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    TVS Fiero 125 Launch Planned To Rival Bajaj Pulsar 125

    Bajaj Pulsar 125 is the best selling Pulsar today
    The TVS Fiero 125, if launched, will plug an important void in the brand’s portfolio

    If you are old enough, the name TVS Suzuki Fiero would evoke a pleasant memory of a unique looking motorcycle with a smooth 150 cc engine. TVS continued to use the nameplate for a few years after parting ways with its former Japanese partner but the subsequent versions were unable to replicate the original version’s success. Eventually, Fiero brand was withdrawn from the market and it slowly faded away from our memory.
    New TVS Fiero 125 coming?
    After several years, TVS appears to have decided to bring back the good old Fiero brand, this time as a 125 cc motorcycle. Except for the trademark filing for “TVS Fiero 125” there are no other news as of now but it is reasonable to expect the product to be ready sometime next year.
    TVS currently has no offering in the 125 cc commuter motorcycle segment which is currently dominated by the Honda CB Shine, SP 125, Hero Glamour and Bajaj Pulsar 125. In fact, the recent success of Pulsar 125 could be the reason behind TVS planning to launch a new 125 cc motorcycle in the sports commuter segment. Pulsar 125 has become the best selling Pulsar motorcycle today with monthly volumes of about 40-45k units.
    This volume rich 125cc segment has been tricky for the Hosur-based brand as its Flame 125 did not fare well. The 125 cc NTorq scooter however has been doing pretty well in the market.
    TVS Fiero 125 Name Registered
    Why Not Use Apache 125?
    Like their rival Bajaj, who has used the same Pulsar brand to launch motorcycles across multiple segments, TVS also has a motorcycle brand and it is Apache. TVS probably is not using Apache 125 nameplate as it might dilute the sports brand image of Apache series; and hence it is likely that they have chosen to go ahead with the name Fiero 125.
    We expect the TVS Fiero 125 commuter motorcycle to derive its engine from the automatic scooter albeit with significant tweaks. The company is likely to make the product upmarket with features like LED DRLs, digital instrument console, USB charger, front disc brake, alloy wheels and so on. The proven formula of steel diamond frame with telescopic front forks and twin rear shock absorbers would keep the costs in check but TVS may one up the competition and offer rear monoshock.
    The 125 cc fuel-injected, air-cooled motor is estimated to produce around 12 hp. Transmission is likely to be a 5-speed unit. Conventional wisdom suggests that the prospective customers of this segment prefer the conventional motorcycle with a bikini fairing but it remains to be seen what direction TVS would take. We think, a retro-classic theme with circular headlamp (a tribute to Fiero FX) would be an interesting touch.
    Launch
    The TVS Fiero 125 is expected to be ready for the market sometime in 2021. The company would be hoping that the nameplate would still command a significant brand recall. We should start seeing the early prototypes on public roads in a few months’ time.
    In related news, TVS just launched a special edition Apache RTR 200 with a new livery, riding modes and adjustable suspension to commemorate its 4 million milestone. More

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    RE Meteor 350 SuperNova Blue Top Variant – Detailed First Look

    RE Meteor 350 Supernova Blue
    Royal Enfield Meteor 350 cruiser motorcycle replaces the Thunderbird 350 in company line-up

    The upcoming launch from Royal Enfield is the new Meteor 350. This cruiser bike has been spied on test on numerous occasions and images have also been leaked online telling us a lot of what is in store. Launch date was initially set for earlier this year but the COVID-19 pandemic threw a spanner in the works, delaying launch by a few months.
    With launch set for later today, 6th November, the motorcycles have arrived at dealer showrooms. Thanks to which, multiple first look and walkaround videos of the new Meteor 350 have hit the web. Here are few such videos from MRD Vlogs, DSD Cars and Shaik Raunaq Fardeen; which details the top of the line Supernova Meteor 350 as well as other variants of the RE M350.
    [embedded content]
    Variants and Colour Options
    The new Meteor 350 will be positioned on an all new ‘J’ platform. This will result in comparatively lower weight, higher level of agility and thanks to high set handle bars, will also offer the rider a more comfortable and upright seating position. The Meteor 350 will be offered in three variants of Fireball, Stellar, and Supernova. Each variant will be differently equipped with specific colour choices.
    The Fireball will be the most affordable variant. It will come in with two solid gloss colours of Fireball Red and Fireball Yellow and will receive sporty decals and all other parts finished in gloss black as it misses out on chrome accents seen on the other two variants. RE Meteor Fireball will sport ‘Royal Enfield and ‘Meteor 350’ stickers in place of 3D logos and will get a colour coded fuel tank with matching rim stickers.
    [embedded content]
    The Stellar variant gets colour options of Stellar red (metallic gloss), Stellar Black (matte) and Stellar Blue (metallic gloss). It receives body coloured panels, chrome accents on handle bars, fuel cover and exhaust while for added rider comfort it will sport a back rest.
    The Stellar variant receives a premium appeal with its chrome finished exhaust, fuel injector cover and handlebars while 3D badging will see be seen on fuel tank and side panels. Its features also include a windscreen and it will ride on machine finished alloy wheels.
    [embedded content]
    Colour options for the top of the line Supernova variant will be dual tone shades of Supernova Brown and Supernova Blue. It gets a more premium finish as compared to the other two variants with a revised seat cover, cushioned back rest, windscreen and chrome finished indicators.
    RE Meteor 350 – Engine Specs
    The RE Meteor 350 engine specifications were also leaked earlier. It is slated to be powered by a 350cc, single cylinder engine offering 20.2 hp power and 27 Nm torque mated to a 6 speed gearbox. It will be a long stroke engine delivering torque at lower rpms and a low thump exhaust sound. The engine will be capable of lower emissions and instant acceleration resulting in an easier riding experience both in city and on highways.
    The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 which will be positioned above the Classic 350 and Himalayan in the company lineup could be priced between Rs.1.60-1.80 lakhs. It will rival the likes of Honda CB350, Jawa 300 and Benelli Imperiale 400. More

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    Meguiar's Shows Off Its New Car-Cleaning Products

    The car detailing experts at Meguiar’s have announced new Hybrid Ceramic products at this year’s SEMA trade show.
    A new Hybrid Ceramic wash and wax as well as a new wash mitt join the lineup as does a Hybrid Paint Coating kit.
    Due to Coronavirus concerns, the 2020 SEMA show has moved to an online format and Meguiar’s has launched an interactive virtual experience.
    Citing an increase in demand for its Hybrid Ceramic detailing products, the car-care specialists at Meguiar’s are expanding the company’s lineup of detailing products with a virtual debut at the 2020 SEMA trade show. The new products include a wash liquid with the company’s Hybrid Ceramic Si02 additive, which is said to boost surface tension and improve water beading. A double-sided wash mitt is also new.

    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.

    Meguiar’s

    Meguiar’s

    Intended to be used in addition to the Hybrid Ceramic spray wax, the wash liquid helps maintain the protective coating on the paint’s surface. On sale in January 2021, the Hybrid Ceramic Wash and Wax will cost $19.99 and provide enough soap and Si02 boosting liquid for 16 washes.
    For those looking to step up their home detailing game, a new Hybrid Paint Coating product has also joined the party. This more expensive kit—$59.99 when it goes on sale next year—uses a hybrid polysiloxane compound to provide protection and deliver exceptional water beading. The kit offers enough product to do two coats on the average car and is said to last about a year. Meguiar’s claims it provides similar benefits and shine to a professionally-applied ceramic coating.

    Meguiar’s Car Care Kits on Sale to Pamper Your Car

    How Can I Care for My Car during the Pandemic?

    How to Safely Sanitize a Car Interior

    Meguiar’s also announced changes to the polymer compounds in its popular Ultimate line of wax products as well as a new tire-shine foam spray and the introduction of a new snow foam soap product for those who use foam cannons. The company has no plans yet to introduce a foam cannon tool of its own, but says its liquid soap product is compatible with foam cannons from other car care brands.
    Both Meguiar’s and competitor Chemical Guys have told C/D that they’ve experienced increases in sales and interest in DIY car care products this year as car enthusiasts like us have been homebound due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Not only is car detailing a great way to kill time until we can get back to track days and in-person Cars and Coffee events, doing car care at home is cheaper than hiring a professional detailer.
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    Bentley to Sell Only EVs Starting in 2030

    Bentley announced it will sell only EVs starting in 2030.
    The luxury brand’s first all-electric model will arrive in 2025.
    By 2026, the full Bentley lineup will either be a plug-in hybrid or an electric vehicle.
    While many automakers are happy to talk about the end of combustion engines, most tend to do so in the abstract. Bentley is brave enough to put a date on it and has confirmed that it will no longer offer any internal-combustion engines, including those found in plug-in-hybrids, as soon as 2030. From that point onwards the British luxury maker will be EV-only.

    Bentley EXP 100 GT Shows What a Luxury EV Could Be

    2021 Bentley Flying Spur Now Available with a V-8

    Bentley Bentayga Hybrid MPG Lower Than Non-Hybrid

    The radical move was announced at an event today as Bentley executives elaborated on the company’s Beyond100 strategy to become an “end-to-end carbon neutral car brand.” The move to full electrification is set to happen quickly. Bentley says that every model will have the option of a hybrid powertrain by 2023, it will launch its first full EV model in 2025 and that as soon as 2026 it will be selling only plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and full EVs.
    Although Bentley is still the world’s largest producer of 12-cylinder engines, it had previously said that the mighty W-12 used in the upper reaches of its range will be retired soon. But as Volkswagen Group’s most powerful PHEV powertrain uses a V-6 gas engine, today’s announcement seems to confirm that Bentley’s V-8 powered models will survive barely longer than those using the W-12.
    At the event Bentley also confirmed it will launch two new PHEVs next year, both using developments of the V-6 plug-in powertrain that made its brand debut in the Bentayga last year. The first of these will be a revised Bentayga with an increased electric-only range. The second, we believe, will be the same powertrain in the Flying Spur sedan.
    Bentley CEO Adrian Hallmark is a self-professed fan of PHEVs, and has even been part of the Volkswagen Group’s efforts to lobby European regulators to exempt them from forthcoming bans on the sale of combustion engines. But he acknowledges that smaller companies like his own won’t be able to support the cost of parallel development of pure combustion and EV powertrains for long.
    “You’ve got to make a corporate decision on how much overlap you want,” he told Car and Driver at an event in the U.K. last month, “and I would always say the less the better. Don’t forget, by the time we get to 2030 the legislation on batteries and the energy efficiency of cars will be no less challenging than it is now with combustion engines.”
    “We would love to keep working on six engines plus battery-electric vehicles plus hybrids,” Hallmark added, “but we haven’t got the capacity to do it. You’ve got to pick a point in time where battery power density, especially for bigger cars, is the liberator for us. We’ve always said that the mid-2020s is the time when you can expect to see 120.0-plus-kWh batteries coming through the supply chain.”

    Bentley EXP 100 GT concept
    Bentley

    At the same event Bentley announced it wanted to become fully carbon neutral on the same timescale and also “plastic neutral”—removing the same amount of plastic from the environment as it creates. It is also set to actively target an increase in female and minority representation among its senior management.
    The aggressive move is likely to create a rift with fans of the brand’s charismatic existing engines; we find it hard to imagine any fully electric Bentley will be able to match the experience of the mighty W-12 engine. It also reveals an ideological split at the top of the car industry, with Ferrari CEO Louis Camilleri having recently said he does not expect his company’s production to be even half EV within his lifetime. Others are much more likely to follow Bentley’s lead, Rolls-Royce’s ultra-quiet powerplants making it a brand that seems ideally suited to electrification.
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    Perak Becomes Best Selling Jawa – Records 2k Deliveries In Oct 2020

    Image – Ravinder
    Jawa Perak is powered by a 334cc, single cylinder, 4 stroke, liquid cooled, DOHC engine

    Classic Legends, the Mahindra owned company which sells the the Jawa, Forty-Two and Perak motorcycles, has announced a new delivery milestone today. For the first time, the company has recorded deliveries of 2,000 units of Perak in oct 2020. In fact, this is the first time Jawa has delivered 2k units of any of their 3 motorcycles on offer, in a month.
    Majority of these 2k Perak units were sold during the second half of October, which included the festivals of Dusshera and Navartri. The company now expects better sales of the Jawa Perak with Diwali around the corner.
    Deliveries of the Jawa Perak commenced in July this year. It is the most expensive model in the company lineup, priced at Rs.1.94 lakhs, ex-sh. Classic Legends has only disclosed delivery numbers of the Perak and not of the Jawa and Forty Two. Hence its sales performance can neither be compared to earlier months and nor can it be assessed as against that of its competitors.
    Taking into account total sales of Jawa in the July, August, September period, it can be noted that sales are on a steady rise. Sales which had stood at 569 units in July increased to 1,353 units in August and then on to 2,121 units in September 2020. Though the company has not disclosed October sales of the Jawa and Jawa Forty Two, they state that both these models have seen steady sales and increased demand that has overshot production supplies.
    Classic Legends CEO
    CEO Speaks
    Mr. Ashish Singh Joshi, CEO, Classic Legends Pvt. Ltd. said, “The fact that we delivered around 2000 units of Perak in the span starting from Navratri last month is a testimony to the widespread acceptance of the model, which has carved its own niche and has been elevated to a cult status within just a few months of hitting the streets.
    Overcoming the challenges posed by the Covid-19 situation, we have been focusing on streamlining the production and delivering as many vehicles as we can to our customers. We began the festive season on an encouraging note and are confident that the excitement will keep on growing through the festivities. We also take this chance to wish a prosperous Diwali to everyone.”
    “We have also been extensively working towards expanding our dealership network. Since the lifting of the lockdown, we have added 58 dealerships to our existing network that are fully operational and have made our products more accessible to our customers pan India. The company plans to increase the pre-lockdown number of 105 dealerships to 205 by December 2020 to make our models available to more customers, in newer geographies.”
    Jawa Engine Lineup
    The Jawa and Forty Two share the same 293cc, single cylinder, 4 stroke, liquid cooled, DOHC engine that offers 26.5 hp power and 20.05 Nm torque mated to a 6 speed gearbox. The Jawa is priced between Rs.1.74-1.83 lakhs while the Forty Two is priced from Rs.1.65-1.74 lakhs. The Perak gets a more powerful 334cc, single cylinder, 4 stroke, liquid cooled, DOHC engine that makes 30.64 hp power and 32.74 Nm torque mated to a 6 speed gearbox.
    The company expects to see increased sales through the month of November promising increased production at the Pithampur plant and quicker deliveries while the company is also in the process of enhancing its dealership network across India. Jawa currently has 163 dealerships across India which it intends to increase to 205 dealerships by the end of this year.
    The month of October also saw Jawa motorcycles launched in Nepal. The Jawa showroom is located at Uttardhoka and Teku locations of Kathmandu with Agni Motoinc Pvt Ltd, as the company’s official distributor partner in Nepal. Sales commence with the Jawa and Jawa 42 with the Jawa Perak to also be introduced soon. The bikes will be imported into the country via the Completely Built Units (CBU) route. However, the high import tax and custom duty considerations in Nepal have caused the bike prices to be 3 times over that prevalent in India. More

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    Audi RS e-tron GT Arrives Next Year with 684 Horsepower

    The electric Audi e-tron GT will get the RS treatment. It makes 684 hp and 612 lb-ft of torque.
    The battery-powered sports sedan will do zero to 60 in about 3.5 seconds and come with four-wheel steering and a two-speed transmission.
    The RS e-tron GT shares its platform with the Porsche Taycan and will support 800-volt DC fast-charging up to 270 kW.
    While Audi began its electrification path with with the e-tron SUV, there are those that covet the joy of being near the asphalt in a beautiful vehicle that also happens to be quick and powered by electricity. For those people, there’s the Audi RS e-tron GT, the high-performance version of the upcoming electric sedan.

    Hear the 2021 Audi e-tron GT Electric Sedan

    View Photos of the 2021 Audi e-tron GT

    Audi e-tron GT Concept Brings Sportback Style

    The all-wheel-drive, dual-motor RS e-tron GT will produce 684 horsepower and 612 ft-lbs of torque pushing it from zero to 60 mph in about 3.5 seconds, according to Audi. This will be the first electric RS model but won’t be the last. The dual-motor horsepower split will be 449 hp for the rear motor and 235 hp for the front motor. By contrast, the regular e-tron GT is anticipated to produce 590 horsepower.
    The GT will ride on an air suspension with adaptive dampers, which allows for ride-height adjustment based on drive modes. For example, in efficiency mode, the vehicle drops an additional 0.8–0.9 inch to help increase the driving range. Audi didn’t share drag coefficient or range numbers but did note that this is the first Audi with a flat undercarriage design.
    A 93.4 kWh battery pack is standard, and Audi says 83.7 kWh of that is the usable capacity. The weight and location of the battery pack give the RS e-tron GT a lower center of gravity than the Audi R8, according to the automaker. If that pack’s gross capacity sounds familiar, it’s because it’s the same as what’s found in the Porsche Taycan. The Taycan and e-tron GT share the same platform and Audi and Porsche developed the vehicles together. Where the vehicles differ is in motor, chassis, steering, and suspension tuning.

    Audi

    One thing both vehicles share is quick charging and the ability to pre-condition the battery ahead of reaching a charging point along a route. Like the Taycan, the RS e-tron GT supports 800-volt DC fast-charging up to 270 kW. Also like the Taycan, the rear motor has a two-speed gearbox.
    Audi will offer 19-, 20-, and 21-inch wheels. The company says the 20-inch wheels are the most aerodynamic. A four-wheel steering system is available, which can turn the rear wheels up to three degrees. It can either turn the rear wheels in the opposite direction as the fronts at low speeds or in the same direction for lane changes at higher speeds.
    Stopping power is available in three flavors: traditional steel disc brakes, carbon-fiber ceramic discs, or surface-coated steel discs. As with most EVs, the braking will be handled by both the friction brakes and the regenerative braking system.
    Audi says the RS e-tron GT will arrive in showrooms in the United States in the summer of 2021 and will go on sale later in the same year. While the automaker is covering the vehicle in camouflage for now, its final production design is close to the concept car it unveiled at the LA auto show in 2018. In other words, it’s a looker.
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    TVS Zepplin R Name Registered – New Cruiser To Rival Classic, CB350?

    TVS Zepplin R Cruiser Render
    TVS Motor currently does not offer a cruiser motorcycle

    After Jawa, Benelli Imperiale 400 and recently launched Honda H’ness CB350, the cruiser segment could have another rival to challenge the supremacy of Royal Enfield motorcycles. The market is abuzz as trademark registration data reveals that TVS has received approval for its Zepplin R motorcycle. This indicates towards the possibility that TVS may be planning to launch its first cruiser motorcycle sometime next year.
    2018 TVS Zeppelin concept design
    As may be recalled, Zeppelin was unveiled as a concept at 2018 Auto Expo. At that time, it was named only as ‘Zeppelin’. However, as per the registered trademark, the motorcycle gets an additional ‘R’ while the letter ‘e’ goes missing in its name. Concept showcased wast Zeppelin while the new name that is registered is Zepplin R.
    TVS Zepplin R Name Applied For Registration On 2nd Nov 2020.
    Even though Zeppelin Concept has the silhouette of a cruiser, its design is unlike any other product currently available. One of its distinguishable features is the sharp design and sculpted body panels, which give the bike a dominating character.
    If the new TVS Zepplin R is based on the Zeppelin concept, it will have quite a few radical design elements such as octagonal instrument cluster, rectangular rear view mirrors, and right sided fuel tank lid. However, it is not certain if all these unique design elements of the concept will be used in the production variant.
    We shall get some clarity when the test mules start their usual drills. It is possible that the production version may have a toned down design to suit practical needs. For now, below is a production spec rendering of TVS Zepplin R Cruiser.
    TVS Zepplin R Cruiser Render
    Zeppelin concept engine
    TVS Zeppelin concept came with an advanced hybrid powertrain, comprising a 220 cc single cylinder petrol motor and a 1200 watt regenerative electric motor connected to a 48v lithium-ion battery. The motorcycle was also equipped with a unique Integrated Starter Generator (ISG). This has already been patented by TVS. With all these state-of-the-art equipment, Zeppelin concept promised a range of benefits such as enhanced power boost whenever needed, superior all-round performance and best in class fuel efficiency.
    Other key features of Zeppelin concept included a lightweight chassis, integrated HD camera at the front, bio-key, internet connectivity, golden coloured 41 mm USD front forks, rear mono shock suspension, belt drive, disc brakes at both ends, dual-channel ABS, feet forward highway pegs, single piece seat, spoke wheels, and tubeless tyres.
    As of now, the 200cc to 500cc motorcycle segment is dominated by Royal Enfield. In September, the company commanded a market share of more than eighty percent with its popular products such as Classic 350, Bullet 350, Electra 350 and Himalayan. Moreover, Royal Enfield motorcycles have acquired cult status, something that will be difficult to beat by any new rival.
    TVS Zeppelin R seems to have potential, but its journey will be challenging to say the least. It is expected that TVS will launch its cruiser at an aggressive price point of around Rs 1.5 lakh to make it more attractive for potential buyers in this growing segment. More

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    2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 Debuts With Radar Tech – India Launch Next Year

    2021 Ducati Multistrada V4
    The 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 boasts a service interval of 60,000 km

    The eagerly anticipated new generation Ducati Multistrada V4 flagship adventure tourer has finally been unveiled online via first of a five episode video series. Since its inception in 2003, Ducati has managed to sell over 110,000 units of its cross country workhorse and the latest iteration is leaner, meaner, lighter and packed with an array of first-in-industry technologies.
    2021 Ducati Multistrada V4
    The new Multistrada retains its instantly recognizable styling language characterized by an imposing, front heavy stance, and yet, every single design element is much more modern and sleeker than before. The new beak and panels of the semi-fairing are optimized for aerodynamics and better cooling performance. The side panels are so designed to channel airflow towards rider’s legs, a feature which would be widely appreciated on long journeys.
    The smart LED headlamps with Panigale-inspired LED DRLs render the Multistrada V4 a strong character. The bodywork-free tailpiece further accentuates the frontal bulk, a conscious decision by the designers.

    Powertrain
    The 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4’s largest party trick is its all-new V4 liquid-cooled 1,158 cc engine which is more compact than the outgoing L-Twin motor despite featuring two additional cylinders. Thanks to various weight saving measures, the V4 units is 1.2 kg lighter.

    Power and torque figures stand at 170 hp at 10,500 rpm and 125 Nm at 8,750 rpm. A six-speed transmission with up and down quick shifter is connected to the motor by means of a slip and assist clutch. The rear bank of cylinders is deactivated at idle to improve thermal comfort.

    The Multistrada’s GranTurismo V4 motor has an impressive service interval of 60,000 km, longest by a huge margin. The all-new spring valve return system seems to have played a major role in extending the service interval.

    Equipment
    The 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4’s aluminium frame is equipped with a two-sided swing arm, and the top-end V4 S sits on a semi-active Marzocchi electronic suspension (170 mm travel at the front and 180 mm at the rear) with Ducati Skyhook System. The spoke wheels come shod with 120/70-R19 front and 170/60-R17 Pirelli Scorpion Trail II rubbers.
    Digital Instrument Panel
    The Italian adventure tourer’s wide array of electronic features include an IMU-supported cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control and cornering lights. The motorcycle’s 6.5-inch TFT color instrument panel is as comprehensive as a modern passenger car infotainment system. It incorporates smartphone mirroring, navigation and gives access to various vehicle settings.
    World’s First Production Motorcycle With Radar Tech
    The most significant equipment, however, is the front and rear radars, a first in a production motorcycle. The front unit, mounted on the beak, facilitates Adaptive Cruise Control while the rear one supports blind spot detection and rear collision warning.

    Available in V4 and V4 S variants, the 2021 Ducati Multistrada is expected to hit the showrooms in early 2021. The tech-laden cross country tool will make its Indian launch most likely next year. More