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      10,000 TVS electric scooters to be delivered Zomato in 2 years

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      TVS delivers 1st batch of 50 iQube electric scooters to ZomatoAs a part of the agreement, TVS Motors will be offering 10,000 iQube e-scooter to delivery partners Zomato for last mile deliveriesTVS Motor Company has entered into an association with Zomato, a food ordering and delivery platform for their last mile mobility purposes. As a part of the deal that was inked on 28th June 2023, a total of 50 TVS iQube electric scooters were handed over to Zomato at an event held in Hyderabad.This was the first set of a total of over 10,000 TVS e-scooters which will be delivered to Zomato over a period of next two years. These vehicles will help Zomato reduce their carbon footprint and ensure a cleaner and greener mode of food delivery.TVS e-scooters for Zomato’s last mile deliveriesTVS Motors has also stated that as a part of this partnership with Zomato, all vehicles will have access to charging stations within the radius and will also receive smooth digital integration for more efficient delivery. The association between TVS Motors and Zomato will be across areas such as product, charging ecosystem, sustainability targets and digital integrations and is also a part of the automakers commitment towards green and sustainable mobility solutions.For Zomato as well, this association further strengthens their commitment to 100 percent EV adoption by 2030. This food ordering and delivery platform is the first to join Climate Group’s EV100 Campaign which is an international non-profit organization set up to help bridge private companies and the government in shifting fleets towards use of electric vehicles.New TVS iQubeMr. Manu Saxena, Senior Vice President, Electric Vehicles, TVS Motor Company, said, “With the success of TVS iQube Electric, we are expanding our electric offerings across multiple segments and last-mile delivery services stands at the opportune inflection point towards faster adoption of EVs. TVS Motor is proud to partner in the mission for electrification of Zomato’s delivery partners’ vehicles. This strategic partnership adds another milestone in TVS Motor’s journey to provide smart and reliable EV products and services with lowest total cost of ownership to our delivery partners.”Zomato’s Chief Operations Officer, Mr. Rinshul Chandra, added that, “At Zomato, we are committed to 100% EV adoption by 2030, and are the first food ordering and delivery platform to join Climate Group’s EV100 campaign. We are now partnering with over 50 companies in the EV ecosystem with the intent of onboarding over 100,000 EV-based delivery partners on our platform within the next 2 years. This association with TVS Motor adds further momentum to our commitment, given their global repute in the sustainable mobility domain. We are excited to jointly facilitate greener last-mile deliveries by transitioning our delivery partners’ vehicles to EVs.” TVS iQube electric scooterThe TVS iQube electric scooter, which first made its debut in January 2020, has found its niche in the electric two wheeler segment in India. It has seen sales of over 1 lakh units till date and continues to score high on sales charts each month. Offered in two variants of Standard and S, the iQube draws its power via a 3.04 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Full charge is possible in 4.5 hours and allows for a range of 140-145kms on single charge and acceleration from 0-40 km/h in just 4.2 seconds. It has a top speed of 82 km/h and rivals the likes of Bajaj Chetak, Ola S1 Pro and Ather 450X. More

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      Top 10 200cc to 500cc Motorcycles May 2023 – Classic, Bullet, Pulsar, KTM

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      Image – An ExplorerMotorcycle sales in May 2023 in the 200-500cc segment has posted a YoY and MoM growth with Royal Enfield commanding 4 out of 5 top spotsMotorcycle sales in the 200-500cc segment improved by 33.32 percent YoY in May 2023. Sales stood at 86,553 units in the past month, up from 64,919 units sold in May 2022. It was also a MoM growth from 75,967 units sold in April 2023.Topping the sales chart was RE Classic 350 which has posted a 12.05 percent YoY de-growth. Sales dipped to 26,350 units in May 2023 from 29,959 units sold in May 2022 relating to a 3,609 unit volume de-growth with the Classic 350 commanding a 30.44 percent share on this list.Top 10 200cc to 500cc Motorcycles May 2023RE Hunter 350, launched in October 2022, has recorded sales of 18,869 units with a 21.80 percent share. RE Bullet 350 sales improved by 19.49 percent to 8,314 units in May 2023 from 6,958 units sold in May 2022 while sales of Meteor 350 dipped by 14.44 percent to 7,024 units from 8,209 units sold in the same month last year.Breaking the Royal Enfield stronghold was Bajaj Pulsar 220/250cc with 6,143 units sold last month. This was an astounding 16963.89 percent YoY growth from only 36 units sold in May 2022. Thereafter it was the RE Electra cruiser bike that accounted for 4,366 unit sales last month, up 15.84 percent as against 3,769 units sold in May 2022.200cc to 500cc Motorcycle Sales May 2023Honda Hness CB350, which featured at No. 7 on this list saw a 23.34 percent YoY growth in sales to 4,080 units, up from 3,308 units sold in May 2022. Sales growth was also recorded for Himalayan (4,064 units), KTM 250 range (1,384 units) and KTM 390 range (1,117 units).200-500cc Motorcycle Sales in Sub-1,000 unit rangeRecording sales of sub-1000 units was the Avenger 220 with 932 units sold last month, a 223.61 percent growth over 288 units sold in May 2022. Bajaj Dominar 400 sales dipped 24.19 percent to 583 units while sales of Dominar 250 improved by 17.42 percent to 519 units in May 2023.The list also included the TVS Apache 310 (267 units), Ninja 300 (132 units), Husqvarna 250 (41 units) and Ninja 400 (16 units). Gixxer 250 and V Strom sales were at 16 units and 3 units respectively.Taking into account retail sales of Classic Legends with Jawa /Yezdi branded motorcycles, the company has reported a 34.78 percent YoY degrowth to 2,333 units in May 2023, from 3,577 units sold in May 2022. In the past month, the company updated the Jawa/Yezdi bikes with new age technologies and fitments that enhanced ride and engine performance. The engines now comply with BS-VI Phase 2 (OBD2) emission norms following which prices have also seen a marginal increase. More

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      Electric Scooter Chassis Splits In Half – No Replacement

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      Ampere Magnus chassis splitEven though there have been multiple cases of Ampere Magnus chassis split cases, company only recommends repairs, instead of replacement and recallMaithani Mohalla resident Mohit Kumar from Meerut, recently met with an accident while riding an Ampere Magnus electric scooter along with his 5-year-old son Aradhya. On Sunday morning, Mohit Kumar went to Shiv Chowk along with his son to buy some goods. On this instance, said Ampere Magnus electric scooter chassis split in two while on the go.Father-son duo dealt with minor injuries during this accident on the road. The car behind him hit his brakes on time, negating further injury to both Mohit Kumar and his 5-year-old son Aradhya. He immediately called Shree Shiv Electricals authorized Ampere electric scooter dealership on P L Sharma road and informed them regarding this matter.Ampere Magnus chassis splitAmpere Magnus chassis splits in halfShree Shiv Electricals owner Ankur Bansal asked Mohit Kumar to bring said Ampere Magnus to the showroom premises. As we can see in the images, this Ampere Magnus has split in half near the front end of the floorboard.We have seen one Ampere Magnus electric scooter on Youtube which broke down in an identical fashion to Mohit Kumar’s scooter, in April 2023, reported by Kanak News, Uttar Pradesh. Watch the video below. The split electric scooters look like an American custom chopper with a ridiculously extreme trail, but that was not the company’s original intention.[embedded content]Why did it happen?Mohit Kumar bought the Ampere Magnus electric scooter in October 2022 for a price of Rs. 88,000. Ampere allegedly promised Mohit Kumar three years of guarantee and he had to face this hazardous accident by chassis deformation within a year of purchase.Dealer Ankur Bansal revealed that there are more than 400 of said Magnus electric scooters and more than 40 of those have faced similar chassis deformation. He also revealed that there is a new Ampere dealership in Garh Road, Meerut. In this dealership, Ampere is allegedly offering a reinforced Magnus scooter which has an additional iron plate to prevent this deformation.When a manufacturer sells a vehicle, they have to certify it and get type approval for a certain specification. As per the info here, the company seems to be providing different vehicles for different dealerships, within the same city. It is likely that Mr. Bansal is misinformed of these happenings.Ampere Magnus chassis split in MeerutWhen will an automaker issue a recall?The Indian Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has proposed a new guideline for the recall process. The new rules are in effect from April 2021, and they dictate 2W manufacturers with annual sales of 3,000 for that model to recall if 20% units report a similar defect. For 2W vehicles with annual sales between 3,000 and 60,000, at least 600 units on top of 10% of said vehicle reports a similar defect.Sticking with Ampere, Magnus chassis splitting seems to be a known fault and the company only recommends a repair, rather than a replacement. Also, there is still no word on a voluntary recall even though this looks like a pattern exhibited by multiple Magnus vehicles. More

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      Honda 2W Sales Breakup May 2023 – Activa, Shine 100, CB350, Grazia

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      Honda ActivaHonda’s two wheeler domestic numbers saw a 2.73 percent de-growth on a YoY basis while the company also experienced shrinking exportsHonda Motorcycle and Scooter India has been facing tough times. Sales in the past few months have been in the red and the month of May 2023 was no different. While in domestic markets it was only the Honda Activa and Hness 350 to post an increase on a YoY basis, the export list saw every model show negative growth.Honda two wheeler total sales (domestic + exports) in May 2023 dipped to 3,29,730, down from 3,52,414 units sold in May 2022. This was a volume de-growth of 22,684 units. However, despite these troubled times, the company is confident of posting double digit growth in FY24, thanks to a series of new launches among which is the new Shine 100 cc.Honda 2W Domestic Sales May 2023Sales in domestic markets dipped 2.73 percent YoY in May 2023 to 3,11,623 units, down from 3,20,378 units sold in May 2022. This was a volume de-growth of 8,755 units. Honda Activa was once again at the top of sales charts with 2,03,365 units sold last month, up 36.11 percent as against 1,49,407 units sold in May 2022. The Activa currently commands a 65.26 percent share.At No. 2 was Honda CB Shine with 83,230 units sold last month, down 30.51 percent over 1,19,765 units sold in May 2022. It was followed by the recently introduced Shine 100 of which 20,469 units were sold last month. Honda Shine 100 was introduced in March 2023 and is set to see increased sales in the months ahead.Honda domestic sales breakup May 2023Honda Hness 350 also posted a YoY growth of 23.34 percent to 4,080 units, up from 3,308 units sold in May 2022. There were also 479 units of the Grazia scooter sold last month while sales of the Dio dipped 100 percent to 0 units from 20,497 units sold in May 2022.Honda 2W Exports May 2023Every model in the company lineup has posted YoY de-growth in terms of exports in May 2023. Sales dipped 43.48 percent to 18,107 units in the past month, down from 32,036 units sold in May 2022.There was the Navi scooter of which the company shipped 6,665 units in May 2023, down 13.90 percent from 7,741 units sold in May 2022. It was followed by the Dio with a 53.27 percent YoY de-growth to 3,552 units in May 2023 from 7,601 units shipped in May 2022. It was these two models that commanded 56.43 percent of total exports.Honda exports breakup May 2023The list also included X-Blade (1,908 units), Grazia (1,560 units), CB Shine (1,120 units) and Activa (954 units) each of which have posted YoY de-growth. Exports also fell for the CB650 (680 units),  Unicorn (608 units) Hornet (524 units) and Dream (396 units) while exports of Livo and Aviator were down to 100 units and 40 units respectively. More

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      Triumph Speed 400, Scrambler 400X Revealed – 398cc, 40 bhp, 37.5 Nm

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      Triumph Speed 400, Scrambler 400X RevealedBoth Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X packs the same 398cc single-cylinder engine with 40 bhp and 37.5 Nm, mated to a 6-speed gearboxThe partnership with Bajaj has yielded two new motorcycles for British brand Triumph. These are Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X. As their name suggests, Speed 400 is a street naked motorcycle and resembles Street Twin (now called Speed Twin 900) to a large extent. On the other hand, Scrambler 400X strikes a resemblance with Scrambler 900.Bajaj Auto manufactures both motorcycles in India for Triumph like it is manufacturing KTM and Husqvarna single-cylinder lineup. These are the first set of motorcycles to come out of this partnership. There will be more in the future. Most of the specifications are out, while prices are still under wraps. Let’s take a look at what they pack.Triumph Speed 400, Scrambler 400X RevealedTriumph Speed 400 & Scrambler 400X – Bri-ish bonanzaThis new TR-series 398cc engine is of prime importance with both these motorcycles. It gets DOHC and liquid-cooling setup along with a slip-and-assist clutch and ride-by-wire tech for granular throttle modulation. Performance numbers include 40 bhp of power at 8000 RPM and 37.5 Nm of torque at 6500 RPM, which brings it close to KTM 390 range’s figures.But Triumph gets its peak performance much earlier in the rev range. A 6-speed transmission does duty, even though larger 900cc twin-cylinder models still feature a 5-speed gearbox. Engine’s visual presentation like triangular engine cover bears semblance with bigger Triumph bikes too. Despite liquid cooling, it gets fins that bring in the old-world charm.Triumph Speed 400 DesignSpeaking of old-world charm, both Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X perfectly hit the neo-retro genre. Round headlight, minimal body panels, 43mm gold USD forks, mostly blacked-out engine bay with stylish silver accents, contrasting fuel tank colour look attractive. Speed 400 gets bar-end mirrors, single-tip exhaust and a single seat.Triumph Speed 400, Scrambler 400X RevealedScrambler 400X gets regular ORVMs but features a headlight grille, taller handlebar, knuckle guards, scrambler-style twin-tip exhaust and split seats. Componentry is slightly different for both. Speed 400 gets 17” alloy wheels at both ends, wrapped with Metzeler Sportec M9RR tyres, 140mm front and 130mm rear suspension travel, 300mm front disc, dual-channel ABS, 790mm seat height and more.When will they launch?Scrambler 400X gets 19” front and 17” rear wheels with Metzeler Karoo Street tyres with block pattern, 150mm suspension travel at both ends, 320mm front disc, switchable dual-channel ABS, 835mm seat height and more. Speed 400 weighs 170 kg, while Scrambler 400X weighs 179 kg. Triumph mounts all components on a hybrid tubular steel spine/perimeter frame.Triumph Scrambler 400X Dual Tip ExhaustThere is a semi-digital instrument cluster with a large analog speedo and a digital tacho. It should’ve been the other way around, isn’t it? Other than that, all-LED lighting, heated grips (probably optional), USB Type-C charging port, switchable transaction control, gear position indicator, and more.[embedded content]Considering everything Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X are packing, we would wager that prices are likely to be around the same ballpark as KTM 390 range. A price between Rs. 3 lakh to Rs. 3.5 lakh is highly likely. Launch is likely soon. More

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      2024 BMW X1 Gains a Powerful 312-HP M35i Performance Model

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      BMW is adding a performance model to the X1 lineup for 2024.It’s called the M35i and it has a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four with 312 hp and 295 pound-feet of torque.The 2024 X1 M35i will go on sale in October and starts at $50,895.BMW is turning up the wick on the little X1 crossover with a new M35i performance model for 2024. While it’s not a full X1 M, this treatment includes more than just M badges and brings on a more powerful engine, upgraded brakes, standard adaptive dampers, and sporty exterior add-ons.This marks the first time BMW has offered a sportier version of the X1 in the U.S., as the M35i model was previously reserved only for the sloped-roof X2. The X1 was redesigned for 2023, but we haven’t heard anything about a new X2 yet, so offering the M version on the X1 could suggest that the X2 spinoff won’t return to our shores for another generation.Standard equipment on the 2024 X1 M35i is a higher-output version of the base xDrive28i model’s turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four. It runs the same Miller cycle as the standard engine but produces significantly more power: 312 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, an increase of 71 hp. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard, and the M35i also gains a limited-slip differential. Adaptive dampers are standard equipment, and BMW’s M compound brakes are optional.More on BMW CrossoversBMW claims that the X1 M35i will accelerate to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, but we think that claim is conservative. The 241-hp base X1 achieved a 5.4 second result in our testing, and the previous 302-hp X2 M35i sprinted to that mark in 4.5 seconds, so we’re confident that the new model will easily slide in under 5.0 seconds. It also has a top speed of 155 mph.Quad exhaust tips are said to add some auditory drama to the turbo-four’s soundtrack and also contribute to the M35i’s aggressive look. It also gains different side skirts, larger air intakes up front, a rear diffuser, and, of course, lots of M logos. 19-inch wheels with all-season tires are standard, but 20-inch wheels with summer rubber are optional.Inside, the M model has faux-suede trim, blue stitching, and optional sport seats. BMW has also upgraded the X1’s iDrive infotainment to run the latest Operating System 9 software. This change will apply to all 2024 X1 models, not just the M35i, and it is said to reduce complexity by offering more shortcuts and better-organized menus.BMW has priced the M35i starting at $50,895, and that will rise significantly with added option packages such as the various driver-assistance packages, the M Sport Professional package, and the Premium package. The X1 M35i is slated to arrive at U.S. dealerships starting in October 2023.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.Senior EditorDespite being raised on a steady diet of base-model Hondas and Toyotas—or perhaps because of it—Joey Capparella nonetheless cultivated an obsession for the automotive industry throughout his childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. He found a way to write about cars for the school newspaper during his college years at Rice University, which eventually led him to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for his first professional auto-writing gig at Automobile Magazine. He has been part of the Car and Driver team since 2016 and now lives in New York City.   More

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      2024 Audi RS6 and RS7 Arrive Decked Out in Bronze

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      The Audi RS6 Avant and RS7 Performance editions just got even cooler.Audi announced a new Bronze Edition for the Performance trim of the RS6 Avant and RS7.The new trim will be limited to 125 units for the U.S. only, including 75 RS6 models and 50 RS7 models. Audi’s ultra-cool, ultra-fast, and ultra-expensive RS6 and RS7 just got even cooler with the addition of a new Bronze Edition. The special edition comes finished in an exclusive black paint that’s matched with matte-gold wheels, and it also raises the top speed. The Bronze Edition is available on both the RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback and is based on the new Performance edition of each car, which were announced for the 2024 model year. The Bronze Edition is exclusive to the U.S. and only 125 will be made. According to Audi, the production breakdown comes out with 75 RS6 Avant Performance models and 50 RS7 Performance models. AudiThe Performance trim turns up the already powerful twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 to a monstrous 621 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque thanks to a larger pair of turbos and more boost. Those figures measure out to increases of 30 horsepower and 37 lb-ft compared to the standard model. According to Audi, the increased figures launch the newer models to 60 mph 0.2 second quicker than before. The Bronze Edition cars also earn a higher top-speed limiter of 174 mph, up from 155 mph in the Performance edition. In addition to the extra top-end speed, the Bronze Edition cars come in an exclusive Sebring Black crystal-effect paint (there are no other color options), paired with a set of 22-inch matte neodymium gold wheels. More on the RS6 and RS7The Bronze Edition also adds a suite of standard equipment, including a Bang & Olfusen sound system, black brake calipers, Valcona leather upholstery, a suede headliner, and a gloss carbon package for the exterior. The limited-edition package also adds a sport exhaust system with black exhaust tips and swaps the air suspension for Dynamic Ride Control, with three-way adjustable hydraulic dampers and steel springs. Audi hasn’t released pricing for the Bronze Edition, but with starting prices of $126,895 for the RS6 Avant Performance and $128,895 for the RS7 Sportback Performance, it follows that the limited-run version will be closer to the $140,000 mark. Deliveries for both models are scheduled to begin this fall. 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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      Volvo Is Latest Automaker to Agree to Adopt Tesla’s Charge Port

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      Volvo has agreed to adopt Tesla’s proprietary charing port, which will provide access to the U.S. company’s extensive Supercharger network of fast-chargers. Called the North American Charging Standard, Volvo’s electric models will have a NACS port starting in 2025; an adapter for earlier models is coming next year. Volvo is the latest—and first foreign automaker—to announce switching to the NACS port, with Ford, GM, and Rivian already making the move.A seismic shift in how electric vehicles are charged is gaining momentum after more and more automakers are agreeing to adopt Tesla’s proprietary charging port known as the North American Charging Standard—or NACS, for short. Volvo becomes the latest automaker to make the shift, as today it announced an agreement with Tesla to use the U.S. company’s charging structure.Switching In 2025Volvo says that starting in 2025 all of its electric vehicles will be equipped with a NACS port. This will allow them to charge at Tesla’s far-reaching Supercharger network in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The charging network is currently said to consist of 12,000-plus fast-chargers and is expected to continue to keep growing.“One major inhibitor to more people making the shift to electric driving, a key step in making transportation more sustainable, is access to easy and convenient charging infrastructure,” Volvo CEO Jim Rowan said in a press release. Adapters ComingWhat does this mean for the owners of Volvo models built before the NACS adoption? The company says its current lineup of EVs, which includes the XC40 Recharge, the C40 Recharge, the recently revealed EX30, and the new three-row EX90 SUV that are are currently equipped with CCS-type charge ports, will be able to use an adapter to connect to Tesla’s chargers.Volvo says the CCS-to-NACS adapter will be made available in the first half of next year, but what remains to be seen is how much it will cost, if anything. Also worth noting is that the automaker plans to offer a NACS-to-CCS adapter for future 2025 models for owners who wish to replenish their battery using that style charger.While Volvo is the first foreign brand to agree to adopt Tesla’s charging port, several U.S. automakers have already signed on. It was Ford who got the ball rolling, followed by GM signing on, and then most recently Rivian agreeing to a deal with Tesla. There’s also chatter that Hyundai and Stellantis could be next in line to implement NACS.Following the NACS Movement More