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    Tata rolls out 1,000th Nexon Electric SUV – Records 62% market share

    Tata Nexon Electric production has crossed the milestone figure of 1,000 units today
    Tata Motors has rolled out its 1000th Nexon EV. The company confirms segment dominance with 62 percent market share in Q1 FY21. Nexon Electric SUV is manufactured at the company’s Pune plant. The feat has been achieved in a little over 6-months since commercial launch.

    Indian EV segments across the spectrum are still in a nascent stage of production, and competition with most manufacturers not yet participating. This leaves buyers with a small variety to pick from. With only 4 automakers offering EVs for now, and not all of them existing in the same segment, Tata Motors finds itself at an advantageous position in the segment.
    Tata’s other EV offering, Electric Tigor sedan is available with a drive range of 140 km and 213 km, and is offered as a fleet only vehicle. Nexon EV is offered as a personal mobility option with a drive range of 312 km on a single charge. With drive range anxiety being one of many reasons potential buyers are sceptical, Nexon EV range puts a stop to such concerns for anyone considering an EV purchase.

    Tata Nexon Electric being delivered to respective owners. File photo.
    Recently announced Delhi EV Policy outline will help guide EV adaption in Delhi-NCR, and includes a host of benefits for EV buyers. Shailesh Chandra, President – Passenger Vehicle Business, Tata Motors Ltd. said, “Acceptance of EVs is accelerating fast, and we are seeing growing interest in it from all parts of the country. The rollout of the 1000th Nexon EV in a short time span, despite the challenges of Covid-19, reflects the rising interest of personal segment buyers in EVs.
    Tata Motors will continue to innovate and develop comprehensive sustainable mobility solutions meeting global standards. EVs are the future and as the industry leader, we are committed to make them desirable and a mainstream choice for the customers.”
    Tata Nexon EV Subscription
    To expand its scope, Tata EV Subscription model has been introduced. The subscription plan begins at Rs.41,900 for a 3 year fixed plan. Customers can select from a 18, 24 to 36 month tenure. Subscription fee is inclusive of comprehensive insurance cover, road side assistance and end to end maintenance.
    For now, the service is available in Delhi/NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad and Bengaluru in collab with Orix Auto Infrastructure. Subscription rate is Rs.44,900 for a period of 24 months and Rs.47,900 for an 18 month leasing period.
    While a subscription plan is an easy road to car ownership, the finance model is fairly unexplored in the consumer segment. Tata uniEVerse e-mobility ecosystem looks to leverage Group company strengths to develop the EV environment. Customers can access e-mobility solutions, including charging stations, retail experiences and easy finance options. More

  • 2021 KTM RC 390 spied in Europe with radically different front fairing

    The heavily updated model will get new sub-frame and revised ergonomics
    The KTM RC 390 received several new features in 2017 including slipper clutch but unlike its street fighter sibling, it missed out on significant visual updates. Now that the Austrian two wheeler brand has introduced the long overdue 390 Adventure, it has turned its attention towards redesigning the super sports variant of the highly successful family.
    2021 KTM RC 390 spied in Europe

    The 2021 KTM RC 390 with drastic technical as well as cosmetic changes has been spotted testing in Europe ahead of its world premiere which is reported to take place towards the end of this year. A quick first glance is enough to note that the new motorcycle features a completely redesigned fairing and a rear sub-frame.
    The 2021 KTM RC 390 adopt the Duke’s vertically bifurcated full LED headlamp which is turning out to be the brand’s new design identity. The fairing is designed around the LED unit and features a tall windscreen and aerodynamic two-layered side panels. The LED turn indicators are integrated above the headlamp. Overall, the new RC 390 looks sleeker than its already sleek predecessor. The motorcycle also receives new five-spoke alloy wheels.

    With increased popularity of KTM’s A2 license-spec motorcycles in Europe, the company has felt the need to make the RC 390 (which was primarily designed to target Asian riders) better accommodate taller riders. This seems to be the reason for an all-new rear sub-frame and some ergonomic tweaks.
    Engine, suspension and brakes
    The 2021 KTM RC 390 is expected to retain the widely acclaimed 373 cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled motor but international media reports suggest that it will benefit from new cylinder head and revised exhaust system to comply with Euro5 emission norms. The current version’s power figure of 44 hp is not expected to change much.

    The sturdy WP inverted telescopic front forks and rear monoshock configuration will also be retained as evident from the spyshots. The 2021 KTM RC 390 prototype features a new disc brake at the front. Interestingly, the disc is mounted on the spokes rather than being fastened to the hub. This way, the rotor is made only of the part that comes in contact with the brake pads, thus leading to reduced unsprung mass. The caliper as well as ABS encoder disc are mounted on the hub as usual.
    Launch
    The 2021 KTM RC 390 is expected to be ready towards the end of 2020. India being the sole production location, we are likely to receive the updated model first. Similar design updates can be seen on other variants of the RC family as well.

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  • 2020 Triumph Street Triple R BS6 India-launch price Rs 8.84 lakh

    The new Triumph Street Triple R is more responsive with excellent low- and mid-range torque characteristics
    Triumph Motorcycles India has launched the all-new 2020MY Street Triple R BS6 at a starting price of Rs 8.84 lakh ex-showroom. The British marque has already launched the higher BS6-compliant Triumph Street Triple RS in the country, at a starting price of Rs 11.13 lakh ex-showroom. The ‘R’ is essentially a mid-spec ‘RS’. Triumph Motorcycles India claims that its latest offering is much “more accessible and affordable than before”.

    Shoeb Farooq, Business Head of Triumph Motorcycles India, states that the Indian motorcycle market’s ‘premium middleweight segment’ is growing at a rapid pace and is becoming increasingly competitive. He believes that the new Street Triple R would be a strong contestant in this genre as well as a perfect option for riders wanting an agile sportsbike with “racing DNA”. Its power plant is derived from the proven Triumph Moto2 portfolio. Primary rivals include the KTM 790 Duke, Kawasaki Z900, Yamaha MT-09 and BMW F 900 R.
    Changes & improvements
    For its 2020 model year, the Indian-spec Triumph Street Triple R features a refreshed bodywork complete with new flyscreen, full-LED twin headlamps, mirrors, air intake, exhaust and tail section. The middleweight is offered in two colours: Sapphire Black and Matt Silver Ice. Diablo Red + Aluminium Silver decals, alongside red accents, stay common. It weighs about 168kg (dry) and has a fuel tank capacity of 17.4 litres.

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    Braking duties are carried out by Brembo four-piston radial monobloc callipers (twin 310mm discs) at the front and a single-piston sliding unit (single 220mm disc) at the rear, which is supported by a gullwing swingarm. The motorcycle rides on Showa 41mm USD forks and a piggyback reservoir monoshock. Both suspension systems feature fully adjustable preload, compression and rebound.
    The 17-inch cast aluminium alloy wheels are shod with 120/70R17- and 180/55R17-section Diablo Rosso III tyres at the front and rear, respectively. Other notable equipment include three riding modes (Road, Rain and Sport), bidirectional quickshifter, slip & assist clutch, semi-digital instrument console, ride-by-wire, dual-channel ABS, traction control, etc.
    Furthermore, riders can choose from over 60+ OEM accessories for better styling, comfort and safety. A performance-focused Arrow exhaust system is also included on the list.
    Engine & specs
    Powering the 2020MY Triumph Street Triple R is a BS6-compliant 765cc liquid-cooled inline-three engine churning out 116bhp @ 12,000rpm and 79Nm @ 9,350rpm. The engine is relatively more responsive and better on low- and mid-end torque thanks to 7 per cent lower rotational inertia. The 6-speed transmission has shorter first and second gear ratios. More

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    Delhi EV Policy Gives Additional Benefits To Electric Car, Scooter Buyers

    Delhi government’s electric vehicle policy is curated and derived after a study of global electric vehicle policies in consultation with experts in the country
    Pollution and Delhi are usually mentioned together. Delhi government has now introduced measures to reduce pollution in NCR, and boost economy. Delhi EV policy introduces subsidies, and waives road tax as well as registration fee for electric vehicles. The progressive policy has two objectives – Boost Delhi’s economy; and reduce pollution level and contribute to sustainable development.
    Financial Incentives

    It goes without saying, the policy would help generate jobs on various fronts. Financial incentives for electric two-wheelers, auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws and freight vehicles will be up to Rs 30,000. For electric cars, this benefit will be up to Rs 150,000. The incentives will be applied over and above existing e-vehicle incentives already applicable under central government.
    The unicorn that is the scrapping policy, a notion with no clarity is now being undertaken by Delhi government. A scrapping incentive will be provided when replacing a fuel run vehicle for an e-vehicle. Loan interest for purchase of e-vehicles for commercial activities is waived. e-Vehicles are exempted from registration fees and road tax.

    Ather Electric scooter will launch in Delhi soon.
    Today’s announcement will be valid for three years and will be reviewed regularly. To facilitate the proposals, a state electric vehicle (EV) fund is being set up to bear expenses related to the policy. An EV board chaired by the state transport minister is being set-up. The board will pave the way for policy implementation. The government is hopeful for 5 lakh new EV registrations in the next 5 years.
    Delhi cabinet approved Delhi Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy, 2019 last year to get to this stage. Delhi already sees a notable number of e-three-wheelers plying on its street but the adaption to electric cars and electric two-wheelers isn’t quite so enthused.
    Charging Infrastructure
    To promote the use of EVs, the Delhi government is keen on infrastructure development and is keen to set-up 200 charging stations in a year, and and install an electric charging station every 3 kms. The policy blueprint will facilitate timely education of eBuses into the transport system. Within 1 year, Delhi Govt aims to induct 35,000 e-vehicles and paving the way for 25 percent electric vehicles by 2024.
    Delhi EV policy addresses forward moving measures to give the EV industry a fillip in the right direction. Being a time bound and target-oriented policy would mean infra development at the same pace for policy goals to come to fruition, and offers over and above FAME II scheme.
    Customers who haven’t benefitted from central government’s subsidy scheme can avail subsidy under Delhi EV policy. The independent policy doesn’t run on exchequer money, and could set precedence for other states to follow suit. For now, Delhi EV policy doesn’t benefit lithium battery e-scooters with speeds upto 25km/hr. More

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    Tata Nexon Electric Subscription Plan Prices from Rs 42k per month

    Owners can now enjoy possessing a Tata Nexon EV without having to pay the full price
    Tata Motors unveiled the Nexon EV in India in December 2019 and opened bookings soon after at a down payment of Rs.21,000. The Nexon EV entered a segment to compete with the Hyundai Kona electric and MG ZS EV and was priced at Rs.15 – 17 lakhs. It is is presented in three variants of XM, XZ+ and XZ+ Lux and offers an ARAI certified range of 312 kms.
    Tata Nexon EV with monthly plans

    With the ever increasing demand for electric vehicles, but the high costs involved, Tata Motors has introduced subscription plans for the Tata Nexon EV at a starting rent of Rs.41,900. Customers can select tenures from 18, 24 to 36 months and the rental amount include a comprehensive insurance cover, road side assistance and end to end maintenance.
    This monthly rental scheme on the company’s flagship electric vehicle is being offered initially in 5 cities of Delhi/NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad and Bengaluru. The offer is in collaboration with Orix Auto Infrastructure Services Limited, a leading leasing company in the country. For a tenure of 36 months, the monthly subscription rate is Rs.41,900, going up to Rs.44,900 for a period of 24 months and at Rs.47,900 for an 18 month leasing period.

    It will not involve any vehicle registration, road tax, etc making it a hassle free acquisition for the user. The monthly subscription covers all benefits and also includes free maintenance with servicing and doorstep delivery. The customers will also be provided with their own electric chargers installed at their homes or offices for the entire tenure selected.
    Benefits
    The Tata Nexon EV with monthly plans will benefit corporate who would prefer the leasing option over outright purchase. It will also be found useful for individual in the event of intercity job transfers while expatriates coming into the country for a limited period would also find this subscription plan a viable option.
    The plans are flexible. Users can opt for extension of the plan or just return the vehicle after the completion of the rental tenure. They can also exit the plan with a 1 month notice and return of the vehicle. More details about the Tata Motors EV Subscription Program is available on official site.
    The Tata Nexon EV is powered by a 3 phase permanent magnet synchronous motor offering 129 hp power and 245 Nm peak torque mated to an automatic transmission. The electric vehicle has two driving modes of Drive and Sport. The motor is paired with a IP67 certified 30.2 kWh lithium ion battery. The fast charger can charge the vehicle upto 80 percent in 60 minutes while a regular charger can charge the Nexon EV upto 100 percent in 8 hours. More