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    Some Shady Ford Dealers Are Adding Markups to Bronco Pre-Orders

    The combination of a white-hot new car market, a slew of delays, and an incredibly sought-after product has worked out in Ford dealers’ favor. Across the country dealers are adding thousands if not tens of thousands of dollars of markups to Broncos on the lot. Those who want one today will have to pay up or get in line. But when you finally get to the front of the line, don’t assume you’re safe: Some shady dealers are trying to add huge markups to pre-ordered Broncos just days before delivery.

    That’s what happened to the couple that runs the Pipsburgh Views YouTube Channel. After about a year of waiting for their Bronco 4-Door Outer Banks—which they ordered from a dealership that the husband used to work at—the couple was notified six days before delivery that the dealer was adding $10,000 markup over the MSRP they had agreed to. Their $52,810 truck became a $62,000 hostage overnight. They countered with $5000 over sticker, already a wild concession, but the dealer isn’t sure whether to accept. After all, the business knows if the couple denies delivery they can sell it off the lot for a wild price.
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    Unfortunately, this doesn’t appear to be an isolated incident. Another user in a thread on the Bronco6G forum says his dealer tried to pull the same thing, forcing him to move his order. Another in a Facebook Group spotted by automotive writer Zerin Dube says that his dealer is trying to squeeze another $5000 out of him at the last minute. Others say that their dealer will not commit to a price until the truck comes in, reserving the right to add markups and effectively negating the purpose of ordering directly. And in these situations, many expect a call from Ford will clear things up. According to Ford spokesperson Mike Levine, that strategy might not get you far.”MSRP is MSRP,” Levine said in an email to Road & Track. “Dealers are independent franchises and ultimately the final price a customer will pay for any vehicle is agreed between themselves and a dealer that’s at, below, or above MSRP. If a customer isn’t happy with their dealer experience, our team can help them find a different dealer that’s a better match.”These markups are nothing new. American auto dealers have a history of adding money to hot, anticipated cars. But it’s particularly weird and predatory to add markups to special-order cars, especially when the original order was for a vehicle at MSRP. We must reiterate that you should never pay above sticker price for a vehicle that is not highly limited in production and even then you may not ever make that money back. The Bronco is good, but few cars ever have been worth tens of thousands over their sticker price.
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    All 2022 Mazda SUVs Will Come Only with AWD

    Mazda will make all-wheel drive standard on all CX SUV models starting for the 2022 model year.The updated 2022 CX-5 has already been revealed, but we haven’t yet seen what’s in store for the 2022 CX-9 and CX-30.Front-wheel drive was previously standard on each of these models, so their base prices are likely to rise.The CX-5 isn’t the only Mazda SUV that will now come standard with all-wheel drive. Mazda says that all 2022 CX models, comprising the CX-30, CX-5, and CX-9 crossovers, will no longer be offered with front-wheel drive as standard. We don’t yet have official word on how this will affect pricing, but it’s a sure bet that each of these models will have a higher base price for 2022, as AWD was previously a $1400 option on the CX-30 and CX-5 and a $1900 option on the CX-9.Mazda has already shared updates for the 2022 CX-5, which include a few interior upgrades and a freshened appearance. We haven’t heard details yet on the 2022 CX-30 or 2022 CX-9, so we’re not sure if they will receive any updates other than the newly standard all-wheel-drive system.

    We’re also curious to see how this shift affects future Mazda SUV models that could ride on the company’s new longitudinal platform and use its new inline-six engines. If all-wheel drive is standard on these upcoming vehicles, it means we’re unlikely to get a rear-wheel-drive version of the rumored CX-50 or a possible larger three-row model to replace the CX-9. Some luxury automakers do offer rear-wheel-drive versions of their SUVs, such as BMW’s sDrive versions of the X3 and X5.
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    TVS iQube Beats Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter In Aug 2021 Sales

    New Bajaj Chetak Electric ScooterDue to global shortage of semiconductors, electric two-wheelers are unable to reach full potential
    Intense rivalry between Bajaj Chetak and TVS iQube continues, with the latter registering MoM growth of 20.19% in August. Sales are at 649 units. In comparison, Chetak sales are down to 364 units in August from 730 units in July 2021. That’s MoM loss of more than 50%. In YoY terms, Chetak has gained 89.58% in comparison to 192 units sold in August last year. iQube YoY growth is much higher at 2721.74%, as compared to 23 units sold in August last year.
    iQube maintains lead in 2021
    Taken together, Chetak and iQube have sales of 1,013 units in August. YoY growth is 371.16%, as compared to 215 units sold in August last year. MoM numbers are down by -20.24%, as compared to 1,270 units sold in July 2021.
    Cumulatively, iQube is ahead of Chetak this year. During Jan-August period, iQube total sales are at 2,904 units in comparison to 2,355 units of Chetak. iQube was ahead in five months this year whereas Chetak has registered higher sales in April, May and July. iQube August sales are its highest ever this year. In comparison, Chetak highest sale this year was in July.
    Shortage of semiconductors
    Several auto companies including Bajaj are experiencing production constraints due to global shortage of semiconductors. Due to this, Chetak is only being sold in batches. Bookings are closed when a batch is sold out. The company had to close bookings multiple times since Chetak was launched last year in January.
    Bajaj Chetak vs TVS iQube Electric Scooter Sales Aug 2021
    Bookings are currently open for Chetak, but it will be closed again when the batch is sold out. Bajaj is not taking bulk bookings, as it does not want customers to be kept waiting for months.
    Threat from new rivals
    While there are several electric two-wheeler brands, Chetak and iQube are the only ones currently being manufactured by mainstream players. Normally, one would expect established players to achieve better results than start-ups. However, as things are unfolding now, it appears that start-ups and tech companies are taking the lead in electric two-wheeler segment.
    As this is a technology-driven space, anyone with better technology has the potential to emerge a winner. In recent times, better equipped scooters such as Simple One and Ola Electric have been launched. Ola recently opened bookings for its S1 and S1 Pro scooters, which have clocked sales worth more than Rs 600 crore in a single day. This is likely to be a new record in electric two-wheeler segment.
    Bajaj Chetak, TVS iQube electric scooter sales cross 5k in first 8 months of 2021
    These developments indicate that Chetak and iQube will have to prepare themselves for a tough fight ahead. They need to introduce consistent updates to improve overall customer experience. Things like range need to be increased whereas charging time should be reduced. Manufacturers also need to invest in developing battery charging infrastructure, so that customers can take their electric vehicles out on the streets without any doubts or concerns. More

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    Ola Electric Scooter Delivery Starts From Oct 2021 – 1st Batch Sold Out

    Ola Electric Scooter Delivery Dates Will Be From October 2021Series S electric scooters from Ola compete against a host of other e-scooters such as Ather 450X, Simple One, TVS iQube and Bajaj Chetak
    Ola Electric, the EV manufacturing arm of the riding hailing major, has claimed that it has been able to sell its electric scooters worth Rs 1,100s crore in just two days. This means if the claim is true, Ola might have sold over 1 lakh units of its recently launched scooters S1 and S1 Pro in the limited purchase window of two days.
    This development was confirmed by Ola CEO, Bhavish Aggarwal, on his Twitter handle. The e-scooters were supposed to go on sale on September 8 but were deferred by a week due to technical glitches on the company’s website. The scooters finally went live for sale at 8.00 AM on September 15 with the purchase window open for 48 hours until September 17.
    Ola Electric Scooter Record Sales In 2 Days
    Next Purchase Window
    Despite this delay in purchase start date, Ola CEO assured that customers would receive deliveries of their scooters as per the schedule. Customers who had already reserved the Ola scooter, when the company opened online reservations in July 2021, were given priority. The Ola electric scooter officially made its debut on August 15 at a starting price of Rs. 1 lakh (ex-showroom).
    Aggarwal further confirmed that reservations remain open on the company website at a nominal token amount of Rs 499. The next purchase window is slated to commence on November 1, just ahead of Diwali. It has also been revealed that those who had reserved but were not able to purchase the scooter in the previous window will be able to purchase in the next window.
    Ola Electric Scooter Delivery
    Ola Electric Scooter Delivery
    Those who have made the payment, have gotten details in their inbox about the delivery schedule. Ola Electric scooter delivery will start from October. As per the booking made, buyers have gotten delivery dates which range from October 2021 to January 2022.
    Ola Electric Scooter Delivery
    Ola has launched the Series S e-scooter in two forms- S1 and S1 Pro at respective prices of Rs 1.0 lakh and Rs 1.3 lakh (ex-showroom, excluding FAME II subsidies). Prices could go further down depending on the state subsidies on EVs offered by various state governments. Deliveries are expected to begin in October this year across 1000 cities and towns.
    OLa S1, S1 Pro Specs
    Coming to specifications, the base S1 variant is powered by a 2.98 kWh battery pack which offers a top speed of 90 kmph and a range of up to 121 kms on a single charge. On the other hand, S1 Pro is powered by a 3.97 kWh battery pack offering a top speed of around 115 kmph and a range of up to 181 kms. Both variants feature a mid-ship mounted 5.5kW electric motor which returns a peak output of 8.5 kW and 58 Nm.
    While S1 offers two ride modes- Normal and Sport, S1 Pro offers an additional mode called Hyper. Hardware setup on both variants comprises a tubular frame suspended on a single front fork and a rear mono-shock. Braking duties are handled by disc brakes on both wheels accompanied by a combined braking system. More

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    KTM India Sales, Exports Aug 2021 – Duke, RC 125, 200, 250, 390 ADV

    Image – Indori MotoroidsKTM domestic sales and exports dipped both in terms of YoY and MoM basis
    In August 2021, KTM domestic sales stood at 4,389 units, down 38.32 percent over 7,116 units sold in August 2020. De-growth was reported across the all models in the company lineup except for the KTM 250. The decline in sales is probably due to the fact that KTM is getting ready to launch their new RC range in India.
    KTM Domestic Sales – Aug 2021
    Topping the domestic sales list was the KTM 250. Sales of the KTM 250 range (Duke + ADV) increased marginally on a YoY basis by 3.81 percent to 1,444 units but saw a substantial MoM sales pitch with a 44.11 percent growth as against 1,002 units sold in July 2021.  Share in the company lineup increased from 22.54 percent held in July 2021 to 32.90 percent in the past month.
    Sales of KTM 200 (Duke + RC) with 1,428 units sold, were down 52.27 percent over 2,992 units sold in August 2020. MoM sales dipped 29.27 percent as against 2,019 units sold in July 2021. This model also commanded the share charts with a 32.54 percent share held in August 2021, down from 45.41 percent held in July 2021.
    Domestic sales of KTM 125 (Duke + RC) have dipped substantially on a YoY basis by 61.14 percent to 757 units, down from 1,948 units sold in August 2020. MoM sales remained flat at 749 units sold in July 2021, a growth of just 1.07 percent. Same was the case for KTM 390 that suffered YoY de-growth to 760 units in August 2021 down from 785 units sold in August 2020 while MoM sales increased 12.43 percent over 676 units sold in July 2021.
    KTM India Sales, Exports Aug 2021 vs Aug 2020 (YoY)
    KTM Exports
    Shipments to global markets dipped both in terms of YoY and MoM basis. August 2021 exports dipped 27.84 percent to 2,810 units, down from 3,894 units shipped in August 2020. In July 2021 shipments had stood at 6,832 units relating to a 58.87 percent MoM de-growth.
    KTM 390 (RC + ADV + Duke) was no longer the most in demand KTM for export market. KTM 390 range reported de-growth on YoY and MoM basis. Exports in August 2021 stood at 400 units, down 80.87 percent over 2,091 units shipped in August 2020. Shipments in July 2021 had been at 2,791 units, relating to an 85.67 percent de-growth.
    KTM 200 and 250 exports increased 76.56 percent and 108.04 percent respectively in August 2021 to 1,582 units and 828 units, up from 896 units and 398 units exported in August 2020. Exports dipped 23.76 percent and 31.46 percent respectively, over 2,075 units and 1,208 units exported during the previous month. Ending the month with nil exports was KTM 125 (RC + Duke). Exports in August 2020 had stood at 509 units while in July 2021 758 units were exported.
    KTM India Sales, Exports Aug 2021 vs Jul 2021 (MoM)
    KTM Electric Plans
    The electric vehicle segment is heating up with new offerings and large scale bookings. KTM and Husqvarna are working on electric two-wheelers which are likely to be built in India. However, it remains to be seen if these will actually be introduced to our markets. For now, Husqvarna seems to have readied an electric scooter (Vektorr) and an electric motorcycle (E-Pilen) – both of which were on display at the 2021 IAA recently in Munich. More

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    New Aprilia Scooter Spied Testing – 2022 SR 125, 160 Launch Planned?

    New Aprilia Scooter Spied In PuneThe nature of updates is unclear, but the updated SR 125 or SR 160 is expected to receive revised cosmetics and features
    Aprilia, over the past few years, has carved out a niche space for itself in the Indian two-wheeler industry as a premium brand. While its presence may not be as prominent as some of the other brands in the market but it surely knows a lot about making attractive and fun-to-ride two-wheelers.
    The Italian manufacturer might be looking to update some of the products in its portfolio in the coming future. A fully disguised prototype of what seemed like SR 125 or SR 160 was spotted recently in Pune. Images are credit to automotive enthusiast Priyam Chitransh, who shared the images on Rushlane Spylane Facebook Group. The test mule appears to be a mildly updated iteration of either one of the scooters.
    The SR range of scooters hasn’t got any serious updates ever since they were launched a few years back. In a market like India where competition is cut-throat, regular updates to a product are a key for success and longevity. The forthcoming update is most likely to be cosmetic in nature and there might be a few feature upgrades as well.
    Possible Updates
    A closer look at the recent spy shots suggests that it is most likely to be an updated SR 125. The most obvious indication here being a single-piece grab rail as opposed to the split grab rails offered in SR 160. Only the rear quarter end of the scooter is visible and it doesn’t give out a lot. The updates will surely be of a very subtle nature as nothing specific can be comprehended from these images.
    New Aprilia Scooter Spied In Pune
    The most significant addition seems to be a new instrument console which is fully digital. The existing SR range gets semi-digital cluster, unlike the SXR range – which gets full digital cluster. It is likely that the new SR range will get the full digital cluster from the SXR range in the next update. It will offer a range of information from the speedometer, tachometer, odometer, distance to empty and more.
    If Aprilia is generous, it could even offer connectivity technologies such as Bluetooth and smartphone connectivity. The company might even offer fresh colour schemes with the scooter.
    SR 125, SR 160 Specs
    There are unlikely to be any mechanical changes. Powering SR 125 is a 124.49cc, single-cylinder engine that pushes out 9.4 bhp at 7250rpm and a peak torque of 9.9 Nm at 6,250rpm. Suspension duties are handled by telescopic forks at front and a mono-shock at rear. Braking hardware consists of a single 220mm disc brake upfront and a 140mm drum brake at the rear.
    On the other hand, SR 160 is powered by a larger 160cc single-cylinder motor which cranks out 10.7bhp at 7600rpm and 11.6Nm at 6000rpm. It gets the same hardware configurations as its less powerful sibling. While SR 125 is priced between Rs 94,288 and Rs 96,811, SR 160 is currently available at a price of Rs 1.09 lakh – Rs 1.16 lakh (all prices ex-showroom). More

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    2022 Yamaha R125 And R3 Unveiled – Special Edition Colour Scheme

    2022 Yamaha R3Yamaha will soon update the YZF R15 in India – It will be christened as R15 V4 and R15M
    Yamaha has been a successful Grand Prix motorcycle racing team for 60 years now and to commemorate this occasion, the Japanese brand is launching a special edition of the 2022 R3 and R15 later this year. To showcase its MotoGP racing heritage, Yamaha has introduced a special 60th Anniversary livery on both faired motorcycles.
    60th Anniversary Edition
    Moreover, 2022 Yamaha R3 is now compliant with Euro-5 emission norms. Both feature common styling elements such as white paneling with red graphics in the speed block design, as well as a special emblem on the tank. Yamaha’s iconic speed block-style pattern on fairings adds that special retro touch to the package.
    Furthermore, the faired sports bikes are adorned by a continuous red paint stripe on the fuel tank and tail section. Other attractive highlights include a red front fender, a yellow paint at front apron to carve the numbers on it and golden-coloured alloy rims. The bikes look similar to Team Blue’s MotoGP test bike for the pre-season with the same livery.
    R3 Updates
    The biggest update is seen in the form of R3 making its return with a Euro-5 compliant engine. In order to achieve this, the Japanese bikemaker has tweaked the lower fairing cowl of R3 to incorporate a new catalytic converter.
    2022 Yamaha R3
    Rest of the specifications are similar to its predecessor. It continues to be powered by a 321cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin mill that churns out 41 bhp and 29.5 Nm of peak torque. This engine is paired with a 6-speed gearbox which gets a slipper and assist clutch.
    The bike is underpinned by a diamond tube frame which is sprung on gold-painted 37mm inverted forks at front and a mono-shock at rear. In addition to the 60th Anniversary paint scheme, Yamaha has offered the 2022 R3 in Icon Blue and Yamaha Black shades. In terms of features, it gets an all-LED illumination and a digital LCD instrument console.
    2022 Yamaha R125 Specs
    R125, on the other hand, gets a new dual-tone Icon Blue paint along with a dark matte blue colour option, apart from the 60th Anniversary Edition. It is powered by a 125cc liquid-cooled motor (with VVA) that dishes out 15 bhp and 11.5Nm of peak torque. This unit is coupled with a 6-speed gearbox and gets a slipper clutch as well. Suspension duties are handled by 41mm USD front forks and linked rear mono-shock. Its braking hardware consists of a 292mm front disc and a 220mm rear disc.
    2022 Yamaha R125
    With R3 now Euro-5 compliant, we can hope that it makes its re-entry in India soon. R125 is unlikely to make its way to India since the space is already occupied by YZF R15 which, interestingly, is scheduled to receive a major upgrade in the coming days. More

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    350cc Motorcycle Sales Aug 2021 – Classic, Meteor, Bullet, Electra, CB350

    Image – Throttle 98While domestic sales are down, exports have registered significant gains in YoY and MoM terms
    A total of 36,543 units were sold in August 2021, as compared to 46,177 units in August last year. YoY sales have declined by -20.86%. MoM growth is also negative at -6.38%, as compared to 39,034 units sold in July 2021. Top volume generators in domestic market are Classic 350 and Meteor 350. Royal Enfield’s market share in 350cc segment domestic market is more than 95%.
    350cc motorcycle exports in August 2021 were at 3,919 units. YoY growth has zoomed 2101.69%, as compared to 178 units exported in August last year. MoM export growth is at 48.00%, as compared to 2,648 units exported in July 2021. Majority of exports comprise Meteor, followed by CB350 and Classic 350.
    350cc motorcycles – Domestic sales
    Classic 350 continues to lead, even though YoY sales growth is negative. A total of 23,453 units were sold in August. YoY growth is down by -32.59%, as compared to 34,791 units sold in August last year. This dip in sales is likely due to launch of new-gen Classic 350. Sales in September are expected to be higher. Classic 350 commanded a market share of 88.36% in August. MoM growth is up 38.86%, as compared to 16,890 units sold in July 2021.
    Meteor 350 retains its second position in the list with sales of 6,381 units in August. Market share is at 24.04%. MoM growth is down by -34.73%, as compared to 9,777 units sold in July 2021. Due to rising input costs, Royal Enfield recently increased prices of Meteor by Rs 7k. Updated prices of Fireball, Stellar and Supernova variants are Rs 1.99 lakh, Rs 2.05 lakh and Rs 2.15 lakh, respectively.
    350cc Motorcycle Sales Aug 2021 vs Aug 2020 (YoY)
    Bullet 350 is third with sales of 3,699 units in August. YoY sales have close to halved, as compared to 7,257 units sold in August last year. Market share is at 13.94%. MoM numbers are down -48.14%, as compared to 7,133 units sold in July 2021.
    Next in the list is Electra 350 with sales of 1,963 units in August. YoY growth is down by -52.46%, as compared to 4,129 units sold in August last year. Market share is at 7.40%. MoM growth is down by -33.44%, as compared to 2,949 units sold in July 2021.
    Honda H’ness CB350 is fifth with sales of 1,047 units in August. Market share is at 3.94%. MoM sales have more than halved, as compared to 2,285 units sold in July 2021.
    350cc Motorcycle Sales Aug 2021 vs Jul 2021 (MoM)
    350cc motorcycles – Exports
    Meteor 350 leads in exports with a total of 2,378 units in August. Percentage share in exports is at 60.68%. Meteor has registered significant MoM growth of 36.90%, as compared to 1,737 units exported in July 2021. CB350 is second best in exports with 822 units in August. Share in exports is at 20.97%. There’s a marginal dip of -2.26% in MoM growth. CB350 exports in July were at 841 units.
    Classic 350 is third in the list with exports of 719 units in August. YoY numbers are up by 303.93%, as compared to 178 units exported in August last year. Share in exports is at 18.35%. Other bikes, Bullet and Electra have zero exports in August. More