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      in Electric Cars

      2022 MG ZS Electric Facelift Spied 1st Time – Tata Nexon EV Rival

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      2022 MG ZS Electric SUV Spied. Image – ParthThe facelifted MG ZS EV will feature an updated exterior design in line with the recently launched European model but with different battery pack options
      A few months ago, MG Motor launched a new compact C-segment SUV named Astor which is based on the petrol version of ZS sold internationally. However, Astor is based on the facelifted ZS unlike the pre-facelift ZS EV currently on sale in India. MG Motor has been selling the electric crossover in the country since early 2020.
      MG Motor is now planning to launch a facelifted version of the ZS EV in India. A test mule of the same has been caught on camera for the first time near the company’s manufacturing facility in Halol, Gujarat. The image is credit to automotive enthusiast Parth, who shared the image via Rushlane Spylane. The prototype spotted was heavily wrapped under camouflage.
      2022 MG ZS Electric Facelift – Exterior Updated
      Since the test mule is completely covered by camouflage, it is difficult to decode the exterior design of the SUV. However, the 2022 MG ZS Electric Facelift is expected to be designed in line with Astor and the facelifted ZS EV model which made its debut in Europe three months ago. The updated exterior should feature a new hexagonal closed-off front grille with a celestial pattern flanked by sleeker LED headlamps on each side.
      Another notable difference is the reprofiled front bumper with a larger and wider air dam. That said, a crossover-ish silhouette of the current model will be carried forward to the upcoming model. The test mule is seen standing on the same set of 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels as the current ZS EV. Rear end of the crossover should be more or less similar with slightly revised LED taillamps.
      2022 MG ZS Electric SUV Spied
      Features Expected
      Interiors of the ZS EV facelift are also not likely to boast any dramatic updates. It should feature the same dashboard layout with highlights such as a new 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment display and an updated fully digital instrument console. Other features expected to be on offer include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (both probably wireless) and MG’s i-Smart connected car technology.
      Updated Powertrain- New battery on offer
      There is still no clarity if the 2022 MG ZS Electric will receive an updated powertrain. Currently, ZS EV in India is powered by a 44.5 kWh battery pack which offers a claimed range of 419km on a single charge. This powertrain returns an output of 141 bhp and 353 Nm of peak torque. In international markets, the new ZS EV facelift is offered with two battery options- a 51kWh unit and a 72kWh unit.
      As per recent Type Approval document, MG could offer a smaller battery pack in the 2022 ZS EV which will offer a lower range but will come with a lower price tag as compared to the current model. In all probability, the updated ZS EV will now be equipped with a battery capacity of 40kWh which was revealed in the approval document leaked in August last year.
      2022 MG ZS Electric SUV Spied
      MG Motor will also offer multiple charging options in the new ZS EV facelift. Presently, a 7.4kW AC charger takes six to eight hours to get fully juiced up. On the other hand, a 50kW DC fast charger takes less than 50 minutes to juice up the battery from zero to eighty percent. Current MG ZS EV is priced from Rs 21.5 lakh for base trim and costs Rs 25.18 lakh for top trim – ex-sh prices. More

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      in Bike

      New Yamaha FZS FI Deluxe – Detailed In First Look Walkaround

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      Image – MRD VlogsIndia Yamaha Motors has launched the new FZS-Fi range under its ‘The Call of the Blue’ initiative
      Yamaha has been regularly updating the FZ motorcycle range since launch in 2008. The most recent update was this month wherein the Yamaha FZS-Fi models come in with refreshed styling along with new colour options for 2022.
      2022 Yamaha FZ-S Fi and FZS-Fi Deluxe get new features and colour options and are priced at Rs. 115,900 and Rs. 118,900 respectively. These updates are a part of the company ‘Call of the Blue’ initiative and the models will be available at company dealerships from mid-January 2022.
      New Yamaha FZS FI Deluxe Variant
      The standard Yamaha FZ-S Fi is presented in two shades of Matte Red and Matte Blue. The more premium Yamaha FZS-Fi Dlx is being offered in three colours of Metallic Black, Metallic Deep Red, Solid Grey. The two new Yamaha models also receive feature updates. On the standard FZ-S Fi, LED tail lamps are the only update.
      The new Yamaha FZS-Fi Dlx gets some added features among which are coloured alloy wheels, new graphics, dual-tone seats, LED turn indicators and tail lamp, all of which play a major part in enhancing its premium appeal. Take a look at the detailed walkaround video below, credit to MRD Vlogs.
      [embedded content]
      The two new Yamaha models also receive Bluetooth enabled Connect-X App by Yamaha offering features such as Answer Back, Locate my Vehicle, Parking Record and Hazard and Riding History. Multi-function LCD instrument cluster, lower engine guard and a tyre hugging rear mudguard are also a part of the updates.
      Yamaha FZS 2022 – Engine Specifications
      Yamaha FZS-Fi and FZS-Fi Dlx see no change in their engine lineup. They continue to get their power via the same 149cc, 2 valve, single cylinder, SOHC Blue-Core engine offering 12.4 hp power at 7,250 rpm and 13.3 Nm torque at 5,500 rpm.
      The engine gets mated to a 5 speed gearbox. Suspension and braking are via telescopic fork in the front and pre-load adjustable mono shock at the rear along with disc brakes on both wheels with dual channel ABS.
      Yamaha Price Hike Jan 2022
      In related news, Yamaha India has hiked prices across range from 1st January 2022. Yamaha has a total of seven motorcycles in India among which are FZ Fi, FZ25, FZ-X, FZ25, MT-15, R15 V4 and R15S V3 and three scooters – Fascino, RayZR and Aerox 155.
      The reasons cited for this price hike is rising cost of raw material and a new safety regulation of foot rest that has been made mandatory. The price hike is at Rs 2,000 on Yamaha R15 V4 to Rs 1,72,800 while Yamaha FZ-X is also hiked by Rs 2,000 to Rs 1,26,300. The new Fascino has received a price increase of Rs 800 to start off at Rs 73,000 while price of the new flagship scooter Aerox 155 has been increased by Rs 2,000. More

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      in Bike

      Hero Electric Vs Hero MotoCorp In Court – Over Use Of Brand HERO

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      Image for referenceAs per legal agreement, Vijay and Naveen Munjal (father-son duo) were granted exclusive rights to use ‘Hero’ brand for their electric vehicles
      Around a decade back, the extended Munjal families parted ways and were given their respective ownership of businesses. Vijay and Naveen Munjal got ownership of Hero Electric whereas Pawan Munjal continued with Hero MotoCorp. As per claims, Vijay and Naveen Munjal have the rights to use ‘Hero’ brand to manufacture and sell electric vehicles in domestic as well as international markets.
      Hero Electric approaches Delhi High court
      Just a few years back, there didn’t appear to be any friction between the two Munjal families. However, things may have changed dramatically in recent times with growing interest in electric two-wheelers. With clear indications of things moving in favour of an all-electric ecosystem, Hero Electric is taking proactive steps to protect its turf.
      Hero Electric has approached Delhi High Court to prevent Hero MotoCorp from using the Hero brand name for its upcoming electric two-wheelers. This appears to be a pre-emptive move, as Hero MotoCorp has not indicated any plans to use the Hero nameplate for its upcoming electric two-wheelers. At least nothing has been revealed in public domain. However, as stakes are high, the fight over ‘Hero’ brand may intensify in future.
      Hero Electric Vs Hero MotoCorp
      While Hero MotoCorp is currently the largest two-wheeler manufacturer, Hero Electric has made significant gains. The latter currently leads in electric two-wheeler sales. One of Hero Electric’s USP is affordable pricing, which has helped boost sales. Moreover, Hero Electric has the first-mover advantage in electric two-wheeler segment.
      Hero Electric Scooter Dealer
      Ten years earlier, it may have been difficult to predict the dramatic shift to electric two-wheelers. As of now, one can easily visualize that the future will be an all-electric ecosystem. This may be one of the core reasons that may have revived the fight for use of ‘Hero’ brand.
      From Hero Electric’s perspective, they have the rights to use the brand for their electric vehicles. In case of Hero MotoCorp, it can be argued that the shift to electric is something beyond their control. Moreover, it is happening at national and global level and is linked to managing climate change. It would be unfair if they are not allowed to use the Hero brand for their upcoming electric two-wheelers.
      While Hero Electric has legal rights, the dramatic shift in industry ecosystem may warrant a review of the earlier agreement. It remains to be seen how the court takes a decision in this case. Both parties have refused to comment, as the matter is currently sub-judice.
      Hero MotoCorp has filed trademark for the name VIDA Electric
      Earlier, it was reported that Hero MotoCorp could launch its electric scooters and motorcycles under VIDA brand. The company is expected to launch its first electric two-wheeler in March 2022. Hero MotoCorp has partnered with Taiwan-based Gogoro to manufacture its electric two-wheelers. More

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      in Motor News

      General Motors Will Launch Electric Heavy-Duty Trucks Starting in 2035

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      General Motors announced, as part of its program for the 2022 CES technology show, that its heavy-duty trucks will gain electric variants by 2035.Every light-duty vehicle from GM will be electric by 2035, with the automaker pledging last fall to end gas vehicle sales by 2040 globally.This would leave five years in which GM could sell conventional internal-combustion-powered HD trucks alongside electric versions.The pioneering electric vehicles of the 2010s were dorky cars like the Nissan Leaf, designed more for economical operation than any notion of style. A decade later, the EV craze has spread to nearly every corner of the auto industry, with a slew of brawny electric pickups—including the new Chevy Silverado EV and Rivian R1T—hitting the market and even commercial vehicles like the Tesla Semi on the way. One sector, the heavy-duty pickup, seems set to stick with internal-combustion propulsion for the time being, but as part of its program for the CES technology show this week, General Motors revealed a timeline for when its HD trucks will gain electric power, too.

      “As previously announced, our plan is to have all new light-duty vehicles be electric by 2035,” GM CEO Barra said during her keynote address. “And today, I’m pleased to announce that we’ll introduce all-electric heavy-duty vehicles on that same timetable.” Barra also emphasized that the electric HD trucks will be geared towards hauling and towing while still delivering enough range, which ideally should be easier to achieve with the battery technology in 13 years’ time. It is still possible that GM will offer internal-combustion HD trucks in 2035. The company entered an agreement with five other automakers in November to end gas vehicle sales by 2040 globally, which could mean five years of overlap between the two types of powertrains. With the electric HD trucks still over a decade away, there are no details yet, and it will likely be some time before we know more about the future heavy-duty pickups.
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    • 138 Shares179 Views

      in Motor News

      2005 Porsche Carrera GT Smashes Record for Most Expensive BaT Sale

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      This 2005 Porsche Carrera GT is now the most expensive car ever to sell on the auction site Bring a Trailer.The selling price of just over $1.9 million beat the previous high by more than $400,000.To everyone who missed out on this Porsche, do not despair.Record-setting auction results have become routine at Bring a Trailer, but the just-completed sale of this 2005 Porsche Carrera GT is notable for topping them all. Selling for $1,902,000, it vaulted to the top of the auction site’s hit parade to become the most expensive car ever sold on BaT, smashing the previous high-water mark of $1.4 million set by a 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL roadster in July 2021.

      Bring a Trailer

      Bring a Trailer

      That Carrera GT prices are skyrocketing is not hard to understand. This purist machine could be considered the last analog supercar, and yet it’s also a true exotic. Its 5.7-liter V-10 is naturally aspirated yet features titanium connecting rods, dry-sump lubrication, and an 8400-rpm redline. It’s mated to a six-speed manual transaxle with a novel twin-plate ceramic clutch and drives the rear wheels. There’s no stability control, although there is traction control and ABS. Derived from Porsche’s stillborn Le Mans prototype, the Carrera GT has a carbon-fiber central tub and front structure and carbon-fiber bodywork. The control-arm suspension features pushrod-actuated horizontal coil-over shocks, and the brake rotors are carbon-ceramic. The design of the production car was hardly changed from the concept car that wowed the crowd at the 2000 Paris auto show. Upon driving it in 2004, we said simply: “We have been to the top of the mountain.”

      Bring a Trailer

      Obviously, any Carrera GT is desirable. This one was made more so, first by its ultralow mileage, and second by its rare Guards Red livery. It’s believed only 42 Carrera GTs in Guards Red cars were imported to the United States versus 103 Black and 362 GT Silver. This car also has two special options: the wood shift knob and a set of fitted luggage.

      Bring a Trailer

      Bring a Trailer

      This sale also garnered more than 122,000 page views—which would have put it among the top-10 most popular BaT auctions last year—and just over 700 comments. There were also 4910 auction watchers. As for the underbidders, chin up! There’s another Carrera GT on BaT right now. It’s GT Silver but it has even fewer miles: just 250. Raise high your [virtual] paddles, Porsche fans.

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      in Bike

      Upcoming Yamaha Electric Scooter Spied – Launch This Year

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      Upcoming Yamaha Electric ScooterYamaha is planning to set foot in the electric mobility space soon with the production version of the E01 electric scooter
      A concept version of Yamaha E01 was showcased by the Japanese brand more than two years ago at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show. A couple of test mules of this battery-powered scooter have been caught on camera for first time.
      The latest spy shots show two heavily camouflaged test mules of the much-awaited E01 e-scooter going around in Japan. From the looks of it, the scooter appears to be more than just a prototype and could be a near-production model. Reports also indicate that Yamaha is planning to organize a media drive in Japan soon to get first inputs.
      Upcoming Yamaha Electric Scooter
      Although wrapped in heavy camouflage, the styling clearly resembles the E01 Concept presented a couple of years earlier. On a closer look, one might even find a hint of Yamaha’s flagship superbike YZF R1 with its design inspiration on the scooter’s fascia. Further, its proportions suggest that E01 will receive dimensions similar to the brand’s NMax maxi scooter.
      Though the final production-spec model is expected to be toned down with respect to the concept prototype, test mules of E01 flaunts a flat nose with a large apron which houses the twin-beam headlamps as well as the charging port. Attributes such as a single-piece, broad saddle and chunky grab rails on the floating tail section make the scooter a practical affair.
      Upcoming Yamaha Electric Scooter
      The maxi scooter styling ensures a large tunnel between legs of the rider which could host a decent sized battery pack. Other notable styling highlights include a large windscreen upfront, a rear tyre hugger attached to the swingarm, and heavily faired front body panel. Riding ergonomics are likely to be fairly relaxed with a wide, pulled back handlebar and centre-set footboard.
      2022 Yamaha Electric Scooter Features
      Coming to features on offer, it gets a simple fully-digital LCD instrument console which shares crucial information such as battery status, speed, etc. There are several tell lights on display- one of them shows a mobile phone signal thus, hinting at the bike’s Bluetooth smartphone integration. Other features expected to form part of the package include keyless ignition and multiple riding modes.
      As far as hardware is concerned, E01 rides on 13-inch alloys on both ends. The scooter is suspended on telescopic forks at front and twin shock absorbers at rear. Braking duties will be handled by disc brakes at both ends which will be aided by ABS. There are no official details from the company on its performance but experts believe it should offer a real-world range of 70-80 km on a single charge.
      Yamaha should offer multiple changing options on E01. Or it could also offer swappable battery tech which Yamaha is co-developing alongside other manufacturers on this scooter. India launch of this new electric scooter has not been confirmed. Yamaha India has plans to launch electric scooters in the future. More

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      in Bike

      Electric Two Wheeler Sales Dec 2021 – Hero Electric, Ather, TVS, Revolt, Bajaj

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      Ather Electric ScootersHero Electric and Okinawa head the list of two wheeler registration in the past calendar year
      The year 2021 has seen an exponential increase in demand for electric two wheelers in India. Overall electric two-wheeler registrations in the 2021 calendar year stood at 1,43,261 units with more electric two-wheelers sold in first half of 2021 than in all of 2020.
      This segment has started to emerge stronger and noting this increased demand, more automakers are joining the bandwagon. Total sales in December 2021 from each of the electric two wheeler makers on the list stood at 24,729 units.
      Electric Two Wheeler Sales Dec 2021 – Hero Electric in the Lead
      Hero Electric was a leader in this segment in the past calendar year. Total registrations through 2021 stood at 46,260 units allowing the company to command a market share of 32.3 percent. Taking only December 2021 into account, registrations stood at 6,058 units with market share of 24.5 percent.
      Hero Electric has noted outstanding demand for its Flash, Optima, Dash and NYX while the Photon is also a popular model in the company lineup. Hero Electric also plans launch the brand’s first electric motorcycle called AE-47 as on date, in the coming year expected to be priced between Rs 1.3-1.5 lakh.
      Electric Two Wheeler Sales in India – Dec 2021 and CY 2021. Source – Vinkesh Gulati / FADA
      At No. 2 was Okinawa Autotech with registrations of 29,945 units in CY2021. The company commands a 20.9 percent market share and the past month has seen registrations to the extent of 6,098 units. The CY2021 was particularly noteworthy for Okinawa as the company crossed the 1 lakh unit mark in terms of sales in India.
      Okinawa sales were dominated by iPraise+ and Praise Pro electric scooters. Noting this outstanding demand, the company now plans an investment of around Rs 200-250 crore on a new plant in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan with a target of 100 percent localization by end of FY2022.
      Ather Energy At No 3
      Next up was Bengaluru based EV startup Ather Energy, clocking registrations to the tune of 15,921 units in the January to December 2021 period. The company currently holds an 11.1 percent market share and has seen registrations of 1,810 units in the month of December 2021. Ather has only two models sale in India with the Ather 450X and 450 Plus both of which are priced at Rs 1,26,926 and Rs 1,07,916 respectively.
      At fourth and fifth positions were Ampere and Pure EV with registrations to the extent of 12,470 and 11,039 respectively. Ampere commands an 8.7 percent market share with registrations in December 2021 at 3,343 units. Ampere sells both electric 2-wheelers and 3-wheelers and its Magnus EX scooter is gaining in demand especially for the fact that it offers 100 kms ride range on a single charge. PUR Energy holds a market share of 7.7 percent and has seen registrations in December 2021 at 1,684 units. PURE EPluto scooter is among its most favored models in the PUR Energy lineup.
      TVS, Bajaj and Revolt
      TVS Motors, Revolt and Bajaj Auto followed in quick succession in terms of registrations in the past year. TVS registrations stood at 5,223 units with market share at 3.6 percent while Revolt sales were at 4,691 units with market share of 3.3 percent. Bajaj Auto finds most favour for its Chetak EV and had registrations of 4,619 units commanding a market share of 3.2 percent. The current Chetak Electric’s offers riding range of 95+ km/charge in Eco mode and 85+ km/charge in Sport mode while the company is in the process of introducing a more powerful version of the Chetak electric scooter generating better power.
      Registrations in the electric two wheeler segment continued with Being India with 4,439 units in the past calendar year followed by Jitendra New EV-Tech with 1,922 units registered and a market share of 1.3 percent. Lower down the order were Mew Electricals (1,831 units), Goreen e-Mobility (1,409 units) and KLB Komaki (1,175 units). Startups RGM, Elthor Energy, ECO Fuels and Ola Electric also saw sales of 407 units, 402 units, 278 units and 238 units respectively while there are other in this segment that had registrations of 992 units in the past calendar year. More

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      in Bike

      Ola Electric Scooter Production Nears 1,000 Units Per Day

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      Image – Prasad / Venus via @bhash
      Ola Electric claims to have dispatched all e-scooters to its customers but most of them are yet to receive one
      Ola Electric has been in the line of fire ever since the company failed to honour its first batch delivery schedule. After multiple delays, the Bengaluru-based EV manufacturer started dispatching its first batch of electric scooters from December 15 onwards.
      However, recently it was reported that only 275 units of S1 and S1 Pro e-scooters have reached their respective customers till December 31, 2021. Later, Ola CEO, Bhavish Aggarwal came out with a response on Twitter saying that scooters have been dispatched to all customers.
      Ola Electric Scooters Delivery Delay
      The tweet further informed that while some of the units are in transit or awaiting RTO registration process, most of the electric scooters reached the nearest delivery centres. Aggarwal revealed that there was some delay in registrations, as Ola is following an entirely digital process.
      The CEO of the ride-hailing app has posted another tweet in which he shares another important update. Ola is now manufacturing almost 1000 electric scooters each day. The Tweet was accompanied by an image of units of e-scooters parked inside the brand’s manufacturing facility called Ola Futurefactory.
      Ola Electric Scooter Production Update
      Aggarwal went on to reveal that the second window for purchase of Ola electric scooters for remaining customers will be opened soon. Like the first window, the second purchase window has faced several delays. It was initially supposed to go live on 1 November 2021 but was postponed due to an overwhelming demand from the first batch.
      Challenges Faced by Ola
      Ola Electric has adopted a completely new business model which doesn’t involve any dealerships or any intermediaries between consumers and the company. The firm is trying to maintain a direct chain of communication with buyers without having showrooms across various parts of the country which is new in itself.
      Sales are entirely online and the scooters will be delivered to customers at their address. After-sales services will be similar to onsite services currently available for appliances, electronic items, etc. Ola will also have to take care of other processes including shipment and RTO process which is a huge challenge in a country like India with such wide demography and different legislations.
      Ola Electric Scooter Boot Space
      On August 15 last year, Ola Electric launched its first range of e-scooters- S1 and S1 Pro which are priced at Rs 1.00 lakh and Rs 1.30 lakh (both prices ex-show) respectively. Both variants offer the same 5.5kW electric motor but provide different battery packs. While S1 offers a 2.97kWh battery, S1 Pro offers a larger 3.97 kWh unit. More