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      Bajaj Caliber Trademark Filed – Could Return As New Age Motorcycle

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      Bajaj Caliber – Render
      Bajaj Auto is also looking to expand its Pulsar range of motorcycles in future
      Back in the late 90s and early 21st century, Bajaj and Kawasaki had a partnership going in India. The joint venture came out with some of the most popular entry-level commuter motorcycles in the market. One of them was Bajaj Caliber. Originally launched in 1998, the entry-level commuter was a rage among the masses.
      The bike also grabbed attention was one of its kind TV commercials which featured the buzzing tagline “Hoodibaba”. Caliber could possibly make a return to the Indian market after Bajaj Auto recently filed a trademark for the same. If development indeed comes true, it could make things very interesting in the entry-level commuter motorcycle space.
      Caliber Details
      Caliber 115 was built using Bajaj 4S as the base and was powered by a 111.6cc air-cooled motor developed jointly by the Indian and Japanese bikemakers. This unit produced a sufficient output of 9.5 bhp and 9.10 Nm of peak torque and was paired with a 4-speed gearbox.
      The motorcycle could attain a top speed of 102 kmph which was a very big thing for any commuter bike back then. While performance was very strong for its segment, it didn’t return a favourable mileage which Indian buyers in this segment usually seek.
      Bajaj Caliber Trademark Filed Again In 2021
      Its suspension setup consisted of a hydraulically damped telescopic with rubber boots and a swing arm hydraulic shock absorber with coaxial 5 step adjustable spring at front and rear respectively. The bike carried a neat and simple design with some basic sticker graphics in the fuel tank and fenders.
      Possible Outcomes & Specs
      The trademark application states that the ‘Caliber’ nameplate could be used for two-wheelers-either IC engine and electrically powered. However, it seems unlikely that it will be used for a battery-powered motorcycle. That leaves Bajaj with two options- either a 115cc from Platina 110 or a 125cc motor from Pulsar 125.
      Since TVS had trademarked the Fiero 125 moniker in November last year, we believe the possibilities of the new-gen Caliber getting powered by the 125cc unit is high. A 115.45cc, fuel-injected, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine derived from Platina 110 puts out 8.5 bhp at 7000rpm and a peak torque of 9.81 Nm at 5000rpm.
      The 124cc single-cylinder, air-cooled, 2-valve SOHC unit powered the entry-level Pulsar 125. This unit delivers an output of 12 bhp at 8500rpm and a peak torque of 11Nm at 7000rpm. Both these units are paired with a 5-speed gearbox. Details at the moment are very scarce. It will be interesting to see which way does the Chakan-based manufacturer opts for. More

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      Electric Scooters, Motorcycles, EVs Zero Road Tax, Free Registration – Maharashtra EV Policy 2021

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      Image – swift lifestyleMaharashtra EV Policy outlines increasing new EV registrations to 10 percent of all purchases by 2025
      Maharashtra government aims to increase new vehicle registration at 10 percent of all vehicles registered by 2025. Bombay alone will benefit from a network of 1,500 charging stations. 15 percent of MSRTC buses will comprise of en electric fleet. Alongside demand and supply side incentives, incentives are on offer to set up advanced chemistry cell battery manufacturing plants.
      The state is also keen on a 1 giga watt battery manufacturing plant. Incentives are set at 5k per kWh of battery. Max incentive for electric two-wheelers (scooters, motorcycles, bikes) is capped at Rs 10k, and for electric three-wheelers at Rs 30k. EVs will be exempt from road tax, and registration costs. Maharashtra is also working on car scrappage incentives.
      EV Policy revision
      Following a revision in FAME II policy, states have been quick to announce a revision to their own policies. States are taking a similar yet unique approach to the policy. Following Delhi, and Gujarat, Maharashtra has chosen to make allocations. Thus far, a large number of states have chosen not to make an announcement yet. With most states still chalking out details, for now, new strategies and approaches aren’t all too clear to understand. Further revisions too can be expected as governments get into nitty gritties, or else this could all come to nought.
      Benefits of the programmes are projected to be quite modest to start with. For now, it remains unclear when the outline of FAME II policy will meet its goals. This is especially true, considering initial draft goals were not met in entirety despite revisions.
      Ather Electric Scooter in Pune
      EV industry incentives
      Reducing carbon footprint and attaining green goals for a better environment is top priority. If these goals are to get closer to reality by the end of the decade, then changes need to be enforced in quick time. An initial approach focuses on incentivising the process. This would mean the government aligns with incentivising production as well as purchase.
      On the one hand, focus could likely be on tax breaks for investments made in sustainable technologies and on the other hand to impose disincentives for those that employ unsustainable ones. But this approach can’t go hand in hand under current circumstances. Transition to wider acceptance of electric vehicles can’t be at the cost of penalising an age old and established industry that contributes greatly to GDP.
      However, current policy revisions being initiated encourage the general outlook wherein automotive businesses will be concentrating on cutting down their carbon emissions. Over time, businesses could be given beneficial credits if they undertake projects that cut down carbon emissions by a certain percentage. Although these schemes are meant to be incentive based, there is an inherent drawback. Following the initial period of enthusiasm, what will sustain EV industry growth in the short term?
      Ather Energy On Maharashtra EV Policy July 2021
      “The Maharashtra government’s new EV Policy is extremely comprehensive and has taken into account the entire EV ecosystem. The incentives offered for both the demand and supply side will accelerate the adoption and the manufacturing of EVs in the country. In addition to demand incentives, the policy also incentivizes buy-back, and vehicle scrappage. Early bird incentive is a great mechanism to jump start things, as well as to drive festive sales. Ather Energy is geared to cater to the rising demand in Maharashtra through its retail outlets in key cities like Mumbai, Pune and plans to expand to Nashik and Nagpur soon. Such progressive policies introduced by the state governments have the potential to drive faster adoption of electric vehicles in the country.”
      Hero Electric On New EV Policy in Maharashtra
      Mr. Sohinder Gill, CEO Hero Electric & Director General, SMEV said, “The Maharashtra government policy grants us the privilege to reach out to our potential customer base in the state. With the amendment of FAME 2 by the central government and now the individual state policies like this one have only encouraged the adoption of electric vehicles in India. The added subsidies from the government on batteries and overall vehicles apart from encouraging battery makers to invest in the state will only aid to the growing interest among investors and companies looking to make an entry into the manufacturing of parts for the segment. At Hero, we are looking forward to this new phase of Electric mobility that will be driven with the states and the consumers who are looking up to a green, clean mode of transport.”
      Mr. Naveen Munjal, MD, Hero Electric said, “With the announcement of revised EV policy by the state of Maharashtra, we expect the shift towards EV mobility in the country to gain more traction in the coming few days. The policy that aims to convert 10% of their overall EVs by 2025 and install 1500 charging station across the state, will only make EVs an attractive option for mobility in the state. Hero Electric is committed towards such initiatives and we are elated to further expand our reach with government support. We are extremely bullish about achieving our targets of 1 million scooters on road over the next few years.”
      Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles (SMEV) On Maharashtra EV Policy July 2021
      The announcement by the Maharashtra government is not only encouraging for the EV industry but also solidifies India’s vision of becoming a global EV hub. These much-awaited measures offer to bridge the chasm between awareness and consumer sentiment towards e-mobility. We hold steadfast optimism towards states announcing a revised policy with a special focus on demand creation. An inclusive and pragmatic approach to E-mobility and charging infrastructure is imperative to boost innovation and increase uptake among consumers. We thank the government for the EV Policy, which will create a positive impact and help in the acceleration of green vehicles in the state. More

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      Lego Volkswagen T2 Camper Van Will Be on Sale August 1

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      Fans of Volkswagen’s legendary vans, as well as people looking for something more spacious in an electric vehicle, have been eagerly awaiting the release of VW’s 2024 ID.Buzz Microbus.While waiting, there’s always the idea of building this ’60s-nostalgic T2 camper van kit, to be released by Lego on August 1.The kit has more than 2000 pieces and features a wraparound front windshield, a sliding door, a pop-up roof with a tent, and a pair of folding chairs.

      Fans of the VW Microbus—whether for its practical shape, its status as a Sixties and Seventies hippie icon, or its quirky personality—may already own a Lego version—the T1 Camper Van kit (see below), released several years ago. Now it’s joined by this T2 kit, representing the second generation of the van, which goes on sale on August 1. It ought to be a hit among fans of the legendary Microbus. After all, they still have about two years to wait before they finally see the automaker’s ID.Buzz electric van out on the market.

      LEGO Creator Expert Volkswagen T1 Camper Van 10220 Construction Set (1334 Pieces)

      LEGO
      amazon.com

      $206.95

      This set has a lot of the same combination of fun and practicality that was the hallmark of the actual T2. It has working steering, a wraparound windshield, and a folding rear bench seat. The curtains are fabric. In the kitchen area, the cabinets and refrigerator open, and there’s a sink and a gas stove with a teakettle on top. There’s a popup roof with tent. Accessories include folding chairs and a surfboard. The stickers are 1970s period-specific, right down to the stick-on “LOVE” letters, and you can choose a license plate from either Germany or the U.S.
      When assembled, the Lego T2 is 13.5 inches long, 5.5 inches wide, and 6.0 inches high, a good size for a desk or home-office ornament. It will cost $179.99 and can be ordered at Lego.com.

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      Vietnam's VinFast Preparing to Sell Electric Crossovers in the U.S.

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      VinFast, Vietnam’s first car company, announced it has established U.S. headquarters and said that showrooms will open in California soon.The company plans to enter the U.S. market with two electric crossovers, the VFe35 and the VFe36, and is targeting to start sales in March 2022.VinFast has an 8.4 percent share of the market in Vietnam but said it will need to raise additional funds to finance its global expansion.VinFast became Vietnam’s first domestic carmaker in 2019, when it started selling two gasoline-powered vehicles, the Lux A2.0 sedan and the Lux SA2.0 crossover, in its home market. Now the fledgling company has announced plans to expand into North America and Europe, with the goal of starting sales in the United States in March 2022. The automaker’s global lineup will be centered around electric crossovers.

      VinFast sold around 30,000 vehicles in Vietnam last year. The company has yet to make a profit but is quickly growing in Vietnam, becoming the fourth most popular car brand there this year, with an 8.3 percent share of the market. The company is part of Vietnam’s largest conglomerate, known as Vingroup JSC. In a statement Monday, Vinfast said it has opened offices in North America and Europe, with aims to open showrooms in California soon. The company also added that Van Anh Nguyen, CEO of VinFast’s U.S. operation, recently moved from Vietnam to the U.S.

      VinFast

      VinFast has admitted that it needs more funding for its expansion plans, suggesting either an initial public offering on the U.S. stock market or a merger with a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (as EV startup Lucid Motors did this year) to raise those finances. VinFast was originally eying an offering in the second quarter of this year that would help raise $2 billion in funding, but Reuters reported that the offering was delayed.

      Currently, VinFast builds five vehicles. The Lux A2.0 is based on the F10-generation BMW 5-series and the Lux SA2.0 is built on the bones of the F15 version of the BMW X5, with both cars penned by Italian design house Pininfarina. VinFast’s first EV is the VFe34, a subcompact crossover built on a VinFast-exclusive platform, and there is also the compact Fadil, a reskinned Opel Karl city car. VinFast also made a 500-unit run of the President, a version of the Lux SA2.0 packing a 420 hp 6.2-liter GM V-8. The Vietnamese brand’s entry to the U.S. market will be based around the upcoming VFe35 and VFe36, a compact and mid-size electric crossover, respectively. Details for the U.S.-specific models have not yet been announced. VinFast had originally targeted sales of 56,000 EVs in 2022, but the global semiconductor chip shortage has forced VinFast to reduce that goal to 15,000 units.
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      2022 Infiniti QX60 Gets a Significant Price Hike

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      Infiniti has released pricing for the new 2022 QX60, which starts at $47,875.Trim levels include Pure, Luxe, Sensory, and Autograph, with a fully loaded model commanding over $64,000.Infiniti is taking reservations now and deliveries will start later this year.Infiniti’s new 2022 QX60 looks a lot better than its predecessor inside and out, and you’ll pay more for the various improvements to its design, powertrain, and available features. The new model starts at $47,875, a $2500 increase over the 2020 QX60’s starting price (the QX60 skipped the 2021 model year).

      All versions of the QX60 come standard with a 295-hp 3.5-liter V-6 engine, front-wheel drive, and a nine-speed automatic transmission that replaces the previous CVT. All-wheel drive is optional on all trim levels for between $2000 and $2900 extra.The base QX60 is called Pure, while the other trim levels include Luxe ($53,925), Sensory ($57,375), and Autograph ($61,375). The Luxe includes 20-inch wheels, driver-assistance features, navigation, and cooled front seats. The Sensory adds massaging seats, heated second-row seats, a wireless smartphone charger, among other features. The loaded Autograph has niceties such as plusher interior trim, second-row captain’s chairs, and a head-up display.
      Options include various premium paint colors for between $695 and $900; a premium audio system for $900 on the Luxe model; a $1500 Vision package with the head-up display, upgraded headlights, and a digital rearview mirror for Luxe and Sensory models; and a $900 towing package for Sensory AWD models that increases towing capacity to 6000 pounds (the Autograph AWD comes standard with the towing package).Infiniti is now taking reservations for the 2022 QX60 on its website, and it will arrive at dealerships this fall.
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      Electric Two Wheeler Sales H1 2021 – Hero, Okinawa, Ampere, Ather, Revolt

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      Ather Electric ScooterMore electric two-wheelers are set to be launched in the coming future leading to prospective expansion of the segment
      While electric mobility hasn’t been able to penetrate the mass market in India, its growth in recent months, especially in the two-wheeler space, surely has been impressive. Most of the segments in the Indian auto industry struggled to grapple with the unprecedented crisis caused due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
      However, the first six months of 2021 witnessed appreciable growth in the electric two-wheeler space despite facing a deadlier second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. The following study conducted by a publication, reveals the data specifying the number of high-speed electric two-wheelers sold last year and the first half of this year.
      The analysis involves only high-speed (minimum top-speed of 40kmph) battery-powered two-wheelers sold by eleven leading EV manufacturers in India. These eleven brands were able to outsell the number of electric two-wheelers sold last year in the first half of 2021 itself. Last year, a total of 25,598 units (-5.97 percent YoY) of high-speed two-wheelers were retailed. In comparison, 29,288 units were sold in the first six months of the current calendar year.
      Hero Electric Leads Segment
      Hero Electric remained the highest-selling OEM in the electric two-wheeler space with 11,432 units sold from the start of this year till July 7. The company registered a YoY growth of 41 percent over calendar year 2020 which translates into an average of 1,633 units per month. Last year, the company sold 8,111 similar units. Hero Electric was followed by Gurgaon-based Okinawa Autotech which sold 5,903 units during the first six months of 2021.
      Electric Two Wheeler Sales H1 2021
      This resulted in an average monthly sales of 843 units. Okinawa was trailed by Ampere Vehicles with 3,899 units during the first half of 2021 with an average monthly sales of 557 units. These three manufacturers continue to hold the bulk of the market share of 70 percent in the electric two-wheeler space.
      Ather Energy Shows Progressive Numbers
      The big three are closely followed by Bengaluru-based EV startup Ather Energy which has reportedly sold around 3,758 units in the first six months of the current calendar year. The annual sales figure for 2020 and 2019 stood at 2,972 units and 2,290 units respectively.
      The company currently retails two electric scooters- 450X and 450 Plus. It has recently shifted its production base to a new facility in Hosur. Ather is also looking to expand its footprint in the country by opening new showrooms.
      In terms of month-wise sales, March 2021 saw the highest sales in the past two years with 9,875 units. The segment is bound to see more buyers in the near future with more new EV brands and a widening of charging infrastructure across the country. The most noticeable addition to this list will be the upcoming electric scooter from Ola.
      SOURCE More

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      Three Wheeler Sales June 2021 – Bajaj, Piaggio, Mahindra, TVS, Electric Vehicles

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      Image – Technical WingsAuto Rickshaw and 3 Wheeler sales increased 21.98 percent YoY in June 21
      As per retail sales figures released by Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), auto rickshaw and three wheeler registrations in India stood at 14,732 units. This was a YoY increase of 21.98 percent over 12,077 units sold in June 20. However, comparing last month’s sales with that of June 19, a 69.82 percent de-growth was noted. The figures are collated as on 6th July 21 in collaboration with Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India and gathered from 1,295 out of 1,498 RTOs.
      Bajaj, Piaggio YoY De-Growth
      Two and three-wheeler manufacturer Bajaj Auto Limited noted registration of 4,925 auto-rickshaws and three wheelers in June 21. The company held a market share of 33.43 percent. However, sales were better in June 20 when 4,996 units had been sold while market share held stood at 41.3 percent.
      Piaggio Vehicles, another leading three wheeler maker in India, also suffered a YoY de-growth both in terms of retail sales and market share. Ongoing pandemic, lockdowns across various states, increasing fuel prices and subdued buyer sentiments could all be reasons for this negative impact.
      Noting good demand for the Ape E-Xtra FX and for the 2021 version of its passenger e-three wheeler, Ape E-City, sales in the past month stood at 2,258 units with market share of 15.33 percent. However, this was marginally lower as compared to 2,346 units sold in June 20 when the company also held a higher market share of 19.43 percent.
      Three Wheeler Sales June 2021 – FADA
      Mahindra was the third best-selling OEM in terms of three wheeler retails. June 21 sales were at 657 units up from 293 units sold in June 20. Market share also increased from 2.43 percent to 4.46 percent YoY. The current month could see sales increase as Mahindra has collaborated with Magenta, electric mobility solutions provider. The company is set to deploy 100 units of Treo Zor three-wheeler in Bengaluru for last-mile delivery of both essential and non-essential items.
      Lower down the order was Rajkot-based three-wheeler maker Atul Auto Ltd with 594 three wheelers sold in the past month, up from 93 units sold in June 20. Market share jumped from 0.77 percent to 4.03 percent YoY.
      Electric Three Wheeler Sales June 2021
      Automobile dealers’ body FADA data shows that YC Electric Limited accounted for 539 unit sales of three wheelers in June 21, holding a market share of 3.66 percent. Though sales were lower in June 20 at 473 units, market share in that month had been higher at 3.92 percent. YC Electric offers the Yatri Auto E Rickshaw, with 4 seater capacity.
      Delhi based Saera Electric contributed 295 units to this segment, commanding a market share of 2 percent in June 21. Sales in June 20 had stood at 282 units with market share of 2.34 percent. In the electric vehicle three wheeler space was also Mahindra Reva with 273 units retailed in the past month, up from 203 units of June 20 while Champion Poly Plast (269 units) and TVS Motor (226 units) also contributed a few units to total three wheeler sales along with JS Auto ( 03 units), Dilli Electric (192 units) and Best Way (170 units) in the past month. Others in the same segment saw total retails at 3,976 units, holding a market share of 26.99 percent, up from 2,788 units sold in June 20 with market share of 23.09 percent. More

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      2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Pickup Starts Just above $25,000

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      The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz compact pickup starts at $25,175 for the base SE model.The top Limited version with its optional turbo engine starts at $40,455.The Santa Cruz has started production and goes on sale in late July.Hyundai has priced its new compact pickup competitively, but not as low as its chief rival the Ford Maverick. The new 2022 Santa Cruz starts at $25,175 compared with the Maverick’s base price of $21,490.

      Granted, the Santa Cruz is better-equipped in its base form than the Maverick is. The SE comes standard with features such as 18-inch wheels, several driver-assistance features, and a remote-opening tailgate. It has a 2.5-liter inline-four engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive.All-wheel drive is a $1500 option for all models equipped with the base 2.5L engine, which also includes the SEL, starting at $28,375. The SEL offers an Activity package for an extra $3270 for either FWD or AWD models, but Hyundai has yet to say exactly what’s included with that option.The optional turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four engine is available starting in the $36,856 SEL Premium model, which comes standard with all-wheel drive. The loaded Santa Cruz Limited also has the more powerful turbo engine and all-wheel drive; it starts at $40,455.Hyundai’s online configurator lists FWD SEL Premium and FWD Limited versions as well, but the company has yet to release pricing for those models.Expect to see 2022 Santa Cruz models rolling into Hyundai dealerships later this month, as the pickup has already started production at the company’s plant in Alabama.
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