Carbike360 Weekly Wrap UP (1st-3rd march) | Brands Last Month Sales Data and more

Welcome to our weekly auto news roundup, where we bring you the latest updates from the dynamic world of automobiles. February 2024 has seen a flurry of activity, with significant developments across various segments of the automotive industry. Let's delve into the highlights that have been making waves:

Royal Enfield Shows Resilience Amidst Monthly Dip

Royal Enfield, India's iconic classic motorcycle manufacturer, demonstrated its enduring prowess in February 2024 sales. Despite encountering a slight Month-over-Month decline, the company maintained a commendable Year-over-Year growth trajectory. Our report examines Royal Enfield's sales performance, analyzing both its <350cc and >350cc portfolios, as well as domestic and export sales figures.

Honda's Impressive Sales Surge

Honda's domestic sales soared in February 2024, marking an astounding 86% Year-over-Year growth, coupled with a notable 9.3% Month-over-Month increase. With domestic sales figures reaching new heights, Honda's surge underscores its rising prominence in the Indian automotive market. We delve into the factors driving Honda's remarkable performance, dissecting the nuances of its sales figures and market strategies.

Tata Motors' Steady Growth Trajectory

Tata Motors, a key player in the automotive landscape, unveiled its sales figures for February 2024, showcasing significant developments in both domestic and international markets. Despite minor fluctuations in commercial vehicle sales, Tata Motors continues to assert its dominance, particularly in the Passenger Vehicle segment. Our analysis provides insights into Tata Motors' sales performance, highlighting key trends and market dynamics.

Industry News:

• Honda Cars India expands its offerings in Military Canteen Store Departments (CSD) by introducing the Elevate SUV, reaffirming its commitment to serving the Indian armed forces.
• Skoda Auto announces plans to reintroduce diesel engines in specific models for the Indian market, catering to the demand for diesel-powered options, particularly in larger MPVs and SUVs.
• Sokudo Electric India introduces three affordable E-Scooters tailored to comply with the FAME-II scheme, signaling a significant milestone in the electric scooter market.
• President Biden initiates a Commerce Department investigation into security threats posed by Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) entering the American auto market, citing concerns about potential risks to national security.
• Hero relaunches the Vida V1 Plus E-Scooter at an attractive price point, equipped with FAME II subsidies and state government incentives, making it an appealing option for urban commuters.

CarBike360 Says:

From Royal Enfield's resilience to Honda's surge and Tata Motors' steady growth, February 2024 has been marked by significant milestones and strategic moves in the automotive industry. As the landscape continues to evolve, our commitment to providing comprehensive coverage of the latest news and trends remains steadfast. Stay tuned for more updates as we navigate the ever-changing terrain of the automotive world.

Also Read: Bike Taxis Poised for Legalization Across India, MoRTH Issues Advisory

Citroen has officially introduced its latest SUV, the Basalt, which is set to compete directly with the Tata Curvv in the growing SUV Coupe segment. Both vehicles aim to make SUV Coupes more accessible in India, a segment previously dominated by luxury brands.

Design and Exterior Highlights

The Citroen Basalt boasts a distinctive design, sharing its underpinnings with the C3 Aircross. It features a sleek coupe roofline that extends to the trunk lid, pronounced fender flares, and plastic cladding, enhancing its rugged yet elegant appearance. The front is characterized by chunky bumpers and headlamps carried over from the C3 Aircross, while the rear gets a new set of tail lamps and a faux skid plate. The sides are adorned with new alloy wheels, complementing the overall dynamic look.

Pierre Leclercq, Head of Citroen Design, described the Basalt as a blend of SUV robustness and coupe elegance. He noted, “The New Citroën BASALT combines the strength of SUV codes with the elegance of a Coupe. Its falling roofline nods to iconic models like the CX and the popular C4.”

Interior and Features

The Citroen Basalt promises a well-appointed interior, featuring a vibrant digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It will offer front and rear armrests with cup holders, a phone holder on the rear armrest, and Type-C charging ports. The vehicle will also include wireless charging, cruise control, and automatic climate control. For connectivity, it will support wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Engine and Performance

Under the hood, the Basalt will be powered by a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine, delivering 109 bhp and up to 205 Nm of torque. It will be available with a 6-speed manual transmission or an automatic torque converter.

Production and Launch

The Citroen Basalt is expected to launch in August 2024. The production model closely resembles the concept version, featuring a coupe roofline and split grille. The SUV Coupe will be positioned as a more affordable alternative to other SUV Coupes in India, with an anticipated starting price of around Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom).

Rivals and Market Position

The Basalt will compete with the Tata Curvv and other compact SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, Honda Elevate, and Skoda Kushaq. It aims to offer a stylish and practical option in a segment that has typically been more premium.

Overall, the Citroen Basalt presents a compelling alternative in the SUV Coupe segment, combining sleek design with practical features and a competitive price point.

Yamaha has introduced its groundbreaking Y-AMT semi-automatic gearbox technology on the 2024 MT-09 street naked motorcycle. This innovative system, weighing just 2.8 kg, is set to revolutionize the riding experience in the performance motorcycle segment. The Y-AMT technology, optimized for sporty riding, will debut on the 2024 MT-09 model equipped with the powerful 890cc CP3 three-cylinder engine, producing 120 PS.

The Y-AMT system allows riders to switch between automatic and manual shifting modes via a dedicated toggle on the switchgear. In manual mode, riders can use "+" and "-" paddles on the left handlebar to change gears, similar to paddle shifters in cars. The absence of a traditional clutch lever and foot-operated gear selector simplifies the riding experience.

Key features of the Y-AMT system include:

• Integration with ride-by-wire throttle for optimized performance
• Compatibility with cruise control and various riding modes
• D and D+ modes for relaxed and performance-oriented riding, respectively

This development puts Yamaha in direct competition with other manufacturers exploring semi-automatic transmissions, such as BMW and KTM. However, Yamaha's focus on performance-oriented motorcycles sets it apart from competitors primarily targeting adventure and touring segments.

While Yamaha has showcased several multi-cylinder motorcycles to Indian dealers, including the YZF-R3, YZF-R7, MT-03, MT-07, and MT-09, only the R3 and MT-03 have been launched in India so far. The introduction of the MT-09 Y-AMT in the Indian market remains uncertain at this time.

The Y-AMT technology represents a significant advancement in motorcycle engineering, potentially influencing future developments in the industry. As manufacturers continue to explore innovative transmission solutions, riders can expect more options that blend performance with ease of use in the coming years.

The Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG bike has made a remarkable entry into the market, attracting significant interest from two-wheeler buyers across India. Launched by Bajaj Auto, one of India’s leading two-wheeler manufacturers, the Freedom 125 CNG is the world’s first motorcycle to feature a CNG powertrain. The bike, which aims to offer lower running costs for its owners, was introduced on July 5 with a starting price of ₹95,000.

High Demand from the Start

Even before its official launch, the Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG had generated considerable buzz. According to Bajaj Auto, more than 30,000 people expressed interest in the bike when it first hit the market. The company has now reported that it received around 6,000 bookings within just one week of opening reservations on July 18. Customers can book the bike by paying a token amount of ₹1,000.

Variants and Prices

The Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG is available in three variants:

• Drum Variant: Priced at ₹95,000 (ex-showroom)

• Drum LED Variant: Priced at ₹1.05 lakh (ex-showroom)

• Disc LED Variant: Priced at ₹1.10 lakh (ex-showroom)

The entry-level Drum variant features drum brakes on both the front and rear wheels, a halogen headlight, and a sheet metal belly pan. It does not include smartphone connectivity features. The mid-level Drum LED variant comes with an LED headlight, drum brakes on both wheels, and an LCD instrument cluster, but still lacks smartphone connectivity. The top-end Disc LED variant includes all the premium features such as a 240mm disc brake at the front, a 130mm drum brake at the rear, an LED headlight, a full LCD instrument cluster, and smartphone connectivity.

Engine and Mileage

The Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG is powered by a 125 cc engine that produces 9.4 bhp of power and 9.7 Nm of peak torque. It features a 2-litre petrol tank and a 16 kg CNG cylinder under the seat, capable of holding up to 2 kg of natural gas. Bajaj claims the bike offers up to 102 km/kg mileage on CNG and 64 km/l on petrol. The total range on CNG is up to 200 km, and when combined with petrol, the bike can travel up to 330 km. According to Bajaj, the Freedom CNG bike can save customers up to ₹1,800 in fuel costs.

Safety Measures

Concerns about the safety of the CNG cylinder, especially in the event of an accident, have been addressed by Bajaj Auto. The company has released several videos demonstrating the bike's crash test results. These tests included a frontal collision with a 1.5-tonne vehicle at 60 km/h and being crushed under the wheels of a 10-tonne truck. In both scenarios, the CNG cylinder remained intact with no leakage. However, independent safety tests are expected to provide a more comprehensive safety rating for the bike.

The Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG bike has certainly made a significant impact in the market with its innovative approach and impressive initial response. As the world's first CNG motorcycle, it promises to be a game-changer in the two-wheeler segment, offering an economical and environmentally friendly option for riders.

Highlights

• Ola’s first electric bike teased

• More details likely revealed next month on August 15th

• The battery pack, electric motor, front sprocket, final drive chain, and more are visible

Bhavish Aggarwal, the CEO of Ola Electric, has teased a new electric bike on social media. This teaser image gives us a glimpse of Ola’s first electric motorcycle, which might be unveiled on August 15th, a significant date for the company.

What the Teaser Image Reveals

The image posted by Aggarwal shows some key components of the upcoming electric bike. Here's what we can see:

1. Steel Tubular Frame: The bike has a strong, tubular frame made of steel.

2. Compact Battery Pack: The battery pack is compact and fits snugly within the frame.

3. Electric Motor Placement: The motor is located below the battery pack.

4. Final Drive and Front Sprocket: The bike uses a chain drive with a visible front sprocket.

5. Control Modules: Several control modules are mounted in different locations, indicating a well-thought-out design.

6. Seat and Footpegs: A part of the seat is visible, along with forward-set footpegs, suggesting this is indeed a motorcycle. The seat height appears to be accessible for most riders.

Past and Future Announcements

Last year, on the same date, Ola Electric showcased four futuristic concept models of electric motorcycles. This year, we might see more developments and possibly more details about this new e-motorcycle.

Current Product Line and Future Expectations

Currently, Ola Electric's product lineup includes e-scooters. The addition of an e-motorcycle could take some time, perhaps a year or two, before a production model is ready. However, the company seems committed to expanding its electric vehicle offerings.

Stay tuned for more updates from Ola Electric, especially around August 15th, when we might get more information about their exciting new electric motorcycle.

Hero MotoCorp has launched the updated 2024 Xtreme 160R 4V, priced at ₹1.38 lakh (ex-showroom). The new Xtreme 160R 4V includes significant upgrades such as dual-channel ABS, a redesigned pillion seat, new paint schemes, and enhanced safety features. The 160cc segment has always been lucrative, and the 2024 Xtreme 160R 4V aims to strike a balance between style and substance for buyers.

In June 2023, Hero MotoCorp introduced the Xtreme 160R with features like USD telescopic front forks, a 4V head, and an oil-cooling setup. Despite these improvements, enthusiasts called for dual-channel ABS, which has now been included in the 2024 Xtreme 160R 4V. The new Xtreme 160R 4V also features a refreshed design, with a new Kevlar Brown color option, in addition to the existing Neon Shooting Star and Stealth Black.

The most noticeable design update is the new black and bronze colorway with striking decals. The split seat design has been replaced with a single-piece seat for enhanced comfort. Additionally, there is a new LED tail light that looks more modern and premium. The 2024 model of the Xtreme 160R 4V also introduces a first-in-segment panic brake alert system that enhances safety by flashing the rear lights during emergency braking.

New Features of the 2024 Hero Xtreme 160R 4V:

Dual-channel ABS: Increases safety and completes the bike's feature set.
Panic Brake Alert: First-in-segment feature that flashes rear lights under emergency braking.
Drag Race Timer: New feature for recording 0-60 km/h sprints.
  
The powertrain remains the same, with a 163.2cc single-cylinder oil-cooled SOHC 4V engine delivering 16.6 bhp and 14.6 Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed gearbox. The primary competitors for the 2024 Hero Xtreme 160R 4V include the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and Honda Hornet 2.0.

Ather Energy has made a significant entry into the family scooter market with the launch of the Rizta in India. This new electric scooter is available with two battery pack options: 2.9 kWh and 3.7 kWh. While the deliveries of the 2.9 kWh variant have already begun, there was a delay with the 3.7 kWh version. However, Ather has announced that deliveries of the Rizta 3.7 kWh will start by the end of July.

Impressive Range and Charging

The 3.7 kWh battery pack offers a claimed range of up to 159 km. However, in real-world conditions, the range is expected to be around 125 km on a single charge. The scooter comes with Ather's Duo 700W charger, which charges the battery from 0 to 80 percent in 4 hours, and from 0 to 100 percent in 6 hours and 10 minutes. Using the Ather Grid, you can recharge 15 km of range in just 10 minutes. The battery pack is also IP67 dust and water-resistant, ensuring durability in various conditions.

Powerful Motor and Performance

The Rizta is powered by the same electric motor found in the 450X model. This motor delivers a peak power of 4.3 kW and a peak torque output of 22 Nm. It can accelerate from 0 to 40 kmph in just 4.7 seconds. The electric motor is IP66 resistant, providing additional protection against dust and water.

Advanced Features

The 3.7 kWh version of the Rizta comes with several advanced features. One of the highlights is the Magic Twist feature, which allows the rider to increase brake regeneration by twisting the throttle in the opposite direction. Additionally, the scooter includes Skid Control, which functions as a traction control system to enhance safety.

The Rizta S base model is equipped with the DeepView LCD instrument console from the 450S, which includes turn-by-turn navigation. In contrast, the Z variants feature a TFT screen with Google Maps navigation. It's worth noting that the S trim comes with a standard seat and does not include a pillion backrest, while the Z trim offers a standard pillion backrest and a premium seat.

With these features and options, Ather Energy aims to cater to a wide range of customers looking for a reliable and advanced electric scooter. Many eagerly anticipate the upcoming deliveries of the 3.7 kWh version.