from 4,67,776 units sold in Jan 21. Exports grew by 16.13 percent at volume gain of 2,921 units. Exports rose from 18,113 units a month earlier.
    YTD sales
    Despite Hero MotoCorp’s ability to sell two wheelers by the dozen, the manufacturer is staring at sales decline for the fiscal that ends in March 2021. This is but expected considering the slow start to business in FY21. After a complete lockdown through April 2020 owing to Covid-19 pandemic, the following months were spent smoothening logistics and supply chain disruptions. While business in recent months has been favourable, the year will end on a slow note.
    YTD FY21 motorcycles sales is down by 15.40 percent at 48,08,849 units, down from 56,84,508 units. Despite uncertainties, scooter sales has improved at just under 4 percent. Over 4 lakh units have been sold in the last 11 months, up from just under 4 lakh units for the same period in FY20. Total domestic YTD sales has crossed the 50 lakh mark, down from just under 60 lakhs at the same time last year.
    Exports decline marginally at 1,58,991 units. The start to 2021 appears to be strong with Hero MotoCorp wholesales through January and February being reported at just under 10 lakh units. More

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    Redesigned 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Gets $900 Price Bump

    The freshly redesigned 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander has a starting price of $26,990, a $900 price increase from the previous model.
    The top trim on the 2022, the SEL, starts at $33,140.
    The 2022 Outlander is set to reach dealers by April.
    The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander has received a full redesign after the automaker skipped the 2021 model year altogether. With the changes, the SUV sees a $900 price increase to $26,990. The Outlander tops out at $33,140 for the highest trim, SEL; that is likely to change once Mitsubishi introduces the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant of the Outlander for the 2022 model year. Currently, the only 2021 Outlander is the PHEV.

    2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Gets a Distinctive Look

    2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Adds More Power

    There are three trim levels on the 2022 Outlander, half as many as were available on the 2020 model. The midlevel SE costs $30,040. There is just one powertrain currently on the 2022 Outlander, a 2.5-liter inline-four with 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque which routes power through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive comes as standard, and all-wheel drive can be had for $1800, which is $200 cheaper than the 2020 model.
    The 2022 Outlander is now a few hundred dollars more expensive than its main competitors, including the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan and the 2021 Nissan Rogue, the SUV from which the Outlander borrows many components. The Tiguan starts at $26,440, and the Rogue starts at $26,800.
    The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is set to reach dealers by April.
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    2022 Kia Carnival Starts at $33,275, Up $1700 over Sedona It Replaces

    The new 2022 Kia Carnival starts at $33,275, a $1700 price increase from the Kia Sedona it replaces.
    The Carnival received sweeping interior and exterior updates, including a design which gives it more SUV-like proportions.
    Despite the increase in starting price, the Carnival still undercuts its competitors. It’ll reach U.S. dealers by the second quarter of this year.
    The 2022 Kia Carnival, formerly known as the Sedona, received sweeping updates for this model year and with it, a price increase of $1700. The Carnival now starts at $33,275 for the entry-level LX, and reaches $47,275 on the highest trim level, SX-Prestige, which is new for this year.

    2022 Kia Carnival U.S. Specs Detailed

    Kia Sedona Could Be Renamed Carnival for 2022

    The 2022 Carnival has a new, more stylish look which gives it SUV-like proportions. It also received stylish updates to its interior and now comes standard with an 8.0-inch infotainment screen and an optional 12.3-inch screen. The Carnival is front-wheel-drive only, and one engine is offered: a 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 290 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque.

    VIEW PHOTOS

    Kia

    The next trim up from the LX is EX, and it starts at $38,775. The second-highest trim level, SX, comes at a starting price of $42,275. Although the starting price of the Carnival received a generous price increase for 2022, it is still priced below its competitors such as the 2021 Chrysler Pacificaand the 2021 Toyota Sienna, which start at $36,690 and $35,635, respectively.
    The 2022 Kia Carnival is set to reach dealers in the U.S. by the second quarter of this year.
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    Royal Enfield Sales Feb 2021 – Classic, Bullet, Meteor, Himalayan

    Royal Enfield Classic
    Royal Enfield reports YoY and MoM sales growth in February 2020

    Royal Enfield reports total two wheeler sales for February 2021 at 69,659 units. Sales growth is just shy of double digits at 9.64 percent, up from 63,536 units. Volume gain stood at 6,123 units, up from 63,536 units.
    Of this domestic wholesales of the 350cc segment motorcycles accounted for 64,362 units. Sales growth stood at 12.34 percent. Volume gain is pegged at about 7.1k units, up from 57,292 units. It leads from the front at 92.40 percent of all RE sales last month.
    The above 350cc segment sees a much smaller volume of sales. Sales fell to about 5.5k units, down from 6,244 units at volume loss of 947 units. Sales decline stood at 15.17 percent, accounting for just over 7.5 percent of all sales.
    Exports and MoM sales growth
    Total domestic sales growth is reported at 6.42 percent growth. Sales rose to 65,114 units, up from 61,188 units at volume gain of 3,926 units. Exports almost doubled. Exports are reported at 4,545 units, up from 2,348 units at volume gain of 93.57 percent. Business from exports accounted for 6.52 percent of total RE sales.
    Royal Enfield Sales Feb 2021
    350cc segment MoM sales grew by over a percent, up from 63,580 units. Volume gain stood at 782 units. Above 350cc segment MoM sales decline is reported at 2.18 percent. Volumes fell from 5,415 units at volume loss of 118 units. Total domestic sales fell by .58 percent, down from 65,492 units.
    MoM exports grew by about 30 percent at volume gain of 1,042 units, up from 3,503 units. Total MoM sales is marginal at just under a percent, at 0.96 percent. Sales grew from just under 69k units sold in January 2021.
    FY21 YTD Royal Enfield sales
    While sales in recent months are in the green, the current fiscal got off to a start wherein there was no movement. The automobile market has come a long way from the early days of no sales activity following the announcement of Covid-19 pandemic related lockdown in March 2020.
    Hence recovery in this fiscal is an impossibility for Royal Enfield. YTD FY21 upto 350cc segment sales is reported at just under 5 lakh units. Sales decline is reported at 15 percent, down from 5,89,526 units.
    The above 350cc segment saw sales dwindle by over a third. Sales fell to 46,609 units, down 34 percent from 70,619 units. YTD FY21 exports have fallen to 32,737 units at 9 percent decline, down from 36,124 units. Total YTD sales decline is reported at 17 percent. Cumulative sales in the last 11 months is pegged at 5,46,292 units, down from 6,60,145 units. More

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    New Suzuki Hayabusa India Launch Teaser Out – Feb 2021 Sales Report

    2021 Suzuki Hayabusa India Launch Teaser
    Unveiled earlier this month, next-gen Hayabusa will be lunched in India soon

    One of the most iconic motorcycle brands of all time, Hayabusa has always been synonymous with speed and advanced engineering. It was the first of its kind to achieve top speed of 312 km/h (194 mph) in 1999. Now in its third generation, Hayabusa continues to draw auto enthusiasts from across the globe.
    2021 Suzuki Hayabusa design
    Although it carries on with its bulbous proportions, next-gen Hayabusa looks a lot sharper as compared to its predecessor. With the compact fairing and other design updates, the front fascia gets a more aggressive profile. Other key changes include chrome plated twin exhausts, new LED headlight, updated fuel tank design, and two-part LED taillights. Bolder fonts for ‘Hayabusa’ logo further enhance the superbike’s sporty character.
    2021 Suzuki Hayabusa powertrain
    Powering the beast is a 1340cc inline four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that is capable of generating 187 bhp of max power and 150 Nm of peak torque. This is short by 8 bhp and 4 Nm, as compared to the earlier model. Transmission is a 6-speed gearbox integrated with two-way quick shifter.
    The engine is basically the same as earlier, but it has been updated to comply with Euro-5/BS6 emission standards. This has been achieved via the addition of new intake system, catalytic converter and updated exhaust system. With these changes, fuel efficiency of next-gen Hayabusa has dropped to 18.06 kmpl, as compared to 21.5 kmpl earlier.
    2021 Suzuki Hayabusa India Launch Teaser
    In terms of features, new Hayabusa offers a new TFT screen that is placed between the analogue speedometer and tachometer. Tech upgrades include traction control, six-axis IMU system, ride-by-wire throttle, ABS cornering package, hill hold control, launch control, active speed limiter and six ride modes.
    2021 Suzuki Hayabusa India launch
    New-gen Suzuki Hayabusa will be launched in India soon – confirms the social media channels of Suzuki India. It is likely to be imported as CBU at first with CKD assembly starting at a later stage in India. This has been the case with earlier models as well. As for the pricing, the superbike is expected to be launched in the range of Rs 17-18 lakh (ex-showroom).
    Just like its predecessors, third-gen Hayabusa is expected to register strong sales. The Web Edition that was announced exclusively in Italy was sold out within three days. Only 10 units of these were offered. Priced at 21,490 Euros (Rs 18.9 lakh), the Web Edition of Hayabusa was equipped with a range of premium features. These included Akrapovic approved titanium silencers, anodized levers with brand logo, carbon tank pad, carbon mirror covers, rim stripe and seat cover.
    Suzuki India Feb 2021 Sales
    Suzuki India Sales Feb 2021
    Thanks to Gixxer, Intruder and Access, Suzuki India has managed to post growth for Feb 2021. Domestic sales stood at 59,530 units while exports stood at 12,132 units – taking total sales to 71,662 units for Feb 2021. In Feb 2020, SMIPL cumulative sales were at 67961 units. More