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    MG ZS Electric Retail Sales Cross 1,000 – New Battery Recycle Tie Up Announced

    MG ZS Electric SUV
    Following a partnership, TES-AMM will recycle MG ZS EV batteries responsibly

    MG ZS EV was launched in India in early-2020. To date, the company has reported retail sales at over 1,000 units. This makes it the second best selling UV in the segment, after Nexon EV – which has reported sales over 2,200 units till date.
    MG eZS goes from 0 to 100 kmph in 8.5 seconds. The smart car can be charged from 0 to 80 percent in about 50 minutes. With rather little available in the name of electric cars in India, MG Motor India began operations in India fairly recently, and is building an integrated EV ecosystem.
    This is necessary if the company is to sell electric cars and nurture EV adoption, and minimise total ecological impact of EVs. As time progresses, and the Indian electric vehicle market matures, one can expect more government involvement in facilitating end to end solution that are necessary if the EV industry is to grow. MG Motor India has a partnership with Umicore for safe and secure battery disposal. The TES-AMM tie-up is the fourth such association here for the automaker.
    MG Motor India and TES-AMM partnership
    With Electric vehicles being presented as the future of mobility, it’s essential that sustainable practices are introduced at the onset. This, or the world will be left with a whole lot of equipment that may not be disposed responsibly. An issue that’s even more rampant and plaguing in poorer countries where focus on any sort of recycling is low, leave alone batteries.
    [embedded content]
    MG Motor India has announced its association with TES-AMM India for responsible recycling of EV batteries. Building EV infra here is a multifaceted one where development is required as an end-to-end solution. With the transition to green mobility being a focus area, EV adaption is being presented as the next big mobility move.
    The partnership with TES-AMM, a global e-waste recycling and end-to-end service provider ensures environmentally-sustainable and secure recycling of MG ZS EV batteries. For customers choosing an electric vehicle, there’s a certain predilection to care for the environment. Knowing how a battery is disposed is a big part of the thought process. Now, ZS EV owners on India can track their ecological footprint in this aspect too.
    TES-AMM Li-ion battery recycling
    TES-AMM is the only Asian entity that operates a Li-ion battery recycling plant. It’s one of a handful of companies certified in multiple management systems including 18001:2007/R2 (Responsible Recycling), among other related processes. The company employed a unique mechanical-hydrometallurgical process for asset recovery that’s environmentally superior and safer.
    Rajeev Chaba, President and Managing Director, MG Motor India said, “At MG, we are on a mission to develop a comprehensive EV ecosystem that supports India’s drive towards its greener and cleaner future. We strongly believe that battery management is a critical area that needs focus. Our partnership with TES-AMM builds along these lines and ensures that batteries not only re-enter the value chain, but are also recycled while following the most eco-friendly protocols. We believe it will go a long way in India’s sustainable e-mobility future.” More

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    Ola Electric Scooter Plant In Tamil Nadu Will Be Largest In The World – Create 10k Jobs

    Ola acquired Etergo Electric Scooter
    Ola announces its first manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu, India, and will invest Rs 2.4k cr

    Ola is setting up its first manufacturing facility in India. The MoU has been signed with Tamil Nadu government and entails an investment of Rs 2,400 crore. Upto completion, the project will have created about 10,000 jobs, and is stated to be the world’s largest scooter manufacturing facility. Initial annual production capacity is 2 million (20 lakh) units per year.
    The Tamil Nadu plant will begin production with Ola’s Etergo AppScooter, which was acquired earlier. AppScooter features a removable battery that’s easy to port, and charge anywhere. Intelligent teach based smart features bring together a modern user experience for electric scooters. Once underway, Ola will introduce many new-age two wheeler product line-ups.
    This could be a big step in helping the electric two wheeler market establish itself in a bigger way. Currently, the industry sees participation from tech companies, new companies, and tie-ups between new and traditional companies. Growth focus now sees a range of low speed, and high speed electric scooters, and 1 single electric motorcycle manufacturer.
    Ola Electric growth path
    Previously, Ola had announced plans to hire over 2,000 people as its electric mobility business grows. The focus is a global one that brings to the fire electric and smart urban mobility solutions. As plans are formalised, Ola has gone onto announce new personnel hiring to lead global ops. Last year, Ola Electric raised $250 million from Masayoshi Son’s SoftBank to take its valuation to more than $1 billion.
    Etergo electric scooter
    The move highlights reduction of India’s import dependence where electric vehicles are concerned. Considering India has major EV adaption plans, a large-scale project like Ola’s will help setup local supply chains, and manufacturing, along with tech knowhow. And since the plant will cater to markets in Europe, Asia and Latin America, laying down systems that work is essential for success.
    Ola electric a global player
    European electric two-wheeler market has seen growth in 2020. Furthermore, EV adaptation is encouraged through well planned government budgets wherein the government offers to pick up a substantial part of tab for small electric scooters, and cycles.
    Ola is going to supply an electric two-wheeler order to New Zealand as the country is on path to introduce at least 64,000 new electric vehicles 2021 end. The nation has set serious carbon neutral goals 2025.
    Bhavish Aggarwal, chairman and Group CEO, Ola said, “We are excited to announce our plans to set up the world’s largest scooter factory. This is a significant milestone for Ola and a proud moment for our country as we rapidly progress towards realising our vision of moving the world to sustainable mobility solutions across shared and owned mobility. This will be one of the most advanced manufacturing facilities in the world. This factory will showcase India’s skill and talent to produce world class products that will cater to global markets.” More

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    Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor Modified As A Cruiser – Named Hummingbird

    Royal Enfield 650 Modified – Hummingbird
    Royal Enfield plans to launch multiple new motorcycles every year in India

    We already know by now that Royal Enfield is developing a full-blown cruiser based on the 650cc platform which underpins Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650. Also referred to as KX650, launch is expected next year.
    Images of RE’s cruiser 650 test mule have already been out. However, before Royal Enfield launches their 650cc crusier officially, a custom-made cruiser on the same platform has already been made.
    While Interceptor 650 has been a fan favourite ever since its launch in 2018, there are loads of room for improvement in order to classify itself as a tourer. Its uncomfortable seat and stiff suspension setup make for an unforgiving riding experience for long distances.
    However, if it were modified into cruiser things might be different. An aftermarket customisation firm called Bulleteer Customs has modified an Interceptor into a proper cruiser and posted its images on its Instagram handle.

    Modified Design
    It has taken more than a year for Bulleteer Customs to complete this job, from designing to actual execution. The bike adopts a design of an authentic bobber with wide handlebars and a very low stance. Handlebars here use extenders to provide a comfortable riding position. Wheelbase has been increased by providing a slight rake to the front suspension unit thus feeling more planted on straight roads and highways.
    Tyres have been upgraded from 100mm to 120mm at front and 130mm to 180mm at rear. This also lends a distinct road presence to the motorcycle. Saddle has been lowered and flattened out with proper cushioning therefore making for a more comfortable ride. The customised bike gets a split seat instead of a single piece as on the stock Interceptor.

    Side body panels have been changed as well, which bear the name ‘Highway’. Fuel tank is of a similar tear-drop shape however, like Continental GT, it comes with cuts on either side for a more aerodynamic look. The motorcycle wears a nice contrasting look thanks to a colour scheme of hue green and black with pinstriping used.
    Engine and alloy wheels are painted in Black with a white accent matching the aesthetics of the cruiser. A different exhaust system which is more straight than being up-swept has been used.
    Powertrain Details
    Clearly, time and effort invested in this modification have paid off nicely and the bike looks quite tasteful. Interceptor is powered by a 648cc parallel-twin oil/air-cooled motor which gives out 47 bhp and 52 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox and offered with a slip and assist clutch. As of now there has been no official word from Royal Enfield regarding KX650’s launch but we expect to hear more about it in coming months.

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    New Honda CB 250cc Under Development – Patent Leaks

    Honda CB350 In India – For reference
    The recently launched CB350 in India competes with the likes of Royal Enfield Classic 350, Jawa and Benelli Imperiale

    Honda has been reaping benefits from the introduction of H’Ness CB350 introduced a couple of months ago in the India market. Despite being available in limited numbers through its premium chain of dealerships BigWing, it has found a decent amount of buyers.
    Now, the Japanese auto giant is looking to expand its popular CB range of bikes. Patent images of a new motorcycle possibly of the new CB250 have leaked and surfaced on the internet. Going by the images, it resembles closely to CB300R which is slated to launch in India soon.
    Design Expected
    Although it seems to share most of its working components with its elder sibling CB400 SF including its frame and bodywork. The frame in discussion here is a conventional double cradle type and the swingarm seems fairly simple. Lots of focus has been put into the rear suspension setup which gets a mono-shock unit and has been mounted directly in the swingarm with no rising-rate linkage.
    Thus the cycle part is mounted on the frame directly behind the machine’s fuel tank, something which is common to more modern Honda motorcycles. Rest of the components are similar to the CB400 SF like the seat, wheels and tail section.
    Honda CB 250cc patent leaks
    Development on this seems to be in nascent stages since details available are very limited. However, it looks Honda might be serious about this because if it weren’t so important a more generic image of this could have been drawn.
    CB250 legacy
    The first generation of CB250 came out in the 1970s with its latest incarnation coming out in 1992 and staying in global markets until it got replaced by CBF250 in 2003. Despite its modest power and torque figures, it performed its duties without any complaints and became one of the most popular middleweight classic motorcycles.
    Honda 250cc engine patent
    Chances of production & arriving in India
    As of now, Honda’s CB range extends from the entry-level CB125R to top of the line CB1000RR which recently got updated. Question arises whether this bike will indeed see a production version soon and if it will arrive in India or not. Honda is surely looking to expand its premium range of motorcycles in India and the new CB250 could be an enticing option since the much loved and endeared CBR250R got discontinued earlier this year.
    Currently, Honda premium range of BigWing motorcycles starts from the new H’Ness CB350 and the new CB250 could be placed under it. The challenge for Honda will be to heavily localise this bike just like it did with the CB350 which is claimed to be more than 90 percent localised in India.
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    Mini Countryman Gets a Boardwalk Edition, Coming Spring 2021

    Mini is launching a new special-edition Countryman called the Boardwalk.
    The Countryman is the company’s best U.S. seller. The new-for-2021 version of the Countryman went on sale in July.
    U.S. pricing and quantities on the Boardwalk are expected closer to its spring 2021 launch.
    Mini is launching a new limited-run, special edition Countryman called the Boardwalk. The company says the name comes from “the promenades of traditional seaside resorts in Britain, home of the Mini brand.” It is available in Cooper and Cooper S versions, starting at the equivalent of around $42,000 in the U.K. (Here in the U.S., the regular 2021 Countryman starts just over $27,000.) Mini plans to offer the car here, but an official told Autoweek the automaker is “a bit of a ways” out for the U.S. model, so details are scarce.

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    U.S. production is set for a March time frame, with the first vehicles expected to arrive April/May, the official told us, adding that U.S. pricing and product details are still being worked out. “We’ll do a U.S.-specific announcement sometime in the first quarter closer to market launch that includes such details,” Autoweek was told. The Countryman is the company’s best U.S. seller, and the new-for-2021 version went on sale in July.
    For now, we know that the European version of the Boardwalk has sharp-looking Deep Laguna Blue metallic paint, rides on 19-inch alloy wheels and has a contrasting black roof and black roof rails as well as a power hatch and LED front and rear lights.

    Inside, the doorsills, the cockpit fascia, and the roof sport unique Boardwalk logos. For the Europe market, Mini is offering more standard equipment including a number of options from regular Countrymans as standard—mood lighting, illuminated handles, and external logo projections from the mirrors are among them. The interior also has piano-black detailing. A digital cockpit is included, too, alongside cruise control with automated emergency braking, automatic climate control, and heated seats. The Navigation package includes an 8.8-inch display, Apple CarPlay capability, and real-time traffic information. There’s also park assist, front parking sensors, and front- and rearview cameras.
    Remember, though, that this is the equipment Europe is getting. We’ll know more about our specs next spring.

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    Aprilia eSR1 Electric Scooter Name Registered – Launch Expected In 2021

    Image for reference
    E-scooter offering from Aprilia is expected to share its technologies and mechanicals with Vespa Elletrica

    Piaggio has filed a trademark for its upcoming electric scooter from its Aprilia brand. The Italian two-wheeler manufacturer has registered the trademark ‘eSR1’ at European Union Intellectual Property Office. The latter published a trademark application showing the ‘eSR1’ name in stylised font and logo.
    However, the applicant’s name hasn’t been revealed yet although it is indicated to be the Piaggio Group. The evidence being the ‘SR’ portion of trademark which resembles the SR logo in Aprilia brand of scooters.
    Furthermore, the eSR logo looks straight out of the books for the logo of SR-GP Replica which was revealed last year. The other major hint given is that the trademark has been registered on Piaggio’s behalf by Jacobacci & Partners S.P.A, the firm which handles all intellectual property matters for the Italian brand. Aprilia currently retails the SR range of scooters in 50cc, 125cc, 150cc and 160cc configurations around the world.
    Aprilia’s e-Scooter plans
    It is also being speculated that Aprilia eSR1 will share its powertrain and technology with other Piaggio group of products, specifically Vespa Elettrica which is already on sale in many international markets. Since it is a common practice by Aprilia to share technologies among its sibling brands this shouldn’t come as a surprise. This means Elettrica’s electric motor and batteries could be repackaged for Aprilia eSR1.
    Vespa Electric Scooter At 2020 Auto Expo
    Trademark filings don’t guarantee a production-spec model launch as they don’t reveal if or when a specific model will arrive at markets. In this case, however, chances are pretty high since electric scooters have been in trend and a global brand like Aprilia will surely garner a lot of attention which is likely to translate into a high consumer base.
    If eSR1 borrows its powertrain and technology from Vespa, much of its development would already be complete even though the e-scooter hasn’t yet been revealed in flesh. This means that launch of the new Aprilia scooter could be as early as next year for European markets.
    Vespa Elettrica details
    Speaking of specifications, Vespa Elettrica draws its power from a 4kW electric motor paired with a lithium-ion battery pack. Peak torque available at wheels stands at an impressive 200 Nm and provides a range of 100 km in Eco mode and 70 km in Power mode in a single charge. It takes 3.5 hours for the battery to get juiced up using a 220V socket.
    Its underpinnings are similar to its petrol-powered counterpart assisted by a trailing link front suspension and single shock absorber at rear. It rolls on 12-inch front and 11-inch rear alloy wheels. The model was showcased at this year’s AutoExpo but there are no signs of its launch in India anytime soon.
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    Mahindra Mojo 300 ABS Buyers To Get Free Shiro Helmet Worth Rs 5k

    Image – @vijaysandaraj7
    Mahindra Mojo 300 directly rivals Bajaj Dominar and the upcoming Hero Xpulse 200T

    Towards the end of the year, auto manufacturers race against time to clear their inventories. In order to do that, they offer multiple benefits to consumers to attract them to showrooms and make a purchase during this period. Mahindra Two-wheelers have resorted to something similar.
    Mahindra is offering a special safety offer with Mojo 300 for the month of December. This safety will encompass all consumers looking to buy a Mojo during the month of December 2020. Offer is applicable till the end of this month.
    Details of Offer
    Under this offer scheme, Mahindra will be offering every new Mojo owner a Mojo Branded Helmet (by Shiro) worth Rs.4,901 absolutely free of cost. Additionally, under the offer of Mojo Tribesman, a Mojo consumer who refers his/her friend to a nearby Mahindra Mojo dealership will get rewarded with Mojo Branded Long Riding Gloves worth Rs.2350 absolutely free.
    Mahindra Mojo BS6 was launched a few months ago. Sales have not been great, despite the reduction in price. Since launch in Aug, BS6 Mojo sales are at 146 units. With this new offer, Mahindra aims to increase sales in the last month of the year 2020.
    Mahindra Mojo Offer – Dec 2020
    Mojo 300 Details
    Mojo 300 is powered by a 295cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine which puts out 25.35 bhp at 7,300 rpm and 26.0 Nm of peak torque at 6,000 rpm. This unit is linked to a six-speed gearbox. The bike is mounted on a twin-tube Exposed Frame which is assisted by a suspension setup consisting of telescopic front forks and a mono-shock unit at rear. Braking duties are handled by front and rear disc brakes of 320mm and 240mm respectively assisted by dual-channel ABS offered as standard.
    It rolls on 17-inch wheels with 110/70-17 M/C 54S front and 140/70-17 M/C 66S profile of tyres. It gets a curb weight of 186 kg and a wheelbase of 1,460 mm alongside a ground clearance of 165 mm and a seat height of 300 mm. It can hold up to 21 litres of fuel. The tourer gets its signature dual-pod halogen headlamps which give it a menacing look.
    Mojo Sales
    FY 2020/21
    FY 2019/20
    April
    0
    0
    May
    0
    1
    June
    0
    1
    July
    0
    1
    Aug
    32
    25
    Sep
    37
    11
    Oct
    77
    40
    Total
    146
    79
    It is available in four colour schemes namely- Red Agate, Rube Red, Garnet Black and Black Pearl. Prices for the tourer motorcycle start at Rs 2.00 lakh and go up to Rs 2.11 lakh (both prices are ex-showroom).
    Other Bikes by Mahindra
    Mojo is currently the only bike in the market which is retailed under Mahindra’s brand name. Apart from Mojo, Mahindra owns a majority stake at Classic Motorcycles which builds Jawa motorcycles in India.
    Currently, Classic Motorcycles retails three Jawa motorcycles in India- Jawa Standard, Jawa Forty-Two and Perak. The bikemaker is also going to start production of Yezdi brand of motorcycles most probably from next year. The company will also be manufacturing bikes for the redundant British brand BSA Motorcycles in the United Kingdom from next year. More