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      Yamaha R3 And MT03 India Launch By 2023 End – Confirms Chairman

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      Yamaha R3Both Yamaha R3 and MT03 will launch by the end of 2023 – Promises Yamaha India Chairman, Eishin ChihanaYamaha is one of the most popular in the world for sporty and characterful motorcycles. In India too, Team Blue has been popular when compared to Team Red (Honda), Team Green (Kawasaki), Team Orange (KTM) and others.As of now, Yamaha only has single-cylinder offerings in India. The company intends to change that soon with Yamaha R3 launch along with MT-03. Yamaha has showcased these to dealers and will evaluate for launch of R7, MT-07 and MT-09. Now, Yamaha India Chairman, Eishin Chihana has revealed the launch timeline for R3 and MT-03. Let’s take a look.Yamaha MT03 for IndiaYamaha R3 Launch By 2023 EndYamaha is re-introducing its multi-cylinder lineup in India. Even though we don’t expect all global multi-cylinder offerings, R3 and MT03 are of prime importance. They will launch in a popular segment where Kawasaki is currently offering Ninja 300 and Ninja 400.With its attractive pricing, Royal Enfield proves to be a juggernaut here with huge sales numbers to back it up. That said, the draw of a high-revving sporty machine is unmatched and will attract buyers. According to Eishin Chihana, we should see the Yamaha R3 and MT03 launch by the end of this year. Yamaha R7, MT-07 and MT-09 will be launched in India in 2024.What will they pack?Even though both R3 and MT-03 don’t offer cutting-edge TFT screens and other gizmos, they promise performant mechanicals. We’re talking about a parallel twin 321cc engine making 42 PS of power at 10,750 RPM and 29.6 Nm of torque at 9,000 RPM. This engine has a DOHC setup with 4 valves per cylinder. Putting this power down to the wheel is a constant mesh 6-speed gearbox.Front gets a USD telescopic fork setup with 130 mm travel, while rear is a mono-shock unit with 125 mm travel. There is a single disc setup at both ends with 298 mm disc at front and 220 mm disc at the rear. 110/70-R17 front and 140/70-R17 rear tyres could have been a little fatter considering 150cc R15 offers 140-section tyres.The design is in line with Yamaha’s flagship fully-faired motorcycles. LED headlights and LED tail lights look attractive. Fairing is sharp and appealing. Handlebars command a lean and rear set footpegs suggest committed riding posture. With 14L fuel in the tank and 2.5L oil in the sump, Yamaha R3 tips the scale at 169 kg, while MT-03 weighs 1 kg less at 168 kg. Being a Yamaha motorcycle, pricing will be on the higher side and will appeal to prospective buyers regardless.Source More

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      New Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Exhaust Note Revealed Via Launch Teaser

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      2023 Royal Enfield Bullet 350 RenderBullet 350 is currently the only vehicle in Royal Enfield portfolio to still hasn’t transitioned to J-Series platformRoyal Enfield is currently the king of retro classic motorcycle segment. There’s no denying this fact right here. Even with Honda and Classic Legend’s brands like Jawa and Yezdi at its back, Royal Enfield has pushed on and on like a pawn in a chess game. With Classic 350 in its arsenal, Royal Enfield is at the top of the 350cc motorcycle list.To boost sales, Hunter 350 has joined the game as well and is sold at a lower price point too. Not just the price, weight is also lowest among all Royal Enfield’s. Hence, Hunter 350 is now more accessible than other products in the company’s lineup. Hunter 350 has been closing the gap on Classic 350 with latter witnessing a drop in sales too.2023 Bullet 350 Launch Date AnnouncedBut there is a motorcycle in Royal Enfield’s portfolio that has even more popularity than the very company itself. Right now, it is subdued in the form of an older platform and last-gen engine. If unleashed with modern platform and componentry, it is likely to be a force in this genre and smoke the rest of them in its rearview mirrors.Of course, we’re talking about the legendary Bullet 350. A name so recognisable, people often think that Bullet is the company. Named after a rich heritage of Royal Enfield’s arms manufacturing roots, Bullet plays with the heartstrings of many even today.New Royal Enfield Bullet 350 launch teaser pic.twitter.com/eXnaees6yZ— RushLane (@rushlane) July 20, 2023Bullet is among the oldest production bikes in the world that is still going strong. In 2023, it still doesn’t pack the latest J-series platform that the rest of the Royal Enfield family now packs. That is exactly what Royal Enfield is doing, though. Make it modern while still retaining its old-school charm. We have spied multiple test mules before. Launch will take place on 30th August 2023 in Chennai, as revealed in the official teaser along with exhaust note.What To Expect?In terms of looks, Royal Enfield is likely to not fettle with its design too much. That charm has to be retained and 2023 Bullet 350 has to look like a Bullet 350 from a mile away. What the new model will get are subtle updates. Like the instrument cluster of Classic 350, modern J-series engine that is capable of 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm among others.Round headlights, single-piece stepped seat, spoked wheels and old-school body panels are likely to remain as is. 2023 Bullet 350 will get the same telescopic front suspension from Classic 350 and twin shock absorbers at the rear from Classic 350. Front disc brake is likely. However, the rear is likely to be a drum unit like Hunter 350 Retro and get single-channel ABS.A digital display for various info is a far cry from what outgoing Bullet and Electra models. And so is its engine. With new updates, 2023 Bullet 350 is likely to be priced above the Hunter 350 Retro variant. With a starting price tag of around Rs. 1.6 lakh (ex-sh), 2023 Bullet 350 will definitely be a welcome addition to Royal Enfield portfolio. One that will take Bullet’s name to new heights. Looking at its close-to-production guise, a launch might be right around the corner.  More

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      in Electric Cars

      Made in India Tesla electric car could be priced from Rs 20 lakh

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      Tesla India Factory could soon be realityAfter failed negotiations from last year, new report reveals that Tesla India factory could soon be a realityTesla is in talks with the Indian Government to set up a manufacturing facility here. A recent report mentions that Tesla is highly likely to set up a plant here instead of just importing vehicles for sale.Last year, Tesla intended to get special incentives in import taxes from the Indian Government. This was to import Tesla cars to India from abroad, most likely from their nearest manufacturing plant in China.Tesla India Factory – Could be a reality soon!Now Tesla not only intends to manufacture vehicles in India, but to make its Indian plant a global export hub. The narrative from last year and now, seems to be the result of a high-level meeting between Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the USA, last month.After this meet, Elon Musk expressed that Narendra Modi is pushing the company to invest heavily in India. He clarified that Tesla intends to invest in India and was figuring out the timing. He assured that Tesla would be operational in India as soon as humanly possible.Because Tesla’s newest plans are aligned with the “Make In India” initiative, we could see “Made In India” Tesla vehicles exported to multiple markets. Reports mention a potential production capacity of 5 lakh units per annum with starting prices from as low as Rs. 20 lakh (probably ex-sh).What to expect?If we look at Tesla’s current portfolio, which include Model S, 3, X and Y, there are no vehicles at the Rs. 20 lakh price point. Their most affordable currently, is Model 3 which starts from USD 40,240 which roughly translates to INR 33 lakh with today’s conversion rates. Tesla is working on launching a smaller electric car, which will sit below the Model 3.It is likely that India will get this car. So, if the Rs. 20 lakh price point turns out to be a reality, we could be looking at an India-specific vehicle that will be the company’s most affordable. This could be a new milestone for Tesla and could benefit the brand in other ASEAN countries too. To get its maiden vehicle at this price point, Tesla could heavily invest in local battery manufacturing as well.India’s charging infra could see a huge boost if Tesla intends to invest in its Supercharger network too. All in all, India is climbing up the ranks and becoming a global automotive hub.Source More

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      Triumph Dealer Overcharging For Speed 400 – Rs 3.38 Lakh ? Here’s An Update

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      New Triumph 400After a post went viral showing on-road price of Speed 400 at Rs 3.38 lakh, Triumph India said they will release the official on-road price soonWorking in collaboration with Bajaj Auto, Triumph recently launched Speed 400 at a starting price of Rs 2.33 lakh. The first 10,000 customers will get the bike at a discounted price of Rs 2.23 lakh. Triumph has also unveiled the scrambler version 400X, which will go on sale later this year.Triumph has surprised everyone with its aggressive pricing strategy. This is probably the most potent challenge thrown at Royal Enfield in recent years. Sources reveal that there have been significant enquiries for Speed 400. Even from locations where Triumph currently does not have any dealership. Could this be a reason for some dealerships to try to overcharge customers for Speed 400?Triumph Speed 400 on-road price breakup shared by a dealerTriumph Speed 400 on-road price at Rs 3.38 lakh?A viral post claiming to be sourced from a Triumph dealership shows the on-road price of Speed 400 at Rs 3,38,598. While it is difficult to verify the authenticity of this post, it is being claimed that the quotation was provided by a Triumph dealership In Bengaluru. For a bike priced at Rs 2.33 lakh (ex-sh.), one would expect the on-road price to be around Rs 2.70 lakh to Rs 2.90 lakh. However, as per the viral post, the on-road price is more than a lakh of the ex-showroom price.Some of the charges mentioned in the cost break-up are relevant such as road tax, registration and RTO charges, RSA and insurance. However, there are some charges that seem to be an attempt to make a fast buck. For example, delivery charge is mentioned at Rs 17,000. Intro Kit cost is listed at Rs 8,500. These raise suspicion if dealerships are trying to inflate the on-road price of Triumph Speed 400.Update on the viral tweet.Triumph India respondsTriumph has taken notice of the viral post. They have responded by saying that they are investigating the issue. As a fix, Triumph will be releasing the official on-road price of Speed 400. It will be communicated to all showrooms this month. Dealerships will need to follow the official on-road price. Many OEMs publish both ex-showroom and on-road prices on their website. It helps create an environment of transparency and trust.However, on-road prices will still vary from state to state. Every state has its own structure of fees and charges. In case of Triumph Speed 400, delivery charges will also vary based on the location of the customer. Triumph currently has only 15 dealerships in the country. Delivery charges will obviously be zero for anyone taking delivery at the dealership. But for customers who request home delivery, an appropriate delivery charge will be applicable.To simplify the buying experience, Triumph is working to expand its dealership network. By end of this month, 15 new outlets will become operational. The total number will reach 50 dealerships in the next two months. And by March 2024, Triumph is targeting a countrywide network of 100 dealerships. More

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      Triumph 400 Speed Launched – Price Rs 2.23 Lakh for first 10k buyers

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      Triumph 400 Duo LaunchedConsidering everything that Triumph’s 400 duo is packing and the price point, they’re likely to disrupt Royal Enfield’s stronghold in 350cc spaceBajaj-Triumph’s partnership has resulted in a new range of 400cc motorcycles. The company has launched them at an attractive price of Rs 2.3 lakh for base Speed 400. The first 10,000 buyers can enjoy a price tag of Rs 2.23 lakh. Scrambler 400X though revealed will be launched later this year. These new products will attract a new range of customers at a new price point for Triumph, unlike ever before.Bajaj Auto will manufacture both Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X at their Chakan plant near Pune, Maharashtra. Speed 400 resonates with its bigger brother Speed Twin 900 (previous name Street Twin). Scrambler 400X resonates with Scrambler 900. There are 25 accessories that Triumph is selling alongside as well. India is the first country to get this duo, more markets will follow.[embedded content]Triumph Speed 400 LaunchedAt Rs 2.23 lakh starting price, Triumph Speed 400 directly competes with Harley-Davidson X440 launched recently and Royal Enfield’s 350cc range. X440 has 27 bhp of power at 6000 RPM and 38 Nm of torque at 4000 RPM, and comes close to Triumph Speed 400.Triumph 400 targets upper end of premium single-cylinder machines like KTM 390 range as well, to some extent. Both Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X offer a single-cylinder 398cc engine that generates 40 bhp of power at 8000 RPM and 37.5 Nm of torque at 6500 RPM. This engine gets a liquid cooling and a DOHC setup along with a 4V head.Retro futuristic designThere is a 6-speed gearbox with the new TR-Series platform. Surprisingly, even Triumph’s bigger twin-cylinder 900cc platform gets a 5-speed gearbox even today. Even though Bajaj will manufacture it in India, this new engine retains the iconic triangular engine casing like its bigger siblings, which is a nice touch.Triumph Speed 400 launchedThe British brand’s new TR-series engine packs ride-by-wire and a slip-and-assist clutch as well. Despite having liquid cooling, there are fins around the engine block that radiate a retro aura. Yezdi and Jawa do a similar thing too. All of the engine bay and exhaust gets a matte black finish that looks minimal and neat.Minimalist finish and popping coloursGolden USD front forks and exhaust pipe finishing breaks the black effect around the engine bay. Fuel tank is the only place where there is a paint job. Round headlights and ORVMs shout retro. But they have a modern appeal to them. Speed 400 gets round bar-end mirrors and a single-tip exhaust design. While Scrambler 400X gets knuckle guards, round conventional ORVMs along with a twin-tip exhaust design that tries to mimic Scrambler 900. Could have been positioned higher up, like Scrambler 900.Sculpted fuel tankSpeed 400 gets 17” alloy wheels at both ends. It has a suspension travel of 140mm front and 130mm rear, 300mm front disc, 790mm seat height and weighs 170 kg. Scrambler 400X boasts 19” front and 17” alloys with block pattern tyres, 150mm suspension travel at both ends, 835mm seat height, 320mm front disc and weighs 179 kg.Both Triumph 400 motorcycles get dual-channel ABS (switchable with Scrambler 400X), traction control, a semi-digital instrument cluster, all-LED lighting, heated grips (optional), USB Type-C charging port, gear position indicator, and more. At Rs 2.23 lakh base price (ex-sh), Triumph 400 has the potential to make a noticeable dent in Royal Enfield’s 350cc motorcycle sales. More

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      TVS Apache RTR 310 Spied Testing – Launch Soon

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      TVS Apache RTR 310 SpiedBeing more agile and likely to be priced competitively, TVS Apache RTR 310 can register stronger sales in comparison to its faired siblingAs part of their agreement and shared 310cc platform, TVS initially offered the Apache RR310 whereas BMW Motorrad had G310R. Last year, BMW had launched its own faired version, G310RR. With that, it was only a matter of time when TVS came up with its own naked version – Apache RTR 310.TVS is likely to launch Apache RTR 310 by end of this month. It has now been spied for the first time. Design philosophy of TVS Apache RTR 310 will be similar to that of current breed of RTR motorcycles. These bikes borrow much of their styling from Draken concept that was unveiled in 2014.TVS Apache RTR 310 SpiedTVS Apache RTR 310 styling and featuresBeing the range-topping RTR motorcycle, TVS Apache RTR 310 is expected to get some additional ornamentation. The objective will be to project TVS Apache RTR 310 as the sportiest in its class. There can’t be any compromises in styling, as the bike will be up against the likes of KTM 390 Duke, 250 Duke and Honda CB300R.TVS Apache RTR 310 is expected to get all-LED lights, dominating front fascia, golden USD forks, sculpted fuel tank with shoulder fairing, sleek split seats and upswept exhaust. Some exclusive spicy colour themes are also likely. Just like its faired sibling, TVS Apache RTR 310 could also get customization option via TVS Built To Order platform.TVS Apache RTR 310 SpiedMuch of the equipment list will be borrowed from Apache RR310. However, there could be some differences such as a horizontally positioned TFT screen instead of the vertically mounted instrumentation available with RR310. TVS SmartXonnect connectivity suite is expected to be offered as standard with Apache RTR 310. It has functions such as calls and text management, ride details and turn-by-turn navigation.TVS Apache RTR 310 performance, specsPowering TVS Apache RTR 310 will be the 312.2cc, liquid cooled, single cylinder motor. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The bike will be getting riding modes, which could be same as RR310. In Sport and Track mode, power output is 34 PS and 27.3 Nm. In Urban and Rain mode, output is limited to 25.8 PS and 25 Nm. To suit is roadster profile, it is possible that some engine tweaks can be introduced for RTR 310.Hardware will be mostly the same as RR310, but there could be some changes to suit city riding needs. RR310 has trellis frame with USD forks and monoshock rear suspension. Braking duties are performed by 300 mm and 240 mm petal discs at front and rear, respectively. Dual-channel ABS is offered as standard. Just like its faired sibling, Apache RTR 310 will be using Michelin Road 5 tyres.Source More

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      Triumph Speed 400, Scrambler 400X Revealed – 398cc, 40 bhp, 37.5 Nm

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      Triumph Speed 400, Scrambler 400X RevealedBoth Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X packs the same 398cc single-cylinder engine with 40 bhp and 37.5 Nm, mated to a 6-speed gearboxThe partnership with Bajaj has yielded two new motorcycles for British brand Triumph. These are Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X. As their name suggests, Speed 400 is a street naked motorcycle and resembles Street Twin (now called Speed Twin 900) to a large extent. On the other hand, Scrambler 400X strikes a resemblance with Scrambler 900.Bajaj Auto manufactures both motorcycles in India for Triumph like it is manufacturing KTM and Husqvarna single-cylinder lineup. These are the first set of motorcycles to come out of this partnership. There will be more in the future. Most of the specifications are out, while prices are still under wraps. Let’s take a look at what they pack.Triumph Speed 400, Scrambler 400X RevealedTriumph Speed 400 & Scrambler 400X – Bri-ish bonanzaThis new TR-series 398cc engine is of prime importance with both these motorcycles. It gets DOHC and liquid-cooling setup along with a slip-and-assist clutch and ride-by-wire tech for granular throttle modulation. Performance numbers include 40 bhp of power at 8000 RPM and 37.5 Nm of torque at 6500 RPM, which brings it close to KTM 390 range’s figures.But Triumph gets its peak performance much earlier in the rev range. A 6-speed transmission does duty, even though larger 900cc twin-cylinder models still feature a 5-speed gearbox. Engine’s visual presentation like triangular engine cover bears semblance with bigger Triumph bikes too. Despite liquid cooling, it gets fins that bring in the old-world charm.Triumph Speed 400 DesignSpeaking of old-world charm, both Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X perfectly hit the neo-retro genre. Round headlight, minimal body panels, 43mm gold USD forks, mostly blacked-out engine bay with stylish silver accents, contrasting fuel tank colour look attractive. Speed 400 gets bar-end mirrors, single-tip exhaust and a single seat.Triumph Speed 400, Scrambler 400X RevealedScrambler 400X gets regular ORVMs but features a headlight grille, taller handlebar, knuckle guards, scrambler-style twin-tip exhaust and split seats. Componentry is slightly different for both. Speed 400 gets 17” alloy wheels at both ends, wrapped with Metzeler Sportec M9RR tyres, 140mm front and 130mm rear suspension travel, 300mm front disc, dual-channel ABS, 790mm seat height and more.When will they launch?Scrambler 400X gets 19” front and 17” rear wheels with Metzeler Karoo Street tyres with block pattern, 150mm suspension travel at both ends, 320mm front disc, switchable dual-channel ABS, 835mm seat height and more. Speed 400 weighs 170 kg, while Scrambler 400X weighs 179 kg. Triumph mounts all components on a hybrid tubular steel spine/perimeter frame.Triumph Scrambler 400X Dual Tip ExhaustThere is a semi-digital instrument cluster with a large analog speedo and a digital tacho. It should’ve been the other way around, isn’t it? Other than that, all-LED lighting, heated grips (probably optional), USB Type-C charging port, switchable transaction control, gear position indicator, and more.[embedded content]Considering everything Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X are packing, we would wager that prices are likely to be around the same ballpark as KTM 390 range. A price between Rs. 3 lakh to Rs. 3.5 lakh is highly likely. Launch is likely soon. More

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      in Electric Cars

      Tata Nexon Electric Celebrates 50k Sales Milestone In 3 Yrs

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      Tata Nexon EV Cross 50K Sales markThe highest-selling electric car in India is Tata Nexon EV – sales recently crossed 50K units milestone signifying its immense popularityIn a country like India where there is very little exposure to electric mobility, EV sales have grown substantially in recent years. We have observed a similar growth pattern in both 2W, 3W and 4W vehicles used for both commercial and private applications. At the forefront of this EV revolution in 4W space, is Tata Nexon EV.Since its launch in Jan 2020, Nexon EV has been the most popular 4W EV by a big margin. Sales numbers stand testament to this unprecedented growth as it recently touched the 50K sales mark since the past three years. Tata Motors proudly celebrates #NexonEV50KCommunity.Tata Nexon EV Sales – 50K Strong and countingNexon EV has managed to transform the perspective of EVs in India. There was a time when EVs were considered too small and not at all desirable. But not anymore. Tata Nexon EV is a daily-driveable vehicle with a real-world range of 150 to 300 km from a single charge. ICE Nexon’s familiar design made the transition that much smoother.With time, Tata Motors has taken good strides in expanding the Nexon EV lineup. It now includes Nexon EV Max with a larger 40.5 kWh battery with a real-world range of around 300 km. Tata has introduced a less expensive base trim with Nexon EV Max – making the EV accessible to a wider audience.New Updated Nexon EV Max XZ+ LUX TrimCommenting on this milestone, Mr. Vivek Srivatsa, Head, Marketing, Sales and Service Strategy, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd., said, “The Nexon EV was introduced as India’s own electric SUV with the aim of offering a cool, stylish, practical and real-world solution for faster EV adoption in India. The Nexon EV customers have grown to 50K in just 3 years.This is a testament to how India has embraced EVs as the mobility of the current times. We would like to thank the early adopters, who believed in the promise of the Nexon EV and in-turn allowed the EV ecosystem to build and become what it is now. We hope more people experience the promise of an EV and evolve to electric.”How far has India’s EV infra arrived?Even though there are still voes with EV owners in India, India’s EV charging infrastructure has come a long way as well. There are around 6,000 charging stations in the country today and growing fast. Growth rate is around 1500% between FY21 and FY23, which signifies faster expansion of the charging network.On average, Nexon EV owners drive around 6.3 million km in a month including city commutes and outstations. That will increase in the future. As of now, Nexon EV has contributed to 15% of total Nexon sales, which is commendable considering Nexon ICE is the highest-selling SUV in India. Tata Motors holds around 80% of 4W EV market share in India with MG in second and Mahindra in third place. Tata Motors is set to launch an electrified version of Altroz, Punch, Curvv, Harrier, Safari and Sierra in the future. More