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      New Okinawa Electric Scooter For Delivery Service Sector – Launch Teaser

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      Image for reference
      Okinawa Dual electric scooter is expected to offer range of up to 70 kms per charge

      Electrification of vehicles is the order of the day. Four, three and two wheeler offerings in this electric segment are gaining in importance especially with the Central and State Governments introducing several schemes and incentives to promote electric mobility in the country.
      Last mile delivery vehicles are also getting more preference and more so in recent time of the pandemic situation which has seen a change in consumer buying patterns. One of the leading electric two wheeler brand in India, Okinawa is now getting ready to launch yet another e-scooter in India.
      Okinawa Electric recently tweeted “New Year, New Beginnings! Okinawa Scooters is all set to transform and ‘eco-fy’ the #delivery service sector! Get ready for this Year’s most disruptive #electric two-wheeler as the Okinawa Family gets bigger this month. Unveiling soon #LeadToShine #PowerTheChange with Okinawa Dual.”
      Okinawa Dual Features
      Okinawa Dual is a new electric scooter set to launch in India this month. The company has released teaser of this new scooter on social media channels drawing attention. This electric scooter for last mile delivery is a budget scooter.
      Okinawa Electric Scooter Teaser
      From the teaser above, one can expect the new e-scooter to get horizontally aligned LED headlamps positioned on its front apron, telescopic front forks, rounded rear view mirrors. It is seen in a red colour scheme with the Okinawa logo positioned on its front apron.
      Teaser image also shows a single piece handlebar and single piece flat seat. It is also estimated that the new Dual e-scooter will receive a fully digital instrument cluster, alloy wheels, luggage carrying rack at the rear and a basket in the front to accommodate packages for delivery.
      Battery and motor specifications have not yet been detailed. New Okinawa Dual e-scooter, targeting the delivery service sector, could offer a range of 70 kms on a single full charge. It could come in fitted with a swappable Lithium-ion battery pack as the company has discontinued use of lead acid batteries in its E2W. Speaking about price of electric scooter for delivery from Okinawa – expect it to be priced aggressively.
      2021 Plans
      Okinawa Autotech has extensive plans for 2021 with two new electric scooters planned for launch. The company was established in 2015 and its first offering was the Okinawa Ridge e-scooter in 2017. The company has over 300 dealerships in India in metros, Tier-2, Tier-3 and rural regions.
      In October 2020, the company entered into an agreement with ZestMoney, an AI driven EMI financing – ‘Buy-Now-Pay-Later’ platform. Through this association, the customer will be able to buy an Okinawa scooter in easy EMI options. Buyers can also avail credit limit from ZestMoney by completing digital KYC after which they can select their repayment plan as per their choice. More

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      Honda Grom 125cc Patented In India – More Powerful Navi Planned?

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      New Honda Grom 125
      Honda Grom 125 is powered by a 125cc motor and is equipped with USD forks up front

      OEMS regularly patent a lot of new technologies and upcoming products across the globe. Although, not all patents end up being something concrete. It has happened many times before that Honda has patented something which did not see light of the day.
      Honda Grom in India
      For many years, it was reported that the Japanese auto giant would be launching the Grom in Indian but it never reached our shores. A few years ago, its trademark was filed too, however, what we got was a scooter-styled bike named Navi. The company has once again filed a patent for the latest iteration of Grom in India, as seen from the patent application.
      However, going by Honda’s track record, chances are very high that this too might never see light of the day. Although, there is a slight possibility of Honda reviving the Navi moniker in India.
      Honda Navi made its debut in India at the AutoExpo 2016 and grabbed a lot of eyeballs with its quirky design. However, below-par sales and stricter emission norms made Honda remove it from its India lineup early last year. But that has not stopped Honda from manufacturing Navi in India. Honda continues to manufacture Navi in India for export markets.
      Honda Grom 125 Patented in India
      Navi Mechanicals
      Navi used a 110cc motor borrowed from Activa which produced 7.8 bhp at 8,000 rpm and 8.96 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm. Like Activa, this unit was mated to a CVT gearbox. It was targeted at a younger group of consumers between the age bracket of 18 and 25 years and hence came with a wide array of funky colour options namely- Ladakh Brown, Sparky Orange, Black, Shasta White, Ranger Green and Patriot Red.
      In terms of mechanicals, the monkey bike was equipped with telescopic forks up front and a hydraulic mono-shock at rear. It rode on 12-inch front and 10-inch wheels with drum brakes on both ends to stop the vehicle. It was one of the rarest bikes with an automatic transmission which added a lot of conveniences.
      Honda Navi 125?
      If Honda indeed decides to bring back Navi to India, it could do well if it is equipped with the 124cc unit from Activa 125. This motor in its BS6 iteration churns out 8.2 bhp at 6,500rpm and 10.3 Nm of peak torque at 5,000rpm. This would make for a more spirited ride.
      Apart from this, the Japanese brand hiked prices of all its models including its latest offering CB350. The retro classic motorcycle has witnessed the highest price hike of Rs 2500. Honda’s highest-selling product has witnessed a price increment in the range of Rs 907 to Rs 1,755. More

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      Simple Energy Electric Scooter Launch This Year – Bajaj Chetak, Ather Rival

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      Simple Energy Electric Scooter at ARAI
      Upon its launch, Mark 2 will rival the likes of Bajaj Chetak, Ather 450X and TVS iQube

      Simple Energy is set to launch its flagship electric scooter offering Mark 2 in May this year. The Bengaluru-based EV startup has recently raised an investment worth an undisclosed amount from angel investors which included Finance operations at UiPath, Vel Kanniappan, Vice President – Global Business and four other investors participating in the latest round of funding.
      The company is further looking to invest an additional $8-10 million (approx Rs 700-750 crores) under Series A funding in the second quarter of 2021. As for Mark 2, Simple Energy will be launching its e-scooter initially in Bengaluru and Delhi and later in Mumbai, Chennai and Hyderabad.
      Mark 2 Specifications
      Recently, the company also revealed some important details about the upcoming electric scooter. Speaking of its specifications, Mark 2 will be powered by a powertrain that features a 4.2 kWh battery pack paired with an electric motor capable of generating 9.4 bhp and 72 Nm of torque.
      The e-scooter offers three ride modes namely- Eco, Normal and Sports. In Sports mode, this scooter can clock a top speed of 103 kmph and can do a 0-50 kmph sprint in just 3.6 seconds. Below is a teaser of the Mark1 on test.

      The startup promises a single-charge range of up to 240 km in Eco Mode, 220 km in Normal mode and 180 km in Sport mode. Compared to Bajaj Chetak Electric (95+ km) and Ather 450X (116 km), Mark 2 from Simple Energy provides almost double the range. The scooter receives a mid-drive motor along with a portable battery and features a futuristic design language.
      Features on offer
      The equipment of the e-scooter features tech gizmos such as an IP67-rated touchscreen instrument screen with navigation on the go, Bluetooth connectivity, and others. Back in November 2020, Simple Energy claimed that the prototype version of Mark 2, called Mark 1, provided an ARAI-certified single-charge range of 230 km in Eco ride mode using an in-house developed 4 kWh battery pack.
      This battery pack is bigger than what is offered with its immediate rivals like Bajaj Chetak (2.89 kWh), Ather 450X (2.61 kWh) and TVS iQube (2.25 kWh). This is the reason it can deliver higher range.
      Simple Energy Confirmed Launch for 2021
      The startup has also conceded that the upcoming electric scooter will be manufactured locally with localisation levels reaching 80 to 90 percent. It can be charged up using a home charger as well as using a DC fast charger at a charging station. Upon its launch, it is expected to be priced around Rs 1-1.5 lakh (ex-showroom) range. More

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      Honda CB350 Debuts In Japan – To Launch As GB350 (Exported From India)

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      Honda CB350 in Japan. Image – Young Machine
      Honda is all set to launch the made in India H’Ness CB350 motorcycle in Japan as GB350

      Honda managed to surprise enthusiasts by launching a locally manufactured premium retro-styled motorcycle late last year. The new H’Ness CB350 has found lots of takers despite limited availability thanks to its retro classic looks, a crispy exhaust thump and more importantly a powerful performance.
      Now, the Japanese manufacturer is planning to launch this bike in its home market very soon. According to a Japanese magazine, Honda will launch the classic roadster in Japan very soon and rechristened it as GB350.
      Made in India – Exported to Japan
      Honda has already showcased the motorcycle in Japan, though it is still wearing the CB350 badge – as shown in the images in this post. Images are credit to Young Machine magazine. In Oct and Nov 2020, Honda has managed to export over 100 units of the CB350 to a few countries. Its home country Japan, is one of them.
      The CB350 sold in India, is already BS6 compliant which is equivalent to Euro 5 emission norms. Hence, Honda wouldn’t have to invest further to upgrade the engine’s emission standards. It is also equipped with ABS as standard in its India-spec model. It is highly likely that the Japan-spec GB350 is the same as India-spec CB350. Made in India, and exported as CBU to Japan.
      Honda CB350 in Japan
      Expected Price in Japan
      While earlier reports indicated that in Japan, CB350 will cost around JPY 550,000 to JPY 600,000 ((INR 3.86 lakh to INR 4.21 lakh). However, the latest reports suggest that it would cost around JPY 499,000 (INR 3.50 lakh) in Japan. Exact prices will be announced soon, once it is launched.
      In India, CB350 is retailed at a price of Rs 1.86 lakh to Rs 1.92 lakh (ex-showroom) for its respective DLX and DLX Pro trim levels. There is unlikely to be an update on this naked roadster. Although, it is yet to be known if the Japanese model will be made in India or not.
      Honda CB350 went on sale in India in the last quarter of 2020 and is retailed through Honda’s premium dealership network BigWing. The Japanese brand at the time of launch claimed that CB350 has been specifically designed for Indian consumers and over 90 percent of the motorcycle has been locally manufactured.
      Honda CB350 in Japan
      The bike is launched as a challenge to Royal Enfield’s 350cc retro segment which currently holds a monopoly in the Indian market with over 75% market share. Initial sales numbers of the CB350 are promising, and it has the potential to disrupt Royal Enfield’s monopoly.
      Honda GB350 Specifications
      Coming to its powertrain, it is powered by a 348cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine which generates 21 bhp at 5500 rpm and a peak torque of 30 Nm at 3000 rpm. Hardware equipped will also remain similar to the India-spec model which consists of telescopic forks at front and dual shock absorbers at rear.
      Anchorage duties will be handled by disc brakes on both ends. Unlike India where it is available in two trims- DLX and DLX Pro, in Japan it will be available in a single fully-loaded trim. Below are more images of the Honda CB350, which is currently on display in Japan.

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      Renault 5 EV Concept Is an Adorable Blast from the Past

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      Renault has unveiled a new concept car that previews a future EV hatchback.
      Its styling is reminiscent of the Renault 5, which was sold in the U.S. as the Le Car.
      The French automaker is planning to launch seven EVs by 2025.
      As the auto industry rushes towards a brave new future, it is becoming strangely keen to reference the past. We already know that Volkswagen is working on an EV reimagining of its original Microbus, and now French automaker Renault has shown a new electric hatchback paying very obvious homage to the Renault 5 hatchback that was sold in the U.S. as the Le Car between 1976 and 1983.

      French Cars Will Return to U.S., So We Drove One

      How Peugeot Aims to Claw Its Way Back to America

      The 5 concept was unveiled at an event in France where Renault joined the increasing number of European automakers committing to rapid electrification, with boss Luca de Meo saying the company is set to launch seven EVs by 2025, with 30 percent of its total production anticipated to be fully electric by the same time. The 5 concept will presumably become one of these—although production hasn’t been officially confirmed, the official line is that “it demonstrates how Renault will democratize the electric car in Europe with a modern approach influenced by one of the most popular and essential cars of its era.”

      Renault

      It’s certainly cute. Although the concept has gained more muscular contours than its slab-sided predecessor, it retains the original’s combination of trapezoidal headlights, a steeply raked tailgate, and taillights integrated into the C-pillars. Hidden door handles at the back disguise the fact that it is actually a four-door. The company hasn’t released any images of an interior. We’re told that the charging port is on the front fender, where the later “SuperCinq” 5 had a distinctive air intake, and that the Renault logos front and rear illuminate. The blistered wheel arches and red stripe kit also pay tribute to the Renault 5 GT Turbo, a car that introduced many Europeans to torque steer.

      Renault

      What’s missing is any information on the powertrain, performance, or range. We can be sure that any production version of this new 5 will use much more modern underpinnings than the existing Zoe EV hatchback’s, which was launched in 2012. The concept’s proportions suggest it features front-wheel drive rather than rear-wheel drive, and trunk space looks fairly minimal, but we will have to wait for any further details.
      Renault hasn’t sold cars in the U.S. since 1987 and the company has no publicly stated plans to return. Which is a shame, as we like the idea of a Federalized take on this stylish baby EV – we could call it Le Eco Car.
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      2021 Audi Q5 Sportback Is More Expensive Than Standard Model

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      Audi has released pricing for the new Sportback variant of the Q5 crossover.
      The 2021 Q5 Sportback starts at $48,895, while the SQ5 Sportback starts at $57,195.
      Both versions are available in Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trim levels.
      Predictably, Audi is charging extra for the new Sportback version of the 2021 Q5. The Q5 Sportback Premium starts at $48,895, a $4500 increase over the standard Q5, and the more powerful SQ5 Sportback Premium starts at $57,195, a $3200 increase. Like the BMW X4 and Mercedes GLC Coupe, the Q5 Sportback has a more sharply sloped roofline compared to the standard Q5 SUV.
      Audi’s price premium for the Sportback is actually less steep than BMW’s and Mercedes-Benz’s, as both the X4 and GLC Coupe cost over $6000 more than their squareback equivalents. And the Q5 Sportback does come with extra standard equipment including 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, and sport seats.

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      Audi Debuts 2021 Q5 Sportback, a New Variant of Q5

      The Q5 Sportback has the same 261-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four as the standard Q5. The SQ5 Sportback has a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 with 349 horsepower. All-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission are standard across the board. Premium is the base trim level, while the costlier Premium Plus and Prestige versions add equipment such as a premium audio system, a digital gauge cluster, and adaptive cruise control.
      Audi says that the Q5 Sportback will start arriving at U.S. dealerships sometime in mid-2021.
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      VW’s ID.Buzz Microbus U.S. Launch Delayed to 2023

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      Volkswagen’s ID.Buzz electric Microbus has been delayed from the expected 2022 launch and will arrive in the United States in 2023, according to Volkswagen of America CEO Scott Keogh.
      The delay is likely due to the need to retool VW’s Hanover, Germany, factory for both the Buzz and a separate electric commercial van.
      The MEB-platform-based ID.Buzz was unveiled in 2017 and instantly became one of the more highly anticipated EVs.
      These may be challenging times, but at least we could look forward to the glorious Volkswagen ID.Buzz electric Microbus landing in U.S. showrooms in 2022. Well, former hippies, #VanLife fans, early adopters, and eco-conscious vehicle lovers, we have some bad news. According to Volkswagen of America CEO Scott Keogh, the U.S. launch of the ID.Buzz will be delayed until sometime in 2023.
      Keogh dropped the heartbreaking bombshell during an interview with Automotive News. “I wish it was coming next year,” Keogh said. “It’s not going to come quite as soon as that; it’s going to be a little bit later than that.”
      The issue is that the ID.Buzz will be built at VW’s Hanover, Germany, plant instead of the Zwickau, Germany, electric vehicle plant where the ID.3 compact hatchback and ID.4 crossover are currently being produced. The Hanover location builds commercial vehicles and needs to be retooled for both the ID.Buzz and an upcoming commercial electric van, both of which will go on sale in Germany in 2022.

      Deep Dive into VW’s MEB Platform and EV Plans

      VW ID. Buzz Electric Bus Confirmed for U.S.

      ID. Buzz Getting an Adorable Cargo Version

      All of these vehicles are based on VW’s MEB (modular electric vehicle) platform that’s the underpinning of the automaker’s push for electrification. Part of that strategy is the launch of the ID.4 crossover as a 2021 model in the U.S. market. That’s a smart move considering the growth of the small-SUV segment and the automaker’s desire to have an EV with mass appeal as it attempts to persuade U.S. customers into battery-powered vehicles.
      Still, the excitement around the ID.Buzz has been palpable ever since its unveiling in 2017. Nostalgia and a new appetite for vans has likely helped keep the Microbus on the minds of many potential buyers. And that anticipation hasn’t been lost on Keogh. The CEO mentioned that he receives texts from dealers (both VW and non-VW) about the ID.Buzz, saying, “The reaction’s been huge, and we just got to get it here.”

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