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      in Bike

      Electric 2W Sales In India Expected To Decline In FY2021 – ICRA

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      File photo
      Under FAME-II scheme’s three-year tenure, FY2020-FY2022, e-2W sales realised are at a dismal 2 percent of the targeted 10 lakh units

      While dialogues around electric vehicles continue to pepper through, sales and demand for EVs isn’t that great yet. This, despite government’s thrust on adoption of electric vehicles (EV). No doubt Covid-19 pandemic had a bearing on industry performance in 2020.
      But outlook for e-2W remains largely unchanged in FY21 owing to a low base. A survey across 16 e-2W dealerships in November 2020 reveals that stringent eligibility criteria for subsidy claim under FAME-II has been a deterrent. This is attributed to minimum localisation requirement, and exclusion of lead-acid based e-2W.
      Consumer awareness (regarding Government subsidy) is lacking. FAME-II designed to propel faster electric vehicle (EV) adoption is in a mid phase of its 3-year tenure (FY2020-FY2022). As of September 30, 2020, it has achieved a paltry 2 percent of its target (out of covering 10 lakh e-2Ws) sales for said period.
      Shamsher Dewan, Vice-President, ICRA, says, “While the e-2W sales reported a 21% Y-o-Y growth to 1.5 lakh units in FY2020 (first year of scheme) the number of e-2Ws which availed FAME-II subsidy plummeted.”
      File photo
      ICRA research findings
      About 50 percent dealers say e-2W sales declined post FAME-II. Models eligible for subsidy under FAME II are fewer. e-2W with advanced (i.e. Lithium-ion battery based) are eligible. As such, lead-acid battery- based e-2W sales (about 70 percent of models available) are excluded from incentive claims.
      Manufacturers are required to meet a minimum 50 percent localised content criterion in a phased manner. This is difficult as a Li-ion battery accounts for 40-50 percent of overall EV cost. Inadequate domestic supply means most OEMs are importing the same. Thus excluding them from subsidy claim eligibility.
      A third of walk-in customers are unaware of financial incentives offered by the Government. The rest have limited understanding. Potential customers have concerns regarding upfront cost of a e-2W, durability and after sales services. Majority of dealers indicated that customers on the lookout for such a bike are mostly in search for a second 2W. With schools and college terms suspended at present, such purchases are deferred.
      Electric two wheeler sales for FY21
      Buyers prefer low cost-low range lead-acid battery powered e-2Ws even though FAME-II incentives aren’t available for them. Such scooters are exempt from RTO reg, driving licence and helmet. About 60 percent customers opt for lead-acid based vehicles as their upfront costs are lower than Li-ion powered e-2Ws.
      High-speed e-2W sales declined 25 percent Y-o-Y through H1 FY2021, primarily owing to pandemic-led lockdowns. September 2020 saw sales growth of 72 percent Y-o-Y. EV policies announced by states and Union Territories, and Central Government’s decision to allow sale of EVs without battery could augment growth.
      ICRA expects 15-17 percent Y-o-Y contraction in domestic 2W volumes in FY2021. In H1 FY2021, 2W wholesale sales volumes was 38 percent lower on a Y-o-Y basis. e-2W sales account for less than 1 percent of total two-wheelers (2W) sold in FY2020 in India. More

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      in Motor News

      Check Out a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo with Sparkly Ultra-Black Paint

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      This content is imported from YouTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

      As Motor1 first reported, DipYourCar took a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo, sprayed it in an ultra-black paint called Musou Black, and then covered it in a sparkly HyperShift Pearl finish, and it was all shown on YouTube.
      It wasn’t a straightforward challenge for the team, which had to come up with a unique way to get the two layers to adhere to each other.
      Although DipYourCar recommended against doing this on most cars, you can pick up that Musou Black paint.
      The team over at DipYourCar specializes in head-turning cars, and their latest project is certainly that. DipYourCar covered a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution in Musou Black paint—which the supplier says is the blackest paint in the world—and then put the company’s HyperShift Pearls finish on it, giving the ultra-black surface the look of having LED lights throughout the paint.

      The Wildest, Craziest Car Paint Colors for 2020

      This BMW X6 Has Insane Blacker Than Black Paint

      It wasn’t a straightforward challenge for the people of DipYourCar, as they couldn’t get the desired effect just by spraying the HyperShift Pearls over the Musou Black paint. What they ended up having to do was to mix the HyperShift Pearls directly in with naptha thinner, and then spray the car with that mixture. The thinner then evaporated, leaving the blend of HyperShift Pearls and Musou Black paint.
      Musou Black paint is a water-based acrylic that absorbs 99.4 percent of all light compared with other black acrylic shades, which are in the low 90s, the maker says. The Lancer Evo has quite a two-dimensional appearance wearing it. Yet it’s hard to say whether it’s blacker than the Vantablack on the one-off 2020 BMW X6 that was displayed at the Frankfurt auto show in late 2019.
      Looking at this ultra-black Evo reminds us of what it looks like staring at stars when we’re somewhere far away from urban light pollution. The depth the two coats of paint offer seems to have no end. Nonetheless, DipYourCar said that this isn’t something you’d want to do yourself, as it’s costly and wouldn’t last long.
      Nevertheless, if you do want to, Japanese maker Koyo is selling it online.
      This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io More

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      in Bike

      Aprilia SXR 160 Rendered As Electric Scooter – Could This Be eSR1?

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      Aprilia SXR 160 Based Electric Scooter Render
      Aprilia eSR1 electric scooter could draw major design inspirations from petrol-powered SXR 160

      The Indian market has been eagerly awaiting the arrival of Aprilia SXR 160, mainly because it will be the first proper maxi-style scooter in India. Definitely, Suzuki Burgman also follows a similar styling pattern, but SXR 160 clearly ticks more criteria for a power Maxi scooter.
      Recently, a few days ago the Italian two-wheeler brand started accepting bookings for the upcoming power scooter at a token amount of Rs 5000. The company said that deliveries of the e-scooter will commence soon.
      Dealerships already have the scooter in showroom, while customers have started taking test rides. Though not yet launched officially, dealer sources state that price is Rs 1.3 lakh ex-sh for the Aprilia SXR 160. While we wait for its official launch, design renders of SXR 160 as an electric scooter has surfaced online.
      We already know that a new electric scooter from Piaggio is certainly on cards in future as the company recently filed a trademark named ‘eSR1’. It is, therefore, no harm in imagining SXR 160 with an electric powertrain given that it is the latest offering from Piaggio group and might serve as a design inspiration for the upcoming eSR1.
      Aprilia SXR 160 in showroom
      Rendered Design
      Design-wise, as shown in the images, the electric SXR 160 is identical to its petrol-powered counterpart. It receives the same set of a big LED headlamps with integrated LED DRLs which give a modern and refreshing look to its front face. The designer has also carried over the large and comfortable seat from the regular SXR 160. Even hardware setup such as the front telescopic fork and alloy wheels along with disc brakes on both ends have been carried over.
      The distinguishing highlight though is the bright colour scheme and body graphics. A white paint job along with subtle blue graphics in front fairing, headlamps and rear cowl makes for a tasteful look. Alloy wheel rims also feature thick blue pinstripes while the rear cowl flaunts black graphics enhance its sporty appeal. Aprilia branding in black background is seen beneath the floorboard.
      This design renders also showcases a slightly different rear wheel hub from the regular SXR 160, similar to the one in Vespa Elettrica prototype showcased at the AutoExpo 2020. The image also shows a wall-mounted charger which could be used to juice up the battery of the scooter.
      Aprilia eSR1 based on Vespa Elettrica
      It was recently reported that Piaggio has trademarked the name ‘eSR1’ in India which could be the company’s next e-scooter offering through its Aprilia brand of two-wheelers. This scooter might well use the technology and powertrain of Vespa Elettrica since it is a common practice among brands under Piaggio. This would also save them time and extra capital required to invest in new technology.
      If indeed that is the case, then eSR1 could use a 4kW electric motor paired with a lithium-ion battery pack to power itself. This powertrain will provide a peak torque of 200 Nm at wheels and a single-charge range of 70 km in power mode and 100 km in Eco mode.
      SOURCE More

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      in Bike

      Kawasaki Eliminator H2 Supercharged Cruiser Launch Likely In 2021

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      Kawasaki Eliminator H2 Render
      The litre-class supercharged power cruiser will be powered by the same powertrain as in Ninja H2 and Z H2

      The first time the world came to know about Kawasaki Eliminator H2 was a couple of months back when a Japanese magazine called Young Machine displayed a rendering of the supercharged power cruiser on its front page. A couple of months later, rumours are rife that the bike has reached the end of its developmental cycle.
      The latest image published by the magazine shows what the final production-spec model could actually look like. Although it is just a render, going by Young Machine’s reputation the final production bike is likely to be close to this in terms of its styling.
      Design
      An amalgam of Ninja H2 and Eliminator Cruiser, this supercharged Eliminator H2 could hit international markets in 2021 itself. In this rendered image, the bike uses a tubular frame structure just like the ones found in Ninja H2 and Z H2 machines.
      However, the top hat of this bike is widely unique from its other siblings. It gets a cruiser-like low stance, mid-set footpegs and a fuel tank swooping down to meet a low seat.
      Kawasaki H2
      Designers at Young Machine have envisioned Eliminator H2 as a traditional cruiser with a single seat, stocky rear end and chopped off rear fenders. It is also expected to borrow a few chassis components from the naked Z H2 to ease its transition as well as cost.
      This will make it more affordable than the naked speedster while a softer suspension setup would make for a more comfortable cruiser ride. The production-spec model is also likely to get a wider handlebar than what is seen on the render.
      Powertrain
      If it reaches production, it is likely to be powered by a supercharged 998cc inline four-cylinder engine powering the Z H2 and Ninja H2. While on the sportier iterations, this engine is tuned to make 200 horses, in the power cruiser it is likely to be slightly detuned to around 175 bhp to 180 bhp. It would still be one of the most powerful cruisers going around.
      Expected reveal
      While there has been no word from Team Green as of yet regarding Eliminator H2, if it is indeed in pipeline, we can expect Kawasaki to reveal this motorcycle towards the end of 2021 either at the EICMA in Milan or at the Tokyo Motor Show provided threats due to Covid-19 subsides. If it hits international markets, it will rival the likes of Honda Rebel 1100 and Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster 1200. More

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      KTM Sales, Exports Nov 2020 – Duke, RC 125, 200, 250, 390 ADV

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      New KTM Duke 125
      KTM domestic sales and exports increased 22.21 percent and 43.90 percent respectively in November 2020

      KTM India noted positive sales both in domestic market as well as exports. YoY sales increased by 22.21 percent but MoM sales dipped 16.86 percent indicating that the euphoria seen over the festive season is diminishing. Total sales in Nov 20 stood at 5,618 units, up 22.21 percent over 4,597 units sold in Nov 19. MoM sales fell 16.86 percent in Nov 20 stood at 5,618 units, down from 6,757 units sold in Oct 20.
      KTM YoY Domestic Sales Growth
      In the past month, sales of the KTM 200, 250 and 390 range noted substantial growth, even as sales of the 125cc dipped by 38.36 percent. The KTM Duke and RC 200 were at the top of sales charts with 2,115 units sold, 20.51 percent higher as compared to 1,755 units sold in Nov 19.
      Currently commanding a market share of 37.65 percent the KTM 200, like all the other bikes in the company lineup has undergone a price hike. MoM sales of this model dipped 21.52 percent as against 2,695 units sold in Oct 20.
      KTM 250 noted a 248.68 percent growth YoY – all thanks to the launch of new ADV motorcycle in the range. As compared to just 456 units sold in Nov 19, the sales figure increased to 1,590 units in Nov 20. MoM growth however, was also as exciting as there was a growth of 123.31 percent as 712 units had been sold in Oct 20. This was the only model in the company lineup to note positive MoM growth.
      KTM Domestic Sales – Nov 2020
      Sales of the KTM 125 fell 38.36 percent YoY. 2,135 units had been sold in Nov 19 which dipped to 1,316 units in the past month. MoM sales growth was also in the negative by 43.08 percent as 2,312 units were sold in Oct 20.
      KTM YoY and MoM Exports
      Where KTM India exports are concerned, KTM has posted positive growth both in terms of YoY and MoM exports by 43.90 percent and 17.68 percent respectively. The KTM 390 was a favoured model in global markets with a 41.82 percent market share in Nov 20 and 1,756 units exported during the month, up 79.73 percent as compared to 977 units exported in the same month of the previous year.
      KTM Exports Nov 2020
      Exports of the KTM 250 surged 308.36 percent to 1,123 units in Nov 20 up from 275 units exported in Nov 19. MoM sales increased 125.05 percent as only 499 units had been exported in Oct 20. This again, was due to the launch of 250 Adv, in the export markets.
      With a market share of 22.43 percent, KTM 200 YoY growth increased 18.94 percent to 942 units in Nov 20 while MoM exports dipped 35.61 percent as 1,463 units had been exported in Oct 20. The KTM 125 saw a de-growth in terms of YoY exports by 56.75 percent to 378 units in the past month as against 874 units exported in Nov 19. MoM exports however increased substantially by 410.81 percent, as only 74 units had been exported in Oct 20. More

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      in Electric Cars

      Apple Electric Car Launch Planned For 2024 – Hey Siri, Will It Rival Tesla?

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      Apple electric car render by carwow
      Apple will develop its own battery technology that could reduce cost and to offer an extend vehicle range

      Apple, the makers of the iPhones, iPads, Macbooks and multiple accessories to support their tech products; has been reportedly eyeing to enter the automotive industry. The company will build self driving cars and is targeting launch sometime in 2024 as per a Reuters report.
      For this purpose, Apple is developing its own battery technology. The batteries will not only be more economical but will also extend vehicle range by a significant extent. Not much is known about their car battery and its optimization.
      But knowing Apple and their optimization levels, one can expect it to be surprisingly good. Apple recently shocked the tech world, when they doubled their laptop battery life per full charge, just with the introduction of M1 chip. Cars are completely different. But still, Apple is one of the leaders in battery optimization today.
      2024 Target
      The endeavour of Apple to enter the self driving car arena dates back to 2014 with ‘Project Titan’. The company designed its own vehicle from scratch but had to withdraw efforts to focus on software with the project being brought to a standstill in 2017. The aim is now to build a vehicle for consumer and produce self driving car technology and is targeting 2024 to introduce the passenger vehicle with its own breakthrough in battery technology.
      Tesla Model 3 – Apple electric car could rival Tesla
      With Apple not being any car manufacturer, there is a possibility that the company will rely on a manufacturing partner to build the Apple Car or it might just build the software and intelligence for the Apple self driving car and license this technology to partners more well versed with the automotive industry. With a target to introduce this autonomous vehicle by 2024, the current pandemic situation could push production operations to 2025 or even a few years ahead.
      Making an autonomous vehicle could even pose a problem to a company like Apple. While they have sound knowledge in electronics, the company has never ventured into the automobile arena and it even took someone like Tesla’s Elon Musk 17 years to gain sustainable profit making cars.
      Lidar Sensors and Monocell Design
      Apple is currently in talks with lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor suppliers, apart from the ones which already supply lidar sensors for their new iPhone released this year. Lidar sensors will deliver real time, accurate 3-D view of the world around their car. This will help the car execute multiple autonomous functions. Apple is also developing its own lidar sensors and related technology.
      The company is also mulling the chemistry for a battery called LFP – Lithium Iron Phosphate which is less likely to overheat and will hence be safer as against other types of lithium ion batteries. Also if Apple plans to use a monocell design, it will help to free up space inside the battery pack thus eliminating pouches and modules that hold individual battery material.
      The Apple self driving car project is being overseen by the team engineers headed by John Giannandrea, Apple Head of Artificial Intelligence who also oversees voice based digital assistant ‘Siri’.
      Source More

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      Honda CB350 Sales Triple In Nov 2020 – But Nowhere Near RE Classic

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      Image – Sunil Bhat
      The Honda H’ness is currently being sold exclusively through BigWing premium outlets in select cities

      The 350 cc niche has long been Royal Enfield’s forte and there have been several attempts by rivals to break the monopoly, but none was successful. The likes of Bajaj attempted to lure the prospective customers with modern and more powerful alternatives but in vain.
      Jawa Motorcycles imitated RE’s recipe and enjoyed a promising start but Classic Legends dropped the ball with poor execution. Most recent attack on RE territory comes from Honda in the form on H’ness CB350. Will it make an impact?
      Honda CB350 November 2020 sales
      The Honda CB350 retro classic roadster seems to have the right blend to take on Royal Enfield’s 350 cc range of products. Last month, the new arrival clocked sales of 4,067 units, a MoM increase of 215%. This indicates that the CB350 has been having a strong start and HMSI has ramped up its production to meet the demand.
      The sales number doesn’t mean anything against RE but it is impressive anyway given the motorcycle is retailed only through Honda’s BigWing premium bike outlets of which there aren’t many to mount a proper assault on the incumbent. In case Honda were to make the CB350 available through their entire two wheeler network, sales would hugely increase.
      Honda CB350 vs Royal Enfield 350 – Nov 2020 Sales
      In comparison, the Royal Enfield Meteor 350, also a new arrival, managed to reach a tally of 7,031 units in November 2020. The good old Classic 350 which is approaching the end of its life cycle found 39,391 units last month, underscoring the company’s sheer dominance of this niche yet lucrative segment.
      As things stand now, the attractively priced CB350 will be used as an entry card into the brand’s premium bike ownership experience. The planned expansion of BigWing outlets in tier-II cities is expected to bring incremental volumes. Honda is also developing a 250 cc version as revealed by recent patent leaks.
      Honda CB350 at a glance
      The Honda H’ness CB350 is powered by a single-cylinder 348 cc engine which is tuned to deliver 21 hp and 30 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a 5-speed gearbox by means of an assist and slipper clutch. Just like the RE 350 family, the latest Honda is meant for relaxed and comfortable commutes and occasional touring.
      The equipment highlights include an LED headlamp and taillight, digi-analog instrument console, smartphone voice control system, front and rear disc brakes with dual-channel ABS, side stand indicator with engine cut-off, alloy wheels, Honda Selectable Torque Control and so on. If Honda CB350 continues its strong growth rate, it will become a spot of bother for Royal Enfield at some point in the not-so-distant future. More

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      Royal Enfield Meteor 350 First Month Sales 7,031 Units – Becomes 2nd Best RE

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      Royal Enfield Meteor 350
      Royal Enfield Meteor 350 was launched on 6th Nov 2020 – Sales started on same day

      Launched after a long wait, the new Royal Enfield Meteor 350 has met with a grand success in its first month of operations. From registering over 8k bookings in just 2 weeks of launch, to recording sales of 7,031 units in Nov 2020 – Meteor 350 has now become the 2nd best selling Royal Enfield motorcycle, beating the likes of Bullet and Electra.
      Meteor 350 has proved to be an instant successful product for the Chennai based bikemaker. Designed from the ground up by the company’s R&D Center in India along with inputs from Leicestershire in the UK, the Meteor 350 is set to appeal to young motorcycling enthusiasts with its retro styling.
      RE 350cc Motorcycle Sales Nov 2020
      In the 350cc segment of motorcycle, Royal Enfield offers Classic, Meteor, Bullet and Electra. Unlike the other 3, Meteor is based on an all new platform and powered by an all new engine. Positioned on a new ‘J’ platform, the Meteor 350cc is powered by a BS6 349cc, single cylinder, SOHC engine that offers 20.2 hp power at 6,100 rpm and 27 Nm torque at 4,000 rpm. It receives an electronic fuel injection system and gets mated to a 5 speed gearbox.
      Other RE 350cc motorcycles are expected to get the new platform as well as the new engine next year. For Nov 2020, these 4 motorcycles managed to register sales of 56,425 units.
      Royal Enfield 350cc Motorcycle Sales – Nov 2020
      With the arrival of Meteor 350, sales of Royal Enfield’s 350cc segment had registered an increase. Though, this seems to have come at the cost of Bullet 350 sales. For Nov 2020, Bullet sales declined by almost 50%. Royal Enfield is facing supply chain issues, which has probably resulted in a bottleneck, as far as production is concerned.
      Total sales of RE’s 350cc motorcycles stood at 56,425 units in Nov 2020, which is 7.5% growth when compared to Nov 2019 sales of 52,494 units. Classic 350 remained the leader with lion’s share of ver 70%, while Meteor and Bullet had about 12% share each.
      No
      RE 350cc M’Cycle
      Nov-20
      Nov-19
      1
      Classic 350 (+10%)
      39,391
      35,951
      2
      Meteor 350
      7,031
      0
      3
      Bullet 350 (-50%)
      6,513
      12,902
      4
      Electra 350 (-4%)
      3,490
      3,641
      –
      Total (+8%)
      56,425
      52,494
      Meteor 350 Design and Engine Specs
      The Meteor 350 is offered in three variants of Fireball, Stellar and Supernova. Pricing starts off at Rs.1.75 lakhs for the base Fireball variant going up to Rs.1.81 lakhs for the Stellar and Rs.1.90 lakhs for the Supernova. Each of these variants gets their distinctive colour options and features to set them apart.
      Design elements include alloy wheels, circular LED headlamp and tail lamp, tear drop shaped fuel tank and a large front windshield. An ergonomically designed seat, forward positioned foot pegs and high set, swept back handlebars relate to a comfortable riding position. Colour options as per variants include Fireball Yellow, Fireball Red, Stellar Red Metallic, Stellar Blue Metallic, Supernova Brown and Supernova Blue and an exclusive Stellar Black Matte. More