Category: Auto

Bajaj Auto launches Pulsar NS400Z, the largest and most feature-rich model yet

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Homegrown two-wheeler manufacturer Bajaj Auto, on Friday, launched the Pulsar NS400Z in India. The new model, priced at ₹1.85 lakh (ex-showroom), is the largest and most advanced Pulsar yet.

Bajaj added that the Pulsar range has been a key product in the company’s portfolio for over 24 years, with 1.8 crore units sold over two decades.

The company announced that this price is a limited offer for a month, with deliveries set to begin in the first week of June. Bookings are now open for a token amount of ₹5,000.

Rajiv Bajaj, MD of Bajaj Auto, hinted at more developments in the pipeline, stating, “The Z in the NS400Z is a clue that there is more to come very soon.” He also revealed plans to launch the world’s first CNG Motorcycle on 18th June.

Also Read: Ola Electric dominates with 52% market share in India’s electric two-wheeler market

The NS400Z’s headlight features a unique design with a central LED projector headlight flanked by two edgy lightning bolt-shaped DRLs. The tank extensions are also quite sharp, giving the NS400Z’s overall design a very edgy look. The NS400Z is available in 4 colours – Glossy Racing Red, Pewter Grey, Metallic Pearl White, and Brooklyn Black.

The NS400Z is powered by the same liquid-cooled, 373cc, single-cylinder engine as the Dominar 400, delivering 40hp at 8,800rpm and 35Nm at 6,500rpm. Bajaj claims that the NS400Z has a top speed of 154kph. The 6-speed gearbox setup and slip-and-assist clutch are also carried over from the Dominar 400. However, unlike the Dominar 400, the NS400Z uses an underbelly exhaust muffler, similar to the smaller NS200.

Suspension duties are handled by a 43mm USD fork finished in gold and a preload-adjustable monoshock. Braking duties are handled by a 320mm front disc mated to a 4-piston Grimeca axial calliper and a 230mm rear disc. With its 12-litre fuel tank fully brimmed, the NS400Z weighs 174kg, which makes it 19 kilos less than the Dominar. It has an accessible seat height of 805mm.

Also Read: Hero MotoCorp unveils 2024 Harley-Davidson models: Check booking, price details

Tyre sizes are 110/70-17 (front) and 140/70-17 (rear) on the NS400Z. The only other bike which uses the 140-section rear tyre in the same segment in the country is the Yamaha R3. The NS400Z also gets adjustable brake and clutch levers.

The riding aids on the NS400Z comprise 4 riding modes (Sport, Road, Rain, Off-road), ride-by-wire throttle, 3 levels of traction control and switchable dual-channel ABS (only in the Off-road riding mode).

All these rider aids are controlled through a colour LCD dash, which has largely the same layout as the smaller air-cooled Pulsar models except for the little screen on the right-hand side which shows navigation data, allows you to control music playback and even has a lap timer.

Also Read: Mahindra unveils XUV 3XO with Level 2 ADAS features, starting at ₹7.49 lakh

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Rajiv Bajaj says the Z in Pulsar NS400Z is a clue that there is more to come very soon

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Bajaj Auto on May 3 launched its ‘biggest Pulsar ever’ — NS400Z that comes with a 373cc engine and is priced at ₹1.85 lakh (ex-showroom), a limited offer available for a month.

The Z in the NS400Z is a clue that there is more to come very soon, CEO Rajiv Bajaj said at the launch. “With the NS400, we have waited for the customer to signal to us what his/her demand is. It has taken us time to deliver a motorcycle at a Pulsar-like price.”

The nostalgia-filled statement comes as Pulsar has been one of the most successful products in the Bajaj Auto portfolio for over 24 years. It has seen sales of 18 million over two decades.

Reflecting on the impact on the automaker’s financials, Bajaj said, “We have 25% share in this 350cc segment and this is the most lucrative from a revenue point of view.” Also, the firm is likely to launch the bike in Colombia in six months, he said, adding that Turkey is very special for Bajaj Auto because it was the first country to give permission to the Qute.

Bajaj also confirmed that the first CNG motorcycle ever in the world will be launched by the firm on June 18. He had shared it will be launched in June in an interaction with CNBC-TV18 earlier.

“We will have a two-pronged approach from now on — one with CNG motorcycles and the other with electric scooters. We are 80% of the three-wheeler market and CNG is 70% of our portfolio and we’re gaining month-on-month market share with e-three-wheelers.”

He added that the firm will follow a two-pronged approach for sports bikes, for the commuter segment and for three-wheelers as well. “That is a double engine ki sarkar and we are a double engine ka karobar.”

Pulsar NS400Z comes with signature LED projectors, lightning bolt DRL lamps, LED blinkers, and hazard lights. It delivers a power of 40PS power and 35NM of torque. The motorcycle’s top speed is 154 km/hr and it has a wire electronic throttle for better control.

The bikes come in four ride modes — Road, Rain, Sport and Off Road — and are open for bookings for a token amount of ₹5,000. Deliveries are set to begin in the first week of June.

Also Read: All about Pulsar NS400Z, the largest and most feature-rich model yet

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Cleaner transportation — why the viability of an EV-focused strategy raises concerns

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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To push the adoption of cleaner transportation on Indian roads, the government has implemented a series of policy measures in recent years. Initiatives such as the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME India) scheme, which commenced in 2015, later extended to 2019 before its revamp as FAME II, now extended until 2024, along with the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan, reflect the government’s commitment to fostering a greener and eco-friendly transportation system in the country.

These policies aim to promote electric vehicles (EVs) through two main channels — the production of original electric vehicles by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and the encouragement of a retrofitment ecosystem for converting existing combustion engine-based vehicles into electric ones.

However, a critical question arises regarding the feasibility of aggressively increasing EV adoption on Indian roads in the short and medium term. The conversion of a substantial number, potentially 33 crore vehicles, or even a third of that, into electric vehicles by 2030 poses a significant challenge. A feasible solution lies in considering alternative fuels, such as auto LPG, which already has a well-established infrastructure and supporting ecosystem in the country.

Government’s cautious approach reflects scepticism 

The government’s cautious optimism is evident in the adjustment of its targets. Originally aiming for 100% electrification of vehicles by 2030, it has scaled down its ambitions to achieve EV sales for 30% of private cars, 40% of buses, and 80% of two-wheelers and three-wheelers by 2030.

This revised target still entails having a substantial number of 102 million electric vehicles on the roads. However, industry experts estimate that achieving the government’s scaled-down target may only reach 8-10% of EV sales by 2030, falling short of the 30% goal. 

Colossal transitional investment needs due consideration

The massive transitional investment required, especially for charging infrastructure, is a significant hurdle that merits careful thought and re-evaluation. With an estimated investment of around $180 billion until 2030 and a need for over 2.9 million charging points by 2030, the current infrastructure of approximately 15,000 charging points, including those at homes and workplaces, is woefully inadequate.

Additional obstacles include overcoming financial challenges, real estate costs, and logistical complexities in identifying and installing charging stations for diverse end-user groups.

Inadequate battery infrastructure poses serious questions

The country’s insufficient battery infrastructure further complicates the transition to EVs. Inadequate battery quality, faulty battery management systems, and the lack of raw materials like lithium and cobalt hinder the development of a self-sustaining ecosystem domestically, forcing reliance on countries such as China and exposing India to significant politico-commercial risks. 

Auto LPG more cost-effective than EV conversion

Moreover, the high cost of EV conversion, ranging from ₹3-5 lakh, compared to auto LPG, is quite a deterrent. State governments exploring retrofitting old vehicles face cost challenges, with the conversion cost equivalent to that of a new vehicle. The absence of a well-established retrofitting ecosystem for EVs further compounds the issue.

Prohibitive cost component adds to end-consumers’ apprehension 

Consumer reluctance, driven by the high cost of new EVs compared to Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles, coupled with concerns about charging infrastructure, service options, range anxiety, and battery costs, contributes to the slow adoption of EVs.

With only a few EVs sold compared to the vast number of existing ICE vehicles, the government’s goal of reducing pollution through increased EV adoption appears challenging.

Why auto LPG should be embraced as the ‘Net Zero Hero’ 

In light of these challenges, adopting auto LPG emerges as a viable solution in the government’s fight against transport-related pollution. Auto LPG’s zero Global Warming Potential (GWP) and minimal emissions of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides make it an attractive option for the government’s low-carbon mobility initiative. Additionally, auto LPG is around 40% cheaper for consumers, and the conversion cost for an ICE vehicle is a modest ₹ 25,000-30,000 compared to the substantial ₹3 to 5 lakh per unit for transitioning to EVs.

The urgency to adopt Auto LPG to address climate change and pollution cannot be overstated, as their detrimental effects continue to worsen. Pollution has significant implications for public health, contributing to a wide range of illnesses and diseases.

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and other air pollutants can penetrate deep into the respiratory system, leading to respiratory ailments like asthma, bronchitis, and lung cancer. Moreover, pollutants can exacerbate cardiovascular conditions and have adverse effects on neurological development, particularly in children.

Furthermore, pollution exacerbates climate change by contributing to the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases, leading to global warming and climate disruptions. Rising temperatures result in more frequent and severe weather events, such as heatwaves, droughts, and storms, which have far-reaching consequences for ecosystems, agriculture, and human livelihoods.

Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive and immediate action on multiple fronts. While transitioning to cleaner energy sources and implementing stringent emissions regulations are crucial steps, innovative solutions are also needed to mitigate the existing pollution burden. One such solution is the conversion of vehicles to run on cleaner fuels like liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Moreover, the conversion of existing vehicles to LPG helps mitigate the environmental impact of transportation without the need for scrappage or replacement, thereby reducing waste and conserving resources. By extending the lifespan of vehicles through conversion, we can achieve immediate reductions in emissions and alleviate the strain on the environment and public health.

Therefore, the government must pursue a comprehensive approach incorporating both EVs and auto LPG in its strategy for low-carbon transportation in the country. The substantial subsidies provided to the EV sector have not yielded positive results regarding end-consumer price reduction. By extending favourable treatment to auto LPG, such as reducing GST on conversion kits and the fuel itself, and ensuring perpetuity in type approval norms for conversion kits, the government can significantly contribute to its mission of achieving cleaner mobility.

—The author, Suyash Gupta, is Director General at Indian Auto LPG Coalition. The views expressed are personal.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Bajaj Auto aims to outpace industry growth with focus on higher-end segments

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Bajaj Auto will maintain its lead in the domestic two-wheeler market, growing at least two to three times the industry average, particularly in the higher-end segments, according to Rakesh Sharma, the Executive Director of the company.

“The performance (in March and April together) is driven by the top half of the industry, which is growing at a slightly faster rate than the bottom half. And we are continuing to lead in the top half by a fair margin,” he said.

While sales typically slow down in May and June, Sharma says, “I think we will continue to outpace the industry, particularly in the top up by about two to three times. So I would say in the domestic business, we should again see a similar performance as in April in May.”

Bajaj Auto’s total sales in April grew 17% year-on-year (YoY) to 3.88 lakh units. Domestic sales were up 17% YoY at 2.49 lakh units, while exports grew 18% YoY at 1.39 lakh units.

The company wants to increase its market share in the higher-end market segment by introducing improved products and setting competitive prices.

“We are a tad below the leader, but I must point out that when we started the last financial year (FY24), we were 10 percentage points away from leadership in the top half. We are now 1% point away and of course; we will be thrust to ensure that we get to the number one spot in the top half,” added Sharma.

Also Read | Bajaj Auto strong Q4 show gets the company three target price hikes — Should you buy?

Bajaj Auto is all set to announce a new lineup of products starting tomorrow when it launches its biggest Pulsar.

Sharma expects the new launch to not only bring in volumes in the top segment but to boost the Pulsar brand in general.

Among export markets, Nigeria, which is significant for Bajaj with a large market share, is currently the only one that remains a concern.

“Nigeria is still struggling with finding an equilibrium on the currency side, which is having a dampening affecting on retail sales there,” Sharma noted.

Also Read | Bajaj Auto expects to grow faster than the industry as it nears entering Europe

On April 18, Bajaj Auto reported a 35% jump in its net profit over last year at ₹1,936 crore for the January-March period.

Also Read | Bajaj Auto Q4 results: Net profit jumps 35% to ₹1,936 crore; auto major declares dividend of ₹80 per share

Bajaj Auto’s market capitalisation is around ₹2,53,773.00 crore. Over the past year, its shares have risen by nearly 101%.

Automakers like Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra and Mahindra, Tata Motors, Bajaj Auto, and Hero Motocorp, along with others, share their sales numbers every month on the first day of the month.

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Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Tata Motors shares near record high, surge 7% in the last one week

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Tata Motors Ltd. shares gained as much as 2% on Thursday and have now gained for the third day in a row. The stock has risen in seven out of the last eight trading sessions. During this period, the stock has risen from levels of ₹963 to today’s intraday high of ₹1,030.

The passenger and commercial vehicle manufacturer, which also gets a bulk of its sales from its UK-unit Jaguar Land Rover, hit a record high of ₹1,065 on March 31.

For the month of April, Tata Motors’ sales were a mixed bag with Passenger Vehicle sales being under pressure. PV sales rose only 2% from last year in April to 47,983 units. Electric Vehicle sales were also under pressure, declining 2% from last year to 6,364 units. Commercial Vehicle sales outperformed.

In a note on April 9, brokerage firm Morgan Stanley remained “Overweight” on Tata Motors with a price target of ₹1,013. The stock is currently trading above that price.

Nomura also maintained its “buy” recommendation on Tata Motors with a price target of ₹1,057.

Out of the 33 analysts that have coverage on Tata Motors, 24 of them have a “buy” rating on the stock, four have a “hold” rating, while five of them have a “sell” recommendation.

Shares of Tata Motors are trading 1.7% higher at ₹1,025. The stock has risen 30% so far in 2024. The stock was the only one that doubled on the Nifty 50 index in 2023.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

BMW India launches M4 Competition M xDrive at Rs 1.54 crore, features TwinPower Turbo engine

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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BMW India has introduced the M4 Competition M xDrive, priced at Rs 1.54 crore (ex-showroom). The car, available as a Completely Built-Up (CBU) model, can be booked at a BMW dealership or through the BMW Online Shop.

Vikram Pawah, President of BMW Group India, in a company statement, said, “The new BMW M4 Competition M xDrive truly embodies the best of BMW M – unstoppable power, incredible handling, and sporty styling. The car radiates superior dynamism and premium appeal, underlining its independent, performance-oriented personality. It is indeed an elite sporting icon.”

The M4 Competition M xDrive is powered by the TwinPower Turbo S58 six-cylinder in-line petrol engine, delivering 530PS, an increase of 20PS over the previous model. The torque remains at 650Nm. The power is transmitted through an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission. The car accelerates to 100 kmph in 3.5 seconds, with a top speed of 250 kmph, extendable to 290 kmph with the optional M Driver’s Package.

Also Read: April auto sales highlight: TVS Motor sales up 25% in April; Ola Electric market share at 52%

The Setup button on the centre console provides instant access to engine, chassis, steering, and brake system settings, as well as traction control. The engine’s characteristics can be adjusted using Efficient, Sport, and Sport Plus settings, while the Comfort, Sport, or Sport Plus chassis mode controls the electronically controlled damper settings.

The new M4 is a slightly updated version of the current-gen M4 Competition. The main aesthetic enhancements are updated LED headlights and taillights, and a new set of arrow-shaped Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) that also function as turn indicators.

Inside, the driver will find a flat-bottom leather steering wheel with a red stripe, with an Alcantara microsuede steering wheel also available. The M4 retains its dual-screen infotainment and instrumentation displays, measuring 14.9 and 12.3 inches respectively, now operating on BMW Operating System 8.5.

Also Read: Hyundai and Kia set to launch first hybrid cars in India by 2026

Additional features include a wireless charger, head-up display, smartphone integration, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Options include the Driving Assistant Professional, Parking Assistant Plus with 360 Degree Camera, Steering and Lane Control Assistant, and the BMW Drive Recorder.

Safety features include head and side airbags for the driver and front passenger, head airbags for rear seats, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including ABS, Automatic Stability Control (ASC), M Dynamic Mode (MDM), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Dry Braking function, and Active M Differential.

Also Read: Mahindra unveils XUV 3XO with Level 2 ADAS features, starting at ₹7.49 lakh

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Tesla retreats from next-generation ‘gigacasting’ manufacturing process: Sources

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Tesla has backed away from an ambitious plan for innovations in gigacasting, its pioneering manufacturing process, according to two sources familiar with the matter, in another sign that the electric-vehicle maker is retrenching amid falling sales and rising competition.

Tesla has been a leader in gigacasting, a cutting-edge technique that uses huge presses with thousands of tons of clamping pressure to die-cast large sections of the car’s underbody. On a typical vehicle, the underbody can consist of hundreds of individual parts.

Last year, as Tesla developed a new small-vehicle platform, it aimed to punch out the underbody in a single piece, Reuters exclusively reported last September, citing five sources familiar with the automaker’s gigacasting operations. The long-term goal was to radically simplify manufacturing and slash costs.

But Tesla has since halted the effort, opting to stick with its more proven method of casting vehicle underbodies in three pieces: two gigacasted front and rear sections and a midsection made of aluminium and steel frames to store batteries, according to the two sources familiar with the matter. That is largely the same three-piece method the company has used for its last two new models, the Model Y crossover SUV and the Cybertruck pickup.

Tesla’s retreat from one-piece gigacasting has not been previously reported. The automaker did not respond to a request for comment.

The decision to hold off on the potential manufacturing breakthrough marks another example of Tesla slashing short-term spending as it adjusts to falling sales and profit margins, softening EV demand globally, and intensifying competition from rival EV makers such as China’s BYD. Tesla last month laid off more than 10% of its global workforce. A handful of senior executives have also resigned or been pushed out.

Such moves also reflect a fundamental strategy shift, with Tesla now focusing more on developing self-driving vehicles than on pushing for huge growth in EV sales volume, which many investors had been counting on.

The step-back on gigacasting occurred last autumn, the people said, before Tesla decided in late February to halt the development of an all-new affordable car, often called the Model 2, which would have been the first vehicle built with one-piece gigacasting. Reuters first reported the cancellation of the Model 2 on April 5.

On April 23, as it released earnings that missed Wall Street expectations, Tesla said it had a simpler, faster plan for producing “more affordable” cars after shelving plans for the Model 2, which was expected to cost $25,000 and be released in the second half of 2025.

Instead, Tesla officials said, it would produce affordable models using a current platform and production lines. On an investor call, Chief Executive Elon Musk declined to provide details on the planned new offerings or their target prices.

Tesla has not entirely abandoned the small-vehicle platform it had planned for the Model 2. Instead, it will move forward in developing a self-driving robotaxi on the same platform, Reuters reported in the April 5 story. One of the two sources familiar with the automaker’s gigacasting operations said the suppliers involved are now adapting Tesla’s three-piece process for the next-generation vehicle.

Both sources said the automaker decided last autumn to halt work on the more innovative and difficult one-piece casting process. At the time, the rationale for the decision was to speed the development of the now-defunct Model 2 and avoid any costly delays or manufacturing problems, the two sources said.

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Tesla and Musk have said gigacasting helps the automaker reduce costs over the long term. But the process requires large initial investments and is difficult and time-consuming to perfect, automotive manufacturing experts say.

Experts in vehicle manufacturing said Tesla’s more conservative path on gigacasting is no surprise and in part reflects the pains it has experienced historically in launching complex and innovative vehicles on time. The automaker’s highly experimental Cybertruck arrived last autumn at a far higher price than predicted after substantial delays to work through manufacturing issues. Tesla is still struggling to produce the angular, stainless-steel pickup in mass-market volumes.

Holding off on one-piece gigacasting will save the company from making massive short-term capital investments in manufacturing and design, said Terry Woychowski, president of US engineering company Caresoft Global, who has led teardowns and engineering analyses on numerous vehicles, including Teslas.

“Would they rather have done it all in one big piece? Sure, they would’ve, but at what cost?” Woychowski asked.

James Womack, a vehicle manufacturing expert and former research director at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said Tesla’s gigacasting pullback reflects the company’s scramble last year to launch an all-new $25,000 car to catch up with Chinese EV makers who are already dominating the low-cost EV segment.

But pushing forward with an innovative production technique would do little to help sell a Tesla car to consumers, Womack said.

“It’s not very exciting from the standpoint of the public and buyer,” Womack said, “and you don’t know whether this is really a big cost-saver or not.”

Also Read: Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system gears up for China, intensifying global autonomous vehicle race

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Ola Electric dominates with 52% market share in India’s electric two-wheeler market

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Ola Electric has secured the top position in India’s electric two-wheeler market, commanding a 52% share in April 2024. According to data from the Government’s VAHAN Portal, the company registered 34,000 units during the month, marking a robust 54% year-on-year growth.

Anshul Khandelwal, Chief Marketing Officer at Ola Electric, attributes this achievement to their diverse scooter portfolio and efficient cost structures. The company is gearing up to enter the mainstream electric two-wheeler market in India with the forthcoming deliveries of their S1 X portfolio.

The S1 X portfolio, offering three battery configurations (2 kWh, 3 kWh, and 4 kWh), is now priced at ₹69,999, ₹84,999, and ₹99,999 respectively. Ola Electric has also adjusted the prices of its premium offerings S1 Pro, S1 Air, and S1 X+ to ₹1,29,999, ₹1,04,999, and ₹84,999 respectively.

Also Read: April auto sales highlight: TVS Motor sales up 25% in April; Ola Electric market share at 52%

In a bid to overcome barriers to EV adoption, Ola Electric provides an 8-year/80,000 km extended battery warranty for all its products at no additional charge. Customers can also choose add-on warranty options to extend the mileage to 1,00,000 km at ₹4,999 and 1,25,000 km at ₹12,999. Additionally, a 3KW fast charger accessory is available for purchase at ₹29,999.

However, the growth of electric two-wheelers has hit a roadblock due to a substantial reduction in subsidies and challenges faced by several OEMs, as highlighted by Sohinder Gill, director-general of the Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicle (SMEV).

The Central government has halted pending subsidy claims of two electric vehicle manufacturers under the FAME India Phase II scheme due to complaints regarding the violation of Phased Manufacturing Programme (PMP) guidelines.

Also Read: Hyundai and Kia set to launch first hybrid cars in India by 2026

Despite the overall slowdown, other manufacturers like Bajaj have witnessed an 84% year-on-year surge in sales to approximately 7,515 units in April. Conversely, TVS Motors and Ather Energy have experienced a decline in sales, with TVS Motors recording a 13% year-on-year decrease to 7,653 units and Ather Energy witnessing a 48% year-on-year decline to 4,502 units.

The budgetary allocation for the FAME scheme has been slashed by nearly 44% to Rs 2,671 crore for FY25, potentially leading to a deceleration in EV adoption.

Also Read: Mahindra unveils XUV 3XO with Level 2 ADAS features, starting at ₹7.49 lakh

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

April Auto Sales LIVE Updates: Bajaj Auto’s sales up 17% YoY, Mahindra sees 13% rise

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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April Auto Sales LIVE Updates: Some automobile companies reported their April sales numbers. With waiting periods in the cars or passenger vehicles segment going down, modest growth is expected in the segment. In contrast, two-wheelers are likely to have witnessed good growth on the back of marriage season, according to analysts. The truck segment shall see mid-single-digit growth, analysts indicated.

Here’s how the leading automakers in India performed in April:

Bajaj Auto

Bajaj Auto reported a rise in sales that surpasses estimates, primarily driven by a robust domestic performance. The total sales have seen a year-on-year (YoY) increase of 17%, reaching 3.88 lakh units.

The domestic sales have matched the total sales growth, with a 17% YoY increase, amounting to 2.49 lakh units. However, the company’s exports, while up by 18% YoY at 1.39 lakh units, have remained a concern as they were lower than the estimates.

Mahindra & Mahindra

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) reported a higher than estimated increase in sales. The total auto sales have seen a year-on-year (YoY) rise of 13%, reaching 70,471 units.

The SUV segment continues to lead the auto sales, with an 18% YoY increase, amounting to 41,008 units. This growth in the SUV segment has significantly contributed to the overall rise in auto sales. Meanwhile, the company’s tractor sales have also seen a modest YoY increase of 2%, with 37,039 units sold.

Ashok Leyland

Commercial vehicle manufacturer Ashok Leyland announced a 10% rise in total wholesale figures for April, reaching 14,271 units. This is an increase from the 12,974 units sold in the same month the previous year. The company’s domestic sales also saw a growth of 9%, with 13,446 units sold last month, compared to 12,366 units in April 2023.

In the medium and heavy commercial vehicle segment, the domestic market witnessed a 16% increase in sales. The company sold 8,611 units, a significant rise from the 7,422 units sold in the same month last year. However, the light commercial vehicle segment experienced a slight dip of 2% in sales, with 4,835 units sold, down from 4,944 units in the corresponding month the previous year.

Hero MotoCorp

Hero MotoCorp reported sales of 533,585 motorcycles and scooters in April 2024, a significant increase of 34.7% compared to April 2023, when it sold 396,000 units. This also represents a sequential growth of 9% over March 2024, during which the company sold 490,415 units.

Honda Cars India

Honda Cars India has reported a significant 42% increase in sales for April, selling 10,867 units compared to 7,676 units in the same month last year. The company’s Vice President (Marketing & Sales), Kunal Behl, attributed the lower production volumes in April to the transition of Elevate and City production to six-airbag standard variants.

In the domestic market, the automaker sold 4,351 units last month, a decrease from the 5,313 units sold in April the previous year. However, overseas sales saw a substantial increase, with 6,516 units sold compared to 2,363 units in April last year.

Behl highlighted the significant role of the Elevate model in boosting the company’s export volume, which grew by a remarkable 175% over the same period last year. The dispatches were aligned with the planned production volumes, he added.

Royal Enfield

Royal Enfield, the motorcycle manufacturer, has reported a 12% increase in total sales for April, with 81,870 units sold compared to 73,136 units in the same month the previous year.

The company’s domestic sales saw a 9% rise, with 75,038 units sold last month, up from 68,881 units in the year-ago period.

Meanwhile, Royal Enfield’s exports experienced a significant 61% increase, with 6,832 units exported last month, a substantial rise from the 4,255 units exported in April the previous year.

Maruti Suzuki India

Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) has reported a 4.7% increase in total sales for April, with 1,68,089 units sold compared to 1,60,529 units in the same month the previous year.

Domestic passenger vehicle sales remained steady, with 1,37,952 units sold last month, slightly up from 1,37,320 units in the year-ago period. However, sales of mini segment cars, including the Alto and S-Presso, saw a decline, with 11,519 units sold as against 14,110 units in April the previous year.

Sales of compact cars, such as the Baleno, Celerio, Dzire, Ignis, Swift, Tour S, and WagonR, also experienced a drop, with 56,953 units sold last month compared to 74,935 units in the year-ago month. In contrast, utility vehicles, including the Brezza, Ertiga, S-Cross, and XL6, saw an increase in sales, with 56,553 units sold last month, up from 36,754 units the previous year.

Hyundai Motor India

Hyundai Motor India has reported a 9.5% year-on-year increase in total sales for April, with 63,701 units sold compared to 58,201 units in the same month the previous year.

Domestic sales saw a modest 1% increase, with 50,201 units sold last month, up from 49,701 units in the year-ago period. This marks the fourth consecutive month of domestic sales exceeding 50,000 units, according to Hyundai Motor India’s COO, Tarun Garg.

Meanwhile, exports experienced a significant 59% increase, with 13,500 units exported in April this year, a substantial rise from the 8,500 units exported in April the previous year. Garg highlighted the role of models like the Creta, Venue, and Exter in driving growth, with SUVs contributing to 67% of the automaker’s domestic sales.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor

Toyota Kirloskar Motor has reported a 32% year-on-year increase in total sales for April, with 20,494 units sold compared to 15,510 units in the same month the previous year. The company’s domestic sales accounted for the majority of these sales, with 18,700 units sold last month. Meanwhile, exports totalled 1,794 units.

This growth was achieved despite a week-long maintenance shutdown from April 6, which was necessary for the upkeep of machinery and equipment to sustain operational efficiencies, productivity, and safety, according to the company.

MG Motors India

MG Motors India has reported a slight 1.45% year-on-year decline in retail sales for April, with 4,485 units sold compared to 4,551 units in the same month the previous year.

The company highlighted the significant role of its electric vehicle (EV) portfolio, which contributed to 34% of the total units sold during this period.

Ola Electric

Ola Electric has expanded its market share to over 50% in April, selling 33,934 electric two-wheelers, despite a broader 52% slump in overall EV two-wheeler sales to 64,013 units from the preceding month, according to data from the Vahan website.

This overall decline in sales is attributed to April being a seasonally slow sales period and demand tapering down post-festive season. However, Ola Electric’s sales have also come down by 34.8% month-on-month. Last year in April, Ola Electric sold nearly 22,068 units.

TVS Motor sales up 25% in April at 3,83,615 units

TVS Motor Company on Wednesday said its total sales increased 25% year-on-year to 3,83,615 units in April 2024 as compared with the same month last year. The company had dispatched 3,06,224 units to its dealers in the same month last year, TVS Motor Company said in a statement.

Total two-wheeler sales last month stood at 3,74,592 units as against 2,94,786 units recorded in April 2023. Two-wheeler sales in the domestic market grew by 29 per cent to 3,01,449 units last month from 2,32,956 units in April 2023.

Total exports registered a growth of 12% with sales increasing from 71,663 units in April 2023 to 80,508 units last month. Three-wheeler sales declined to 9,023 units in April 2024 from 11,438 units in the same month last year.

Eicher Motors

Eicher Motors’ total VE Commercial Vehicles sales fall 18.1% to 5,377 units against 6,567 units in the previous year.

Atul Auto

Atul Auto’s total sales in April rose to 1,692 units, up from 715 units in the corresponding month a year ago.

Tata Motors sales rise 11.5% to 77,521 units in April

Tata Motors on Wednesday said its total wholesales rose 11.5% year-on-year to 77,521 units last month as compared with 69,599 units in April 2023. The company’s total domestic dispatches rose 12% to 76,399 units last month as against 68,514 units in April 2023, the auto major said in a statement. Total passenger vehicle sales rose 2% to 47,983 units last month from 47,107 units in April 2023. Total commercial vehicle sales stood at 29,538 units last month, a jump of 31% as compared to 22,492 units in April 2023.

April #AutoSales | Tata Motors

⚡️Total Sales Up 11.4% At 77,521 Units Vs 69,599 Units (YoY)

⚡️Total PV Sales Up 2% At 47,983 Units Vs 47,107 Units (YoY) pic.twitter.com/jpclWWEj6O

— CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18Live) May 1, 2024

Escorts Kubota

Escorts Kubota reported a year-on-year decline in the total tractor sales in April. The domestic tractor sales came at 7,168 units, 1.2% lower than 7,252 units sold in April 2023.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow