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      in Motor News

      Next-Gen Honda CR-V Spied, Shows Clean Design while Testing

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      Spiedbilde/Brian Williams

      The next generation of Honda’s CR-V has been spied testing in Germany, and it appears to have a clean design, with fewer trim pieces adorning the grille and front bumper.The CR-V prototype might be longer than the current generation, which suggests Honda might include a tight third-row to better compete with the VW Tiguan and Mitsubishi Outlander.The sizable hood suggests the CR-V will still feature a gasoline engine, but a hybrid version is also likely to be offered; an EV may also be in the cards.The current, fifth-generation Honda CR-V is not only Honda’s bestselling vehicle, but it’s also one of the top-ranking compact crossovers on the market, earning a Car and Driver Editors’ Choice award every year since going on sale in 2017. While the CR-V is still one of our favorite crossovers, the current version is starting to show its age, and the next-generation CR-V has now been spotted testing in Germany.

      Spiedbilde/Brian Williams

      Although the CR-V prototype wears a swirling camouflage wrap, we can still make out a simpler front end, with the grille ditching the layers of trim elements on the current generation for a clean mesh design. The headlights look slimmer and less angled, and the overall front fascia appears to follow in the footsteps of the upcoming 2023 HR-V. The front bumper appears a lot less blocky, but its hard to tell what other styling features the camouflage might be hiding.

      Spiedbilde/Brian Williams

      The CR-V prototype looks like it might be longer than the outgoing version, which might allow Honda to squeeze in a third row. This would allow the CR-V to better compete with the Volkswagen Tiguan and Mitsubishi Outlander, which previously had the compact-three-row market to themselves. The rear of the vehicle is heavily disguised, and it’s not obvious whether the tall, vertical taillights will return or if horizontally oriented units will take their place.

      Judging by the CR-V’s proportions, Honda’s bestseller will likely continue to offer an internal-combustion engine, probably with both pure gasoline and hybrid setups. This next generation of CR-V could also spawn a full EV variant, but don’t expect that to arrive for a few years. Honda is set to launch a new electric crossover called the Prologue in 2024, the first Honda using General Motors’ Ultium battery packs as part of a new partnership, and the electric CR-V could debut after the Prologue and use similar technology. The gasoline-powered CR-V is expected to debut at some point in 2022 and could go on sale for either the 2022 or 2023 model years.
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      Top 10 Two Wheelers Jul 2021 – Splendor, Activa, Platina, Jupiter

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      New Hero Splendor Colour. Image – RGB BikesTop 10 two-wheeler cumulative wholesales posted at 8.21 percent growth for July 2021
      Two wheeler sales in India is always an exciting space to watch considering the sheer volume of vehicles sold each month. Despite market disruptions owing to covid-19, two wheeler wholesales are being reported at decent volumes.
      The larger picture in 2 Wheeler market size is measured in terms of value (crore) and units sold (lakh). On a year-on-year basis, both the segments have been making breakthroughs to strive for an increase in total value and volume.
      Hero continues to dominate the 2 wheeler segment with majority market share and is followed by Honda Motorcycles & Scooters India. It’s difficult to disrupt this order as both manufacturers have a high volume product in a segment where they don’t compete with each other. This allows for new highs where growth and sales is considered.
      In fact both manufacturers have two products each that help build sales volume to gargantuan levels at over a lakh units each at the very minimum. In simple words, any one of these two-wheelers sells in more numbers than what other manufacturers are able to sell in total in each month.
      Top 10 Motorcycles Jul 2021
      Top 4 two wheelers sold
      Of the top 10 two wheelers sold, in July 2021, Hero Splendor sales is reported at just over 2.5 lakh units at 17.52 percent growth. Volume growth stood at 37,381, up from 2,13,413 units at market share of 27.31 percent. Honda Activa scooter sales grew to 1,62,956 units at 37.10 percent growth. Volume growth stood at just above 44k units.
      Honda CB Shine sales grew to 1,16,128 units, up from 88,969 units at volume growth of 27,159 units. Of the top order, Hero HF Deluxe sales fell to 1,06,304 units, down from over 1.5 lakh units at volume loss of 47,838 units at 31.04 percent decline. While the numbers are out there to gauge, the comparison isn’t fully insightful keeping in mind disruptive market conditions for the comparable periods.
      Top 10 two-wheeler sales for July 2021
      For the Bajaj Pulsar range, sales fell to just over 65k units, down from 73,836 units at volume loss of 8,742 units at 11.84 percent decline. Bajaj Platina sales growth was fairly positive at 55.56 percent. Sales rose to 54,606 units, up from 35,103 units at volume gain of 19,503 units.

      No
      Top 10 2Wheelers
      Jul-21
      Jul-20
      %

      1
      Hero Splendor
      2,50,794
      2,13,413
      17.52

      2
      Honda Activa
      1,62,956
      1,18,859
      37.10

      3
      Honda CB Shine
      1,16,128
      88,969
      30.53

      4
      Hero HF Deluxe
      1,06,304
      1,54,142
      -31.04

      5
      Bajaj Pulsar
      65,094
      73,836
      -11.84

      6
      Bajaj Platina
      54,606
      35,103
      55.56

      7
      TVS XL100
      49,279
      58,403
      -15.62

      8
      Suzuki Access
      46,985
      23,171
      102.78

      9
      TVS Jupiter
      38,209
      48,995
      -22.01

      10
      Bajaj CT100
      27,962
      33,774
      -17.21

      –
      Total
      9,18,317
      8,48,665
      8.21

      The only moped putting on a show, TVS XL100 continues its showing in the top 10. Wholesales however fell by over 15 percent, down to just below 50k units from 58,403 units. Volume loss is reported at 9,124 units.
      Suzuki Access scooter wholesales doubled at 46,985 units, up from just over 23k units. TVS Jupiter sales fell by 22 percent, down to 38,209 units from 48,995 units. Bajaj CT100 sales fell to 27,962 units from 33,774 units. Wholesales fell by 5,812 units at 17.21 percent decline. In total, top 10 two-wheelers’ cumulative wholesales stood at 9,18,317 units at 8.21 percent sales growth. Volume growth stood at just below 70k units, up from 8,48,665 units. More

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      in Bike

      Joy Electric Motorcycles, Scooters Dealer Network Increases To 98 In Gujarat

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      Joy Electric MotorcycleJoy e-bike electric two-wheelers sales growth being fuelled by onboarding new dealerships to widen market reach
      Joy e-bike electric two-wheelers are designed keeping in mind factors such as durability, customer satisfaction and other concerns based on the varied aspects of customer requirements. The company strives to launch electric vehicles that address transport needs in accordance with customer needs.
      They intend to enhance company status by introducing new designs and innovative ideas from time to time. With aims to sell more e-scooters, Joy e-bike is taking into consideration attracting the youth who are looking for easy to operate and sustainable ways to commute.
      This subset of customers is further being helped through a defined subsidy policy in Gujarat. Twenty new dealerships with sales ad service facilities have been inaugurated. This takes its dealership network tally to 98 across major locations in the state.
      Sustainable growth
      Having launched the business with plans to fuel rapid growth, the company aims to distribute a larger number of electric two-wheelers to fully cover the market demand. As a result of expansion, the company is looking for dealer partners to increase its nationwide presence. They haven’t yet announced future plans where international business is concerned.
      Joy Electric Scooter
      Joy e-bike is using its industry experience and expertise in building a dealership network across the country for its customers. And is committed to providing customer satisfaction by consistently offering the best service standards with an impeccable quality. Dealerships would provide a variety of services, including customer care service, and maintenance services, among others.
      The aim is to better the electric two-wheeler riding experience for customers by providing them with a wide variety of electric scooters and motorcycles. This takes into consideration after-sales service at competitive prices for a hassle free experience, and cost effective ownership experience.
      100 dealerships in Gujarat
      WardWizard Innovations and Mobility Ltd is confident its dealerships will provide excellent customer service in the industry. With business expansion still underway, the company has a lot of scope for expansion. In time, Joy e-bike is looking to spread its business to a larger number of suburbs and towns. With a dealership network of over 300, the company has an ongoing insurance arrangement with Bajaj Allianz for its customers.
      Sheetal Bhalerao, Chief Operation Officer, WardWizard Innovations and Mobility Ltd said, “We are committed to increasing the availability of Joy e-bike electric scooters and motorcycles by expanding our reach and further penetrating the market. With the support of the Gujarat State Electric Vehicle policy 2021, we aim to sell more than 10,000 electric two-wheelers and strengthen our presence with more than 100 dealerships in the state by the end of the financial year 2022. Our new dealerships will provide our customers with an opportunity to select the best model as per their requirements and cater to all their after-sale service requirements.” More

    • 138 Shares139 Views

      in Motor News

      Ford Bronco Riptide Is a Beachgoing SUV Thanks to New Accessories

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      The Ford Bronco Riptide is a custom-built concept designed, Ford says, for a “West Coast lifestyle.”The Riptide features an LED light bar, mirror-mounted off-road lights, a Bestop mesh top, and prototype mounts to attach the two Almond surfboards overhead.The Riptide is based on a four-door Bronco with the Sasquatch package and the optional EcoBoost 2.7-liter V-6. After delays due to coronavirus-related supplier issues, production of the much-awaited 2021 Ford Bronco finally began in June, and over the past month reservation holders have started to receive their brand-new off-roaders. Now Ford has unveiled the 2021 Bronco Riptide concept, a custom-built vehicle designed to show off how Bronco buyers can use the Ford accessories available at their local dealership to give their Bronco a unique, personal feel.

      Ford

      Bronco color and materials designer Missy Coolsaet explains that the Bronco Riptide was designed for “a customer who enjoys the open air and a free-spirited West Coast lifestyle,” and with two Almond surfboards strapped on top, the project certainly calls to mind stereotypical Californian imagery. The Bronco Riptide is based on a 2021 four-door Bronco with the Sasquatch package, which brings all of the off-road goodies—like 35-inch tires and Bilstein shock absorbers—and should make the Riptide especially nimble over beach dunes.

      Ford

      Ford

      The Bronco Riptide is painted in Velocity Blue, a factory color option available on 2021 Broncos which, Ford says, “is meant to evoke tropical ocean hues.” The interior is a subtle mix of Black Onyx and Dark Space Gray, and the rubberized washout flooring will come in handy when you emerge from the waves covered in sand. The Riptide includes many factory- or dealer-installed accessories, including a Rigid LED light bar, mirror-mounted auxiliary off-road lights, and a Bestop mesh top. The two surfboards are affixed on two prototype crossbars, and the steel front bumper is a prototype designed by Ford specifically for the Riptide.

      The Riptide concept comes with the optional EcoBoost 2.7-liter V-6, producing 330 horsepower and mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Customers can order the Riptide parts from their dealership when buying a Bronco, Ford says.
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    • 150 Shares179 Views

      in Motor News

      Report Suggests Mercedes Is Pulling Most V-8s out of U.S. for 2022

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      A post on Reddit’s r/cars forum claims that Mercedes-Benz will suspend almost all sales of cars with V-8 engines, including all Mercedes-AMGs, from the U.S. for the 2022 model year.The poster claims to have proof in the form of a memo provided to dealers. The memo says Mercedes plans to confirm the change next month. Forum moderators say they have confirmed the validity of the memo but did not post it to the site in an attempt to protect the identity of the user. Mercedes-Benz did not confirm the details of the report but sent us a statement that repeats the language quoted on the Reddit post. UPDATE 8/16/21, 3:00 PM: Car and Driver has been in touch with the Reddit user who posted the original thread. The user shared a document with us that is allegedly a communication from Mercedes-Benz to its U.S. dealers. The document’s phrasing matches that of a statement provided to us separately by Mercedes-Benz. It lists 17 2022 model-year V-8 vehicles that dealers would no longer be able to order or schedule for production on behalf of their customers. Mercedes-Benz has not explicitly confirmed the validity of these reports.A post this weekend on Reddit’s popular r/cars forum reports that Mercedes-Benz is set to announce that it will suspend sales of almost all of the brand’s V-8-powered cars in the U.S. for the 2022 model year. The user behind the initial post—who has said in other posts on Reddit that they run a car dealership—claims to have seen a memo to that effect, purportedly provided to U.S. dealerships in order to warn them of the coming change. The forum’s moderators say that the user provided proof of the memo to them—Jalopnik says it’s seen it, too—but did not post the proof publicly in an attempt to protect the identity of the original poster.

      If this report turns out to be true, it would signal a pause on U.S. sales of Mercedes’ C63, GLC63, E63, GLE580, GLS580, GLE63, GLS63, GLS600 Maybach, G550, G63. The V-8-powered S580 and S580 Maybach would be spared, per the mysterious memo. One commenter on the r/cars post claimed that an order they had placed for a 2022 Mercedes-AMG E63S sedan had been canceled by the dealer. That user claimed that their dealer showed them a memo similar to the one cited in the original post by way of explaining the cancellation.It’s unclear, from the small chunk of text posted by forum moderators as proof, whether the suspension of these models would be temporary or permanent. The text included in the post references “various global, external and internal requirements, as well as several other factors, including but not limited to challenges in the supply chain” as reasons for the sudden change. A statement Car and Driver received from Mercedes-Benz, which did not explicitly confirm the lineup change, used the same language. The supply chain problems will probably clear up in time, but if the “external and internal requirements” the memo mentions refer to changing emissions regulations, this move could foreshadow more permanent changes to Mercedes’ lineup. Mercedes has already said it would be “ready” to go all-electric by the end of the decade “where market conditions allow.”We’ll update this page if and when Mercedes confirms the changes to its 2022 lineup. Additional reporting by Caleb Miller.
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      in Bike

      Two Wheeler Dealer Satisfaction Survey 2021 – Honda, TVS, Suzuki, Royal Enfield

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      Image for reference. Credit – Throttle98Honda in two-wheeler, Bajaj in three-wheeler and Eicher Motors in commercial vehicle hold pole positions in respective segments
      Recently, a report based on the results of Dealer Satisfaction Study 2021 was published on our website. The survey was conducted by Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) across the country and shows the extent to which auto dealerships in India are satisfied with their respective OEMs.
      The study was conducted in association with a Singapore-based consultancy firm- PremonAsia. While the previous article focused on dealers of the four-wheeler segments, this story will concentrate on the rest of the segments including two-wheeler, three-wheeler and commercial vehicle (CV) segments.
      At the Overall Industry Level, Dealers attach high importance of 27 percent on Business Viability, making it a highly critical aspect where OEMs need to exhibit greater sensitivity, particularly since the current satisfaction level on this factor is weak. On the positive side, dealers feel that products, both in terms of quality and range, by and large, meet the expectations of end customers’ current needs though, its evolution in the future will require more frequent refreshes.
      Two-Wheeler Segment
      The two-wheeler segment scored a dealership satisfaction index of 626 out of 1000 which is below the average industry index of 657. The biggest concern in this segment highlighted by the study is that OEMs are not open to Dealer inputs in terms of improving dealership cost structure from a viability and policy point of view. Apart from this dealers complained that there is no support from OEMs on buyback of dead stocks of parts.
      FADA Dealer Satisfaction Survey 2021
      On the brighter side, however, dealers were satisfied in the way OEMs were fair in acceptance and rejection of warranty claims. While Honda lagged far behind in satisfying the expectations of its dealer partners in the four-wheeler segment, it fared decently enough by topping the charts with 693 points. Surprisingly, Royal Enfield was the least favourable of all two-wheeler brands with a dealership satisfaction index of meager 540.
      Commercial Vehicle Segment
      Commercial vehicle segment also didn’t perform exceptionally well with a dealership satisfaction index of only 621. The study revealed that OEMs in this segment need to guide dealers in improving sales efficiency & controlling cost of sales. On the positive side, though, dealers are happy about the overall product range and quality of fully built vehicles.
      Dealers are also satisfied since they could directly communicate with OEMs senior leadership team for discussing business viability and long-term policies. Eicher Motors secured the maximum dealership satisfaction index with 669 points while Force Motors lagged behind at the last spot with 570 points.
      Three-Wheeler Segment
      The three-wheeler segment scored the least dealership satisfaction index of only 610 with Bajaj Auto outscoring other brands. While exact causes of concern have not been revealed in this report, it can be assumed there are plenty of concerns for dealers in this segment that need to be addressed by respective OEMs. More

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      New Bajaj Pulsar 250 Launch In Nov 2021 – Confirms Rajiv Bajaj

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      Bajaj Pulsar 250F Render ImageUpon its launch, Pulsar 250 will rival other quarter-litre bikes such as KTM Duke 250, Suzuki Gixxer 250, Yamaha FZ25 and its own sibling Dominar 250
      Pulsar brand of motorcycles have been one of the biggest contributor to Bajaj’s success in the Indian motorcycle market in the last two decades. Over the years, there have been many iterations of the bike depending on engine configurations and body styles. The bikemaker has already made its intentions clear of expanding this range of motorcycles by introducing new models into the market.
      The next big launch from Bajaj which will wear the ‘Pulsar’ moniker will most likely be Pulsar 250. In an interview with CNBC TV18, Bajaj MD, Rajiv Bajaj has revealed that they will be launching the biggest Pulsar motorcycle till date in November this year.
      November 2021 is when Pulsar brand will also celebrate its 20th anniversary. What better timing, to launch the biggest, most powerful Pulsar yet. Though Rajiv Bajaj did not reveal that it is the Pulsar 250, he did confirm “biggest Pulsar we have ever made.” Bajaj MD also confirmed that it will be based on an all new platform, which will then make its way down to all the other Pulsar range over the next 12 months.
      Bajaj Pulsar 250 Spied Testing
      Bajaj Pulsar 250 is expected to be on offer in three variants. One will be naked or NS250, the other will be fully faired RS250 and the third is expected to be semi-faired 250F. These names are not yet confirmed. All three motorcycles have been spied testing in the past few weeks.
      Bajaj Pulsar 250 spied. Image – Omkar Katekar
      A digitally rendered image of the upcoming Pulsar 250 previews a possible production-spec design. The digitally imagined Pulsar 250, on its first glance, looks like a confluence on Pulsar NS200 and Dominar 250. For instance, the LED headlight cluster seems to have been inspired by Dominar 250 while split seats, split pillion grab rails, rear cowl and alloy wheels look uncannily similar to Pulsar NS200.
      The designer has also incorporated a Pulsar branding on the fuel tank and also a lovely decal on its extensions reading ‘250’. It also features a freshly designed side-mounted exhaust setup which is short and upswept. The blue colour with white highlights give the motorcycle a nice and pleasant look. Its suspension setup consists of conventional telescopic forks at front and a monoshock at rear as seen in the recently spotted test mule.
      Expected Powertrain & Features
      This rendered design also gets a large radiator for the liquid-cooling system that wasn’t present in the test prototype. There is still a lot of ambiguity regarding its powertrain. Some are suggesting that Bajaj will introduce a brand new 250cc single-cylinder oil-cooled engine that will be good enough for 24 bhp and 20 Nm of peak torque.
      Whereas, there is another school of thought which believes that the manufacturer will utilise the already existing 248.77cc single-cylinder, DOHC, liquid-cooled motor which powers Dominar 250 and corresponding KTM Duke and Huskies. This unit spits out 27 bhp at 8,500rpm and a peak torque 23.5 Nm at 6,500rpm. It will be interesting to see which one does Bajaj opt for. In either case, it is expected to be paired to a six-speed gearbox probably with a slipper clutch.
      In terms of features it is expected to be offered with single disc brakes on both ends complemented by a dual-channel ABS as standard. It is also likely to come with a fully digital console with smartphone connectivity and multiple riding modes. More details are likely to head out way in the coming weeks.
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      Brekr Electric Motorcycle Debuts With Two Removable Batteries – 160 Kms Range

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      BREKR Electric Motorcycle Model BBrekr Model B gets the option to install two removable battery cases which can return a range of up to 160km on a single charge
      India saw the launch of two new electric scooters a few hours ago – Simple One and Ola. Heads of both companies, could not have been more clear on the fact that we are on the cusp of an EV revolution.
      The fact that more and more new products get revealed each day is a testament that it is just the beginning of future. Another example of an electric two-wheeler named Brekr Model B – all electric motorcycle.
      The Netherlands-based EV manufacturer has been able to carve out a piece of unique machinery with literally no chunky body panels. As unique as it looks, the electric motorcycle stands out despite a minimalist design. While the motorcycle might look very simple and straightforward, it does get its fair share of intricate details.
      Unique Design
      The e-bike is based on a unique frame which is a combination of a double-cradle and twin-spar frame. Instead of installing flashy armoury around its frame, the EV startup kept the motorcycle naked which resulted in a lightweight two-wheeler weighing a meager 75 kilos. This also includes a 9kg battery pack. Despite the aluminum frame being so light, it can easily carry two people. The company also offers a seven-year warranty on the chassis.
      BREKR Electric Motorcycle Model B
      Specifications
      Speaking of the battery, Brekr B uses an innovative battery tech that has been built from high-power 18650 cells. The removable 40.2Ah battery pack feeds energy to a 4kW electric motor which has been rated to provide 2.5kW (3.35 bhp) of continuous power. The peak output is rated at 5.4 bhp and 140 Nm of torque. The electric motor can reach a top speed of 45kmph or but can be restricted to 25kmph if required.
      This powertrain returns a range of 50-80km on a single charge. If someone wishes for more range, they can plonk an extra battery pack and increase the range up to 160km. The company claims each battery pack requires five hours to rejuvenate completely.
      Getting into details of its dynamics, Brekr Electric Motorcycle has used USD forks upfront which offer 100mm travel while the rear gets dual shock absorbers which offer 60mm travel. Braking duties are handled by a 220mm disc at front and a 180mm disc at rear.
      BREKR Electric Motorcycle Model B
      Features on offer
      Despite the two-wheeler adopting a minimalistic design, it is fairly well equipped with features. Some of them include all-LED lighting and mobile connectivity as standard. Since electric mobiles are known to be very silent, Brekr has equipped the model with two 8W speakers so the traffic or pedestrians might be alerted that a vehicle is approaching them.
      At EUR 4,499 (approx. INR 3.92 lakh), Brekr Model B isn’t exactly very affordable. Therefore, it isn’t landing on Indian shores anytime soon. However, if someone wishes to own an electric two-wheeler, they can look into newly launched Ola Electric scooter or Simple One. More