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Tag: bike

  • Royal Enfield Apparel Business To Focus On Brand Partnerships

    Royal Enfield Apparel Business To Focus On Brand Partnerships

    Royal Enfield is bullish on its range of apparel and merchandise and sees the business post healthy growth in the next couple of years, with double-digit growth figures in the financial year 2020-21. Puneet Sood, Head of Apparel Business, Royal Enfield said that the brand’s line-up of casual wear, motorcycle riding gear and accessories offers accessibility not just in price but also availability. And he says that the Royal Enfield apparel range is not just for Royal Enfield customers, but for “anybody in love with motorcycling”.

    “We intend to keep growing organically. Revenue has grown over the past few years, and even during 2020, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, we recorded double digit growth. Our apparel range is available through multiple channels, and the idea is to target anyone who is in love with motorcycling. The motorcycling community decides where we go from here, and we’ve taken feedback seriously, so you’ve seen a dedicated range of women’s riding gear, as well as customization of apparel and helmets through the Make It Yours program,” Sood said.

    Over the past few months, Royal Enfield has launched brand partnerships with names like Levi’s and Knox. The Royal Enfield X Levi’s range of riding denims have been well-received in the market, and Royal Enfield followed that up with a new range of jackets and riding gear with British safety experts Knox, introducing riding jackets with Knox armour, as well as riding gloves and knee guards. But it’s not just brand partnerships, and Royal Enfield’s own range of riding gear has been well-received, not just in India, but also in overseas markets.

    “We launched a new range of credible riding jackets, which are well-ventilated, and with proper safety certification, which can be used not just by our own community here in India, but everywhere around the world. Our range of mesh jackets have been well-received, and new range of riding gloves are also doing very well,” said Sood.

    Royal Enfield’s apparel range is now offered across the globe in geographies wherever Royal Enfield motorcycles are offered on sale. Speaking about markets, Sood added that the response to Royal Enfield’s lifestyle range has been “amazing,” particularly in markets like Europe and Asia-Pacific. The focus, Sood adds, is to make the right products. The partnership with brands like Levi’s worked very well, and Royal Enfield is exploring more such partnerships, which will be purpose-led, and will focus on both products as well as brands.

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  • Royal Enfield’s 350 cc Motorcycles Get A Significant Price Hike

    Royal Enfield’s 350 cc Motorcycles Get A Significant Price Hike

    Most two-wheeler manufacturers have increased the prices of their models in India April 2021 onwards. Royal Enfield too has increased the prices of its 350 cc range of motorcycles significantly. In fact, some of the models get a price hike of over ₹ 10,000. The motorcycles already received a price hike of up to ₹ 3,000 in January 2021. The Himalayan and the 650 cc twins were updated for 2021 and their current prices reflect the increase already. Here are the updated prices for all the 350 cc Royal Enfield motorcycle models.

    The Bullet 350 range gets the biggest increase, with prices being increased between ₹ 7,000 to ₹ 13,000 depending on the variant. Similarly, prices for the Classic 350 range have been increased by ₹ 10,000, for the dual-channel ABS variant. The Meteor 350 range sees an increase in prices by up to ₹ 6,000. The prices in the table above are on-road, Delhi).

    The Interceptor 650 and the Continental GT 650 were launched with new colors in February 2021 and prices for those two bikes range from ₹ 275,467 to ₹ 313,367 (ex-showroom, Delhi). These prices too are at least ₹ 6,000 more (variant-to-variant) than the prices introduced in January 2021. Similarly, the 2021 Himalayan was launched in February 2021, with prices starting at ₹ 2.01 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

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  • Harley-Davidson Pan America Production Begins

    Harley-Davidson Pan America Production Begins

    The Harley-Davidson Pan America has started rolling off the production line from Harley’s York, Pennsylvania Vehicle Operations Plant. And it’s soon to make its way not just across the Atlantic to Europe, but to India and the rest of Asia as well. Back in the US, the action around the Pan America is heating up. A new video released by Harley-Davidson shows the first few bikes rolling off the assembly line at the Pennsylvania plant. So, it may be sooner than the end of the year when we do get to see the Pan America in India, with Harley-Davidson restructuring its India business model with the collaboration with Hero MotoCorp.

    The H-D Pan America is powered by a 1,252 cc Revolution Max V-Twin which is first of its kind from the company. The engine is liquid-cooled and it makes 150 bhp at 9,000 rpm along with 127 Nm of peak torque at 6,750 rpm. The engine is paired to a 6-speed gearbox. Harley claims that the Pan America 1250 has a fuel efficiency of 48 miles per gallon or 20.4 kmpl. The Pan America will be available in two variants, Standard and Special. The Pan America 1250 Special gets semi-active suspension along with vehicle load control, tyre pressure monitoring system, standard centre stand, adjustable rear brake pedal, Aluminium skid-plate, heated hand grips, steering damper, adaptive ride height and tubeless spoked wheels. The colour options are different on both motorcycle variants as well.

    The most significant change on the Pan America Special though is the introduction of Adaptive Ride Height (ARH), which Harley-Davidson says is a first for any motorcycle. The system works by lowering the motorcycle when it comes to a stop. So, when the bike is being ridden, the seat height is normal 890 mm height, with unladen ground clearance of 175 mm. But the Adaptive Ride Height system will lower the seat height to 855 mm when the bike comes to a halt. And the ARH can also be optimised by settings through which the rider to suit his own needs.

    We expect the Harley-Davidson Pan America to be launched in India sometime in the second half of 2021. By our estimates, expect the standard model to be priced at around ₹ 20 lakh (Ex-showroom), while the Special variant will likely be priced upwards of ₹ 22 lakh (Ex-showroom).

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  • Rapido, Zypp Electric Join Hands For Electric Bike Taxi Service

    Rapido, Zypp Electric Join Hands For Electric Bike Taxi Service

    Indian bike taxi platform Rapido, has joined hands with Zypp Electric to provide electric bike taxi service to its customers. Called Rapido EV, the new electric bike taxi is intended to reduce carbon footprint and encourage customers to use environment-friendly two-wheelers. More than 100 riders and electric two-wheelers will be onboarded on to the Rapido platform from Zypp as part of Rapido’s captain fleet. The service will be a pilot run for three months starting from March 2021 and will be tested for its demand and veracity in the Delhi-NCR area. Rapido is looking to on-board more such EV partners to further expand this business model across its Tier I market in the country, according to a press statement from the company.

    Announcing the launch of Rapido EV, Aravind Sanka, Co-Founder, Rapido, said, “While India is the largest two-wheeler market, only 1% of it is electric. With the launch of Rapido EV rides, we want to give a unique experience to our users along with contributing positively to the environment and reduce our carbon footprint. The recent World Air Quality report by Swiss technology company IQAir ranked Delhi as the world’s most polluted capital among 106 countries and we hope that this move helps contribute to the betterment of the air quality in the city.”

    On the partnership with Rapido, Akash Gupta, Co-Founder, Zypp Electric, said, “We at Zypp are becoming the de-facto EV layer when it comes to goods and people movement. The partnership with Rapido is part of highly focused EV utilization project where we wish to ensure that every segment is able to switch to EVs comfortably. With our robust battery-swapping network which will be tested with bike taxi services with Rapido, we’re here to bolster the EV proposition together with this partnership and would love to scale this nationally making people get pollution-free taxi rides too.”

    Rapido EV Rides will be available under the Ride section on the app and will be priced at the Rapido Ride rate with a minimal convenience fee. Customers have to download the app, log in to their account and book a Rapido Ride, through their iOS/Android phones. Rapido is a bike taxi service spread across all of India from Tier I to Tier III cities. The app allows customers to book bike taxis conveniently with very less wait time.

    Zypp Electric offers dedicated electric vehicles for delivery of essentials, goods, medicines and food packages. The company was started in 2017 to make last mile delivery carbon-free for local merchants to e-commerce giants. The company currently has more than 1,000 Zypp pilots (delivery executives) using IoT enabled electric scotoers for delivery services.

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  • Skoda To Invest 2.5 Billion Euros Over Next 5 Years On Future Technologies And EVs

    Skoda To Invest 2.5 Billion Euros Over Next 5 Years On Future Technologies And EVs

    Czech carmaker Skoda Auto, part of the Volkswagen Group, said on Wednesday it would invest around 2.5 billion euros over the next five years on future technologies, with more than half going to electric vehicle investment. The Czech Republic’s largest exporter is hoping for a rebound in 2021 from a global car sales drop but faces uncertainty over the coronavirus pandemic and a semiconductor shortage rattling the industry.

    “This year is likely to be another big challenge,” finance director Klaus-Dieter Schuermann said. “We expect Skoda Auto’s group performance to improve, with sales revenue significantly above the level of last year.”

    Skoda reported on Wednesday a 54.5% drop in 2020 operating to 756 million euros ($894 million). Sales revenue dropped 13.8% to 17.1 billion euros.

    Global deliveries remained above 1 million cars for a seventh straight year despite a 19% drop after production outages at the outset of the pandemic and a fall in China, its biggest single market.

    Chief Executive Thomas Shaefer said the car company was managing the semiconductor shortage “but it will follow us for a while” and the impact was not visible yet.

    Skoda’s core market in Europe would be electric in the future, Shaefer said, although it was still not time to completely switch away from traditional models, which include the launch last year of a new generation of its flagship Octavia model. It has also started production of the all-electric Enyaq iV model.

    Skoda plans investments of 1.4 billion euros into electromobility development as part of its five-year investment plan. Investments will also go into digitalization activities and plant modernization.

  • Royal Enfield Joins Hands With Knox

    Royal Enfield Joins Hands With Knox

    Royal Enfield has joined hands with Knox, experts and innovators of protective apparel and body armour to co-create a range of high-protection riding gear. As part of the collaboration, the two brands have also introduced CE certified external knee guards called Conqueror. The latest launch of riding gear is part of Royal Enfield’s long term collaboration, with the vision of providing high-quality riding gear and accessories. The range offers versatile and accessible riding gear that meets global safety norms that can be used for multiple riding needs and in varied conditions.

    Commenting on the collaboration with Knox, Puneet Sood, Head – Apparel Business at Royal Enfield said, “At Royal Enfield, ensuring a ‘safe’ and a ‘pure riding experience’ for our riders is at the centre of our product strategy. With this partnership, we aim to foster our commitment to provide our customers with products that meet global safety norms. The intent is to offer relevant and accessible products for riders and motorcycling enthusiasts. The partnership started with using Knox armours for our new range of riding gear including jackets, gloves and riding trousers. The co-created knee-guard is a byproduct of years of our motorcycling experience, our understanding of a rider’s needs, different riding conditions, terrains etc. and Knox’s technical expertise and experience in designing and manufacturing innovative body armours and apparel for motorcycling.

    “Our motorcycles are used for both leisure riding as well as a means of not only commute. Rider safety is equally important in both cases. We understood that the acceptance of a riding trouser is low in India and there was a need for a product that provides protection and can be worn over regular denims or trousers be it for a commute to office, a weekend ride or a trip to the Himalayas. In line with our vision to increase awareness around road safety and safe riding practices, we will continue to offer versatile consumer centric products. Our alliance with Knox is a testimony of our dedication to provide a ‘pure motorcycling’ experience to everyone in love with the motorcycling way of life.”

    Speaking about the collaboration Margaret Travell, the Commercial Director at Knox said, “We are committed to the design of high performance body armour systems that really work for riders. We began this association 2 years ago by equipping Royal Enfield apparel with Knox armour and gloves with Micro-lock armour with the famous Scaphoid Protection System. One year later, we began the next development – to build a standalone Knee guard, tough enough to tackle some of the toughest environments on Earth. It had to be relevant to Royal Enfield riders in India and beyond, so needed to be easy to put on and remove and also capable of being worn on its own for those who prefer not to wear armoured trousers. The knee guard is not only tough and durable enough to be CE approved to the highest Level 2 standard, it is also supremely flexible and comfortable enough to wear all day long in any environment you ride in. We’re excited to see people using them on their own riding adventures.”

    Extending this partnership further, the two brands have now co-created CE certified level 2 external knee guards built with Knox’s microlock protection. Royal Enfield’s new riding jacket line-up that was introduced last year includes select styles that come equipped with Knox’s CE Level 1 Flexiform and CE Level 2 MICRO-LOCK armours for shoulder and elbow.

    Along with the knee guard, Royal Enfield has also introduced a range of new riding gloves for varied riding needs. The range has 14 gloves of which 9 are CE certified. The range has been developed with best-in-class features such as knuckle protection, palm protection, padding, cuff adjusters, screen friendly finger tips, accordion stretch panels, and constructed with high quality abrasion resistance leather, Polyester Air mesh and waterproof membrane among others. The new range of gloves will suit the varied needs of the riders, from riding in the city to extreme weather conditions. Further, selective gloves also come with Knox knuckle protectors and Knox scaphoid protection system.

    The Conqueror CE Level 2 certified knee guards are priced at ₹ 3,950, while prices for the range of CE certified gloves begin at ₹ 2,250, going up to ₹ 4,500. The riding jacket range with Knox armours range from the Streetwind V2, priced at ₹ 4,950, the Windfarer, priced at ₹ 6,950, and the CE Certified Explorer V3, priced at ₹ 8,950.

  • Honda Africa Twin To Get Radar System

    Honda Africa Twin To Get Radar System

    The Honda Africa Twin is likely to get radar-assisted cruise control, after Ducati, BMW and KTM already introduced similar systems on their range-topping adventure bikes. The radar-powered adaptive cruise control system, made by Bosch, has already made its debut in production models of the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S, the Ducati Multistrada V4 S and the BMW R 1250 RT. And now, patents filed recently by Honda show that its flagship adventure tourer, the Honda Africa Twin, will be getting a radar-assisted adaptive cruise control system as well. The difference is that, perhaps Honda’s system will be indigenously developed, rather than just a plug and play device sourced from Bosch.

    Honda’s patents suggest the use of cameras alongside the radar sensors, so the system will use another layer of monitoring tech, and allow the on-board computer to make a better-informed judgement of what’s happening in its surroundings. The advantage of using cameras is that, while the radar system can sense approaching vehicles, or other vehicles in close proximity, accurately measuring distances, cameras can be used to pick up additional information, like brake lights, road signs and traffic lights.

    The front radar on the Africa Twin patent filings seem to be similar to the systems used by BMW, Ducati and KTM. And the new Africa Twin already seems to have a spot under the headlights, probably designed keeping in mind the positioning of a radar sensor. But it’s the rear section which has a different design. Honda’s Africa Twin design patents show not one, but two rear radars, mounted on the number plate hanger, and these sensors are fitted at an angle to offer a wide detection zone. So, with the dual radars, the area covered will not just be the area behind the bike, but also on each side as well.

    Honda’s system also mentions the use of transponders to broadcast information from the sensors to other vehicles, or to roadside receivers. So, these should add one more dimension to the warning system, that of vehicle-to-vehicle communication, or vehicle-to-infrastructure system, allowing safety systems like radars or cameras on one car or motorcycle to pass on to other similarly-equipped vehicles. With the rapid induction of such technology, Honda is likely to introduce the latest tech within the next couple of years, both on the next-generation Africa Twin, as well as on the Honda Gold Wing.

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  • Harley-Davidson To Follow Used-Car Model To Woo Young Riders

    Harley-Davidson To Follow Used-Car Model To Woo Young Riders

    Harley-Davidson is looking to increase focus on the used motorcycle market in the United States, in the brand’s latest efforts to increase customer base. And to do this, Harley-Davidson plans to roll out a certified pre-owned bike program, known as H-D Certified, to position well-tended bikes as a substitute for entry-level models.

    The strategy is similar to what carmakers have been following to position well-maintained used vehicles as a substitute for low-margin, “entry-level” new models. The used bikes program is part of a new five-year turnaround strategy outlined by new Harley-Davidson CEO Jochen Zeitz, part of the latest efforts to expand the brand’s appeal beyond middle-aged and affluent riders.

    The 118-year-old American brand has been steadily losing market share in the brand’s domestic US market amid declining retail sales for six years. Harley-Davidson’s latest five-year plan has been dubbed “The Hardwire” and under the new plan, Harley is following a “70-20-10” structure, with 70 percent of its efforts going to the core business, 20 percent into expansion into new segments that offer clear potential for more profit, and 10 percent for testing ideas for long-term growth, including plans for smaller displacement models in new markets, like in China, with the Qianjiang Group, and in India, with Hero MotoCorp.

  • Porsche Introduces 2 New e-Bikes

    Porsche Introduces 2 New e-Bikes

    We all knew Porsche as the carmaker but now the company is expanding its range of e-mobility products by introducing 2 new ebikes. Available in Europe for now, the Porsche eBike Sport and the Porsche eBike Cross are the first e-bikes from the carmaker. The full-suspension carbon frame featuring an organic shape inspired by the lines of the Porsche Taycan, the powerful, latest-generation Shimano motor and the Magura high-performance brakes are just three of the features that ensure top performance. Both models were developed in collaboration with eBike expert Rotwild and are manufactured in Dieburg, Germany.

    The Porsche eBike Sport is perfect for daily rides, whether in the city or countryside, on the way to work or enjoying some free time. The new, powerful and ultra-compact Shimano EP8 motor, which provides motor support up to 25 kmph, and Shimano electronic gear shifting system guarantee optimum performance.

    Thanks to the Magura high-performance brakes that are integrated into the handlebars, the Porsche eBike Sport has a clean and compact cockpit. The elegant and puristic design is emphasized by M99 LED lights from lighting specialist Supernova, which are embedded in the handlebar stem and aerodynamic seat post. In addition, high-quality suspension components such as the Magura upside-down suspension fork and the Fox rear shock absorber, in combination with smooth-running tires, provide a sporty and balanced ride on asphalt or gentle terrain.

    The Porsche eBike Cross is at home in the countryside, off the beaten path and away from roads. The powerful motor, newly developed by Shimano, demonstrates its full ability in difficult terrain and delivers maximum performance while maintaining a natural riding sensation. The Magura-MT Trail high-performance brakes have extra-large, heat-resistant brake discs that ensure optimum deceleration, while the mechanical Shimano XT 12-fold shifting system enables fast gear changes according to the rider’s needs and the terrain.

    The hydraulically adjustable Crankbrothers Highline seat post ensures the seat can be quickly adjusted to varying degrees in order to find the perfect position. The ergonomically designed handlebars guarantee full control at all times. They feature the Shimano color display, which shows not only speed but also distance and range in real-time. The clean design is rounded out by a full-suspension carbon frame, which perfectly combines the spirit of adventure with style.

    Both models were inspired by the sporty character of the Porsche Taycan. The wheels draw inspiration from the naturally shaped carbon frame of the vehicle’s fly line. The elaborate design, developed by Studio F. A. Porsche, ensures optimum reflection of light.

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  • 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Launched Globally

    2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Launched Globally

    Three years after we first got a glimpse, Harley-Davidson has launched its first-ever adventure motorcycle globally, the Pan America 1250. Harley will sell two variants of the Pan America, the Pan America 1250 and the Pan America 1250 Special. While the stance of the Pan America is typically that of an ADV, the face is what has divided opinions. While some may like the Max Max-esque, post-apocalyptic, scourge of the earth sort of a design, others may not be too fond of it! Good thing is, you are not going to mistake it for some other motorcycle when you see it on the road. The front end gets a wide fairing, with Harley’s ‘Daymaker LED headlights’ and a tall windscreen. View it in profile and you see the sculpted fuel tank along with Harley’s signature V-Twin engine, but more on that later. You get an exposed sub-frame at the rear along with split seats and an upswept exhaust.

    The quirky Pan America gets a 1,252 cc Revolution Max V-Twin which is first of its kind from the company. The engine is liquid-cooled and it makes 150 bhp at 9,000 rpm along with 127 Nm of peak torque at 6,750 rpm. The engine is paired to a 6-speed gearbox. Harley claims that the Pan America 1250 has a fuel efficiency of 48 miles per gallon or 20.4 kmpl, which is quite impressive indeed.

    Talking about the chassis, the Pan America is built on a low alloy steel trellis frame along with a one-piece cast Aluminium swingarm. The motorcycle is suspended on 47 mm BFF forks up front and a linkage-mounted piggyback mono-shock at the rear, both adjustable for compression, rebound and preload. Both suspension units get a travel of 191 mm. Up front, the motorcycle gets 320 mm twin discs gripped by a radially mounted Brembo 4-piston calliper. The rear wheel gets a 280 mm single disc with a 2-piston calliper. The motorcycle gets 19-inch alloy up front and a 17-inch alloy at the rear and both are wrapped in Michelin Scorcher adventure radial tyres.

    In terms of features, the motorcycle gets a 6.8-inch TFT touchscreen display along with Bluetooth phone connectivity via the H-D app. The Pan America also gets an inertial measurement unit (IMU) which supplies data to ABS, traction control, drag torque slip control and hill hold control. There are also five riding modes to choose from – road, sport, rain, off-road and off-road plus. Each riding mode has different settings for other electronics.

    Now there are a few differences between the Standard model and the Special. The Pan America 1250 Special gets semi-active suspension along with vehicle load control, tyre pressure monitoring system, standard centre stand, adjustable rear brake pedal, Aluminium skid-plate, heated hand grips, steering damper, adaptive ride height and tubeless spoked wheels. The colour options are different on both motorcycle variants as well.

    Prices for the H-D Pan America 1250 start at 14,000 pound sterling while the Pan America 1250 Special gets a starting price of 15,500 pound sterling. Converted to Indian rupee, the starting prices come to ₹ 14.27 lakh and ₹ 15.80 lakh respectively.

  • South Korea Gets New Solar Panel Covered Bike Lane

    South Korea Gets New Solar Panel Covered Bike Lane

    Last year, we got to know about the SolaRoad in the Netherlands where the road was replaced by solar panels and its infrastructure was self-sufficient to power the lighting system of the highway. Now there’s a new highway in South Korea that runs between Daejon and Sejong and its entire bike lane on the 32 km stretch is covered with solar roof panels. These panels not only generate electricity but also protect cyclists from the sun and other vehicles on the highway.

    The two-way bike lane runs between both cities and is constructed right in the middle of the lanes, while there are three lanes for vehicles to travel on both sides. Furthermore, the lane is divided by the side barriers that block the view of the surrounding road and also obstructs high beam lights of oncoming vehicles. The vehicles are still visible on the medium strip but you don’t get the entire view of the opposite lane.

    These lanes generate more than enough electricity to power the lighting and the charging sockets for electric cars. The stretch is a new innovation in civil engineering and while it connects Daejon and Sejong like any other highway, it does so in a much efficient and safer manner.

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  • GrabBike riders strike over increased commission rate

    GrabBike riders strike over increased commission rate

    Hundreds of GrabBike riders on Monday turned off their app and gathered at the company’s office to protest its increased commission rate after the government raised tax.

    The office of ride-hailing firm Grab in Hanoi’s Cau Giay District was swamped by large, green-clad-rider crowds demanding the company reimpose its previous rate of commission.

    The gathering came after Grab increased its commission on each GrabBike trip from 20 percent to 27.27 percent starting December 5 following the government’s newly-imposed 10 percent value-added tax per general ride-hailing trip, a move seeking to create a level playing field for traditional tax firms.

    The Grab riders said they had called for a strike via Facebook over the weekend and on Monday morning shut down their apps, traveling around Hanoi in groups to protest the increased commission rate.

    Hung, a rider who asked to be identified by his first name only to avoid company retribution, called the new commission rate “cruel” since after fuel costs are taken into account, he only retains around 50-60 percent of the fare for each trip compared to the previous 70 percent.

    Son, who partnered with Grab last year, works 15-16 hours a day in Hanoi to be able to transfer VND6-7 million a month to his family in central Thanh Hoa Province.

    “I’m worried the increased commission rate will make it impossible to take care of my family. I support paying taxes but I want Grab to share the tax burden with drivers.”

    Before the new tax policy took effect, Grab drivers got to keep around 80 percent of the fare, while the company only paid 10 percent tax on its 20 percent income. The driver paid 3 percent VAT on his 80 percent.

    Although the new tax policy no longer requires drivers to pay their 3 percent VAT, they said their actual income per trip has dropped because Grab has raised its commission to make up for the higher VAT.

    Grab’s calculations show drivers’ income would have been reduced by around 7.3 percent with the new tax policy.

    However, a Grab spokesperson said the company on Dec. 5 had hiked its fares by 5-6 percent to reduce drivers’ loss of income to around 1 percent.

    “The new fares still ensure Grab’s competitiveness on the market. Grab already bears a part of VAT to share the burden with customers and driver partners during this difficult time,” the spokesperson stated.

    Vietnamese officials have long been pondering whether ride-hailing companies are technology service providers or transport companies, but the new decree makes it clear they are the latter.But this hike in rates does not satisfy drivers, who said the increase might see customers opt for competing services and make their income fall even more.

    Ta Thi Phuong Lan, deputy head of the department of tax administration for small and medium enterprises and individuals, said VAT rates for companies like Grab and Gojek have hitherto been too low and tax authorities need to raise it to the correct level.

    Although Lan said the new tax rate is not aimed at drivers, the latter say they are victimized now Grab raised the commission rate.

    “We just want Grab to go back to the 20 percent commission rate, maybe an increase of 2 percent or 3 percent would be fine, but over 7 percent is too much,” Hung said.

    The rider said he and his colleagues would continue to boycott the app and drive around Hanoi in the next couple of days, hoping to “put a dent” in the company’s revenues and urge it to lower the commission.

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  • BMW R 18 Classic Unveiled

    BMW R 18 Classic Unveiled

    BMW Motorrad has started introducing its 2021 range of motorcycles, and with the new range, has added a new variant to the BMW R 18 model line-up. The BMW R 18 Classic is based on the standard BMW R 18, but gets some additional equipment to make it more touring friendly, and a slightly different passenger seat. The obvious changes include a clear windshield, a pair of leather-finished saddlebags with traditional looking buckle stays, and all of these are removable, so the R 18 Classic can be turned back to something which is almost identical to the standard BMW R 18.

    On the R 18 Classic, there are also extra LED headlights, a smaller, and wider 16-inch front wheel, instead of the 19-inch front wheel on the base R 18, and also gets standard cruise control. The saddlebags come with 15.5 liters of storage space or 10 liters with the removable liners, and the buckles are cosmetic, just to give the traditional look. The fasteners are more conventional push-in units. The windscreen slots into the top of the forks and attaches to the bolt-on auxiliary light bracket with locking brackets, and can be removed or replaced very quickly and conveniently.

    The powerplant is the same as the R 18, so the 1,802 cc, air-cooled boxer twin puts out the same 91 bhp of power and 157 Nm of peak torque. The engine is mounted on a double-cradle steel frame and the hidden rear suspension system gives the look of a classic hardtail cruiser. There is a modern electronic system, with multiple riding modes, ABS, traction control, engine brake control, which can be monitored and set via a simple LCD unit on the analog speedometer console. There’s also the option of adding an electric reverse gear and hill start control.

    BMW also offers a wide range of extras for both models, the R 18 and the R 18 Classic, with wheel options ranging from 16-inch to 21-inches, different seats, footboards, screens, bars, luggage and cosmetic components, so the standard 345 kg kerb weight of the base R 18 becomes irrelevant with the addition of aftermarket components.

    With the additional components, the BMW R 18 Classic adds some weight too, pushing its kerb weight to 365 kg, compared to 345 kg of the base BMW R 18. The base R 18 is priced at ₹ 18.90 lakh (Ex-showroom) in India, and if BMW Motorrad India decides to introduce the R 18 Classic, expect prices to be around ₹ 21 lakh (Ex-showroom). The BMW R 18 Classic is expected to be offered on sale across BMW Motorrad dealerships by the second quarter of 2021.

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  • Harley-Davidson Street 750 To Be Discontinued

    Harley-Davidson Street 750 To Be Discontinued

    Harley-Davidson has announced the brand’s decision to discontinue sales and manufacturing operations in India, as part of the brand’s ‘Rewire’ strategy. Harley-Davidson India has released a press statement saying that the company will shut down its manufacturing facility in Bawal, and the sales office in Gurugram will be significantly reduced in size. The made-in-India Harley-Davidson models, the Harley-Davidson Street 750 and the Harley-Davidson Street Rod will now be discontinued. According to a source, a decision to discontinue the Street range was taken months ago, and that is why Harley-Davidson India was offering massive discounts on these models.

    Only last month, Harley-Davidson announced massive price cuts on the Street range of motorcycles. The Street 750, India’s highest-selling Harley-Davidson motorcycle, is also the most affordable, and the company announced a price cut of ₹ 65,000, lowering the price to ₹ 4.69 lakh (Ex-showroom). The Harley-Davidson Street Rod, on the other hand, was offered with price cuts of ₹ 77,000 with prices starting at ₹ 5.99 lakh (Ex-showroom). In fact, Harley-Davidson Street 750 used to Harley-Davidson India’s highest-selling model, accounting for over 80 percent of Harley-Davidson’s sales in India for several years in a row.

    According to one source familiar with the developments, the price cuts for the Street range were announced to liquidate existing stock of motorcycles. With Harley-Davidson planning to shut down manufacturing operations in India, both the Street 750 and Street Rod would have been discontinued anyway. Now, Harley-Davidson has said that the dealership network in India, totaling 33 across the country, will continue to support existing customers through the contract term. But each dealership will have a different contract term and there’s still no concrete announcement on how existing customers will be served in the future, in terms of service and spares.

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  • Hero Electric Ties Up With GoWash To Provide Electric Scooters

    Hero Electric Ties Up With GoWash To Provide Electric Scooters

    Hero Electric has partnered with Nagpur-based doorstep vehicle washing and auto detailing service provider GoWash. As part of the partnership, professionals of GoWash will use customized Hero Electric NYX HS500 ER electric scooters fitted with a dedicated compartment box at the rear while going for doorstep detailing and washing service. GoWash aims to start with 12 washing vehicles and provide service to 1,500 customers in September 2020. Later, they will be deploying 50 washing vehicles and aim at providing service to 6,000 customers by November 2020 in Nagpur city.

    Speaking on the partnership, Sohinder Gill, CEO, Hero Electric said, “Hero Electric is proud to partner with GoWash as this collaboration further strengthens our mission of providing eco-friendly mobility solutions to people. Hero Electric has always been an advocate of adopting sustainable practices by using electric mobility and GoWash has proven to have the best expertise in auto-detailing services while nurturing environmental practices. With this, we aim to expand the horizon for the adoption of electric vehicles and are excited to support GoWash in its vision.”

    Yashwant Budhwani, Founder and CEO of GoWash said, “For us at GoWash, it is not about being the No.1; it’s about being the best. best in service to the customers as well as create the best employment platform. All in all, we want to make this planet a better living place.”

    GoWash plans to expand its operations to Bengaluru in 2021. Customers can book a service on the company’s smartphone application. Along with vehicle washing services, GoWash also provides where customers can avail ceramic and PU coating services at nominal rates.

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