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    2021 Triumph Street Scrambler Teased Ahead Of India Launch

    2021 Triumph Street ScramblerWhen launched in India, the new Triumph Street Scrambler will go head-to-head against Ducati Scrambler Icon
    Triumph is aggressively expanding its international portfolio by unveiling new products across various segments. Back in April this year, the British bikemaker took the wraps off the latest version of Street Scrambler that will also head towards Indian shores. The company, through a teaser on social media, has now confirmed the same.
    The 2021 Street Scrambler features some subtle aesthetic and mechanical updates over its predecessor. It will be available in two forms- standard and a limited-run Sandstorm Edition. The latter has been priced at Rs 9.95 lakh (ex-showroom) for India and is limited to just 775 units worldwide.
    Updated Styling
    To start with its design, 2021 iteration of Street Scrambler gets a raft of styling updates. These include a new side panel with an aluminium number board, a new brushed aluminium headlight bracket, a new heel guard and throttle body finishers. The split-style seats get a new Alcantara-like finish. That said, Triumph has retained the overall retro styling of the bike with the same set of body panels.
    Retro-style components such as a round headlamp, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, a single-sided high-mounted twin exhaust canister, wire-spoked wheels shod with knobby tyres, fork gaiters and circular rearview mirrors. Triumph, however, has done away with a rubberised grip pad on the tank. It will be available in three paint schemes- a dual-tone Matte Khaki with Matte Ironstone, Jet Black or Urban Grey.
    2021 Triumph Street Scrambler teased
    The Sandstorm Edition gets additional cosmetic enhancements such as a headlight grille, rubber grip pads on the tank, a beak-like high-mounted front mudguard and an engine belly pan which give it a unique appearance. Further, it will be shipped with a personalised certificate of authenticity that will also bear the bike’s VIN number lending it exclusivity. The bike tips the weighing scales at 223kg.
    Mechanical Specs
    Getting into specifications, the bike is powered by a 900cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine which also powers Bonneville Street Twin. This motor is now BS6/Euro-5 compliant and pushes out 64.1 bhp at 7,500rpm and a peak torque of 80 Nm at 3,200rpm. The engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
    The new Street Scrambler is underpinned by the same steel twin-cradle frame that is suspended on non-adjustable 41mm forks telescopic at front and preload-adjustable twin shocks at rear. Braking duties will be carried out by single disc brakes on both front and rear ends with calipers from Brembo and Nissin respectively. Safety is provided by dual-channel ABS as standard.
    2021 Triumph Street Scrambler
    Features on offer
    Speaking of features, Street Scrambler gets an analogue speedometer with LCD display, a 12-litre fuel tank, full LED illumination traction control and three ride modes- road, rain and off-road. For better off-road performance, it gets switchable ABS. One can expect it to be priced around Rs 9.00 lakh (ex-showroom) when launched in India. More

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    Hero Electric Scooter Sales Highest In Sep 2021 – Production To Increase

    Hero Electric Scooter Sales Sep 2021With increase in demand, Hero Electric plans to increase product current capacity of 1 lakh to 5 lakh units by March 2022
    Hero Electric, India’s largest electric two wheelers company, offers several electric scooters. Among the most popular Hero Electric scooters are Flash, Optima, Photon, NYX and Dash. These electric scooters, with FAME II and additional State Government subsidies are now attractively priced.
    Hero Electric Scooter Sales – Sep 2021
    In June 2021, FAME II subsidies for electric bikes was increased from Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 per kWh battery capacity with overall subsidy cap doubled to 40 percent of the cost of the two wheeler. Thanks to increase in fuel prices, electric scooter demand is on the rise. This can be see in the sales report of Hero Electric for Sep 2021. Last month, they sold more than 6,500 High-Speed vehicles
    Mr. Sohinder Gill, CEO, Hero Electric said, “Hero Electric has been on the forefront and leader in embarking the journey towards EV adoption in India. The industry has seen its biggest growth for EVs pertaining to the compressive approach and consumer-friendly policies, further propelling the demand for sustainable mobility solutions.
    With the increased awareness and better infrastructure, Hero Electric achieved a larger sale volume and eyes upward growth trajectory in the coming months. We look forward to the festive season and are all geared to meet the rising electric two-wheeler demand in the country.”
    Hero Optima Electric Scooter
    Following special incentives being offered by the State Governments, Hero Electric noted a sharp increase in sales for the first half of this year. The company sold a total of 15,000 electric scooters in the first 6 months of 2021 which is 5 times higher as against 3,270 units sold in the same period of 2020.
    July 2021 sales stood at 4,500 units, 10 times higher as compared to 399 units sold in July 2020. The company also saw increase in demand in July – Sep 2021 and a consistent growth in market share. Currently, Hero Electric commands 40 percent share in the electric two wheeler market.
    Rising Demand, Increased Production
    In view of rising demand, particularly so in the ‘City Speed’ segment, the company plans increase in capacity from a current 1 lakh units to over 5 lakh units by March 2022. Currently Hero Electric 13 electric two-wheeler across 6 platforms, divided into Low Speed (Comfort Speed or below 25 km/h) and City Speed (City Speed or around 40-45 km/h) categories.
    Hero Electric will be expanding capacity of its new production unit in Ludhiana while the company states that it plans to subsequently add to production capacities of one million every year with production targets set at over five million (50 lakh) electric two wheelers per year by 2026 as the company looks forward to a tremendous boost in electric mobility.
    Increased Dealerships and New Launches
    As of September 2021, Hero Electric has a total of 339 dealerships across 162 cities in the country. Plans are afoot to enhance these dealerships while the company also plans launch of exclusive experience showrooms in major cities to help create more awareness of electric vehicles in India.
    Naveen Munjal, MD, Hero Electric confirmed that the new Hero AE-47 electric motorcycle in the premium category, is ready for production. However with the current pandemic situation in the country, its launch has been delayed. The company plans to pay greater attention to launch of low cost electric two wheelers with the premium range pushed to a later date sometime in 2022. More

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    2022 Ford Mustang Dresses Up with New Appearance Packages

    Ford is adding two new appearance packages to the 2022 Mustang lineup.The Stealth Edition is available for the EcoBoost Premium model and features clear taillights and black trim.The California Special returns for the GT and features special badges, stripes, and suede interior bits.With all the hubbub surrounding the electric Mustang Mach-E, Ford is attempting to bring some more attention back to the classic pony car with a few new appearance options. The 2022 Mustang will offer a new Stealth Edition option for the base four-cylinder EcoBoost model, while the V-8–powered GT features an updated version of the classic California Special variant.

    The Stealth Edition’s most noticeable changes are the clear taillights shared with the previously revealed Ice White Edition and the black trim for the badges and side mirrors. It also has 19-inch wheels and a rear spoiler, plus a badge in the instrument cluster. Ford has yet to reveal a price for the Stealth Edition, but it will be an option package available on the EcoBoost Premium model and is offered with blue, grey, silver, or black exterior colors.

    GT California Special
    Ford

    The California Special, a familiar nameplate to anyone who has followed the Mustang’s history, is available for either the GT coupe or convertible. The latest version of the GT/CS features a black grille, stripes, badges, and a scoop on the rear fender. There’s a strut tower brace under the hood, while the coupe features a spoiler and the convertible comes standard with a spoiler delete. Suede trim is found inside, and the California Special can now be combined with the GT Performance Package that features upgraded brakes, suspension tweaks, a limited-slip differential, and a staggered 19-inch wheel and tire setup with Pirelli summer tires.Ford says that orders open for the 2022 Mustang lineup later this year, with cars arriving at dealerships in the first quarter of next year.
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    Yezdi Roadking, ADV Front View Spied 1st Time – Exhaust Note Has Throaty Sound

    Yezdi ADVMahindra-owned Classic Legends could unveil the all-new Yezdi range by end of this year
    A popular brand in 70s and 80s, Yezdi motorcycles are all set to be re-launched in their 21st century version. Frequency of road tests has increased in recent months, which indicates that the bikes could be unveiled soon. Yezdi nameplate has a strong connect with enthusiasts, who will surely like to give it a try. As of now, most of the original Yezdi bikes are largely collectors’ items.
    Yezdi Roadking styling
    Although the bike gets a modern makeover, the retro look and feel is evident in features such as circular headlamp and rear-view mirrors. Handlebar is ergonomically placed, making it suitable for long journeys. With centrally-placed footpegs, the bike ensures a comfortable riding stance.
    Tail section is largely non-existent, which helps achieve a scrambler look for the bike. The registration number plate is mounted on the rear tyre hugger. The bike has minimal fairing with parts of the frame exposed to ensure a muscular profile.
    Talking about hardware, the bike gets conventional telescopic forks at front and twin rear shock absorbers. It has spoke wheels shod with dual-purpose tyres. The rear is a wider unit as compared to the front tyre. The bike gets dual upswept exhaust. Disc brakes can be seen at both ends. ABS is expected to be offered as standard.
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    Yezdi ADV styling
    Based on the same platform, Yezdi adventure motorcycle and Roadking share quite a few components and features. Yezdi ADV gets round headlamp, tall visor, raised front fender, and fork gaiters. Latest spy video is credit to Kaif Nasir / Suyog.
    It has larger front wheel and rear smaller unit is shod with wider tyre. Similar to Royal Enfield Himalayan, Yezdi ADV gets dedicated luggage racks at front and rear. As compared to Himalayan, the horsey feel seems a little subdued on Yezdi ADV. Better clarity will emerge when the bike is unveiled.
    Engine options
    Roadking will primarily rival upcoming Royal Enfield Hunter 350. The latter will utilize the new 350cc engine that makes 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm. Yezdi ADV will take on Himalayan that is powered by a 411cc, air cooled, single cylinder, SOHC motor. It makes 24.3 bhp / 32 Nm.
    Yezdi Roadking
    Roadking could borrow the 293 cc, single cylinder, liquid cooled motor from Jawa. It is capable of generating max power of 27.3 ps and peak torque of 27 Nm. It is mated to a 6-speed constant-mesh transmission. It is also possible that Roadking could be powered by the 334cc motor currently in use with Jawa Perak. This unit makes 30.64 ps / 32.74 Nm and is coupled to a 6-speed gearbox.
    Yezdi ADV motorcycle could also get any of these two engine options. Engine performance parameters could be tweaked, as per the requirements of these bikes. If competitively priced, Yezdi bikes could emerge as a viable alternative to Royal Enfield motorcycles. It will be interesting to see how this segment evolves after Yezdi’s entry.
    Yezdi Roadking More

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    Dealers Suspect Chevrolet’s Bolt EV Recall Will Include Lots of Buybacks; GM Says No

    Chevrolet’s mass recall of the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV could cost GM almost $2 billion, which is why, as Inside EVs reported, some dealers are predicting a big buyback instead of widespread battery replacements.But GM reconfirmed to Car and Driver that the previously announced plan to replace the defective battery modules remains in place, adding that buybacks might be considered on a case-by-case basis.GM’s battery partner, LG, has started manufacturing replacement models for the Bolt batteries, and the first ones should be installed starting later this month.The ongoing cost of the recall that affects every single Chevrolet Bolt EV ever made is, according to some reports, around $1.8 billion. The main driver for the eye-popping number is the fact that GM’s solution to the recall is to replace at least some battery modules in all 110,000 Bolts that were sold in the U.S. The scale of this program has led some Chevy dealers to assume the automaker will implement a buyback program for the faulty EVs rather than pony up to replace the batteries.

    “[GM is] already going to pay half the value of the car with the new battery. Buybacks will be way cheaper for them,” an anonymous dealer told InsideEVs. There are other signs that the recall isn’t dampening the value of these electric vehicles, which are still under temporary safety suggestions from GM and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) not to overcharge or overdischarge the battery. Manheim Auctions, InsideEVs notes, is forecasting that a 2021 Chevy Bolt will only lose around $100 in value over the next 12 months. The result? Dealers are buying up lots and lots of Bolt EVs from customers looking to sell.But a buyback—a massive buyback, at least—is not in the official plans.”We haven’t changed our plan, which is to replace all battery modules in the 2017–2019 model year vehicle population and replace defective modules in the 2020–2022 model years,” a GM spokesperson told Car and Driver. “We continue to consider buyback requests on a case-by-case basis.”

    To catch you up on the Bolt recall situation, which also affects the Bolt EUV, the main problem is that there is a risk of the high-voltage battery pack catching fire. It has only happened around a dozen times, but the risk was large enough that GM and NHTSA made an initial recall announcement in November 2020. The problem stems from two rare manufacturing defects—a torn anode and a folded separator—that both need to be present in the same battery cell that supplier LG made for GM for a fire to potentially start. The two companies are now working together to find a solution. In late September, GM said it and LG had “identified the simultaneous presence of two rare manufacturing defects in the same battery cell as the root cause of battery fires in certain Chevrolet Bolt EVs.”Identifying that root cause allowed LG to resume battery and module production with an updated manufacturing process last month. Module replacements are supposed to start in mid-October, with the first batch going to Bolt EV and EUV customers “whose batteries were manufactured during specific build time frames where GM believes battery defects appear to be clustered,” GM said.Before the end of the year, GM will also release new diagnostic software that has been designed to “detect specific abnormalities that might indicate a damaged battery in Bolt EVs and EUVs.” GM said that with this new software and other fixes, Bolt EV and EUV owners should be able to use their cars as they did before.
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    TVS Building EV Charging Network For Upcoming Electric Scooters, Motorcycles

    File photo of a TVS motorcycle concept.TVS and Tata Power will be putting their focus on solar energy sources at the upcoming charging network
    Automakers are forming strategic alliances with firms that have resources to build a wide electric vehicle (EV) charging network across the country. TVS Motor Company is the latest automaker that has entered into a strategic partnership with Tata Power to create a large EV charging infrastructure to accelerate electric mobility in India.
    This charging network will be dedicated to electric two-wheelers in the country. As part of the MoU, the two firms agreed to drive a comprehensive implementation of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI) across India and deploy solar power technologies at TVS Motor locations.
    Focus On Solar Energy
    The partnership aims to create a regular AC charging network and a DC fast-charging network for electric two-wheelers. Both companies will look to explore opportunities to use solar energy to power select TVS Motor locations. This will also allow owners of TVS iQube electric scooter access to a widespread charging network through the TVS Motor customer connect app and Tata Power EZ Charge app across India.
    TVS has stated that it is focused on substantially enhancing customer convenience through world-class fast-charging solutions. The bikemaker intends to expand technologies in solar energy that will play a vital role in the shift towards clean energy adoption by consumers. With increasing concerns over climate change, renewable sources such as solar energy will play a key role going forward.
    TVS Creon Electric Scooter Concept
    In line with the company’s vision of electrification, Joint MD of TVS, Sudarshan Venu, said that the Hosur-based automaker envisages a wide and reliable charging infrastructure for two and three-wheeler EV customers across India. This will be powered by renewable sources of energy, such as solar.
    TVS has already revealed that they have a dedicated team which is working on range of upcoming electric vehicles which likely includes new e-scooters and e-motorcycles. It will also help TVS to increase footprints of iQube across the country.
    iQube Details
    TVS aims to increase presence of the electric scooter to 25 cities within the next few months. It is currently available in cities like Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Pune, Chennai, Kochi, Surat, Vizag, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Jaipur and Ahmedabad. iQube is currently priced at Rs 1.00 lakh (ex-showroom).
    TVS iQube Electric Scooter
    The e-scooter is powered by a hub-mounted BLDC electric motor which derives its energy from a 2.25kWh lithium-ion battery. This powertrain returns a peak output of 4.4kW and 140 Nm of torque. TVS claims a range of 75km on a single charge. It can achieve a top speed of 40kmph in Eco mode and 78kmph in Sport mode while the 0-40kmph acceleration time is 4.2 seconds.
    Tata Power Network
    Tata Power has an expansive network of over 5,000 home chargers and over 700 public chargers in more than 120 cities in India. The company is present across all segments of the EV eco-system– public charging, captive charging, home and workplace charging stations, and has deployed all types of chargers, including DC chargers and AC Chargers. More

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    Triumph Tiger 660 Makes Global Debut Ahead Of India Launch

    Triumph Tiger 660Much awaited Tiger 660 adventure motorcycle has made its global debut – It is offered in a choice of 3 colour options
    An adventure sports motorcycle, Triumph Tiger Sport 660 is based on Trident 660. The latter was launched in India earlier this year in April at a starting price of Rs 6.95 lakh (ex-showroom). Today, Tiger 660 has made its global debut. Launch in India is likely to take place in Jan 2022.
    Triumph Tiger Sport 660 design and features
    Although Tiger Sport 660 shares majority of its hardware with Trident 660, the bike has quite a few unique features. Starting at the front, Tiger Sport 660 gets sleek twin LED headlamps. The front fairing sports a pointy nose, which ensures a dominating road presence.
    The overall look and feel is further accentuated with the use of a large windscreen. This could be an adjustable unit. In comparison, naked Trident 660 features a neo-retro design theme. It is equipped with round headlamp.
    Talking about side profile, Tiger Sport 660 utilizes prominent radiator shrouds. The front fairing extends towards the sides, merging seamlessly with the fuel tank. On Tiger Sport, the fuel tank has a different design in comparison to that of Trident 660. It also can carry more fuel. Trident 660 can carry 14 litres of fuel, while Tiger 660 can carry 17 liters of fuel.
    Triumph Tiger 660
    Basic structure of the exhaust pipes and underbelly exhaust is largely the same in both bikes. Another difference can be seen in the seat and tail section of Tiger Sport. As compared to Trident 660, Tiger Sport has a longer seat with more space for the rider. The seat appears to be more comfy, as compared to that of Trident.
    Overall ergonomics have been tweaked to make Tiger Sport more suitable for long distance journeys. While Trident has a forward leaning riding stance, things are more upright with Tiger Sport. Making it possible are the centrally placed foot pegs and raised, wide handlebars.
    At the rear, Tiger Sport 660 has an elevated tail section with a narrow strip for mounting the number plate. In comparison, the number plate on Trident 660 is mounted on the swingarm linked tyre hugger unit.
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    Triumph Tiger Sport 660 engine
    Tiger 660 is powered by the same engine, as on offer with Trident 660. Even the max output specs are same. Triumph Trident 660 is powered by a 660cc liquid cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, inline 3-cylinder motor that is capable of producing 80 bhp of max power at 10,250 rpm and 64 Nm of peak torque at 6,250 rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed transmission. The bike is equipped with slip and assist clutch, which significantly reduces rider fatigue.
    The tubular steel perimeter frame on Tiger Sport looks the same as that of Trident. However, Tiger Sport seems to have an additional sub-frame at the rear. This is likely needed to support the weight of panniers and cargo at the rear.
    Triumph Tiger 660
    Other hardware components such as suspension and braking system are the same as that of Trident 660. The bike utilizes Showa 41mm USD forks at front and Showa monoshock RSU with preload adjustment at the rear. It has twin 310mm floating discs at front and single 255mm disc at rear. Dual-channel ABS is offered as standard. More

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    Honda Two Wheeler Sales Cross 50 Million Milestone – Activa No 1 Scooter

    Honda ActivaHonda Activa scooter has played a crucial role in helping the company achieve this milestone
    Honda Two-Wheelers has crossed the 5 crore / 50 million sales milestone in India. Having started its solo operations in 2001, following its separation from Hero MotoCorp, the company caters to a wide range of buyers with a host of motorcycles and scooters, each targeting a different customer base. Earlier this year, Hero MotoCorp celebrated 100 million sales milestone.
    Honda has achieved this milestone over past 2 decades. The first 1 crore (10 million) customer base was in the initial 11 years to touch a 2 crore sales milestone in 3 years and then on to 2.5 crores in 16 years. The fastest growth, at triple the speed, has been reported in the past 5 years when the next 2.5 crore customers were added taking a total tally to 5 crores. Best sellers from Honda include offerings such as the Activa, CB Shine, Dio, Grazia, Unicorn, Dream, CB350, etc.
    Honda Activa India’s Highest Selling Scooter
    Helping Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) on this momentous journey has been the Honda Activa. Launched in 2001, this scooter has many feathers in its cap. It is the country’s highest selling scooter and has been receiving several updates over the years. The Activa range consists of Activa 6G and Activa 125.
    The Dio scooter along with the Grazia have also added to the company success and both these models are set to get new variants as per documents filed with the RTO. Activa variants listed in the document include Activa 6G and Activa 6G LED. There will also be four variants of Dio listed as Dio, Dio with digital speedometer, Dio with 3D emblem, Dio with digital speedometer and 3D emblem, each of which get composite cast wheels.
    Honda Two Wheeler Sales Sep 2021
    Honda’s Journey 1999-2021
    Starting with the company’s incorporation in 1999, HMSI set up its first production unit in Manesar from where the Honda Activa made its debut. Exports of the company commenced in 2002 while the Unicorn 150cc marked its entry in 2004 while in the same year, the Activa scooter emerged as the No.1 brand in the country.
    In 2006, HMSI introduced the Shine 125cc motorcycle and in 2008, despite an economic slowdown, the company managed to sustain double digit growth. An industry first Combi-Brake System with equalizer technology was launched in 2009 and in 2011, the company opened its 2nd manufacturing unit in Tapukara, Rajasthan.
    Following its entry into the mass motorcycle 110cc segment in 2012, the company also inaugurated a new technical center with integrated SEDBQ function while a 3rd plant in Narsapura, Karnataka was opened in 2013. HMSI also introduced Honda Eco Technology (HET) contributing to improved mileage and in 2014, Honda Gold Wing GL1800 was introduced into the country.
    HMSI’s journey continued with more new models being introduced in 2015 while expansion with a 4th plant in Vithalapur, Gujarat was inaugurated in 2016. Honda Africa Twin came to India in 2017 and in 2018, the company achieved several milestones with 40 million sales, investment of Rs. 6.3 billion into the Vithalapur facility and exports crossing the 2 million mark. 2020 saw the introduction of a new lineup of scooters and motorcycles while in 2021, the company crossed the 5 crore unit mark in domestic markets among other achievements. More