These factors are likely to significantly increase the sales of electric vehicles. Hero Electric, a pioneer of electric mobility and the largest electric two-wheeler manufacturer in India, foresees faster adoption of electric vehicles. Switching from ICE to Electric vehicles would also reduce any travel pitstops at the fuel stations given the fact that electric vehicles are supported by portable batteries further increasing the concept of contactless transportation thereby enhancing consumer confidence in these troubled times.

Considering the current scenario, it is almost certain that the Indian automotive sector will not be going back to the old normal market anytime soon. The new normal will bring in many challenges but multiple opportunities with it as well and Hero Electric is aptly prepared for it. To make the adoption of electric vehicles effortless, Hero Electric has recently announced an online sales scheme on its entire range. Taking the online-first approach, Hero Electric has been able to act very quickly and take advantage of the time on hands by introducing a lucrative online scheme - INR 5,000 cash discount (all models) and INR 3,000 cash discount on Glyde and e-Velocity, along with referral discount of INR 1,000 - for potential Hero Electric customers and the response has been rather encouraging. Limited to all online bookings made starting from 17 April till 15 May 2020, customers can take delivery of vehicles any time after the lockdown opens.

Post COVID-19, the global electric vehicle and electric vehicle infrastructure market is projected to reach 4.18 million units by 2021 from an estimated 3.42 million units in 2020, at a CAGR of 22.1 percent and India is expected to be a significant contributor to this growth.

The impact of COVID-19 witnessed air pollution plummet to unforeseen levels at 60% in New Delhi, presenting an opportunity towards the adoption of smarter and sustainable mobility solutions as consumers have taken note of the dramatic improvement in the air quality since lockdown. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic is likely to change the way Indians commute.

Sohinder Gill, CEO of Hero Electric said, “The latest Harvard report of the adverse effect of air pollution particularly the PM 2.5 emitted from IC vehicles on COVID-19 patients is an eye opener. Given the upcoming ‘new normal’ era, consumer focus on sustainable mobility options, preference of sensibly priced electric two-wheelers, and reluctance in going back to the overcrowded public transport system; Hero Electric foresees an exponential increase in the number of electric vehicles on road post lockdown. We have with us a wide range of electric scooters that have zero tail pipe emissions, priced between INR 40,000 to INR 70,000 and have extremely low running costs.”

It may be noted that Hero Electric India has set up a manufacturing unit at Ludhiana, Punjab, with a total installed capacity of 100,000 units per annum. The company currently has over 610 sales and service outlets spread across the country, including top metros, min-metros, and even smaller towns.

It launched the first Lithium-ion based electric scooter in India and introduced the unique concept of charging stations for anywhere and everywhere usage. With close to 300,000 electric two-wheelers in India, the company has been delivering sustainable mobility solutions for the past 12 years.  (MT)

British classic motorcycling brand Triumph Motorcycles recently hosted its first-ever ‘Legends Ride’ in Delhi NCR, bringing together over 50 passionate Triumph motorcycle riders across category – from modern classics to street tourers and long-distance adventure bikes.

The riders rode through Delhi to the Heritage Transport Museum in Taoru, Haryana, celebrating the spirit of motorcycling and riding community.

The company claims that Delhi has become the second biggest market for its customers.

Manik Nangia, President - ProBiking - Bajaj Auto, said, “The overwhelming response to the ‘Legends Ride’ reinforces Triumph’s growing legacy in Delhi. Triumph riders set a benchmark for passionate and responsible riding, and we are excited to create more such experiences that bring motorcyclists together.”

Triumph Motorcycles has introduced four new colour options – Caspian Blue / Pearl Metallic White, Lava Red Gloss / Pearl Metallic White, Phantom Black / Pearl Metallic White and Phantom Black / Storm Grey – for the Speed T4 with prices starting at INR 199,000 (ex-showroom Delhi).

The Speed T4 now features a brushed steel finished exhaust, 3D 'Speed T4' emblem on the side panel, an updated frame colour and a new tyre sticker design.

It continues to be powered by the 400cc engine which delivers 31 PS @ 7,000 rpm and 36 Nm @ 5,000 rpm, low-end torque between 3,500-5,500 rpm.

Other key features include manual throttle body control, slipper clutch, 43mm telescopic fork, dual channel ABS and a console with USB port.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI), a leading two-wheeler manufacturer, has launched the updated OBD2B-compliant Hornet 2.0 at INR 156,953 (ex-showroom Delhi).

The Hornet 2.0 comes with a 4.2-inch TFT  display with Bluetooth connectivity using the Honda RoadSync app. It also gets a new USB C-type charging port, Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) and Dual Channel ABS for safety.

The motorcycle is powered by 184.40cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke engine, delivering 12.50 kW of power at 8500 RPM and 15.7 Nm of peak torque at 6000 RPM. Mated with a 5-speed gearbox, the Hornet 2.0 also gets an Assist & Slipper Clutch for smooth gear shifts.

Tsutsumu Otani, Managing Director, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “The Hornet 2.0 has been a game-changer in the segment ever since it was first introduced in August 2020. Over the years, we have continuously updated the motorcycle and even introduced special MotoGP edition models, each receiving an overwhelming response from our customers. With the new OBD2B-compliant Hornet 2.0, we aim to take this legacy forward by offering an even more refined riding experience, coupled with cutting-edge technology and superior safety features.”

Yogesh Mathur, Director, Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “We are thrilled to introduce the latest iteration of the Hornet 2.0, which comes with exciting new features and enhancements. The motorcycle now boasts aggressive new graphics, an advanced digital TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity, and safety features like Honda Selectable Torque Control and Dual-Channel ABS. Designed for performance enthusiasts to challenge the streets, the Hornet 2.0 is all-set to redefine the streetfighter experience.”

In terms of styling, the Honda Hornet 2.0 gets new graphics on its body panels, an all-LED lighting set-up and four colour options – Pearl Igneous Black, Radiant Red Metallic, Athletic Blue Metallic and Mat Axis Gray Metallic.

Italian two-wheeler brand Aprilia has launched the Tuono 457 naked motorcycle in India at price starting INR 395,000. The Tuono 457 builds on the RS 457’s success, which the company said offers a naked bike experience designed for daily riding and leisure.

The motorcycle incorporates compact surfaces and a recognisable LED front light cluster with a triple headlight setup. The tank is shaped for ergonomics and sportiness, complementing the wide handlebar for a dynamic ride.

Powered by a 457cc liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engine, the Tuono 457 delivers 35 kW (47.6 hp) at 9,400 rpm and 43.5 Nm torque at 6,700 rpm, with 82 percent torque available at 3,000 rpm.

The Tuono 457 features an aluminium frame, which the company said is developed using Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) for the best rigidity-to-weight balance. The 41 mm fork offers 120 mm travel with preload adjustment, while the rear shock absorber has 130 mm travel and supports an asymmetrical steel swingarm. The braking system includes ByBre calipers with 320 mm front and 220 mm rear discs, supported by a Bosch two-channel ABS system.

The motorcycle offers three riding modes – eco, sport and rain – adjusting power delivery and traction control levels. The Aprilia Traction Control (ATC) can be adjusted on the go and ABS can be disengaged from the rear wheel for track use. The bike is equipped with a 5-inch TFT colour display, backlit handlebar controls and Bluetooth connectivity via the Aprilia India app for infotainment and navigation.

The Tuono 457 can be had in two graphics options: Piranha Red and Puma Gray.

Diego Graffi, Chairman and MD, Piaggio Vehicles, said, “I am thrilled to introduce to India the Aprilia Tuono 457, a year after we introduced the segment disruptor Aprilia RS457. There were a lot of enquiries for naked sibling to the RS and Tuono 457 is the latest heir to a tradition of excellence in high-handlebar sports bikes offering a superb, adrenaline-filled ride. The Tuono 457 has a number of differences that render it all the more exclusive: it is the only bike in the range that does not have a fairing integrated into the frame. In its place - for the first time on a Tuono - is a pared-back light cluster, worthy of a true naked bike. It’s the most non-conformist and rebellious Tuono that has ever been, and whilst it retains the core features of all Tuono bikes, the new model boasts an all-new look, designed to satisfy the needs and desires of the youngest generation at which it is aimed.”

Actor and Brand Ambassador John Abraham added, “Like many other bikers, I was also hoping for a Tuono 457 to be introduced to India. The Aprilia Tuono has a legendary portfolio and I am sure the new Tuono 457 will completely dominate the naked segment. The bike is agile, powerful and looks distinct and incredible, all things that one expects from Aprilia. I think this will be the perfect city and urban riding bike and I cant wait to get this bike home.”