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    Hero MotoCorp Sales up 25% to 4.91 lakh units in November 2023

    Hero Splendor Black EditionHero MotoCorp reported YoY and YTD growth in November 2023 even as its total sales dipped on a MoM basisHero MotoCorp, the country’s largest two wheeler manufacturer, has seen good sales across its motorcycle and scooter segments in November 2023. The company is also optimistic of sales boost in the month ahead with positive buyer sentiments more specifically during the ongoing wedding season. The company has reported positive sales both on a year-on-year(YoY) and year-to-date (YTD) basis even as its month-on-month (MoM) performance dipped significantly.Hero MotoCorp YoY Sales November 2023Hero MotoCorp sales (motorcycle + scooter) (domestic + exports) improved by 25.61 percent YoY in November 2023 to 4,91,050 units up from 3,90,932 units sold in November 2022. This was a volume growth of 1,00,118 units. Improvement was seen both across motorcycle and scooter segments and where the company’s domestic sales and exports were concerned.Hero MotoCorp Sales Nov 2023Motorcycle sales grew by 25.07 percent YoY to 4,41,276 units last month, up from 3,52,834 units sold in November 2023. It has a volume growth of 88,442 units while motorcycles command an 89.86 percent share. Scooter sales also improved by 30.65 percent YoY to 49,774 units, up from 38,098 units sold in November 2022 to garner a 10.14 percent share.Domestic sales saw an improvement of 25.39 percent YoY to 4,76,286 units in November 2023 from 3,79,839 units sold in the same month last year while exports also saw a 33.09 percent YoY growth from 11,093 units shipped in November 2022 to 14,764 units in the past month.Hero MotoCorp MoM Sales November 2023Hero MotoCorp saw lower MoM sales last month even as its scooter sales grew significantly. It was a 14.59 percent MoM de-growth from 5,74,930 units sold in October 2023 down to 4,91,050 units in November 2023. Motorcycle sales fell by 16.64 percent from 5,29,341 units sold in October 2023 while scooter sales grew by 9.18 percent MoM from 45,589 units in October 2023 to 49,774 units in the past month.Sales in domestic markets dipped by 14.91 percent to 4,76,286 units in November 2023 from 5,59,766 units sold in October 2023. Exports also suffered a de-growth by 2.64 percent from 15,164 units shipped in October 2023 down to 14,764 units.YTD Sales April-November 2023The period Apr-Nov 2023 showed positive sales for Hero MotoCorp in domestic markets while exports suffered a setback. Total sales grew by 4.67 percent to 38,35,080 units, up from 36,63,875 units sold in the Apr-Nov 2022 period. This was a volume growth of 1,71,205 units.Motorcycle sales were up 3.79 percent to 35,40,305 units in Apr-Nov 2023 from 34,11,019 units sold in Apr-Nov 2022 while commanding a 92.31 percent share. Scooter sales saw an even higher percentage growth at 16.58 percent to 2,94,775 units in Apr-Nov 2023 from 2,52,856 units sold in the same period last year. Domestic sales were up 5.01 percent to 37,17,242 units, from 35,39,944 units sold in the 2022 period while exports fell 4.92 percent to 1,17,838 units in Apr-Nov 2023 from 1,23,931 units sold in Apr-Nov 2022. More

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    Royal Enfield Sales Nov 2023 Cross 80k – Classic, Bullet, Himalayan, 650 Twins

    Royal Enfield Meteor 350Royal Enfield sales in India and in global markets crossed the 4.47 unit mark showing off positive YoY growth in November 2023Royal Enfield reported total sales (domestic + exports) of 80,251 units in November 2023 relating to a 13.40 percent YoY growth from 70,766 units sold in November 2022. This was a 9,485 unit volume growth. Improved sales were seen both in the company’s sub-350cc and above 350cc segments and in terms of domestic sales and exports. MoM sales on the other hand dipped by 4.96 percent from 84,435 units sold in October 2023.Royal Enfield Sales up 13% in November 2023In the sub-350cc segment that currently comprises the Bullet, Electra, Classic, Meteor and Hunter, sales grew by 12.61 percent YoY to 74,275 units in November 2023, up from 65,956 units sold in November 2022 to command a 92.55 percent share. It was however a MoM decline by 2.37 percent when compared to 76,075 units sold in October 2023.Royal Enfield Sales Nov 2023The company’s larger bikes, that include the Himalayan, Super Meteor and 650 Twins, had 5,976 unit sales last month, relating to a 24.24 percent YoY growth. This was against 4,810 units sold in November 2022. MoM sales however fell by 28.52 percent from 8,360 units sold in October 2023.Royal Enfield has seen strong domestic sales growth last month by 14.26 percent YoY to 75,137 units up from 65,760 units sold in November 2022. However, on a MoM basis, its sales dipped by 7.19 percent when compared to 80,958 units sold in October 2023.Exports on the other hand showed promise both in terms of YoY and MoM sales growing 2.16 percent YoY and  as much as 47.08 percent MoM to 5,114 units in November 2023. There had been 5,006 units and 3,477 units exported in November 2022 and October 2023 respectively.Royal Enfield YTD Sales Apr-Nov 2023Taking into account the company’s sales during the Apr-Nov 2023 period, a 13.45 percent YTD growth has been reported. Total sales (domestic + exports) stood at 6,21,672 units, up from 5,47,970 units sold in the same period of 2022.It was the RE bikes in the sub-350cc segment that contributed most to total sales with 5,56,546 units sold in Apr-Nov 2023, up 16.10 percent from 4,79,366 units sold in Apr-Nov 2022. This was a 77,180 unit volume growth with an 89.52 percent share.Bikes in the above 350cc segment suffered a setback by 5.07 percent to 65,126 units in the Apr-Nov 2023 period from 68,604 units sold in the same 8 month period last year. Share of >350cc bikes currently stands at 10.48 percent.Even as domestic YTD sales grew by 18.63 percent to 5,72,982 units from 4,82,997 units, exports suffered a setback of 25.06 down to 48,690 units sold during Apr-Nov 2023 from 64,973 untis shipped in the same period last year. More

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    Hennessey’s Cadillac Escalade-V H1000 Has Four-Digit HP Figure

    Hennessey, a Texas-based tuner, has revealed a wilder version of the 682-hp Cadillac Escalade-V. Dubbed the H1000, the modified high-performance Escalade makes 1005 horsepower and 882 pound-feet of torque.The super Slade’s supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 has a host of valvetrain and cooling upgrades, all covered by Hennessey’s three-year/36,000-mile warranty.Sometimes all you want is just a little more, and Hennessey—the automotive tuner and manufacturer—is here to give it to you. The newest product out of the company’s HQ in Sealy, Texas, is based on the Cadillac Escalade-V. It’s called the H1000, and Hennessey says it makes 1005 horsepower. That four-digit figure is notably higher than the massive luxury SUV’s already lofty stock output.An Even Wilder Escalade The standard Cadillac Escalade-V is a beast right out of the box. Its supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 normally packs 682 horses, and it’s closely related to the 668-hp supercharged V-8 found in the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing. In our testing, we launched a 6290-pound Escalade-V to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. With the Hennessey version’s significantly increased power and 882 pound-feet of torque, the H1000 will likely be even quicker.HennesseyTo basically add a Supra 3.0’s-worth of horsepower, Hennessey modifies the V’s engine by swapping in a custom camshaft, ported cylinder heads and upgrades everything from valve springs and retainers to lifters and push rods. The V-8 also gains new fuel and intake systems as well as catalytic converters that allow for higher air-flow rates. When we tested the factory-built Escalade-V, we measured an interior noise level of 85 decibels with the accelerator pinned. We imagine Hennessey’s monster will roar even more. HennesseyBig Power, Big PriceIf you’re worried that Hennessey’s team has ruined the reliability of the new Caddy, well, we can’t tell you how to feel, but you might not need to worry. That’s because the tuner provides a limited warranty that lasts three years or 36,000 miles. Affording one is likely the bigger pill to swallow, as the H1000 surely costs considerably more than a new Cadillac Escalade-V, which currently starts $154,290.More on the Escalade VAssociate 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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    Bajaj Sales Nov 2023 – Pulsar, Dominar, Avenger, CT, Platina

    Bajaj Pulsar 220Bajaj Auto sales in November 2023 saw improvement in domestic markets while exports fell across two wheeler and commercial vehiclesBajaj Auto Limited has witnessed substantial YoY growth in November 2023 recording a 31 percent improvement in total sales (2W + CV) (domestic + exports). It was also a growth of 6 percent on a YTD basis, taking into account the period April-November 2023.Bajaj Auto YoY Sales November 2023Taking into account year-on-year (YoY) sales of Bajaj Auto, total sales (2W + CV) (domestic + exports) stood at 4,03,003 units in November 2023, up 31 percent from 3,06,719 units sold in November 2022. It was however, a MoM de-growth from 4,71,188 units sold in October 2023.Bajaj Sales Nov 2023In the two wheeler segment, growth was seen across domestic markets by 77 percent to 2,18,597 units, from 1,23,657 units sold in November 2022. Exports on the other hand dipped by 6 percent to 1,30,451 units in the past month from 1,38,630 units sold in November 2022. This took total sales in the 2W segment up 33 percent to 3,49,048 units from 2,62,287 units sold in November 2022.Commercial vehicle sales on the other hand also saw growth in domestic markets by 34 percent YoY to 39,147 units in November 2023, up from 29,226 units sold in November 2022. Exports fell by 3 percent to 14,808 units in the past month from 15,206 units sold in the same month last year. Thus total CV sales grew by 21 percent to 53,955 units in November 2023 from 44,432 units sold in November 2022.Bajaj Sales Nov 2023 – YTDTotal 2W and CV sales saw a 31 percent YoY growth with domestic sales up 69 percent to 2,57,744 units as against 1,52,883 units sold in November 2022 while exports dipped 6 percent to 1,45,259 units last month, from 1,53,836 units shipped in November 2022.Bajaj Auto YTD Sales April-November 2023During the period Apr-Nov 2023, Bajaj Auto Limited has posted positive sales across the two wheeler and commercial vehicle segment in domestic markets. Exports however, ended on a lower note. Total sales (2W + CV) (domestic + exports) stood at 29,55,551 units in the Apr-Nov 2023 period from 27,86,615 units sold in the same period of 2022.Two wheeler sales accounted for a 22 percent growth in domestic markets to 15,45,334 units, up from 12,65,340 units sold in the 2022 period. Exports fell by 18 percent to 9,82,771 units in the Apr-Nov 2023 period from 12,05,042 units sold in the same period last year. This took total sales in the segment up 35 percent to 4,27,446 units in the Apr-Nov 2023 period from 3,16,233 units sold in Apr-Nov 2022.Commercial vehicle sales grew substantially to 3,21,140 units in domestic markets, an 81 percent growth YTD from 1,77,671 units sold in the same 8 month period of 2022. Exports once again dipped 23 percent to 1,06,306 units in the 2023 period down from 1,38,562 units sold in YTD 2022. Total sales in the segment thus improved by 35 percent to 4,27,446 units from 3,16233 units on a YTD basis. Domestic total sales (2W+CV) thus grew by 29 percent to 18,66,474 units while exports fell by 19 percent to 10,89,077 units YTD. More

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    Bajaj Chetak To Get Updates – Higher Range, New Features

    New Bajaj Chetak SpiedWith USPs such as robust steel body and reliable performance, Bajaj Chetak has been consistently increasing its customer baseLaunched in 2020, Bajaj Chetak had a relatively slow start due to limited availability. Now that the network has been expanded to cover most parts of the country, Chetak sales are on the rise. In October, Chetak was the third best selling electric two-wheeler. To keep up the momentum, Bajaj will soon launch updated versions of Chetak electric scooter.Bajaj Chetak electric – New variants, larger batteryUpdated Chetak electric scooter will be available in Urbane and Premium trims. As of now, only the Premium trim is available. Earlier this year in March, Bajaj had presented the 2023 model in Base and Premium trims. But the Base trim was discontinued in August. With the addition of Urbane trim, users will have more options to choose from.New Bajaj ChetakTo reduce gaps in range and performance vis-à-vis rival brands, Chetak will be getting a larger battery pack. The top-spec Premium variant will now be equipped with a 3.2 kWh battery pack. It has an ARAI certified range of 126 km. With the larger battery pack, there could be a change in charging time. With a standard 5A plug, the existing Premium variant can achieve a full charge in 5 hours.Another key update will be a new TFT colour instrument display. It will have Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation. The TFT screen is expected to be approximately 5 to 7 inches in size. These tech integrations will appeal to younger audiences, who form a significant chunk of electric two-wheeler buyers.New Bajaj ChetakUsers can expect improved performance and possibly a higher top speed, as updated Chetak will be utilizing a 4.25 kW (5.7 bhp) BLDC electric motor. The current model has a top speed of 63 km/h. Talking about the Urbane variant, it is expected to work as a replacement for the existing Premium variant. The 2.9 kWh battery pack will be the same. But the range will be increased by 5 km, from existing 108 km to 113 km. Urbane variant is also expected to have a higher top speed.Updated Bajaj Chetak launch details, pricingJanuary 2024 could be a good time to launch the updated Chetak. However, the launch could take place sooner in December. As far as pricing is concerned, the top-spec Premium trim could get costlier by around Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000. The current model starts at an ex-showroom price of Rs 1.15 lakh in Bengaluru. There are three colour options, all with the same price. Electric scooter prices vary across states, based on the subsidy amount.With higher range, improved performance and new features, Bajaj Chetak is better equipped to take on rivals. As of now, Chetak trails Ola Electric and TVS iQube by a significant margin. Ather was ahead of Chetak from January to September this year. But Chetak raced ahead in October, becoming the 3rd best selling electric scooter in the country.Source More

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    Ather 450 Apex Teased – Promises Exhilarating Performance

    Ather 450 ApexThe new Ather 450 Apex will sit above company’s current flagship, 450X, packing a lot more performance than before along with revised featuresIndia’s 2W EV onslaught is currently dominated by Ola Electric, TVS and Ather Energy. The move to push limits in performance realm is currently one of manufacturer’s leading strategies. Ola recently launched S1 Pro Gen 2 with revamped performance. Now, Ather Energy is launching Ather 450 Apex with increased performance on tap.Ather 450 Apex TeasedAs part of its 10-year anniversary, Ather Energy is launching 450 Apex, which is its most powerful and performant electric scooter ever. CEO Tarun Mehta took to social media and revealed the name of this upcoming scooter for the first time, Ather 450 Apex. In Ather’s hierarchy, 450 Apex will sit above 450X.In Tarun Mehta’s previous social media post, he revealed that the new scooter is an evolution of current 450 series of electric scooters. He promised Ather 450 Apex will be a pinnacle of refined performance and will pack best-in-class features. Basically this is an attempt to redefine electric scooter experience for Ather.Pricing will be on the premium side as revealed by company CEO and will launch in early 2024. In Tarun Mehta’s words, “It is worth, every bit”. In the new teaser shared by Ather Energy CEO, Tarun Mehta, we can see 450 Apex electric scooter in camouflage. Multiple existing Ather owners took a ride around a track and expressed their first impressions.On our 10th year at @atherenergy, announcing the pinnacle of the 450 platform – Ather 450 Apex!We invited some of our community members recently to take our fastest scooter yet for a spin. Can’t wait to get it on the roads next year! pic.twitter.com/dj6fgHeHKI— Tarun Mehta (@tarunsmehta) November 29, 2023‘Oh, that’s a rush. Give me a minute’, ‘Throughout the journey I was feeling I’m flying in the air’, ‘Well, that’s the right way to build a motorcycle, or a scooter, for that matter’, ‘Get ready to have your mind blown and your brain moved around a little bit inside your helmet’, and ‘If you want, I can give my bike keys and I can take the new one’ – said existing Ather scooter owners about the new Ather 450 Apex.Multiple new Ather scooters are incoming tooThe primary rival in Ather’s crosshairs seems to be Ola S1 Pro Gen 2 which was recently launched alongside new S1 X range. For context, Ola S1 Pro Gen 2 packs a 11 kW (peak power) motor with 5.5 kW of rated continuous power. It sips juice from a 4 kWh battery that can touch a top speed of 120 km/h.In comparison, Ather 450X has a 3.7 kWh battery powering 6.4 kW motor (peak power), rated for 3.3 kW of continuous power and a 90 km/h top speed. Claimed range with new Ola S1 Pro Gen 2 is 195 km as opposed to 150 km of 450X. Apart from Ather 450 Apex teased, the company has other projects running too. CEO Tarun Mehta confirmed Ather’s first family scooter too.Ather electric scooter with transparent panelOther than that, Ather is also working on HR variants of both 450S and 450X. Where design is concerned, Ather 450 Apex looks identical to current 450X. A larger 10-inch infotainment screen and transparent side panels are some of the expected new features. Launch is in early 2024. More

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    Triumph Thruxton 400 Render Based On Latest Spy Shots – New Colours

    New Triumph Thruxton 400 RenderJust like the other two Triumph 400s, Thruxton 400 will also be manufactured in India by Bajaj AutoTriumph has received a good response to its single-cylinder bikes, Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X. They have already entered the top 5 list of bestselling 300cc to 500cc motorcycles in the country. The bikes have also been introduced across global markets such as Malaysia, Philippines, Japan and the United Kingdom. To woo an even larger segment of enthusiasts, Triumph is working on a cafe racer version based on the 400cc platform.Triumph Thruxton 400 – Key featuresFor folks who prefer the cafe racer look, Triumph currently sells the Thruxton 1200. Now that the 400cc platform has gotten off to a great start, it makes sense to launch a smaller capacity, affordably-priced Thruxton. The test mule reveals that the hardware is taken from Speed 400, whereas the outer form is inspired from Thruxton 1200. Based on the spy shots, Pratyush Rout has created a digital render of the upcoming Triumph Thruxton 400.New Triumph Thruxton 400 RenderThere are quite a few similarities such as the round LED headlight, bar-end mirrors and teardrop shaped fuel tank. The upswept exhaust, single-piece seat and 17-inch alloys are the same as that of Speed 400.Talking about unique features of Thruxton 400, the bike gets a cafe racer front cowl. It helps achieve a clear distinction with the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X. The cowl fairing extends from the headlight to the bottom of the fuel tank. A decent sized windscreen is mounted in between the two panels. However, the larger capacity Thruxton 1200 does not have this front cowl.New Triumph Thruxton 400 RenderRiding ergonomics are another differentiating factor for Triumph Thruxton 400. The bike has rear set foot pegs and low-set handlebar, which necessitate a committed riding stance. Front LED indicators have been shifted downwards slightly to accommodate the front fairing. Some tweaks are also noticeable for the LED tail lamp and pillion grab rail. The test mule spotted overseas was wearing Pirelli Rosso 3 rubber. This is the same as that of Speed 400 meant for export markets. In India, Thruxton 400 is likely to get locally sourced Apollo or MRF tyres.New Triumph Thruxton 400 RenderTriumph Thruxton 400 specs, performanceMost of the hardware specs will be the same as Speed 400. A 398.15 cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, DOHC engine delivers 40 PS of max power and 37.5 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Thruxton 400 will be using the tubular steel frame with bolt-on rear subframe, integrated with 43mm USD front forks and gas monoshock RSU at rear. While the Speed 400 has the USD forks in golden finish, the test mule was spotted with black coloured USD forks.Braking setup will have 300 mm and 230 mm discs at front and rear, respectively. Dual-channel ABS will be standard. The bike will have an analogue speedometer with integrated multi-function LCD screen.As the changes are mostly cosmetic, it shouldn’t take much time to launch Thruxton 400. The bike is likely to be launched in overseas markets first, before being introduced in India. First or second quarter of CY2024 are plausible timeframes for launch of Thruxton 400. More

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    Jeep Recalls 32,125 Wrangler 4xe Models over Potential Fire Risk

    Jeep is recalling 32,125 Wrangler 4xe models (2021–2024) due to a fire risk after the company discovered eight vehicle fires.Among the fires, six reportedly occurred while the plug-in-hybrid Wranglers were connected to chargers, but all of the vehicles were parked and turned off.Jeep says the affected Wrangler 4xe models will require a software flash or a replacement battery pack.Anyone who owns a 2021–2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe may have to worry about their off-roader being a potential fire risk. Following an internal investigation that resulted from a routine review of customer data, Stellantis—Jeep’s parent company—last week announced it had discovered eight vehicle fires, which has led it to recall 32,125 U.S. models.As part of its investigation, the company disclosed that six of the eight vehicle fires happened while the plug-in-hybrid Wranglers were connected to chargers. It also said that all of the vehicles were parked and turned off when the fires occurred. Stellantis says it’s not aware of any accidents or injuries that resulted from the fires.This recall only applies to certain Wrangler 4xe models, which feature a plug-in-hybrid powertrain with a roughly 14.0-kWh lithium-ion battery stashed under the rear seats. Stellantis estimates that only 1 percent of the total vehicles built were affected, and the fix involves either a software flash or replacing the entire battery pack.Stellantis reported that an additional 3856 models in Canada are affected, with another 9249 outside of North America being affected. Owners of recalled vehicles will be advised when to schedule a service.Senior EditorEric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si. More