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    Royal Enfield Sales Breakup June 2023 – Classic, Meteor, Himalayan, 650 Twins

    Royal Enfield Hunter 350Royal Enfield Hunter 350, despite being a relatively new entrant, has significantly surpassed sales of Bullet, Meteor and Electra in the 350cc segmentRoyal Enfield total sales (domestic + exports) in the past month stood at 77,109 units, up from 61,407 units sold in June 2022. RE has posted growth in domestic sales on a YoY basis while exports fell. However on a MoM basis, it was domestic sales that finished in the red while exports increased substantially.Total domestic sales stood at 67,495 units in June 2023. This was a YoY growth of 34.28 percent over 50,265 units sold in June 2022. MoM sales on the other hand dipped 4.66 percent from 70,795 units sold in May 2023.Royal Enfield Domestic Sales June 2023It was RE Classic 350 that topped the company’s sales charts last month. The RE Classic was at No. 9 on the list of top 10 motorcycles sold in June 2023. Sales improved by 6.12 percent YoY to 27,003 units in June 2023, up from 25,425 units sold in June 2022. Classic 350 currently commands a 40.01 percent in the company lineup. MoM sales also grew by 2.48 percent from 26,350 units sold in May 2023 when share percent had stood at 37.22.RE Hunter was at No. 2 with sales of 16,162 units in June 2023. It currently commands a 23.95 percent share. MoM sales dipped 14.35 percent from 18,869 units sold in May 2023. Next in line was the Bullet 350 with 8,019 units sold in the past month. This was a 36.08 percent YoY growth from 5,893 units sold in June 2022 relating to a 2,126 units volume growth. MoM sales dipped 3.55 percent from 8,314 units sold in May 2023. Royal Enfield is in the process of launching the new Bullet 350 which has been spied on test on numerous occasions with launch date set for August 30.Royal Enfield sales breakup June 2023De-growth on YoY and MoM basis was seen in the case of RE Meteor 350 which dipped 20.60 percent YoY and 2.28 percent MoM to 6,864 units. There were 8,645 units and 7,024 units sold in June 2022 and May 2023 respectively. The RE Meteor has also been spied on and appears to be based on top-spec Supernova trim.Electra 350 (4,320 units) and Himalayan 3,255units) both posted YoY de-growth while sales of the 650 Twins dipped to 1,412 units in June 2023 from 1,425 units sold in June 2022. MoM sales improved significantly by 45.57 percent over just 970 units sold in May 2023. It sales list also included RE Super Meteor of which the company sold 460 units in the past month, a 45.11 percent MoM de-growth from 838 units sold in May 2023.RE Exports June 2023Total exports in June 2023 stood at 9,614 units, down 13.71 percent over 11,142 units sold in June 2022. MoM sales improved by 44.22 percent when compared to 6,666 units sold in May 2023. Every model on the list posted a YoY de-growth while on a MoM basis, sales growth was seen for each of the Royal Enfield offerings.Royal Enfield export breakup June 2023The export list was headed by Meteor 350 with 2,135 units exported in June 2023, down 38.77 percent over 3,487 units sold in June 2022. This was a 1,352 unit volume de-growth with the Meteor commanding a 22.21 percent share on the export list. MoM exports improved by 65.12 percent from 1,293 units shipped in May 2023.Hunter 350 exports stood at 2,113 units last month. This was MoM growth of 63.04 percent from 1,296 units sold in May 2023. The export list also included Classic 350 at No. 3 with 2,048 units shipped relating to a 20.99 percent YoY de-growth while MoM exports surged by 34.21 percent from 1,526 units shipped in May 2023.Super Meteor had 1,516 units exported last month relating to a 14.67 percent MoM growth. RE 650 Twins (921 units) and Himalayan (881 units) both posted YoY de-growth of 53.11 and 71.57 percent respectively. MoM exports however, went up by 32.71 percent for 650 Twins and 64.67 percent in the case of RE Himalayan. More

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    Bajaj Triumph Tiger 400 Render Imagined As A Rival To KTM 390 ADV

    Bajaj Triumph Tiger 400 RenderWhile based on the same platform as Speed 400 / Scrambler 400X, Triumph Tiger 400 borrows its design from the larger-capacity Tiger ADV bikesTriumph’s experiment with single-cylinder Speed 400 / Scrambler 400X has proved to be hugely successful. More than 10K bookings were received in just 10 days. The scrambler version will be available from October 2023.With market response exceeding expectations, it won’t be surprising to see new models being launched based on the 400cc platform. An ADV version seems relevant, as this segment has been registering strong growth in recent times. To get a feel of the ADV version, automotive artist Susobhan Maity has come up with a digital render of Tiger 400.Triumph Tiger 400 renderWhile Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X have already charmed enthusiasts with their classic design, Triumph Tiger 400 seems to have a more magnetic persona. With its ADV bearings, the bike also seems more powerful. A number of features have been borrowed from larger capacity ADV bikes such as Tiger 900 Rally. It includes the sharp LED headlamp, large visor, signature front beak, hand guards and sculpted fuel tank.Triumph Tiger 400 has a split-seat design with a heavily scooped rider section. This lowers centre of gravity, allowing improved control and handling across on-road and off-road tracks. Some features have been lifted directly from Scrambler 400X. It includes the twin-barrel exhaust tips and spoke-styled alloy wheels. Just like the 400cc modern classics, Triumph Tiger 400 has USD forks at front in golden finish. It gets dual-purpose tyres, similar to the scrambler version.Triumph Speed 400Another key highlight is the grayscale colour theme used for the render. It helps highlight the sharp design and finer details of the bike. However, it isn’t that hard to imagine that this render can easily support more exciting shades. Graphics are intelligently placed to enhance the bike’s visual appeal.Triumph Tiger 400 performanceMuch of the hardware for Tiger 400 is the same as that of Speed 400 / Scrambler 400X. Powering the bike is a 398.15 cc, liquid cooled, single-cylinder engine. It generates 40 PS of max power and 37.5 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox.Triumph Tiger 400 utilizes a tubular steel frame with a bolt-on rear subframe. The 43mm USD forks at front offer 150 mm of wheel travel. At rear, the bike has a gas monoshock RSU with external reservoir and preload adjustment. Wheel travel is 150 mm. Braking duties are performed by 320 mm and 230 mm disc brakes at front and rear, respectively. Dual-channel ABS is offered as standard.While Triumph Tiger 400 render looks promising, it is not certain if it will become a reality one day. Assuming it does, Triumph Tiger 400 will rival the likes of KTM 390 Adventure and BMW G310GS. Meanwhile, workshops can certainly take this render as an inspiration and come up with a customized version of Triumph Tiger 400.Source More

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    Bugatti Chiron Follow-Up Will Be Unveiled in 2024 with a Hybrid V-8

    The design of Bugatti’s next hypercar has been finalized, according to an Autocar interview with Bugatti’s former chief of design, Achim Anscheidt, who just stepped down from his helm.Instead of a W-16 engine, the next Bugatti will use a hybrid V-8, as Bugatti takes advantage of its merger with the electric hypercar geniuses at Rimac.The Chiron successor will still include classic Bugatti styling elements like the horseshoe grille and C-shaped design on the side bodywork.The next Bugatti hypercar will represent a major transformation for the brand. In an interview with Autocar, Bugatti’s former chief of design, Achim Anscheidt, said that the Chiron successor will be shown for the first time next year, with production commencing in 2026. Most notably, the next Bugatti ditches the brand’s famed W-16 engine for a V-8 hybrid setup, presumably using the electrical expertise of Croatian automaker Rimac, which merged with Bugatti in 2021.BugattiThe car’s design is apparently ready to go, with Anscheidt telling Autocar, “We delivered the prototype tooling a couple of months ago and the production tooling will be delivered in a couple of months from now.” Anscheidt is stepping down from his role as the head of styling for Bugatti, with the Chiron follow-up acting as his final project. “Everything I have tried to learn and comprehend over the last nineteen years with Bugatti, I wanted to make sure this experience funnels into the car’s development,” he said.The next Bugatti will still feature iconic design cues like the horseshoe grille and C-shaped side bodywork seen on every Bugatti since the 1934 Type 57. Built around a new chassis, swapping the gigantic W-16 for the V-8 powertrain should result in a lighter vehicle. Bugatti’s design director Frank Heyl also told Autocar that integrating the batteries for the hybrid component required the company “to reconsider the architecture of the whole car.”More Wild BugattisThe brand’s interior designer, Aldo Maria Sica, however, revealed that while the powertrain will be a significant departure from Bugattis of old, the interior won’t stray too far from the Chiron, with elegant designs and ornate controls. The Chiron successor may receive a large central touchscreen to run the infotainment, something that has been absent on the Chiron and all of its limited-production spin-offs.The next Bugatti hypercar is expected to cost even more than the $5 million Mistral, the final Bugatti with the W-16 motor which was limited to 99 examples. After the Chiron successor arrives, Bugatti’s attention will then turn to its first electric car, which should draw heavily on the company’s partnership with Rimac. 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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    1985 ZiL Russian Limousine Is Our Bring a Trailer Auction Pick of the Day

    As the official state limousines of the Soviet state, ZiL limousines offered luxuries available to only a select few.This one was reportedly part of the fleet used by Mikhail Gorbachev, and was in service with the Russian Federation until 2001.With the auction set to end on Tuesday, July 25, bidding on the Bring a Trailer online auction is currently at $50,000.With all due respect to the likes of the Lada Niva or the GAZ Volga, some Russia-made cars are more equal than others. Today’s pick is a battleship-sized limousine from the height of the Cold War, a ZiL 41045 believed to have ferried none other than Mikhail Gorbachev himself. It’s listed for sale on the auction site Bring a Trailer, which, like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos.Bring a TrailerJust look at the size of this thing. The styling is pure Soviet Blocky, all square angles and imposing bulk. You can just imagine it idling at a curb in front of some brutalist concrete structure, waiting patiently to ferry its occupants to a high-level meeting about nuclear proliferation or vassal states or the strategic national vodka reserve.ZiL stands for Zavod Imeni Likhachyova, the name taken from the factory in which these cars were built. Before that, the company was ZIS, the S standing for Stalin. This is a car as deeply Russian as borscht, or accidentally coincidentally falling out of a window after issuing public criticisms of the current ruling party. Bring a TrailerThis example was built in 1985, which saw ZiL make some minor cosmetic upgrades to its long-running limousines. The mechanicals remained the same as the previous 4104 model: a 300-hp 7.7-liter V-8, a three-speed automatic transmission, and a curb weight of roughly 7000 pounds. Oh, and by the way, that V-8 has redundant ignition and fueling systems and is hardened against EMP strikes.Inside, this ZiL is as well appointed as a Soviet leader’s summer dacha, with mohair seats in back and birchwood veneers. You also get a Radiotehnika stereo and a Vilma cassette player—ideal for blasting out Boney M’s Rasputin. It’s 20 feet of Politburo special treatment. You’d probably also need to get yourself one of those fur hats.Bring a TrailerBuilt in vanishingly small numbers, a ZiL limousine makes for a unique collector car, albeit one with a prodigious thirst for high-octane fuel (95 octane is recommended). You need not approve of the policies of an era which produced a for-elites-only car like this to understand and appreciate its historical value.With five days to go, the high bid sits at $50,000. Comrades, don’t miss out on your chance to bid for this rare collectible. Contributing EditorBrendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He grew up splitting his knuckles on British automobiles, came of age in the golden era of Japanese sport-compact performance, and began writing about cars and people in 2008. His particular interest is the intersection between humanity and machinery, whether it is the racing career of Walter Cronkite or Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki’s half-century obsession with the Citroën 2CV. He has taught both of his young daughters how to shift a manual transmission and is grateful for the excuse they provide to be perpetually buying Hot Wheels. More

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    For Dodge Challenger and Charger Buyers, Time Is Almost Up

    It is your last chance to purchase the Hemi-powered Dodge Challenger or Charger. With production of the two muscle-car icons slated to end by the end of the year, Dodge is gearing up to close the ordering books at the end of this month. That means you only have 13 days left to get in on the Mopar madness before electrification becomes the name of the game for the Detroit automaker. “For enthusiasts looking to order a Dodge Challenger or Charger, especially a high-horsepower model, such as the Scat Pack, SRT Hellcat, or a special-edition model, it’s truly the last call for the ‘Last Call,'” said Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis. “As we transition to an exciting, electrified muscle car future, we’re marking the end of an unforgettable era for Dodge, and time is running out for those who want to own a piece of it.”StellantisFrom the start of the year, Dodge has been clear that it cannot continue to produce these muscle cars after December 31. In preparation for the twin’s departure, Dodge introduced a run of seven Last Call special-edition models. These include the Dodge Challenger Shakedown, Dodge Charger Super Bee, Dodge Challenger and Charger Scat Pack Swinger, Dodge Charger King Daytona, and Dodge Challenger Black Ghost. The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 was the final product in the lineup, representing the most extreme factory Mopar ever created. The Demon 170 comes straight from the factory with 1025 horsepower, allowing for a 0-60 mph sprint time of just 1.66 seconds. With only 3000 units for the U.S. market, every Demon 170 is already spoken for. All the Details and SpecsFrom Destroyer Gray to Plum Crazy That said, there are still plenty of other Challenger and Charger variants still on offer. The 2023 model years brings some unique adjustments to the ordering book, including a suite of fan-favorite colors. These include historic hues like B5 Blue, Plum Crazy purple and Sublime green. Modern Mopar fanatics will also have the choice to spec the previously discontinued Destroyer Grey on their cars once again in 2023. Other highlights include Last Call badging on all models, as well as a new “345” badging for the 5.7-liter R/T models. Customers need to act fast if they want to secure a Mopar for themselves, but Dodge has already eased that process. Interested parties can head over to DodgeGarage.com and use the Horsepower Locator tool. This will allow you to see what allocations and stock dealers around the country have at this time, making it easy to begin the ordering process on exactly the machine you want. Born and raised in Metro Detroit, associate editor Lucas Bell has spent his entire life surrounded by the automotive industry. He may daily drive an aging Mustang, but his Porsche 944 and NB Miata both take up most of his free time.  More

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    Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator Offer New 2-Inch Factory Lift Kit

    Both 2018-and-newer Jeep Wranglers and 2020-and-newer Jeep Gladiators are now offered with a 2-inch factory-backed lift kit. The $2095 bolt-on kit includes Bilstein shocks with remote reservoirs and other upgrades, from front lower control arms to front and rear bump stops. The kit installs in stock mounting locations and doesn’t require drilling any additional holes.Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator owners looking for an excuse to drop some extra cash in the pursuit of making their vehicle a little more off-road ready just earned another factory-backed option. Both 2018-and-newer Wranglers as well as 2020-and-newer Gladiators are now available with a factory-backed 2-inch lift kit from Jeep Performance Parts.JeepThe bolt-on kit comes with Bilstein 1.8-inch monotube shocks with remote reservoirs as and other chassis upgrades, such as new front lower control arms, front and rear stabilizer links, and front and rear bump stops. The remote reservoirs increase oil capacity to help with heat dissipation. In addition to the peace of mind that comes with factory-backed parts, the new bolt-on kit can be installed in the stock mounting positions, which means owners won’t need to drill any new holes for installation. JeepThe additional space created by the kit allows owners to increase ground clearance further by being able to accommodate larger off-road tires. Jeep claims a self-adjusting deflective-disc valve instantly reacts to surface changes to help drivers maintain control when driving over difficult terrain. The company also says system works with electronic stability control although unique alignment specifications are required.The kit retails for $2095 and ships specially packed in a custom wooden crate branded with the Jeep Performance Parts logo. More on JeepThis 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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    New Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Exhaust Note Revealed Via Launch Teaser

    2023 Royal Enfield Bullet 350 RenderBullet 350 is currently the only vehicle in Royal Enfield portfolio to still hasn’t transitioned to J-Series platformRoyal Enfield is currently the king of retro classic motorcycle segment. There’s no denying this fact right here. Even with Honda and Classic Legend’s brands like Jawa and Yezdi at its back, Royal Enfield has pushed on and on like a pawn in a chess game. With Classic 350 in its arsenal, Royal Enfield is at the top of the 350cc motorcycle list.To boost sales, Hunter 350 has joined the game as well and is sold at a lower price point too. Not just the price, weight is also lowest among all Royal Enfield’s. Hence, Hunter 350 is now more accessible than other products in the company’s lineup. Hunter 350 has been closing the gap on Classic 350 with latter witnessing a drop in sales too.2023 Bullet 350 Launch Date AnnouncedBut there is a motorcycle in Royal Enfield’s portfolio that has even more popularity than the very company itself. Right now, it is subdued in the form of an older platform and last-gen engine. If unleashed with modern platform and componentry, it is likely to be a force in this genre and smoke the rest of them in its rearview mirrors.Of course, we’re talking about the legendary Bullet 350. A name so recognisable, people often think that Bullet is the company. Named after a rich heritage of Royal Enfield’s arms manufacturing roots, Bullet plays with the heartstrings of many even today.New Royal Enfield Bullet 350 launch teaser pic.twitter.com/eXnaees6yZ— RushLane (@rushlane) July 20, 2023Bullet is among the oldest production bikes in the world that is still going strong. In 2023, it still doesn’t pack the latest J-series platform that the rest of the Royal Enfield family now packs. That is exactly what Royal Enfield is doing, though. Make it modern while still retaining its old-school charm. We have spied multiple test mules before. Launch will take place on 30th August 2023 in Chennai, as revealed in the official teaser along with exhaust note.What To Expect?In terms of looks, Royal Enfield is likely to not fettle with its design too much. That charm has to be retained and 2023 Bullet 350 has to look like a Bullet 350 from a mile away. What the new model will get are subtle updates. Like the instrument cluster of Classic 350, modern J-series engine that is capable of 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm among others.Round headlights, single-piece stepped seat, spoked wheels and old-school body panels are likely to remain as is. 2023 Bullet 350 will get the same telescopic front suspension from Classic 350 and twin shock absorbers at the rear from Classic 350. Front disc brake is likely. However, the rear is likely to be a drum unit like Hunter 350 Retro and get single-channel ABS.A digital display for various info is a far cry from what outgoing Bullet and Electra models. And so is its engine. With new updates, 2023 Bullet 350 is likely to be priced above the Hunter 350 Retro variant. With a starting price tag of around Rs. 1.6 lakh (ex-sh), 2023 Bullet 350 will definitely be a welcome addition to Royal Enfield portfolio. One that will take Bullet’s name to new heights. Looking at its close-to-production guise, a launch might be right around the corner.  More

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    Diving into June 2023 500cc+ Motorcycle Sales – From Giants to Silent Spectators

    Image for reference onlyRoyal Enfield’s Rule Unshaken: 650 Twins Hold Firm, Super Meteor 650 Shooting for the StarsFor a very long time, Royal Enfield has dominated the 500cc+ motorcycle sales charts. June 2023 was no different and we saw the Chennai-based company sell 1,872 units of its 650cc lineup with 88.93% of total market share. Of the lot, Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 sold 1,412 units with 0.91% decline in sales YoY.Super Meteor 650 sold 460 units last month. Kawasaki Z900 saw 95 units sold which is really commendable considering the cost. It registered 137.5% YoY growth with 55 units gained in volume. Being the most affordable 4-cylinder motorcycle pays off.Impressive Surge in 500cc+ Motorcycle SalesTriumph Trident is the most affordable three-cylinder motorcycle in India and it sold 31 units with 47.62% YoY growth and 10 units volume growth. It’s ADV version Tiger 660 Sport sold 17 units and saw a 5.56% YoY decline.That said, Tiger 660 surpassed Kawasaki Versys 650’s 14 units sold last month, which is commendable. Versys 650 is one of the oldest 650cc ADV in India and saw 600% YoY growth as opposed to 2 units sold a year ago. Triumph Speed Twin saw 11 units with 10% YoY growth.500cc+ motorcycle salesNow comes the one with the world’s biggest motorcycle engine, Triumph Rocket III. Sales stood at 10 units. Triumph’s Tiger 1200 sold 8 units and saw an 11.11% YoY decline. Another Triumph offering made it higher up the list, which is Bonneville T120 with 5 units and 25% YoY growth.With similar sales numbers, we have Harley-Davidson Fat Boy 114, but as opposed to 6 units sold a year ago, it saw a 16.67% YoY decline. Harley-Davidson Pan America and Kawasaki Versys 1000 ADVs sold 4 units each.Honda Africa, Scrambler 900, and More: The Mystery of Zero SalesTriumph Tiger 900 and Harley-Davidson Nightster sold 3 units each. While Tiger managed to balance sales, Nightster saw a 33.33% YoY decline. Cruisers Kawasaki Vulcan S and Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic sold 2 units each and registered 33.33% YoY decline and 100% YoY growth, respectively.Kawasaki Z650, Z650 RS, Ninja 1000 SX, Triumph Bonneville Bobber, Bonneville Speedmaster, Harley-Davidson Fat Bob, Street Glide and Roadking sold 1 units each in the month of June 2023. At this scale, there was no positive growth to register.Kawasaki Ninja 650, Ninja ZX-10R, Suzuki Hayabusa, Harley-Davidson 883 Iron, Street Bob, Standard, Triumph Speed Triple, Scrambler 900, Rocket III R, and Honda Africa all sold zilch last month. In total, 500cc+ motorcycle sales stood at 2,105 units with 25.15% YoY growth and 423 units volume growth as opposed to 1,682 units sold in June 2022. More