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      Subaru Teases Another Wilderness Model, Possibly the Ascent

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      After releasing the Outback Wilderness earlier this year, Subaru is expanding the all-terrain trim to a new model, showing two teaser images.The images don’t show which model it will be, but we expect it to be the Ascent three-row SUV.Expect a minor suspension lift, all-terrain tires, and lots of Wilderness-specific trim when Subaru reveals the new model in the near future.Earlier this year, Subaru showed off the Outback Wilderness, a new trim level that took the already rugged wagon-turned-crossover and prepped it for more serious off-road duties. Now Subaru is applying the Wilderness badge to a new member of their lineup, with two teasers hinting that it might be the Ascent three-row crossover.

      Subaru

      Though the tightly cropped teaser images don’t reveal much, the first photo shows the Wilderness badge adorning the door next to chunky plastic wheel arch cladding while the second image features most of the front door and fender. We think it is the Ascent judging by the shape of the front end and the fact that, as Subaru’s largest crossover, it is already well-suited vehicle for camping and other excursions. The Forester or the Crosstrek are likely candidates for the Wilderness treatment, too, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see Subaru’s entire crossover lineup gain this trim at some point.

      Regardless of the model, Subaru’s next Wilderness model will likely have similar modifications as the Outback. We can already see that it sports the same Geyser Blue paint, and we expect a suspension lift—the Outback gains 0.8 inches for 9.5 inches of total ground clearance. Redesigned bumpers should create better approach and departure angles and model-specific wheels will come wrapped in all-terrain rubber. Other visual changes could include a front skid plate, roof rack, and a unique grille, and while the engine should remain unchanged, there might be some retuning of the transmission. Like the Outback Wilderness, the interior will probably feature StarTex, a water-repelling fabric.We expect to hear more about this mysterious Wilderness model soon, although Subaru didn’t say when more information would be released.
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      Toyota Avalon Sedan Will End Production in 2022

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      2022 will be the last model year for the Toyota Avalon large sedan.Toyota has confirmed that production will end in August 2022.First introduced in 1994, the Avalon has offered five generations in the U.S.Toyota will drop the Avalon large sedan from its lineup after the 2022 model year, as first reported by Automotive News and confirmed to C/D by a Toyota spokesperson. Production will end in August 2022 at Toyota’s plant in Georgetown, Kentucky, where the company also builds the Camry and Lexus ES sedans.

      The Avalon is currently in its fifth generation and has been on sale in the U.S. since 1994. Positioned above the Camry mid-size sedan, it competes in the dwindling large sedan segment that has seen numerous competitors die off in recent years. Apart from the Toyota, the Nissan Maxima, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 are the only vehicles in this segment still on sale after the cancelations of the Chevy Impala, Hyundai Azera, Kia Cadenza, and Ford Taurus.The fifth-generation Avalon was introduced for the 2019 model year and offers either a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, a 2.5-liter inline-four with all-wheel drive, or a hybrid drivetrain with a 2.5-liter inline-four. It sold 10,328 units through the first half of 2021 and a total of 18,421 units in 2020, similar numbers as the Maxima but far behind the Charger, which sold 42,103 units in the first half of 2021.Toyota says that there will be no changes for the 2022 Avalon. After production ends in the fall, the company will continue to sell leftover inventory through the end of next year.
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      Simple Energy Electric Scooter Bookings Open On 15th Aug – Production Plant Details

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      Simple Energy Electric Scooter Prototype and Manufacturing PlantSimple Energy has set its target at manufacturing a million units annually – In the first phase
      Bangalore-based Simple Energy has big goals for its production plant at Hosur, Tamilnadu. The company is set to begin production operations later in 2021. An investment of Rs 350 crores has being earmarked over the next 2 years to increase the manufacturer’s footprint in India. This is in sync with the fast-paced EV industry’s growth.
      The first phase of the factory is spread across 2 Lakh sq ft. Production capacity is pegged at upto 1 million (10 lakh) units annually. To begin with, processes will create 1,000 jobs. Sustainable increase in its manufacturing capacity is aimed to meet the rising demand of electric two-wheelers. At the same time it gives fillip to the concerted focus on a future that progresses through an electrification drive.
      Simple One electric scooter launch
      Simple Energy is set to launch its first flagship electric scooter, Simple One on August 15, 2021. Bookings will open on the same date, reveals their CEO. Deliveries are expected to start later this year. To be synonymous with superior quality products in automobiles, Simple Energy is full focused on increasing production capacity.
      Being a modern day manufacturer, the company would rely on global best practices in production processes. In establishing itself as a strong force in India’s new age market, Simple Energy would stick to its brand philosophy of offering high-quality products at affordable prices while catering to a growing market.
      Bookings open on 15th Aug. Deliveries expected to start before Jan 2022 – Simple Energy CEO
      Suhas Rajkumar, Founder, and CEO of Simple Energy said, “This is a huge milestone for Simple Energy. Although we aim to lead electric mobility in the country, we will now be able to cater to a larger audience faster than ever. We look forward to the launch on 15th August to embark on this remarkable initiative.” Simple Energy will be launching its first flagship electric scooter, the Simple One on 15th August. Prices are expected to be in the Rs 1.1-1.2 lakh range, ex-sh.
      Clean vehicles in India
      The EV industry in India appears to have gotten just the impetus it needed with large number of new companies having turned manufacturers. With investments soaring, sales and marketing networks are being developed. Alongside, the EV charging infra too is growing. This could help in increasing the adoption of electric vehicles.
      The idea of independent EV manufacturing brands with the best technology and state-of-the-art facilities is fairly new. For the longest time electric vehicles have been a concept rather than a convenience.
      But that scenario is quickly evolving. The market for clean vehicles in India is moving from strength to strength. Opportunities and forecasts have prompted electric two wheeler manufacturers to make efforts in building an electric automobile manufacturing ecosystem in India. Of course this has to be sustainable and non-polluting. More

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      Ather Bangalore Center Records Electric Scooter Sales Worth Rs 10 Cr In July 2021

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      Ather Electric ScooterHuge response to the Ather electric scooters has resulted in the company opening experience centers in 13 cities across India
      Bengaluru based, electric two-wheeler manufacturer, Ather Energy has been seen outstanding success of their electric scooters. Following the revisions in the FAME II Scheme, prices of the scooter become cheaper by Rs 14,500 to buyers in Bengaluru and by Rs 13,500 for the Ather 450X and 450 Plus in New Delhi.
      Tarun Mehta Co-Founder and CEO of Ather Energy expects electric scooter market share to be above 40% of the total scooter sales of India. And the rate at which electric scooter demand is growing, some might even consider Tarun’s target to be achieved even faster.
      Ather Bangalore Experience Center
      Ather Energy has announced today that their single experience center in the city of Bangalore has generated sales of Rs 10 crores in the month of July 2021. Ather says that this is double the business done by brands which sell petrol scooters. And that too from a showroom which is half the size (in comparison to ICE scooter showroom).
      Ather Energy started this calendar year with a new showroom opened in Mumbai in January 2021 followed by showrooms across Pune and Ahmedabad in February 2021. Ather Experience Centers are now located in cities of Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Vizag, Calicut, Trichy, Delhi, Indore.
      Ather 450x in Pune
      Ather now targets 30 new showrooms across new cities by the end of this year to span 100 cities in due course. Along with company owned showrooms, Ather is also in the process of entering into agreements with dealer partners for the sale of Ather 450X and Ather Plus e-scooters.
      In FY2021 a total of 4.5 million petrol powered scooters were sold. Tarun Mehta estimates that there is potential for 1.8 million or 18 lakh electric scooters to be sold in FY2025. Earlier this year in February, Ather’s new manufacturing plant, with a production capacity of 110,000 e-scooters and 120,000 battery packs per annum, went on stream.
      Central and State Governments Support
      Demand for electric vehicles surged in view of escalating fuel prices. It should be recalled that petrol prices have crossed the Rs 100 mark in most metros and is nearing that figure in other cities of India. An Ather e-scooter promises one-sixth the running cost of a petrol scooter which relates to substantial saving to the user.
      Electric two wheeler popularity also increases with ongoing support from both Central and State Governments in the form of revisions in the FAME II incentive scheme. The company cites that it could be supply and not demand that will be a limiting factor in the future.
      The amendment to the FAME II, (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India) introduced in June 2021 saw electric two wheeler subsidy increase to 50 percent to Rs 15,000 per kWh. This has led to a substantial price reduction of electric two wheelers.
      Automakers such as Ather and TVS Motor reduced prices of the 450X and iQube respectively while Okinawa Scooters also stated that the price of the iPraise+ will cost Rs 17,892 less to a new reduced pricing of Rs.99,708. Praise Pro prices have also dipped by Rs 7,947 to Rs 76,848 while the Okinawa Ridge+ is now at Rs 61,791, down Rs 7,209 over earlier pricing.
      Along with this new policy, several states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, etc have also announced EV policies that has boosted sales and successfully turned buyer sentiments towards electric vehicles. More

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      Joy Electric Scooter, Motorcycle Sales Grow 446% In July 2021

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      Joy Electric MotorcycleJoy e-bike sales momentum from low-speed models sees company sell just below a 1,000 units in July 2021
      WardWizard Innovations and Mobility Ltd (BSE Code: 538970) reports sales growth for its Joy e-bike range in July 2021. With demand for low–speed models rising, Joy e-bike reports sales of 945 units in July 2021. Sales growth is pegged at 446 percent, up from 173 units sold in July 2020.
      The current debate revolves around electric two-wheelers offering advantages over traditional two-wheelers to their users. With a rapidly increasing battery capacity in electric scooter models, they are now able to cover meaningful distances.
      EV incentives and subsidies
      Sneha Shouche, Chief Financial Officer – WardWizard Innovations and Mobility Ltd, said, “The announcement of incentives and subsidies by authorities have pushed the growth of electric vehicles by many folds. With more awareness campaigns on sustainable mobility and a continuous rise in fuel prices, we have noticed a quick shift in demand by the customers for electric two-wheelers to meet their daily commuting needs.
      For many, the electric two-wheeler has become their first preference for mobility. As the infrastructure continues to grow, we are receiving high demand from urban and semi-urban regions. Moving forward with the positive market sentiments, we are confident of robust sales momentum, especially in the upcoming festival season.”
      Joy E-Bike
      Revised government incentives or subsidies for EVs to support their pricing ensures that consumers now have a choice to gauge the advantages proffered to make EV purchases lucrative.
      Ever-growing charging infra network
      Under government guidelines, a specific policy on electric vehicles has been a long time coming. Following recent updates to policy, a renewed range of incentives and subsidies have been offered by different governments for electric two-wheelers. What they mean for Indian EV market will be easier to understand as sales improve in a time bound manner.
      As the world moves towards cleaner emission norms, India has its work chalked out where promotion of electric vehicles as a mobility option for the future generations is concerned. Goals point to making India ‘a global leader in manufacturing and exporting of electric vehicles.’
      For the longest time people have been sceptical about using electric vehicles. With limited information available, impression about their reliability and mileage has been poor. Most have been vocal about range of the electric two-wheelers not being enough to meet daily commuting needs.
      However these notions are fast changing and electric two-wheelers are now available in plenty. They are being marketed as a convenient means of daily commute. More and more people are buying electric vehicles with dependable batteries and range. Battery swapping, ease of charging, access to an ever-growing charging infra network, and competitive cost of charging are now key advantages than work in favour of electric two-wheelers. More

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      Honda Scooter, Motorcycle Sales July 2021 – Activa, CB Shine, Dio, Unicorn

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      Honda ActivaLast month Honda has also created a milestone by noting highest demand in Gujarat driven by sales of Activa 6G along with CB Shine
      Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI), the second largest two wheeler maker in India, has ended the month of July 2021 with total sales of 3,85,533 units. This included 3,40,133 units in domestic markets while 45,500 units were exported. Comparing YoY, domestic sales growth was at 10% while the same for MoM was at 60%.
      What is also worth mentioning is that Honda 2Wheeler lead industry growth, contributing over 1 lakh incremental units in July 2021. Sales charts were led by Honda Activa, the company’s most popular model, followed by that of CB Shine, Dio scooter and Unicorn. Their CB350 motorcycle continues to record decent sales.
      Honda Sales – July 2021
      This increased demand is in view of the company’s dealer network once again resuming operations following lockdowns announced across several states. This surge could also be attributed to a favourable monsoon season, increased demand for personal means of transport and the upcoming festive season.
      July Highlights
      Apart from record sales, HMSI also achieved much during the past month. For a start the company expanded its BigWing dealerships with a new BigWing Topline inaugurated in Chennai for its premium big bike business vertical. There was also the opening of a BigWing outlet in Chandigarh for mid-size segment sales.
      Honda 2Wheeler also introduced BigWing ‘Service on Wheels (SOW)’ initiative for better management of after sales services for its big bike customers in the country. This ‘Service on Wheels’ will take quality service to the customer’s doorstep and is particularly looked upon with favour during these pandemic times.
      The company has also commenced deliveries of its CB650R and CBR650R models, launched in India in March 2021 and priced at Rs 8.67 lakh and Rs 8.88 lakh respectively. Delivery also commenced for the company’s 2021 Gold Wing Tour, its flagship model that is being retailed via Honda BigWing Topline dealerships in Gurugram, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Indore.
      Honda Gold Wing Tour is offered in two variants in India with manual and DCT and priced at Rs 37,20,342 and Rs 39,16,055 lakh respectively. This exclusive premium touring motorcycle has seen such outstanding demand that the first batch was completely booked within 24 hours of opening announcement.
      In view of the current scenario and urgent need for social distancing, Honda also accepts online service booking wherein customers can set dates for servicing of their two wheelers via the company’s online portal. They will receive confirmation via email or SMS so as to reach the service centers at the appointed time. The company has also introduced the Parts App mobile application for retailers and distributors to gain access to all part related information.
      As a part of the company’s Road Safety initiative, HMSI celebrates of the 5th anniversary of Traffic Training Park in Ludhiana. This is a training facility that is based on a mini city concept wherein 1.45 lakh riders have received added knowledge on road safety to date. More

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      Ola Electric Scooter Launch Date 15th Aug – Specs, Delivery Dates Announcement

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      Ola Electric ScooterThe new Ola electric series s e-scooter gets detailed in 10 vibrant colour options
      Ola Electric gears up for the launch of its first electric scooter, slated to be called Series S. Bookings are open on the company’s official website at a down payment of Rs 499 which was fully refundable. Order books filled up with 1 lakh orders within a day making it the ‘most pre-booked scooter’ in the world.
      Now launch date has been announced by the CEO, and it is 15th August. On the same day, Ola will also reveal the official specs and variants. They will also reveal the delivery schedule of their electric scooter for customers who have already booked.
      Ola Electric Scooter – Variants
      The company has revealed 10 unique colour options for the Ola scooter which is the widest range offered on any two wheeler to date. Though there are no names of these colours mentioned, they will include both matte and gloss schemes in Red, Blue, Yellow, Silver, Gold, Pink, Black, Blue, Grey and White. These colours were on film for the first time in a tweet by Bhavish Aggarwal, Chairman and Group CEO, Ola, who called it “a revolution in 10 colours”.
      Ola will launch the new electric scooter S-Series in three variants which are set to be called Ola S, Ola S1 and Ola S1 Pro. It is also reported that Ola will take the direct to customer mode of delivery and completely avoid the dealership network path.
      Ola Electric Scooter Launch Date
      The Ola scooter sets itself apart in terms of a unique design and state of the art technology. It is slated to receive the biggest boot space, be capable of class leading speed and range that has yet to be matched by an electric scooter in its segment. Where features are concerned, the Ola electric scooter will receive app based keyless entry full LED lighting, a range of internet connected smart features, fast charging facilities and disc brakes
      Ola Electric is yet to reveal prices of this upcoming electric scooter which estimates put in the Rs 1 lakh segment. Official rates will however differ depending on incentives offered by various states.
      Ola Futurefactory
      The Ola electric scooter is already the recipient of many awards which includes the IHS Markit Innovation award at CES and the German Design Award. It will roll out from the company’s Ola Futurefactory being constructed over a 500 acre site in Tamil Nadu, India. This plan is set to be the largest in the world and will be the most advanced and sustainable two wheeler factory.
      Once fully operational, the plant will have the capacity of 2 million units annually in the first phase, with capacity to reach 10 million once the plant is completed by the end of 2022. In view of this massive production capacity, Ola also plans to take its electric scooter to global markets as well. When launched, the Ola electric scooter will enter a segment wherein it will compete with the Ather 450X, TVS iQube and Bajaj Chetak. More

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      2022 KTM RC 125 Specs Leak – More Power, Less Weight, 13.7 L Tank

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      2022 KTM RC 125KTM will soon launch the new-gen RC range of supersport motorcycles in India and across the world
      KTM is in the process of updating almost its entire lineup. The lineup overhaul is expected to begin with the RC range of models including RC 125, RC 200, RC 390. Recently, all three new generation models made a brief appearance at the official website of KTM but were removed soon afterwards.
      Apart from photos, official specs of the 2022 RC125 have also been leaked. Hat tip to Yadu Krishnan for sharing the same. The new-gen RC models will feature a long list of updates. The most prominent updates are centred around their design which feature some serious upgrades.
      2022 KTM RC 125
      Updated Design
      Speaking of design, all three upcoming 2022 KTM RC bikes share a lot in common as far as styling is concerned. The new-gen supersport motorcycles have made a departure from the twin-beam headlights and now feature a single-piece headlight flanked by trendy boomerang-shaped LED DRLs on both sides which double up as turn indicators. All three models receive a completely redesigned front end including larger fairings and new body panels as compared to their outgoing counterparts.
      Also, the 10-spoke alloy wheels have made way for a new 5-spoke design. KTM says that these new alloy design helps in saving 3.4 kgs of rotating unsprung mass. Other common styling elements include a muscular fuel tank, which is now larger in size at 13.7 liters.
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      However, there are some design attributes that distinguish RC 390 from RC 125 and RC 200. For instance, RC 200 continues to feature an underbelly exhaust just like the current gen. RC 125 and RC 390 get side mounted exhaust, but they are not same.
      In addition, all three models feature distinct colour options. The new RC 390 wears an orange-blue paint scheme inspired by KTM’s MotoGP race bike. RC 125 and RC 200 gets a new dual-tone white and orange colour with signature orange alloy wheels. RC 125 also gets the option of a new dual-tone black/orange scheme.
      Mechanical Updates
      All three models have also undergone structural changes which make them more similar to each other. The new-gen RC range of models features an updated chassis comprising a new bolt-on rear subframe instead of a welded-on design of current models. The weight reduction due to new frame is 1.5 kgs, compared to current RC gen.
      2022 KTM RC 125 Alloys
      Suspension duties are handled by USD forks at front and a mono-shock unit at rear embraced by an alloy swingarm. These are factory tuned to deliver better track performance. Cooling system has also been improved, thanks to larger airbox – resulting in ultra-slick throttle response.
      Engine Specs
      Engine of the motorcycles will be carried over from the current =-gen models. RC 390 will be powered by a 373cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that dishes out 44 bhp and 35 Nm of peak torque. RC 200 will be propelled by the same 199.5cc liquid-cooled mill that pushes out 25 hp and 19.2 Nm of torque.
      The entry-level RC 125 will feature a 124.7cc single-cylinder unit capable of 14.5 bhp and 12 Nm of peak torque. New specs are not yet available, but the official website leak states that the engines will deliver more power and torque. All motorcycles will be offered with a 6-speed transmission. Production of all three supersport bikes have reportedly begun at Bajaj Auto’s Chakan-based manufacturing facility. More