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      2024 Honda NX400, CBR400R Debuts – India Launch Possible

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      2024 Honda NX400Launched for the Japanese market, Honda NX400 and CBR400R share the same platform and several of the hardware and tech featuresAt the 2023 EICMA held in Milan, Honda had announced the new NX500 and CBR500R. Honda had also talked about a 400cc version of NX500, which has now been introduced as NX400 in Japan. NX400 is the successor to the 400X crossover model that’s been on sale since 2013. In case of CBR400R, the bike gets the 2024 model year updates.2024 Honda NX400 and CBR400R – Key features2024 NX400 is positioned as a modern street adventure bike. Although the bike is a derivative of the 400X, it gets a refreshed appearance and updated equipment list. Both NX400 and CBR400R get new equipment such as Honda Selectable Torque Control and a 5-inch full-colour TFT display. With the Honda RoadSync app, users can pair their smartphone via Bluetooth to access calls, messages, music and turn-by-turn navigation.2024 Honda NX4002024 CBR400R has updated styling, with changes to the headlamp cowl, headlight and tail light. There are new ducts, featuring winglets and slits on the middle cowls. These help to augment the bike’s sporty profile. Colour options for the new 2024 CBR400R include Grand Prix Red and Matte Ballistic Black Metallic. The last one is essentially an all-black theme. It is available with the NX400 as well. The second colour option for NX400 is Pearl Glare White. The multi-colour shades seem to better complement the overall profile of the two bikes.Honda NX400 and CBR400R specs, performance2024 NX400 is longer, wider and taller (2150×830×1390mm), as compared to CBR400R  (2080×760×1145mm). Wheelbase is 1435 mm and 1410 mm, respectively. NX400 has 150 mm of ground clearance, as compared to 130 mm of CBR400R. NX400 is 5kg heavier, as compared to CBR400R that weighs 191 kg. While NX400 has 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels, CBR400R has 17-inch wheels at both ends.2024 Honda CBR 400RBraking setup comprises double discs and single disc at front and rear, respectively. Features like Showa SFF-BP inverted fork and assist and slipper clutch are common to both bikes. These were available with the earlier models as well.2024 Honda CBR 400R SpecsPowering 2024 Honda NX400 and CBR400R is a 399cc, water cooled, DOHC, 4-valve parallel 2-cylinder engine. It generates 46 PS of max power and 38 Nm of peak torque. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Fuel efficiency is 28.1 km/L, as per WMTC standards.2024 Honda NX400 Specs2024 Honda NX400 and CBR400R India launch prospectsIn the sub-middleweight motorcycle segment, new bikes such as Triumph 400, Harley Davidson X440, Mavrick 440 and Himalayan 450 have emerged as popular options. This segment is expected to witness strong growth in the future. Reports indicate that Bajaj can also target this space with Pulsar NS400.As market conditions seem favourable, it is possible that Honda could introduce the NX400 and CBR400R in India. In Japan, Honda CBR400R is available at a starting price of 863,500 yen (approx. Rs 4.77 lakh). NX400 is priced higher at 891,000 yen (approx. Rs 4.93 lakh). More

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      2024 Honda Grom 125 Debuts – Fresh New Look, Updated Accessories Kit

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      2024 Honda Grom 125Honda had patented the Grom 125 in India in 2021, but there have been no further developments since thenMini bikes like Honda Grom 125 are quite popular across international markets. Grom 125 is a versatile machine, suitable for everyday needs as well as sports riding. The compact profile makes it easy to transport the bike to any location. Honda has now introduced the 2024 model of Grom 125 in its home market Japan.2024 Honda Grom 125 – What’s new ?In production since 2014, Honda Grom 125 has undergone multiple updates over the years. The 2024 model focuses primarily on cosmetic enhancements. For example, changes have been introduced to the headlight cover, side cover and shroud. 2024 Honda Grom 125 comes in two colour options – Pearl Horizon White and Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic.2024 Honda Grom 125With an exciting mix of black and white, the Pearl Horizon White variant will be more noticeable on the streets. The white shade has been used on the front fender, headlamp side cover, fuel tank and side panels. The Pearl Horizon White comes with USD forks in golden finish, which enhances the bike’s sporty profile. The Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic variant utilizes an all-black theme. Only a portion of the side panels and the exhaust tip get a contrasting light grey shade. The USD forks are blacked out.Rest of the bike is the same as earlier. Honda Grom 125 has polygonal headlamp, halogen turn indicators, circular rear-view mirrors, chiselled fuel tank, blacked-out engine and exhaust and a single-piece seat. With the 2024 model, users will have the option to choose new accessories such as Type C USB socket, seat bag, saddle bag, rear carrier, under cowl, meter visor and knuckle guard.2024 Honda Grom 1252024 Honda Grom 125 – specs, performanceThe 2024 model remains mechanically unchanged. Honda Grom 125 is 1,760 mm long, which makes it 240 mm shorter than the top selling Splendor Plus. Grom 125 is 720 mm wide, 1,015 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 1,200 mm. The bike is lightweight, weighing 103 kg. Ground clearance of 180 mm makes the bike suitable for mild off-roading.Powering the bike is a 123cc, air-cooled engine that churns out 10 PS of max power and 11 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Mileage is 67.8km/L, which is pretty good and one of the reasons for the bike’s popularity. Grom 125 has 12-inch wheels at both ends, shod with 120/70 front and 130/70 rear tyres. Braking setup comprises disc brakes at both ends, with single-channel ABS.Will Honda Grom 125 launch in India?Although Honda had patented Grom 125 in India in 2021, it is unlikely to be launched here. Honda had earlier launched the Navi in India, which did not get the desired market response. However, as consumer needs keep evolving, Honda Grom 125 can be introduced in India at a later date. Bikes like Navi and Grom 125 belong to Honda’s miniMOTO lineup. This range has other popular options such as Honda Monkey, Super Cub and Trail 125. More

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      VW MEB to Fuel Mahindra’s INGLO Platform – First E-SUV Launch Dec 2024

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      New Mahindra BE05 Electric SUV CoupeVolkswagen and Mahindra Charge Ahead in E-Mobility Partnership – Mahindra’s INGLO Platform to Roll Out Electric SUVs from December 2024In a landmark move towards sustainable electric mobility, Volkswagen Group and Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M) have inked a groundbreaking supply agreement. The agreement solidifies Mahindra’s commitment to equip a specific range of its electric platform, INGLO, with components from Volkswagen’s Modular Electrification Toolkit (MEB) and unified cells.Sourcing 50 GWh Battery From VolkswagenThis strategic collaboration marks a pivotal step forward in the joint vision for e-mobility between the two automotive giants. The comprehensive deal encompasses the supply of crucial electric components and unified cells, demonstrating the depth of commitment to advancing electric vehicle (EV) technology.Mahindra INGLO PlatformThese electric components from Volkswagen’s MEB platform will populate Mahindra’s Born Electric INGLO platform. The agreement covers both supply of certain components and Volkswagen’s unified cells from MEB platform. What started as a partnering agreement and a term sheet in 2022 between Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd and Volkswagen Group, has now evolved into an active collaboration that could show expansion in the future.Both companies have agreed to run the supply agreement for years to follow. The total energy capacity sourced from VW over the years might account for as much as 50 GWh. This may accelerate India’s electric mobility adoption and will benefit both companies along the way.Mahindra Electric SUVs Doing 200 KmphAs of now, only Volkswagen Group brands like Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda and SEAT/CUPRA use Volkswagen’s MEB platform. These are Volkswagen’s internal brands. Mahindra is set to be the first external partner to use ground-breaking unified cells technology from Volkswagen. Other external partner in the race to source MEB components is Ford.Mahindra INGLO SUVs Launch Timeline OutMahindra has revealed it will launch five all-electric SUVs based on INGLO platform. These are BE.05, BE.07, BE.09, XUV.e8 and XUV.e9. The press release also mentioned these INGLO platform-equipped e-SUVs will launch starting from December 2024. The first INGLO platform-equipped vehicle to launch is highly likely to be XUV.e8, which has been spotted testing on multiple occasions.At Mahindra’s Future Scape event held in Johannesburg, South Africa, the company presentations demonstrated INGLO platform populated with BYD’s Blade cells. Where “Platform Business” is concerned, BYD’s Blade cells are a primary rival for Volkswagen’s MEB unified cells.Mahindra is likely to be collaborating with different battery vendors depending upon the target market owing to availability, supply and market acceptance. After all, Mahindra has announced that the INGLO based vehicles will be a key stepping point in expanding the brand’s presence in international business, touching more lives globally. More

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      Ola Electric Scooter Rs 25,000 Discount – Valentine’s Day Gift From CEO

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      Ola electric scooter discountThe new Valentine’s Day discount from Ola Electric could prove sales advantage over immediate rivals from Ather, TVS, Bajaj, Simple and othersValentine’s Day is seeing a greater push by automotive manufacturers, unlocking new discounts, offers and more. Many OEMs even choose to unveil or launch their vehicles on this day too, like Skoda Octavia Facelift. But Ola is taking a different approach and is offering a Rs. 25K discount on their products for V Day. Let’s take a look.Ola Electric Announced Rs. 25K DiscountElectric vehicle transition has seen greater acceptance with 2W in India than it has in the 4W realm. This is because of lower up-front costs that owners have to shed for electric mobility adoption. This ensures higher penetration rates for 2W than 4W. There are more mainstream OEMs and startups riding the wave of 2W EVs than 4W EVs.Two Wheeler Retail Sales Jan 2024Ola Electric is currently the Alpha Wolf, leading this 2W electric mobility pack, where sales are concerned. The numbers are totally in favour of Ola Electric and the economy of scale allows them to introduce price benefits and discounts to attract more buyers and consolidate their brand loyalty further.For Valentine’s Day, Ola Electric has announced a special gift to its new buyers. Bhavish Aggarwal took to social media platform X, and announced the new discount. As per the announcement, this special discount is in effect starting from today, 16th February 2024, and will exist till the end of this month – 29th February 2024.Ola electric scooter discountBhavish Aggarwal announcementAnnouncing the new discounts on social media, Ola Electric CEO, Bhavish Aggarwal wrote “You asked, we delivered! We’re reducing our prices by upto Rs 25,000, starting today for the month of Feb for all of you!! Breaking all barriers to #EndICEage! Valentine’s Day gift for all our customers”Currently, Ola Electric has three models on sale that will benefit from the new discount. As per the website homepage, Ola Electric currently sells Ola S1 X+ starting from Rs. 79,999 (ex-sh), Ola S1 Air starting from Rs. 1,19,999 (ex-sh) and Ola S1 Pro starting from Rs. 1,29,999 (ex-sh).The announcement Bhavish Aggarwal made on social media also had an image of the company’s marketing material attached. As per this image uploaded by Ola Electric CEO, S1 pro starts from Rs. 1,29,999 (ex-sh) matching website’s prices. However, there are variances with Ola S1 X and S1 Air’s prices.In the image uploaded by Ola Electric CEO, Ola S1 Air starts from 1,04,999 (ex-sh) and Ola S1 X+ starts from Rs. 84,999 (ex-sh). These prices are not likely to be including the new Valentine’s Day discount their CEO announced. So, visiting your nearest Ola dealership is advised. More

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      Yamaha Recalls 3 Lakh Scooters – Fascino 125 and RayZR 125

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      Yamaha FascinoThe biggest ever recall from Yamaha will involve replacement of brake levers at no additional cost to ownersThe Japanese motorcycle and scooter juggernaut, Yamaha, has issued its biggest ever recall in Indian operations. One that affects as many as 3 Lakh units manufactured between a time period between January 1st, 2022 and January 4th, 2024. The company has gone into ‘damage control’ mode and has issued a recall.Biggest Ever Recall From YamahaYamaha India currently sells three scooters in India – Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid, RayZR 125 Fi Hybrid and Aerox 155. Among these three, Fascino and RayZR are based on the same 125cc platform and are on offer with two entirely distinct design and genres.New colours for FascinoTwo different flavours of the same ice cream, if you may. Apart from sharing the powertrain, both Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid and RayZR 125 Fi Hybrid scooters share most of their components as well. Braking hardware is shared between the two scooters too and has emerged as a potential hazard.This has turned into the need for a voluntary recall from India Yamaha Motor. Sticking to its quality and safety standards, India Yamaha Motor has issued a voluntary recall that has affected as many as 3 lakh units. Said units have potential issues with their brake lever functions.Yamaha RayZR 125Where the operation of said brake levers might not be as per company specifications or get stuck in certain instances. The sample size for this recall is around 3 lakh units. Only the Yamaha Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid and RayZR 125 Fi Hybrid manufactured between January 1st 2022 and January 4th 2024 are subjected to this recall.Details about the recallOwners of Fascino and RayZR manufactured between the aforementioned time period can go to Yamaha India’s website and navigate towards the “Service” section and click on SC 125 voluntary recall. Here, owners can enter their chassis number to find out if their vehicle is eligible for this recall.Customers can also head towards their nearest Yamaha authorised service centre as well, to ensure eligibility for recall. If eligible for the recall, the owner will be directed towards further steps. As per this voluntary recall from India Yamaha Motor, the old brake lever will be replaced with a new one at no additional cost to the owner.Yamaha will also have to make sure a seamless experience is provided at a minimal time penalty for customers. Both Yamaha Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid and RayZR 125 Fi Hybrid come equipped with the same mild hybrid powertrain which claims to be the most fuel economical in their segment. Making them a tempting proposition for prospective buyers. More

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      Tesla Plays Hardball, May Prompt Reduction In Import Duty Ahead Of Launch

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      Image for illustration onlyWhile the 100% import duty for cars encourages local manufacturing, newer policies may adopt a more flexible approach towards EV importsLast year, India had emerged as the world’s third largest auto market, after China and the US. The Indian automotive space has huge unlocked potential, especially in the EV segment. Tesla is looking at opportunities in India, but has strongly opposed the high import duty taxation regime.Possibility of reduced 15% import duty for EVsTalks between Tesla and the government have been going on for several months. While the company is willing to invest around USD 2 billion in India, it wants concessions on the import duty. The current tax structure of 100% import duty for cars valued over USD 40,000 (approx. Rs 33 lakh) is way too high, according to Tesla. For cars below USD 40,000, the import duty is 60%.File photo from 2023. Elon Musk and Narendra ModiTesla wants to use the CBU route, at least for the initial period. Tesla has been negotiating that import duty be reduced to 15%. While the government has also taken a tough stand, it appears that a more flexible import policy for EVs could be announced soon. As per ET Auto report, the new policy will allow reduced import duty on the condition that the OEM commits investments for setting up local manufacturing.To safeguard its interest, the government is likely to ask for bank guarantees from the OEM. The relaxation in import duty will be valid for a period of 2-3 years. If the OEM fails to provide investment for local manufacturing after the relaxation period, the government will have the option to encash the bank guarantees. The exact amount of bank guarantees is yet to be finalized. Bank guarantees will ensure that only OEMs that are serious about long-term presence in India get the benefits of reduced import duties.Other global brands can also benefitWhile Tesla may be credited for nudging policymakers to adopt a more flexible approach, other leading global automotive brands can also benefit. A recent example is Ford that seems to be planning a re-entry in India. Ford had recently trademarked Mustang Mach-E electric compact crossover SUV in India. Just like Tesla, Ford may also benefit from the new taxation policy being drafted for EV imports.Bad news for local OEMs?As the full details of the new EV import policy is not available, it is difficult to determine the impact on homegrown automakers. The new policy is likely to have adequate provisions to ensure that locally manufactured EVs continue to offer more value to consumers. The Indian auto industry will be looking at a level-playing field and not a system that provides an unfair advantage to carmakers like Tesla.Companies like Mahindra and Tata Motors have made massive investments to boost their EV business. The new EV policy should incentivize local manufacturing, which will bring investments, create jobs and increase technical know-how. More clarity will emerge when one gets to read the details of the upcoming EV import policy.Source More

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      Kawasaki 300cc ADV Spied In Pune – A Screamer To Rival Himalayan

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      Kawasaki 300cc ADV Spied In PuneThe same 296cc DOHC 4V liquid cooled parallel-twin engine from Ninja 300 will do duties on Kawasaki Versys X-300 spotted in IndiaThe iconic Japanese motorcycle brand, Kawasaki seems to be on the verge of expanding its lineup in India. Especially in sub 500cc segment. In that regard, we saw Kawasaki launching Eliminator 400 in India at Rs. 5.62 lakh (ex-sh). Now, the company is considering re-introducing its Ninja 300-based ADV.Where will Versys X-300 operate?India is no stranger to Kawasaki Versys X-300 that used to be on sale in India, albeit at a premium. Because it was based on Ninja 300, many components were shared between the two. The same ideology seems to hold with the new Kawasaki Versys X-300 that has been spotted testing around Pune.Kawasaki Versys X-300Adventure and lifestyle vehicles have been gaining prominence in the recent past. We saw the success story that Royal Enfield and Hero MotoCorp wrote with Himalayan and Xpulse 200 respectively. With champs, there are challengers and we saw Yezdi Adventure, KTM 390 Adventure, BMW G 310 GS, Triumph Scrambler 400X and the new Himalayan 450.Honda launched NX500 too at Rs. 5.9 lakh (ex-sh), which is a multi-cylinder ADV/Tourer-style motorcycle. Kawasaki’s current ADV-style motorcycle for the mainstream audience is Versys 650, which costs Rs. 7.77 lakh. If priced around Rs. 4 lakh (ex-sh), Kawasaki could establish a decent bridge between Himalayan 450 and Honda NX500.Kawasaki 300cc ADV Spied In PuneKawasaki Versys X-300 Spotted TestingTeam Green currently sells Versys X-300 in overseas markets. Test mule spotted around Pune, India, looks very similar to the global model. For starters, Kawasaki Versys X-300 will be a Sports Touring/Adventure motorcycle. We say this because the test engineer is donning fancy riding gear with knee sliders and everything. So, there seems to be a sporty edge.Kawasaki Versys X 300There is a single-pod headlight housed in this handsome fairing. A tall transparent windscreen looks like it protects the rider from wind blasts. Speaking of rider, this test engineer is sitting quite relaxed with an upright seating position and centre-set footpegs. Rider triangle looks to be quite comfy for the long hauls.Conventional RSU telescopic forks take care of front suspension duties and we can see a mono-shock at the rear. Global model comes with a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wire-spoke wheel setup. The same was spotted in India too. We wish tyres were fatter, as 100-section front and 130-section rear look too skinny to be on a Rs. 4 lakh motorcycle.125cc and 160cc bikes are getting USD telescopic front forks and LED lighting all around and Kawasaki is less likely to implement both. What it will implement with Kawasaki Versys X-300, though, is Ninja 300’s 296cc DOHC liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine that delivers around 39 bhp and 26 Nm, mated to a slipper clutch and 6-speed gearbox. Launch could happen by the end of 2024.Source More

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      2024 Kawasaki Eliminator 400 Debuts – New Colours, More Features

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      2024 Kawasaki Eliminator 400Among the new Kawasaki Eliminator 400 Models unveiled, only top-spec SE variant sports an all-new headlight cowl and dual-tone coloursThe high-performance multi-cylinder cruiser motorcycle segment is currently on the rise with more OEMs throwing their version of this genre. One of the latest entrants to this space is Kawasaki Eliminator 400, which is also launched in India for a starting price of Rs. 5.62 lakh (ex-sh). But Kawasaki unveiled new Eliminator models in Japan. Let’s take a look.2024 Kawasaki Eliminator 400 Models UnveiledThe Japanese brand, Kawasaki, has been the most sought-after big bike manufacturer in India. The company has India’s most affordable 4-cylinder motorcycle, most affordable 500cc+ 4-cylinder motorcycle, most affordable 200bhp litre-class machine as well. Kawasaki recently launched Eliminator 400 in India too.2024 Kawasaki Eliminator 400This sub 500cc+ multi-cylinder motorcycle shares its powertrain with Ninja 400 which is also on sale in India. This motorcycle is a fitting alternative to Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 and the newly launched Shotgun 650. Eliminator 400 is on sale in Japan too, where Kawasaki unveiled new models with this motorcycle.With this new update, Kawasaki Eliminator 400 now comes in three models – Standard Eliminator, Eliminator SE and Eliminator Plaza Edition. Kawasaki has only unveiled these variants and the launch will officially happen on March 23rd, 2024. This update was shared by Kawasaki Japan and we expect the same updates in Indian market as well.2024 Kawasaki Eliminator 400New design and featuresWhere Standard Eliminator remains the same as before, the new SE and Plaza Edition get new body panels, exclusive colours and features. One can say that Kawasaki Eliminator Plaza Edition is sort of a middle-trim, while Eliminator SE is the top-spec as it gets both enhanced design with added body panels along with added features.2024 Kawasaki Eliminator 400Speaking of added features, both Eliminator Plaza Edition and Eliminator SE get them. These are a USB Type-C charging socket on the handlebar and a GPS compatible front and rear two camera drive recorder system. In simple words, this is a dual-channel dash camera, recording feed from both the front and rear.Where standard Eliminator gets a single Metallic Flat Spark Black colour option, Eliminator Plaza Edition gets Pearl Storm Grey and Pearl sand khaki shades. Whereas Eliminator SE is the most fancy among the lot with dual-tone colour options of Metallic Flat Spark Black x Metallic Matte Dark Green and Phantom Blue x Ebony.2024 Kawasaki Eliminator 400Only SE model gets a stylish headlight cowl. Other than that, Trellis frame, 18-inch front and 16-inch rear wheels setup, tyres and other componentry remain identical between all models. Eliminator’s 399cc parallel twin-cylinder DOHC 4V liquid cooled engine with 48 bhp of peak power and 37 Nm of peak torque, mated to a 6-speed gearbox, remain the same. More