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      in Bike

      Yamaha Sales Breakup May 2023 – FZ, R15, MT15, RayZR, Fascino

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      New Yamaha MT15. Image – Throttle 98Yamaha FZ was the most popular bike in the company lineup that was featured at No. 1 both on domestic and export listsYamaha Motor India has posted increased sales in May 2023. Total sales (domestic + exports) in the past month stood at 71,943 units, up from 68,501 units sold in May 2022.  While the company has experienced higher domestic sales to the tune of 19.69 percent, its performance in global markets were lackluster with a 22.83 percent YoY de-growth.Domestic sales stood at 53,751 units in May 2023, up 19.69 percent YoY from 44,907 units sold in May 2022. This was a YoY volume growth of 8,844 units. It was also a MoM growth of 1.53 percent from 52,939 units sold in April 2023.Yamaha Sales Breakup May 2023Yamaha FZ was the most sold bike both in domestic and global markets. Yamaha FZ topped domestic sales charts with 16,919 units sold in May 2023, up 12.28 percent from 15,068 units sold in May 2022. It commanded a 31.48 percent share in the company lineup. MoM sales however, dipped by 19.17 percent from 20,931 units sold in April 2023.It was R15 that featured at No. 2 with 11,280 units sold last month, up 58.43 percent when compared to 7,120 units sold in May 2022. MoM sales were marginally lower by 0.12 percent from 11,294 units sold in April 2023. It was in April that Yamaha also introduced feature and colour updates on the R15 while the MT15 got a new and more affordably priced variant.Yamaha sales performance May 2023 vs May 2022 – YoY comparisonYamaha Ray ZR posted a YoY growth of 10.73 percent to 9,794 units in May 2023 from 8,845 units sold in May 2022 when it featured at No. 3 on the sales list. It was a MoM growth of 33.68 percent from 6,300 units sold in April 2023. The Ray ZR currently commands an 18.22 percent share.Yamaha Fascino 125cc scooter sales doubled in May 2023 to 8,422 units from 2,838 units sold in May 2022. This was a volume growth of 2,838 units with a 15.67 percent share. MoM sales of the Fascino dipped by 1.52 percent from 9,945 units sold in April 2023. The MT15 sales dipped 5.64 percent YoY but improved by 60.13 percent MoM to 7,156 units while sales of the FZ25, of which the company sold 706 units in May 2022, has since been discontinued.Yamaha Exports May 2023With Yamaha FZ also being a hot favorite in export markets, the company shipped 6,612 units in May 2023. This was a YoY de-growth of 26.87 percent when compared to 9,042 units shipped in May 2022. MoM sales on the other hand improved by 42.62 percent from 4,636 units exported in April 2023.  The FZ currently commands a 36.35 percent share on the export list.Yamaha sales performance May 2023 vs Apr 2023 – MoM comparisonYamaha Saluto has seen outstanding demand. Exports improved by 311.97 percent YoY and 6.17 percent MoM to 3,510 units. The Saluto RX however, has seen exports dip by 6.18 percent MoM to 3,156 units from 3,364 units sold in April 2023.Exports also increased YoY for the Ray ZR (3,040 units) and MT15 (960 units) but fell to just 436 units and 388 units respectively for the Yamaha SZ and R15. All the three – MT15, SZ and R15 also posted MoM de-growth. Fascino exports however increased by 200 percent MoM to 90 units from just 30 units sold in April 2023. More

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      in Electric Cars

      Electric SUV Accelerator Pedal Breaks While Driving – Owner Shares Pictures

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      Nexon EV Accelerator Pedal breaks while drivingAlthough not common, cases of accelerator pedal breaking off have been reported in the pastWith car components being manufactured in hundreds of thousands, it is likely that a small percentage will turn out to be defective. This can happen even when there are strict quality control measures in place. If the problem is found across multiple cars, the OEM may choose to announce a recall.In a recent case, the owner of a Nexon EV has reported a broken accelerator pedal. This seems like a relatively new issue, although some cases have been reported earlier as well. The owner has notified Tata Motors and requested a resolution.Nexon EV Accelerator Pedal breaks while drivingNexon EV accelerator pedal breaks into twoAccording to the Nexon EV owner, the accelerator pedal broke randomly while driving. There was no impact or anything of that sort, which could have possibly caused the breakage of the accelerator pedal. The owner is certainly not happy, as no one would expect such things to occur. One of the reasons why people buy Nexon and Nexon EV is because these vehicles have received 5-star safety rating in Global NCAP crash tests.However, it is important to understand that crash tests do not measure the strength of individual components. Moreover, this specific case of accelerator pedal breakage may be due to an inherent flaw in the material used for making the pedal. It could be also due to poor workmanship. A closeup of the broken accelerator pedal reveals that the point of breakage is where the pedal connects to another part inside the vehicle. The pedal rod itself is intact.Nexon EV Accelerator Pedal breaks while drivingThis shows that the problem could also be due to a bad connecting mechanism or one that is not installed properly. Over a period of time, stresses on the material may have caused it to collapse completely.Expecting effective resolution from Tata MotorsIt is expected that Tata Motors and/or Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Limited in this case will carry out a thorough investigation. While replacing the accelerator pedal will be the easy thing to do, the more important goal will be to find out the root cause of this problem. Subsequently, it needs to be investigated if there’s a probability of other cars having the same issue. It may not have happened yet, but the risks can be there.It was fortunate that nothing untoward happened in this case of accelerator pedal breaking. There can be various scenarios in which sudden breakage of accelerator pedal can be a trigger for an accident.Nexon EV Accelerator Pedal breaks while drivingFor example, it would have been a difficult situation if the pedal had broken off when the vehicle was overtaking at high speeds. Thankfully, nothing of that sort happened. We hope the Nexon EV owner gets a resolution soon and such cases do not occur again. More

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      in Motor News

      2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon Looks All Dressed Up in New Clothes

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      The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-class wagon makes its global debut. The luxury wagon enters a new generation with a light redesign and fancy tech.EPA documents suggest the All-Terrain model is the only E-class wagon variant coming to America, though a future AMG-tuned E63 is also likely coming. The days of a do-anything luxury sport wagon may be numbered, but they aren’t over yet. Mercedes-Benz proves that by pulling back the cloth on the sixth-generation E-class wagon. As with its smaller sedan sibling, Mercedes breathes new life into the 2024 E-class wagon, with a redesign and a host of new tech. The new generation brings new styling as well as some physical growth for the E-class estate, which is 0.9 inch longer than its predecessor. The extra length is said to provide more legroom for rear-seat passengers. An additional 1.1 inches of width means extra space to stretch your arms too. In proving the practicality of the form factor, cargo room increases from 22 cubic feet with the rear seats up to an SUV rivaling 65 cubes of storage with the seats folded. Style-wise, the E-wagon earns a new front grille and the taillights now feature two star-shaped elements, akin to the Mercedes star logo.Extravagant InteriorThe 2024 E-class wagon is as extravagant inside as the sedan counterpart. The longroof version comes standard with two displays, but the high-tech, three-display “Superscreen” is available here as well. Just like with the standard E-class, the rest of the cabin features rich-looking leather and metal switchgear. Ambient lighting wraps the dashboard and ties together the rest of the interior. The optional Active Ambient Lighting package allows the lights to change with the beat of the music. The light strip can also display visual alerts from the driver-assistance systems to warn the driver of potential dangers. When equipped with the optional front-passenger screen, the Superscreen extends the passenger can stream videos and games, even while the car is in motion. According to Mercedes, the system is safe due to a technology that blocks the driver from seeing dynamic content on the screen. Mercedes also installed a handful of third-party apps on the central display, including TikTok, Zoom, and even Angry Birds, while the built-in entertainment system allows for streaming as part of a subscription plan. Zoom uses the optional selfie and video camera that comes with the Superscreen and requires the vehicle to be stationary to function.Unanswered QuestionsWithout confirmation from the manufacturer, we can’t be sure, but it looks like the E450 All-Terrain will continue to be the only E-class wagon to cross the Atlantic. Mercedes revealed a new PHEV version that will go on sale at launch, though, unfortunately for us, the manufacturer doesn’t seem to want to sell plug-in hybrids in North America. Instead, we’re more likely to see the updated 375-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six hybrid that powers the new E450 sedan. The hybrid systems are said to reduce turbo lag and smooth the operation of the auto start/stop system. It’s likely the wagon will also follow the sedan with standard all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission. There are still a lot of unanswered questions for the new E-class wagon. Pricing has yet to be announced, and we’re still waiting on official confirmation the new generation is even coming to America. Sales are set to start in the fall for Europe, with more information likely to released before then. Mercedes-Benz E-ClassThis 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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      in Motor News

      Tesla Superchargers About to Get Crowded as Rivian Adopts Tesla Charging

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      Today Rivian announced that it will join GM and Ford in adopting Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS), meaning that Rivians will be able to use Tesla’s Supercharger network. The R1T and R1S won’t have factory-installed NACS ports until 2025, but adapters will be available early next year. The upcoming R2 model will also switch to NACS. This content is imported from twitter. 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.Tesla posits the industry stampede to its chargers as a win-win for both parties, and it might be, financially. In Tesla’s statement about the Rivian news, Rebecca Tinucci, Tesla’s senior director of charging infrastructure, said, “We look forward to welcoming Rivian owners to thousands of our Superchargers across North America.” Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe was understandably cheery about the announcement, saying, “The adoption of the North American Charging Standard will enable our existing and future customers to leverage Tesla’s expansive Supercharger network while we continue to build out our Rivian Adventure Network.” The optimistic view is that if every electric car can use every charger, then everybody is better off. Right? Sure, unless you drive one of the cars that formerly had its own walled garden of charging competence. Meaning, a Tesla.Thomas Trutschel|Getty ImagesLooking a Little Crowded at the Charging StationWhile rivals’ adoption of NACS instantly gives Tesla hundreds of thousands of new charging customers (and licensing fees from manufacturers), the news isn’t as wonderful for Tesla’s own customers, who’ll now face bigger crowds at the finite number of Superchargers. Grant Larsen, owner of a 2020 Model 3, says, “That’s really surprising that they’re letting other companies in. Superchargers already get crowded and charge speed goes down if someone is right next to you. So I’m not super excited about this, because Tesla owners can’t go anywhere else and get the same charging experience. Most other chargers are slow.” But if you’re on the other side of these announcements, and the Supercharger drawbridge is on the way down, the prospect of reliable fast-charging would relieve a huge EV-ownership pain point. Neil Mandt, who drives a 2023 Mercedes EQS, says: “The biggest nightmare about this car is that I can’t get to fast-chargers. I always have to wait in line like it’s the gas embargo from the 1970s. Opening up the Tesla chargers to everybody would be amazing.”Mercedes-Benz hasn’t announced any plans to adopt Tesla’s charging standard . . . yet. Coming Right UpSenior EditorEzra Dyer is a Car and Driver senior editor and columnist. He’s now based in North Carolina but still remembers how to turn right. He owns a 2009 GEM e4 and once drove 206 mph. Those facts are mutually exclusive. More

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      in Bike

      350cc Motorcycle Sales May 2023 – Royal Enfield, Honda, Yezdi, Jawa

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      Royal Enfield Meteor 350Out of the 71,336 units 350cc motorcycles sales that took place in May 2023, Royal Enfield alone sold 64,923 units accounting for 91% market share350cc motorcycles are all the rage in the retro classic genre. There is one 2W manufacturer that absolutely dominates this segment. That brand is Royal Enfield and it bagged the top five spots out of the seven major 350cc models in the country. This 350cc motorcycle sales chart for May 2023 accounted for 71,336 units in total.When opposed to 55,780 units sold in May 2022 and 67,643 units sold in April 2023, 350cc motorcycle segment showed a solid 27.89% YoY growth and 5.46% MoM growth. Volume growth stood at 15,556 units YoY and 3,693 units MoM.350cc motorcycle sales May 2023Like clockwork, Royal Enfield absolutely dominated this space by selling 64,923 350cc motorcycles and accounted for 91% of market share among all other 350cc bikes. Within the brand, Classic 350 stood the undisputed champ with 26,350 units sold last month.Classic 350 registered a 12.05% YoY decline and a 1.61% MoM decline. Sales didn’t suffice to surpass 29,959 units sold a year ago and 26,781 units sold a month before. Volume loss stood at 3,609 units YoY and 431 units MoM. Market share fell to 36.94%, down from 39.59% a month before.350cc motorcycle sales chartHunter 350 took 2nd place by selling 18,869 units. The company’s most affordable offering saw 19.43% MoM growth. Volume growth stood at 3,070 units MoM and secured 26.45% market share. OG Standard Bullet 350 sold 8,314 units and saw 19.49% YoY growth as opposed to 6,958 units sold a year ago.But MoM numbers took a hit with a 1.01% decline, losing 85 units in volume. Like Classic 350, Meteor 350 fell into the red completely. It sold 7,024 units last month. But these numbers weren’t adequate to surpass 8,209 units sold a year ago and 7,598 units sold a month before. So, Meteor saw a 14.44% YoY decline and a 7.55% MoM decline.Classic Legends sold 2,333 unitsLeast selling 350cc RE is the Bullet Electra 350 with 4,366 units. It is the first contender on this list to register a positive 15.84% YoY growth and 15.53% MoM growth. Volume growth stood at 597 units YoY and 587 units MoM. In 6th place is Honda CB350 with 4,080 units sold. CB350 saw 23.34% YoY growth and 35.41% MoM growth.Volume growth for CB350 stood at 772 units YoY and 1,067 units MoM (highest in this list). Lastly, we have Classic Legends which sold 2,333 units (retail) of Jawa and Yezdi branded motorcycles in India. The company saw a 34.78% YoY decline and a 2.59% MoM growth. More

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      in Motor News

      Ford Donates Sasquatch Broncos, F-150 Lightnings for Natural Disaster Relief

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      To help with U.S.-based natural disasters, Ford is providing $2.5 million to Team Rubicon, a veteran-led disaster relief organization.Team Rubicon will receive two Bronco Sasquatch SUVs and 15 pickup trucks: 10 F-150 Hybrids, three F-150 Lightning EV pickups, and two F-350s.Ford previously gave Team Rubicon $1.5 million and donated $7 million for disaster relief efforts in the past few years. Automakers often donate vehicles or financial resources to communities they are connected to after a disaster hits. Today, Ford is announcing a five-year, $2.5 million investment in Team Rubicon, a veteran-led humanitarian organization. Ford has previously donated $1.5 million to Team Rubicon and said the latest donation will allow the organization to assist communities facing damage from “the increasing number of natural disasters across the United States.” Ford said it will make a total investment of $5.8 million in Team Rubicon.Stepping Up Transportation, including passenger vehicles, is responsible for around 29 percent of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, climate change scientists have warned that increasing global temperatures will lead to more intense weather disasters. According to NBC News, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration identified 18 extreme weather events that each caused at least $1 billion in damage in 2022.Ford Motor CompanyA Fleet of Fords with Reflective WrapsOn top of the just-announced monetary donation, Ford will also hand over 17 electric vehicles and hybrids to Team Rubicon, including 15 pickup trucks and two four-door Broncos with a Sasquatch off-road package. That truck fleet will be made up of 10 F-150 XL PowerBoost Hybrid trucks, three F-150 Lightning Pro trucks, and two Super Duty F-350 XL trucks. Ford selected these models not only for their ability to carry heavy loads—of food or medical supplies, for example—but also to provide power for rescue efforts or other needs, as all 15 trucks have some Pro Power Onboard capability. The 17-vehicle fleet will also have a co-branded wrap design that includes reflective elements so the vehicles are easier to see in the dark.Full Details and SpecsFord is making the donation through its charitable arm, the Ford Motor Company Fund, which has donated $7 million to disaster relief efforts globally in the past few years, according to the group’s website. Ford and the Ford Fund made over $64 million in charitable contributions in 2022.Team Rubicon Started in HaitiTeam Rubicon was founded in 2010 after a massive earthquake in Haiti. The veteran-led organization now supports communities around the world “before, during, and after disasters and crises” with the help of over 150,000 volunteers. Team Rubicon operates across the United States.Ford will encourage its employees to volunteer with Team Rubicon by providing paid time off when they do. Ford employees volunteered with Team Rubicon in Detroit earlier in 2023 to repair homes wrecked by floods in 2021. The first targets for Ford employees with this new donation are Detroit, again, and Houston.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.Heading Off Disasters at Your HouseContributing EditorSebastian Blanco has been writing about electric vehicles, hybrids, and hydrogen cars since 2006. His articles and car reviews have appeared in the New York Times, Automotive News, Reuters, SAE, Autoblog, InsideEVs, Trucks.com, Car Talk, and other outlets. His first green-car media event was the launch of the Tesla Roadster, and since then he has been tracking the shift away from gasoline-powered vehicles and discovering the new technology’s importance not just for the auto industry, but for the world as a whole. Throw in the recent shift to autonomous vehicles, and there are more interesting changes happening now than most people can wrap their heads around. You can find him on Twitter or, on good days, behind the wheel of a new EV.  More

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      in Bike

      New Hero Motorcycle Spied – Xtreme 125cc to rival Pulsar 125?

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      New Hero Xtreme 125R spied. Image – MRD VlogsUpon launch, Hero new commuter bike will rival the likes of TVS Raider, Bajaj Pulsar NS125 and Honda SP 125While Hero is the market leader in commuter motorcycle segment, there’s heavy reliance on Splendor 100cc bike. In April, share of Splendor in overall sales was more than 2/3rd. From a business perspective, this is quite like putting all your eggs in one basket.For a more diversified portfolio, Hero MotoCorp has been working on a new range of bikes. It comprises both new commuter bikes as well as premium offerings in middleweight segment. Xtreme 160R 4V was recently launched at Rs 1.36 lakh. Karizma XMR is expected to be launched later this year. Hero is also developing a new maxi scooter. These clearly indicate that Hero MotoCorp is looking to reduce dependence on its 100cc commuter bikes.New Hero Xtreme 125R spiedHero new commuter bike detailsStandard telescopic suspension and rear drum brake indicate that the test mule is a new 125cc commuter bike. With TVS Raider being the primary rival, Hero new bike has a sporty profile. Some key features include sharp headlamp, sculpted fuel tank with extensions, compact rear-view mirrors, sleek turn signals, all-LED lighting, split-seat design and stubby exhaust. The bike has a short tail section and rear tyre hugger.Hero new commuter bike can be seen with a fully digital instrument cluster. This could be the same or similar to the one used with other 125cc Hero bikes such as Glamour XTEC and Super Splendor XTEC. Or it could be similar to the inverted LCD console used with recently launched Xtreme 160R. To present it as a capable machine, Hero could equip the new commuter bike with Bluetooth connectivity.New Hero Xtreme 125R spiedAll while having a sporty profile, the bike has a comfortable riding stance. It has wide, pulled-back handlebar and centrally mounted foot pegs. Rider seat section has a scooped profile, ensuring lower seat height and optimal comfort. Pillion seat section appears a bit narrow, although the thick grab rails should be able to ensure adequate stability.New Hero Xtreme 125R spiedHero new commuter bike performanceHero new commuter bike is likely to borrow the 125cc motor from Hero’s other 125cc bikes. On-board Glamour XTEC and Splendor XTEC, the air-cooled engine churns out 10.7 bhp of max power and 10.6 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox.The bike has telescopic forks at front and a monoshock unit at rear. Braking duties are performed by a disc brake at front and a drum brake at rear. The bike is likely to be using 18-inch wheels at both ends.Hero’s new commuter bike could be launched later this year. Possibly around the festive season. Hero could be planning to launch the bike at a competitive price point. For reference, rival TVS Raider is available at a starting price of Rs 93,719 (ex-showroom Delhi). More

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      Bajaj Swing, Genie Names Registered – New Electric Scooters Or Bikes?

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      Image for illustration purpose onlyMany OEMs proactively file new trademarks, although it is not guaranteed that these products will reach production stageWhile it has partnerships with Triumph and KTM, Bajaj Auto is also working to upgrade and expand its own portfolio. Towards that end, the company has registered new trademarks Bajaj Genie and Bajaj Swing.Some other names have also been registered such as Bajaj Badal and Bajaj Runner. Earlier this year in March, the company had registered three names – Bajaj Aura, Bajaj Racer and Bajaj Hammer.Bajaj Genie, Bajaj Swing – scooter or motorcycle?It is not clear what these new trademarks are meant for. While Bajaj Genie trademark application was filed in April 2023, Bajaj Swing was filed in May 2023. The current status of all these trademark applications is ‘Formalities Chk Pass’. This is essentially the primary stage of trademark approval process. The final stage of approval is when the status shows as ‘Registered’. For example, earlier names such as Bajaj Tecnica and Bajaj Technik have been registered and are valid up to 2032.Trademark name applications can take a long time to process. There can be objections from other parties, who may have the same or similar sounding trademark name. In some cases, the company itself may abandon some trademark applications. Due to these reasons, OEMs register multiple names in advance. These can be used as per requirement in future.Bajaj trademarks new names – Swing and GenieGoing by their name, Bajaj Genie and Bajaj Swing appear more like the name of scooters. It is possible that Bajaj may be looking to expand its electric scooter range. As of now, there’s only Chetak to take on rivals like Ola S1, TVS iQube and Ather 450X. If Bajaj can launch affordable electric two-wheelers, it can boost sales and grab a larger market share.With reduction in subsidy, many OEMs including Ola and Ather have introduced affordable variants of their scooters. Simple Energy will also be launching new affordable electric scooters in the next quarter.Could it be the names of 3-wheelers?It is also possible that Bajaj Genie and Bajaj Swing could be names of upcoming electric 3-wheelers / rickshaws. It is known that Bajaj is working on its first electric 3-wheeler. The company is the market leader in ICE 3-wheeler segment with market share of more than 70 percent. However, it is yet to launch an electric 3-wheeler. OEMs like Mahindra and Piaggio have taken a lead in this space.It is expected that Bajaj will launch its first electric rickshaw later this year. A test mule was spotted earlier this year in February. Some interesting features were noted such as a fully digital instrument cluster with two dials and lockable storage compartment. It is expected that Bajaj electric rickshaw will have a range of 120 km. Battery charging time could vary based on the type of charger used. More