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    Royal Enfield Sales September 2023 – Exports Down 49% YoY

    Royal Enfield Hunter 350Royal Enfield models with engine capacity up to 350cc witnessed improved sales both on YoY and MoM basisRoyal Enfield sales (domestic + exports) in September 2023 stood at 78,580 units. This was a 4.28 percent YoY decline when compared to 82,097 units sold in September 2023. It resulted in a dip of 3,517 units. MoM sales, however, ended more positively with a 1.29 percent improvement over 77,583 units sold in August 2023.Royal Enfield YoY and MoM sales in September 2023It was the company’s models in the upto 350cc segment that saw more demand. Sales increased 9.56 percent YoY to 70,345 units in September 2023, up from 64,206 units sold in September 2022. This was a 6,139 unit volume growth with an 89.52 percent share. In this segment, the company recently introduced the new 2023 Bullet 350.It comes in with striking similarities to its current counterpart but receives some changes in the form of new colour options, a revised frame and some styling updates along with an engine that also powers the Classic 350, Hunter 350 and Meteor 350. In the above-350cc segment, the company sells models such as the Super Meteor 650, Scram 411 and the 650 Twins.Sales grew by 4.36 percent YoY to 8,235 units from 7,891 units sold in September 2022. It was however a 3.80 percent MoM decline as compared to 8,560 units sold in August 2023. This segment currently commands a 10.48 percent share. Total domestic sales thus grew by 0.84 percent YoY to 74,261 units from 73,646 units sold in September 2022 while it improved on a MoM basis by 7.02 percent as compared to 69,393 units sold in August 2023.Royal Enfield sales September 2023Exports on the other hand suffered both a YoY and MoM decline. It dipped 48.89 percent YoY to 4,319 units from 8,451 units shipped in September 2022 while MoM exports fell by 47.26 percent when compared to 8,190 units shipped in August 2023.Royal Enfield Year-to-Date Sales and ExportsIn the period of FY24, Royal Enfield total domestic sales and exports stood at 4,56,986 units, up 15.70 percent from sales of 3,94,969 units sold in the same period of FY23. This related to a 62,017 unit volume growth.Sales of bikes in the sub 350cc segment improved by 19.97 percent to 4,06,196 units in FY24 from 3,38,582 units sold in FY23. In the higher-than-350cc segment, sales dipped 9.93 percent to 50,790 units from 56,387 units sold in FY23. Taking only domestic sales into account, company’s recorded a 22.36 percent YTD growth to 4,16,887 units in FY 24 from 3,40,709 units sold in the same period of FY23.However, Royal Enfield saw its exports slump in the first half of this fiscal as exports dipped 26.10 percent down to 40,099 units in FY24 from 54,260 units sold in FY23. More

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    2024 Ford F-150 Lightning ‘Flash’ Joins Model Lineup

    The 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning gains a brand-new trim level.It will be called the Flash, and will slot in between the XLT and Lariat trims.Pricing for the Flash will start at $72,090 when it goes on sale sometime next year. The 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning lineup is about to get a little more crowded, with the automaker announcing a new trim level today. The new model will be called the Flash and will slot between the XLT and Lariat trims. FordFord is marketing this one as a “tech-focused” offering for Lightning buyers. In real terms that means the Flash gets a standard 15.5-inch touchscreen and the extended-range battery, with an EPA-estimated 320 miles of range. In our testing, an F-150 Lightning Platinum achieved a real-world result of 230 miles on our 75-mph highway loop. Other changes to the Lightning lineup for 2024 include the addition of Blue Cruise 1.2 to the Flash and higher models, and the addition of a heat pump to improve efficiency in colder climates. The Towing Technology package also becomes standard on XLT and above. Visually, the updated Lightning does gain the simplified Ford logo that debuted on the refreshed F-150 last month. FordMore on the F-150 LightningFord hasn’t released full pricing for the new model year, but we do know the Flash will slot between the XLT and the Lariat, and will start at $72,090 when it goes on sale alongside the rest of the lineup next year. Associate News EditorJack 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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    TVS Sales September 2023 – eScooter Sales Rise Significantly

    TVS Apache RR 310 Miami BlueIn September 2023, TVS Motor Company reported 6% YoY and 16% MoM growth in sales to a total of 402,553 unitsTVS Motor Company 2W and 3W total sales (domestic + exports) in September 2023 improved by 6.21 percent on a YoY basis to 4,02,553 units when compared to 379,011 units sold in September 2022. MoM sales also grew by 16.40 percent from 3,45,848 units sold in August 2023. It was the iQube that marked the highest YoY percentage sales though sales dipped MoM.TVS Motorcycle and Scooter Sales September 2023TVS Motor’s motorcycle sales improved by 10.11 percent YoY to 1,86,438 units in September 2023. This was over 1,69,322 units sold in September 2022 relating to a 17,166 unit volume growth. The company’s motorcycle segment commands a 48.18 percent share. MoM sales were up by 21.82 percent from 1,53,047 units sold in August 2023 with a 33,391 unit volume growth.Scooter sales also saw a YoY improvement to 1,55,526 units, up 7.74 percent from 1,44,356 units sold in September 2022 while MoM sales were higher by 9.14 percent from 1,42,502 units sold in August 2023. TVS Jupiter was its best-selling model. TVS iQube, the sole electric scooter in the company lineup, has seen a 360.75 percent YoY growth to 20,356 units in the past month. This was against 4,418 units sold in September 2022.However, on a MoM basis, sales dipped by 14.78 percent over 23,887 units sold in August 2023. TVS XL moped has reported a YoY de-growth of 6.37 percent to 44,991 units in September 2023 from 48,051 units sold in September 2022. This was a 3,060 unit volume decline. MoM sales performance was better by 23.06 percent over 36,561 units sold in August 2023.TVS sales September 2023 – YoYThis took total two-wheeler domestic sales to 3,00,493 units in September 2023, up 11.06 percent from 77,851 units sold in September 2022. MoM sales grew by 17.10 percent over 2,56,619 units sold in August 2023. 2W domestic sales currently command a 77.66 percent share. Exports on the other hand improved by 11.06 percent YoY and 14.53 percent MoM to 86,462 units in September 2023.There had been 77.851 units and 75,491 units shipped in September 2022 and August 2023 respectively. Exports of 2W command a 22.34 percent share. This took total 2W (domestic sales + exports) up to 3,86,955 units in September 2023. Taking into account sales in the second quarter of this financial year, 2W sales saw a 6 percent increase to 10.31 lakh units from 9.77 lakh units sold in the same period last year. 3W sales have also registered a marginal growth of 0.43 lakh units as compared to 0.51 lakh units sold in Q2 FY22-23.TVS 3W Sales and Exports September 2023Of a total of 15,598 unit three wheeler sold in September 2023, domestic sales stood at 1,766 units, down 18.16 percent YoY over 2,158 units sold in September 2022. MoM sales grew by 3.03 percent from 1,714 units sold in August 2023. Exports on the other hand dipped 8.54 percent to 13,832 units in September 2023 from 15,124 units shipped in September 2022. MoM exports grew by 15.04 percent from 12,024 units shipped in August 2023.TVS sales September 2023 – MoMDomestic (2+3 wheelers) sales grew by 5.67 percent to 3,02,259 units sold in September 2023 from 2,86,036 units sold in September 2022 while MoM sales were higher by 17 percent from 2,58,333 units sold in August 2023. Exports (2+3 wheeler) also saw a YoY and MoM growth of 7.87 percent and 14.60 percent respectively to 1,00,294 units. There had been 92,975 units exported in September 2022 and 87,515 units shipped in August 2023. More

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    Bajaj Sales September 2023 – Domestic CV Sales Soared By 60%

    Bajaj Pulsar NSThe most impressive part of Bajaj Sales September 2023 charts is the significant growth of the company’s CV portfolio in domestic marketThe Indian 2W and 3W giant, Bajaj Auto, registered a negligible amount of YoY de-growth in the month of September 2023. YoY de-growth for absolute total sales was just 1% and YTD de-growth for the same attribute was much less than that. The main glow-up for Bajaj Auto sales September 2023 was in CV segment in domestic market. The most recent launch was of Pulsar N150.Bajaj Sales September 2023The company is known for its motorcycles and Chetak electric scooters. In September 2023, Bajaj sold 2,02,510 2W vehicles and registered 9% YoY de-growth over 2,22,912 units sold a year ago, losing 20,402 units along the way in volume. Bajaj shipped 1,25,202 units last month and the sales almost evened out when opposed to 1,25,443 units sold last year.The YoY volume loss in 2W exports was just a mere 241 units. In total (Domestic + Exports), Bajaj sold 3,27,712 2W vehicles and saw numbers drop by 6% YoY as opposed to 3,48,355 units sold exactly a year before. Where CVs are concerned, Bajaj sold 50,683 units last month and registered a 60% YoY growth.This is Bajaj’s highest-ever domestic CV sales. However, CV exports didn’t reciprocate the same emotions as their domestic numbers. With 14,163 units shipped, Bajaj CV exports dropped by 3% YoY. In total (Domestic + Exports), there was a 40% YoY growth for Bajaj in CV space with 64,846 units sold, as opposed to 46,392 units sold in September 2022.Bajaj sales September 2023 – YoYIn total (2W + CV) Bajaj sold 2,53,193 units in domestic market and shipped 1,39,365 units in domestic and export markets respectively. This totaled to 3,92,558 units. YoY analysis showed a 1% de-growth in domestic, exports and total (Domestic + Exports), which is almost negligible. You can read Bajaj’s sales breakup of August 2023 here.YTD Sales September 2023The YTD numbers registered in Bajaj sales September 2023 charts are much more profound as they show a greater picture in buying trends and patterns. In 2W segment, Bajaj sold 10,48,251 units, which was 12% higher when compared to 9,35,552 units sold a year ago. Where 2W exports are concerned, Bajaj shipped 7,22,662 units.This was 22% lower than what Bajaj shipped between April and September 2022. In total, Bajaj’s YTD sales for 2W vehicles stood at 17,70,913 units, down by 5% as opposed to 18,66,192 units sold a year ago. In CV sales, it is evident that Bajaj has taken decent strides and the fruits of which are reflected in domestic sales.Bajaj sales September 2023 – YTDBajaj sold 2,30,861 units and more than doubled the numbers when compared to the 1,11,659 units sold last year. With 107% growth, Bajaj gained 1,19,202 units in volume in domestic CV sales. CV exports, however, saw 25% de-growth as numbers fell from 1,06,807 units sold last year to 79,586.Total CV sales (Domestic + Exports) stood at 3,10,447 units with an impressive 42% growth. In total (2W + CV), Bajaj sold 12,79,112 units in the domestic market with 22% growth and 8,02,248 shipped to export markets with 23% de-growth. Grand total almost balanced out with 20,81,360 units between April and September of 2023 and 20,84,658 units between April and September 2022. More

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    Aprilia RS 457 Exhaust Note Spied – Bassy Congruence

    Aprilia RS4 57The 457cc parallel-twin engine on Aprilia RS 457 develops 47 bhp of power and weighs 175 kg – Boasting best-in-class power-to-weight ratioThe iconic Italian motorcycle brand, Aprilia, is set to enter the sub 500cc multi-cylinder motorcycle machine. Manufactured in India, Aprilia will sell RS 457 both here in the Asian subcontinent and in many global markets. Official TVC aired some time ago. Exhaust note is spied ahead of launch, revealing a loud and bassy note that will surely appeal to many.Aprilia RS 457 Exhaust Note – Best sounding twinner under 500cc?Sticking to its usual naming scheme, Aprilia has opted to go with a displacement number in its name. Aprilia RS 457 is positioned below RS 660 which is a fiercely popular middle-weight motorcycle in its global lineup. In the recent past, sub 500cc multi-cylinder motorcycle space has heated up.Yamaha R3 and MT-03 are inbound to rival Kawasaki Ninja 300 and Ninja 400. Recently launched Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R is a league above these motorcycles in terms of pricing, owing to its inline-four config. So, Aprilia RS 457 only has Yamaha R3 and Ninja brothers in its crosshair.Where single-cylinder sub 500cc fully faired motorcycles are concerned, upcoming KTM RC 390 with the new 399 cc engine may be another contender. Where single-cylinder bikes lack, however, is in the sound department. Sound from a multi-cylinder engine is a cut above the noise a single-cylinder engine makes.[embedded content]As revealed by recent spy video posted on Rushlane Spylane, Aprilia RS 457 has an exhilarating exhaust note. The sound may not be boomy, but has quite a bit of bass in it. Pitch goes higher as the engine speeds climb and gives out a sporty vibe. Aprilia has given RS 457 an underbelly exhaust, which might limit compatibility with aftermarket exhaust cans, without extensive modding.What does it pack?The 457cc parallel-twin engine might be quite free-revving too. However, Aprilia hasn’t revealed engine speeds as of yet. This engine develops 47 bhp of power and the bike weighs 170 kg wet. This should yield highest power-to-weight ratio as opposed to the rivals mentioned above. A 6-speed gearbox and a slipper clutch are on board.Aprilia is offering a fully digital instrument cluster that could feature smartphone connectivity too. Full LED lighting, wide 150-section rear tyre, USD telescopic front forks and rear mono-shock setup, single disc setup at both ends and committed riding posture are some of the highlight elements.Aprilia RS 457 ProfileAll the componentry are mated to a perimeter frame which is exposed and a part of overall aesthetics. The fairing shares similar DNA with bigger RS 660, which is a key strength. Aprilia RS 457 will be manufactured at Piaggio’s facility in Baramati and will be shipped to multiple global markets. Launch is expected soon. More

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    Toyota Tacoma–Based Windansea Pickup Is a Weird—but OK—Flex

    Flex Automotive launched its first American dealership in San Diego in 2022, and it now has a U.S.-specific model with the Windansea pickup truck.Based on the third-generation Toyota Tacoma, the Windansea sports a boxier front end with circular headlights and steel bumpers.The Windansea starts at $52,800, but the price ultimately depends on the cost of the donor truck. If you have a nostalgic streak but don’t consider yourself a Luddite, the Flex Renoca Windansea may be the pickup truck for you. In 2022, Japan-based Flex Automotive announced plans to open its first U.S. showroom in San Diego, selling 1990s and 2000s Toyota Land Cruisers with a redesigned front clip that mimics the classic FJ60-series Land Cruiser from the 1980s. The firm also hinted it was planning a Tacoma-based model exclusively for the United States. Flex finally pulled the wraps off this retro-styled truck, which it calls the Windansea.Flex AutomotiveBuilt off of the third-generation Toyota Tacoma—launched for 2016 and ending with the 2023 model year due to the release of the redesigned 2024 Tacoma—the Windansea features a boxier front end that integrates a rectangular grille replete with Toyota’s classic font. A pair of squared-off headlight housings each contain a circular headlamp and a rectangular turn-signal lens. The steel bumper protrudes from the bodywork, and the Windansea rides on simple steel wheels. Flex AutomotiveFlex Automotive listed the powertrain for the Windnsea as the Tacoma’s optional 278-hp 3.5-liter V-6 and six-speed automatic transmission, but the company notes that exact specifications depend on the individual donor vehicle. We imagine Flex Automotive won’t turn down a check for someone looking to give their four-cylinder or stick-shift Tacoma the Windansea treatment. There’s no evidence Flex Automotive’s touch extends past the bodywork.More Modern Throwback TrucksBuyers can choose from an array of options to spice up their Windansea. This includes items such as lift kits, bed racks, fog lights, and reupholstered seat options, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-compatible head units for Windanseas based on older Tacomas without this tech. Other extras include side steps, an upgraded sound system, and WeatherTech floor mats. Flex says that the Windansea starts at $52,800, but the final price of this classic-looking modern pickup ultimately depends on the price paid for the donor vehicle and the extent of the truck’s customization.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Associate News EditorCaleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan. More

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    Porsche Creates Two Cayman GT4 RS–Derived ‘Sonderwusch’ Cars

    Porsche and Tag Heuer created a pair of bespoke 718 Cayman GT4 RS models to honor the Carrera Panamericana rally race in Mexico.The pairing is part of Porsche’s Sonderwunsch program—which means special request in German—which allows customers to create things like the recent Pixar-inspired Porsche Sally special based on the 911 Carrera GTS. The cars are intended to invoke design elements from the Porsche 550 Coupe, which two customer teams raced in the 1953 running of the Carrera Panamericana rally. When you have a stable full of historical racing cars as big as Porsche’s, you’re sure to have customers who want a modern take on classical favorites. The manufacturer’s newest examples are a pair of custom-made 718 Cayman GT4 RS models produced in conjunction with Swiss watchmaker Tag Heuer. The pair is part of Porsche’s Sonderwunsch “special request” customization program and were built to commemorate the 70 years since two customer teams took part in the Carrera Panamericana rally in Mexico. PorscheThe cars are painted in Le Mans Silver Metallic, a special color in the Porsche history books, which was created for the 911 Carrera GTS Le Mans Centenaire Edition, and references the paint on the 1951 Le Mans winning 356 SL Coupe. The cars are distinguished from one another with the racing numbers 152 and 154 painted onto the doors and roofs of the respective models. Inside the special editions, the seats and door pulls are finished in Guards Red, while stitching on the steering wheel and dashboard is done in the signature red, white, and green colors of the Mexican flag. The door guards and the cup-holder panel are milled with a special “GT4 RS Panamericana Special” insignia, and the floormats proudly announce that each car is a product of the Sonderwunsch program. In addition to the hood and rear wing side plates, the Tag Heuer logo is embossed on the center armrest to mark the partnership. Car and DriverPerhaps the coolest addition to the Panamericana Special is the Tag Heuer stopwatch module in the center console of the 154 car. The clocks were designed and made by Tag Heuer exclusively for this project and are not available otherwise. According to Porsche, the left clock that displays the time has the typical Heuer Carrera Design, while the piece on the right is a stopwatch with a scale that helps the driver maintain the average speed during rallies. More on the 718 Cayman GT4 RSCar 154 will be driven in the first and second stages of this year’s Carrera Panamericana by actor Patrick Dempsey, while car 152 is slated to be auctioned for charity in early 2024. This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Associate News EditorJack 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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    TVS MotoSoul 3.0 Festival Dates Announced – 8th And 9th Dec 2023, Goa

    TVS MotoSoul 3.0 Festival AnnouncedThis is the third season of the Motorcycle Festival which will be held on 8th and 9th December, 2023 at Vagator Hill Top, GoaTVS Motor Company has announced dates for the 3rd season of MotoSoul. The said festival will be held on 8th and 9th December at Vagator Hill Top in Goa. This is the third season of this motorcycle event which in the past has celebrated the spirit of motorcycling by drawing the attention of biking aficionados in the country who can come together to celebrate their passion for riding along with music, racing, and tech talks.TVS MotoSoul 3.0 – Key HighlightsIt may be remembered that the 1st TVS MotoSoul was held in 2019. Its following events had to be cancelled due to the pandemic while earlier this year the 2nd event was held from March 3-4, 2023, and was also held at Hilltop Vagator in Goa. The two-day event, MotoSoul 3.0 will see events such as dirt track racing, slow racing, and built-to-race competitions along with BMX biking, stunt competitions and flat track racing.The festival will also comprise tattoo booths while this year the company has also organized Tech Dialogues wherein riders can share experiences and exchange ideas in terms of rides and their biking experiences. The third season of this mega motorcycling extravaganza will showcase custom-built TVS Apache motorcycles and Ronin bikes.The company has organized several challenges and stunt competitions, BMX biking challenges, a skateboarding arena and a virtual reality experience zone which will also be a part of this festival. Entertainment will be in the form of a DJ night while cuisines have been planned and will be across a diverse range of cultures and regions in India.TVS Motor has also organized Tech Dialogues wherein motorcycles and racers can share their experiences while it will also consist of interactive sessions with maestros from both racing and biking communities. For the more experienced riders, an experience zone will be set up wherein riders can perform wheelies and stoppies in controlled areas. It will also consist of a virtual realm with TVS Apache games and a simulator zone.TVS Motor Company will also unveil new products from the Apache and Ronin range at the MotoSoul 3.0 along with a host of gears, merchandise and accessories and showcase the TVS Custom Garage.TVS MotoSoul 3.0 – To Celebrate the Spirit of MotorcyclingVimal Sumbly, Head of Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company has this to say about the upcoming MotoSoul 3.0 event. “TVS Motosoul has become synonymous with celebrating the spirit of motorcycling and is known for its commitment to fostering a vibrant and passionate community of riders. With each edition, the event has grown bigger and better, offering an unmatched platform for riders to come together, share experiences, and immerse in the world of motorcycling.We are dedicated to more than just motorcycles, and are committed to nurturing a thriving community of riders. We are stoked to be back with TVS MotoSoul 3.0 that will rescript their journey with unparalleled experiences backed by a vibrant and colourful theme set around the festival this time, beautifully translating the free-spirited essence of motorcyclists. We are confident that our endeavor of democratizing such experiences for our customers and enthusiasts will transpire into one of the biggest celebration of riders and riding communities through TVS Motosoul 3.0,” More