Top Stories

Subterms

    More stories

    • 138 Shares119 Views

      in Electric Cars

      2023 Ather Electric Scooter Updates – New Colours, Features & More

      by

      There was a lot to unpack from Ather Community Day 2023, which included new features, additions, design changes and new colours2023 Ather Electric Scooter Updates – New coloursAther community day was held today in Bangalore. The company embarked on how this community is special over the last one. At the last event, Ather only had around 6,000 users and today, it is around 80,000 owners. 40,000 of which were clocked in the past 6 months. Ather is optimistic that the next 40,000 users will be clocked in the next 3 months.With a cumulative 500 million kilometers covered, Ather is confident that the Billion Kilometer mark will be covered within the next three months. At this event, Ather stressed how software, or Firmware as they call it, is the most paramount on an electric vehicle. There have been multiple iterations of AtherStack software enabling multiple features along the way. On this platform, Ather announced AtherStack 5.0. There are new features enabled. Let’s take a look.2023 Ather Electric Scooter UpdatesWith AtherStack 5.0, there is a new user interface for users to navigate the system with. With better swipe recognition and touch recognition, there is a fluidic space to enhance user experience. This is a lot smarter than before. Ather is trying to push tapping functionality to gesture-based interactions which are easier to use.There is an attempt by Ather to transform the touchscreen interface to mimic that of a smartphone. Icons like Bluetooth and network lie where they would on a phone. Ather says that 450X is the first scooter in the world with Google Maps. Ather is now introducing vector maps that enable zooming, rotating, perspective change and even layering.2023 Ather Electric Scooter Updates – New UI450X and 450 Plus owners now get live traffic integrated as well. This is more in line with Google Maps on a phone. Along with these, Ather is introducing AutoHold feature which mimics mechanical brake locks on a conventional scooter. This had been under testing for 2 years. Ather intends to bring in Cruise control, Crawl control and advanced regen in the coming months.2023 Ather Electric Scooter Updates – Auto holdAther Battery Protect went live in December 2022. It is a 2-year additional warranty, extending warranty to 5 years or 60,000 km. It covers 100% coverage of any failures. Performance Guarantee is also in this package, which assures range and performance at 70% even at the end of 5 years, and even deep discharge protection. Or else, Ather will replace components free of charge. Ather Battery Protect is standard with new 450X and Gen 2 and Gen 3 owners can buy at a discounted price in January 2023.New Colours For 450XTrip Planner saw enhancements as well and now includes return journeys with multiple stops. Ather has installed up to 900 fast-charging grid points and by March 2023, there will be 1300 pan India. Ather has now developed a 3.3 kW universal AC charger that can charge cars, 2W and has a scan and pay system as well. This is a scalable install and can be of any number at your approved building.2023 Ather Electric Scooter Updates – New SeatAther has also revealed a new seat for 450x. It is plusher and is more comfortable than before. Everyone that attended Community day, will get a free seat upgrade. Further, Ather demonstrated new merchandise including t-shirts and more. Lastly, Ather announced new colours for 450X. There are 4 new colours, Lunar Grey with Red accents, Cosmic Black with Aqua Blue accents, True Red with White accents and Salt Green with Orange accents. Salt Green replaces Mint Green which is offered today. More

    • 113 Shares189 Views

      in Bike

      Royal Enfield Parent Co. Invests In Stark Electric Motorcycles

      by

      Eicher Motors Ltd. (EML) approves strategic investment in Spanish electric motorcycle manufacturer Stark Future SLStark Electric MotorcycleEicher Motors Ltd., parent company of Royal Enfield announced a strategic collaboration with Spain-based Stark Future SL. Eicher Motors Ltd. Board approved an initial equity investment of € 50 million. This entails close to 10.35% equity stake in Stark Future. Eicher Motors Ltd., will have a Director seat on Stark Future’s Board.A development such as this becomes yet another space that’s getting superbly interesting. Royal Enfield’s reputation revolves around the mid-segment. And this collaboration will explore opportunities in electric mobility. Both Royal Enfield and Stark Future are keen on creating global mobility solutions. The manufacturer launched its first high performance electric motocross bike, Stark VARG recently.Stark VARG high performance electric motocross bikeStark Future is focused on performance electric motorcycles that contribute to sustainable mobility. The manufacturer has several patents on its newly developed Stark VARG.Royal Enfield’s R&D programmes too are focused on sustainable mobility technologies. To this end, several ideas are in an advanced stage of testing. Earlier this year, Royal Enfield electric motorcycle plans were in the news. A concept called Electrik01 was also leaked.Stark Electric Motorcycle ManufacturingThe company intends to create uniquely differentiated electric motorcycles in the midweight segment. A segment where the company leads from the front. The investment sets the foundations for a long term partnership in collaboration research and development in electric motorcycles. This extends to technology sharing, technical licensing, and manufacturing.Real breakout growth in the EV leisure spaceEicher Motors Ltd Managing Director, Siddhartha Lal says, “We love the vision, passion and focus of the amazing team at Stark Future. Leisure motorcycles do not easily lend themselves to EV technology at this stage, due to challenges like the battery range, packaging, weight and cost.This has resulted in stunted growth of this segment till now. Stark Future has been able to understand and harness the potential of EV technology by dramatically outperforming ICE offerings, without compromising on range, weight, packaging and cost.They have created an absolutely astounding motocross motorcycle – the Stark VARG as their entry into the EV world. We believe that Stark Future has the highest potential for real breakout growth in the EV leisure space with this model, and the potential to use this strong base to extend into other contiguous segments and beyond.” More

    • 150 Shares199 Views

      in Bike

      Yezdi Production, Sales To Continue Despite Ban – Company To File Appeal

      by

      While Karnataka High Court has banned Classic Legends from using Yezdi name, the company is seeking legal advice and will file an appeal shortlyYezdi Motorcycle Ban Update. Image – JAY CHOUDHARYAt a time when Yezdi was just starting to gain traction, a court ruling has barred Classic Legends from using the ‘Yezdi’ trademark. In its order, the court said that the Yezdi trademark name remains the property of the official liquidator (OL) of Ideal Jawa. The case to ban the use of Yezdi trademark was filed by Ideal Jawa Employees Association.These developments are a setback for Classic Legends, which has been tasked to resurrect legendary motorcycle brands. After Jawa debuted in 2018, the company had launched Yezdi motorcycles in January 2022. It currently has three bikes – Yezdi Roadster, Scrambler and Adventure.End of Yezdi?While enthusiasts may be a bit disappointed with legal developments, Classic Legends has assured that production and sales will continue. It will be “subject to order of the Appellate Court”. The company will be challenging the court order and is hopeful of getting a favourable resolution.The case is a bit complicated, as it dates back to 1960 when Ideal Jawa (India) came into existence. Registration of Yezdi trademark was received in 1969. While Yezdi enjoyed its glorious days with a significant fan following, the company eventually started facing existential issues in the 1980s. As a result, the company decided to wind up operations in 1991. As part of the winding up process, an Official Liquidator was appointed in 2001.Yezdi Motorcycle Ban Update. Image – Jay ChoudharyAs the company did not pay the necessary fee to renew the Yezdi trademark, it lapsed and was removed by the Trademark Registry. In parallel, other developments were taking place such as launch of Yezdi website in 1998. Later in 2013 and 2014, the Yezdi trademark was registered in trademark offices in Mumbai, Delhi and Ahmedabad. All these registrations were done by Mr. Boman Irani, who is the claimant of Yezdi trademark in this case.Apparently, no one bothered to file a case at that time since Yezdi trademark had hardly any financial value associated with it in 2013. No one would have thought that Yezdi brand would be revived and gain popularity once again. Now that Yezdi brand has decent financial worth, its ownership is being claimed by two parties.What happens next?As per current court ruling, Ideal Jawa Employees Association stands to gain significantly. The court has ordered that Boman Irani and Classic Legends should pay the company for all the gains made via the use of Yezdi trademark. The Official Liquidator of Ideal Jawa has been directed to appoint a Chartered Accountant firm that can provide an estimate of the overall gains made by Mr. Irani and Classic Legends from use of Yezdi trademark.Both Mr. Irani and Classic Legends have also been directed to pay Rs 10 lakh each to the Official Liquidator. The funds will be utilized for the winding up operations of Ideal Jawa. Classic Legends will be challenging the court order, as per legal recourse suggested by their lawyers. Meanwhile, Yezdi sales and production will continue, dependant on orders of the Appellate Court. It is possible that the matter may be resolved via an out-of-court settlement, as no one will benefit in case of a prolonged legal battle. More

    • 125 Shares99 Views

      in Electric Cars

      New Gen Tata Nano Electric Render – Reborn For Glory

      by

      While an official statement has not been issued, it is likely that Tata Nano Electric will be utilizing an entirely new platformNew Gen Tata Nano Electric RenderNano was an ambitious project, aimed at providing a safer alternative to families using two-wheelers. Two adults with two or more children packed in a small space and riding on two wheels has been a common sight on the roads. Nano wanted to bring about a change, but somehow it didn’t generate the numbers, as needed to be viable from a business perspective.Tata Nano was discontinued in 2018, even though it had garnered decent response at the time of its launch in 2008. While it failed to meet balance sheet requirements, it did manage to create a high brand recall. One can still find some of these on the streets and the car’s unconventional dimensions and cute profile are difficult to overlook. This is why there’s scope for Nano to be reborn in electric format.Tata Nano electric design – RenderWhile it may take some time for Nano electric to hit the road, automotive design artist Pratyush Rout has come up with an exciting concept design of the micro-EV. The silhouette is familiar, but overall styling looks a lot more modern and fluid. Use of large glass panels creates an airy, likeable feel for the car. An all-glass top could work even better, but it may not be viable from a cost perspective.Nano electric can be seen with large eyelid-shaped DRLs and compact headlamps. The bumper section has a smiley effect, which complements the car’s friendly vibes. Side panels have a sculpted look and feel and front doors have flush handles. Rear doors have the handles integrated into the C-pillar. Wheels are placed at the extreme edges, which ensures a longer wheelbase and spacious interiors.New Gen Tata Nano Electric RenderWith Nano electric, Tata may be aiming for the first-mover advantage in micro-EV segment. This space has been witnessing massive growth in international markets like China. Something similar can be expected for India, where currently entry-level hatchbacks dominate the numbers game.New Nano EV rangeTata has been successful in creating electric versions of its popular cars like Nexon, Tigor and Tiago. Nano EV could be part of the same strategy. Tata is also getting ready to launch electric version of Punch in 2023.However, with Nano electric, Tata may utilize a different approach. Nano electric could be based on a born electric platform and pack in more modern design aesthetics. Likely to be positioned as Tata’s most affordable electric car, Nano EV could have a range of around 200 km.It will primarily cater to city commutes and can emerge as a preferred choice for folks who care about the environment. If sales numbers meet expectations, Nano electric could also be instrumental in reducing some of the smoke from heavily choked cities like Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, etc. More

    • 138 Shares139 Views

      in Bike

      BMW India Launches S1000RR, M340i, XM Hybrid SUV – JoyTown 2022

      by

      BMW launched S1000RR in India alongside M340i sedan and XM hybrid SUV at the JoyTown festival earlier todayBMW S1000RR launchedBMW has launched a trio of products today. One is the S 1000 RR track motorcycle, second is the XM hybrid-electric SUV and lastly, we have the M340i X-Drive which is the first high-performance BMW with an M engine. The launch event took place at JoyTown 2022, a one of a kind festival for automotive enthusiasts in India.2022 BMW S1000RRStarting with S 1000 RR, it is brought here via CBU route. Bookings are open at authorised BMW Motorrad dealerships. Deliveries of which will commence in February of 2023. It will surpass its forerunners owing to comprehensive updates to its chassis, engine, suspension, aerodynamics, design, electronics and assistance systems.The design is radical as ever and looks ravishing in White colourway. Higher windscreen and side winglets allow shedding a split second of its lap times. It is powered by a 999cc 4-cylinder water and oil-cooled engine and generates 210 bhp of power, up by 3 bhp from previous iterations. It has stupendous levels of kit and technology to offer the ultimate track day experience.It gets a slipper clutch, quick shifter and four modes – Rain, Road, Dynamic and Race and optional pro modes. Other features are launch control, pit lane limiter, hill start assist, dynamic traction control, flex frame, dynamic damping control, ABS Pro with new Brake Slide Assist, a Coloured TFT Screen and a lot more. Prices start from Rs. 20.25 lakh for S 1000 RR, Pro costs Rs. 22.15 lakh and Pro M Sport costs Rs. 24.45 lakh (all prices ex-sh).BMW M340i Launched2022 BMW M340iNext is BMW M340i which is locally assembled at company’s Chennai plant. Prices start from Rs. 69.2 lakh (ex-sh), bookings are open via BMW dealers and deliveries will commence from January 2023. Offered as a sporty product, its design is well judged and accentuates the car’s nature. M aerodynamics package features a body-colored M rear spoiler as well.Interiors are fitting to the price and segment that M340i will fall into. It gets a floating type BMW Curved Display which is the main highlight of this car’s interior. Other bits include Sports seats with M-specific upholstery in a Sensatec/Alcantara trim, an M leather steering wheel with paddle shifters, carbon fiber bits, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon music system.Under the bonnet, BMW M340i xDrive gets a 2,998 cc straight-six petrol engine that makes 374 hp and 500 Nm torque, allowing it to sprint from 0 to 100 km/hr in 4.4 seconds. It is coupled with an 8-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox and BMW X-Drive AWD system to ensure maximum traction. M Sport exhaust unit completes the package.BMW XM LaunchedBMW XM Hybrid SUV LaunchedJust like S 1000 RR, XM is also brought in via CBU route and hence a price tag of Rs. 2.6 crore (ex-sh). Bookings are open via BMW dealers and deliveries will commence in May 2023. Just like M1, XM has been developed fully independently by M GmbH, with no baseline from BMW model range. It gets BMW’s modern design philosophy with a massive M Kidney Grille at front.Speaking of grille, they’re illuminated as well. BMW is offering M light alloy wheels that are 22” in size and also offers optional 23” M light alloy wheels in Night Gold accents. M Sports Brakes with Black Callipers are standard and optional red or blue calipers are offered too. M Hybrid system consists of a new V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo and an electric motor integrated into the 8 – speed M Steptronic transmission. Combined output is 653 bhp and 800 Nm of torque. The 25.7 kWh battery is rated for a claimed 88 km range from a single charge.Interiors provide both cockpit-like sportiness and a luxurious ambiance at the same time. All the dashboard equipment mentioned with M340i is present here as well. Interior features Coffee Brown Vintage leather which is unique. Door trim panels come with soft Nappa leather. Music system is taken care of by Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System with 20 speakers and a 1,475-watt amplifier, along with illuminated elements. More

    • 175 Shares169 Views

      in Electric Cars

      MG Air Electric Car Production Target 36k, SOP March 2023 – New Spy Shots

      by

      With a two-door, small sized EV – MG Motor is getting ready to launch their most affordable car in IndiaMG Air Electric Car For IndiaAiming to take early lead in entry-level electric car segment, MG Motor is working on a two-door EV for Indian market. It will be based on Wuling Air EV (codenamed E230) that was recently showcased in Indonesia. At around 2,900 mm long, MG Air EV will be one of the smallest cars in India. It will be shorter than Alto by around 400 mm.New MG Air electric car for India will borrow much of its design and styling from E230. It is built on MG’s latest Global Small Electric Vehicles (GSEV) platform that can support multiple body styles. The car has a boxy, tall boy profile, which is likely to ensure adequate space on the inside.MG Air Electric Car StylingThere are some unique styling bits such as a full-width light bar that stretches to connect the rear view mirrors. The charging port is neatly hidden beneath the MG logo. Other key features include trapezoidal headlamps, rectangular fog lamps and body-coloured bumper. Latest spy shots are credited to automotive enthusiast Vishal Mevawala.To allow easy ingress and egress to the second row seat, the EV has been equipped with large doors. Rear passengers need not feel claustrophobic, as they have access to large, vertically mounted windows. While the E230 showcased in Indonesia had steel wheels with plastic cover, its India-spec version is likely to get alloy wheels. Rear styling is quite similar to front fascia, with features such as full-width light bar, curved windscreen and sleek tail lights.MG Air Electric Car For IndiaMG’s new EV will be equipped with a battery pack of around 20kWh to 25kWh. Power output will be 40 hp. Real-world range could be around 150 km. In view of the varying weather and ride environments in the country, MG will introduce a number of tweaks to make the EV suitable for Indian conditions. Enhancements will cover key systems such as battery thermal management system and air conditioning. In India, E230 will be launched under MG brand.To reduce cost, MG will be sourcing key components from local vendors. For example, the battery pack will be sourced from Tata AutoComp. The latter has an agreement with Chinese battery supplier Gotion, which covers design, production, supply and service of battery packs meant for EVs in India. E230 battery pack will have LFP cylindrical cells, which are similar to that of Tata Nexon EV. LFP cells are more reliable and have already proven their worth in Indian conditions.MG Air Electric Car ProductionSources tell Rushlane that MG Air electric car production start date is in March 2023. Annual production target is set at 36,000 units. MG is likely to price the entry-level EV at around Rs 10 lakh. Primary targets will be youngsters looking for trendier, environment-friendly mobility options. The EV can also work for affluent households that would like to have an agile, compact option in their garage. People living in smaller cities can use MG’s entry-level EV as their primary car.MG Air Electric Car For IndiaTo make it an attractive proposition, MG is likely to equip its new EV with features such as a large touchscreen and a comprehensive range of connectivity features. MG is set to unveil the new EV at 2023 Auto Expo. Market launch will take place around Q2 2023. While micro EVs have been quite successful in China, it remains to be seen how they will perform in the Indian market. There are considerable risks involved, but MG seems unfazed. Reportedly, Tata Motors is also planning to enter this segment, with new gen Nano Electric. More

    • 138 Shares169 Views

      in Bike

      Upcoming Royal Enfield 350cc, 450cc, 650cc Motorcycles – Launch Plans Leak

      by

      Royal Enfield will be introducing multiple new bikes based on its J-series, new 450cc and 650 twins’ platformsUpcoming Royal Enfield 350cc, 450cc, 650cc MotorcyclesIt was in 2020 that Royal Enfield talked about its plans to introduce an average of 4 new/next-gen products every quarter till 2027. As part of that plan, bikes like Meteor 350, new-gen Classic 350, Scram 411 and Hunter 350 have already been launched. Super Meteor 650 was recently unveiled and it is expected to be launched in early 2023.As revealed via a leaked document, there are several new bikes currently under development. Hat tip to automotive enthusiast Yuvaraj for sharing the leak document. Royal Enfield will be using its existing 350cc J-series platform, 650cc twins’ platform and its new 450cc platform to develop the new bikes. These upcoming Royal Enfield bikes will expand options available to enthusiasts and also tackle existing and emerging rivals.Royal Enfield upcoming J-series bikesNew-gen Bullet is likely to be the next launch under the J-series platform family tree. It will have the new 350cc motor that does duty on Meteor 350, Hunter 350 and new-gen Classic 350. Users can expect more refined performance and close to zero vibrations with the new-gen Bullet.An entirely new bobber motorcycle will also be launched under the 350cc J-series platform. The 350cc segment is getting a lot of traction, which has attracted new rivals such as Honda, Jawa and Yezdi. There are more to come, as the likes of Hero-Harley and Bajaj-Triumph are developing their respective challengers to Royal Enfield middleweight bikes.Upcoming Royal Enfield 350cc, 450cc, 650cc MotorcyclesRoyal Enfield upcoming 450cc bikesTo remove limitations reported with current Himalayan, Royal Enfield has developed a new 450cc platform. Himalayan 450 is expected to be the first bike based on the new 450cc platform. It will have a liquid-cooled motor. Test mules of 450cc Himalayan have already been spotted, indicating possible launch next year.A more off-road focused variant is also under development, based on the new 450cc platform. This bike will be similar to rally bikes, with features such as long suspension travel, wire-spoke wheels, higher ground clearance, rugged engine guard and single-piece seat.Other bikes based on the new 450cc platform include a cafe racer and scrambler. The former gets features such as bikini fairing, alloy wheels and clip-ons whereas the scrambler will be distinguishable with features such as wire-spoke wheels and high-mount exhaust.Upcoming Royal Enfield 350cc, 450cc, 650cc MotorcyclesRoyal Enfield upcoming 650cc bikesRoyal Enfield is betting big on 650cc segment, with at least 7 new bikes under development. It includes Himalayan 650, a single-seat bobber likely to be called Shotgun 650, Bullet 650 and a faired version of Continental GT 650. Other 650cc bikes under development include Classic 650 and 650cc scrambler.Increased focus on 650cc space seems logical, as it allows Royal Enfield to tap into both domestic and international markets. The twins are a roaring success and these new upcoming 650cc bikes will help build momentum. They will also add more firepower to take on OEMs like Honda, Yamaha and Kawasaki in international markets. More

    • 113 Shares179 Views

      in Bike

      Royal Enfield 650cc Himalayan Launch Confirmed Via Leaked Document

      by

      New 650 ADV being developed by Royal Enfield could get a new name instead of being branded under the Himalayan nameplateModified Royal Enfield 650cc HimalayanOne of the factors that have helped Royal Enfield thrive in 350cc segment is the multitude of options available to enthusiasts. The company is now looking to achieve something similar in 650cc space, where it already has a commanding position with a market share of more than 80%. Newer 650cc bikes will help sustain the momentum and tackle new and emerging rivals across domestic as well as international markets.Royal Enfield’s 650cc family recently witnessed the unveil of Super Meteor 650cc cruiser. There are a couple of other 650cc bikes under development including a 650cc classic roadster and a scrambler. These have already been spied on road tests. Now, a leaked document has revealed that Royal Enfield is working on an entirely new 650cc Himalayan.Royal Enfield 650cc HimalayanIn the leaked document, one can see the 650cc twins’ family tree. The Super Meteor 650 is also shown in the document, as a derivative of Interceptor 650. There are other new models and variants, but those have not been revealed. The silhouette of new 650cc Himalayan ADV bike is quite clear, which gives an idea about the bike’s look and feel and ergonomics.While it is based on Interceptor, the new Royal Enfield 650cc ADV will have some major changes to its hardware. For example, it is likely to use a tweaked version of the frame and have a more robust and rugged suspension system. Recently unveiled Super Meteor 650 has a similar set of changes, in line with its cruiser profile.Royal Enfield 650cc Himalayan Launch Confirmed Via Leaked DocumentRoyal Enfield new 650cc Himalayan has a tall design with larger front wheel and long travel for front suspension. The bike has a large windshield and knuckle guards to provide protection against the elements. Other key highlights include a prominent sump guard, split seat design, upswept high-mounted exhaust, wire-spoke wheels and short tail section.Riding ergonomics look fairly comfortable with raised handlebar and scooped rider seat. Seat height could be around 800 mm, which is ideal even for shorter users. The frame and other components will be made tougher to withstand the rigours an ADV bike has to go thorough.Royal Enfield 650cc ADV engine, specsPowering new 650cc Himalayan will be the 648cc parallel-twin motor that generates 47 bhp of max power and 52 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. It is possible that the engine may be slightly retuned to suit the needs of the ADV. The bike will have disc brakes at both ends and offered with switchable ABS.Ride dynamics of Royal Enfield new 650cc ADV will be engineered to suit both on-road and off-road tracks. It will have the soul of Himalayan, while getting additional power boost to tackle more challenging terrains. The bike will be getting a range of accessories to enhance its touring capabilities.Source More