TVS Motor

Image – RaviA cheaper iQube can become a more attractive option in comparison to rival Bajaj Chetak
As per amendments introduced in FAME II (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India), the subsidy available has been increased to Rs 15,000 per kWh. Earlier, the subsidy available was Rs 10,000 per kWh.
The new subsidy rates will be applicable for all EVs and hybrids excluding only buses. Additionally, the government has increased the incentive level to 40% of the cost of vehicle. Earlier, this was fixed at 20%.
TVS iQube revised prices
With the changes in FAME-II subsidy scheme, iQube’s on-road price is now Rs 11,250 less than earlier. iQube is currently offered in Delhi and Bengaluru. In Delhi, the effective on-road price is down to 1.01 lakh.
In comparison, customers in Bengaluru will have to pay Rs 1.10 lakh. Cost is lower in Delhi, as the state government provides additional subsidies to EVs. Promoting use of EVs is an integral part of the overall plan to reduce pollution in the national capital region.
TVS iQube Electric scooter
With significant reduction in price, iQube can be in an advantageous position as compared to rival Bajaj Chetak. At the time of its launch, Chetak was offered at an attractive introductory price of Rs 1 lakh. However, with subsequent price revisions, Chetak has become quite expensive. Chetak Urbane and Premium variants are available at Rs 1.43 lakh and Rs 1.45 lakh, respectively.
Chetak currently cannot benefit from increased subsidy, as it is yet to get approval under FAME-II scheme. It will have to continue with its existing prices. Due to this, Chetak prices are now at par with that of Ather 450X.
Ather was the first electric two-wheeler manufacturer to announce reduction in prices on account of increased subsidy. In Bengaluru, Ather 450 Plus and 450X are now priced at Rs 1,25,490 and Rs 1,44,500, respectively.
TVS iQube expansion plans
The hike in subsidy couldn’t have come at a better time for iQube. That’s because TVS is currently working to introduce iQube in 20 new cities. With prices reduced, it could become easier for the company to attract customers. The new cities that will be covered include Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad.
However, things won’t be easy for iQube, as Bajaj is also working to launch Chetak in new cities. Bajaj has plans to cover around 30 new cities by end of this fiscal. Ather is already ahead in the game, as it has launched its scooter in more than a dozen cities. More locations will be covered in the coming months. More

Image – Vlogger Satyam GuptaTVS recorded more exports than domestic sales for the month of May 2021 due to stricter curbs and lockdowns across the country
With the country grappling with the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, business in every sector was adversely affected. The story of the auto industry was no different with restrictions across the country impacting production as well as sales of vehicles. Meanwhile, TVS Motor Company registered cumulative sales of 166,889 units in May 2021.
In comparison, the company sold 69,008 units in the month of May 2020 while in April this year, the Hosur-based bikemaker recorded total sales of 2,38,983 units. This resulted in YoY growth of 141.84 percent and an MoM decline of 30.17 percent. These numbers include two-wheelers and three-wheelers sold both in domestic and overseas markets.
Two-Wheeler Sales
Total two-wheelers stood at 154,416 units in May 2021 as against sales of 56,218 units in May last year. Out of these numbers, motorcycles accounted for 125,188 units in May 2021 in comparison to 26,772 units in May 2020. Best sellers in the motorcycle segment included the Apache range.
Whereas, scooters registered 19,627 units in May 2021 as against sales of 16,120 units in May 2020. Domestic two-wheelers registered 52,084 units in May 2021 while the figures stood at 41,067 units in May last year. Scooter sales featured Jupiter, Ntorq, iQube among top sellers.
TVS Sales May 2021 vs April 2021 (MoM)
Three-Wheeler Sales
A total of 12,473 three-wheelers were sold last month out of which only 131 units accounted for domestic sales while the rest were shipped overseas. This resulted in MoM and YoY decline of 68.20 percent and 99.85 percent respectively on domestic sales.
The company’s total domestic figure stood at 52,215 units which resulted in over 60 percent decline in both MoM and YoY sales. In comparison, a total of 114,674 units were shipped overseas which translated to a massive YoY growth of 547.62 percent.
Two-Wheeler Exports
TVS also sold a total of 9,601 mopeds inclusive of domestic and exports last month. In comparison, 27,753 units of mopeds were sold in April this year and 13,326 units of mopeds were retailed in May last year. This translated to a decline in MoM and YoY sales by 60.36 percent and 27.95 percent. A total of 102,332 units of two-wheelers were exported to overseas markets last month which resulted in the exact same MoM and YoY growths of 7.94 percent.
TVS Sales May 2021 vs May 2020 (YoY)
It is clear from the figures that exports boosted the sales figures of TVS Motor for last month. This primarily due to lockdowns imposed in most states across the country. The Hosur-based manufacturer currently retails fourteen products in India which include eight motorcycles, four scooters, one moped and one electric scooter. More

Image – Subhani AutomotiveTVS Motor reported MoM de-growth both in terms of domestic sales and exports in April 21
A year-on-year comparison is not possible due to zero sales reported in April 2020 because of the lockdown imposed by the Government of India in view of the Coronavirus pandemic which struck the country in March 2020. Hence, here we compare MoM sales and exports of TVS Motor Company that has seen de-growth on both counts.
Domestic Sales – TVS Motor
Total two wheeler sales sold in domestic markets in April 21 stood at 1,30,981 units, down 35.21 percent over 2,02,155 units sold in March 21. Of the TVS Motor lineup, it was only the Pep+ scooter that posted marginal MoM growth of 2.89 percent while every other model suffered from poor sales.
TVS Apache, XL and Jupiter were at the top of the domestic sales charts with sales above the 25,000 unit mark. Apache sales dipped 11.17 percent to 29,458 units in April 21, down from 33,162 units sold in March 21. Despite de-growth, the TVS Apache was at No.6 among the best-selling motorcycles in India in April 21.
TVS XL100 sales on the other hand suffered a 41.87 percent de-growth from 44,688 units sold in March 21 to 25,977 units sold in the past month. Jupiter sales suffered the highest MoM de-growth in the company lineup at 55.30 percent to 25,570 units sold in April 21, down from 57,206 units sold in March 21. However, while assessing the best-selling scooters in the country, TVS Jupiter was at No.2 in April 21.
TVS Sales Breakup April 2021
TVS Pep+ sales were the only silver lining in the company lineup. Sales increased 289 percent to 8,143 units in April 21, up from 7,914 units sold in March 21. The Pep+ is regaled for its lighter weight, novel features and affordable pricing. TVS Motor reported de-growth in terms of Sport, Radeon Zest, StarCity and iQube along with that of the RR310.
TVS Exports April 2021
TVS Motor Company had seen its highest ever monthly exports in March 2021, crossing the 1 lakh unit mark. However, the company reported a 9.68 percent de-growth in terms of two wheeler exports in April 21 as March exports which had stood at 1,05,282 units dipped to 95,087 units in the past month.
The Apache, NTorq, XL, Victor, RR310 and Jupiter posted positive growth while Star City 125, Star City, Sport, Radeon and Wego saw its exports numbers dip MoM. Below is a detailed breakup of TVS two wheeler exports for April 2021.
TVS Exports Breakup April 2021
The company has also noted that its popular NTorq 125 has cross the 1 lakh unit mark in terms of exports. The NTorq was launched in 2018 and was the first Bluetooth connected scooter in the country with TVS SmartXonnect.
NTorq exports in April 21 increased 5.08 percent to 6,498 units, up from 6,184 units exported in March 21. The highest percentage growth in terms of exports was seen in the case of the TVS RR310 which increased 308.11 percent to 151 units in April 21 as against 37 units shipped in March 21. More

TVS Apache Supermoto Edition
RTR 160 is one of the bestsellers for TVS in its Apache range
One of the popular performance oriented bikes in the county, TVS Apache RTR 160 has proved its mettle on city streets as well as on the racetrack. The bike has undergone several updates over the years and has a dominating road presence in its current form. It has also received a number of functional updates including those related to engine performance and tech features.
But there’s always scope for making things even better. That’s exactly what ‘Abin Designs’ had in mind when they came up with a Supermoto version of Apache RTR 160. Rendered digitally, the Apache RTR 160 Supermoto edition looks absolutely stunning. It’s an idea that seems worth to be brought to life. Hopefully, a customization shop might take notice and would be interested in executing this project in the real world.
TVS Apache RTR 160 Supermoto edition key features
Some striking features that immediately grab your attention include the golden USD front forks, golden brake callipers, knuckle guards, underseat exhaust and wider tyres.
The headlight section gets a sleek makeover and it packs an extended nose that doubles up as a high rise mudguard. The stock front fenders have been clipped short and painted in black for a sportier look and feel. The design of the windshield has also been updated.
TVS Apache Supermoto Edition
In terms of functional updates, the Supermoto edition gets monoshock rear suspension. The swingarm has also been altered for a groovier look and feel. Features and components that have been left untouched include the fuel tank and its graphics, engine cowl, single piece seat, split grab rails, and tail section.
TVS Apache RTR 160 stock version – engine and specs
Apache RTR 160 is equipped with a 159.7cc air cooled motor that is capable of generating 15.53 PS of max power at 8400 rpm and 13.9 Nm of max torque at 7000 rpm. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
The bike utilizes a double cradle chassis. It has telescopic front suspension with hydraulic dampers and Monotube Inverted Gas-filled shox (MIG) with spring aid at the rear. Braking duties are performed by 270 mm petal disc at the front. At the rear, the options include 130mm drum or 200mm disc brakes.
The bike is offered with single channel ABS as standard. This has been tested and perfected on the track. It ensures sharp feedback and optimal control even when negotiating tough corners. TVS Apache RTR 160 prices start at Rs 1.03 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). With the updates, the Supermoto version will apparently be costlier. More

TVS iQubeDemand for electric two wheelers is expected to witness an upsurge in the coming years
A segment initially nourished largely by startups and tech firms, the electric two wheeler space has started to get attention from mainstream manufacturers. TVS, which already has iQube, has now revealed mega plans to boost its EV footprint.
The company is planning to invest around Rs 500-600 crore in FY22, most of which will be used for EVs and emerging technologies and products. Around Rs 150 crore will be exclusively channelled for EV projects, which will include development of electric three-wheelers.
TVS iQube in 20 new cities
According to KN Radhakrishnan, director & CEO of TVS, there are plans to introduce its iQube electric scooter in 20 new cities. This expansion is expected to be completed by end of current fiscal. As may be recalled, iQube was originally launched in Bengaluru. Later, it was introduced in Delhi as well.
In the next phase, iQube could be launched in other top cities such as Mumbai, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata. Several Tier I cities are also expected to be covered.
TVS iQube
TVS has not revealed the list of cities yet. The preference is likely to be for cities that have greater acceptance of electric two wheelers. Availability of battery charging infrastructure could be another factor for selection of cities that will get iQube.
Rivals working on similar plans
TVS plans reflect industry trends, wherein other electric two wheeler manufacturers are working on similar expansion plans. For example, Ather Energy has already expanded operations to top cities as well as several smaller cities. It has plans to cover more cities this year. Ather is also working to boost its network of charging stations.
Bajaj Auto has similar plans for its Chetak electric scooter. Chetak was originally launched in Pune and later introduced in Bengaluru. By the end of this financial year, Bajaj has plans to launch Chetak in 30 new cities.
Bajaj Chetak vs TVS iQube – FY 2021 Sales
Another company with aggressive EV plans is Ola Electric, which is currently building a mega manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu. When completed, Ola will be able to produce around 10 million vehicles per year. Ola is also developing an extensive network of high-speed charging stations.
In first year, more than 5k Ola charging stations will be set up in 100 cities. This will be ramped up to over 1 lakh charging stations spread across 400 cities. Easy availability of fast charging stations is a prerequisite for increased acceptance of EVs.
Other companies such as Husqvarna and KTM are also working to introduce electric two wheelers in the Indian market. Mainstream manufacturers such as Hero MotoCorp, Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha are also expected to enter the EV space soon. Hero MotoCorp has already partnered with Taiwan-based Gogoro to develop electric vehicles and battery swapping infrastructure. More

TVS XL modified to like a Harley. Credit – sudus custom
While the mechanical configuration hasn’t been tinkered, it does with a custom-made engine casing which gives it the appearance of a V-twin
Despite its small size and capacity, TVS XL 100 is considered to be a workhorse of a two-wheeler. It is extremely efficient, frugal and reliable which makes it a favourite among people on a tight budget and those who conduct business on wheels. However, it would be highly optimistic to expect a powerful performance out of its humble powertrain.
But that’s what aftermarket designers are- Optimistic as they look to create something special out of nothing. The latest case is a prime example in his regard where an XL 100 has modified to look like a miniature Harley Davidson. While it definitely doesn’t match in its size or capacity, its design definitely looks a close replica of the classical American bobber.
TVS XL modified to like a Harley
Aesthetic Modifications Made
In a video uploaded by Sudus Customs on YouTube, the vlogger explains the modifications carried out on the moped. The designer has to be lauded for his efforts as the final product shares close resemblance with Harley Davidson Forty-Eight.
In this aftermarket modification, the designer has given attention to each and every details. Almost every part of the custom-made bike is built from hands. Take a look at the detailed video below.
[embedded content]
The most iconic piece of attraction is a yellow-coloured fuel tank that has carved in shape just like the classic cruiser from Harley Davidson. It also features Harley Davidson and Forty-Eight brandings on the tank. It is a bolt-on tank and can be installed or removed easily. However, since the moped has no real body panels as such, a large section of the modified work is left uncovered. For instance, the huge gap between the fuel tank and motor.
Is that a V-Twin there?
The custom-made bike also features side boxes that are customised. The leather saddle can accommodate only the rider which has been fitted by positioning it above the rear suspension unit and then fastening the bolts.
The most noticeably highlight is the engine compartment that wears a custom fibreglass casing. The cover encloses the tiny 100cc motor but gives it the shape of a classical V-Twin motor just like the ones that power Harley Davidson motorcycles.
TVS XL modified to like a Harley
The designer has also added a twin exhaust setup with custom-made mufflers although only one is functional. This setup lends a bit of heft to the moped. Other parts such as the front mudguard and rear fender have also been hand-made. It gets the same set of features which include a round headlamp with chrome bezels, round indicators and single pod analogue instrument cluster that provide a retro theme to the modified moped.
In terms of specifications, new TVS XL 100 is powered by a 99.7cc four-stroke engine which delivers 4.3 bhp and 6.5 Nm of peak torque. On the other hand, Harley Davidson Forty-Eight is propelled by a massive 1202cc parallel-twin motor that spits out 96 Nm of peak torque. More