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      Honda Is Stopping Civic Type R Sales over Faulty Seats

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      Honda issued a stop sale on the Civic Type R Friday over faulty welds in the driver’s side seat cushion frame, according to a dealer communication from the automaker. The issue means that the frame could fail to secure the seat during a collision, reducing the effectiveness of restraining safety measures, according to a dealer notice posted to the Civic XI forum and filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Friday.The weld issue is a result of “improper manufacturing,” the document says. While a failure during a crash is the most catastrophic risk, the weld issue can also lead to squeaking and rattling noises that have been noted by Civic Type R owners on the same forum since November. No specific VIN range or build window is included in the notice, but the document does clarify that an internal system would return which cars do and do not need the repair. At least one user on the Civic XI forum thread has already reached out to their dealer and found that their car is not impacted.The document claims that parts for the repair are not yet available and says that Honda will not begin notifying owners of cars with the relevant issue until mid-May. The stop-sale is dated as starting on March 31 and set to continue “until further notice,” presumably when a repair procedure is set and completed. Owners can check the NHTSA recalls site, where information on the recall should be posted soon. More

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      GM Will Stop Offering Apple CarPlay on Future EVs

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      Even though phone mirroring is one of the most popular tech features in today’s cars, GM said it will eliminate Apple CarPlay from its electric vehicles.The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV will be the first to get this downgrade, but other EV models will follow. GM will not remove CarPlay from any of its gasoline-powered models, which it only plans to build until 2035.GM said the change is needed to keep future EVs as integrated and connected as possible. The automaker will rely on a system co-developed with Google to operate its EVs.The battle for the dashboard continues. GM will eliminate Apple CarPlay from its electric vehicles, starting with the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV that’s arriving in the fall. CarPlay, which operates like Android Auto to mirror iPhone content on the vehicle’s dashboard, has been a consumer favorite for years, and even holdouts such as Toyota have recently added the technology to their models.CHEVROLETChevroletIt’s not as though EVs need CarPlay integration to succeed—just ask Tesla—but the reason for the reduction in vehicle capability is, in GM’s view, actually an expansion in vehicle capabilities. GM said it intends to remove CarPlay from new EVs because its vehicles need better integration between the navigation system and the rapidly growing network of chargers to help out EV drivers. GM has been developing its own built-in infotainment system in collaboration with Google since 2019.”We have a lot of new driver assistance features coming that are more tightly coupled with navigation,” GM’s executive director of digital cockpit experience, Mike Hichme, told Reuters. “We don’t want to design these features in a way that are dependent on a person having a cellphone.”Of course, Apple CarPlay never needed to know how much gas was in the tank, and it could still function as a map. Note that Hichme didn’t say anything about GM keeping CarPlay as an option for EV drivers while also offering its own advanced in-house integrated EV-focused navigation. The best of both worlds, in other words, and one where we wouldn’t need to rely on an automaker’s built-in devices all the time. Remember when the 3G network went away last year?Music and phone calls will still work over Bluetooth in GM’s CarPlay-free cars, GM said, and CarPlay tech will remain available in GM’s internal-combustion-engine vehicles. Of course, GM has announced it will stop building ICE vehicles after 2035. GM also said it won’t disable CarPlay in any vehicles that currently have it. Around 50 percent of Americans with a cellphone have an iPhone.Is GM Just Looking to Get More Info on You?Initial reaction online to GM’s move skewed decidedly negative. Consumer data proves it will be challenging for automakers to navigate the line between offering features and retaining consumer data. In March, AutoPacific released data from its latest Future Attribute Demand Study and found that potential EV and PHEV shoppers are the groups that are most open to paying for subscriptions for connected features. AutoPacific research also found that new vehicle shoppers rank wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connections as the second-most desired infotainment and connected tech feature. There’s another reason people are unhappy with GM canceling one of the most-liked features. When you mirror your smartphone (which is what CarPlay and Android Auto are doing), some of your data bypasses the car, leaving GM out of the loop when it comes to learning your coffee-shop habits or gym schedule. With a built-in system, GM would have an easier time generating revenue through various subscription services if it knew more about you. GM said it will include eight years of Google Maps and Google Assistant access with the purchase of a new vehicle. Spotify, Audible, and other subscription services will be part of future infotainment systems, GM said. GM CEO Mary Barra has said she expects $20 to $25 billion in annual subscription revenue by 2030, Reuters said.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.Contributing 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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      Royal Enfield Records Highest Ever Sales In FY2023 – 8.34 L Motorcycles Sold

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      Royal Enfield recorded sales of 8,34,895 units in FY 2023 recording highest ever overall sales in its historyImage – Dev MishraRoyal Enfield has reported sales growth in March 2023 by 6.73 percent. Total sales (domestic + exports) stood at 72,235 units in the past month, up from 67,677 units.Royal Enfield Sales March 2023In domestic markets sales stood at 59,884 units in the past month, a 2.41 percent YoY growth from 58,477 units sold in March 2022. This related to a 1,407 unit volume growth with an 82.90 percent share. On a MoM basis, it was a 7.06 percent de-growth as against 64,436 units sold in Feb 2023.Royal Enfield Sales March 2023Exports on the other hand increased even more substantially by 34.25 percent to 12,351 units in March 2023 from 9,200 units sold in March 2022 with a 17.10 percent share. MoM exports improved by 73.76 percent from 7,108 units shipped in Feb 2023.RE Records Highest Ever Financial Year SalesWhen assessing Royal Enfield sales in the FY 2022-23 period, domestic sales were at 7,34,840 units in the said period. This was a 40.98 percent growth over 5,21,263 units sold in FY 2021-22 relating to a volume growth of 2.13.604 units. Domestic sales commanded an 88.02 percent share.Exports also improved by 23.48 percent in FY 2022-23 to 1,00,055 units from 81,032 units sold in FY 2021-22 with an 11.98 percent share. This took total sales (domestic + exports) to 8,34,895 units in FY 2022-23 from 6,02,268 units sold in FY 2021-22. It was volume growth of 2,32,627 units making the highest ever overall sales in the history of the company.Royal Enfield In FY 2024 – Even higher sales?There is a huge possibility that RE will break their sales record in FY2024. The company has planned multiple new launches in the coming year which will help boost sales even further.2023 started with Royal Enfield launching their flagship motorcycle – Super Meteor 650 cruiser. Recently they updated 650 INT and GT 650 with new features, colours and engines that now comply with new BS6 Phase 2 emission standards. Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor is priced from Rs 3.03 lakh to Rs 3.31 lakh. Prices of the Continental GT 650 range from Rs 3.19 lakh to Rs 3.45 lakh, which as against prices of its outgoing counterparts, has been increased by up to Rs 14,000.RE will be expanding its 650cc range even further. Some of the upcoming RE 650cc motorcycles include Scram 650cc, Classic 650 and Himalayan 650. In the 350cc range, RE will be launching the new gen Bullet 350 and Electra 350 later this year. More

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      Hero MotoCorp Sales March 2023 At 5.02 L – 51.55 L In FY23

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      Hero MotoCorp posted 15 percent YoY growth in sales in March 2023 and while domestic sales improved significantly, exports finished in the redNew Hero Super SplendorHero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters has reported a 15 percent YoY growth in sales in March 2023. Sales stood at 5,19,342 units in March 2023, as against 4,50,154 units sold in March 2022.Hero MotoCorp Surpasses 5.3 million (53 lakh) sales in FY 2023Riding high on its increased sales streak, the company has also ended FY 2022-23 on a positive note. Sales stood at 53,28,546 units in the April-March 2023 period. This was an 8 percent growth over 49,44,150 units sold in FY 2021-22.MoM sales growth stood at 31.66 percent when compared to 3,94,460 unit sales total (domestic + exports) in Feb 2023.Hero MotoCorp Sales March 2023 and FY 2023Taking into account motorcycle and scooter sales separately, motorcycle sales stood at 4,85,896 units in March 2023, up from 4,25,721 units sold in March 2022. On a YTD FY23 basis, motorcycle sales were at 49,59,156 units up from 46,27,765 units sold in FY 2021-22.Scooter sales also saw outstanding growth with 33,446 units sold in March 2023, up from 24,433 units sold in March 2022. YTD FY 23 sales were at 3,69,390 units from 3,16,385 units sold in YTD FY 22. In the scooter segment, it was the recently launched Xoom 110 cc scooter that added to sales.Out of total sales of 5,19,342 units in March 2023, domestic sales stood at 5,02,730 units while 16,612 units were exported. This was as against 4,15,764 units sold in domestic markets in March 2022 and 34,390 units exported relating to a de-growth in terms of exports. YTD FT23 exports were also lower at 1,72,753 units from 3,00,624 units shipped in YTD FY 22.Hero MotoCorp Achievements in FY 2023Hero has also entered the electric two wheeler segment late last year with the Hero Vida V1 electric scooter launched at Rs 1.45 lakh and offering a range of 165 kms. Hero Xoom is offered in two variants LX and ZX priced at Rs 68,599 and Rs 76,699 respectively (ex-showroom).Along with the launch of the new Xoom scooter and Vida V1 electric two wheeler, the company has also set up over 300 charging stations across 50 locations in cities of Delhi, Jaipur and Bengaluru. The company strengthened its portfolio with new and improved variants of the Splendor and Passion along with the Super Splendor XTEC along with XPulse 200T and XPulse 200 4V Rally Edition.Launches in the past financial year also included the Canvas Black Edition for Super Splendor and Stealth 2.0 Edition for Xtreme 160R. Hero MotoCorp entered into an alliance with Zero Motorcycles of California, USA for a more premium range of motorcycles and higher performing engines. Hero MotoCorp in partnership with Terrafirma Motors Corporation, marked its entry into South East Asian and is set to launch its products in the Philippines. More

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      Shell Dramatically Expands Its Network of EV Charging Stations

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      Shell has plans to increase its electric vehicle charging network, Shell Recharge, from 140,000 global charge points today to over 500,000 by 2025.Last week, the oil company finalized its purchase of the Volta charging network, which operates in 31 U.S. states. Shell now “owns and operates one of the largest public electric vehicle (EV) charging networks in the U.S.”Shell paid $169 million cash for Volta. Shell made $40 billion in profits in 2022.The EVs haven’t taken over just yet, but oil companies are interested in being there whether you’re pumping fuel or electrons into your car.This week, Shell USA finalized its acquisition of Volta. This electric-vehicle charging network company specializes in pairing charging plug locations with advertising screens, often at high-traffic areas like retailers and stadiums. These ads cover most of the cost of charging at Volta stations, but Volta did have plans to offer more paid DC fast-charge outlets. Volta said late last year that it had more than 5700 of these “out-of-home screens” in its network of over 3000 charging stalls in the U.S. Volta operates in 31 U.S. states and territories and regularly supplies around 112,000 charging sessions to EV drivers each month.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.Volta and Shell announced the $169 million acquisition in January. That comes out to just 86 cents a share. This purchase price was well under the stock’s $15 high from early 2021 and was also below the $2.50 share price Volta was hovering at in mid-2022 before it dropped in September and October.Learning the RopesEven though Volta’s value was already declining, the market saw January’s announcement as troubling news, causing multiple EV charging company stocks to lose value, at least temporarily. On top of the $169 million in cash that Shell paid to acquire Volta, the oil company also repaid Volta’s $11 million in third-party debts and also gave Volta $20 million in subordinated secured term loans “to support Volta’s balance sheet and bridge Volta through the closing of the transaction.”Shell Can Afford It . . . Buying Volta wasn’t a financial challenge for Shell, which made more money selling oil last year than at any point in its long history. The company recorded $40 billion in profits in 2022, due partly to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that led to dramatically higher oil and gas prices. The company paid its CEO almost $12 million last year. Shell is not entering the EV charging game with this chump-change purchase of Volta. The oil company will roll Volta’s charge points into its existing EV charging network, the Shell Recharge network. Currently, in the U.S. Shell Recharge is primarily geographically limited to California. Following the Volta deal, Shell said it “now owns and operates one of the largest public electric vehicle (EV) charging networks in the U.S.” Globally, Shell operates over 140,000 public and private charge points, and the oil company has announced plans to expand its global EV charging network to more than 500,000 charge points by 2025. It has an even more ambitious target of around 2.5 million charge points installed by 2030.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.Contributing 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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      TVS Sales March 2023 YoY vs MoM – Jupiter, XL, Ntorq, iQube, Apache

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      TVS iQube Electric registered sales above 10,000 units for the 5th consecutive monthTVS ApacheTVS Motor Company sold a total (domestic + exports) of 3,17,152 (2W and 3W) in March 2023. This was a 2.99 percent YoY growth from 3,07,954 units sold in March 2022. It was a YoY volume growth of 9,198 units.TVS Sales March 2023 vs March 2022 – YoYTwo wheeler sales in domestic markets stood at 2,40,780 units, up 22.47 percent YoY as against 1,96,596 units sold in March 2022 with a 44,184 unit volume increase. Out of these sales, motorcycle sales were at 1,41,250 units in March 2023, down 12.01 percent when compared to 1,60,522 units sold in March 2022.TVS Motor Sales March 2023 vs March 2022 – YoY analysisMotorcycle sales command a 45.93 percent share. Scooter sales, on the other hand, improved by 35.96 percent YoY to 1,28,817 units sold in March 2023 from 94,747 units sold in March 2022 relating to a 35,070 unit volume increase. Scooters command a 41.88 percent share.There were also 15,364 units of the iQube, TVS’ sole electric model sold in March 2023, 754.03 percent YoY growth over 1,799 units sold in March 2022. TVS also has the XL100 moped in its company lineup of which 37,492 units were sold last month, relating to a 0.42 percent YoY de-growth from 37,649 units sold in March 2022.TVS Motor Two Wheeler Sales March 2023 BreakupExports of two wheelers dipped 30.41 percent YoY to 66,779 units in March 2023 from 95,962 units shipped in March 2022. This took total two wheeler sales up 5 percent YoY to 3,07,559 units in March 2023 from a total of 2,92,918 units sold in March 2022.TVS Motor Sales March 2023 vs Feb 2023 – MoM AnalysisTVS Motors 3W Sales March 2023Three wheeler sales (domestic + exports) in March 2023 dipped 36.20 percent to 9,593 units, down from 15,036 units sold in March 2022. This was a 5,443 unit volume de-growth. 3W domestic sales increased by 4.79 percent to 1,335 units in March 2023 from 1,274 units sold in March 2022 with a 31.93 percent share. 3W exports on the other hand, dipped 39.99 percent to 8,258 units in the past month from 13,762 units shipped in the same month last year.Taking total Domestic 2+3 wheeler sales into account, sales improved by 22.36 percent to 2,42,115 units in March 2023 from 1,97,870 units sold in March 2022. This was a 44,245 unit volume growth with a 76.34 percent share. Exports (2+3W) fell by 31.61 percent YoY to 75,037 units in March 2023 from 1,09,724 units sold in March 2022. This took total sales of the company to 3,17,152 units in March 2023 up 2.99 percent from 3,07,954 units sold in March 2023.When assessing sales in the financial year 2022-23, total two wheeler sales of TVS Motor stood at 8.40 lakh units, up from 8.15 lakh units registered in the same period of 2021-22. Three wheeler sales stood at 0.29 lakh units in FY 2022-23, down from 0.42 lakh units sold in FY 2021-22. Total exports were at 1.85 lakh units the last quarter down from 3.15 lakh units shipped in the third quarter of 2021-22. More

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      Bajaj Racer, Hammer, Aura Registered – New Electric Scooter, Motorcycle?

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      Most OEMs work proactively to register various trademarks, even though only a few may actually get launchedImage for illustration purpose onlyProduct names play an important role in shaping consumer perceptions, which is why a lot of time is spent to find the best names possible. Pulsar is a relevant example that single-handedly changed the fortunes of the company. OEMs usually have a 5 to 10 year plan about new products to be launched. That’s where it becomes important to trademark the names in advance.OEMs like Bajaj Auto have been quite active in terms of registering new names. Recently, Bajaj Auto has registered three new names – Bajaj Aura, Bajaj Racer and Bajaj Hammer. All of these trademarks are registered under Class 12, which means they can be scooters, motorcycles, electric vehicles, etc.Bajaj registers three new names – Racer, Hammer and AuraBajaj Aura, Racer, Hammer – What could they be?Application status of all three new trademarks is ‘Formalities Chk Pass’. Bajaj Aura seems a good fit for a scooter, although Hyundai already has the Aura sedan. But a trademark clash is unlikely as Bajaj Aura won’t be the name of a 4-wheeled passenger vehicle. It is to note that Benling already has an electric scooter registered as Aura. However, it is marketed as Aura-Li. Even Hero Electric had applied for Aura trademark in 2022, but it was objected.As Bajaj does not have plans to return to ICE scooter segment, possibilities for Bajaj Aura are limited to being an electric scooter. It could be used for Bajaj’s upcoming premium electric scooter that is being developed in collaboration with KTM and Husqvarna.Bajaj Racer could be an all new electric motorcycleTalking about Bajaj Racer, the name can work for a performance machine. However, Bajaj already has the Pulsar and Dominar range. So, launching a new sub-brand of performance bikes seems unlikely. But if Bajaj is planning to launch electric motorcycles in future, the Racer name can be considered. However, the ‘Racer’ name is pretty generic. It doesn’t seem appropriate for Bajaj’s first electric motorcycle.Third trademark is Bajaj Hammer, which seems relevant for an ICE motorcycle. A bike with Hammer name was produced by American motorcycle manufacturer Victory Motorcycles. However, the company is no longer operational. Bajaj shouldn’t have any issues with using the Hammer name in Indian market. The term ‘Hammer’ exudes a sense of robustness. It can be applied to a commuter bike as well as a premium roadster or adventure bike.No clarity on launch timelinesRegistration of trademark names does not necessarily mean a potential launch. It may or may not happen. It can take years for these trademarks to reach the market or things can work out much faster.Also, unless the trademarks are ‘Registered’, it is always possible that the application could be objected to, withdrawn or sent for more detailed assessment. Last year, Bajaj had registered trademark names like Darkstar, Technik and Tecnica. These are yet to be utilized commercially. More

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      New Hero Motorcycle Design Patent Leaks – Hunk 200cc To Rival Pulsar, Apache?

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      Upon launch, Hero’s new motorcycle could take on rivals such as TVS Apache RTR 200 4V and Bajaj Pulsar NS200New Hero Motorcycle Design Patent Leaks – Is it Hunk 200cc?India’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp has started looking beyond the commuter segment. The company has plans to launch multiple new products in 200cc to 500cc segment. This space is expected to register strong growth in coming years and Hero wants to make the most of it.Last month in March, it was revealed that Hero will be bringing back Karizma in its new-gen avatar. Now, patent documents reveal another new bike, which is expected to be Hunk 200. While Hunk is no longer available in India, it is sold in several international markets. New Hunk planned for India will have a unique profile and equipment list.New Hero Motorcycle Design Patent Leaks – Is it Hunk 200cc?Hero Hunk 200 stylingJust like other bikes in this segment, Hero Hunk 200 has a sleek profile. It is expected to have all-LED lighting. Some of the key highlights include compact headlamp cowl, wide handlebar, sculpted fuel tank design, sporty shoulder fairing, rugged engine protector, cone-shaped exhaust canister, single-piece saddle and boomerang-styled grab rails.Hero Hunk 200 could get a full-digital instrument console. It is expected to be a compact unit, all while displaying a wide range of information. It remains to be seen if Bluetooth-based connectivity features will be available with the bike. Among rivals, TVS Apache RTR 200 4V has a dedicated connectivity suite. In comparison, Bajaj Pulsar NS200 does not have connectivity options.Riding stance seems a bit committed with the slightly low-set handlebar. However, foot pegs appear to be centrally mounted. Rider seat section has a scooped profile, which should ensure adequate comfort even during longer journeys. It also lowers the seat height, improving overall balance and handling. The bike appears to be agile and highly manoeuvrable, making it suitable for city streets. Pillion seat section seems a bit narrow, but the panels on the side are quite wide. These should ensure adequate thigh support.Hero Hunk 200 engine, specsPowering Hero Hunk 200 could be a new engine. Lack of a radiator indicates that the bike will have an air-cooled engine. Power and torque output could be comparable to other street bikes in this segment. For reference, TVS Apache RTR 200 4V has a 197.75cc engine. In Sport mode, it churns out 20.82 PS of max power and 17.25 Nm of peak torque. Pulsar NS200 is equipped with a 199.5 cc motor that makes 24.5 PS and 18.74 Nm.Hero Hunk 200 is expected to get 17-inch alloy wheels, shod with standard tubeless tyres. It will have disc brakes at both ends, with at least single-channel ABS. Suspension system comprises telescopic forks at front and a monoshock unit at rear. There is unlikely to be any premium equipment such as ride-by-wire tech and slipper clutch. Hero is likely to focus on sporty styling, peppy performance and affordable pricing to make it work. More