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      in Motor News

      Aston Martin Valhalla Shown Testing in All Its 998-HP Hybrid Glory

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      Aston Martin has revealed a new series of images showing the upcoming Valhalla hypercar testing at the Silverstone Circuit. The Valhalla sources 998 horsepower from a twin-turbocharged V-8 and a plug-in-hybrid system.Aston Martin will build 999 examples of the Valhalla and it is on pace to enter production in 2024. If you’re a bit confused by all the various hypercar projects coming out of Aston Martin lately, we sympathize. There are only two of them, but they both feature names inspired by Norse mythology, so let us clear things up. There’s the Adrian Newey brainchild called the Valkryie, which was originally called the AM-RB 001. It produces an immense 1139 horsepower from its hybrid V-12 powertrain. Then there’s the upcoming Valhalla you see here, which started life named the AM-RB 003.Aston MartinThink of the Valkryie as Aston Martin’s ultimate vision for what a hypercar can be, and the Valhalla as an (only slightly) more accessible track weapon. The Valhalla has been more or less shrouded in mist until now, though the company just released a new set of images showing the car testing at Silverstone. The images come as Aston Martin begins a more aggressive phase of real-world testing for the upcoming hypercar.The Mercedes-AMG–sourced twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 feeds power to the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It pairs with a set of three electric motors, including one in the transmission to bring the Valhalla’s combined output to 998 horsepower. Aston MartinAston MartinMore on Aston Martin HypercarsJust like the Valkyrie before it, the Valhalla will be built in limited figures. Aston Martin kept the Valkyrie extremely exclusive, offering only 150 build slots globally. The Valhalla will be more available to the bourgeoisie—well, kinda. There will still only be 999 of them, and pricing is expected to start in the $800,000 range. According to Aston Martin, the Valhalla is still on track to enter production in 2024. Jack Fitzgerald’s love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1. After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn’t afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf. More

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      in Bike

      Top 150cc To 200cc Motorcycle Sales November 2023 – Pulsar, Apache, FZ, R15

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      Image – The Bikers DiaryOf all the contenders in the top 150cc to 200cc motorcycles sales charts for November 2023, Honda Unicorn was the only one with decline in salesIn the month November 2023, the motorcycles sales falling between 150cc to 200cc accounted for 1,66,803 units. This was a 47.12% YoY growth as opposed to 1,13,380 units sold in November 2022. This 47.12% YoY growth accounted for a 53,423 unit volume growth. When compared to 1,80,417 units sold in October 2023, there was a noticeable MoM decline.Top 150cc To 200cc Motorcycle Sales November 2023Topping the sales charts within 150cc to 200cc motorcycle segment, we have Bajaj’s ever-popular Pulsar lineup with 47,320 units sold last month. Pulsars hold a 28.37% market share within this displacement space and registered 74.66% YoY growth when compared to 27,092 units sold a year ago. Volume gain for Pulsars was 20,228 units YoY.TVS Apache stood at 2nd place with 41,025 units and captivated 24.59% market share. TVS does put up quite a fight against Bajaj with Apache series that registered 51.26% YoY growth as opposed to 27,122 units sold last year. Volume growth was respectable 13,903 units. In 3rd place, we have Honda Unicorn with 20,146 units sold.When compared to the likes of Pulsars and Apaches, Unicorn comes off as unappealing and less exciting. Unicorn saw 29.88% YoY decline losing 8,583 units in volume YoY. It is the only one on this list to show declined sales. Yamaha FZ took 4th place with 16,233 units. Yamaha doubled its sales with 103.22% YoY growth and gained 8,245 units in volume YoY.Top 150cc to 200cc motorcycle sales November 2023Despite the cost, Yamaha R15 is a popular offering in India with 11,270 units sold last month. R15 has an impressive 6.76% market share and saw sales increase by 51.74% YoY. It’s naked sibling MT-15 registered 9,140 units with 44.28% YoY growth. Honda X-Blade’s replacement, SP 160, has proved to be a people pleaser with 7,310 takers last month.Honda CB200X saw unprecedented growthAnything is better than 0 units of X-Blade, but 7,310 units is impressive. Hornet 2.0 is a more premium 180cc offering that saw 3,214 takers last month. Sales almost doubled YoY at 94.20% YoY growth accounting for 1,559 units of volume growth. KTM’s 200 range is company’s highest-seller in domestic market and registered 2,777 units with 21.11% YoY growth.Hero’s Xtreme range have seen decent success after introducing 4V head to both. Sales doubled YoY from 1,196 to 2,655 units with 121.99% YoY growth. Suzuki Gixxer range sold 1,648 units with 153.93% YoY growth. The update to Gixxers earlier this year should have allowed this.Hero’s Xpulse 200 ADV tripled its numbers with 1,453 units sold and 149.66% YoY growth. Bajaj’s Avenger 160 sold 1,369 units with 38.84% YoY growth and 383 units volume growth. At 14th place, we have Honda CB200X that saw an unprecedented 1233.33% YoY growth.The sales numbers stood at 1,240 units as opposed to just 93 units sold a year ago. Lastly, we have Kawasaki W175 with just 3 units sold. The recent price revisions should ensure a better sales prospective in December 2023. More

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      in Electric Cars

      Tata Electric Car Showrooms Inaugurated In Sector 14 And Sohna Road, Gurugram

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      Tata Electric Car ShowroomsAs opposed to regular dealerships, Tata Electric car showrooms will feature personalized services with stress on sustainability, community and technologyTata Passenger Electric Mobility (TPEM), a subsidiary of Tata Motors has inaugurated two new Tata.ev dealerships fortifying its new brand identity. The primary objective behind this step was to provide a tailor-made experience to their electric car buyers that differs significantly from their ICE vehicle buyers.Tata Electric Car Showrooms InauguratedTPEM has chosen prominent auto hubs of Sector 14 and Sohna Road in Gurugram. These are to lay emphasis on evolving expectations of electric car buyers in India. These new EV-specific dealerships bearing Tata.ev brand identity, promise to deliver a seamless amalgamation of personalized services, advanced technology and sustainable practises.These Tata.ev dealerships will be open to public from January 7th, 2024 onwards. The company is stressing on ‘Move with Meaning’ philosophy with these EV-specific dealerships and revolve around the core values of sustainability, community and technology. More Tata.ev showrooms will spring up in prominent cities in the future, in the next 18 months.Tata Motors currently has a 71% market share in India’s electric car sales and has crossed an astounding 1 lakh sales mark as well. The primary contributors to this massive success are Tiago EV and Nexon EV along with Tigor EV. Punch EV, Curvy EV, Sierra EV, Harrier EV and Safari EV are in the pipeline too.Tata Electric Car Showrooms fascadeTata.ev embracing sustainability, community and technologyAs per TPEM, the Tata.ev showrooms are designed and constructed with sustainability in mind. In this sense, all major materials are recyclable or recycled. Locally sourced materials were used in the construction too, negating long-distance transportation. Even the day-to-day operations will stress sustainability.The company is keen on building a community of Tata electric car owners through these EV-specific dealerships. Elevating customer experience to include meaningful interactions with fellow Tata.ev owners and glancing the events on EVOLVE community calender. There will be digitalization too, with multiple screens for personalised welcomes for EV buyers and airing testimonials from existing owners.Words from the manufacturerCommenting at the inauguration of the new showrooms, Shailesh Chandra, MD, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd., and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said, “With insights gathered from over 1 Lakh Tata EV customers, we understand that the EV consumers seek a different kind of customer experience. They are sensitive to how the planet is evolving, very conscious about the cost of driving, and desire cutting-edge technology.Tata Electric Car Showroom interiorsThis is in line with the new brand identity’s core values – sustainability, community, and technology. The new flagship showrooms are the first physical manifestations of this brand philosophy and we have mapped the customer journey accordingly. We want to empower our customers so our plans include the creation of a harmonious community space to facilitate customer gatherings/services, sustainability-focused workshops, and events for customers. These showrooms are not just about retailing EVs but they become TATA.ev community centres in Gurugram.According to Vivek Srivatsa, Head, Marketing, Sales and Service Strategy, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd. “Every aspect of the in-store experience has been reimagined at TATA.ev stores. Digital, physical, and human elements come together in harmony to deliver a uniquely memorable car-buying experience, with moments of authentic surprise to delight our community at every step along the way.Tata Electric Car Showroom interiorsRecognising the very different expectations of EV buyers, the in-store experience has been designed to offer information, advice, and guidance in a friendly environment. While we use the power of technology to elevate the experience, the human touch remains ever-important. From new retail roles to passionate individuals immersed in the essence of our brand, our home of electric has been designed to be warm and welcoming, friendly and fun.” More

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      in Bike

      Triumph Speed 400 Swingarm Breaks – Owner Shares Details

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      Triumph Speed 400 Swingarm BreaksThe 4 days old Triumph Speed 400 swingarm breaks within 560km reading on odometer while riding on smooth tarmac returning from Solang to ManaliTriumph India is on the verge of expanding its global presence by launching affordable single-cylinder motorcycles in partnership with Bajaj. Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X are the first launches with Thruxton 400 in the pipeline. In a rather shocking turn of events, a 4 days old Triumph Speed 400 has had its swingarm broken in two.4 Days Old Triumph Speed 400 Swingarm Breaks In TwoEsteemed motoring journalist Jeremy Clarkson once introduced an old Toyota Corolla hatchback as the world’s fastest car. Sure, it only had a 1.8L petrol engine and no modifications at all. Reason was, it being a rental vehicle. He further elaborated that said rental car had 140 bhp from the moment he started the engine till the moment he crashed it.Triumph Speed 400 Swingarm BreaksWe mention this reference because the 4 days old Triumph Speed 400 with a broken swingarm is a rental vehicle too and this particular incident seems to have happened in the hands of a client. Owner of said Speed 400 is Abhinav Sood, who runs a motorcycle rental business over the past 10 years with over 130 motorcycles in possession.Of these 130, 8 motorcycles are from Triumph and only one of them has had swingarm breaking issue. Abhinav Sood explained on their Facebook post that motorcycle in question had clocked just 560 km on the odometer in 4 days of ownership. This is normal mileage for a rental vehicle.Triumph Speed 400 Swingarm BreaksHe further explained that this incident happened on a smooth tarmac while returning to Manali from Solang and was not an off-road situation. Mr Sood further claims that the motorcycle was not abused at all and there is nothing that hit this swingarm to break it. He did mention a sliding situation where this motorcycle seems to have fallen and caused this.Spare parts availability of Triumph 400s is very difficultOwner Abhinav Sood raised concerns for safety of his clients who often go to challenging spots in Himalayas like Zanskar, Sach Pass and Ladakh. Many of his clients usually carry luggage and even camping equipment and the swingarm breaking issue puts him in a difficult position to rent out Triumphs.Triumph uses the same cast-aluminium swingarm on Scrambler 400X as well, which is designed to take on beaten paths. There must have been robust engineering on this swingarm to test Scrambler 400X’s hypothetical jumps and landings along with sustainability in harsh terrain where Scrambler 400X is advertised to go.Triumph Speed 400 Swingarm BreaksSocial media users of the said group where this post has been shared, comments section suggest that Bajaj and Triumph should acquire this particular unit from Abinav Sood running BRM Expeditions and perform rigorous testing. One user claims that this would determine if this swingarm needs re-engineering with material choice or metallurgical process. Also, owner Abhinav Sood raised serious concerns regarding lack of availability of spare parts for this brand-new product. Supporting vehicle owners with spare parts is crucial to retain the trust of said owners.Source More

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      in Bike

      Bajaj Vector Name Trademarked – Production Name Of Husqvarna Vektorr?

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      Bajaj Vector name trademarkedThe recent Bajaj Vector name trademarked by the company has a high probability of being the production name of Husqvarna Vektorr conceptIf we look at Bajaj Auto’s 2-wheeler portfolio in India, it currently lacks a scooter. Sure, Bajaj has Chetak brand under its electric division. If Bajaj is cooking a new scooter in its kitchen, the recently trademarked “Bajaj Vector” name could be a fitting name for this hypothetical product.Bajaj Vector Name TrademarkedThe last ICE scooter from Bajaj was Kristal and it was too insignificant to make a dent in Honda and TVS’ scooter dominance in Indian 2W market. Fast forwarding to 2023, scooters are still vastly desirable owing to their unisex approach and practicality of a step-through design. Scooter sales easily hover over 5 lakh units per month in India.Bajaj has a surprisingly vast trademark repository and Bajaj Vector is the latest addition. The name sounds fitting to a scooter, regardless of ICE or electric. There is a tiny possibility that this new trademark filing might make it onto Bajaj’s Sunny revival project. Bajaj Sunny electric scooter test mules were spotted recently.But for Indian market, Bajaj is likely to stick with premium electric scooters and the new Bajaj Vector trademark can be a premium scooter based on Chetak’s platform. Bajaj could also use this new trademark for its partner brands as well.Husqvarna Vektorr ConceptThis could be Husqvarna’s upcoming electric scooterSpeaking of partner brands, KTM-owned Husqvarna is a huge possibility. If you can recall, Husqvarna had showcased Vektorr electric scooter concept that looked radical with its neo-retro design elements. This electric scooter is based on Bajaj’s Chetak and was spotted testing on Indian roads multiple times over the past three years.However, Vektorr name had a ‘K’ and ended with two ‘R’, while the recently trademarked word from Bajaj has a ‘C’ and just one ‘R’. Another probability is that Vector is the production-spec name of Vektorr concept that was showcased few years ago. Since Bajaj is the one manufacturing this product for Husqvarna, has filed for name trademark as well.Husqvarna Vector could very well be just for export markets as the brand’s presence in India is quite limited. Especially when compared to KTM. Speaking of KTM, there is a tiny possibility that Vector name could be used in India under KTM brand. Test mules of KTM’s scooter have been spotted too.Bajaj Vector could be production-spec name of Husqvarna VektorrThe wordmark that Bajaj is securing for itself is “Bajaj Vector”. Maybe there will be a future trademark application for just the word “Vector” to use with its partner brand’s vehicles. When launched, it will share its battery and motor with Bajaj Chetak. Primarily aimed at global markets, Husqvarna Vector there could be launched in India as well. More

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      in Bike

      Royal Enfield Goan 350 Name Trademarked – Classic 350 Based Bobber?

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      Royal Enfield Goan 350 – Likely to be name of Classic 350 BobberRoyal Enfield Goan Classic 350 will focus on a more comfortable riding stance, best suited for long distance journeysRoyal Enfield has a strong grasp of the 350cc segment with bestsellers like Classic 350, Bullet 350, Hunter 350 and Super Meteor 350. Such a wide range of options are unbeatable by any other brand. Coming soon is the Goan Classic 350 that will further strengthen Royal Enfield’s entry-level portfolio. Goan Classic 350 name is likely to be used for the bobber-style motorcycle that has been spotted on road tests multiple times in recent months.How is Goan Classic 350 different from Classic 350?As the name suggests, Goan Classic 350 will be similar to Classic 350. But the bobber version will have some unique features, one of which will be taller handlebars. This is a signature feature of bobber motorcycles. A taller handlebar is usually associated with greater comfort across long distance rides.Royal Enfield Goan 350 – Likely to be name of Classic 350 BobberHowever, the experience may vary depending on the user’s height and other physical traits. A taller handlebar also offers other benefits such as improved back posture, better control and handling across steeper terrain and greater stability.Goan Classic 350 could also see changes in the seat design and seat height. A test mule spotted recently was seen with a rear pillion seat. This could be made available via a separate variant or as an accessory. The bobber 350 could also have slightly forward set footpegs. Test mule sightings also reveal that Goan Classic 350 will have a different exhaust tip. As a result, it is likely that the exhaust note will also be distinct.Royal Enfield Bobber 350One can also see some cosmetic touch-ups exclusively for the bobber version. For example, one of the test mules was spotted with teal-coloured tyre walls, similar to white-walled tyres. This again is a signature feature associated with vintage motorcycles popular in the 60s. Overall, Goan Classic 350 carries a higher ratio of retro flavour in comparison to other 350cc Royal Enfield bikes.Goan Classic 350 specs, performanceMost of the hardware for the bobber version will be the same as Classic 350. Typical bobber motorcycles have a longer wheelbase. But that’s not the case with the Goan Classic 350. Royal Enfield has favoured a mild bobber look and feel, instead of going for a full-fledged makeover. The latter could have necessitated major tweaks to the platform, which in turn will increase development and production cost. Goan Classic 350 will have the same 1,390 mm of wheelbase as Classic 350.Suspension and braking setup will also be common. Classic 350 has 41 mm telescopic front forks with 130 mm of travel. At rear, the bike has twin-tube emulsion shock absorbers with 6-step adjustable preload. Braking duties are performed by 300 mm disc and 270 mm disc, at front and rear, respectively. Dual-channel ABS is standard. Powering the Goan Classic 350 will be the 349cc air-oil cooled, single cylinder engine. It churns out 20.2 bhp of max power and 27 Nm of peak torque. The engine is mated to a 5-speed constant mesh gearbox. More

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      in Bike

      Triumph Daytona 660 Teased Officially – India Launch Likely?

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      Triumph Daytona 660 teasedAs opposed to Trident 660 and Tiger Sport 660 with 81 bhp and 64 Nm, Triumph Daytona 660 teased may pack a different tune to suit super-sport characterThe British brand’s iconic 3-cylinder fully-faired super sports is getting a reboot for 2024. The Daytona nameplate holds a significant recall among enthusiasts. The same resonates here in India too, owing to popularity of the last Daytona model, 675 R. Triumph has teased the new Daytona and has a good chance of making it to Indian shores as well.Triumph Daytona 660 Teased OfficiallyThis is the first time Triumph is officially teasing its newest super sport machine. The company took to social media platforms to drop three images revealing the fascia of its new Daytona, 660 lettering seen on its engine cowl that indicates displacement number and the debut date. Speaking of, Triumph Daytona 660 will break covers on 9th January, 2024.The British motorcycle company has been testing its Daytona 660 abroad and there have been multiple test mule sightings. These test mules were close to production-spec model and revealed quite a bit of design information which should paint quite a picture as to what we can expect from this new motorcycle.For starters, there is a handsome new fairing that is not only sleek but pretty. There is a twin-pod LED headlight grabbing a lot of attention. These look like eyes of a predator, waiting to pounce on its prey. The layered fairing has multiple open sections for aerodynamic purposes that add to handling characteristics, engine’s cooling and heat dissipation.Triumph Daytona 660Triumph Daytona 660 teased, shares its powertrain with other 660s in Triumph’s lineup. These include Tiger Sport 660 and Trident 660. However, owing to Daytona’s sporty personality, Triumph might tune this 3-cylinder engine to offer more performance and a different character. We expect Daytona 660 to be the most powerful version of this platform.Powertrain, specs and componentryCurrent setup on Trident 660 yields 81 bhp of peak power and 64 Nm of peak torque. Riding modes, traction control and a bi-directional quick-shifter are likely to be standard fitment. Just like its powertrain, Daytona 660 may share its main frame, underbelly exhaust, and swingarm with other components with other 660s currently on sale.Test mules spotted earlier this year show a slightly different subframe than Trident 660. There is a split seat setup and looks accommodating for both rider and pillion. Tail light is identical to Trident 660. Other identical elements include USD telescopic front forks, alloy wheels with Michelin Road 5 tyres, circular fully digital instrument clusters, switchgear and more.Daytona 660 Fairing designBraking hardware seems to be different on Daytona 660 as opposed to Trident 660’s Nissin calipers. The whole braking orientation has been changed to radial setup from axial setup on Trident 660 and Tiger Sport 660. If launched in India, it will take on the likes of Kawasaki Ninja 650 and Honda CBR650R. In pricing, it might clash with recently launched Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R as well. More

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      in Bike

      KTM Sales Breakup November 2023 – Duke, RC, Adv, 390, 250, 200, 125

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      KTM 790 Adventure – Image for referenceAs seen in the KTM sales November 2023 charts, the company has made significant impact in exports which registered positive growthThe Austrian brand, KTM, had a rather productive sales prospect in November 2023. While total sales registered positive YoY growth and a marginal drop in sales MoM, exports was of particular interest with positive growth both YoY and MoM. Interestingly, KTM’s exports showed an upper hand than what they sold domestically in India.KTM Sales November 2023 – Total salesWhere total sales are concerned, KTM pushed out 11,741 units in November 2023 which was an increase of 13.14% YoY as opposed to 10,377 units sold in November 2022 and a 4.08% MoM decline when compared to 12,241 units sold in October 2023. Volume gained YoY stood at 1,364 units and lost 500 units MoM.In total, KTM’s 390 range proved to be the highest selling in November 2023. The range includes the recently launched 2024 390 Duke along with 390 Adventure and RC 390. KTM’s 390 range sold 3,956 units last month with 91.48% YoY growth and 9.41% MoM decline. Volume grew by 1,890 units YoY and fell 411 units MoM.200 range (200 Duke and RC 200) and 250 range (250 Adventure and 250 Duke) of motorcycles took 2nd and 3rd places by selling 3,695 and 2,718 units respectively. While 200 range fell into the red completely with 36.56% YoY and 6.24% MoM decline, 250 range registered 89.28% YoY growth.KTM Sales Breakup November 2023 – Total SalesIn contrast, KTM’s 125 range saw least sales at 1,272 units, but it was the only one to show a MoM growth. That too, 53.47% growth, showing market trends.Domestic sales fell into the red completelyWhere domestic sales are concerned, KTM’s 200 range is the best-selling with 2,777 units sold with 21.11% YoY growth and it also witnessed the least MoM decline in this group at 18.11%. More than half of KTM’s domestic sales are occupied by 200s with a 52.53% market share. Next in line, is 250s with 1,371 units and 50.83% YoY growth and 25.93% market share.However, 250 range saw a sharp 33.32% MoM decline, losing 685 units in volume (highest in this list). The 390 range took 3rd place and more than doubled its numbers YoY by selling 1,001 units as opposed to 455 units in November 2022. MoM decline was 36.32%. The company recently launched 2024 390 Duke in India.KTM Sales Breakup November 2023 – Domestic SalesAt 4th place, we have KTM’s 125 range with 138 units sold and sales halved YoY at 58.31% decline and 37.84% MoM decline. In total, KTM’s domestic sales accounted for 5,287 units, which is greater than 3,988 units sold last year and less than 7,241 units sold a month before. Resulting in 32.57% YoY growth and 26.99% MoM decline.Exports saw greater volumes than domesticKTM’s popular export from India is the 390 range, with 2,955 units shipped and 45.79% of total exports. 390s showed 83.43% YoY growth as opposed to 1,611 units shipped last year and 5.72% MoM growth as opposed to 2,795 units shipped a month before. Volume gain is 1,344 units YoY and 160 units MoM.KTM Sales Breakup November 2023 – ExportsThe company shipped 1,247 and 1,234 units of 250 range and 125 range respectively. 250 range saw a staggering 155.6% YoY growth along with 37.03% MoM growth. Whereas 125 range saw 71.39% YoY growth and 83.63% MoM growth.KTM’s 200 range is the least popular in export markets with 918 units shipped. Which is a 74% decline MoM and 66.91% MoM growth. In total, KTM exports stood at 6,454 units, which is greater than what KTM India sold in domestic market. Exports resulted in 1.02% YoY growth and a 29.08% MoM growth. More