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      Kinetic E-Luna Launched At Rs. 70,000 – 110km Range

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      Kinetic E-Luna LaunchedProduction of chassis and major subassemblies of E-Luna will commence soon at Kinetic Engineering Ltd (KEL) plant in Ahmednagar, MaharashtraOriginally equipped with a 50cc petrol motor supplied by Honda, Kinetic Luna was one of the most popular two-wheelers from 70s to 90s. At its peak, Luna used to register sales of 2,000 units per day. Its market share in moped segment was at 95%. However, as more fuel efficient and robust two-wheelers entered the scene, Luna slowly faded away.Now, after a gap of around two decades, Chal Meri Luna will be back in business. This time around, it is launched in electric format, named E-Luna. Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, graced his presence at the stage of Kinetic E-Luna launch. The introductory price quoted for Kinetic E-Luna is Rs. 70,000.Kinetic Luna Electric LaunchLuna electric features, range, priceE-Luna has stuck to a similar design philosophy as that of petrol-powered Luna of yesteryears. It is slender, lightweight and designed for utility. Basic principles governing market positioning such as affordability, reliability and performance are the same for E-Luna as the OG Luna. Company promises Rs. 2,500 monthly expense including Rs. 2,000 EMI and Rs. 300 for electricity cost per month when bought on 36 month financing plan.Even with just 50cc engine, petrol-powered Luna could easily carry two adults. It was nimble-footed on the streets, had surprisingly good acceleration and could tackle inclines with ease. ICE-based Luna was also widely used as a mule, with capabilities to carry heavy loads. Similar capabilities and USPs are expected from E-Luna as well.Kinetic E-Luna ComparedPriced at Rs. 70,000, Kinetic E-Luna is an attractive proposition for target demographic. E-Luna will be primarily targeted at B2B segment, which has been witnessing greater acceptance for electric vehicles including two-wheelers and three-wheelers. Notable features of E-Luna are 16-inch wheels and 170mm ground clearance.There is a 2 kWh battery pack. Kinetic E-Luna claims a range of 110 kilometers on a single charge, which is impressive. Top speed is 50 kmph and it aligns with urban commuting requirements. With numbers like these, Kinetic E-Luna makes for an ideal city vehicle. The peak torque is 22 Nm and it ensures an eco-friendly ride.Charging time is promised at 4-hour, which is not all bad. Especially considering the price. Batteries are both fixed and swap-ready, for B2B applications.Kinetic E-Luna ColoursLuna electric productionE-Luna will soon be launched by KEL’s sister company Kinetic Green Energy & Power Solutions Ltd. On its part, KEL has already developed the chassis and major subassemblies such as swing arm, side stand and main stand. Production capacity could be around 5,000 units per month. It will be ramped-up later, based on demand.For manufacturing E-Luna, KEL has setup a brand-new assembly line at its Ahmednagar plant. It comprises 30 welding machines, which will be doing much of the work on the chassis and subassemblies. KEL has also upgraded its paint, press and fabrication shops, involving an investment of over Rs 3 crore. Manufacturing of parts for E-Luna is expected to contribute Rs 30 crore annually to KEL’s revenue over the next 2-3 years. More

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      EV Startup River Bagged Rs. 332 Cr In Series B Funding Led By Yamaha

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      River Indie Electric ScooterThe River Indie takes utility approach to beat its primary rivals from 2W EV manufacturers like Ola, Ather, Simple Energy, TVS, Bajaj and the likesRiver is a Bengaluru based Indian electric mobility startup that has launched its maiden product already. Called River Indie, this is a fairly practical and no-nonsense scooter and the company advertises it as SUV of electric scooters. The pre-order price for Bengaluru customers was Rs. 1.25 lakh (inclusive of FAME II subsidy).EV Startup River Bagged Rs. 323 Cr In Series B FundingRecent developments revolving around River EV startup is that the company had its Series B funding round. This funding round was led by Yamaha Motor Co LTD. River successfully raised a total of USD 40 million in this round. When translated to Indian Rupees, USD 40 million is Rs. 332 Crores in today’s conversion rates.Other notable players who contributed to River’s Series B funding round were Al Futtiam Group, Lowercarbon Capital, Toyota Ventures and Maniv Mobility. Refreshing your memory, Al Futtiam Group was the one that led the funding round for River startup held in 2023. In total, River has managed to raise USD 68 million.When translated to Indian Rupees, USD 68 million is Rs. 565 Crores in today’s conversion rates. River has its 12,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Hoskote, outside Bengaluru in Karnataka state. Just last month, River opened its inaugural showroom in Bengaluru, soon to be followed by more.River Indie InstrumentationAmong the USD 68 million raised so far, a sizeable chunk is likely to go towards significantly extending River’s network in India. This includes both distribution and service networks to incorporate more metropolitan cities and other major Tier-1 nd Tier-2 cities across India.Specs & SpecificationsRiver Indie is the company’s maiden product. Indie is entirely designed and developed in Bengaluru, where River’s R&D facility is. The company launched River Indie last year and we have driven it around Bengaluru. You can read our first-ride review of River Indie here.Indie is very practical and utilitarian in its approach to urban electric mobility. Advertised as SUV of electric SUVs, Indie boasts the highest utility with best-in-class built-in storage capacity of 43L under the seat and 12L glovebox behind front apron. There is a dual barrel LED headlight setup in its apron that resembles Yamaha NEO’s.River Indie Under-seat StorageUniquely, River offers additional storage boxes as accessories to fully elevate this electric scooter’s utility to a new level. There are three youthful poppy colours on offer – Spring Yellow, Summer Red and Monsoon Blue.River Indie packs a 4 kWh battery, powering a 9 bhp and 26 Nm mid-mounted electric motor. Indie is claimed to deliver a real world range of 120 km on a single charge. Front and rear disc brakes, CBS (Combi Brake System) RSU telescopic front forks, rear twin shock absorbers, 14-inch alloy wheels and others are notable elements. More

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      2024 Yamaha FZ-X Chrome Colour Launch Price Rs 1.4 L – Free Casio G-Shock Offer

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      2024 Yamaha FZ-X Chrome ColourAfter showcasing the new Chrome Colour option at the Bharat Mobility Expo – Yamaha India has now announced official launchYamaha continues to captivate the Indian motorcycle market with the launch of an eye-catching variant – the FZ-X in an all-new Chrome colour scheme. This addition to the FZ-X lineup reinforces Yamaha’s commitment to delivering products that resonate with the dynamic preferences of its customer base, especially the vibrant younger buyers.2024 Yamaha FZ-X in Chrome boasts a brilliant finish, exuding timeless elegance that is set to turn heads on the roads. Yamaha’s dedication to blending style with performance is evident in this recent introduction, as the variant retains the FZ-X’s robust performance and cutting-edge technology that the brand is renowned for.Pricing and Exclusive OfferPriced at INR 1,39,700 (Ex-showroom, Delhi), the FZ-X in Chrome offers an irresistible combination of style and performance. To sweeten the deal, Yamaha is providing an exclusive offer for the first 100 online bookings of the Chrome variant – a complimentary Casio G-Shock watch upon the delivery of the vehicle.The FZ-X, known for its striking design and powerful performance, maintains its current features, including a 149-cc engine with 12.4 PS peak power @ 7,250 rpm and 13.3 Nm peak torque @ 5500 rpm. The Traction Control System (TCS), single-channel ABS in the front with a rear disc brake, Multi-function LCD instrument cluster, LED headlight, and Bluetooth-enabled Y-Connect App continue to be part of the package.2024 Yamaha FZ-X Chrome ColourDimensions and SpecificationsLength x Width x Height: 2,020 mm x 785 mm x 1,115 mmSeat Height: 810 mmWheelbase: 1,330 mmGround Clearance: 165 mmWeight (with oil & a full fuel tank): 139 kgTyre Size (Front): 100/80-17M/C 52P TubelessTyre Size (Rear): 140/60R17M/C 63P Radial TubelessBrake Type (Front): Disc 282 mm with ABSBrake Type (Rear): Disc 220 mmFuel Tank Capacity: 10LFuel Supply System: Fuel injectionClutch: Wet, Multiple-discTransmission Type: Constant mesh, 5-speedFront Suspension: Telescopic Fork, 41mm Inner Tube Diameter, with Fork BootRear Suspension: 7-Step Adjustable MonoHeadlight: Bi-Functional LEDBrake/Tail Light: LEDAuxiliary Lights (DRL): LEDInstrument Cluster: Negative LCD with Smart Phone ConnectivityBattery: 12VTraction Control System: EquippedECO Indicator: EquippedPower Socket: EquippedBluetooth (Yamaha Motorcycle Connect): EquippedSide Stand Engine Cut-Off Switch: EquippedThe introduction of the Yamaha FZ-X in the all-new Chrome colour scheme not only enhances the visual appeal of the motorcycle but also reinforces Yamaha’s commitment to providing a diverse range of options to its discerning customers. With the perfect blend of style, performance, and innovative features, the FZ-X in Chrome is poised to make a significant impact on the Indian motorcycle market, catering to the preferences of the dynamic and style-conscious riders. Yamaha continues to push the boundaries of design and technology, setting new benchmarks in the ever-evolving world of two-wheelers. More

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      Autologue Custom Bolt-On Kits For KTM RC & Triumph 400 Launched

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      Autologue Custom Bolt-On KitsBoth the Autologue Custom bolt-on kits for KTM RC and Triumph 400 promise to offer unique styling over their stock counterpartsMotorcycling is not just about buying one and riding it stock. Many motorcyclists tend to modify their vehicles to meet individual tastes and styles. This is how vanilla motorcycles gets custom flavours. Autologue Design understands this demographic and offers custom bolt-on kits. Most recent additions are RCX2 SE and Hack 400.Autologue Custom Bolt-On Kits – RCX2 SEThe letters RC in the RCX2 SE should be a giveaway to which motorcycle Autologue is targeting. As per Autologue, RCX2 SE is compatible with KTM’s RC models spawned between the period of 2014 and 2020. The aftermarket kit seller mentions that RCX2 SE is compatible with RC 200 and RC 390 only.We don’t see why it wouldn’t be compatible with RC 125. But confirming compatibility with RC 125 before purchase is recommended. RCX2 SE kit is offered as a two part combination. One part includes its side fairings and second part adorns its engine and underbelly. The picture of the RCX2 SE kit shows both side fairings and belly parts installed.We can see how much fuller Autologue RCX2 SE looks when compared to standard vehicle. I particularly liked how belly part engulfs bike’s engine clutch cover and oil level, instead of covering it. Pricing for both side fairings and belly kit is Rs. 12,799 for a choice of 5 colours – Matt Black, Matt Grey, Gloss Black, Gloss White and Orange.RCX2 SE Kit By AutologueIf you want them unpainted, the price is Rs. 9,599. Only side fairings cost Rs. 5,760 unpainted and Rs. 7,680 painted, while belly part cost Rs. 4,480 unpainted and Rs. 5,750 painted. Autologue claims RCX2 SE kit offers better aerodynamics and is 15% lighter than stock parts.Hack 400 : Hedgehog Autologue Cafe KitThe new Triumph Speed 400 is a neo-retro motorcycle and there is a Scrambler version of it launched already, which is Scrambler 400X. Triumph is spawning a third vehicle based on this platform – Thruxton 400, which is a semi-faired Cafe Racer machine. Autologue is going for a similar appearance too.Called Hack 400 – Hedgehog Autologue Cafe Racer kit, it includes a fairing/front cowl, fairing windscreen (clear or smoked), relocation brackets in MS, steering stopper clamps, nuts and bolts for fitment. There are four colours – Storm Grey, Phantom Black, Caspian Blue and Carnival Red. There is no unpainted option with Hack 400.Hack 400 Kit by AutologueThis base kit costs Rs. 20,478 for all the colours. However, buyers can spec it up with add-ons too. These add-ons include front indicators and Clubman handlebar. If buyers crave for base kit and choose Clubman handlebar, it costs Rs. 23,477 and choosing base kit with front indicators costs Rs. 21,428.If a buyer chooses both front indicator and Clubman handlebar add-ons with base kit, the total price turns out to be Rs. 24,427. Autologue has announced that these prices mentioned are for pre-orders only, applicable to first 26 buyers. Prices are prone to change after the 26 pre-orders.Hack 400 Kit by Autologue Profile More

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      Upcoming Maruti Car Launches In India – EVs, MPVs, SUVs And More

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      Image for illustration onlyTo expand its sales envelope and extend its portfolio, Maruti Suzuki will launch as many as 8 new cars in the coming yearsIndia’s largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki is levelling up its game with a strategic expansion including 8 new cars in the coming future. Unlike the company’s current portfolio of 17 ICE and strong hybrid vehicles, Maruti Suzuki’s future holds an electric hatchback, electric SUV and even an electric MPV among other ICE vehicles.8 New Maruti Suzuki Vehicles PlannedWe saw an aggressive product offensive from Maruti Suzuki in the recent past. This was in a bid for Maruti Suzuki to get close to its former market share. This resulted in a significant uprise of Maruti Suzuki vehicles sold as SUVs. These include Fronx, Brezza, Grand Vitara, Jimny among others. With Vision 3.0 strategy, Maruti intends to expand its sales envelope further.2024 Maruti SwiftAs part of this strategy, Maruti Suzuki intends to double its production capacity to four million units and triple its exports to international markets. In effect, Maruti’s roadmap includes an ambitious 28 vehicle portfolio across various powertrains including petrol, CNG, flex fuel, ethanol, EVs and hybrids. No diesel, though.4th Gen Maruti Suzuki Swift and 4th Gen DzireCurrently in their 3rd generation, Swift and Dzire have been major sales contributors for Maruti Suzuki. Since inception, they have been stalwarts in their respective segments too. A lot is riding on next-gen Swift and Dzire and both these vehicles will feature new powertrains and technology. Codenamed YED, there is a major design change inside and out featuring way more features and equipment than before.Maruti Suzuki eVX ConceptMaruti Suzuki eVX SUVConsidering the increasing test mule sighting frequency, we would wager that Maruti Suzuki might launch eVX SUV by the end of this year. Codenamed YY8, eVX will be Maruti Suzuki’s maiden fully electric vehicle and is based on a born-electric platform, which is rumoured to be a derivative of Toyota’s 27PL electric skateboard. This will spawn a Toyota counterpart too, based on Toyota Urban Crossover Concept.Electric MPV from Maruti SuzukiApart from eVX SUV, the born electric platform developed with Toyota, could spawn multiple body styles too. One of those body styles is definitely an MPV, considering Maruti is India’s highest-selling MPV manufacturer. Internally, it is codenamed YMC. When launched a couple years from now, it will be Maruti Suzuki’s first electric MPV ever.Upcoming Maruti Grand Vitara 7-Seater SUV RenderMaruti Suzuki Grand Vitara 7-SeaterRecently, we covered SRK Designs’ imaginative render of Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara 7-seater. Codenamed Y17, it will be Maruti’s answer to the likes of Hyundai Alcazar, Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV700 and the likes. Based on 5-seater Grand Vitara, we can expect identical powertrains, drivetrains and a few extra features. Speaking of extra, there can be a length increment of around 25cm. Wheelbase is less likely to be stretched.Maruti Suzuki Mini SUV to rival Tata PunchThe sub-segment that Tata Punch spawned, has emerged as a strategic vehicle class for carmakers. We saw Hyundai retaliating with Exter and Maruti Suzuki will soon join the party with an offering of their own. Codenamed Y17, this vehicle will be slotted below Brezza and Fronx. There is a possibility of it replacing the aging Ignis as well. No confirmations, though. It will be Maruti’s 4th offering in sub 4m SUV bracket.Suzuki SpaciaSuzuki Spacia-based Maruti MPVMaruti Suzuki is cooking a compact MPV (codenamed YDB) that could debut in the next couple of years. For starters, Spacia is a Japanese Kei car and India-spec version is likely to be a stretched version of it. Maybe around 4m in length, to rival Renault Triber and upcoming Nissan’s Triber-based MPV. It will be positioned above Eeco and will feature more premium interiors.Suzuki eWX ConceptSuzuki eWX-based Maruti small electric HatchbackThe eWX Concept showcased at Japan Mobility Show was quite a spectacle and a promising asset for the company. Even though the small car segment (A-segment) is diminishing where sales and demand are concerned, small EVs are still a soaring genre. In India, Tata Motors currently has a lead in EVs. Maruti Suzuki will probably take a heavily localised route to keep costs in check with its upcoming small electric hatchback codenamed K-EV. Figuratively speaking, K-EV could take half a decade to make it to production, owing to significant work involved.Source More

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      Honda 350cc Scrambler Incoming – Design Patent Leaks, Reveals Key Features

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      Honda Scrambler. Image for illustration only.With multiple new products based on the CB350 platform, Honda seems determined for an even tougher fight with rivals, especially Royal EnfieldJust a few days back, a design patent revealed the details of a new Honda ADV bike based on the CB350 platform. And now, another patent leaked online reveals the design and features of a new Honda scrambler bike. Here are the details.Honda 350cc scrambler – design and stylingThere are quite a few similarities between the Honda 350cc ADV and the scrambler model. For example, the fuel tank and seats appear to be the same. The overall design outline also seems familiar. However, the ADV gets signature features such as the raised front beak, tall windscreen, long suspension travel, larger front wheel, wire spoke wheels and front and rear luggage mounts.Honda 350cc Scrambler – Design patent leaksTalking about the 350cc Honda scrambler, the bike has a wide handlebar, round headlamp, same sized alloy wheels at both ends, fork gaiters, metal frames on the fuel tank and an upswept exhaust. The 350cc ADV also has upswept exhaust, but it is a more compact unit. As a different exhaust has been used, the aural experience is expected to be distinct in comparison to the ADV and the existing CB350.Honda 350cc scrambler has a comfortable, upright riding stance. With a bucket rider seat, the seat height could be less than 800 mm. The pillion seat section seems narrow and does not get a dedicated grab rail.Honda 350cc scrambler specsSuspension setup comprises telescopic forks at front and twin rear shock absorbers. Suspension and braking setup could be common across both the scrambler and ADV models. Existing Honda H’ness CB350 has 310 mm and 240 mm disc brakes at front and rear, respectively. Dual-channel ABS is offered as standard. CB350 has an all-LED setup, which will be the same with the 350cc scrambler and ADV bikes.Honda 350cc scrambler performancePowering the 350cc scrambler will be the 348.36cc engine that churns out 21 PS of max power and 30 Nm of peak torque. The engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Honda is likely to retain the engine tuning, although gear ratios can be adjusted in line with the bike’s scrambler profile. As far as possible, Honda will try to borrow components from the existing CB350. A similar strategy will be deployed for the upcoming 350cc ADV bike.Upcoming Honda 350cc scrambler will go up against rivals such as Yezdi Scrambler, Royal Enfield Scram 411 and Triumph Scrambler 400X. Launch is expected in 2025. The new 350cc bikes from Honda are expected to be positioned above the existing CB350 and CB350RS. They will help Honda to target a larger segment of buyers looking for a sub-500cc bike. As of December 2024, Honda CB350 was ranked 9th in the list of bestselling bikes in 300cc to 500cc segment. More

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      Two Wheeler Sales Jan 2024 – Hero, Honda, TVS, Bajaj, Suzuki, Royal Enfield

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      2024 Royal Enfield Bullet 350Each of these 6 leading automakers have contributed to total positive growth across domestic markets while MoM total exports dipped 6.21%Two wheeler domestic sales of 6 leading automakers – Hero, Honda, TVS, Bajaj, Suzuki and Enfield entered the first month of the New Year with an overall (domestic + exports) 25.94 percent growth to 16,63,127 units. It was also a MoM improvement of 16.55 percent when compared to 14,27,010 units sold in December 2023. Taking a breakup of domestic sales and exports into account, these 6 automakers have each posted both YoY and MoM growth in domestic markets. However, exports saw Suzuki and Enfield post a YoY de-growth while except for Honda and Suzuki each of the other automakers have seen MoM decline in exports.Two Wheeler Domestic Sales January 2024Total domestic sales stood at 14,16,096 units in the past month, up 26.40 percent from 11,20,330 units sold in January 2023. This was a volume growth of 2,95,766 units. Hero MotoCorp led the segment with a 20.46 percent YoY growth to 4,20,934 units sold in January 2024. This was a volume growth of 71,497 units over 3,48,437 units sold in January 2023. MoM sales also saw a significant improvement of 11.40 percent from 3,77,842 units sold in December 2023. Hero MotoCorp currently commands a 29.72 percent share among these 6 automakers.Two Wheeler Sales Jan 2024 – DomesticAt No. 2 was Honda with a 37.52 percent YoY and 33.70 percent MoM growth in sales in January 2024. There were 3,82,512 units sold in the past month, up from 2,78,143 units sold in January 2023. It was also a marked improvement from 2,86,101 units sold in December 2023 taking up share percentage to 27.01%. TVS sales also grew by 23.91 percent YoY to 2,68,233 units in January 2024, up from 2,16,471 units sold in January 2023. This was a 51,762 unit volume growth. MoM sales were up 24.77 percent from 2,14,988 units sold in December 2023.Posting a YoY and MoM growth was Bajaj Auto with 1,93,350 units sold last month, up 35.81 percent from 1,42,368 units sold in January 2023. This was also a MoM improvement by 22.09 percent from 1,58,370 units sold in December 2023. Suzuki also posted a Yoy and MoM growth in sales in January 2024 to 80,511 units which was a 21.60 percent YoY and 16.64 percent MoM growth from 66,209 units and 69,025 units sold in January 2023 and December 2023 respectively. Trailing the list was Royal Enfield with 70,556 units sold last month, a 4.22 percent YoY and 23.15 percent MoM growth over 67,702 units and 57,291 units sold in January 2023 and December 2023 respectively.Two Wheeler Sales Jan 2024 – Exports2W Exports January 2024Exports saw a 23.40 percent growth in January 2024 to 2,47,031 units, up from 2,00,192 units sold in January 2023. It was however a MoM decline by 6.21 percent from 2,63,393 units shipped in December 2023. Bajaj Auto has seen a YoY growth of 14.12 percent to 1,14,898 units, up from 1,00,679 units shipped in January 2023 while MoM exports fell by 7.81 percent from 1,24,631 units sold in December 2023. Its export share currently stands at 46.51 percent.TVS has also posted a YoY growth but MoM decline in exports to 61,704 units in January 2024. There had been 48,239 units and 75,076 units shipped in January 2023 and December 2023 respectively. Its current export market share is at 24.98 percent. Outstanding YoY improvement in exports has been reported by Honda with a 102.43 percent increase to 36,883 units in January 2024, up from 18,220 units shipped in January 2023. It was also an 18.89 percent growth from 31,022 units shipped in December 2023.Suzuki exports fell by 18.69 percent YoY but improved MoM by 45.83 percent to 15,251 units. There was also Hero with a 74.60 percent YoY growth but a decline by 21.39 percent MoM to 12,664 units while Enfield finished at No. 6 with both YoY and MoM dip in exports to 5,631 units.Two Wheeler Sales Jan 2024 – Total (sales + exports)Total 2W Sales January 2024These 6 leading two wheeler makers have each posted YoY and MoM growth in terms of total sales which stood at 16,63,127 units in the past month. This related to a YoY growth of 25.94 percent from 13,20,522 units sold in January 2023. MoM sales also improved by 16.55 percent when compared to 14,27,010 units sold in December 2023.This saw Hero MotoCorp head the list with 4,33,598 units sold last month relating to a 21.56 percent YoY and 10.06 percent MoM growth. Honda was at No. 2 with the highest percentage growth at 41.51 percent YoY and 32.25 percent MoM with 4,19,395 units sold in January 2024 with a 41.51 percent YoY and 32.25 percent MoM growth. It was followed by TVS (3,29,937 units), Bajaj Auto (3,08,248 units) and Suzuki (95,762 units) while Royal Enfield was at No. 6 with 76,187 total units sold last month. More

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      Ford Patents Roof Mounted Battery Backup System – Charge On The Go

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      Ford Patents Roof Mounted BatteryJust like a battery bank for your phone – This will act as an additional battery pack and give range boost when going longer distanceIn a groundbreaking move to address range anxiety in electric vehicles (EVs), Ford has filed a patent for an electrifying concept – a roof-mounted battery backup system. The leaked patent, published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), reveals an intriguing design that could revolutionize how electric cars handle long journeys without convenient access to charging stations.Battery bank for electric carsTitled “Electrified Vehicle Roof-Mounted Battery Backup,” the patent application, originally filed on December 8, 2021, showcases a novel approach to extending the range of EVs. The concept involves a supplementary battery pack that can be securely fastened to the roof of an electric vehicle, providing an additional power source when traditional charging stations are unavailable.Ford Patents Roof Mounted BatteryThe patent illustrations depict a Bronco-like SUV equipped with a roof carrier linked to a charging cable, highlighting the potential for on-the-go charging. The supplemental battery housing resembles conventional rooftop cargo carriers, with the added twist of integrated air channels designed for battery cooling. The application suggests the possibility of utilizing standard roof rack attachments, making the system not only functional but also removable – though the logistics of handling a hefty battery pack on and off a car roof may pose a challenge.Similar Concepts in the IndustryThis innovative concept isn’t entirely unprecedented in the EV landscape. Rivian, a fellow automaker, had previously patented a removable battery in 2019. Despite initial excitement and mentions of production plans by Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe, the company has yet to materialize this concept in its production lineup.However, Ford’s proposal introduces a unique twist by exploring the potential of a roof-mounted solution. While the patent application offers a glimpse into Ford’s forward-thinking strategy, it’s crucial to note that a patent filing doesn’t guarantee the development or production of a specific product.Practicality and ChallengesThe practicality of the roof-mounted battery backup remains a subject of speculation. Experts suggest that such a system might find utility as an overlanding or off-roading accessory rather than a mainstream solution for long road trips. The added weight and aerodynamic drag could potentially offset the benefits of the backup battery during extended journeys.Despite the uncertainties surrounding the feasibility and market viability of the roof-mounted battery backup, Ford’s exploration of such inventive concepts underscores the automotive industry’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of electric mobility. As the demand for electric vehicles continues to rise, addressing range anxiety remains a key challenge, and automakers are actively seeking innovative solutions to enhance the convenience and versatility of EVs.As the automotive landscape evolves, it will be intriguing to see whether Ford transforms this patent into a tangible product that could potentially redefine how electric vehicles navigate the challenges of range limitations. Whether the roof-mounted battery backup becomes a practical reality or remains a fascinating concept, it undeniably adds an exciting chapter to the ongoing narrative of electric vehicle innovation. More