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      Xiaomi SU7 Electric Car Packs Company’s 5 Core EV Tech

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      Xiaomi SU7 electric carWith Xiaomi 5 core EV tech, the consumer electronics juggernaut intends to take on the global electric car market by storm in the coming yearsIn a calculated move, leading smartphone and consumer electronics manufacturer, Xiaomi, unveiled its maiden electric car to the world. Called SU7, this full-size high performance eco-technology sedan encapsulates Xiaomi’s 5 Core EV tech – E-Motor, Battery, Xiaomi Die-Casting, Xiaomi Pilot Autonomous Driving, and Smart Cabin.Xiaomi SU7 debuts company’s core EV techThe Chinese consumer electronics juggernaut, Xiaomi, debuted its maiden electric car recently that features the company’s 5 core EV tech. These self-developed core technologies are a culmination of 13 years of curated R&D efforts comprising of 3,400 engineers from China and abroad. This is a big-buck project on which Xiaomi invested more than CNY 10 billion (USD 1.41 billion or INR 11,700 Crores).E-MotorXiaomi’s self-developed electric motors seem to have raised many eyebrows in the auto industry. There are three electric motors – HyperEngine V6, HyperEngine V6 S and HyperEngine V8 S. There are multiple innovations including usage of ultra high-strength silicon steel, and S-shaped oil circuitry with innovative oil cooling tech boasting best-in-class heat dissipation.V6 and V6 S electric motors boast industry-leading rotational speed of 21,000 RPM and V8 S motor currently under development boasts an even bonkers 27,200 RPM. Performance metrics reveal V6 motor with 299 PS and 400 Nm, V6 S packs 374 PS and 500 NM. V8 S is a notch above in performance with around 580 PS and 635 Nm.Xiaomi SU7 electric car coloursBatteryIntegrating CTB integrated battery tech, Xiaomi has achieved 77.8% battery integration efficiency, 24.4% performance improvement and reduced battery height by 17mm over industry standards. With the platform supporting a max of 150 kWh in capacity, theoretical range can touch 1,200 km.Company claims thorough considerations for utmost occupant safety while designing batteries. Heat dissipation system consists of a combination of 165 aerogel insulation, dual-side water cooling and more. Xiaomi’s self-designed BMS includes ASIL-D and three independent thermal runaway monitors. The company claims 1,050+ safety verifications too.Xiaomi Die-CastingWhere manufacturing is concerned, Xiaomi is going full regalia by self-developing both large die-casting and materials. For starters, the company has developed Xiaomi Titans Metal, a new heat-treated die-casting material that has high-strength and high resilience characteristics. Company’s Multi-Material Performance Simulation System selects an on-demand alloy formula based on 10.16 million combinations.Xiaomi SU7 profileXiaomi’s new T9100 die-casting cluster covers an area of 840m², boasting a total weight of 1,050t and locking force of up to 9,100t. The company mentioned a new quality judgement system too that can inspect individual components in 2 seconds. The new T9100 cluster enables 72 rear underbody components to integrate into 1, reducing 840 weld joints, reducing weight by 17% and production hours by 45%.Xiaomi Pilot Autonomous DrivingNitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, has discouraged autonomous driving in India in favour of utilising human resources. Rightfully so. In global markets, however, the push for AI-based autonomous driving has seen a rise. Xiaomi has implemented three key tech with SU7 – Adaptive BEV Technology, Road-Mapping Foundational Model, and Super-Res Occupancy Network Technology.Xiaomi SU7 rearThe company has invested in “End-to-End Sensing and Decision-Making AI Model” for automated parking and for autonomous driving, the AI model is trained to have minimum granularity, extended recognition range, recognition of irregular objects with vectorisation tech, and advanced noise reduction features. Hardware for autonomous driving on SU7 includes two NVIDIA Orin chips, one LiDAR, 11 hi-def cameras, 3 milimeter wave radars, 12 ultrasonic radars among others.Smart CabinIn-cabin experience has been a driving force in automotive industry in the past years. Adhering to that, Xiaomi SU7 features the company’s Smart Cabin tech including a 16.3-inch 3K resolution central display, a large 56-inch HUD and a 7.1-inch rotating dashboard along with two mounts for back seats to place tablets.Xiaomi SU7 headlightsThere is a push to reduce learning curve in Xiaomi’s system by rapidly launching vehicle OS and cross-device connection with user’s smartphone with just a single touch. Smartphone app integrations number up to 5,000 and SU7 supports over 1,000 Xiaomi smart home devices, creating a no-nonsense CarloT ecosystem.SU7’s performance and words from the manufacturerPositioned as a full-size high performance eco-technology sedan, Xiaomi EV SU7 boasts 0-100 km/h sprint in 2.78 seconds only and is capable of achieving a top speed of 265 km/h. The car also features Xiaomi Smart Chassis Control, promising both sporty handling and comfortable drive.Xiaomi SU7 spoilerQuoting a sentence of Chinese poetry, “with firm strides we are crossing its summit.” Lei Jun, Founder, Chairman, And CEO Of Xiaomi Group stated that Xiaomi’s entry into the automotive industry marks a significant leap from the smartphone industry and a crucial step toward closing the loop of the Human x Car x Home smart ecosystem.Lei Jun further expressed that the century-old automotive industry offers little room for maneuvering today: “Xiaomi has decided to invest tenfold, starting from the development of fundamental core technologies, committing to constructing an outstanding vehicle. Through 15 to 20 years of effort, Xiaomi aims to become one of the top five global automakers.”Xiaomi SU7 sleek ORVM More

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      Safari EV And Harrier EV Spotted On Tow Truck – En Route ARAI Certification?

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      Safari EV and Harrier EV spotted on tow truckBoth the Safari EV and Harrier EV will feature a different fascia, packing around 60 kWh battery with single-motor FWD and dual-motor AWD configsRecently, Tata Motors inaugurated two EV-specific dealerships in Gurugram, Uttar Pradesh. Tata Motors is adding two new EVs to the lineup soon as seen with recent test mules – Safari EV and Harrier EV. These will be flagship offerings from Tata.ev, sitting above the recently launched Nexon EV (Nexon.ev).Safari EV And Harrier EV Spotted On Tow TruckNamed Tata.ev dealerships, these EV-specific showrooms and service centres aim to provide curated experience to EV buyers with eco-friendliness being the main mantra. The recent test mules were spotted on a tow truck Both these test mules were extensively draped in camouflage, conceiving their identity.These test mules on a tow truck were spotted in Pune city. Looking at them on a tow truck, we would say that both these test mules are headed for ARAI testing for range on a single charge. Tata Punch EV test mule spotted in May 2023, was on a tow truck too. The new Safari EV and Harrier EV spy shot is credited to automotive enthusiast Anvay Sheolikar.Interestingly, these test mules donned pre-facelift bodies and designs that were replaced with ICE models of facelifted Safari and Harrier. Production-spec Safari EV and Harrier EV will bear newer design that Tata Motors showcased at 2023 Auto Expo. The mechanicals (in this case, electricals) are what matters for ARAI testing and certification procedures.Tata Harrier Electric SUVJust like Nexon and Nexon EV, we expect both Harrier EV and Safari EV to get additional features and equipment over their ICE counterparts. Where design is concerned, we can expect minor revisions over their ICE counterparts in the form of a closed grill and revised bumpers to establish a different fascia.What to expect from Tata.ev’s new flagships?Just like the new Nexon EV, there is a good probability that Safari and Harrier’s EV counterparts will sport any blue elements. Both on the outside and inside. Tata Motors is currently leading the electric car scene in India with Tiago EV, Tiago EV and Nexon EV. That said, India’s electric car scene is expected to get brutal with new incoming EVs.Safari EV and Harrier will primarily rival Mahindra’s upcoming XUV.e8 (XUV700 electric). Hyundai could come up with an Alcazar EV based on upcoming Creta EV if there is enough demand. The Land Rover derived OMEGARC platform on Safari and Harrier will be modified to accommodate batteries for their EV counterparts.Tata Safari electric spied with new designFWD will be standard with optional dual-motor AWD variants. Tata might sell its flagship electric SUVs with around 60 kWh battery pack, promising a range of around 500 km on a single charge. We hope there is an 80 kWh battery pack option in the mix because Mahindra’s INGLO platform on XUV.e8 is expected to pack 80 kWh worth of cells in higher variants.Both Tata Safari EV and Harrier EV will be launched in 2024. Considering increasing test mule sightings, they could launch sooner rather than later. Price might start from around Rs. 25 lakh (ex-sh) going till Rs. 35 lakh (ex-sh).Source – Anvay Sheolikar More

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      Bajaj Pulsar 500 Twinner Cafe Racer Rendered – Name Trademarked

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      Bajaj Pulsar 500 Twinner RenderA close to 500cc twin-cylinder engine on Bajaj Pulsar 500 Twinner could develop around 60 bhp of peak power and 50 Nm of peak torqueBajaj Auto has been one of the leading forces in India’s commuter and street motorcycles segments. These single-cylinder engines range between 100cc and 373cc and are doing duties across multiple sub-brands. But what would a twin-cylinder from Bajaj be like? Does this relate to Bajaj’s Twinner registered trademark?Bajaj Twinner 500 Cafe Racer RenderedRendering artist Pratyush Rout has penned down his imagination and expressed what Bajaj’s first twin-cylinder motorcycle might look like. For obvious reasons, there is a high probability of it falling under the Pulsar umbrella for maximum appeal. So, he created a street naked neo-retro Cafe Racer style Bajaj Pulsar 500 Twinner.Bajaj Twinner Trademark FiledBajaj and Pulsar fans would expect a powertrain upgrade from their preferred OEM in the form of a twin-cylinder engine. Especially looking at how much commercial success Royal Enfield has seen with its parallel-twin 650 platform. Bajaj and KTM had intentions of jointly developing a 490cc parallel-twin platform in 2020.Bajaj’s trademarked Twinner name is a fitting choice for a product like this. Considering this is around 500cc in displacement, one could speculate that Bajaj-KTM has gone with joining two 250cc engines together and developing a sophisticated setup around it. That might be the case too as it is among the standard practices in the industry.Bajaj Pulsar 500 Twinner RenderThe wordmark Twinner that Bajaj has trademarked, is not associated with any prefix or suffixes. This could mean that Bajaj will use Twinner name along with existing sub-brands like Pulsar. In effect, the word Twinner would only denote its engine architecture. For example, Bajaj Pulsar 500 Twinner, might be a name in the future where Twinner is used to denote the new engine.Bajaj Pulsar 500 Twinner RenderUnique blend of design from multiple motorcycle genresFor design, Pratyush Rout has gone with an amalgamation of Pulsar’s muscular approach and blended it with classic motorcycle elements like round headlights. Something first-ever Pulsar had. There is a stepped rear seat like that of a super sport machine too, creating a unique blend of elements from multiple motorcycle genres.Fuel tank is all new, donning the Pulsar 3D badge and subtle changes compared to Dominar 400. The changes are in-keeping with Bajaj’s design trends. The perimeter frame is retained and it proudly displays the Twinner badge. Subframe is a lot sportier and the tail section is now much tidier. Wheels, braking setup and exhaust system are retained from the current Dominar 400.Bajaj Pulsar 500 Twinner RenderHeadlights are round and grab attention along with paying tribute to motorcycles of the past. Twin circular pods for the instrument cluster look classy as well. USD front telescopic forks are finished in gold and petal disc brakes at the front get Nissin calipers. If launched, Pulsar 500 Twinner will be the biggest Pulsar ever. Sidelining the soon-to-be-launched 400cc single-cylinder Pulsar.Powertrain is the key highlightFor Bajaj Pulsar 500 Twinner, the perimeter frame will be tweaked slightly to accommodate the wider engine. Considering around 500cc displacement, we may expect around 60 bhp of peak power and 50Nm of peak torque. This engine will get many modern hardware like 4V head, DOHC setup, liquid cooling, quick-shifter, throttle-by-wire, slipper clutch and more.Bajaj Pulsar 500 Twinner Render More

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      500cc+ Motorcycle Sales November 2023 – RE 650, Z900, Hayabusa, Ninja

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      Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6ROwing to its affordable lineup, Royal Enfield trounced the competition within 500cc+ motorcycle sales November 2023 charts with 91% market shareThe big bike category saw a major boost in sales in the month of November 2023. Volume has more than doubled YoY at 127.91% YoY growth when compared to sales performance from November 2022. The 3,724 units clocked by 500cc+ motorcycle sales November 2023 were slightly behind the 4,305 units sold in the festive period of October 2023, facing a slight MoM decline.500cc+ Motorcycle Sales November 2023Peaking the 500cc+ motorcycle sales November 2023 charts is Royal Enfield with a total of 3,382 units sold with 90.81% market share combined. Breaking these numbers up, we get 650 Twins (Intercepter 650 and Continental GT 650) taking the top spot from their newer sibling Super Meteor 650 that topped the charts a month before.650 Twins sold 2,112 units with 56.71% market share among 500cc+ motorcycles and registered 65.87% YoY growth with 838 units volume gain. Super Meteor 650 saw 1,270 units sold last month and accounted for 34.10% market share. Kawasaki Z900 is India’s most affordable inline-four 500cc+ bike and took 3rd spot with 90 units sold.Z900’s sales declined YoY by 24.37% YoY, losing 29 units in volume. India’s most affordable 200bhp litre-class bike is Kawasaki ZX-10R and it sold 38 units with 850% YoY growth. Triumph’s best-selling big bike in India is Street Triple, selling 36 units with 1,100% YoY growth as opposed to 3 units sold last year.500cc+ motorcycle sales November 2023Everyone’s favourite Suzuki Hayabusa sold 34 units with 3.03% YoY growth. Honda’s newest big bike launch, Transalp XL750, scored 29 buyers last month. Triumph’s most affordable multi-cylinder motorcycle in India, Trident 660, sold 18 units and faced YoY decline of 25% over 24 units sold last year.Honda sold 33 big bikes last monthKawasaki Versys 650 and Triumph Tiger 900 sold 15 and 13 units and registered 275% and 8.33% YoY growth respectively, over last year’s sales performance. Harley-Davidson’s best-selling big bikes in India are Nightster selling 10 units, up from 1 unit YoY with 900% growth and Sportster S, selling 9 units, down from 15 YoY with a 40% decline.Kawasaki Ninja 650 sold 9 units too and numbers fell by 47.06% YoY. Triumph Speed Twin 900 and Speed Twin 1200 sold 7 units each and both saw 75% YoY growth. Tiger 1200 sold 4 units and doubled its numbers YoY with 100% growth rate. Grotesque motorcycles like Honda Goldwing and Triumph Rocket III sold 4 units each.Where Goldwing tripled sales numbers YoY at 300% growth, Rocket’s boosters dipped with 33.33% YoY decline. Triumph Tiger 660 Sport, Kawasaki Vulcan S, Harley-Davidson Street Glide and Road Glide all sold 2 units each.Kawasaki Z650 RS, Ninja H2 SX SE, Harley-Davidson Fat Boy 114, Triumph Bonneville T100, Bonneville Speedmaster, Bonneville T120 and Speed Triple all sold 1 unit each and there was no growth to register.Lastly, we have motorcycle that didn’t see any takers in November 2023. These motorcycles include Honda’s 650 range, Harley-Davidson Pan America, Fat Bob, 883 Iron, Triumph Bonneville Bobber, Street Scrambler, Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX, Z650, Suzuki V-Strom 650 and Katana. More

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      Aprilia RS 457 Accessories List Revealed – TPMS, Panniers, Quickshifter

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      Aprilia RS 457Among the 28 of Aprilia RS 457 accessories listed, there are racing and touring oriented add-ons to establish sports-tourer characterThe Italian marque has made a grand entry in fully-faired multi-cylinder motorcycle segment in India with RS 457. This is a delicious baby supersports motorcycle with a design semblance to RS 660. Launched at Rs. 4.1 lakh (ex-sh), it is a tempting proposition as well for prospective buyers. Now, the company has revealed official accessories list too.Aprilia RS 457 Accessories List RevealedEarlier this month, Aprilia launched RS 457 in India at 10th anniversary of IBW held at Vagator, Goa. RS 457 has an attractive price tag of Rs. 4.1 lakh (ex-sh). Bookings for the same have commenced since 15th of December. The motorcycle is locally manufactured at Piaggio’s plant in Baramati, Maharashtra, hence the tempting price.Aprilia has listed down 10 accessories sold alongside RS 457 on its official brochure. These accessories include an electronic antitheft, front brake lever protection, assembly system for electronic anti-theft, internal bike cover, external bike cover, helmet lock, USB charging, high windscreen, heel guard and front axle protector.The list seen on official brochure feels slightly lighter than what Aprilia is offering. We say this because Aprilia had promised a bi-directional quick-shifter as an accessory too, which is missing in the brochure. Apriliaridersclubbengaluru Instagram page has posted a list of official accessories (claimed) containing quite a bit more than what Aprilia has listed on the brochure.Aprilia RS 457 Accessories listed by Apriliaridersclubbengaluru Instagram PageThis snippet may be a part of Aprilia’s blurb and contains 28 accessories, which is 18 more than the ones listed on Aprili RS 457 accessories list on brochure. Primary among these are TPMS, side panniers, side pannier holders, tank bags, MIA control unit, a bi-directional quick-shifter and racing brake pads.Up to 28 new accessories for RS 457Other interesting accessories not listed on official brochure are passenger seat cover, adjustable front brake lever, adjustable clutch lever, rear brake lever, gear lever, pilot footpegs, coloured transmission chain, low driver comfort seat, standard comfort seat, comfort passenger handle, wheel stickers, fuel tank side protections and fuel tank central protection.Pricing for these accessories is not yet out. But considering that Aprilia RS 457 is made in India, the accessories for this motorcycle might not be exorbitant. Aprilia is offering both racing-oriented and touring-oriented accessories pitching the perfect proposition of a sports-tourer.Aprilia RS 457 Accessories listed on official brochureStomping the party of Kawasaki Ninja 400, Aprilia RS 457 comes off as a more feature-packed bike with better performance on paper and holds VFM card quite well. But Yamaha has just entered the chat with YZF-R3 and it has been a long time waiting.In a detailed comparison between these three, Aprilia RS 457’s performance metrics of 47 bhp and 43.9 Nm do trounce over others’ and emerge as the most feature-packed, best looking and most affordable for the performance.Source More

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      PUC Certificates Now Require Video Verification – Full Details Here

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      PUC Certificates Video Verification Now Mandatory – Image for reference onlyAs opposed to a single number plate image requirement, the new regulations in PUC certificates issuance require video verification of testing procedureIn a commendable move, Indian Government has mandated video verification of emission testing process across the nation to ensure transparency in the process. This will keep fraudulent operations by PUC centres in check and ensure unfit vehicles show correct emissions value in their PUC certificates for further enforcement.PUC Certificates Now Require Video VerificationIncorrect emission data in PUC certificates is a common phenomenon in India. Owners of old and polluting vehicles often get PUC certificates that are galactically far from reality. This is achieved by malpractices of authorised PUC centres where the emission values tested, are of an entirely different vehicle altogether.This would give a pass for unfit vehicles to meet emission standards and be used on public roads. Now, Indian Government is dropping an anchor on this malpractice by mandating video verification of vehicles in said authorised PUC centres.All 2W and 4W vehicles should now undergo proper emission testing under a watchful eye. National Informatics Center (NIC), is tasked with implementation of these changes. This is a major reform in enforcing vehicular emission control measures by Indian Government.PUC certificate is only granted to vehicles that pass rigorous exhaust gas testing and comply with Motor Vehicles Act regulations. Authorised PUC centres now need to record the entire testing process and upload it to VAHAN portal (managed by Ministry of Road Transport and Highways).Before implementing these stricter regulations, PUC centres needed to only upload the number plate of said vehicle on the portal. This picture could have been provided by owner even though said vehicle was not physically present at testing centre or rightfully tested.New regulations applicable to both 2W and 4W vehiclesNecessary modifications will be made to VAHAN portal by NIC to allow PUC centre operators to upload video of testing process of vehicles. This will establish a significant increase in transparency and legitimacy for the whole process. Vehicles with significant emissions will not be issued with fraudulent PUCs from this new regulation.All the Governments of various States and UTs are expected to adopt and implement these new regulations ASAP. This measure would significantly benefit places like Delhi-NCR, where pollution levels are among the highest in the entire Asian subcontinent and rising by the day.There don’t seem to be any changes to the nominal price of a PUC certificate and associated testing. Also, validity of said PUC certificate is still 6 months, over which the vehicle has to be re-tested and issued with a fresh PUC. More

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      Honda 2W Sales Breakup November 2023 Domestic, Exports – Activa, Shine, Dio

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      Honda CB350 ClassicHonda’s strongest contender in Indian market is still the Activa with close to 2 lakh units sold in November 2023, followed by CB ShineHonda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI) posted a strong 18.98% YoY growth in domestic market and an even stronger 33.70% YoY growth where exports to global markets are concerned. Honda 2W sales stood at 4,20,648 units in domestic market and 26,314 units in exports. This was a slight decrease in sales when compared to October 2023 charts.Honda 2W Sales Breakup November 2023 – Domestic marketIn domestic market, HMSI sold 4,20,648 units with 18.98% YoY growth. As opposed to 3,53,553 units sold in November 2022, volume growth was 67,095 units YoY. Primary contributor for Honda is Activa scooter with 1,96,055 units that took a 46.61% share of company’s total domestic sales. YoY growth with Activa lineup was 11.98% with 20,971 units gained in volume.CB Shine contributed 1,28,969 units accounting for 20.66% of Honda’s domestic sales. CB Shine 125 registered 12.18% YoY growth flexing 14,004 units gained in volume. Activa and CB Shine contribute to around 77% of Honda’s total sales in India. The new 100cc Shine 100 sold 26,974 with a 6.41% market share.Recently updated Dio saw 23,979 takers last month and registered 48.92% YoY growth and 7,877 units volume growth YoY. Honda Unicorn’s appeal has reduced YoY by 29.88% decline, losing 8,583 units in volume. The newly launched SP160 is the replacement for Honda’s X-Blade. SP160 saw 7,310 takers, which is significantly better than X-Blade’s 0 sales.Honda 2W Sales Breakup November 2023 – DomesticHonda Dream commuter sold 6,032 units with 30.76% YoY growth and 1,419 units volume growth. Livo and Hornet 2.0 sold 3,732 and 3,214 units respectively. Where Hornet’s numbers almost doubled at 94.2% YoY growth, Livo saw a 38.71% decline YoY. Best-selling Big Wing motorcycle, CB350, sold 2,466 units with 21.36% You growth.Honda’s pseudo ADV, CB200X, saw a sudden spike in sales registering 1,233% YoY growth with 1,240 units sold as opposed to 93 units sold in November 2022. CB300R showed a slight 1.09% YoY decline with 363 units sold last month. Despite the recent price revision, CB300 F has not been seeing many takers with just 164 last month. Honda’s big boy Goldwing sold 4 units last month, which is a 300% YoY growth as opposed to 1 unit sold last year.Honda 2W exportsWhere exports are concerned, Honda registered a solid 33.70% YoY growth by shipping 26,314 units last month as opposed to 19,681 units last year. This resulted in 6,633 units YoY volume growth. Surprisingly, it is the Navi that is the highest-shipped Honda 2W vehicle from India. Navi saw 10,942 buyers abroad accounting for 41.58% of Honda’s total shipments.Honda 2W Sales Breakup November 2023 – ActivaWhen compared to 7,345 units shipped last year, Navi registered 48.97% YoY growth and gained 3,597 units YoY in volume. Dio took 2nd place in company’s exports with 5,053 units, 38.25% YoY growth and 19.20% market share. Volume growth is 1,398 units YoY. Highest-seller in India, Activa has seen a significant rise in export charts too with 1,268.27% YoY growth and 16.22% market share.Honda shipped 4,269 Activa as opposed to 312 units shipped in November 2022. CB Shine and X-Blade shipped 1,542 and 1,320 units with 19.29% and 43.88% YoY decline respectively. Dream and CB350 shipments stood at 1,096 and 1,080 units respectively, with Dream registering 996% YoY growth.Unicorn 160, Livo and Hornet 160R saw a significant decline in sales with 384, 300 and 166 units shipped respectively. Aviator scooter might be long forgotten in India, but Honda shipped 160 units last month. More

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      Ather 200,000th Unit Rolls Out – A New Production Milestone

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      Ather rolls out 200,000th electric scooterAther scooters are preferred for their reliability, higher true range and advanced tech featuresSupported by state and central government subsidies, electric two-wheelers have been registering robust growth over the last few years. One of the popular options is Ather that competes with other leading brands such as Ola Electric, TVS and Bajaj. Ather recently rolled out the 200,000th scooter from its plant, a significant milestone for the company.Ather 100k to 200k in 11 monthsAther had launched the 450X and 450 Plus in January 2020. The company achieved the 100k milestone in January 2023. Sales growth could have been faster, but the pandemic threw a spanner in the works. Sales are much better now, as evident with Ather reaching the production milestone of 200,000 units. Seems like the perfect ending to the current year and loads of motivation and confidence to achieve newer milestones in 2024.Ather rolls out 200,000th electric scooterAs of now, Ather portfolio has 450X and 450S electric scooters. 450S is the most affordable, available at a starting price of Rs 1,29,999 in Bengaluru. It was launched earlier this year in August, along with the new 450X. With an affordable base model, Ather has been able to target a larger customer base.450S has a certified range of 115 km, whereas true range is 90 km. Top speed is fixed at 90 km/h. Ather 450S can accelerate from 0 to 40 km/h in just 3.9 seconds. The scooter has plenty of tech features such as park assist, auto hold, side stand sensor, auto indicator cut-off, incognito mode and guide-me-home light.Ather rolls out 200,000th electric scooterThe top-spec variant is 450X, available with battery options of 2.9 kWh and 3.7 kWh. Prices start at Rs 1.38 lakh and Rs 1.45 lakh, respectively, in Bengaluru. While top speed is fixed at 90 km/h for both, the certified range is 111 km and 150 km, respectively. True range works out at 90 km and 110 km. Both variants of 450X are equipped with a 7-inch TFT touchscreen. Safety kit includes features like emergency stop signal (ESS), fall safe and dual disc brakes. A range of connectivity features are available via the Ather smartphone app.Ather to target premium segment with Ather 450 ApexAther is gearing up to launch its new flagship, the 450 Apex electric scooter. Pre-orders are currently open for a token amount of Rs 2,500. The booking amount is fully refundable. The 450 Apex is promising entirely new experiences, made possible with multiple upgrades and innovations. The decision to launch 450 Apex could also be linked to rival offerings such as the Ola S1 Pro Gen 2. The latter has a larger capacity battery, more power and higher top speed. Ather 450 Apex will be looking to provide something better.One of the key upgrades for Ather 450 Apex could be an advanced regenerative braking system. It can help achieve a higher range, all while improving the braking performance. In terms of aesthetics, Ather 450 Apex will come with transparent side panels. It seems like a new experiment, something similar to the 2020 Collector’s Edition that had translucent side panels. Ather 450 Apex will command premium pricing and target a niche customer base. More